I was clicking through Face book today and stumbled on a post that was labeled "Reconsider Columbus Day". Honestly, when I think about Columbus Day, I think of a cheesy bank holiday and yes, briefly remember that Columbus discovered this continent for the Europeans. I don’t take the time to sit and think about who Columbus was and what he did other then the small blurb from history class that a discovery was made.
With that said, I was curious as to why someone would want to reconsider having that day so I clicked the link to the video. On the video there were people talking about how Columbus did horrible things to the Indians and started slavery, and that we should honor a man for doing things like that. One thing I found interesting is that the on the video all but one of the speakers were African American or Native American. Now it really doesn’t bother me if we were to lose Columbus Day or change the name, whatever, I am not that vested into it. What does bother me is how we have become as a society. The video wants to change the day to some Native American day to pay for the injustices the Native American faced. I am fine with that if they agree to pay back all the money that has been handed to them over the years for that same purpose.
I used to live right next to a reservation and Native Americans definitely take advantage and in most cases have the upper hand in dealing with the rest of us Americans. I have been in dealings with them where we were required to provide elaborate services for them and we did so knowing that there would be little to no compensation because according to them “we” didn’t deserve it. “We” had taken the land that was theirs from them and we owe them for living on their land. If I remember right there was a war and “we” won.
I will admit, through our policies after wars we are the best country to get into a war with. We will go in, kick your ass, and then give everything and more back to you. Take the Mexican, American war, in a few more years the Mexicans will get back that territory as well. I think at this point we should give everything back. Let’s stop paying the reservations, stop paying welfare to immigrants and start anew. Eliminate our broken government and bring in true equality. Do sort of a re-boot. We need to get rid of Affermitave Action and Diversity, they are a form of cloaked racism from minorities. The more we give to another group the more we take away from the other group.
I wish we could accept responsibility for our actions and live with the decisions made by our fathers and stop trying to change the past but enrich the future for EVERYONE, not just our kind. Until then we will never truly progress.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Time and Individual Impressions
Recently on face book a friend of mine posted a “like what I am saying and in return I will give my honest opinion about you”. While the thought of this could be bad for some people I figured what the hell. I haven’t seen this person for many years and really wanted to know their impression.
Here was their response:
Hate to admit but you are a pretty dang good guy. You are so good to your family and have always talked highly of them. You never treat others like they are less than you. You have a kind heart!!
Feedback like this is nice to hear and honestly I knew this person more than 10 years ago and haven't seen them since then. I would like to think that not much has changed, but from other feedback, it has. I still try to treat everyone as equals and overall I am a good citizen. I do love my family but I think some of the kindness has left.
Why do we change? I think it’s the experiences we have. Looking back I can see some significant moments that might have depleted the kindness or pulled it back from others.
One thing I am certain about is that my patience level has really dropped and that might make me appear less kind. I hope to be that guy my friend remembers, I am probably not but I know he’s still in me somewhere.
I do think it’s interesting to have others share their feedback and impressions of you. Another observation others had of me was on a recent business trip. I had spent the last year talking to these particular co-workers and when I saw them in person they said my voice didn’t match their mental image and thought by my looks that my voice should have been deeper. I got a kick out of that one.
I guess my point is that in time we can come across as different things to others but what I have found that really matters is what we think of ourselves. If we know who we are, know where we want to go and what we want to do we can do anything. If you don’t like something about yourself – change it.
Here was their response:
Hate to admit but you are a pretty dang good guy. You are so good to your family and have always talked highly of them. You never treat others like they are less than you. You have a kind heart!!
Feedback like this is nice to hear and honestly I knew this person more than 10 years ago and haven't seen them since then. I would like to think that not much has changed, but from other feedback, it has. I still try to treat everyone as equals and overall I am a good citizen. I do love my family but I think some of the kindness has left.
Why do we change? I think it’s the experiences we have. Looking back I can see some significant moments that might have depleted the kindness or pulled it back from others.
One thing I am certain about is that my patience level has really dropped and that might make me appear less kind. I hope to be that guy my friend remembers, I am probably not but I know he’s still in me somewhere.
I do think it’s interesting to have others share their feedback and impressions of you. Another observation others had of me was on a recent business trip. I had spent the last year talking to these particular co-workers and when I saw them in person they said my voice didn’t match their mental image and thought by my looks that my voice should have been deeper. I got a kick out of that one.
I guess my point is that in time we can come across as different things to others but what I have found that really matters is what we think of ourselves. If we know who we are, know where we want to go and what we want to do we can do anything. If you don’t like something about yourself – change it.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Society
It has been a while since I have had a post. I don’t have much to say as to why; I guess the two of you who read this will be happy there is a new post out there. I am not sure where this post will end up but I do know there are a few things kicking around in the old noggin.
I would like to start off with a slight observation about recent events. The recent event in particular I am referring to is the earthquake in Haiti. While we can all agree that this was a terrible tragedy for those affected, and a large natural event, I find it interesting that so many people, from the famous to even local people a find it a priority to help raise funds to assist in the recovery efforts.
Now don’t get me wrong, as a Christian nation we should help those who are less fortunate or in need of assistance. Unfortunately that last sentence is where the problem lies. If you were to listen to our elected leader, we are no longer a Christian nation and thus would be exempt from any world aid or assistance to foreign countries. Now we all know that since profit can be made by helping others we will never cease giving aid. The other issue with that sentence was the assisting less fortunate and taking care of others. Millions if not billions will probably be raised to help the Haitians. How many Americans would that benefit if we used the money here at home?
