It's Time to Walk the Walk - Part III

I like to be positive and upbeat. That’s one of the reasons we named our Web site, A Journey to Hope. I don’t like to sound negative and definitely don’t like to come across as “hard-line.” But I owe too much to my wife, my children, and my grandchildren to sacrifice their legacy on the altar of “positivity.” And I am definitely too indebted to my God to remain silent for the sake of convenience.

Our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are having their futures mortgaged to a political agenda that will deny them their birthright of freedom. Through a multitude of media we are bombarded daily by those who would tell us that good is evil and evil is good. The boldness of those who stand in opposition to truth is escalating exponentially. Those who stand up for what is right and decent are labeled and maligned. Even our language is being redefined. For example, those who believe in individual liberty are being called “Fascists” and those who advocate for total government control of every aspect of our lives are called, “liberals.” We are truly moving into Animal Farm in 1984, and most of us are not really happy with our Brave New World.

We have lost many recent battles. We have not lost the war. In the past two articles (See Archives, It’s Time to Walk the Walk) I addressed some ways we can help stem the current tide that is engulfing the nation. None of us can do it all. None of us can stand alone. But, together, and with the help of God, we can, and friends, we will make a difference.

5. Teach your children and grandchildren. This may seem like a small matter but never forget, knowledge is power. Give your children the knowledge they need to articulate the truth. Give them the knowledge they need to incubate them from the false ideologies that permeate their world. Teach them at every opportunity you have remembering that everyday is filled with teachable moments. Teach them that, if they make a good effort, it is ok to fail but not ok to quit. Make sure they know what the Declaration of Independence and Constitution actually say and what these documents mean to them as American citizens. Do not assume they are being taught this information in the public school system. Give them the knowledge that their faith will stand the test of time and opposition.

6. Be involved in your local schools. As a public school teacher and principal for many years I had the privilege of working with some of the finest people anywhere. They were dedicated individuals who cared about their students and lived exemplary lives. Many of them are still in the classroom. However, I also know what is going on in public education that is not in the best interests of our children. Please remember that many of our children’s teachers have been taught (perhaps indoctrinated) in colleges and universities that not only do not share your values but will mock them in the classroom. Your children may be given textbooks that, at best, ignore men like Thomas Jefferson and glorify individuals like Che Guevara. Pseudo science is propagated to advance an economic and political agenda.

Some of your children are being taught that collaboration is to be practiced at the expense of competition and that pseudo self esteem is more important than earned self respect. In some group activities children are taught by inference that you can eliminate failure by eliminating success. This is the mantra of too many in government positions today. Your children, our children, must be taught to strive for earned excellence; excellence that is a quality rather than a slogan. We are all created equal. We are to have equal opportunity. We do not have equal talents and gifts. We do not all have the same level of intelligence, the same athletic ability, or the same musical skill. A fluffy world where everyone gets an “A”, everyone makes the team, and everyone is in the musical, and no one keeps score is a world of soma-induced mediocrity. This mentality will also produce an uninformed electorate who will sell out to the highest bidder regardless of the bidder’s ability or willingness to fulfill their idle promises.

If you are a tax payer, you have the right to know what is being taught and how it is being taught in your local school district. Attend board meetings. If you are a parent, attend parent conferences and talk to your children about what is happening at school. Support those dedicated and honorable teachers and administrators who are on the front lines every day on behalf of their students. If you want teachers and administrators to listen to you, be willing to listen to them. And always, have a right attitude in doing right.

If you cannot be reconciled to the manner in which the local district is educating your children, consider your options including private schools and home instruction. Network with others who have the same concerns as you. These children are too valuable to compromise their futures for our convenience.

Recently I was talking to a tree trimmer about cutting down trees. I’m not a tree hugger but appreciate trees as a wonder of God’s creation. He said he didn’t care to plant trees because he would not live long enough to see them grown. Trying not to sound self-righteous I said, “I plant them knowing that others will see them grown.” Plant the seeds. Water, cultivate, nurture and most of all, set the direction in which they will grow. For as the twig is bent, so grows the tree.

In the next Studies, we will look at some additional ways we can Walk the Walk.