Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

I shouldn't even bring up this topic, as the examples are endless, but President Obama's labeling ISIL "evil" a few days ago echoed George Bush's "axis of evil" in eery ways.  I don't want to debate the meaning of the word evil or whether there is evil in the world.  Personally, I think there is that kind of darkness as a part of human existence.  There are people who's DNA is damaged and there also seem to be people undamaged but choosing to embrace darkness and even experiencing pleasure when doing so.
But for a leader, whose power is great, to speak in dualities is unwise.  If there would ever be hope of dialogue, then such language does it's utmost to kill that hope.  Demonizing the other sets us on the path of conflict. 
Yes, the other has often spoken inflamatory words first.  But they triumph when immitate them as we speak in a way that shuts down recognition that the other is human, that situations and circumstances change, and we really need to keep the door open, not closed.

What if the President had said, "This terrible harming of innocents breaks our hearts.  Our compassion goes out to their families, and to the families of the people who commit these acts.  We pray we will see a way to dialogue and peace.  We want to embrace a path that gives respect to all human beings, encourages them to have a voice, and practice compassion for all suffering"

Sounds too much like the Dalai Lama?  Well, I'm not sure I think I can sound too much like the Dalai Lama and I'd be quite happy if our leader took a few lessons.  Don't speak out of rage, speak when you are calm and centered.  Don't demonize.  First help those who are victims and their families.  Move the focus away from the violent actors and on the people who suffer because of them.  Take the beheading videos off as much as possible.  Don't allow this on our TV.  Respect the victims.  Let's just try that approach.  Set a different example of standing firmly for kindness and compassion.  Let's walk that path because it's the right thing to do.  It begins with choosing the right words.