“Especially Now…”
It must be delivered sotto voce and it doesn’t hurt a bit if you shake your head with a hint of sadness. It must always be followed by a reflective silence, like that following a prayer. There is never a hint of humor when it is said. It is usually the response to a matter-of-fact statement of contemporary expectations and it underlines how much has changed since the millennium began, how much has been lost that was once taken for granted.
The expression does not care who uses it. It is neither left nor right, not young or old, Christian or Muslim. It is the one thing we all can say.
“We do not have the luxury of waiting for an attack.”
“Especially now…”
“We must defend our freedoms.”
“Especially now…”
"We must protect our freedom."
"Especially now..."
“Religion is central to our lives.”
“Especially now.”
Here is a real life example: On Talk Of The Nation (NPR) this afternoon, a tribute to Fred Rogers, one caller had this anecdote:
Caller: In 1982, our two-year old had no trouble with the question “Who is the President?”, he would perk up and say “Ronnie Reagan!” immediately. But the question “Who is the Vice-President?” was more troublesome. No answer. Then we rephrased the question, “When Ronnie Reagan is sick, who takes care of the country?” A thoughtful silence, then he answered “Mr. Rogers!” – and I couldn’t help thinking how wonderful that might have been…”
Guest host: Especially now…
No one lowered the flags to half-mast to commemorate the passing of Fred Rogers, but Tom Ridge did lower the terrorist threat level from high to elevated, orange to yellow. The tribute was unintentional, but most appropriate. Like music, Mr. Rogers soothed. He brought out our gentle side, a side that is easily ridiculed by bullies, but leaves a warm feeling in your tummy like a cup of hot cocoa.
Another caller on the show said that everyone in their office planned to wear a cardigan pullover to work on Friday in his honor. That has the potential to backfire and degenerate into a day of lame Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood impersonations, especially at an office like the one that pops immediately into my mind. But it wouldn’t hurt to spend one day being gentle, listening instead of talking, showing patience when adversity intrudes, and being a kind friend to someone who would appreciate it.
I think we need to do those things a little more.
5:24:35 PM 
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