I continue below with thoughts on the divisions within our nation. It is best considered as a continuation of the post linked in the first line of the body. It also is incomplete -- merely a beginning at looking at the divisions within the United States.
Education is obviously one of the issues that must be considered when we look again at the CNN example of the destroyed repossessed homes. But again, we must dig into the question of what we mean by education. This brings up the moral and cultural issues that are at the heart of our divided nation. We must seek to bridge the gap between at least two radically different ways of viewing the world.
So, where to begin? I think first we must look at different ways in which individuals are “educated.”
When we speak of education, the most common frame of reference is the public school system. It is the body to which we have consigned our children in the expectation that they will be provided with a basic set of skills which will allow them to not only function properly within society but which will allow them to succeed. But, then, I’m looking at education from my frame of reference which differs from some other group’s point-of-view.
If we look at a poor single mother who is trying to raise children, provide an income and basically just survive on her own, she may not see school so much as a place where her offspring can obtain a basic set of skills as she sees it as a babysitter. Perhaps she sees it merely as a place to keep those children out of her hair while she lies in a drugged stupor. Perhaps – well, there are thousands of “perhaps” that could encompass only a portion of the potential scenarios. But, what is a key here is that we first realize that the public schools are being asked to function in a role for which they were not designed. They should not be babysitters. They were designed to function as a place of learning for those who are motivated to learn – either through the threat of punishment from a parent who wanted the situation of their children to be improved from their own, or because the child truly desired to learn and improve his own situation. That is often not what we have today.
So, we see that the public schools as a source of education is a barely functioning entity today because it is tasked with goals for which it was not designed and is inadequately prepared. That leaves us with other forms of education.
The greatest source of education is a mentor. Most often, a mentor – especially for young children – is a parent who seeks to create a desire for learning and a sense of purpose for that desire. What happens to that portion of the learning process when both parents are working sixty hour weeks because they want to “get ahead” in life? What happens when the child is reared in a single-parent home in which survival takes precedence over special attentions to the needs of the child? What happens when the influences of our friends and neighbors seek to degrade the desire for success by replacing it with a desire for disruption or excess? What happens when the family is disconnected in such a way that “extended” family members are merely a phone number or address in a book and not a vital part of life? Grandparents can sometimes fill the role of a mentor when the circumstances cause an inability on the part of the parents. The disintegration of the family is a factor in the failure of our children to obtain an education that will lead them to function well in society.
...perhaps to be continued.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Misdirected Behavior
After being out of town so much lately I had to spend my Sunday afternoon paying bills. Now, I'm always thankful that I can pay my bills but it isn't one of my favorite tasks. What got to me today was that one of the checks that I wrote was to GMAC. The thought occurred to me that GMAC is part of GM. The government just poured a bunch of money into them -- which I've been doing off-and-on for much of my life. So, now I'm paying them twice -- once with a coupon and once in my tax bill. Somehow that just doesn't seem right to me. I've always paid my bills. My credit is good. I don't owe much money but when I do owe someone I pay them.
Suddenly it occurred to me that those of us who seek to do the right thing and work to take care of our obligations are penalized for our good behavior while those who do the opposite are rewarded for their bad behavior. Hmm....I wonder if that is what the "Tea Parties" were really about.....
The Administration still doesn't get it.
Axelrod: Tea Party Anger is Misdirected
Suddenly it occurred to me that those of us who seek to do the right thing and work to take care of our obligations are penalized for our good behavior while those who do the opposite are rewarded for their bad behavior. Hmm....I wonder if that is what the "Tea Parties" were really about.....
The Administration still doesn't get it.
Axelrod: Tea Party Anger is Misdirected
Friday, April 17, 2009
Not Without Guilt (A Working Title)
I present below, what might be considered the beginning of an essay -- or, perhaps it is the entirety of the essay in the event that I decide not to continue. Whatever it is, it is only a small piece of the puzzle that must be solved if the nation that we call the UNITED States of America is to truly be re-UNITED into a single nation. Today, we are not UNITED. Anyway, here are some thoughts....
