Don’t Shoot the Messenger

I have been trying to pull back from some activities and have been somewhat successful. However, in one area, resistance to Messmer Catholic High School become a military school, I have suffered a setback. With the help of some friends I wrote an article called Militarization of High Schools. It is a set a reasons why the High School should not consider a contract with Department of Defense for JROTC high school program. I have been stigmatized for my research and conscience about the military departments at the local Catholic University. But on this issue of militarizing a Catholic High School there have been a major reaction from President and CEO, staff and friends of the Catholic High School. They have made major false personal accusations and called the article on reasons for not having a military school a ‘rant’. However, they are not responded to the conscience issue that we have raised.

Part of me wants to withdraw from the issue and personal attacks but my conscience tells me not to withdraw from the struggle to speak the truth as I see it due to personal attack on my integrity and person. My conscience seems to dominate over my feelings. I do not know if this is a blessing or a curse but it is just the way it is. All I can do is to respond but not react to personal attacks.

Last weekend when I was visiting my son and his family I saw my 8th grade grandson get up early on Saturday to run a few miles. He is not considered the athlete in the family but he shows great self discipline. I am a self motivator but have a ways to go in self discipline.

I think I have got better on responding but not reacting to insults, stigmas and accusations. But I am still an easy target for someone to attack the messenger and ignore the message. How to stay positive and on the offensive not being defensive when under attack takes self discipline. I am too old and slow to start getting up in the morning early to run. But I can work on responding not reacting to an attack on the messenger.

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