Wow! It is 2011 already? Let's stop some of the hate

Time flies as someone once said. I turned 58 last month. It is snowing and classes will begin soon.
Before you know it, I will be back in the classroom with plenty to talk about. I'm teaching, among other things, mass media ethics this semester.
Some in the federal government are talking about a law that would make it illegal to say bad things about federal officials. Many have already opposed it, citing First Amendment issues.
I am going to have to take the side of the First Amendment defenders. But I also agree that those of us who call this planet home, need to find a way to dial down the rhetoric. People are angry for many reasons, the economy perhaps the most, and words that are said in haste only adds fuel to the fire.
We need a little common sense and respect for one another in our discussions. I have friends who are Democrats, friends who are Republicans and friends who are probably something else.
We can discuss issues without pulling guns or resulting to physical violence.
My profession has undergone much change in recent years and probably will continue to do so in the years to come. That's because any of us with a computer or smart phone can post whatever we want, whenever we want, on the Internet.
I even have a smart phone now and am texting. Two months ago I would have told you that would never happen. I did not get an iPhone though I am an Apple fan. I am waiting until my current provider can offer me one. It is an Android phone.
Back to the point.
Twitter, Facebook and all such sites are where most of us get "news" today. And some of what you will read is little more than pure hate.
We need good journalists more than ever today.
Topix is a good example of what I am talking about. The idea to communicate with each other through Topix is appealing and, in theory, a great idea. But Topix is full of so much trash and libel that it is, in my opinion, worthless.
Many organizations that preach hate had almost disappeared until the Internet allowed haters from the far corners of the world to easily unite.
Do we ban all communication because there are a few nuts out there?
No, but we do need to consider consequences of our actions.
We all need to think about what we say and what we post. Though the Internet we can all communicate quickly. That's good. But anything that is inaccurate or hurtful is as permanent as the worthwhile stuff.
We need to remember that.