Today as I ate my pizza from the buffet line at Gatti’s in Bowling Green, Kentucky, I watched CNN Headline News on the big-screen television hanging on the wall. Please realize that I don’t normally watch CNN, just as I don’t watch MSNBC or NBC or CBS or ABC news as a general rule. I find that their biases often get in the way of their reporting. However, when the proprietor has the television set to a particular channel, that’s usually what you are stuck with – just like in the breakfast area of whatever motel chain I happen to be using as my current home-away-from-home.
Anyway, the talking heads seemed incredulous that the repossessed homes in the particular Chicago area neighborhood where they had chosen to base their “news” story were in terrible shape. Commodes were ripped from the floor, there were holes in the walls, doors were off their hinges, trash was piled everywhere and the general shape of the property was worse than pitiful. The reporters seemed shocked that the homes were in such condition and felt certain that it could only be because of the ill treatment of the previous “owners” by whatever lender that had so viciously evicted them.
Is it a symptom, or is it the disease? I’m of course referring to the reaction of the newscasters, not the behavior of the previous occupants of the repossessed houses – but, then again, the same question could be asked about those former occupants. Was their behavior a symptom, or was it the disease? However, upon further reflection, perhaps we should define “what” behavior is the object of our question. Are we observing a behavior of protest at poor treatment, or are we observing a general attitude about life and a lack of caring for property? Is it an issue of education? Is it an issue of an oppressed group of citizens? Is it the result of drug abuse? Is it something else altogether?
There are no easy answers, just as there are no easy questions – at least no easy questions that have been properly framed with clearly definable intent. I believe the frame of reference from which the “talking heads” were seeking to deliver a “newsworthy” story was so totally foreign to the actual events about which they were reporting that they had no idea of how to pose proper questions or in any way to relate to the events. They fell back instead on the dogma of their beliefs – namely, that it was an issue of victims and bad guys – of course, the actor of bad behavior is never the bad guy, it is always the one who suffered at their hands that was being punished for bad behavior – i.e. the bank, or landlord, or the builder, or whoever.
The age-old dilemma of communication between men and women is a piece-of-cake compared to the ability of the liberal media to communicate with the average human being in the United States – or the other way around. (I considered including all people but really have no good concept of the ability of media in other countries to connect with their people – although I suspect the issue is universal.) Why is it that way? Is it due to cultural biases? Is it a result of education? Is it a function of personality types that seek media careers as opposed to those who don’t? What exactly makes it so difficult for media figures to connect with the average person? Is it an elitism springing from a career-based attitude that inculcates the “successful” media personalities? Whatever the source, there is clearly a disconnection between the reporters and their subjects – unless they are talking of other media types – which would include television, movie and many music personalities.
So, where am I going with this? I guess I am seeking to reason through what is happening in our country. The example of the CNN Headline News reporters is a symptom of many things. It is a manifestation of deep moral and cultural issues that are on the verge of tearing apart the basis for our nation – that is, the ability to present reasoned arguments and through the art of seeking accommodation through shared values and balanced compromise to arrive at solutions to issues of the day by seeking the common good. There is no commonality. There is instead a deep divide that is growing wider by the day. If it is not addressed, it will bring about the end of the United States of America – not just as we know it – but as a nation.
Today as I ate my pizza from the buffet line at Gatti’s in Bowling Green, Kentucky, I watched CNN Headline News on the big-screen television hanging on the wall. Please realize that I don’t normally watch CNN, just as I don’t watch MSNBC or NBC or CBS or ABC news as a general rule. I find that their biases often get in the way of their reporting. However, when the proprietor has the television set to a particular channel, that’s usually what you are stuck with – just like in the breakfast area of whatever motel chain I happen to be using as my current home-away-from-home.
Anyway, the talking heads seemed incredulous that the repossessed homes in the particular Chicago area neighborhood where they had chosen to base their “news” story were in terrible shape. Commodes were ripped from the floor, there were holes in the walls, doors were off their hinges, trash was piled everywhere and the general shape of the property was worse than pitiful. The reporters seemed shocked that the homes were in such condition and felt certain that it could only be because of the ill treatment of the previous “owners” by whatever lender that had so viciously evicted them.
Is it a symptom, or is it the disease? I’m of course referring to the reaction of the newscasters, not the behavior of the previous occupants of the repossessed houses – but, then again, the same question could be asked about those former occupants. Was their behavior a symptom, or was it the disease? However, upon further reflection, perhaps we should define “what” behavior is the object of our question. Are we observing a behavior of protest at poor treatment, or are we observing a general attitude about life and a lack of caring for property? Is it an issue of education? Is it an issue of an oppressed group of citizens? Is it the result of drug abuse? Is it something else altogether?
