Some things should never be questioned or doubted - only accepted. On the other hand, it is never good to play the fool and let life stamp out your courage and pride. So where is the middle ground?

Everyone seems to spend their time searching for a scapegoat. Someone else is always to blame. It is rare to see a person actually take the blame for their own mistakes or misconceptions.

"My child leads a life of crime because of the influence music and movies have on his young, innocent mind."

One controversial example of this would be the murder case involving Jessie Misskelley, Damien Echols and Jason Baldwin - now known as the "West Memphis Three." A taste for metal music, wicca and a few pieces of sketchy evidence was enough to place the West Memphis Three in prison. Expressing an opinion in this case would be like opening a jar of angry wasps. Too many people feel they are right without giving reverence to evidence.

I am not suggesting that such an extreme example can serve as a light of knowledge to the world, but it does serve as a disturbing reminder of the fickle minds of the world. Elvis was once thought to be a corruptive force to the minds of young women. Now his music plays in waiting rooms across America.

One simple truth remains - human judgment is never 100 percent accurate and fair. The "shadow of doubt" will always exist in each and every person's mind. We all have our own opinions of what is just and fair. One prime example of personal judgment comes in retort.

Everyone has been faced with the opportunity to retort. Someone pops off with an insult or a smart comment and you find yourself contemplating a response. Should you smile and grit your teeth or should you say exactly what is on your mind?

I usually keep my comments to myself and opt to smile and grit my teeth. It is not that I have a tremendous amount of will power, I just never think if the right thing to say at the right time. All of the good comments seem to flood my brain after the moment as passed. I consider it a safety device for my own well-being.

Some people, on the other hand, just let it fly. Whatever comes to their mind comes out of their mouth - uncensored drivel. Most of their time is spent sifting through the ashes of the bridges they have burned. Regret is a terrible companion. I would rather spend my time with complacency.

It all falls under the persuasion of personal judgment. What should be said and should be left alone? It depends on the situation in my opinion. Other people may have a different opinion.

I have not yet been wise enough to find the balance between right and wrong. Maybe my days on this earth will serve me an answer to the many questions that fill my brain. Until then I will accept it and move on. Swallowing my pride is also much easier than admitting mistakes.