When affirmative action first appeared in our American Culture, it was hailed as a way to equal the playing field for minorities. It's objectives and goals were admirable. Minorities would be receive help to feed their families, educate their children, provide health care for those in need. While affirmative action may have had good intentions, it has hampered and possible hindered future generations. The negative impact that it has had on our children will be felt for years to come.
At one time in this country, people of all races took pride in their work, in their family and in them self. They didn't stand with their hand out, waiting for the government to give them something, for doing nothing. People may have been poor, but they kept their houses clean. Their clothes may have been mended, but they were clean. They cleaned houses, dug ditches, picked the fields, swept the streets all for money they honestly earned.
Now, we have multiple generations growing up on government assistance. Where has the pride gone that past generations exhibited? Why is it now, okay to take government handouts? Why do the leaders of minority groups seem to encourage this behavior? Why is it not possible to have real meaningful reform the affirmative action? If our political leaders really cared about the American Citizen and the future of this country, they would actively work to make positive changes to affirmative action.
It is past time that people looked at welfare as a temporary program. Welfare should never have become a permanent fixture for anyone. It should have been and should be a stepping stone to a better life. There should be limits to the length of time a person and or family can remain on the program. If you want to be a productive member of society, then you should have the drive to find a way to get off the government welfare roll.
It is more common for people to use welfare as an excuse. It may be the color of their skin, their gender, where they live, it still sounds like an excuse. It is time for all Americans, no matter where they live, no matter their political affiliation and no matter the color of their skin to take a hard look at affirmative action. It's time as come and gone. It is time for all Americans to become the people we can be through education, training, job sharing, and through peaceful and deliberate thought.
It is a time to a stop to the abuse of affirmative action. It is time to develop pride in who we are as person, group and especially as a citizen of this great country. While this country is far from perfect and we as a people have a long way to go, we are all Americans. It doesn't matter what the color of our skin, gender, or where we live, we really do live in the greatest country on this planet.
Showing posts with label america. Show all posts
Showing posts with label america. Show all posts
Friday, June 18, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Breaking the Languare Barrier
This great country has a wide and diverse background due to different cultures that have come to its shores. The hows and whys of how they got here are at times horrific, but the end result is that they have added greatly to our growth and most importantly to our culture.
Initially, immigrants kept to themselves, in their neighborhoods. This is where they were most comfortable because the language and the customs were familiar. This continues even today, the difference being that TV exposes immigrants to more diversity then ever before.
Many immigrants, when they came to our shores, Americanized their names. Often, because officials had difficulty understanding how to pronounce their names. People can argue that there was no sensitivity to the immigrants. But, if you talk to the sons and daughters of these people, the first generation born in this country, you may walk away if a different understanding.
Many immigrants, had and continue to have a desire to embrace America and our language, while still maintaining their rich culture and heritage. Governments both large and small in this country have created an arena that promotes bigotry. When you separate a people because they can not speak and understand each other, you create an atmosphere of suspicion and even fear.
Consider this, if you can take a drivers test in one language, but can't read the road signs, how safe are you as a driver? Also, if you become ill and are in need of medical care, but the doctors and nurses can't understand you, how can they help you?
Common sense would lead you to believe that having one language, the American Language, which has it's roots in multiple cultures, should be encourage. This would allow better communication and better understanding among people.
Liberals and special interest would say that this is racist. But, they have their own agenda. If we can understand each other, then we can learn to appreciate each other and will learn to meet each other as equals. Governments and other groups could not prey on misunderstanding and fear. That being said, we may not get along with each other all the time, but then again, most families don't.
Respecting each other and where we came from is the first key. Learning to understand each other is the next step. Most of us, no matter where our mothers and fathers came from, have one thing in common. We are trying to work hard, provide for our families and improve the lives of our family. Sounds like we may have more in common then we think.
People are different, that's what makes this country so special. Our culture is unique and like no other, because of the diversity of it's members. While far from perfect and with a long way to go, the first step may be learning to speak with each other in the American Language.
Initially, immigrants kept to themselves, in their neighborhoods. This is where they were most comfortable because the language and the customs were familiar. This continues even today, the difference being that TV exposes immigrants to more diversity then ever before.
Many immigrants, when they came to our shores, Americanized their names. Often, because officials had difficulty understanding how to pronounce their names. People can argue that there was no sensitivity to the immigrants. But, if you talk to the sons and daughters of these people, the first generation born in this country, you may walk away if a different understanding.
Many immigrants, had and continue to have a desire to embrace America and our language, while still maintaining their rich culture and heritage. Governments both large and small in this country have created an arena that promotes bigotry. When you separate a people because they can not speak and understand each other, you create an atmosphere of suspicion and even fear.
Consider this, if you can take a drivers test in one language, but can't read the road signs, how safe are you as a driver? Also, if you become ill and are in need of medical care, but the doctors and nurses can't understand you, how can they help you?
