What does Think First mean?

Lately I have observed that ideas and opinions are thoughtlessly thrown around in the media, in our conversations, and in all of our social interactions. Ideas can be wonderful, challenging, and even life changing, however when people advance them without thinking they become rotten trash that mislead and damage those who are exposed to them.

This is not a rant about trashing those who disagree with my thoughts and ideas. On the contrary I welcome and cherish ideas that differ from mine and even contradict them. But I too often see people yelling and shouting their ideas and opinions in the presence of others with the hopes that higher decibels will give their idea more weight and consideration. People in our time are too quick to fire off some idea with the sole intention to be heard, and never take the time to think before they speak.

I explained these observations to a trusted friend who encouraged me to set up a blog in order to generate debate and discussion. I took my friend's advise, and created Think First. My vision is for this to become a forum where individuals are free to debate, argue, agree and disagree. It is also a challenge to create intelligent and well thought out arguments and thoughts on current news, politics, and social items. In this way we can develop our ideas and learn from one another.

I will do my best to keep this blog updated and encourage anyone to add their input, but remember there are only two rules. Always show respect to your fellow man and always THINK FIRST...

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

I have said many times, that because many Americans believe that personal protection is the job of the police, that Americans have become more willing targets of crime. It only takes one person to change a terrible situation into a victory. That is why I call David Benke a Great American. School Teacher David Benke has been involved in teaching children drills in case of a shooting at his Littleton Colorado school in order to allow students to have a better chance of survival instead of being sheep at the slaughter. This is a mindset that others should adopt. The ability to ask the question, "if something happens what would I do?" David Benke working at a school near Columbine - the site of a great American tragedy - asked himself this question several times. He told himself that if something happens he would do what he could to stop it. So when the time came in a shooting at his school he did just that.

On 23 February 2010 David Benke tackled a gunman who opened fire on students near the school. He didn't have to ask himself whether or not to do something when he turned the corner and saw the gunman, because he had already answered that question. After having done this his only regret was that he didn't get to the gunman fast enough to prevent a second shot. Because of his action no one was killed. Let me say it again...No one was killed. Surely if Mr. Benke had not acted, we would be talking about another Colorado School shooting tragedy. Many will call David a hero, but I would respectfully disagree. The reason we have a hero complex in America, is because so many people have become so helpless that acting with responsibly and honor has become a strange event that only the few undertake. There is no doubt that David is a great American. This used to be and still should be how Americans think. Most survival experts talk about the psychology of survival as just as important if not more important than circumstance. If Americans continue to live a life of learned helplessness we will soon cease to be a society of great hope. Next time you think of some terrible situation you heard about don't just say "I hope that never happens to me", instead ask yourself "What would I do?" and make a plan. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst!

Thank you David Benke for doing your duty. May God bless you and your family.
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2 comments:

  1. Enchanted NaturalistFebruary 25, 2010 at 8:21 PM

    I couldn't agree more about the tendency toward a lack of preparation in our society. I think it stems ultimately from laziness. It takes a great deal of effort to be prepared. I have no problem calling Benke a hero though. One of the definitions of hero per Merriam Webster is "one that shows great courage." It took courage to do what Benke did, and it was the preparation that provided the impetus for him to act swiftly and effectively. May we all learn from his example.

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  2. Nick HarlandFebruary 27, 2010 at 10:42 PM

    Thanks for the comment Lou. I definitely struggle with whether or not to call him a hero myself. But I do agree that he showed great courage. I wouldn't be so upset that people are unprepared in America, but I think it leads us to be more willing to allow the government do for us instead of having an attitude of self responsibility. I ultimately think that history shows that this is the mechanism that slowly leads to oppressive government control. We have a republic only if we can keep it.

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