The Way I see It Is...

In reading our CSA’s letter to the community for this month, the response to it and the talk regarding the viability of an apology on the NJForum.com, I got to thinking what is more humane – to forgive and forget, to ask for forgiveness or simply to forget?

First we need to define the word humane, but the funny thing is there is no definition of the word as a standalone concept; emphasis on ‘standalone’. However, here is a very apropos example:

Humane education not only instills the desire and capacity to live with compassion, integrity, and wisdom, but also provides the knowledge and tools to put our values into action in meaningful, far-reaching ways.

Humane education enables us to find solutions that work for all by approaching human rights, environmental preservation, and animal protection as interconnected and integral dimensions of a healthy, just society.

Humane education includes 4 elements:

1. Providing accurate information about the issues of our time so that people have the information they need to understand the consequences of their decisions as citizens.
2. Fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, so that people can evaluate information and solve problems.
3. Instilling reverence, respect, and responsibility, so that people have the motivation to face challenges and to act with integrity
4. Offering positive choices that benefit oneself, other people, the animals, and the Earth, so that people are empowered to create a more humane world.

So as we look at this explanation of humane, exactly how does this correlate to anything our CSA or Board of Education is currently involved in when it comes to running our schools, establishing policies and parental partnerships?

Now interestingly enough INHUMANE is found in an online dictionary search. Accordingly, it is defined as “lacking pity or compassion”; delving a little deeper we come away with the following definition: “lacking pity or deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it.”

Looking at these two words, HUMANE vs. INHUMANE and the accompanying explanation/definition; which best describes our CSA and the Board of Education Members? Hmmmmmm.

I’ll tackle the second part of this post “An Apology” tomorrow.

Have a GREAT Day and most of all KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!

Ciao for Now!