By Daisy Luther
Colleges and universities are breeding grounds for the Radical Left, encouraging Antifa violence and would-be Communist revolutionaries. That sounds outrageous, but it’s absolutely true. More and more, we’re hearing stories about instructors supporting Antifa, leading “resistance” groups, and making genocidal comments about white people. The Radical Left has taken over the higher education system.
It’s pretty hard to hope for unity when our halls of higher education are hard at work creating a generation of young people who hate everything for which America stands. The backward logic used to sway the feelings and opinions of students is obvious to us, but to younger, idealistic people without experience in the real world, it can seem like these instructors are brilliant souls marching to the beat of a drum so escalated that mere mortals can’t even hear it, much less understand it.
When I wrote an article last week about plans for an attempted Communist revolution on November 4th, it was met with the expected amount of trollery and denial from people who said I was full of it. Lots of people who disagree like to call this a crazy conspiracy theory, but if I’m using their own words and actions to paint a picture, I hardly see how this could be my vivid imagination. They also argued that they were on the side of the angels. “Antifa is good,” they said. “If you are against Antifa, that means you are FOR fascism,” they opined. Obviously, that is a fallacy of relevance, because instead of arguing a point, it misrepresents the opposing opinion. But to the people who want to believe that anyone who differs is the enemy, it holds more weight than a tank full of actual evidence.
Part of the issue is the population of the ivory towers of academia. For some reason, the people who end up teaching young people – at least the ones getting media attention – are extreme in their views. These professors and instructors are held in such esteem by the universities that the students, if they aren’t the critically thinking type, believe every word they speak to be gospel. And their Communist leanings aren’t discouraged at all. In fact, in many colleges and universities, these inmates are running the asylums. Liberalism has so overwhelmed the system of higher education that this list of the most liberal colleges in America took up 28 pages.
The Marxist agenda in many of these colleges and universities is so blatant that many parents no longer encourage their children to attend. (I’m thrilled that my homeschooled youngest daughter opted for a vocational program instead of college.)
Here are just a few examples of Radical Left teachers influencing the next generation.
If you wonder why we’re divided, look no further. This is only a handful of incidents that decry white people, promote Communism, and support violent resistance.
- An instructor at Clemson University was recently outed by College Reform for volunteering his graphic design skills to help a local Antifa chapter that made headlines in February for openly promoting violence on campus. He replied to this request for help that was posted on the Upstate Antifa Facebook page.
Assistant Professor Bart Knijnenburg, another notable member of Indivisible Clemson, caused national outrage when he wrote that “All Republicans are racist scum” in a Facebook post.
- A professor from Drexel University was recently put on leave “for his own safety” after blaming the Las Vegas Massacre on the white patriarchy. Professor George Ciccariello-Maher posted a heated series of Tweets that said:
- This is the same professor who tweeted last December of his desire for the deaths of white people. Interestingly, Ciccariello-Maher appears to be white and is a self-proclaimed “actual communist.”
- Another example of this is Rashida Love, director of First Peoples Multicultural Advising Services at Evergreen University who demanded “A Day Without White People” at the Oregon institution. When another member of the staff, Professor Bret Weinstein, rightly objected, he had to be escorted from the campus for his own safety as protests became heated. Then, a bunch of self-proclaimed Neo-Nazis decided to counterprotest the protest and things really went downhill. (The whole story is here.) What this tells us is that when professors speak up against the Radical Left agenda, they lose their jobs and face real threats to their physical safety.
- Professor Michael Isaacson is a member of Antifa who teaches at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He was quoted in an article on The Hill justifying violence against “Nazis.”“The justification [of the use of violence] is that Nazi ideology at its very core is founded on violence and on wielding power by any means,” said Mike Isaacson, one of the founders of Smash Racism D.C., an Antifa organization in Washington.Isaacson is unequivocal in his defense of violence as a legitimate tool to combat the creeping threat of what he deems authoritarianism.“There is the question of whether these people should feel safe organizing as Nazis in public, and I don’t think they should,” said Isaacson.
