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One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated - Jainism .... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you - Christianity .... None of you truly believes until you want for others what you want for yourself - Islam .... Treat not others in ways you yourself would find hurtful - Buddhism .... What is hateful to you do not do to your neighbour - Judaism ....
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a Private Fight

March 15, 2007

 Is this a private fight or can anybody get involved? - Irish saying

 Okay, I'm the first to admit that this is a stereotype and not a particularly good one. But with St. Patrick's Day upon us, how can we resist the opportunity to make a point using an Irish cliché? Besides, the legendary Irish temper is only surpassed by the even more legendary Irish penchant for a good story. After all, isn't the Blarney Stone a national icon?

 When I read this quotation it struck me that it is representative of the call to action implicit in the Golden Rule. Too often we allow ourselves to become bystanders to pain and injustice and persecution by convincing ourselves that the issue is not "our fight".

Not long ago an American television program conducted an experiment. They staged a strident argument between a man and a woman in a public place and then waited to see what passersby would do. Most did nothing beyond appearing uncomfortable. A few called police. One woman came up to the other who was being verbally assaulted by her supposed mate. She told the man that he might as well leave because she wasn't going anywhere until he did.

 That woman's action was either brave or foolhardy depending on your point of view. Perhaps its also foolhardy to believe that we can change the world with one simple statement – one Golden Rule concept.

 If it is, then may we all be a just a little more foolhardy today.

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