Excuse me: Mind if I have an opinion?
Today in America, there are many things getting done and happening that will ultimately lead to, at a minimum, a diminished way of life, and at a maximum this Country’s downfall. I’ve been breathing the air here in America for 38 years, and have seen many things come and go, many things that just leave me with one eyebrow raised and many things that I just flat out cannot understand. This Country was founded as "one nation under God," and has a history of being strong as well as, quite frankly, obstinate: This has been and is what makes this Country great. However, over the past few years, I have seen a turn in American ideals to one that is accepting and passive. What is America’s mission statement now? Do we still long to be the world leader that sets the pace for all other countries or have we become the Nation that has accepted being "good enough?" Have we become a Nation that is so worried about what the rest of the world thinks about us, we actual sit in Limbo: A lame duck Nation, if you will? Let’s consider a few things:
1) When the National news most typically fills each and every broadcast with murder, crime and mayhem, what does this mean? When the same news broadcast fills the remaining time with negative opinions from around the world regarding the decisions that do actually get made here, is this presumably beneficial? What of all the positive difference that takes place everyday in every neighborhood throughout the Country: Is it correct, based on current procedures, that reporting on good, would be detrimental?
2) When our Nations current leader’s and future leader’s are seemingly more interested in pointing out their detractors flaws, than making policy and leading us into the next millenium, does this actually spell success? Or impending doom? What of our future leaders that are bent on speaking of this Nation’s current military operations in a negative context in addition to incessantly pointing out who’s to blame: Is this beneficial or does negativity bread negativity, as it once did? Would it be harmful for these same pontificator’s to offer solutions to said military actions, instead of airing their opinion of who’s name should go on the "very naughty" list?
3) This nation is doing a great job (my opinion) in switching modes to becoming more environmentally cognizant. Being one of the greenest nations in the world today, is this one of the main reasons other Nation’s look unfavorably upon us? When we suggest that other Nations follow suit in an attempt to clean up our unique world, is it the equivalent of rubbing salt in a wound? Should Nations such as China that commit human rights violations as a matter of public policy and knowingly manufacture consumer goods containing lead, be allowed as they are, to continue freely trading here in America? Is a Country that knowingly trades with other Nations that commit human rights crimes, actually leading the way for all: or practicing negative compromise?
4) If a kid does poorly on a test or assignment in school, why do they get a second chance to do better? Other than, don’t worry about the outcome of things, because there will always be a second chance, what is this promoting? Maybe I live in a bubble out here in the real world, but from my perspective, life very rarely offers second chances. Promoting a message that suggests success the first time is negative in what way? If kids understand that negative consequences actually can happen, doesn’t this help them strive for initial success and therefore our Nation’s future success?
5) What kind of message are we sending our kids when they compete in any capacity, and winning is not touted as an important goal? When we send the message to them that it is okay and honorable to lose as long as they had fun, what good comes from this? Does this not pave the way for a future society that is okay with just being okay, as long as you are enjoying yourself? And if so, can a society of happy wheel spinners, actually be the world leader: or does that society follow whichever Nation is bent on success?
I suggest that we as a society need to take a look at what is going on all around us and begin to challenge this notion that tolerance, empathy and mediocrity are acceptable. My friends and fellow citizens, let’s take a strong stance, have informed (INFORMED) opinions, become aware, pay attention to what’s going on, and begin to turn back this once very strong and proud (Yes, I said PROUD) Nation. Enjoy your freewill tonight, as history suggests that all great Nations eventually come to ruin (check it out): Let’s ensure that ruin does not happen in our lifetime!
BodyAuditor out: Living life without regret while striving for continual improvement, everyday!
October 15, 2007 at 10:03 pm
When you run for office, let me know.
I know a couple of people that would definitely vote for you! (no joke!)
October 16, 2007 at 1:58 am
this is the last thing i would have thought about reading on bodybuilding.com but i couldent stop reading…i guess i am trying to say that i agree with you. to expand more on the child thing, i work with parents that argue (seriously) about how much better their kid is than somebody elses. i believe that makes a tense situation for two kids that are friends on a team. it’s almost as if we are competing against ourselves. children need to be taught RESPECT. i think that has been lost in our country. everybody is out for themselves….like our politicians. it’s not about whats best for the country, it’s about whats best for them. does this mean that you can not get anywhere in life unless you are a jerk? it seems to be but i believe that nice people succeed. they just have to work harder at it. i feel kids need to learn what it feels like to be great at something and they need to be praised for it. we can not celebrate mediocrities because this will teach a kid that they dont have to push themselves and once they are older, living on the street, struggling to make ends meet, they will wonder,"where did i go wrong?" is that the childs fault? we NEED to be better PARENTS and better ROLE MODELS!
