"Let There Be Peace on Earth"

I recently sent out a message via Twitter, referencing a recent New England Journal of Medicine article called "The major causes of death in children and adolescents in the United States."  There was a graph in the article that showed the dramatic drop in these deaths from motor-vehicle accidents especially, as well as some of the other common causes of childhood deaths (cancer, congenital heart disease to name but a few).  What was interesting was the increase in deaths from firearm-related injury.  Notably, the deaths from firearm-related injuries have increased in other age groups as well, but only in the United States. 

In the tweet, I made the comment, "If this doesn't disturb you, then nothing will" and added the hashtag #ThisIsMyLane (notably, this hashtag has gone viral, as many physicians in the last month have made the correct claim that firearm-related injuries are a public health issue that physicians absolutely have the right to address).  Of course, the hashtag caught the attention of a few gun rights activists.  One in particular made some comment questioning my intelligence as well as those who would believe the data I referenced.  The reply made me think - why is it that we can no longer disagree with someone without insulting them?  Why do we have to be immediately offended by anyone who questions our political views, values, or beliefs?

We have lost the practice of civil discourse in this country.  Perhaps we never truly had it, but I think most of us would agree that things are much worse now than in the past.  I don't think we can blame our current political leadership (although they have certainly contributed) - the blame rests solely on all of us.  We are to blame.

If we are ever going to have peace and justice in this world, it has to start with all of us.  I am reminded of a Christmas carol, called "Let there be peace on earth" that really is rather poignant.  The lyrics go like this:

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be

With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.

With ev'ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me

It really makes perfect sense.  Peace begins with each of us as individuals.  And if we want peace, it has to start with civil discourse.  Go ahead and have that conversation with someone who doesn’t necessarily agree with you - we should be having that conversation.  We need to have that conversation.  Agree or disagree - it’s okay.   But always, always be respectful.  Always be courteous.  And always be kind.

May you both have peace and give peace this Christmas season.