Common sense would lead you to believe that having one language, the American Language, which has it's roots in multiple cultures, should be encourage. This would allow better communication and better understanding among people.
Liberals and special interest would say that this is racist. But, they have their own agenda. If we can understand each other, then we can learn to appreciate each other and will learn to meet each other as equals. Governments and other groups could not prey on misunderstanding and fear. That being said, we may not get along with each other all the time, but then again, most families don't.
Respecting each other and where we came from is the first key. Learning to understand each other is the next step. Most of us, no matter where our mothers and fathers came from, have one thing in common. We are trying to work hard, provide for our families and improve the lives of our family. Sounds like we may have more in common then we think.
People are different, that's what makes this country so special. Our culture is unique and like no other, because of the diversity of it's members. While far from perfect and with a long way to go, the first step may be learning to speak with each other in the American Language.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Do You Know What The Constitution Says?
Have you taken the time to reflect on how many Americans do not know what our Constitution and Bill of Rights really state about our Rights and Liberties? How many of us can truly say they know what our political leaders can and can not do under the Constitution?
If you take the time to read the Constitution, you can actually read and understand the turmoil and growth that our country had gone through. While far from perfect, our country and it's citizens is preferable to others in the world. Our country is still young, and with that comes growing pains. Have we treated all of our citizens fairly from the beginning? Absolutely not, but we are learning!
The question is, do we continue to let our so called leaders both in state and the national level, treat us like children, to dumb to understand how everything works. The answer is NO! As an American, we all need to take the time to read the Constitution and understand what it says. Forearmed is Forewarned. If we know what it says, then our so called leaders can simply pat us on the head and have us sit in a corner quietly.
Schools should be teaching our future generation about the builders of our Constitution. There should be an emphases on making sure our children understand how our government is supposed to work. Too many young people have no idea what the Bill of Rights or the Constitutions even means to them, both as individual an as a whole.
America needs to wake up and start letting our leaders know that we are not going to sit idly by and let them destroy a document that past generations have fought and died for. Americans have wrestled with the true meaning of the Constitution and have grown both as a country and as a People. While not perfect, we are a work in progress. We will not let them destroy our future or the future of our children.
Take the time to read and understand this vital document. If not for yourself, then for future generations.
If you take the time to read the Constitution, you can actually read and understand the turmoil and growth that our country had gone through. While far from perfect, our country and it's citizens is preferable to others in the world. Our country is still young, and with that comes growing pains. Have we treated all of our citizens fairly from the beginning? Absolutely not, but we are learning!
The question is, do we continue to let our so called leaders both in state and the national level, treat us like children, to dumb to understand how everything works. The answer is NO! As an American, we all need to take the time to read the Constitution and understand what it says. Forearmed is Forewarned. If we know what it says, then our so called leaders can simply pat us on the head and have us sit in a corner quietly.
Schools should be teaching our future generation about the builders of our Constitution. There should be an emphases on making sure our children understand how our government is supposed to work. Too many young people have no idea what the Bill of Rights or the Constitutions even means to them, both as individual an as a whole.
America needs to wake up and start letting our leaders know that we are not going to sit idly by and let them destroy a document that past generations have fought and died for. Americans have wrestled with the true meaning of the Constitution and have grown both as a country and as a People. While not perfect, we are a work in progress. We will not let them destroy our future or the future of our children.
Take the time to read and understand this vital document. If not for yourself, then for future generations.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Storm of Cowards
Recently, while listening to Glenn Beck, The Storm Handbook was fore front in his comments. He urged his listeners to download and read this information. Having done so, why does the historic information fail to supply the names of the founding fathers of the organization?
Now, it seems that, if you are proud of what you have formed and proud of what it stands for, that you would want your name on it. Within this handbook, can no proud names be found. If these individuals won't stand up or stand by what they have written, how can anyone trust them.
This handbook talks about how horrible it was that the Soviet Union collapsed, that China has made moves towards capitalism. They scream how horrible capitalism is, yet, not once do they talk about how horrible the lives were in the old USSR. Food shortages, fuel shortages, lack of housing for the average individual. They don't talk about how difficult life is and was for the Chinese people. Yet, they hold these groups up as icons. They hold Communism as the answer to all our problems. If you can stand up in the public eye, if you can't put your name and face out to the public, then you are a coward.
The Average American, the members of Main St, want to live happy, productive lives. We want to provide for our families, we want a decent home, to enjoy our lives as we see fit. Not the way someone else tells us we have to. It's the average American who sends their sons and daughters off to war, it's been that way since this country was founded. It was their blood that bought our freedom and keeps us free.
Take the time to talk with individuals that lived through the Depression, fought in the different armed conflicts and wars, those are heroes, not cowards. Take the time to talk with someone from a different culture, a different skin color, you will see that in the end, we are all the same. Learn to think for yourself, that's what this country is about, being able to think and believe the way you want to.
