"Every story as three sides to it -- yours, mine and the facts." (Foster Meharny Russell)

As long as the world is made up of individuals, there'll be differences of opinion. Each person brings their own unique perspective to any situation, and people rarely see things alike. That's why seven different witnesses will describe the same event in seven different ways. Individual perspective has a great deal to do with how people interact, and even in a group dedicated to the same cause will differ in opinion. If the group isn't careful, however, those varying degrees of perspective will turn discussion into argument, and harmony into discord.

Dissension is an insidious poisons which erodes the foundation of solidarity, and eats away at unity. Those who sow the seeds of doubt and discontent do more harm than good. Rational discussions become irrational ranting. What begins as brainstorming ideas between many, ends up shouting matches between the few. Any bystander can be caught in this avalanche of accusation. Newcomers are bewildered, dismayed, or even disgusted by what they witness. Their questions go unanswered in a cacophony of bickering, their input is often ignored in the confusion. At best, they bear silent witness to a breakdown of communication; at worst, they flee in the wake of visible antagonism and hostility.

For that very reason, it is highly important the Jericho Rangers remember why we joined the fight to save JERICHO. We must recognize our triumphs are but one part of the battle. We cannot relax our guard, and must focus on facts, not succumb to doubt-raising rumor. Each Ranger must work to keep open the lines of communication, and reach out to new people. They must be welcomed not with contention, but with open arms -- even if they repeat what has already been said many times. We Rangers must remember we ALL work for the same goal. Exercising patience and understanding will win us allies, while dissension and discord will erode our unity.

Look back over what we have already accomplished by standing shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Rangers. We forced a global corporation to sit up and take notice of us. We made CBS listen, and we did this not by arguing, but by believing in a common goal. Why do we now permit petty differences, jealousy, rumors and doubts ruin our triumph? Why not turn that negative energy into positive action? Promoting JERICHO brings others to our cause. Why focus on negativity when we can accentuate more positive aspects of our campains?

No single individual is responsible for our victory; that is something shared by ALL Jericho Ranger, whether they led or followered. We accomplished what we did by working together as a cohesive unit. We spoke with one voice; we acted with one mind. Let us not fracture into individual voices demanding individual attention, but continue to present a united front. It's important we remain unified and focused. If we do not, we stand to lose all we have gained.

"We come to reason, not to dominate. We do not seek to have our way, but to find a common way." (Lyndon Baines Johnson)