“I don’t think anyone should think that someone who is intent on politically organizing for the sake of creating a state-sponsored genocide — I don’t think is something that we should protect,” he said. (source)
He also posted this Tweet, which finally cost him his job.
His account is awash with violent rhetoric, although he himself isn’t violent “if for no other reason than I’m rather slight of frame,” he said with a chuckle. “I’m not so good in a fight.” (source)
- A Dartmouth professor published The Antifascist Handbook, complete with a call to arms. Mark Bray calls his book an “unabashedly partisan call to arms.”
The President of Dartmouth repudiated Bray in a statement saying he was “supporting violent protest.” He continued, “As an institution, we condemn anything but civil discourse in the exchange of ideas. The endorsement of violence in any form is contrary to Dartmouth values.” (source) But Bray’s colleagues were livid and a hundred of them signed a petition asking the president to retract his statement. Doesn’t this just underline how many other professors feel the same way?
Why are these people in leadership positions in our education system, influencing young people with their hatred? There is a Radical Left in America, and it is represented in our colleges and universities. How long will it be before Conservative or Libertarian kids can’t even safely attend a university?
It’s incredibly naive to think this won’t boil over.
While there are plenty of people who are left-leaning and dislike President Trump who would never dream of behaving violently toward their neighbors. we can’t use those examples to deny what’s actually happening. There are factions out there who want nothing more than to further destabilize America and force their radical beliefs on everyone in the most militant way possible. Undercover recording after undercover recording has disclosed the plans and the methods that are being discussed, but the mainstream, in their blind hatred of Trump, is glossing over all of it.
The Radical Left has shut down parades with their threats, violently attacked Trump supporters or those whom they believe to be conservative, boasted of “righteous beatings,” and have blatantly plotted sedition with no fear of reprisal. Militant groups believe they should be able to “expropriate” the property of those with whom they disagree and distribute it to others. They no longer want free speech at all if the opinion expressed isn’t straight out of the Politically Correct Opinion Handbook and they’ll silence it by any means necessary.
As I have written before, the laws of physics apply here just like they do in the rest of the natural world. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Even those who have no wish to fight may one day be placed in situations when they must defend themselves. If you become a target, the attack will be relentless and will only be stopped if you persevere.
At some point, government crackdowns will begin. We could be looking at martial law to quell the violence and tanks rolling through our streets. If things continue to escalate with this so-called “justifiable violence,” we’re going to be facing the ugliest time in American history. as violence begets further violence.
I have started saving articles and references with examples like this. When uninformed people question the need to prepare for violent times, it helps to have concrete examples – numerous examples. These folks are cut from the same bolt of cloth as Stalin, Pol Pot, Mao, and the rest of the communist thugs. These people are why even the slightest infringement on the right to self defense must be opposed without compromise.
It’s pretty hard for me to understand why you join others in making the term “Communist” a pejorative. Communism hasn’t been often tried – in Russia, though so labeled, the government was actually a dictatorship masquerading as Communist. I would guess that Capitalist economies perform better overall compared to communist, but there’s nothing inherently evil about such an economic system. The failings of democratic societies, regardless of economic leaning, flow more from the idiocy and gullibility of voters and the corruption of leaders than from any inherent failing in the underlying economic structure. The early Kibbutz system demonstrated that a democratic communal system, while clumsy and not wildly efficient, could still provide great benefits to its members. But it evolved into a more democratic capitalist system as the country’s overall economic structure improved, which suggests that communism might even be a precursor to capitalism in countries within which real freedom exists. If there is such a hypothetical place.
Communism – in ALL of its forms with the possible exception of purely voluntary pooling and sharing of resources – in inherently evil. It tries to enforce a lie, which is that all men and women have equal ability and it is up to government to enforce equal results. Is democracy inherently good, as in a balance on the opposite end of the scale? Absolutely not. Democracy, being mob rule with makeup applied, eventually trends toward communism. That’s where America is right now – socialism pretending to be what the Founding Fathers said we would be.
