Never Assume

There is a big lesson I've learned over the year's as an activist. It is to never assume I know what another person thinks or feels. It is arrogant to deny everyone's life experience is dramatically different even if only a 1 or 2 critical details. I can introduce them to new ideas, but it is up to them to decide what their value system is and how they are going to live it out.

There is a fine line between being an advocate and a bully; a leader and a tyrannt...something that the Bush hasn't figured out yet. They had a botched public relations stop at a Saudi Arabian university. (Saudi Women Have Message for U.S. Envoy) The Bush Administration assumed to much and it back-fired. We are arrogant in our ways to think the American way is the best way. While I am likely to disagree with many of their perspectives, I think this article is a great way to remind ourselves to always listen first and never assume we know best.