Words

  People sometimes forget that words have meanings. Not just Webster's meanings either. When you speak, you can not take back those words. They are out there in the universe forever. Ten, twenty years from now, someone might react to something you've said with "Hey remember that time you said....". And in this technological age, where everyone has a smart phone, you can be damn sure someone has you on video saying something you will come to regret. 

  I believe that words have unlimited power. How we use them on a daily basis affects every single aspect of our lives. Good and bad. Make a snide comment about a co-worker and watch how everyone else treats you from then on. Like the plague. Talk about your brother's divorce as a failure and don't be surprised if Thanksgiving dinner is uncomfortable.

  We all know that while arguing with our significant other we need to be careful just how far we go with our words. Some words can change the entire relationship for ever. Or end it. The realization that words cannot be taken back, no matter how many times you apologize, is a life lesson some folks never seem to learn. Or learn from.

  This all leads me to the speech made at the United Nations today by Donald Trump. Using the words "Rocket Man" in reference to Kim Jong Un is not only childish but extremely dangerous. For all of us. It is public shaming of the scariest kind. Imagine how the diplomats trying to ease tensions will be met by their North Korean counterparts. Not with open arms I assure you. Those two little words could change the world. 

  What this 71 year old has never learned is that sometimes words can provoke the same reaction as a weapon. In this case with dire consequences. His use of words is scary. His lack of thought put into them even more so. 

  Think before you speak. Twice if necessary. That goes for voting too.

  Ang