There are no easy answers, just as there are no easy questions – at least no easy questions that have been properly framed with clearly definable intent. I believe the frame of reference from which the “talking heads” were seeking to deliver a “newsworthy” story was so totally foreign to the actual events about which they were reporting that they had no idea of how to pose proper questions or in any way to relate to the events. They fell back instead on the dogma of their beliefs – namely, that it was an issue of victims and bad guys – of course, the actor of bad behavior is never the bad guy, it is always the one who suffered at their hands that was being punished for bad behavior – i.e. the bank, or landlord, or the builder, or whoever.
The age-old dilemma of communication between men and women is a piece-of-cake compared to the ability of the liberal media to communicate with the average human being in the United States – or the other way around. (I considered including all people but really have no good concept of the ability of media in other countries to connect with their people – although I suspect the issue is universal.) Why is it that way? Is it due to cultural biases? Is it a result of education? Is it a function of personality types that seek media careers as opposed to those who don’t? What exactly makes it so difficult for media figures to connect with the average person? Is it an elitism springing from a career-based attitude that inculcates the “successful” media personalities? Whatever the source, there is clearly a disconnection between the reporters and their subjects – unless they are talking of other media types – which would include television, movie and many music personalities.
So, where am I going with this? I guess I am seeking to reason through what is happening in our country. The example of the CNN Headline News reporters is a symptom of many things. It is a manifestation of deep moral and cultural issues that are on the verge of tearing apart the basis for our nation – that is, the ability to present reasoned arguments and through the art of seeking accommodation through shared values and balanced compromise to arrive at solutions to issues of the day by seeking the common good. There is no commonality. There is instead a deep divide that is growing wider by the day. If it is not addressed, it will bring about the end of the United States of America – not just as we know it – but as a nation.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Quoting Scriptures and Disavowing Jesus versus A Different Beat
The more I see, the more I wonder....
Georgetown University Hid Religious Symbols at White House Request
...and yes, anyone can quote scripture -- out of context, in a manner that is used to mislead the unwary.
And then there's the real deal....
Palin Returns to National Spotlight at Right-to-Life Dinner
Political experts and leftist know-it-alls want to put her into a box. It won't work. I believe that she travels to the beat of a different drummer and her drummer knows what He's doing.
Georgetown University Hid Religious Symbols at White House Request
...and yes, anyone can quote scripture -- out of context, in a manner that is used to mislead the unwary.
And then there's the real deal....
Palin Returns to National Spotlight at Right-to-Life Dinner
Political experts and leftist know-it-alls want to put her into a box. It won't work. I believe that she travels to the beat of a different drummer and her drummer knows what He's doing.
Resistance is NOT Futile
It will be very difficult to sustain a grassroots movement among Conservatives because of their very nature, however, we have a start with the Tea Parties conducted yesterday. There are a lot of disaffected people in this country right now -- especially when you get out of the cities and into the Heartland where there is still productivity which results from a strong work ethic and sense of independence instead of dependence on the Federal largess. My home state of Texas is one of those states where we see the backlash against the extreme growth in federal power is growing quickly. On at least some levels, it is being fueled by some of our leading political figures. The article linked below is an example:
Governor Says Texans May Want to Secede From Union But Probably Won't
The real question to me is this: Governor Perry, are you truly serious about taking control back from Washington or is this all just political rhetoric in light of the race to retain the Governor's mansion?
We have two of the more conservative Senators in Washington but even they are not immune to the corrupting influences of power politics played on the national stage. I pray that they will fight the fight of the people and resist the forces that are moving us toward -- not Socialism -- but, an all pervasive and invasive government that seeks to run every aspect of our lives. That my friends is something to be feared. It is all about power and that power was handed to a group of people who, under the guise of the Democratic Party, will stop at nothing to consolidate their hold on the reins of power. If they are not stopped now, it will become increasingly difficult to stem the tide of corruption and government invasion into our lives. We must create a groundswell of resistance to the tide of Big Government that is washing over our country. It will be a long and arduous fight that is difficult to sustain but it must be done if we wish to save the United States.
