The Worst Four Letter Word

I grew up in a strictly religious home. I remember the first time I let a swear word slip out of my mouth near my mother. She was beyond flabbergasted- she was furious. Before I could say anything in my defense, she had marched me to the bathroom and had me rubbing soap on my tongue. The taste was one I won't forget- neither was the lesson. Despite learning the certain "four letter words" that I shouldn't repeat, I think Mom neglected to teach me about the worst four letter word- HATE.
"Traditional" profanity, for the most part, is just that- profane words. The purpose for profanity is to shock and create a sense of power. Hatred, on the other hand, is something much deeper, and with a greater power for destruction- to society and individuals alike. It's not something which is outwardly acknowleged, and at first, it isn't easy to detect in oneself. If unchecked, however, this plague can spread like a contagious cancer, first attacking and destroying the original host, but swiftly moving into and consuming numerous other hosts.
The scary thing is that society is now making hatred more and more acceptable. Political correctness hasn't taken care of hatred, in fact, it's opened up greater avenues for hatred to take root. It's sad to see the seeds of hatred being sown in our very own society. On a global scale, I see the contempt that people have for others. Islamic extremists truly hate Western Culture. Michael Moore and other "left-wing liberals" loathe President Bush and the current administration. On the flip side, I see the utter contempt that conservative "right-wing radicals" have for Ted Kennedy, the Clintons, and others in their camp. Locally, I weary of hearing the utter hatred that some have for Ogden's administration.
Where's it going to end, folks? Are we going to continue it down the line until husbands and wives have a genuine hatred for each other and family members publicly share contempt for each other? (I have friends who work with victims of domestic violence and believe me- it's a lot more prevalent than most think it is.)
I work with a woman who has allowed hatred to become a central part of her life. She hates her job (even though she is one of the highest paid employees on payroll), she hates her neighborhood, she hates many of her coworkers. The other day, I overheard her say that she wouldn't be sad if her live in boyfriend died. (This was two sentences after saying that they have plans to be married in about a year or so). I feel sorry for this woman. I feel sorry that her life is so miserable. I feel even more sorry that she is not the only one out there with this attitude.
Lest some think that I am being contrary to the self-proclaimed title of "optimist", realize that I share this to give hope. We can combat this disease of hatred. We as individuals and as a society can overcome the shadow of despair that seems so prevalent in today's world. But no one can turn that corner for you. Each person has to make up his or her own mind to be positive.
Some of you might be wondering what this has to do with Ogden. Everything!! If you feel that the city council is being unfair, or ignorant, or outrageous- fight the urge to HATE them for it. Instead, DO SOMETHING!! If you feel your rights are being infringed upon- work to restore those rights. Hating takes up way too much energy.
My point can be best summed up by a quote I heard six months ago"
"Carrying a grudge (and, I would add, hating another) is like renting out space to them in your mind- and they don't have to pay rent!!"
Start being a landlord for your mind today- collect the rent, or evict them from your mind!!