Here I am now!

For weeks I’ve been trying to write a composite synopsis of my thoughts about the major news events engrossing the US public the last several months. First, I thought I’d write in defense of the second amendment and pounded out in excess of 2000 words outlining how I’ve came to my decision; but I sounded too preachy. In the meantime, I dribbled painfully about my broken foot and stepped up my Facebook political postings about the second amendment, America’s totalitarian tendencies, and the recent news of NSA spying on US citizens. In the process I’ve picked up some unkind comments from some of my FB friends, who in true fashion proved how more articulate and intellectual they are than me. Undaunted, I continue to have opinions.

I looked up hyperbole in the dictionary and noted that “Hyperboles are exaggerations to create emphasis or effect.” After some thought I decided for me “Hyperbole is a rhetorical tool used by political ideologues to cajole, intimidate, frighten, and befuddle the public.” “There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing”–Aristotle

It appears to me that there are three avenues which Americans must always be vigilant:

1. Identify and expose the corruption within the political and corporate systems as how they affect US citizens. We need to be more explicit of our accusations and assumptions regardless of our political parties. Political ideology is dogma and dogma kills.
2. It is essential that we become more ardent critics of our current and evolving social culture. Change for the sake of change is not necessarily progressive; on the other hand stagnation is a statement of fear.
3. We must begin to look for “out of the box” for solutions; and stop relying on politicians and corporations for solutions. Sometimes the avenue to a solution is to talk to your neighbor. Do you know your neighbor?
   

“With great freedom comes great responsibility!”

Whether we attribute this statement to Eleanor Roosevelt or Peter Parker, I accept this as a fundamental tenant for living in a free society. The question is, as we’ve become more urban, diverse, and separate: what institutions are in place to instill and maintain the value of individual responsibility? My values of self-reliance and personal responsibly were engrained in me by my parents and the church. From my personal observation I would contend that these institutions are being steadily eroded; in short, I view that we have become a permissive society. I’m neither a moralist nor an ethicist but find several points which disturb me:

1. The rising increase of single parent families.
   Last summer I had an eye opening conversation with one of my cousins as she talked about the stigma of not having a father and how that affected her and some of my other cousins about being ridiculed and shamed for this fact. I really hadn’t thought about it from that perspective; I grew up in a two parent household, and never questioned the fact that none of my first cousins had fathers present. What I did understand is that my mother was determined that that was not to be our state; this probably shaped my view of being a responsible man.
   

   Out of wedlock births is not a new issue but the attitude toward single parenthood has drastically changed; unfortunately, we accept this situation for fear of being called racist or anti-family. The issue expands beyond race, gender politics, and welfare rights; to me the issue resolves around the fact that there are serious consequences for “babies raising babies”, http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2020180104_juvenilejusticexml.html. For an in-depth look at this issue view this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsKMZbKAgTc 

2. Lack of parental accountability
   Babies raising babies indicates that there is an ever increasing lack of parental accountability not only to the police but also within the school system. Make no mistake this is not a class or racial issue but a flash point; the opposite attitude of “Not my child” is just as culpable. Although I think some middle class parents are too involved in what happens in their child’s school; the lack of participation should be a crime. My parents never missed a band performance, local drum and bugle competition, or track meet; and yes, that meant that sometimes they had to get off from work. My household was “strict” to the point that sanctioned school activities were my only release from home. We were encouraged from grade school to be involved. 

   In that same vein of parental involvement, my parents were on hand when we were wrongly accused of being in a rock fight; my mother’s statement at the time was if I got a spanking at school I could be assured that I’d get one when I came home. Although bullying is not a new facet of adolescence, I’m disturbed that schools who have replaced “In loco Parentis” with zero tolerance policies (no responsibility) as the only administrative policy for students who threaten or bully other students. Realistically, suspensions and expulsions are not solutions, particularly if the student is in need. Separating this person from the core of society and any semblance of support only exacerbates the problem. If the student has problems and needs they are not going to find it in front of the TV or running the streets. In addition, parents of repeat offenders should be held accountable at the community level with some form of legal sanction.