Governor Says Texans May Want to Secede From Union But Probably Won't
The real question to me is this: Governor Perry, are you truly serious about taking control back from Washington or is this all just political rhetoric in light of the race to retain the Governor's mansion?
We have two of the more conservative Senators in Washington but even they are not immune to the corrupting influences of power politics played on the national stage. I pray that they will fight the fight of the people and resist the forces that are moving us toward -- not Socialism -- but, an all pervasive and invasive government that seeks to run every aspect of our lives. That my friends is something to be feared. It is all about power and that power was handed to a group of people who, under the guise of the Democratic Party, will stop at nothing to consolidate their hold on the reins of power. If they are not stopped now, it will become increasingly difficult to stem the tide of corruption and government invasion into our lives. We must create a groundswell of resistance to the tide of Big Government that is washing over our country. It will be a long and arduous fight that is difficult to sustain but it must be done if we wish to save the United States.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
New Definitions From Big Brother
As you read the article linked below, take special note of the items quoted below the link.
Federal agency warns of radicals on right
"...as including not just racist or hate groups, but also groups that reject federal authority in favor of state or local authority. "
"It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single-issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration...."
Federal agency warns of radicals on right
"...as including not just racist or hate groups, but also groups that reject federal authority in favor of state or local authority. "
"It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single-issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration...."
10th Amendment
I am sometimes a little slow in catching up on the news. Below I've linked an article that includes a video of Texas Governor Rick Perry announcing his support of the HCR 50 that addresses the subject of state's rights versus federal intrusion. It is worth reading and the video is worth viewing. I must admit that I chuckle at the video for the reason that the Governor's speaking style is somewhat reminiscent of his predecessor.
Gov. Perry Backs Resolution Affirming Texas’ Sovereignty Under 10th Amendment
I still see the likelihood of Governor Perry running to replace Senator Hutchinson in Washington and Senator Hutchinson running for the Governor's mansion. Don't you love Texas politics??
Gov. Perry Backs Resolution Affirming Texas’ Sovereignty Under 10th Amendment
I still see the likelihood of Governor Perry running to replace Senator Hutchinson in Washington and Senator Hutchinson running for the Governor's mansion. Don't you love Texas politics??
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter Demonstrated
There are a couple of great news stories out there right now. I've linked them below.
The first is a demonstration that Americans still can stand up and do what is necessary. It is a tribute to our military and to the individual spirit of a man.
Trio of Shots Ended Sea Standoff; Pirates Vow to Retaliate
The second one is another story in which the efforts of fellow Americans helped to save lives. It is also a testimony to the faith of a family.
Passenger Safely Lands Plane After Pilot Dies
It is interesting to me that both of these events occurred around Easter. Both stories are about salvation. They are vivid reminders that we all need saving. There is only ONE way to true SALVATION and that is by accepting Jesus as Savior and setting aside our own life to allow Him to live through us. It's all about overcoming evil and saving lives.
The first is a demonstration that Americans still can stand up and do what is necessary. It is a tribute to our military and to the individual spirit of a man.
Trio of Shots Ended Sea Standoff; Pirates Vow to Retaliate
The second one is another story in which the efforts of fellow Americans helped to save lives. It is also a testimony to the faith of a family.
Passenger Safely Lands Plane After Pilot Dies
It is interesting to me that both of these events occurred around Easter. Both stories are about salvation. They are vivid reminders that we all need saving. There is only ONE way to true SALVATION and that is by accepting Jesus as Savior and setting aside our own life to allow Him to live through us. It's all about overcoming evil and saving lives.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Our Deluded Public
The results of the Rasmussen Poll linked below are a symptom of several things. 1) The heavy influence of the left in our educational system, 2) The large number of people dependent on Federal and State largess, 3) The liberal bias of the media that continually preaches the ills of capitalism and 4) The greed that many capitalists exhibit. I'm sure there are more but the whole subject is depressing to me.
Just 53% Say Capitalism Better Than Socialism
It also means that 47% are clueless or totally misinformed....
Just 53% Say Capitalism Better Than Socialism
It also means that 47% are clueless or totally misinformed....
And Still Counting....
I suspect his number may be low but....
