Hi Family,
I go through periods of time when I stop watching or reading the news to protect my mental health.  Part of last week was one of those times.  It felt like my head was going to spin off with the constant coverage of the Royal Wedding, people questioning President Obama’s place of birth and the upcoming trial of Casey Anthony.  Just when I though it was safe to watch the news again, Osama bin Laden was killed.  At first, I was amazed at the spontaneous celebrations and puzzled at the number of people who wanted OBL’s death photos released.  I dismissed the celebrations as people exhaling after almost 10 years of waiting for the next attack by OBL and his followers on U.S. soil.  I equated people’s curiosity to see the photos with our inability to look away at a car accident as we drive past.  Then, as the days passed, I began to wonder if we as a nation were not becoming what we despise in others.  For example, I recalled the name calling and demonization of those in other lands who cheered after 9/11 and other events when U.S. citizens or soldiers were killed.
Holding all the above in my heart and mind, I started thinking about our first UU Principle which calls us to “Affirm and Promote the Inherent Worth and Dignity of every person” and I will add dead or alive.  So I ask you, what does the first UU Principle mean to you?  How do you apply it to your life?  Do you have conditions as to who qualifies?  Does the first principle apply to a person who is considered evil?
I would love to hear from you.  You can message me on Facebook at Monica Cummings, email me at mcummings@uua.org or leave a comment for me on the YaYA of Color blog, UU Living Mosaic at http://uuyayaoc.blogs.uua.org/.
Living My Faith,
Rev. Monica

About the Author

T. Resnikoff

Ted Resnikoff is the Digital Communications Editor at the Unitarian Universalist Association.