3. Corporate personhood
   Corporations are not people and should not have anywhere the near the same rights as humans. To imbue non-human entities with human qualities debases the value of citizens who strive to have any participation in the democratic process. This is more than whether corporate dollars mean free speech it goes to the core of who we are and what we value. A system that values dollars over its citizens truly exhibits that the value of human life is minimal.
   
   
4. Lack of traditions which foster personal responsibility.
   Are you old enough to relate to the “Golden Rule“? I have a friend who teaches business ethics to business undergraduate and graduate students, part of me would like to use this as an example of a failed society in that people at college level have to be taught what is ethical when dealing with other human beings. Oh, let me catch myself, I get it! Employees, as a part of a corporation, involved in making the “killer” sale aren’t dealing with people they are just trying to win (most dollars, prestige, tools, etc.). “I’m just doing my job.” “All’s fair in love and war.” The next time you’re engaged in that major business promotional campaign, remember that the term “campaign” is a military strategy term associated with war (the business of killing people).So if my friend doesn’t teach business ethics and corporate responsibility to business students; where do future generations learn their ethics? Although an agnostic, I often praise and enjoy the traditions of the various religions because they give their members not only a connection with the past and their history but they also give people a code of ethics, i.e. rules to live by. I don’t agree with the exclusiveness of most religions (that seems to defeat their purpose) but they do provide a moral compass for their congregations. “Scripture” interpretations that advocate or encourage the murder of those who view the world differently are beyond criminal and are morally reprehensible. There is no honor in killing in the name of “___”.
   
   
5. Charity vs. Compassion vs. Commitment
   We live in a society which values dollars as the solution and resolution for all aspects of life whether it is a mega church, new school buildings, or the solution of poverty. A note about Washington State: “In 2012, 54,823 nonprofit corporations were registered with the Corporations Division in the Secretary of State’s office. While this number includes a large number of community benefit organizations commonly identified as charities,” of which “26,242 are exempt organizations”. (Source: Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs). I won’t go into detail about the nuances of non-profits but everyone from Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, 527 Political Action Committees, to sports associations’ setup non-profit or charity organizations. Ever wonder where all that money comes from, I do? Please note that I view this point and #3 as two sides of the same coin. So is this money about charity, compassion, commitment, influence, or control?
   
   
6. Lack of American homogeneity
   

   Solutions!! Let me offer a couple of suggestions from my view point. Quite often I hear reference to a particular European country or region as having a solution which resolves a specific problem for America. We would do good to remind ourselves that various European solutions appear to work because of the homogeneity of those countries including same language, cultural history, uniform agreement on taxation, etc. In essence, they have not just a common point of reference but a community “buy in”.
   

• English as our official Language: Many Americans shirk from the concept of this being an English only country because of the history of racial discrimination and the misuse of “English Only” concepts in practical application. On the other hand I think we need touch points which bind us as Americans and I see no better place to start than language. So maybe we aren’t an English only country but maybe we become English is the official language country in which knowledge of English is needed to get drivers licenses, all public documents are filed in English, and no exemption for English on the citizenship requirements.
• Universal Public Service: Money isn’t a homogenous value but common experiences bind us whether we’ve enjoyed them or not. One concept from Europe that I think has merit is mandatory public service. Although this usually means uniform conscription into the military but I think there are additional avenues which can be explored. Specifically, the Peace Corp, Vista, AmeriCorps, etc. could be expanded to provide mandatory public service for all Americans between 18 and 25. To be honest I’ve never liked the idea of an all-volunteer Army; it means that too few people have skin in the game thus it has been too easy to accept war. See, http://www.newsmax.com/US/McChrystal-universal-national-service/2013/05/30/id/507167.
  

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