The True Urgency of Now
When the dark clouds of lack of civility entered into the debate regarding health care reform came into the political and the social dialogue of the American political leaders and citizens, they were an ominous warning that our values are out of sync. Ethnic slurs and homophobic rhetoric will accomplish nothing more than dividing an already very fragile relationship among our social classes and more importantly it rekindles and substantiate the divisiveness that exist in ethnic relations. Consider the following: The Texas Board of Education adoption of text books that would eliminate the accomplishment of their Hispanic citizens. The state of Florida efforts to create legislation that would base salary increase for teachers on the academic progress of their students. Finally, the increase incidents of cyber bulling that are occurring daily among our students. Yet, standing on the sidelines are our moral leaders in a similar fashion as were described of the Pharisees during the time of Jesus. I appreciate their view that we are facing what many have called “the end of days,” however, what is perplexing is the absence of choirs of voices metaphorically crying in the wilderness. It is my belief that we have been given a choice as human beings. We can choose to fight this evil that has asserted their right of imposition and nullification towards fellow citizens. The last time we faced such an evil was during the time of Dr. King, Malcolm X, John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy. The voices of evil helped create a climate where assassination became the norm. We have awakened from a comatose state and should be prepared for those individuals who have reaped the most of society during the past 40 years and are prepared do anything to maintain their economic advantage. It is our duty…it is our responsibility….it is our moral obligation to stand. People who stand for nothing will always fall victim of anything. Metaphorically it is our time to clean out the temple. The challenge is difficult, however, if not us….then who.
posted by Cope @ 7:12 PM
5 Comments
5 Comments:
The reality is that everyone knows whats brewing with all of these events you spoke of, yet as in past times most feel it's safer to not get involved unless it affects them or their family.The courage to be outspoken doesn't have to lead to assassination, but you might as well be killing the child that's been bullied in cyberspace by not speaking up in our schools or neighborhoods.
@Anonymous...Thank you for your comments. I would humbly suggest that you review the history of this country. I am of the opinion that we do nothing not because it does not affects us, rather we feel safer because we do remember those who stood for us and what happen to them.~Cope
So true, maybe the fear of the unknown and the lack of respect and understanding that you often talk about could be the cause of hesitancy in soceity today.Whould you agree that we as a society still have a long way to go to ever get past the ignorance that is displayed in all areas of life?
I find your comments very interesting. I love the discussion. ~Cope
Coach,
I'm back. :~) You have covered a broad range of social, economic, ethnic, racist and academic topics in this post. These are topics that small groups of individuals huddle in a corner and whisper about. However, your title is appropriate. There must be an urgency in establishing a respectful dialogue and take reasonable steps towards true reconciliation and resolution.
With respect to the hostile political and social dialogue...I believe the underlying cause is racism. Never in my life, or in the history of politics, have I witnessed a US Respresentative call the President of the United States of America a liar, much less when he is addressing the nation. Elected officials are consistently attempting to disempower President Obama. These outbursts on the congressional floor empowers ordinary citizens to escalate the tension in the health care debate. If my repesentative can disrespect President Obama then I can too. If President Obama was white he would not have such opposition with respect to health care, political appointees and even the ongoing war in Iraq and Afghanistan. He certainly would not be subjected to so much disrespect. It's all about race. A black man leading the country? How dare we allow them people to think for themselves, much less for our country." This is the mentality. This attitude fuels the virulent discource, and bi-partisanship will be as elusive as rain in the mojave desert.
You are correct in your assessment that today's social climate mimics that of the mid 1960's where assassinations, fire bombing and ethnic violence consumed the headlines. Since his inauguration, President Obama has had more death threats than any other president in the history of United States politics at this junction in his term.
Too many people have settled into their way of life and are unwilling to get involved. Your blog speaks to the climate of our nation. From the President, to the adverse treatment of our teachers and the institution of education, to the online bullying and an irresponsible society at large, no matter where you fit in we are all in this together. All involved, get involved. Change will not come with people telling themselves, "there's nothing I can do."
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