Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

I am so disappointed with us.  The morning news shared 3 of the 4 stories that concern me.  Some of my fellow Americans have taken to expressing themselves in rude and disrespectfully ways.  This is truly inexcusable and these events seem to be happening so fast that we haven't recovered from one before there is the next.  The first two incidents were Republican Congressman Joe Wilson heckling President Obama and Oregon tailback LeGarrette Blount landing a sucker punched after being taunted by Boise State player Byron Hout. Over the weekend, both Serena Williams' outburst and Kayne West 's VMA tirade showed some of the worst of themselves to the world.  What were they thinking?  All of them.
                                      
Kayne West has had VMA explosions in the past.  In 2006, West rushed the stage for his first time after losing and, in 2007, he had another temper tantrum when his performance was staged in a hotel suite rather than on the main stage.  Even with his history of losing control, this was at new heights because he interrupted Taylor Swift, a teenager, to announce that Beyonce should have won.  Even if you think Beyonce should have won, to express it this way is just rude.  Fortunately, Beyonce has all the class that Kanye West lost and then some.  She graciously invited Beyonce to the stage for her moment when Beyonce won the VMA for the Video Of The Year.

Kayne has since decided to apologize...on the web.  After such a public expression, his apology should be just as public.  Perhaps, he will share more with us tonight on the Jay Leno show.  What a great get for Jay to have West as a guest on the first night of his 10 PM show.  I know I'll be watching to find out what happens and all news outlets will certainly report on it.

The only good thing about the Kayne West incident is that it took some of the spotlight off of Serena Williams.  At the U.S. Open in her semi-final match, a foot fault was a called.  Let's agree that it was a bad call that had the potential of causing her to lose the match.  Still there was no justification for the explosion. 

Thus far, her actions have cost her $10,000 in fines.  I'm sure there is more to come that will not be positive.  Her follow-up comments after gathering her thoughts still don't add up to a clear apology. 

Joe Wilson apologized to the president and is emphatic that he won't apologize to the House.  President Obama has accepted his apology and Wilson believes that his apology is enough.  My question is what would be the harm in apologizing to the House?  How would it hurt him?  Would he seem like he was truly apologetic and truly above the politics if he apologized? 

Maybe Rep Wilson heard LaGarrette Blountapologize and decided that it would still be difficult for people to believe the apology to be sincere or simple to be enough.  

We are called to do better in our interactions.  When we're frustrated at work, at home or even when playing games, we need to focus on doing what is acceptable in God's sight.  As I mentioned before, we need to be willing humble with our larger goals in mind.  Thinking with peace in mind is also better for our health and well-being.  If we make a misstep, God will forgive us when we ask and when we make actions to improve civility and character. Each one of us can help to move our community to levels of greater civility and increased character.