ACCESS....SHOULD IT CHANGE?

Over the past few days, the news has been filled with the tragedy that happened in Tuscon, Arizona. As you know, a mass shooting took place that left several dead, and a rising member of Congress fighting for her life. Since then, there has been much made about two differing parts to this horrific event.

One, we live in the greatest country on Earth----the United States Of America. With that privilege comes one of the greatest freedoms of all ---freedom of speech. However, do we take that a little too far? Before you hurl a few expletives my way, let me explain. Over the years, I have been involved in discussions with various family members and friends about what that freedom entails. Remember the 2 Live Crew? Back in the early 1990s, Luther Campbell made quite a splash in the music world with his rather explicit sexual lyrics. Let it be known, I have spent more time listening to Roy Acuff than Campbell, but it was the source of great debate among some. My argument in Campbell’s defense was he has the right to say whatever he wants as a musician…..but we as a people have the same right to turn the dial or the off switch.

During the past few years, the political debates that this country has gone through have ventured far beyond the word “passionate.” That goes for both sides of the coin. Whether you are Democrat or Republican, saying what you think has taken a turn beyond philosophical and has taken a lethal turn. It’s not enough to disagree with your opponent, one must make it personal, as well. It hasn’t always been quite that way.

Growing up in Tennessee, we were blessed to have great politicians on both sides. Frank Clement. Howard Baker. Lamar Alexander. Ned McWherter. All four of these men---and others like them---served their state with class. Now, I am sure that there were times during Governor Alexander’s 1979-1987 term that Speaker of the House McWherter strongly disagreed with him, but it never turned quite as personal as it has today.

Was this shooting fueled by political disagreements? It’s a little too early to discern that, but speculation has run rampant that it might have been the case. What we need to remember is that if we as families are going to have disagreements within the house, then it’s only fair to assume that Washington is full of them. Still, to take it personal is wrong. I remember a time that a Democrat could agree with a Republican (or vice versa) without being attacked. Now, you can’t. It’s politics, and I understand that……but I think the events of January 8 show that the personal attacks need to be toned down a bit---for our future’s sake.

Also, many have noted that Congresswoman Giffords had heavily promoted the meeting via social networking sites such as Twitter. That has led many to talk about the accessability that people should have to their political leaders. While I don’t see that going away, for the first time I see the other side of that argument. My wife and I have disagreed for a while about the relationship between fans and celebrities. I grew up in a climate where it was not uncommon for musical artists such as Bill Anderson or Loretta Lynn to receive baked goods at their shows from fans-----and they actually ate them. The security you have at concerts and events such as the CMA Music Festival is so intense that I have thought it takes away from the human touch that has made that relationship so special. Maybe there is a reason for that. The times’ not only are a’changing…..but they have been changed for many years, and possibly---just possibly----the word “access” needs to have a different definition. That’s my thoughts….I’d love to hear yours!