Here’s a few simple questions: When the Berlin Wall came down, which direction did people go? Were West Berlin border guards shooting people trying to escape to the Utopian dream of communist East Berlin? Are people building rafts in Key West trying to row to communist Cuba? Look at a night-time satellite photo of North and South Korea – which is dark and which is light? I could go on, but you get the idea.
Communism is inherently wicked because it appeals to man’s baser instincts of reaping where they do not sow, of getting something for nothing, of letting someone else pay for it, and for settling for mediocrity rather than excelling to one’s full potential. It is pure evil, deserves the utter contempt of all decent men, and needs to be stopped at any cost in any Western European society. Are there other cultures/societies where communism MIGHT be the best option? Perhaps. I oppose trying to impose the American on other nations.
What gormless and feckless nonsense.
You Americans are so dumb when it comes to politics, economics and social dynamics.
You and the author of this rubbish are just examples of American PWT.
Stephen Clay McGehee offers concrete examples and specific arguments; you reply with nothing but insults. The relative quality of your ideas is plain for the world to see.
It’s just extraordinary to observe, that the hypocrites on this side of politics scream like stuck pigs, and are easily triggered.
The very negative and infantile character traits, that they complain about in the so called SJWs.
What was so insulting you poor soul?
Being called feckless, or gormless, or maybe both?
Perhaps Mr. Harris will enlighten us poor, ignorant Americans as to why we just can’t seem to grasp the brilliance of European politics, economics, and social dynamics that are quickly bringing Western Europe into a new golden age of civilization. After all, the video I’ve seen of the streets of the great European cities filled with Africans living in tents, defecating in the street, and assaulting women must be the paradise that he wants. The economic system where everyone is guaranteed a wide range of benefits paid for by … well, by someone else … must be far superior to ours.
Please enlighten us, Mr. Harris. Show us where we are wrong and what we should do differently. Explain how open borders are making Western civilization even greater. Your audience eagerly awaits your wisdom. After all, we come to this blog to learn. Educate us.
A meaningful reply to
of the likes of you, would be wasted.
Apart from you understanding (sorry misunderstanding), based on your supercilious smile in your avatar, you completely missed my earlier point, which is a constant, in people such as yourself, and your peers.
I make a specific point, and you go off on some emotional tangent, making some general point about civilization.
And of course, the funny thing is, is that you Americans are far from civilized yourselves.
Just look at the Urban ghettos, gun violence, drug use (both legal and illegal), and the general malaise in America.
But of course, you will come back with some meaningless pap, because that’s what people like you do, when you rely on your limbic system to evaluate the world around you.
“defecating in the street”
Hilarious hypocrisy.
Americans don’t crap on the street?
No… much worse, they murder each other with GUNS, GUNS AND MORE GUNS!
Mr Harris is clearly out of his league here. I guess I am too since I tend to agree with him…almost. Prepping for disaster does not have to be political. And yet a good many preppers seem to believe that left leaning politics are a predominant cause for the need to prep. The threat of radicalism of any kind can be a justified cause, but not simply left leaning politics. Though not equally, the “us against them” mentality has manifested itself here from opposing sides. The bitter, polar political firestorm in America today (and perhaps much of the world) screams for moderation and the forthright pursuit of common ground. Sadly, those characteristics are as few in these comments as they are in the population at large. It’s as if a good many preppers want to create something (if even an illusion) that further justifies their prepping behavior. It’s human nature to an extent, but I’d gently suggest they should be careful of what they wish for. Without the moderator’s moderation, some would probably express their wish to do me bodily harm. This SJW (if that’s what I am) would hope to counter that with love rather than more hate.
@Harvey Medford.
Yes.
And I think we both share the same reasons and thoughts regarding this dodgy so-called prepping site.
This is not a serious prepping site, rather, it’s a forum for the extreme ignorance on the far right wing of American Society, who want to push their specific political / social issues.
