Feb
5
Written by:
Dr. Ernie Moore
Sunday, February 05, 2012
Every now and then there is a news piece that grabs me. This is about one of those.
A couple of things in addition before I discuss the interview.
Harvard Professors: There is an almost visceral distaste for Harvard Professors by a segment of people who don’t trust the liberal Eastern society.
Not all professors at Harvard fit this class. I’m reminded of Dr. Paul Conn who was a visiting professor at Harvard when we first met. He is a far cry from the norm.
THE US IS ALWAYS RIGHT Syndrome: Among Americans there are two wings: The US is always wrong and the US is always right. Both sides are wrong.
In fact it’s interesting that we can criticize our country but when and outsider does it we get our hackles up. A long time ago I was taught that there is often a grain of truth in even the worst criticism and we do well to seek that out and fix it.
Our advice on this discussion is don’t disregard what is said and don’t accept it. In other words, this is not a puff piece and it is has things that need fixing in the US. Maybe you cannot “fix” them personally but you can be more involved in discussions, in voting, in seeking out even school board candidates. That can be part of a repair job on America too.
If you haven’t done so yet, you might want to view the video and then read on.
1. Competition – Between nations and within nations.
How often have you heard about schools that no longer allow competition? Games where everyone gets a trophy. Stop it! At least speak up about it and get your kids – or yourselves out of that environment. Losing is the first step to getting stronger, wiser and more competitive. Get a grip.
2. Scientific Revolution – We all hear about how the school system is top-heavy, loaded with idiots who think they know everything, and who want to keep education out of the hands of parents and local communities.
Here’s the question: How’s that working out so far. Grades and test results are tanking. Maybe it’s time we stopped the National Education Association and the Department of Education. Politicians talk about it in election years but the job never gets done.
3. Property Rights – A parcel of land is taken away from the rightful owner by a city, state or federal government and nothing is done to stop it. Why? So another individual or corporation can build something on it that will increase tax income. OR, so that greeners can feel good.
We watched a National Geographical show here in Jerusalem where two – 2 – beavers dammed up a stream that ended up flooding a man’s whole yard. He could do nothing about it. No more yard, no dry basement, no property rights. My idea would be that if the state wildlife people wouldn’t relocate them, shoot them! It’s my property and two furry interlopers won’t change that.
4. Medical production – You already know that as our educational system slides down into the lower and lower ranking worldwide so does out medicine and science competition.
And now President Obama wants us to copy the European model. Fewer doctors, longer waits for treatment, and – HARK – higher costs. Oh, socialized medicine if free. IS IT? When you consider the taxes that go into it and the fact that those who live under that system often either come to the US for treatment at their own expense or must purchase outside insurance in their own land, it is NOT CHEAPER.
5. Consumer society – Part of this argument is that more of the world is becoming a consumer society. They are earning more wages and buying more products.
Let me ask you a question: do you see any correlation between the fact that those foreign nations are manufacturing products and their wages are a result of that? While in America our jobs are disappearing overseas. A large part, though certainly not all, is due to the fact that Unions are forcing companies to move away. WAIT A MINUTE – that is not all Obama’s fault. I remind you that NAFTA under Clinton and over-regulation – a Bush failing too – are part of the whole program that is driving jobs away. The Republicans are just as guilty here as the Dems. It was all a part of who can get the best legislators money can buy!
6. Western Work Ethic – Interestingly the author says this point in the US was rooted in Protestantism. In other the Biblical work ethic. If one won’t work they won’t eat. That has certainly turned to ash in the mouth of Americans who vote for longer and longer unemployment benefits and more welfare, food stamp programs, etc.
You can talk about a work ethic but many people don’t work for an opportunity to get ahead, they work for “what’s in it for me” without expecting to have to stretch, grow in the job or even to learn how to get into something for themselves.
We can know what’s right, but do we always do what is right?
Maybe this Harvard Professor with the funny accent has a point worth considering.
http://video.foxnews.com/v/1324572637001/sun-setting-on-western-dominance