Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Default Respect, civilization's essential

  * Stephen Colbert should apologize to America for an event on his Nov-9 show.  One of his guests, after playing a bassoon threw it on the floor to destroy it.  Colbert joined in the destruction.  The sensational way several rock-and-roll and/or country artists have ended their performances should not be blessed by anyone with a conscience.
  * Years ago, a poor musician friend told me that stars should just give their instruments to needy musicians, sensationalistically if they wish.
  * But there is another reason for eschewing instrument destruction.  It adds to the superabundance of contempt in our society, as do Rush Limbaugh and Donald Trump.
  * Colbert should investigate the dedication, devotion, knowledge, skill, care and patience that go into a hand-crafted musical instrument.   It deserves great admiration and appreciation, ie respect.
  * If we ever have a great civilization, its prime characteristic will be default respect -- that is, respect for everyone who hasn't earned disrespect.
  * I believe Colbert could present these ideas persuasively in a thoughtful apology.

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