While I find that I do not physically travel to the extent that I once did, I do manage to “travel” extensively in my head. Most of the time I am quite able to contain many of my thoughts; however, on occasion I feel nigh on compelled to share some of them. Not for anyone’s edification, for sure, but just to “throw it onto the wall and see what sticks” kind of activity. Not much that I love more, in the realm of social interactions, than a great discussion and exchange of ideas, thoughts, observations with my fellow planet-mates. Most especially enjoyable is when those involved in said discussion/debate hold varying opinions and beliefs. Seriously, what is to be gained for me by only conversing with those who think exactly like I do?
In light of such profundity, join me and let’s have a real discussion. Ok, I will go first – but trust me when I say, please, please tell me what you are thinking also.
1. Americans relish being Number One, I began a preliminary research about areas in which we excel. A much abbreviated list includes: biggest economy, most natural gas output, military spending, medical research, Olympic sports, dog/cat ownership, number of billionaires (in 2020 we had 614, of which I am not one), cheese production, and fast food eateries.
Other areas where we rank first in in clude the following: obesity, divorce, cosmetic surgery, incarceration rate, most hours of TV watched per-person per week (we tied the UK in this one), estimate of firearms in civilian possession (393,347,000 vs 334,233,854 actual people), most police, and the highest rate of drug abuse. All of life requires that we look for some sense of balance.
2. June is LGBTQ+ month and for some this is quite the controversy. I’ll refrain from saying all that is on my mind about this, but I ask you to consider this: 15 countries do not support LGBTQ+ rights. This list includes Russia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Brunei, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. Punishments range from public floggings to death. What thoughts or questions surface here for you in this controversy?
3. The earliest book banning originated BCE when ancient Rome and China specifically attempted to suppress specific authors and books. Unfortunately these attempts are still occurring in some places. Book banning is censorship. Based on available records, the countries with the most stringent and persistent censorship are India, China, Singapore, Ireland, Australia, United States, Germany, Russian and the UK. Most banned books are works of fiction, children’s books, religious texts, some biographies, poetry, and even some comic books.
I know not, as yet, where you stand with this. I do, though, know exactly where I stand. Do not ever even think about telling me what I can or cannot read. If you want to monitor your own child’s reading material, no problem. Do not think it is ok to ban what another’s children might read. If you do not want to read certain books about certain topics or issues, then don’t. But when has shedding light on any topic or issue not been more productive and worthwhile than keeping it in the dark? Reading equals thinking. Reading does not equal the reader being forced to accept or believe all that is read. However, a thinking population needs to be aware of much more than one idea, thought, belief and be able to discern for themselves what has value and what may not.
Before one slams the American Library Association, one might want to check the facts. Just saying.
4. Public schools are a foundation of democracy. Denying tax money for public schools to fund private schools or home schooled students with vouchers is not acceptable. If a parent wants to send his/her children to a private school or chooses to home school for whatever reason, then do it. Make the choice, make the arrangements, and make the payments. I am not buying the argument that “My taxes pay for public education and if I choose not to send my children to public school, then those taxes should pay for my choice.” Public schools are held to a much different set of rules and regulations; they are public, inclusive, diverse, open to all, and the end result is students who are critical thinking citizens who are not easily indoctrinated by others.
5. Is it the best plan for students to be released from public school classes and transported to another location during the school day to receive religious instruction? Let me ask this, if I may – if an iman, rabbi, or a Buddhist leader asked to take children from school for religious instruction, would that be equally acceptable to you? Again, I will refrain from sharing all that I think about this topic because of space and time.
Consider this: If you want your child to learn more about your religious beliefs, that is great. Here’s a thought — you teach your child about your religion at home, in your place of worship, at the dinner table, at the park, family game night, or maybe, don’t teach it at all. Instead let them witness your faith, your beliefs, your values every day by observing how you live your life. That cliché “actions speak louder than words” perhaps holds more than a scintilla of truth.
Here’s the Thing: Five is a good place to end for today. There is so very much more for us to discuss together. As always, I will never attempt to tell you what to think. I have absolutely no expectations that you and I will or even should think identically. That diversity in thinking is just one of the truths that makes life so interesting. But it goes without saying (and yet, here I am saying it), I would appreciate and enjoy hearing what you do think. Conversing and thinking together is a perfect method for us to learn more about and from each other.
bkreigh@adamswells.com
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Editor’s Note: This is one of a series of articles written by a group of retired and current teachers — LaNae Abnet, Ken Ballinger, Billy Kreigh, Kathy Schwartz, Anna Spalding. Their intent is to spur discussions at the dinner table and elsewhere. You may also voice your thoughts and reactions via The News-Banner’s letters to editor.
