Beware of “Canned Answers,” Labels and Slogans

When my father didn’t like something I said or did as a child (sing too loudly, get a little wild or noisy in the car) he said: “Can it!” That meant: “put a lid on it!” “Be quiet,” or “put your loud behavior on the shelf,” at least for awhile. 

When dad said “Can it,” we knew he meant business; no ifs, ands or buts. If we ignored his request, a spanking was sure to follow. Like sunrise and sunset, we knew with certainty the results of our disobedience. Back then this discipline was known as “suffering the consequences of your actions.” Whatever happened to that? 

Today it seems people are determined to get what they want even if they have to break the rules or the law to get it. Sometimes they get caught, but many times they don’t and their bad behavior continues to reap havoc on their families and on society. 

The latest examples are recent “flash” mobs. Teens convene via text messaging for the express purpose of “ganging up” on small businesses in order to vandalize and commit robbery. There is no civil purpose for “assembling” other than thievery. 

Even though they have no cause, these flash mobs believe that society owes them. Since there is strength in numbers, the participants rarely have to suffer the consequences of their actions. These gangs have been coddled and indulged by the ACLU, society and government for one reason only: votes. 

Politicians have historically rewarded bad behavior: “If you don’t have a job, we’ll take care of you, not just for one year, but for three. If you don’t earn enough money, the government will feed you. Give us your vote, and we’ll take care of you for life. Give us your vote and you’ll never suffer again;” great incentives for encouraging failed socialism and a welfare state. 

We’re seeing the results of this kind of governance in Greece, France, Portugal, and England. It’s spreading like a cancer. The news media spews sound bytes and slogans over the airways. We’re hearing these quips in advertisements: “I have a right to stay in a fine hotel.” “It’s my right to own a home.” “It’s my right to have food on my table and a roof over my head (whether I work or not).” “It’s my right to have the best health care (whether I take drugs, abuse my body or engage in risky behavior matters not); the government must take care of me.” 

Since when did these rights slither and slide into our constitution? Since when did we sink so low and strive for so little? This rewarding of bad behavior is not charity. This government compassion is neither Christian nor Biblical. It is plain and simple socialism; an enabling of a society dependent on government handouts for existence. 

Our nation grew and prospered because of the sweat and hard work of people who were willing to strive for their families, their integrity, and even their lives. Are we to become a nation of sloths, sitting idly while others work; waiting for someone else to take care of our needs? 

Even our politics have changed. When politicians have no answers and they can’t engage in a legitimate discussion, they use “canned” answers and the politics of “personal destruction.” Canned answers or “group think” is as catchy as a commercial’s jingle: easy to remember, requires “non-think” and spreads like wildfire. This type of behavior appeals not only to “flash” mobs, but to the masses who feed on frenzy and manipulation. When people disagree with policy, they find reasons to shout racism or hating grandma and children. Labeling, calling names, and doing anything but discussing the issues. 

Fear mongers love to attach labels or resort to slogans and name-calling. Since the beginning of time this has been so. I recall these words from the Bible: “Is not this the carpenter from Nazareth? Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? Blasphemer, Sabbath breaker, he eats with publicans and sinners. Crucify him!” 

Mob mentality, fear and “group think” nailed Jesus to the cross. Following the crowd, spewing canned answers and catchy phrases instead of participating in reasonable discussions and creative problem solving has brought down men and women of integrity while lifting up tyrants and demagogues. 

If the only way a party or an individual can win is to desecrate, label, or destroy another’s character and good name, shouldn’t that candidate be put under closer scrutiny. High-sounding phrases that make us feel good are not policy, its wishful thinking, its “schmoozing” and placating the public. Where is his or her plan? What do they propose to do with the resources that are given to them? What is their record? If they say one thing to a crowd in the east and a different thing to a crowd in the west can they be trusted? Are they wishy-washy on issues and values? 

When we apply canned answers to our own lives, to problem solving, we in essence put a lid on the problem and a lid on finding a better solution. Avoiding or delaying problems by putting them on the shelf, so to speak, is never an answer. 

Canned answers originate from hearsay, gossip, habit and behavior. They require no original thought, research or study. They can save time, but do not necessarily solve the problem. They are easy to remember, easy to toss out, and may destroy others as easily as a fiery dart from hell. 

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” (James 3:5-6 KJV) 

In instances where we find ourselves repeating the vain and poisonous slogans or mantras of group think, it would be good to do as my dad advised: “Can it!” Put a lid on it and attempt to have a two-way discussion of ideas not name-calling. Study a problem or a conflict out in your mind. Use the power of discernment that God has given you. Question, analyze, research and study. Think for yourself and that surge of self-confidence will propel you in the right direction.