There was a time in this country, when our differences were what made us strong and resilient. We saw the differences, but made nothing of them, and focused on those things that were similar, such as a desire to succeed. There have always been those who wanted to focus on the differences and try to get everyone to do so as well and occasionally, they were successful, but those instances are generally considered shameful.
Having a variety of experiences, backgrounds and philosophies, are what make for a vibrant and productive society. For every problem, someone had a solution and those groups willing to embrace those solutions, regardless of their provenance - succeeded. Those groups unwilling to accept a solution, BECAUSE of it's provenance - inevitably failed.
In America today, we have allowed ourselves to be distracted by differences, to the exclusion of our similarities and that will be our downfall. What is even more distressing, is that many groups have fallen prey to the idea that "inclusion" means "requiring differences to be accentuated". As an example, the idea that calling one's self "African American", is a way to enhance one's cultural heritage. It does nothing for one's heritage, it DOES, in fact, impact on one's future. It is a declaration that one is "African" first and "American" second. Which then separates those individuals from everyone else, thus "un-uniting" them.
We have separated ourselves along racial lines, by political philosophy, economic status, location, familial connections and any number of other differences and are PROUD of it. It is one thing to enjoy and take pride in one's "roots", so to speak, but it is another to insist that one be forever identified as that - to the exclusion of being a citizen of the Untied States. One CANNOT be "part of" as long as one refuses to be identified as being such. There is no such thing as a Republican ( insert anything you like here ) electrician - yet - there are many who wish to be identified as that very thing.
We have been lead to believe that accentuating our differences is what makes us unique, but that is false, our uniqueness is built in from birth and requires NO enhancement, only acceptance in our own minds. We are un-uniting ourselves, in a fruitless bid to belong to something, by identifying ourselves as different and requiring everyone else to identify us that way.
Until we re-learn to enhance and accentuate our similarities, in our hearts and minds, we will continue to be un-united and fail in all our undertakings. Our differences are what give us the ability to succeed, but ONLY IF, they are secondary to our similar goals, hopes, dreams and purpose. Looking for, identifying and embracing our similarities, will give us the ability and focus to capitalize on those differences that point out solutions to our common problems. For now, we each separate entity, focus on our separate problems - and refuse to work together for any common good. Why? Because our problems are unique and are caused by THEM. If everyone were like US, there'd be no problems. That would work, if there weren't a hundred different US's and THEM's - each expecting the OTHERS to comply and compromise.
lpnmajor wrote:
There was a time in this country, when our differences were what made us strong and resilient. We saw the differences, but made nothing of them, and focused on those things that were similar, such as a desire to succeed. There have always been those who wanted to focus on the differences and try to get everyone to do so as well and occasionally, they were successful, but those instances are generally considered shameful.
Having a variety of experiences, backgrounds and philosophies, are what make for a vibrant and productive society. For every problem, someone had a solution and those groups willing to embrace those solutions, regardless of their provenance - succeeded. Those groups unwilling to accept a solution, BECAUSE of it's provenance - inevitably failed.
In America today, we have allowed ourselves to be distracted by differences, to the exclusion of our similarities and that will be our downfall. What is even more distressing, is that many groups have fallen prey to the idea that "inclusion" means "requiring differences to be accentuated". As an example, the idea that calling one's self "African American", is a way to enhance one's cultural heritage. It does nothing for one's heritage, it DOES, in fact, impact on one's future. It is a declaration that one is "African" first and "American" second. Which then separates those individuals from everyone else, thus "un-uniting" them.
We have separated ourselves along racial lines, by political philosophy, economic status, location, familial connections and any number of other differences and are PROUD of it. It is one thing to enjoy and take pride in one's "roots", so to speak, but it is another to insist that one be forever identified as that - to the exclusion of being a citizen of the Untied States. One CANNOT be "part of" as long as one refuses to be identified as being such. There is no such thing as a Republican ( insert anything you like here ) electrician - yet - there are many who wish to be identified as that very thing.
We have been lead to believe that accentuating our differences is what makes us unique, but that is false, our uniqueness is built in from birth and requires NO enhancement, only acceptance in our own minds. We are un-uniting ourselves, in a fruitless bid to belong to something, by identifying ourselves as different and requiring everyone else to identify us that way.
