When and where did common decency and self dignity disappear? The news is full of evil doings and happenings by supposedly civilized people.

Today one such report disgustingly appeared in the media. Five young men, former NHL players and members of Hockey Canada’s 2018 World Juniors championship team have been on trial for sexual assault on a young woman in a hotel room in London, Ontario, in that same year.

Despite the young woman’s testimony that she thought she was going to bed with one young man, all five supposedly upstanding athletes have been found not guilty, pleading the girl in question had been a willing participant. Really? Five on one? There is so much more to this story, but the bottom line is once again…where is the common decency and self dignity of all concerned? What makes it okay to invite a young girl to a hotel for some consensual sex, and then call in four of your buddies to take advantage of your inebriated partner. What kind of message does this verdict send to other horny would-be athletes riding on a high?

When I discussed my disgust to a male “friend” the response was, “She asked for it!”

And now I must close on the premise that if I continue to express my disgust at the blatant disrespect of one human being for another, including my “friend” I will be forced to use language where viewer discretion is advised.

Do the right thing…this phrase has been appearing to me from everywhere lately: television, internet, books, sermons…you name it, the phrase appears.

So, what does it mean? When we take time to look at our world and what is happening in it, it is plain to see that these words need to be front and center in the lives of everyone from president(s) to paupers.

Trying to rule the world, waging war to take over another country, causing hunger and pain to others, threats to confiscate a neighboring sovereignty, taking human hostages, refusing aid to those in need, disrespecting nationalities, religions, ethnic groups…on and on goes the wrongness of our world.

All this and more goes on not only in our world but in our everyday lives when we carry grudges, refuse access to table space, refute another’s beliefs. You get the picture.

And now, let us all ponder the answer to this worldwide dilemma. We already know the answer.

Do the right thing.

RX HUGS

The time has come to recognize the fact that just as a band-aid is needed for a cut, a coldpack for a bump, a heating pad for an ache, a lozenge for a cough…a hug is needed for a bruised spirit.
“I need a hug!” It is a prescription waiting to be filled; a cry for compassion; a soul seeking to be soothed; a human need waiting to be met.
Whether you are the one in need or the one to meet the need, just know that that hug will benefit all who embrace it. And you don’t need money or a drug plan; just a caring heart and two willing arms.
Patricia Ann Boyes

How many of us watched as twenty-four-year-old Buffalo Bills player, safety, Damar Hamlin, suffer a cardiac arrest during a football game with the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2nd, 2023.

I didn’t. I don’t follow football, but did see many replays on the news channels, and what I saw was heart rending as well as heart warming.

Big burly men were seen praying heartfelt prayers with visible tears on their faces. The love poured out on the Cincinnati football field for that young man was palpable.

It inspired me to watch the team play the New England Patriots on January 8th…and the love was still palpable. From what I could see, every player displayed Damar’s helmet slogan CHOOSE LOVE on their own helmets. Damar’s number 3 was also displayed on jerseys, caps, and in the stands as well.

The updates on Damar are all positive and his prognosis looks like all those prayers were answered.

My prayer is that all the criminals and warmongers out there watched as well and are inspired to stop killing and help make the world a better place by adopting Damar Hamlin’s slogan, CHOOSE LOVE.