The ninth degree of humility in the Rule Of Benedict invites us to “speak gently.” I can do that.

I’m working at it.

One of the things I have always loved about my country is the deep tradition of being able to disagree in peace. But I think our consciousness of civility and respect has never been lower in my life than they are now.

As anyone who writes online knows or follows the news, we are losing it.

Along with it, our society’s foundations our fraying, so is our trust in one another, our ability to listen, and the anger, grievance, and hostility are deafening and frightening us.

This is apparent to anyone seeing or hearing a press conference or listening to a congressional hearing. Honesty is history; the urgent deliberation of urgent national interest seems impossible.

Truth is a “tweet” or a lie on social media.

It feels like we are all being peed on, the insults and accusations, the conspiracy theories and finger-pointing, the relentless attacks, death threats, denials, and grievances.  The air is foul with complaining and judgment. We are blunting learning, invading privacy, and denying freedom.

The governor of one of our most popular states is proud of persecuting and terrorizing children, ruining the essence of teaching, intimidating businesses, threatening the freedom and health of women,  and banning history from schools.

When did public policy become a weapon? Is anyone worrying about pot holes any more, or letting teachers teach?

Public officials, our so-called “representatives,”  the guardians of democracy, have become our worst and most dishonest bullies. I can’t bear to watch congressional hearings any longer; they seem to mimic the fights and terrors of middle school recess.

Lying is no longer a moral failing or sin. It’s a ticket to fame and power. One has to wonder if there isn’t a devil of some sort and if he is sitting in front of a wall of screens hooting with joy. Can anyone even recite the Ten Commands any longer?

Wasn’t our country great once, or is it all a wishful fantasy? Worst of all, the people most responsible for protecting us and guardian our democracy are the worst traitors. Is there anyone left to save us from ourselves? Where is the next Degrees Of Humility?

I don’t think anyone is coming to save us, not at the moment.  We will have to do it ourselves. My response is to focus on my life, my town, and not the system outside me. In my life, town, farm, blog, photography, and family, honesty and decency must remain valuable no matter what I see and hear happening all around me.

I was once in the fray. I am not any longer.

I aim for kindness, compassion, and small acts of good to be my wall against moral corruption, cruelty, mean politics, and ruthless selfishness. Humility is the antidote to the narcissism that is plaguing our world. History offers one idea for resisting peacefully.

The Rule of Benedict, which I never heard of until recently, brought order and compassion to Europe in the sixth century, ending turmoil that had lasted for a thousand years.

It can be done.

I can’t and won’t tell others what to do, but I see what I can and should do.

I am figuring it out. I will start at the bottom and work up. To be good to people and lavish them with courtesy, empathy,  and respect. I will stay above the fray.

People ask me all the time what my politics are. I respond – kindly – that politics are personal, my own business. No one can label me but me.

I love Benedict’s idea of starting at the bottom and working up, right up to the top.

I’m already there.