Now that we are officially in 2014 and many have declared their "resolutions" (which most will ignore by next week), I propose a few new resolutions for our great nation to consider. Knowing most will ignore them anyway, I figure what the hell, let's give it a shot.
First Resolution. For all Americans to realize that democracy demands an attentive public and that Media is not to be relied upon solely as a source of information. Due to the prevalence of the "Ideologically Oriented For-Profit Media", Americans need to do something that they find most painful...engaging their independent brains before determining a position as it relates to our politics. I mean, our Founders and Framers did just fine without being bombarded by Media talking heads and 24 hour infotainment under the guise of "news." In this new year, Americans should resolve to "cut the cord" of reliance upon single sources of media and instead seek out several diverse outlets for information and real news before formulating opinions, especially those relating to politics and governmental policies. I know it's tough using our brains, but the times we are living in demand it, and so does democracy.
Second Resolution. For all Americans to rediscover the beauty of learning American History along with its warts, pimples, highs and lows. Only with a better understanding of our great history will Americans begin to appreciate where our democracy stands today and where we are all capable of moving it tomorrow. When I speak about learning American History, I mean real American History, and not a history conveniently revised to fit a political ideology. Better yet, Americans should move towards reading the words of our Founders and Framers with a healthy dose of early Supreme Court rulings. That way, they can begin to independently understand and appreciate how many have begun to "revise" history in an effort to manipulate a susceptible audience in an effort to skew their belief systems.
Third Resolution. For all Americans to take a step back and appreciate everything that has been done for them in their lives, including family, educational and economic influences. Then and only then will they begin to understand what sacrifices were made to bring them to their current position in American society. Do Americans really understand what their family went through to become Americans? Do they know what sacrifices they made to make a family succeed in America? Do they know how education was valued by their great grandparents and their grandparents? Do they know how interested their forefathers and mothers dedicated themselves to understanding and appreciating American liberty and democracy - especially if coming to America from countries that held little value in individual freedom? When Americans truly understand what their families valued, how hard work brought economic stability to them and how teachers influenced them to succeed, they again will be engaged in ensuring their children and beyond hold American values of individual liberty and freedom as lofty goals to be respected and loved.
Fourth Resolution. For all Americans to discover the benefits of the first three resolutions. As we begin to step back from the now common divisive political rhetoric perpetuated in our modern society and reject the objective of dividing us, to instead move together towards achieving the common goal of preserving American values that inherently embrace our diversity that makes our country stronger.
Fifth Resolution. To continue to speak out for expanding civic education devoid of partisan political ideology and to encourage others to correct those making outrageous and false statements that simply mirror talking points and narratives perpetuated by the Ideologically Supporting For-Profit Media. In other words, speak out on issues that promote the best interests of America and not those of the special interests or a political party. By doing so, the political discourse will improve (can't get much worse) and perhaps the real problems in America can finally be addressed by our elected officials.
Knowing New Year's resolutions are most often forgotten or ignored , I am pledging to remember them throughout this new year. As President Thomas Jefferson once wrote, "Educate and inform the whole mass of the people...They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty." Have a great week!
First Resolution. For all Americans to realize that democracy demands an attentive public and that Media is not to be relied upon solely as a source of information. Due to the prevalence of the "Ideologically Oriented For-Profit Media", Americans need to do something that they find most painful...engaging their independent brains before determining a position as it relates to our politics. I mean, our Founders and Framers did just fine without being bombarded by Media talking heads and 24 hour infotainment under the guise of "news." In this new year, Americans should resolve to "cut the cord" of reliance upon single sources of media and instead seek out several diverse outlets for information and real news before formulating opinions, especially those relating to politics and governmental policies. I know it's tough using our brains, but the times we are living in demand it, and so does democracy.
Second Resolution. For all Americans to rediscover the beauty of learning American History along with its warts, pimples, highs and lows. Only with a better understanding of our great history will Americans begin to appreciate where our democracy stands today and where we are all capable of moving it tomorrow. When I speak about learning American History, I mean real American History, and not a history conveniently revised to fit a political ideology. Better yet, Americans should move towards reading the words of our Founders and Framers with a healthy dose of early Supreme Court rulings. That way, they can begin to independently understand and appreciate how many have begun to "revise" history in an effort to manipulate a susceptible audience in an effort to skew their belief systems.
Third Resolution. For all Americans to take a step back and appreciate everything that has been done for them in their lives, including family, educational and economic influences. Then and only then will they begin to understand what sacrifices were made to bring them to their current position in American society. Do Americans really understand what their family went through to become Americans? Do they know what sacrifices they made to make a family succeed in America? Do they know how education was valued by their great grandparents and their grandparents? Do they know how interested their forefathers and mothers dedicated themselves to understanding and appreciating American liberty and democracy - especially if coming to America from countries that held little value in individual freedom? When Americans truly understand what their families valued, how hard work brought economic stability to them and how teachers influenced them to succeed, they again will be engaged in ensuring their children and beyond hold American values of individual liberty and freedom as lofty goals to be respected and loved.
Fourth Resolution. For all Americans to discover the benefits of the first three resolutions. As we begin to step back from the now common divisive political rhetoric perpetuated in our modern society and reject the objective of dividing us, to instead move together towards achieving the common goal of preserving American values that inherently embrace our diversity that makes our country stronger.
Fifth Resolution. To continue to speak out for expanding civic education devoid of partisan political ideology and to encourage others to correct those making outrageous and false statements that simply mirror talking points and narratives perpetuated by the Ideologically Supporting For-Profit Media. In other words, speak out on issues that promote the best interests of America and not those of the special interests or a political party. By doing so, the political discourse will improve (can't get much worse) and perhaps the real problems in America can finally be addressed by our elected officials.
Knowing New Year's resolutions are most often forgotten or ignored , I am pledging to remember them throughout this new year. As President Thomas Jefferson once wrote, "Educate and inform the whole mass of the people...They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty." Have a great week!
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