by Chuck Harding

Created on: January 22, 2009

Words don't inspire? Wow! Apologize? No, but maybe you could rethink the statement. Hillary, I'd like you to meet a good ole boy by the name of William Penn. He had this goofy idea that the pen was mightier than the sword. Can you imagine that? Or to think that a silly statement such as, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself" could calm and sooth an angry nation, and give its people the courage and strength to go forward in a time of great peril. Uninspired of course? Then there was that fellow . . . what's his name . . .oh yea . . .John F. Kennedy. How did it go? "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." I still can't figure out why I got goose bumps when he said it. After all words don't inspire. Do they? "One small step for man; one giant leap for mankind" and " I have a dream" Shall I go on Hillary?

I've noticed that we, mankind, appears to be the only animal on earth that communicates through a structured verbal and written language. I've also noticed that we, according to science, have the highest level of intellect. Therefore I will assume that the ability to write and speak must somehow have played an important part in our evolutionary development. Words are important Hillary, whether spoken or written; they can have a tremendous impact; good and bad, inspirational or deflating. It's called verbal impact, and it's real.

Now that you're our Secretary of State, representing our great nation throughout the world, I sincerely hope you realize your words will be taken quite seriously and at face value. We all wish you God speed. Only you know the true intent of your statement, "Words don't inspire . . ." I, and we, the American people can only hope you realize words are extremely and sometimes perilously dangerous. E.g. please don't scream fire in a crowded theater. It will inspire people to find the exits. So Hillary, you now have the responsibility, through words and actions, to inspire all nations around the world and to promote peace with all who desire it. "We can!" That's the latest inspiring words being resounded around the globe . . .guess who said it?

I'll leave you with a quote you may find useful as our senior statesperson. Winston Churchill once said, "We are masters of the unsaid words, but slaves of those we let slip out." Good luck and congratulation . . . and please try to watch the "oopps" statements.

Signed

A grateful writer

Mistakes are the stepping-stones to success

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