I am not saying to give money out to everyone, but why don’t we help educate those who live among us to support themselves. Use the money to strengthen our population at home. I honestly think some people give for the showy aspect and simply because it’s the trend. Once again, I don’t see the problem giving and helping others but shouldn’t we take care of our own first?
My second rant that has been kicking around is how much our country has become a fee loading, selfish society. If you disagree with me, look around and see how many people you know are on some form of assistance, be it government, church, or family assistance. The common excuse is “well the economy is bad” and I agree the economy stinks but that doesn’t mean you need the newest toy or gadget and eat out all the time.
Here is an example of what I mean:
I know a couple who lives with one of the spouses parents. The Husband makes good money and can easily afford an apartment on his salary alone, yet they choose to live with the parents because they enjoy the lifestyle they have grown accustomed to. When asked when they are moving out, they respond with as soon as we can get caught up on our bills, but they are able to eat out at some high dollar steak houses more frequently than they should. They drive a new car and have all the latest gadgets. When the issue is pressed regarding the budget and it’s clearly pointed out to them that they can manage on their own, the honest answer was, why not, the parents allow is to stay there, we don’t have to pay rent, utilities, and can afford to give the kids the nicer things they want. I was actually told “if I don’t take advantage of it someone else will”.
This example makes me ill and I wasn’t too thrilled with the conversation and it changed the way I viewed the person. They shouldn’t care if they have the newest gaming system or that they can or can’t eat out when they want. They might think that they aren’t hurting anyone but I have seen parents, grandparents and family members drained financially and emotionally in these types of scenarios. The sad thing is that family usually doesn’t say anything on the way into the brink. The people on government assistance tax all of us. I understand if they are only on it while they are doing all they can to recover from whatever situation got them there in the first place, but to blatantly take advantage of family, well it pisses me off! If you are living under somones roof and not paying rent, help with the utilities and food regularly, not from time to time.
All of us struggle from time to time but doesn’t there come a time when you look in the mirror and you tell yourself “I have to do this, I am the leader of my situation and although it will be tough at first cant we all see that after the sacrifice come the greater reward?" Feeling independent, the added respect of others and having your children learn how to be an asset to society and not a burden on society?
The saddest part of these actions for me is the damage caused to those around them that they choose not to see. That damage could have a rippling effect for many many years to come. Oh well, I guess that’s why I don’t talk to too many people. I have found my opinions are best left contained. I shudder to think about how society will be in a few more years.
I would like to start off with a slight observation about recent events. The recent event in particular I am referring to is the earthquake in Haiti. While we can all agree that this was a terrible tragedy for those affected, and a large natural event, I find it interesting that so many people, from the famous to even local people a find it a priority to help raise funds to assist in the recovery efforts.
Now don’t get me wrong, as a Christian nation we should help those who are less fortunate or in need of assistance. Unfortunately that last sentence is where the problem lies. If you were to listen to our elected leader, we are no longer a Christian nation and thus would be exempt from any world aid or assistance to foreign countries. Now we all know that since profit can be made by helping others we will never cease giving aid. The other issue with that sentence was the assisting less fortunate and taking care of others. Millions if not billions will probably be raised to help the Haitians. How many Americans would that benefit if we used the money here at home?
I am not saying to give money out to everyone, but why don’t we help educate those who live among us to support themselves. Use the money to strengthen our population at home. I honestly think some people give for the showy aspect and simply because it’s the trend. Once again, I don’t see the problem giving and helping others but shouldn’t we take care of our own first?
My second rant that has been kicking around is how much our country has become a fee loading, selfish society. If you disagree with me, look around and see how many people you know are on some form of assistance, be it government, church, or family assistance. The common excuse is “well the economy is bad” and I agree the economy stinks but that doesn’t mean you need the newest toy or gadget and eat out all the time.
Here is an example of what I mean:
I know a couple who lives with one of the spouses parents. The Husband makes good money and can easily afford an apartment on his salary alone, yet they choose to live with the parents because they enjoy the lifestyle they have grown accustomed to. When asked when they are moving out, they respond with as soon as we can get caught up on our bills, but they are able to eat out at some high dollar steak houses more frequently than they should. They drive a new car and have all the latest gadgets. When the issue is pressed regarding the budget and it’s clearly pointed out to them that they can manage on their own, the honest answer was, why not, the parents allow is to stay there, we don’t have to pay rent, utilities, and can afford to give the kids the nicer things they want. I was actually told “if I don’t take advantage of it someone else will”.
This example makes me ill and I wasn’t too thrilled with the conversation and it changed the way I viewed the person. They shouldn’t care if they have the newest gaming system or that they can or can’t eat out when they want. They might think that they aren’t hurting anyone but I have seen parents, grandparents and family members drained financially and emotionally in these types of scenarios. The sad thing is that family usually doesn’t say anything on the way into the brink. The people on government assistance tax all of us. I understand if they are only on it while they are doing all they can to recover from whatever situation got them there in the first place, but to blatantly take advantage of family, well it pisses me off! If you are living under somones roof and not paying rent, help with the utilities and food regularly, not from time to time.
All of us struggle from time to time but doesn’t there come a time when you look in the mirror and you tell yourself “I have to do this, I am the leader of my situation and although it will be tough at first cant we all see that after the sacrifice come the greater reward?" Feeling independent, the added respect of others and having your children learn how to be an asset to society and not a burden on society?
The saddest part of these actions for me is the damage caused to those around them that they choose not to see. That damage could have a rippling effect for many many years to come. Oh well, I guess that’s why I don’t talk to too many people. I have found my opinions are best left contained. I shudder to think about how society will be in a few more years.
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