I appreciate the important perspective you add to today's letter. This country's so-called "greatness" is indeed built upon a foundation of racism, genocide, abduction and enslavement. It is difficult to acknowledge, especially for those of us who take pride in America. Despite our country's many flaws, it set an unprecedented standard f…
I appreciate the important perspective you add to today's letter. This country's so-called "greatness" is indeed built upon a foundation of racism, genocide, abduction and enslavement. It is difficult to acknowledge, especially for those of us who take pride in America. Despite our country's many flaws, it set an unprecedented standard for personal liberty and rights of (white) men. But perfect? No. It's a work in progress, up to each successive generation to improve.
I give the good professor benefit of the doubt. I feel she strives to maintain a concise focus in these letters, which I admire. Myself, as someone from a less "woke" generation than today, I am going to admit to some impatience with a seeming requirement of late to always note the bad with the good, and to celebrate every individual's personal peculiarities. I say this with some hesitation, and am braced for reprisal. But what the hell, damn the torpedoes! I understand the need for rebalancing of power and perspective in public discourse. But it does get wearisome. I'm just wondering where the equilibrium lies.
Syd, In very brief reprisal, 'each successive generation to improve' has not worked out for Black people, Native Americans and, no doubt others. Acceptance that you have expressed hasn't worked out so well for many Americans. You are weary, but the rest of us cannot avail ourselves of that luxury.
Understood. I'm going to keep inching out on this limb though, and say that as a nation we are generally improving. We now have a Native American as Secretary of the Interior, and Black Lives Matter and MeToo are potent civil movements that have changed, and continue to change, the national conversation on rights and responsibilities. As a middle aged white guy with what I like to think are firm progressive values, I'm glad to see these incredibly positive advances in our society, but worry about the baby in that bathwater. It's tricky because it's easy to point at me and ask, what do I know? I've been an unwitting recipient of social advantages my entire life, no argument there. My question on equilibrium comes from wondering at what point does the strenuous assertion of injustice become self-defeating? Not to be callous, but after a while it makes people roll their eyes and say it's a cold world, figure it out.
Syd, We are often on the same wavelength, but on this we are not. I could list a number of time, when the country has slid backward, and it is never inconsequential. After the signing of the of the Civil Rights act in 1965 is just one example. The transfer of wealth in the country is another devastating example. Although you started your comment with 'Understood', once done with that, I think you gave every indication that you don't 'Understand'.
Syd, I always look forward to reading your comments. They never fail to impart a thoughtful perspective. We will continue to share experiences and ideas. We have worked through a difference, which I think was very good to do. Thank you.
You have a point, Syd. Our local tribe doesn't make any "strenuous assertions of injustice". Haven't needed to since their casinos bring $millions into their (and our) local economy, and they make annual contributions (2% of profits annually) to our social services and schools for whites and hispanics as well as natives. The tribe's cultural traditionalist told me years ago that it is only right that, as predicted, "The Red Pipe, which had been buried, rose again to guide my people", as he showed me a hallowed ancient red pipe discovered on the reservation. He also explained that gaming has been a fun and important part of their culture for millenia, so gambling is a natural fit. It has been a great thrill to see the changes, for the better, in the past 45 years. My husband, a Chippewa with membership in a Canadian 1st Nation on the border, served as president of the Michigan Indian Confederation in 1976. Back then we visited revered elders who lived in small huts, some with no plumbing. Twenty years later, when I made home visits as a public health nurse, they had good housing, a community center, child care center, clinics, casinos, restaurants, hotels - and political clout.
I appreciate the important perspective you add to today's letter. This country's so-called "greatness" is indeed built upon a foundation of racism, genocide, abduction and enslavement. It is difficult to acknowledge, especially for those of us who take pride in America. Despite our country's many flaws, it set an unprecedented standard for personal liberty and rights of (white) men. But perfect? No. It's a work in progress, up to each successive generation to improve.
I give the good professor benefit of the doubt. I feel she strives to maintain a concise focus in these letters, which I admire. Myself, as someone from a less "woke" generation than today, I am going to admit to some impatience with a seeming requirement of late to always note the bad with the good, and to celebrate every individual's personal peculiarities. I say this with some hesitation, and am braced for reprisal. But what the hell, damn the torpedoes! I understand the need for rebalancing of power and perspective in public discourse. But it does get wearisome. I'm just wondering where the equilibrium lies.
Syd, In very brief reprisal, 'each successive generation to improve' has not worked out for Black people, Native Americans and, no doubt others. Acceptance that you have expressed hasn't worked out so well for many Americans. You are weary, but the rest of us cannot avail ourselves of that luxury.
Understood. I'm going to keep inching out on this limb though, and say that as a nation we are generally improving. We now have a Native American as Secretary of the Interior, and Black Lives Matter and MeToo are potent civil movements that have changed, and continue to change, the national conversation on rights and responsibilities. As a middle aged white guy with what I like to think are firm progressive values, I'm glad to see these incredibly positive advances in our society, but worry about the baby in that bathwater. It's tricky because it's easy to point at me and ask, what do I know? I've been an unwitting recipient of social advantages my entire life, no argument there. My question on equilibrium comes from wondering at what point does the strenuous assertion of injustice become self-defeating? Not to be callous, but after a while it makes people roll their eyes and say it's a cold world, figure it out.
Syd, We are often on the same wavelength, but on this we are not. I could list a number of time, when the country has slid backward, and it is never inconsequential. After the signing of the of the Civil Rights act in 1965 is just one example. The transfer of wealth in the country is another devastating example. Although you started your comment with 'Understood', once done with that, I think you gave every indication that you don't 'Understand'.
Fair enough, I'll take my lumps.
Syd, I always look forward to reading your comments. They never fail to impart a thoughtful perspective. We will continue to share experiences and ideas. We have worked through a difference, which I think was very good to do. Thank you.
You have a point, Syd. Our local tribe doesn't make any "strenuous assertions of injustice". Haven't needed to since their casinos bring $millions into their (and our) local economy, and they make annual contributions (2% of profits annually) to our social services and schools for whites and hispanics as well as natives. The tribe's cultural traditionalist told me years ago that it is only right that, as predicted, "The Red Pipe, which had been buried, rose again to guide my people", as he showed me a hallowed ancient red pipe discovered on the reservation. He also explained that gaming has been a fun and important part of their culture for millenia, so gambling is a natural fit. It has been a great thrill to see the changes, for the better, in the past 45 years. My husband, a Chippewa with membership in a Canadian 1st Nation on the border, served as president of the Michigan Indian Confederation in 1976. Back then we visited revered elders who lived in small huts, some with no plumbing. Twenty years later, when I made home visits as a public health nurse, they had good housing, a community center, child care center, clinics, casinos, restaurants, hotels - and political clout.
P.S. They all are getting their COVID vaccines because their elder told them they have to.