I'm no priest or preacher, and I am hardly an IE insider, as my meager post count attests. I don't really understand what words by any poster would make another poster threaten them, least of all (1) when we, presumably share a love of something that is important to us (ND); and (2) when we are talking about something essentially less important than our faith, our families, our country, our livelihoods, and our freedom. As I say, I am hardly an insider, so maybe there are histories that fuel dislikes into hatreds but, particularly in this context, it is sad and truly foolish.
I have strong views on many subjects. I am sure that I would disagree with some here about many things that I consider very important. I try to disagree in ways that are civil and, if possible, even collegial. I don't think our disagreements, as such, would go to the core of those who I disagree with, though I admit that, in the big bad world, there are people who mean us harm and it is hard to talk to.
I have control, ultimately, only over my own heart and mind. And that means using care as to what take in and that I let out. The only thing that helps me to avoid becoming angry enough to be the @sshole I know lurks inside me is to (a) recognize that most of the people I "meet," like me, have personal battles and "sufferings," and so are worthy of allowances, at least for a while, and a concession that maybe the other guy just misunderstands or is having a bad day; and (b) pray (I mean actually pray to God) for the wisdom to say the right thing, with restraint in my reaction to what I perceive as injustice or unfairness or deceit or invincible ignorance.
I do believe that opening our own hearts to God's guidance does deflect a lot of the anger that might flow into a relationship; or at least makes one less likely to inflame situations. That's my prayer for myself and this page, which I think is run by guys who really have a solid moral compass and want this to serve as a positive forum for "friends or brothers in Notre Dame" to share their passion.
There is a reason why we all love Notre Dame, and there is a reason Notre Dame is different than other places. Those of us who didn't go there may know that better than those of you who do or did. I think it goes to the values that we believe are at the root of the University and even our love for the place. Those values should be at the foundation of our interactions, particularly when we are here. I don't mean to be corny or dramatic, but I just mean that the thing most of us love about ND should have a transference to our lives, including our dealings with each other here.