Until we re-learn to enhance and accentuate our similarities, in our hearts and minds, we will continue to be un-united and fail in all our undertakings. Our differences are what give us the ability to succeed, but ONLY IF, they are secondary to our similar goals, hopes, dreams and purpose. Looking for, identifying and embracing our similarities, will give us the ability and focus to capitalize on those differences that point out solutions to our common problems. For now, we each separate entity, focus on our separate problems - and refuse to work together for any common good. Why? Because our problems are unique and are caused by THEM. If everyone were like US, there'd be no problems. That would work, if there weren't a hundred different US's and THEM's - each expecting the OTHERS to comply and compromise.
There was a time in this country, when our differe... (
show quote)
The U.S.A. continue to be un-united country, and failed Political, Economic, and Morally, our quality of life declined faster, the U.S. dollars has no buying power, many people became greedy, anti-social, and prejudice and unable to do anything to repair the damages done in the last 50 years by corrupt politicians in both political parties.
lpnmajor wrote:
There was a time in this country, when our differences were what made us strong and resilient. We saw the differences, but made nothing of them, and focused on those things that were similar, such as a desire to succeed. There have always been those who wanted to focus on the differences and try to get everyone to do so as well and occasionally, they were successful, but those instances are generally considered shameful.
Having a variety of experiences, backgrounds and philosophies, are what make for a vibrant and productive society. For every problem, someone had a solution and those groups willing to embrace those solutions, regardless of their provenance - succeeded. Those groups unwilling to accept a solution, BECAUSE of it's provenance - inevitably failed.
In America today, we have allowed ourselves to be distracted by differences, to the exclusion of our similarities and that will be our downfall. What is even more distressing, is that many groups have fallen prey to the idea that "inclusion" means "requiring differences to be accentuated". As an example, the idea that calling one's self "African American", is a way to enhance one's cultural heritage. It does nothing for one's heritage, it DOES, in fact, impact on one's future. It is a declaration that one is "African" first and "American" second. Which then separates those individuals from everyone else, thus "un-uniting" them.
We have separated ourselves along racial lines, by political philosophy, economic status, location, familial connections and any number of other differences and are PROUD of it. It is one thing to enjoy and take pride in one's "roots", so to speak, but it is another to insist that one be forever identified as that - to the exclusion of being a citizen of the Untied States. One CANNOT be "part of" as long as one refuses to be identified as being such. There is no such thing as a Republican ( insert anything you like here ) electrician - yet - there are many who wish to be identified as that very thing.
We have been lead to believe that accentuating our differences is what makes us unique, but that is false, our uniqueness is built in from birth and requires NO enhancement, only acceptance in our own minds. We are un-uniting ourselves, in a fruitless bid to belong to something, by identifying ourselves as different and requiring everyone else to identify us that way.
Until we re-learn to enhance and accentuate our similarities, in our hearts and minds, we will continue to be un-united and fail in all our undertakings. Our differences are what give us the ability to succeed, but ONLY IF, they are secondary to our similar goals, hopes, dreams and purpose. Looking for, identifying and embracing our similarities, will give us the ability and focus to capitalize on those differences that point out solutions to our common problems. For now, we each separate entity, focus on our separate problems - and refuse to work together for any common good. Why? Because our problems are unique and are caused by THEM. If everyone were like US, there'd be no problems. That would work, if there weren't a hundred different US's and THEM's - each expecting the OTHERS to comply and compromise.
There was a time in this country, when our differe... (
show quote)
The U.S.A. continue to be un-united country, and failed Political, Economic, and Morally, our quality of life declined faster, the U.S. dollars has no buying power, many people became greedy, anti-social, and prejudice and unable to do anything to repair the damages done in the last 50 years by corrupt politicians in both political parties.
packaged, marketed, and sold,,, wholesale by the leftist progressives....
heal thyself,,, nurse
lpnmajor wrote:
There was a time in this country, when our differences were what made us strong and resilient. We saw the differences, but made nothing of them, and focused on those things that were similar, such as a desire to succeed. There have always been those who wanted to focus on the differences and try to get everyone to do so as well and occasionally, they were successful, but those instances are generally considered shameful.
Having a variety of experiences, backgrounds and philosophies, are what make for a vibrant and productive society. For every problem, someone had a solution and those groups willing to embrace those solutions, regardless of their provenance - succeeded. Those groups unwilling to accept a solution, BECAUSE of it's provenance - inevitably failed.