Take the supercilious Stephen Clay McGehee.
He is just bleating about so called left wing causes, but fails to mention all the right wing dictators around the world who have killed millions of people.
And of course, many of those brutal right wing dictators where/are supported by the United States government!
No, this forum is just for the knuckle draggers and simpletons on the far right wing of politics to circle jerk there right wing causes, in what is a great example of collective confirmation bias.
Communism is not a “pejorative” you hate filled goose stepper. Communism is PURE EVIL. Far more people died under the hammer and sickle than ever died under the swastika. Real Americans condemn all forms of evil, both communism and fascism alike, while fakers like you make excuses.
Nice try troll. Thank you so much for playing. You can pick up your consolation prize on your way out the door
I find it interesting that these people are so similar to the ones in Italy in the 1930s.
The fascists ended up taking over the population through fear. They then ended up with Mussolini. And of course Uncle Adolph was taking lessons.
Study history, folks, or be prepared to be overrun.
I have to confess that I unsubscribed from your article posting alerts today, Daisy. Then after a few hours, I decided to rejoin. I take back a bit of what I said in response to another recent article about how I try to avoid cognitive dissonance. While I certainly do try to work through it, trying to avoid it probably isn’t particularly healthful. In many ways, it seems to be wise to allow and even invite dissonance. By allowing that unsettling discomfort of holding seemingly conflicting cognitions, we are afforded opportunities to successfully work through and resolve them. That in turn can promote the reflection of a truer version of ourselves. It is clear that you are substantially to the right of center in your political beliefs. That is necessarily going to color your perceptions. That routinely seems to trickle down to your articles here too. I am keenly interested in disaster prepping, and yet I am substantially left of center in my political and social beliefs. Does that make me a fringe anomaly? Maybe. I realize you probably don’t censure the comments that are posted on this site, but it disturbs me that some of them presumably from your right wing followers seem to promote unprovoked violence against liberals. I believe you have stated that unprovoked violence from or toward any group is a threat to civilization, and I agree. I don’t at all think that your publication of the mentioned comments means you endorse them. My dissonance may actually be more about the typical prepper’s political stance than it is about the views you hold that don’t mesh with mine. Leaving because of reader comments depicting or endorsing violence against groups that are different from them is potentially valid. If I see much more of that, I may do so again permanently. As long as your opinions are not confused with facts and they are expressed in a spirit of peaceful coexistence, leaving because I am uncomfortable about being exposed to values that are different from mine is probably not valid. As always, thank you.
Okay Davis, I’ll bite (in a spirit of peaceful coexistence). As another ‘right winger’. I do not condone or encourage, in any way, violence towards those who do not agree with my view on these subjects. Here is the question for you.. who are the majority of those who are encouraging and facilitating violence against those who don’t agree with them?
On another related subject… stick around, we would like to hear your comments as well as those that are different from yours.
Hi, Davis ~
That was a really interesting comment and I had to stop and think for a bit before replying.
First, as for my own political beliefs, I don’t consider myself right wing or a conservative. If I had to put a label on it, I’d go with “libertarian.” I believe in the Constitution, free speech, and the right to protect myself with a gun. At the same time, I don’t feel that other people’s sexuality is my business and I don’t want to see America become a theocracy. I dislike, and honestly, find unsettling, extremes of either direction.
I don’t consider people “Radical Left” just because they are left of center. Radical Left is the term I use for these militant people that believe they have the right to go decide who “deserves” it and “punch a Nazi.” That, I’m sure, we can both agree, is wrong.
As for censorship in the comments section, I rarely do that. The exceptions are:
Racial epitaphs (if the comment otherwise adds to the conversation, I’ll redact it, otherwise, I delete it)
Direct threats toward a specific person (because really, that just gets ME questioned by the Secret Service, who will then force me to turn over the commenter’s IP address)
Serious incitements of violence (We should all go out and beat the daylights out of /pick the group/ and then post the pictures on Facebook)
Things sometimes get less than pleasant in the comments section. People can be rude, insulting, and can say things they’d never dream of saying in person. But they can also share first-person insights, thought-provoking opinions, and incredible kindness.