It's true that we don't always get along, but compared to where we have been, we have come along way. Groups like Storm, takes these differences and uses them to their advantage, not ours. Being different from each other isn't easy and it can be frightening, but it's also what makes us strong.
Now, it seems that, if you are proud of what you have formed and proud of what it stands for, that you would want your name on it. Within this handbook, can no proud names be found. If these individuals won't stand up or stand by what they have written, how can anyone trust them.
This handbook talks about how horrible it was that the Soviet Union collapsed, that China has made moves towards capitalism. They scream how horrible capitalism is, yet, not once do they talk about how horrible the lives were in the old USSR. Food shortages, fuel shortages, lack of housing for the average individual. They don't talk about how difficult life is and was for the Chinese people. Yet, they hold these groups up as icons. They hold Communism as the answer to all our problems. If you can stand up in the public eye, if you can't put your name and face out to the public, then you are a coward.
The Average American, the members of Main St, want to live happy, productive lives. We want to provide for our families, we want a decent home, to enjoy our lives as we see fit. Not the way someone else tells us we have to. It's the average American who sends their sons and daughters off to war, it's been that way since this country was founded. It was their blood that bought our freedom and keeps us free.
Take the time to talk with individuals that lived through the Depression, fought in the different armed conflicts and wars, those are heroes, not cowards. Take the time to talk with someone from a different culture, a different skin color, you will see that in the end, we are all the same. Learn to think for yourself, that's what this country is about, being able to think and believe the way you want to.
It's true that we don't always get along, but compared to where we have been, we have come along way. Groups like Storm, takes these differences and uses them to their advantage, not ours. Being different from each other isn't easy and it can be frightening, but it's also what makes us strong.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Winners and Losers
When I was growing up, competition was present in every aspect of my childhood. With my siblings, friends and classmates and of course in sports and with school. This continued on through adolescence and even into my adulthood. It was a normal part of growing up. But somewhere along the way things changed. Competition with real winners and losers started to disappear.
I first noticed it when my children became involved in sports. The coaches were mostly moms who volunteered when no fathers were available. Moms, being moms, they never want children to be hurt or disappointed. Children would get trophies, just to keep them from feeling like losers. So, instead of teaching children in the developmental years, that there are winners and losers. That not everyone wins at everything, we have taught our children that it is ok to be losers. That mediocrity is fine, that just showing up makes them winners. We haven't taught our children that failure, along with losing is a part of life. We haven't taught them that trying harder, working hard, striving harder will help them reach their full potential.
With this, "it's ok to lose" attitude so ingrained in our children, there is a sense that it's ok to be second best. There is no drive to be the best, to overcome obstacles that life puts in front of them. There is a "so what" attitude that you see in their lack of work ethic, how they dress, how they interact with others, in every aspect of who they are and sadly who they may become. Recently, a major pizza restaurant starting running a TV advertisement that played to this entire phenomenon. What does say about our culture?
Our children are becoming followers and not the leaders that they need to be. In this world that they will inherit from us, they will need leaders who can think for themselves and stand by their decision. Our children will have to be stronger then we have been. But with this kind of mentality, how will our children achieve their full potential?
Parents, coaches, teachers and the adult population in general need to take a hard look at how we promote learning, sports and life overall. We need to take a step back in time and get back to basics. If we don't start helping our children, and grandchildren learn the concept of winners and losers then we may lose an entire generation to a downward spiral of mediocrity.
I first noticed it when my children became involved in sports. The coaches were mostly moms who volunteered when no fathers were available. Moms, being moms, they never want children to be hurt or disappointed. Children would get trophies, just to keep them from feeling like losers. So, instead of teaching children in the developmental years, that there are winners and losers. That not everyone wins at everything, we have taught our children that it is ok to be losers. That mediocrity is fine, that just showing up makes them winners. We haven't taught our children that failure, along with losing is a part of life. We haven't taught them that trying harder, working hard, striving harder will help them reach their full potential.
With this, "it's ok to lose" attitude so ingrained in our children, there is a sense that it's ok to be second best. There is no drive to be the best, to overcome obstacles that life puts in front of them. There is a "so what" attitude that you see in their lack of work ethic, how they dress, how they interact with others, in every aspect of who they are and sadly who they may become. Recently, a major pizza restaurant starting running a TV advertisement that played to this entire phenomenon. What does say about our culture?
Our children are becoming followers and not the leaders that they need to be. In this world that they will inherit from us, they will need leaders who can think for themselves and stand by their decision. Our children will have to be stronger then we have been. But with this kind of mentality, how will our children achieve their full potential?
Parents, coaches, teachers and the adult population in general need to take a hard look at how we promote learning, sports and life overall. We need to take a step back in time and get back to basics. If we don't start helping our children, and grandchildren learn the concept of winners and losers then we may lose an entire generation to a downward spiral of mediocrity.
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