It starts today
Is the Daily Kos a strictly Democratic site or is it a Progressive site? In other words; isn’t the time right for a Progressive Third Party? If so, what would the central theme of that party be? There are many issues such as Health Care and the Environment to deal with, and in the coming days I will deal with them. However, everything starts with the parents and the schools. Academics are the main thing, but we must ensure that the school environment is favorable to learning and that hard work is properly rewarded THROUGHOUT ONE'S LIFE. This rash of school shootings and the Jena 6 incident have brought up the issue of bullying. No one’s condoning violence, but I hope that no one is condoning bullying. No one can deny that it exists. If bullying isn’t stopped it will lead to truly terrible things like job discrimination. Now teaching the difference between right and wrong is often not enough because some people think being a cooperative person is "corny". Instead we must teach them the difference between just joking around and doing things that are genuinely hurtful.
Relations (the fourth R) are currently taught through sensitivity training. The purpose of sensitivity training has always been to teach that you should love and respect all good people. This is a fine method for some; but there will always be people who just won’t listen to that kind of talk. For those people we must have a back-up plan. Our back-up plan is based on a simple premise: Get inside their way of thinking and USE THEIR OWN ARGUMENTS AGAINST THEM.
Bigotry is not as simple as black and white. There are other races in between. Furthermore, racism is not the only form of bigotry. What about people who are fat, ugly, nerdy? This form of bigotry is called "looksism" and it’s just as pernicious.
Some may say that to teach these lessons is a parent’s responsibility. Well, when enough parents aren’t living up to that obligation; the government must step in. Besides; today’s children will grow up to be tomorrow’s parents and will inevitably pass these lessons on to their own children. Our back-up plan involves posting a list of sayings in all schools. The following is one possible suggestion for what those sayings might be.
- Nobody asked to be born. Everybody has responsibilities
- Don't jump to conclusions. People will react to the way you treat them.
- People who aren’t established are more vulnerable.
- Things that seem chosen may not be. An opinion is the same no matter the source.
- Some people want your respect and some people don't. One who seems afraid may just be bored.
- Job discrimination will not make someone disappear.
- Mistakes can matter, but the big picture is the main thing.
- Know the difference between equal opportunity and equal outcome.
- First consider the needs of society before having children.
- Breaking certain taboos will lead to a burnt out culture.