What do No Child Left Behind, the NAACP mock burial, the war in Iraq, and the "war" on drugs have in common?
They represent an unnerving trend in America - dealing with our problems like they don't exist. When solving any problem, there is analysis, action, and then a solution. Why does it seem like we just want to jump straight to the solution?
It's much more difficult to figure out the root causes of poor education, social strife, and cultural paradigms. Instead, the powers would rather "prove" that no problem exists when it's obvious to everyone that it does exist.
Instead of developing and grooming good students, we maniuplate the test scores and curriculum to increase the pass rate. Rather than deal with negative representations in the media, we throw a party to declare victory.
What's wrong with this picture?
Real change begins with a commitment towards reaching a goal, not a subsitute goal or a more convenient goal-like object.
We can't afford to join the rest of America in becoming a nation of blue-ribbon panels, leadership councils, and lecturers that know little if anything about affecting change.
There is no room in our community for armchair generals. What we could do, and possibly should do, are not nearly important as that which is actually being done.
The truth, for better or worse, is this: there are real solutions out there, we haven't started to capitalize on them yet, but we need those who are willing. As recent events have so clearly demonstrated, nobody is prepared or capable to do it for us.
Posted By: Jon C.
Monday, July 16th 2007 at 10:03AM
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