Where Responsibility Rests

We are living in an age wherein people don't seem to ever believe the rules are meant for them.  They do as they please and are as quick to misuse the Constitution as they are the Bible to find proof they are right.  A couple recent events illustrate the point.

First, there was the tragic accidental fall of an actor performing as a stunt double in the Broadway production of "Spiderman: Turn off the Dark."  A video of the incident was provided by an audience member to the New York Times.  From there, it made its way through the various television networks.  No one ever questioned why the video exists since all recording devices are banded in live theatrical productions.  An announcement stating this is made prior to the start of every performance.  Are we to really believe this person just happened to pull out her camera at the precise moment to capture this tragedy?  Isn't it more likely the entire performance had been recorded illegally?  It is a serious violation of copyright laws, not to mention the distraction it would have been to fellow theatergoers in the vicinity. The recording served no purpose other than to sensationalize the beginning of the performers 30-foot plunge.  It did not show his landing, nor any of his injuries, so it would be of no use in a lawsuit.  Yet, this person has gotten off with her crime (the Times identified the source as a woman without divulging her name) in the name of news.  She didn't accept that the rules included her, and she is not having to take responsibility for her defiance.  Amazing.

A more recent incident centers around the shooting of an Arizona congresswoman.  Several people who have recently entered the political arena have been using militant rhetoric to make their points.  One in particular went so far as to post photographs of democrats in Congress with crosshairs over their faces on her Facebook page.  One of those "targets" was the congresswoman who was shot.  The shooter is being characterized as "mentally unbalanced," and acting on his own initiative.  There are those who defend the postings as well as the rhetoric as "metaphor," not intending a call to violence.  Yet, the rhetoric was quite clear.  "It's time to reload."  Again, people are not taking responsiblity for what they have said.  They claim  they can't predict this kind of reaction to a speech.  Yet, everyone agrees that there are people who are having mental health issues exacerbating other life issues who are in the audience of these speeches.  Knowing that, should there not be some care taken to keep the rhetoric within the range of a civilized discussion and not a call to war?  The Right of Free Speech does not protect someone who yells "Fire" in a crowded theatre when there is no fire.  Should not such vehemently violent imagery be considered in the same vain?  Democracy works through dialog, debate and compromise; killing off the competition is not what we do.

It is time that we all take responsibilty for our behavior, what we say as well as what we do.  Consider who is watching and listening.  The difference between an "off-the cuff" remark and a speech is time, time to rethink and edit. Being dramatic and sensational may get our names in the press.  The news media and reality television has blurred the line between fame and infamy.  This needs to be brought back into focus.   Clear thought followed with appropriate action will help to accomplish this.  It will also make our lives legendary, in the best sense of the word.