October 16, 2007 at 2:00 am
I know Im from accross the pond but you sure make some good reading… over here we have always looked up to our "big brother" and I hope it long continues….
October 16, 2007 at 9:38 am
Some great points.
Many in this country believe in an idealism that will not work.
…if we let everyone be a winner, all will be happy. FALSE. Take away the drive to achieve, and the pain that comes from losing, and no one will strive for "the next level" that makes us stand in awe of.
And don’t get me started on "no child left behind"…lowering the standards to make the inner city schools look better on paper. All this does is cripple lower income families and children.
More common sense.
I, for one, am voting for anyone other than incumbents this year.
October 17, 2007 at 4:49 am
Man I have said these same things so many times. I watch the so called debates on TV which are nothing more than scripted speaches and I long to hear just one canidate come out and tell me what his or her policy is going to be but other than Ron Paul all I get is them telling me why I shouldn’t vote for the other canidates!! Don’t tell me that shit…tell me why I should vote for you!! As for the way we pamper the kids these days…well there is not enough time and space here to tell you what I think of that. Great blog Scott!! As always!
October 17, 2007 at 8:27 am
Agreed! But I also think that the competitive spirit has been perverted: some children are pushed too hard, and if you look at the infamous "hockey dad" incident that is not a case of positive role models.
I was at an ACS chapter meeting a couple weeks ago and the US is really slacking in producing science majors. Granted it’s because of the almighty dollar (outsourcing saves dollars for companies), but it’s killing the country’s leadership in innovating science that is going to keep us as a world leader.
October 18, 2007 at 5:56 am
Well Said Scott…. Well Said! As a country we are truley self destructing!
October 18, 2007 at 9:33 am
If you’re not a motivational speaker, then you’re in the wrong business… very inspiring entry!
October 18, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Could not have said it better. Always an insightfull opinion to be had from you.
October 18, 2007 at 3:08 pm
You forgot the national news also covers Brittney, Paris and Lindsey. Very important stuff!!!!!!
October 18, 2007 at 3:10 pm
And don’t forget Anna Nicole Smith!!! We couldn’t go one day not hearing about her!!!
October 18, 2007 at 3:16 pm
Very well said. I have actually stopped watching the news because it is so over run with negativity it is depressing. I try and find inspirational positive stories online to read instead. Anyway, I won’t ramble on I just wanted to give some kudos for so eloquently pointing out how we as Americans are creating our own demise. Our only hope for the furture is our children…lets hope we can reach them in time.
October 18, 2007 at 6:06 pm
"4) If a kid does poorly on a test or assignment in school, why do they get a second chance to do better? Other than, don’t worry about the outcome of things, because there will always be a second chance, what is this promoting? Maybe I live in a bubble out here in the real world, but from my perspective, life very rarely offers second chances. Promoting a message that suggests success the first time is negative in what way? If kids understand that negative consequences actually can happen, doesn’t this help them strive for initial success and therefore our Nation’s future success?"
AMEN!
It’s all about not crushing the widdle kiddies’ feewings. Now I’m all about encouragement and positive attitude, however Mrs. Lawrence (my 4th grade teacher) was in the business of CRUSHING MY SELF ESTEEM WITH STRAIGHT FORWARD EVALUATIONS AND SEEMINGLY NON-STOP AND UNFORGIVING PADDLINGS FOR ANY AND ALL INFRACTIONS!
I’m still in one piece. I graduated from college. I’ve got a boatload (or at least a decent collection) of graduate credits and not once did I think, "Oh, Mrs. Lawrence, if ONLY you would have been nicer to me."
Bullsh!t. Children need to have consequences. The "real world" certainly does.
Fwiw (to me, it was worth a lot), I attended Mrs. Lawrence’s funeral years ago to show my respect and bid farewell to a woman who taught me a lot - least of which was that there are indeed consequences for "stepping out of line."
Another great post, Scott. Thank you!
heh
Glad you liked Aesop’s fable, of course.
October 18, 2007 at 6:07 pm
Wait, wait! I meant to write:
"NO OPINION FOR YOU!"
(Uh, I hope your a Seinfeld fan.)
October 20, 2007 at 6:41 pm
Hey Scott!! Well written blog and couldn’t agree more with what you say about giving kids second chances…I personally feel at the middle school level that we give kids way too many chances. They are not allowed to experience the natural consequences of their choices so they never learn to make better choices. Mediocrity has become the standard they shoot for. I could go on for awhile, but won’t. Great blog.