In America today, we have allowed ourselves to be distracted by differences, to the exclusion of our similarities and that will be our downfall. What is even more distressing, is that many groups have fallen prey to the idea that "inclusion" means "requiring differences to be accentuated". As an example, the idea that calling one's self "African American", is a way to enhance one's cultural heritage. It does nothing for one's heritage, it DOES, in fact, impact on one's future. It is a declaration that one is "African" first and "American" second. Which then separates those individuals from everyone else, thus "un-uniting" them.
We have separated ourselves along racial lines, by political philosophy, economic status, location, familial connections and any number of other differences and are PROUD of it. It is one thing to enjoy and take pride in one's "roots", so to speak, but it is another to insist that one be forever identified as that - to the exclusion of being a citizen of the Untied States. One CANNOT be "part of" as long as one refuses to be identified as being such. There is no such thing as a Republican ( insert anything you like here ) electrician - yet - there are many who wish to be identified as that very thing.
We have been lead to believe that accentuating our differences is what makes us unique, but that is false, our uniqueness is built in from birth and requires NO enhancement, only acceptance in our own minds. We are un-uniting ourselves, in a fruitless bid to belong to something, by identifying ourselves as different and requiring everyone else to identify us that way.
Until we re-learn to enhance and accentuate our similarities, in our hearts and minds, we will continue to be un-united and fail in all our undertakings. Our differences are what give us the ability to succeed, but ONLY IF, they are secondary to our similar goals, hopes, dreams and purpose. Looking for, identifying and embracing our similarities, will give us the ability and focus to capitalize on those differences that point out solutions to our common problems. For now, we each separate entity, focus on our separate problems - and refuse to work together for any common good. Why? Because our problems are unique and are caused by THEM. If everyone were like US, there'd be no problems. That would work, if there weren't a hundred different US's and THEM's - each expecting the OTHERS to comply and compromise.
There was a time in this country, when our differe... (
show quote)
An outstanding post, Lpnmajor, 'Doc'. :thumbup: Kudos :!:
Hopefully, it will loosen a few rigidly entrenched minds. :wink:
Jerry A. wrote:
The U.S.A. continue to be un-united country, and failed Political, Economic, and Morally, our quality of life declined faster, the U.S. dollars has no buying power, many people became greedy, anti-social, and prejudice and unable to do anything to repair the damages done in the last 50 years by corrupt politicians in both political parties.
Couldn't have said it better. :thumbup:
slatten49 wrote:
An outstanding post, Lpnmajor, 'Doc'. :thumbup: Kudos :!:
Hopefully, it will loosen a few rigidly entrenched minds. :wink:
Yeah, a LOT of hope, but no misplaced dependence on magic. I wish there really was a thing as magic, well, maybe not - then we'd have wizards blowing everything up, trying to prove who's "school of magic" was the bestess. :-( Sometimes, you just can't win. You can whine a lot and that's close ( just an "h" and an "e" extra ) so that will have to do.
lpnmajor wrote:
Yeah, a LOT of hope, but no misplaced dependence on magic. I wish there really was a thing as magic, well, maybe not - then we'd have wizards blowing everything up, trying to prove who's "school of magic" was the bestess. :-( Sometimes, you just can't win. You can whine a lot and that's close ( just an "h" and an "e" extra ) so that will have to do.
I am no wizard, but I do recall President Eisenhower's words: "I despise people who go to the gutter on either the right or the left and hurl rocks at those in the center."
The older I get, the more favorably I view Ike's time in the White House. :thumbup:
slatten49 wrote:
I am no wizard, but I do recall President Eisenhower's words: "I despise people who go to the gutter on either right or left and hurl rocks at those in the center."
The older I get, the more favorably I view Ike's time in the White House. :thumbup:
Me too. What would our highway system be like without him? Oh, that's right, we wouldn't HAVE a highway system. If he saw his creation today and it's pitiful state, I think he'd do a "walking dead" type thing and try to scare some current lawless makers, I mean, law makers.
BTW, apparently the gutter is where all the "in" crowd hang out. Sounds like a happening place.
lpnmajor wrote:
Me too. What would our highway system be like without him? Oh, that's right, we wouldn't HAVE a highway system. If he saw his creation today and it's pitiful state, I think he'd do a "walking dead" type thing and try to scare some current lawless makers, I mean, law makers.
