Burn them all

I am home sick today and feeling absolutely miserable.  So obviously I am lying on the sofa wearing out Netflix and perusing Facebook.  (Yes, I’m aware that I spend too much time on Facebook.)  As I’m cruising through my news feed I see this:

“The bookshelf of a Republican... Oh, and none have been read. If I could, I would burn them all. (Except the Reagan book)”

This was found on the page of one of my young adult friends and I must say that I am more than a bit concerned that we are raising young people that consider the proper response to an opposing view is to simply “burn them all.”  How horrified should we all be that our youth are so unaware of the past atrocities that have been perpetrated with this very chant as I’m sure this young person is? 

I know that we all have different world views, religious views, life experiences and political opinions.  That challenge is to be open to one another.  To honestly attempt to “hear” another person’s point of view and listen, really listen to what they are trying to communicate. 

I am resisting the urge to preach, but it doesn't seem unreasonable to remember that in order to make informed decisions you must be aware of all sides and where they stand.  Read everything and decide for yourself.  Those who blindly dismiss another without listening will always be the first to blindly follow as sheep to the slaughter.