Conservatism vs. Liberalism - So What?

I consider myself to be a fairly even minded person. I recognize the value of both conservatism and liberalism in the America. Both philosophies have reason to exist and in a way act as a check and balance for one another. Liberalism and conservatism often are associated in the negative context. Both have perspectives that are unique that warrant serious consideration by all people.

Liberalism: The two areas for which I admire the most about liberalism are "progression" and thinking "outside the box." These ideas have certainly helped to advance America to the 21st century. No one can doubt the role of progressive thinking has had in America. It is certainly something that we all need to remember.

Conservatism: The principles of conservatism for which I admire the most include:

1) Belief in preserving the traditonal family structure (father, mother, and children).
2) Personal responsibility and accountability. It is NOT the responsibility of government to save us from our ignorance. It is not the responsibility of government to provide for all our basic needs. These are personal responsibilities.
3) Belief in limited government involvement and regulation in the economy.
4) Belief that my hard earned salary is a result of my hard work and sweat. While I am sympathetic to the less fortunate, I believe in lower taxes.
5) I believe in maintaining traditions especially that of the family, church, communities, etc.
6) I believe in the role of government to "defend" us from our enemies. To me, this is the only business of government.

While I admire both liberal and conservative perspectives, it is the latter that is at the heart of my being because it also represents my conviction as a fair minded individual.

California Going Insane!

Californians have always prided themselves as the frontier of development and progress. California is a dream land for many people seeking fame and fortune. Many come to California in search of the American Dream. After all, California is often noted as having one of the richest economies in the world. If California were a country of its own, it will be one of the most industrialized nations in the world. The federal government receives more money from California than California gets back in its share of federal dollars.

California is a great place to live. People are tolerant and easy going. However, sadly to note, California is starting to go insane. The CA Supreme Court ruling to overturn the state ban on same gender marriages has trampled and flattened voice of the people to its core.

Californians voted to ban same gender marriage several years ago by a vote of 60 percent. This was more than a simple majority, it was the will of the people. This is a dangerous territory because the court has basically overturned the will of the people. So, what can we do?

There are only two options:
1) Get a constitutional ammendment
2) Get out of California

The only real solution is to teach our children that marriage is between a man and woman. After all, in this crazy unstable world, only righteous principles can withstand the wind of uncertainty and corruption.

An American Obsession with "Race"

This country is mad when it comes to race. I do not know why race is such an issue in this country. To make matters worse, the government appears to be part of the problem. Many of our government related forms requires us to declare a race or ethnicity. Is this really necessary?

We are so obsessed with identifying people by their race or ethnicity that we sometimes forget the bigger picture ---we are "Americans." Why do people have to be identified as African American, Mexican American, Cuban American, etc. As citizens, we are "Americans" and that should be sufficient.

We need to learn from citizens of other countries. I have never heard a New Zealander or an Australian call themselves a Mexican New Zealander/Australian or a Fijian New Zealander/Australian. They are New Zealanders or "kiwis" and nothing else. Once in a while you might hear the people refer to themselves as Kiwi of Fijian descent but that is it. I don't think the people of African descent from Britain call themselves African Britons. They are British and that is it.

As American citizens we should be identified by our nationality and not by our race. To do so will only add to the racial divide that currently exists in America.

The American Challenge

I had the opportunity to attend a recent conference/training about "Basic Skills" sponsored by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office. The Basic Skills initiative is aimed at equipping community colleges in CA with strategies and resources to assist students coming into college who lack the basic skills in reading, writing, and speaking. The irony for me is that in my mind people going to college should already have these skills....but what do I know, I am just a realist.

I am not going to bore anyone with the details of the conference. However, I do want to say that basic skills is not an issue that should be addressed at the college level. It is an issue that should be addressed prior to anyone going to college. If students cannot read, write, or speak at the college level, then they have no business going to college. Rather, they should go back to high school, middle school, or elementary school for that matter and start the process once again. Students should not be allowed to advance onto the next grade level if they cannot meet the grade proficiency levels. We are doing them disservice by allowing them to progress onto the next level. I do not know why we, a tax paying public, are allowing schools to operate in such a manner. It is disappointing to say the least.

Secondly, education is also a parent responsibility. If a child cannot read at grade level, do not let him stand idle and allow the school to advance him to the next grade. Doing so, will only yield heart ache in future years. It is better to correct the issue earlier than later. We are so quick to think that the child's self-esteem will be in jeopardy if he does not advance to the next grade level with his friends. Reality check #1 --- the world will be a much scarier place to be in if one cannot read or write.

