Thanks Mike- I guess this is the last "R" post on responsibility at least as I set it forth in the 1st post. I hope it is a conversation that gets traction and goes on for a while. I appreciate the chance to post those thoughts here.

I like your thought on wisdom. Restraint when one is tempted to act rashly is truly wisdom, the kind that isn't exercised very much. It reminds me of stories I've read about Lincoln writing out a letter when he was tempted to react harshly and often deciding to keep the letter or trash it rather than sending it to the intended recipient. I've thought of that many times when tempted myself.

In tragedies like Newtown, if we keep a sense of decency, which would be to think about the humans involved rather than pulling in politics, we inevitably would follow a more measured, natural and appropriate course of action.