BTW, apparently the gutter is where all the "in" crowd hang out. Sounds like a happening place.
It isn't 'happening' for me. :roll:
Ike was right, but we have begun to see a clearly defined, "right vs wrong" chasm growing,,,,
Ike would have no problem calling wrong,, wrong..
Whether your intentions were right (in your opinion) or not, does not justify "wrong".....
And where in the hell is the "center" now??
slatten49 wrote:
I am no wizard, but I do recall President Eisenhower's words: "I despise people who go to the gutter on either the right or the left and hurl rocks at those in the center."
The older I get, the more favorably I view Ike's time in the White House. :thumbup:
lpnmajor wrote:
There was a time in this country, when our differences were what made us strong and resilient. We saw the differences, but made nothing of them, and focused on those things that were similar, such as a desire to succeed. There have always been those who wanted to focus on the differences and try to get everyone to do so as well and occasionally, they were successful, but those instances are generally considered shameful.
Having a variety of experiences, backgrounds and philosophies, are what make for a vibrant and productive society. For every problem, someone had a solution and those groups willing to embrace those solutions, regardless of their provenance - succeeded. Those groups unwilling to accept a solution, BECAUSE of it's provenance - inevitably failed.
In America today, we have allowed ourselves to be distracted by differences, to the exclusion of our similarities and that will be our downfall. What is even more distressing, is that many groups have fallen prey to the idea that "inclusion" means "requiring differences to be accentuated". As an example, the idea that calling one's self "African American", is a way to enhance one's cultural heritage. It does nothing for one's heritage, it DOES, in fact, impact on one's future. It is a declaration that one is "African" first and "American" second. Which then separates those individuals from everyone else, thus "un-uniting" them.
We have separated ourselves along racial lines, by political philosophy, economic status, location, familial connections and any number of other differences and are PROUD of it. It is one thing to enjoy and take pride in one's "roots", so to speak, but it is another to insist that one be forever identified as that - to the exclusion of being a citizen of the Untied States. One CANNOT be "part of" as long as one refuses to be identified as being such. There is no such thing as a Republican ( insert anything you like here ) electrician - yet - there are many who wish to be identified as that very thing.
We have been lead to believe that accentuating our differences is what makes us unique, but that is false, our uniqueness is built in from birth and requires NO enhancement, only acceptance in our own minds. We are un-uniting ourselves, in a fruitless bid to belong to something, by identifying ourselves as different and requiring everyone else to identify us that way.
Until we re-learn to enhance and accentuate our similarities, in our hearts and minds, we will continue to be un-united and fail in all our undertakings. Our differences are what give us the ability to succeed, but ONLY IF, they are secondary to our similar goals, hopes, dreams and purpose. Looking for, identifying and embracing our similarities, will give us the ability and focus to capitalize on those differences that point out solutions to our common problems. For now, we each separate entity, focus on our separate problems - and refuse to work together for any common good. Why? Because our problems are unique and are caused by THEM. If everyone were like US, there'd be no problems. That would work, if there weren't a hundred different US's and THEM's - each expecting the OTHERS to comply and compromise.
There was a time in this country, when our differe... (
show quote)
Thank you for this thought provoking essay. It reminds me how united we had become during and after WWII but something changed all that in the late 60s and 70s. I think the Vietnam war was the turning point. It awakened an element in our society that caused a radical disconnect from the unity we once had.
Ve'hoe wrote:
Ike was right, but we have begun to see a clearly defined, "right vs wrong" chasm growing,,,,
Ike would have no problem calling wrong,, wrong..
Whether your intentions were right (in your opinion) or not, does not justify "wrong".....
And where in the hell is the "center" now??
Like the Middle class, gone~~~
Yes, it was and still is, liberalism..... at its heart is rancor and discord, an inability to adjust to societal norms, and an unquenching desire to "change" what they dont understand or havent studied,,,, without regard to the effects...
Orrie wrote:
Thank you for this thought provoking essay. It reminds me how united we had become during and after WWII but something changed all that in the late 60s and 70s. I think the Vietnam war was the turning point. It awakened an element in our society that caused a radical disconnect from the unity we once had.
Thank you for this post. It is one of the best I have read on this site. If only more people could understand how these divisions have ruined this once great country.
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