Indeed A

Innocent is truly such a lovely word.

The three syllables invoke an instant image of white organdy and a field of daisies. I see no taint of impurity tinging their beauty.

And yet when the word leaps out on every news channel and is constantly invoked by opposing politicians it seems to lose not only its beauty and charm, but sadly, also its integrity.

And I begin to ponder the true meaning of the word as clarified by Webster.

And as I investigate furtherI learn the distinction between the noun innocence and the verb innocent.

One means free of guilt; the other, not guilty of a crime

Then I question, who among us is totally free of guilt.

Certainly, not I.

As for not being guilty of a crime that would depend on another definition of “What is a crime?” and would it be dependent on an injury that was not recognized in a court of law?

In the purest of senses, isn’t unkindness an unrecognized crime against others?

Is innocence a reason for ignorance of other’s needs?

Perhaps if all those currently engaged in the discussion currently dividing our country could clarify the issue, it might be easier to judge who truly can claim to be innocent?

Currently there are many voices raised in the ongoing dialogue over the recent controversial verdicts.

I truly question whether any of them on either side of the political aisle could be classified as innocent

Perhaps the words “Not guilty,” might be applicable, but innocent?

That would indeed present a topic for discussion,