Criticizing people for expressing sympathy by using the term “thoughts and prayers” has become a trend. Using the term as a first response is quite acceptable.  Many of us use it on a regular basis.

This popular criticism does not produce any result other than making the speaker feel engaged in the “discussion” but does nothing to create a discussion.

The criticism that can and should be placed is what happens with those “thoughts” in the days after the expression of “thoughts and prayers.”

The same criticism can and should be placed against those who find reason to criticize those who use “thoughts and prayers.”

This criticism is not much better than using the term in the first place.

Expressing “thoughts and prayers” and criticizing saying it are equally unproductive, if we do nothing to engage in critical thinking and have a discussion about our “thoughts” and the “thoughts” of others with whom we may disagree about the issue at hand.

Just because two parties disagree doesn’t mean anyone has to be wrong. Two opposing views can exist at the same time.

The more we act like our misguided leaders, the more our system of government stays the same.

The sooner we behave in a way that also listens to others in a respectful way, the sooner we will have the chance of creating the kind of government we respect and, consequently, one in which we wish to participate