Dear Editor:

Reading Kevin Burnham’s editorial "Golden Rules for Living" led to more research where I stumbled onto a 28 page Golden Rule Chronology list from Fr. Harry Gensler's Book "My Ethics and the Golden Rule."

Since a large part of history was not recorded, Gensler took the liberty of imagining the birth of the Golden Rule in 1,000,000 BC, for which he used a fictional Fred Flintstone helping a robbed stranger left to die. Fred thought if he were in the same position he would want someone to help him. During 1450 and 450 BC, the Hebrew Bible states "Don't oppress a foreigner, for you well know how it feels to be a foreigner, since you were foreigners yourselves in the land of Egypt" (Exodus 23:9) and "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18). The list includes Socrates and Plato in 440 BC, and in 400 BC Hinduism. From 4 BC to 27 AD Jesus proclaims love of God, neighbor and our enemies as the Golden Rule of life. The list ends in 2015, with Pope Francis reminding Congress of the Golden Rule.

How do you and I measure up today in honoring this historic loved and respected rule? We often expect leaders to honor this ecumenical core of the natural moral law, as viewed by Christians since 150-1600 AD. If we believe the Golden Rule is not being followed, we are the ones who must take up leadership as mentors for others. Recent unexpected enforcement of a proposed refugee and immigration policy resulted in gross injustice including ignoring current laws and the Golden Rule. Thousands joined hearts and hands in airports across our nation. They came with songs in their hearts, and chants of support for those detained. Prayer vigils also occurred. When peaceful and loving they are sharing Golden Rule expressions we all need in our daily lives. A federal judge has placed an emergency hold on deportation due to strong arguments legal rights had been violated. More is to follow, as we remain firm in Golden Rule expressions.

When mirroring Golden Rules, we don’t blame others, but love them while helping those who have become victims - citizens and green card refugees alike. This is not easy, but it is the best approach when resolving differences.

Jarryl Larson

Edgecomb