There are some startling statistics on the state of basic skills in California and the nation. In CA, the majority of those identified as needing "basic skills" assistance are Hispanic/Latino. The least are Native Americans, Causians, and Asian/Pacific Islanders. While there are some explanations, I cannot help but wonder why this is the case with Hispanic/Latino students. I'll let you make your own conclusions.

Obama who?

For a while now, I have had a certain discontent for Barack Hussein Obama. I cringe everytime I see him on television or hear him speak. I often automatically change the TV channel or turn off the radio whenever I hear his voice.

This has puzzled me because I consider myself to be objective. Then I finally realized why I find it difficult to listen to this man. I find his promises for "change" to be groundless. I find his speeches on "hope" to be nothing more than mindless talk.

This is the same man who cannot make up his mind whether to support the war on terror or not. This is the same man who does not know where he stands with his preacher. This is the same man who compared his preacher (Rev Wright) to his white grandmother. This is the same man whose wife just recently realized that she was proud to be an American.

So, from here, I find myself at odds with many Americans who appear to understand this man. As for me, I do not and cannot see through any of the promises. So again, Obama who?

America the Beautiful

All too often, America does not receive the credit it deserves for the good it does for this country and the world. People often complain about what the government has done wrong and what it should do. However, in our race to place "blame" we fail to recognize the blessings this country offers its citizens and the world.

America is not perfect but the principles for which it stands are undeniably close to perfection. No one can argue the virtues and principles of liberty, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness are divinely inspired. Where else can you basically call the U.S. President "a moron" and still go on to shake his hand? Where else are opportunities endless? Where else can you find the spirit of giving thriving within its communities.

America has done wonders for the world politically and economically. Europe was basically rebuilt after WWII as a result of support from America. It has provided billions of dollars in aide around the world. It continues to be one of the biggest donors for the fight against Aids in Africa. It is often one of the first nations to respond to disasters around the world.

We are not a perfect nation. Since the government is made up of people, we suffer the consequences of imperfect decisions. However, no one can deny that America is beautiful. It is beautiful because of its principles. It is beautiful because of its people. It is beautiful because we are not perfect.

Multi-Culturalism: Insanely Overrated!

Multi-culturalism and political correctness in America are insanely overrated. Why should the government be responsible for ensuring that cultural and political correctness are instituted in society? Why should anyone for that matter be forced to accept or practice cultural and political correctness in this country? Where do we draw the line?

Everyone is different, even people of the same family, gender, ethnicity, religion, education, etc are different. We are never going to progress as a nation if we keep trying to make sure we accommodate for every religion, ethnicity, economic, social, and political background. It is not the responsibility of government to make sure we practice "inclusivity, diversity, or sensitivity" in this country. It is a personal responsibility...And if people do not want to do so, then so be it. Likewise, if one practices the virtues of cultural and political correctness, then good for that person. Otherwise, multi-culturalism and political correctness are insanely overrated.

The Loss of Common Sense

Whatever happened to common sense?Why should the government provide relief to those who made terrible financial arrangements with their mortgages? Why should the govt have to fork out endless contributions to those who chose drop out of school? Why should other taxpayers be forced to bail those who made poor financial, education, social decisions? Just because some made smart educational and financial choices and managed to move ahead does not mean they should pay for the few who lost all common sense in their personal choices. It is not the responsibility of government to "rescue" people from their ignorance. These were personal choices and as such should be held accountable for them.Is the government the answer to our economic, social, health, and educational challenges? Absolutely NOT.

Rev Wright vs. Mormon Comparison: Insanely Stupid!

The comparison to Barack Obama's church (a.k.a Rev Wright) and the Mormon church is insanely stupid. The media, so-called academic supporters of Obama, and even Rev Al Sharpton have compared the Mormon Church to Rev Wright's so-called theological sermons. This comparison could not be further from the truth. Why?

1. Political ramblings and directed sermons are not a common practice with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS).
2. Anti-government sentiments are not a practice with the LDS.
3. Speech that ignite "hatred" is against true Christian beliefs even that of the LDS Church.
4. There is no such thing as a Mormon Church. It is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Finally, Rev Wright refers to his church as the "black church." This has the connotation that there is a "white church." Ironically, any "white man" who would call his church the "white church" will be a called a racist. In the true christian world, there is no place for a "black church" or any church that claims itself to be of a specific "nationality, ethnicity, gender, or greed." It should be the the Church of Jesus Christ and nothing else. To claim otherwise, entails ignorance and complete irreverence of Him for which sermons should be based.