Bachus says there's 17 'socialists' in House
...and how many in the Executive???
Bachus says there's 17 'socialists' in House
...and how many in the Executive???
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
No One Knows the Time
While the President is trotting the globe demonstrating his oratorical skills, I wonder if the picture painted by his country-hopping parade is merely emblematic of his true vision of being the "savior" of the world? The entire scenario causes fear to curdle the contents of my stomach as the portrait of the Antichrist described in the book of Revelation comes to mind. I realize that it is much too early to tell, but it is difficult to get such a thought out of my head.
I find solace only in the fact that no one knows the time.....
I find solace only in the fact that no one knows the time.....
Saturday, April 4, 2009
It's All About Power and Control -- er, is that redundant???
Stuart Varney wrote an excellent article for the Wall Street Journal concerning banks repaying the TARP money. Follow the link below.....
Obama Wants to Control the Banks
There's a reason he refuses to accept repayment of TARP money.
Obama Wants to Control the Banks
There's a reason he refuses to accept repayment of TARP money.
Rockets Away!
It will be interesting to see how Mr. Obama responds to the North Korean rocket launch. I suspect we will see a repeat of Bill Clinton's do-nothing approach -- except with even more rhetoric.
The administration has somewhat painted itself into a corner. It appears that Mr. Obama has obtained some political capital among world leaders -- especially in Europe. Will he spend it in the U.N. Security Council? I doubt that he knows how to wield it effectively -- which begs the question -- who will he turn to for advice? Sarkozy? -- no -- Medvedev?? -- possibly -- Hillary? -- I wonder just how much power she truly has within the administration.... She might just ask Bill -- which brings us back to the first paragraph. Ultimately, I suspect it will be a matter of whatever "polls" best. Which again is reminiscent of Bill Clinton. I guess we should expect no less when we elect leaders who have no moral compass.
Now, the real question is what SHOULD we do????
The administration has somewhat painted itself into a corner. It appears that Mr. Obama has obtained some political capital among world leaders -- especially in Europe. Will he spend it in the U.N. Security Council? I doubt that he knows how to wield it effectively -- which begs the question -- who will he turn to for advice? Sarkozy? -- no -- Medvedev?? -- possibly -- Hillary? -- I wonder just how much power she truly has within the administration.... She might just ask Bill -- which brings us back to the first paragraph. Ultimately, I suspect it will be a matter of whatever "polls" best. Which again is reminiscent of Bill Clinton. I guess we should expect no less when we elect leaders who have no moral compass.
Now, the real question is what SHOULD we do????
Money and Politics -- The Usual
It is obvious to me that agriculture doesn't wield much political power with the current administration. I guess there aren't enough voters who make a living from agriculture for it to be worthwhile for them to apply the federal largesse to this particular segment of the economy. Maybe, they just realize that this is a group whose votes can't be easily swayed by the application of large sums of money. It's much easier to obtain votes among the unions by pouring dollars into industries where they are strong. Besides, what's a few Billion among the Trillions that are being spent????
I must again repeat the quote of Benjamin Franklin -- "When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic. Sell not liberty to purchase power."
I must again repeat the quote of Benjamin Franklin -- "When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic. Sell not liberty to purchase power."
Friday, April 3, 2009
Words.....
One thing about our current President cannot be disputed -- he delivers a speech well (of course, teleprompters are helpful). Not only has he "wowed" a majority of the U.S. populace with his oratory, he is doing the same in Europe. The words "smooth operator" come to my mind. One of the more interesting things to me is the response of some of the other "world leaders" to his words. I especially find it interesting that one has chosen to embrace his "comrade" so openly. The words we choose can be so empty (e.g. "change") -- or so meaningful......
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Is It Transparency or Something Else?
During the Bush administration I decided to subscribe to the White House news feed from their official site. That subscription has continued under the current administration. The volume of items coming across on the feed has swamped my Google Reader. I'm certain the administration would chalk it up to more "transparency" from the White House. I must admit that I don't thoroughly read all of the releases -- it would be a full time job. However, from the ones that I have read, I've come to the conclusion that it's not transparency at all. It is propaganda. It is a never-ending litany of the "look-what-I-did-to-further-the-Godless-liberal-agenda" propaganda machine. I'm now depressed.......
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