Grow Up America
the brass tacks
JoeUser Forums
Here we are at the brink of another important presidential election. We are at war, our economy is in a shambles and many of us our holding on by a shoe string and true to our nature as Americans, we are still all trying to "have it our way".
America, a country characterized by liberty and more human rights than any other nation EVER on the the face of this earth is struggling and I think it may be about time for us to "grow up". I say this as a mother of six, with 3 teenage daughters at home, all of which are trying to figure out what it means to be an adult. It is not a magic number, 18 or 21, it is the ability to know what is right and to do it, two very difficult tasks.
First, knowing what is right. How does one know these days when our convensional wisdom is completely up for grabs. I am not touting some particular moral code, I'm saying simply that it is impossible to maintain a family, never mind a nation if we are not willing to all lay down a few things for the greater good. We can't even agree on what the "greater good" is. Our governmental process has become so bogged down by special interest groups that no matter who gets into the White House in November it will be difficult to employ any change and no matter how you look at it, things must change.
Second, the abilitiy to do it. Sounds simple right? How many of us will govern ourselves better for the sake of our country when we haven't for our immediate communities, our families or our God. Seriously. who will use less, spend less, do less, have less, give more, stand up and take it like a grown up person without whining, follow through with consistancy, be honest. This "selfless" kind of living requires choices that don't make self interest the hub of all activity and are foreign to this rights inebriated land.
Consider the following as an outline for adult behavior. This is what we are using with our kids. It did not originate with us, they got it at their public school.
Individual Responsibility: fulfilling one's responsibilities to family, friends, and others in one's community and nation.
Self discipline/self governance: obeying reaonable rules and laws voluntarily and not requiring others to force one to do so.
Civility: treating other people with respect regardless of whether or not one likes them or agrees with their viewpoints, being willing to listen to other points of view, not being insulting when argueing with others.
Respect for the Rights of other Individuals: respect for the right other other people to hold and express their own opinions, respect for their right to a voice in thier government.
Honesty: telling the truth
Respect for Law: willingness to abide by laws, even though one may not be in complet agreement with every law.
Open Mindedness: willingnesss to consider other points of view
Critical Mindedness: the inclination to question the truth of various positions, inclding one's own
Negotiation and Compromise: willingness to try to come to agreement with those with whom one may differ, when it is reasonable and morally justifiable.
Persistence: willingness to attept agains and again to accomplish a worthwhile goal
Civic Mindiness: concern for the well-being of one's community and nation.
These are basic concepts that provide the structure necessary for our community to flourish if EVERYONE participates. They are unbiased and apply no matter what one believes. The only way that we can continue to exist is together as we can afford no islands in these United States if we want to heal as a nation.
Joan of Arc
Stardock Forums
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