WHO STARTED IT ANYHOW?
Mon., October 19, 09:32 AM
What is the difference between reasons and excuses? They’re both the answer to a “why” question. The reason should be logical and truthful. The excuse, on the other hand, sounds like a reason, but it’s a substitute — to avoid embarrassment, perhaps.
For example, the teacher asks, “why didn’t you turn in your homework?” The truthful, logical answer would be, “I didn’t do it.” Unfortunately, the truth may imply that the student is forgetful, lazy, or incapable. Thus he replies, “the dog ate it.” If the dog really ate it (why would he eat something so unpalatable?), that would be a reason, but we all know it’s probably 
just an excuse.
My friend Gloria does it all the time. In spite of her emphysema, she continues to smoke cigarettes. “Smoking soothes my arthritis pain.” If someone suggests aspirin or similar over-the-counter medication, “Oh, I don’t believe in those. They just mask the pain.” No logic, just excuses — the reason is, she wants to smoke.
It is not a good thing for kids to do this. It is worse when they grow up, and they’re still doing it; kids learn by example. Worst of all is when companies and governments do it. We are throwing our best and brightest into the path of people who think it is more important to kill our children than it is to protect their own. I was the kind of kid who used to stay awake at night trying to figure out why and, after sixty years, I still don’t know!
It’s not because their skin is a different color. It’s not because someone stepped over an imaginary line somewhere. It has nothing to do with the way people worship or the factions within any given religion. It’s not because someone erected some buildings on land that wasn’t being used anyhow. It isn’t even because one side extended a hand in reconciliation and the other side shot it off. Excuses!
“They started it!” “No, it’s their fault.” If we can’t break up a playground argument peacefully, is there any hope for the United Nations? On a old episode of “Bones,” someone facetiously asks why they don’t just “stretch ’em out on the table and measure ’em.” Maybe that would work.
I don’t care how they do it. Just keep my babies safe!
