Education: The Way Forward

Many, but not all, of the major problems facing society today are self-inflicted wounds. These stem from people's ignorance and lack of critical thinking skills. Ignorance is not due to lack of intelligence or knowledge but lack of understanding. Too much of what we "know" is based on persuasion, not on rational proof. In our society, decision making is too often not based on sound reasoning. This partly is the fault of our educational systems. Skill subjects such as logic, argumentation, reasoning, coherent debate and so on are not taught seriously in our schools because they are not valued. That needs to change. Having a thorough grasp of these skills will benefit each student and allow them to fully utilize all the other skills that are learned in school and provide a pathway to future learning. These should be part of every student's curriculum and these skills will benefit all of society. I believe a passing grade in this subject should be required for graduation.

Healthy skepticism is the hallmark of nobody's fool. Asking respectful questions and insisting on thoughtful and reasoned answers is the way to resolve most conflicting points of view or to reach a consensus on most issues.

Part of an intelligent discourse will recognize that there are emotional and aesthetic components to many subjects of discussion which cannot be resolved with cold logic. However, emotion should not rule.

Students should learn to cherish liberty, independent thinking, self reliance and accountability, as well as the humanities.

Finally, education is so important to human and societal development, society should do almost anything to prevent a student from dropping out of school.  Incomplete education is an incredible waste of a human resource and frequently leads to an increased burden on society. School attendance (public, private or home) should be mandatory and enforced. As an investment, transportation, clothing, nutrition assistance, or intervention should be provided at public expense, if necessary. Every effort should be made to reengage parents with the education of their children. The purpose of education is not solely to learn how to make a living but also about making one's way through life.

Sovereignty

Protecting and ensuring our country's sovereignty is an integral part of our Nation's security, a constitutional duty and the fundamental responsibility of the executive branch of the federal government. It should be taken as a matter of course that active control of our borders and points of entry is not optional. Enforcing and protecting our borders should be an active, ongoing, daily process. The enforcement should be clear and unambiguous. As this is written, our president is not fulfilling that responsibility.  We must encourage him to do so. We must insist that he do so.

Treating people humanely is  the American way but ignoring clear violations of our sovereignty should not be the American way. It is not compassionate to ignore such things, because to do so gives some people a false sense of entitlement and a distorted view of the rule of law. It shows no respect to people (citizens or aliens) who are in our country legally. All illegal immigrants (the number is irrelevant, 11 million + or -, the principle is the same ) should be gently returned to the border that they crossed unless they were brought here without their consent , i.e. young children, or there is compelling evidence that such action would bring grievous harm to them.

Organizations, businesses or municipalities knowingly providing employment or sanctuary should be prosecuted for abetting violations of federal law. Private citizens, organizations and non-federal governments should be applauded for trying to help protect and enforce the law of the land. Immigration policy and enforcement is a federal prerogative but doing a poor job is not acceptable. Simply because something is a federal responsibility does not prohibit citizens from assisting in the enforcement of our nation's laws in a humane, responsible and lawful manner. If we are encouraged to report suspicious activities regarding other aspects of national security, why not illegal entry into our country?

The argument for non-enforcement (because to do so would raise the cost of services and food) is a false one. If a lower cost of living is based on selectively ignoring the law, we are living in a false world. How can we expect others to respect us if we ignore our own laws? Assuming prices would rise to reflect the actual cost of legal labor, we would adjust. Life would go on. Let us reaffirm our independence and be a society to be admired again.

Lastly, please don't insult the intelligence of everyone who is concerned about violations of our sovereignty by calling them racist or anti-immigrant. It is ignorant or deliberate lying to suggest that.

Everyone who resides in this country is an immigrant or descended from one, humans are not native to this continent. All that is required is that people be here lawfully.

First Thoughts

The purpose of this blog is to open a dialog with other people who believe as I do, that a serious readjustment of the operation of our society is in order. I also want to speak with people who think things are fine just the way they are. Restructuring does not mean rewriting the Constitution, it does not mean throwing out the law books. It does, however, require an active, not passive, electorate.

A prime example of readjustment means reorienting the relationship between our government and its citizens. It means reestablishing a more direct dialog with our elected representatives. It does not mean pitchforks and mobs in the streets. Our governments at all levels are collectively employed by the citizens. As such, the individual workers in government, whether elected, appointed or civil servant, should be held accountable to the citizens for their actions. Those who serve in an elected capacity must adhere to their lawful responsibilities. It is up to the citizens to remind our officials that they have been elected to serve, not to create a career.

A great hinderance to direct contact with our elected representatives is the more than doubling of the US population since the end of WorldWar II. That means a dilution of access a single voter can enjoy. This situation has lead to an increase in the power and number of lobbying groups aiming to influence the outcome of legislation benefitting "special interests" and lessens the influence of private citizens.

Restructuring cannot and should not be done too rapidly. It will take careful, consistent adherence to principles. It must not be change for the sake of change. Citizens will be required, if things are to improve, to inform themselves as to the actions of their elected officials.  It is mandatory to be involved if things are to be restructured. If action is left to others, one might not like the new way any better.

In the following days, many subjects will be discussed. I invite your respectful comments.

If you are interested in pursuing the subject of rational thinking, check out this url:
http://www.uwgb.edu/dutchs/PSEUDOSC/Abelard%20for%20Today.HTM