Leaders - Watch Your Words!

                                                                           
There are leaders throughout our country They are politicians, educators, clergy, members of the media, CEOs, writers and more.

This is a plea as our country struggles with hatred, racism, violence and the death of innocents. Please, be cautious with your words. It doesn't matter your position or your political beliefs. This message is for Republicans, Democrats, Christians, Muslims and Jews. We expect reasonableness from you in times of crisis. We expect you to help us heal. We expect you to provide some level of direction and unification.

So watch your words. Be careful of deflections from facts and truth. Point out what you think got us to this point and please, please, please, offer some real solutions. Blaming a disease or blaming enemies helps no one. Let's recognize that all of our words can be taken seriously by someone who may be struggling with other issues. But let's also realize that the rhetoric of hate really has no place in the role of a leader.

Leaders - watch your words about immigrants, people of color, women, members of the LBGTQ community, about your rivals, competitors or perceived enemies. People depend on your views and your words so choose them very carefully. It's part of your job.

Here are some special words for Donald Trump who holds the most critical leadership position in the United States. Please, take a moment to reflect on what you have said and done relative to immigrants and people of color. Many people would like to hear you recognize that much of your language has been a terrible mistake and has been filled with hatred. Understand what people are feeling. Understand the anger and emotion.