Sunday, February 10, 2013

It's not just a problem Congress has...

It's Sunday, so here is a Sunday School lesson for us.

"Whatever you do in the little things, you're going to do in the big things."  (paraphrase of Luke 16:10.)

It's interesting to contemplate this in light of our recent national troubles.  If the national savings rate of the average American was negative 1% before the recession, why does it surprise us when we learn the recession was caused by our banks being bad with money?

If friends on Facebook block each other because of statements like "I can't see how anyone can be a Christian and be a [Republican/Democrat]", they why are we surprised when Congress can't agree on anything?

If we don't want to spend the extra money to buy American - whether it's a gadget or a new roof or the clothes we wear - then why are we surprised when our manufacturing jobs go away?

I can't even count the number of times I heard in the last election cycle the idea that the average voter doesn't have any power.  Super PAC's, big business, and banks - they have all the power.

No way.  We "little people" can't let ourselves off the hook that easy.  No super PAC casts your vote for you.  We endorse all kinds of businesses and what they stand for every time we spend our money.  We can't negotiate any changes at all on a credit card agreement - including the option for the bank to change terms anytime on a whim - but we sign up for it anyway.  What does that say to banks?

Each one of us is just one anonymous person... but what we do matters.

Stop looking for Superman to save you.  Stop looking for the guys on the top to change the world for you.  It starts with you.  You change first.

Be the type of person you want your elected officials to be.

APPLICATION FOR EDUCATION

You consider yourself a Ed Reformer? 
If you've ever read "Diane Ravitch sold out to unions" and use that rational to totally ignore any point she might make, don't be surprised if testing goes up, the achievement gaps get wider, and voters get even less input into how their local schools are run. 

Consider yourself pro-Public Ed? 
If you've ever read "Charter schools are all about money" or "Charter schools succeed because they kick out the kids who don't", and use that rational to totally ignore any successful innovations they may have made, don't be surprised if funding for public education goes out the window and voters get even less input into how their local schools are run.

Notice how when we ignore the "other side's" point of view, we voters get screwed?  We bring it on ourselves when we pick sides like children in schoolyard gangs.

Take the time to consider an opposing view occassionally, with grace and patience.  Take the time to assess and admit the shortcomings of the views you hold yourself.  And then, take the time to let your elected official know what you think is GOOD.

Again... Be the type of person you want your elected officials to be.

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