My job isn’t to censor or to be the nanny. It’s to start conversations. Where those conversations lead is up to you guys, but I certainly don’t want this to be an echo chamber and I welcome differing opinions.
Thank you for your well-thought out comment. I’m glad you resubscribed.
Daisy
@davis, (avoid cognitive dissonance) my advice would be to stick to the prepping articles. When the writer is reporting what’s happening by the Radical left, or the antifa (who is promoting violence) it’s those scenario’s which we are prepping. And being part of the left means YOU are supporting these groups! You will not find a safe zone here.
Extremely interesting news today (Oct 12th) in regards to this topic. The US is pulling out of UNESCO. UNESCO is the “United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization,” something we helped found in 1945, and something that has had a distinct influence on our curriculum ever since.
Getting out of the United Nations doesn’t seem to be a priority, but I will take it a piece at a time.
Notice how antifa NEVER EVER attacks BANKERS? Just Working class average People. Just like ISIS certain things are NEVER attacked.
Antifa Cheers Speech Made Up Entirely From Hitler Quotes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=derHRFGZ4NU
The leftist idea of unity is, and always has been, THE ELIMINATION OF DISSENT.
BLM/antifa anti FIRST AMENDMENT …… George Soros’ BROWN SHIRT thugs.
NAZI = National SOCIALIST Workers Party
NAZI = SOCIALIST
Sanders/Clinton/DEMOCRATS = SOCIALIST
NAZIS broke up opposition political party rallies to SUPPRESS FREE SPEECH
DEMOCRATS break up TRUMP political rallies to SUPPRESS FREE SPEECH
George Soros WWII NAZI
Did George Soros disclose his Nazi collaboration on his USA immigration papers?
I guarantee he did NOT, because he would not have been admitted.
Therefore he LIED on his immigration forms and his “admittance” to America is NULL & VOID.
Deport Soros & his SPAWN to their native Hungary (which has an arrest warrant for WWII out on him).
.Typical white trash behavior. It is the utter disregard and lack of respect for others, their personal liberties, and their property that is charcteristic of sociopathy, formerly referred to as psychopathy.
It is truly amazing that America has turned into a nation of white trash, sociopathic, terrorists employing these tactics to get people to sell their homes to them. They vandalize, break in, steal mail, poor water on the front step before you leave, hack, illegally electronically spy, and steal items.
There is even a website dedicated to it. Well news flash to the scum that do it, or witness it in silence, ! If you dislike your current neighbor, you may hate the new ones even more. Nobody has to sell their home to you. They could sell it to a commune of black gay transvestites, or a commune of neo Nazis if they wanted to. If you want to dictate who your neighbors are, rather than moving into an existing neighborhood and trying to get people to move, go and build your own neighborhood somewhere. You have every right to do that. What you are doing is amoral and illegal.
Here is the white trash bitch’s website::
The white trash terrorist bitch and her white trash terrorist posters should be arrested.
Check out this terrorist white trash counts website that suggests terrorizing and vandalizing people in the neighborhood
https://craftwhack.com/how-to-get-your-neighbors-to-move-away/#comment-223641
This is happening now because the Communists that have been here for decades in our Govt and locally in our colleges are getting very antsy as they can hardly wait to OVERTAKE AMERICA!!!! There is no other reason why these idiotic professors are doing this. They are ALL COMMUNISTS….. and people don’t seem to take them seriously thinking that they are not a threat. Our college kids of today are putty in their hands for how many hours a day to pump their “ideas” into their heads.
Attacking higher education is silly. First you are talking about SEVEN professors out of how many nation wide? The majority of faculty in the higher education system would never consider promoting violence. You just found SEVEN wack jobs. Now I do agree that universities in general are somewhat left leaning and late adolescents/young adults are generally Idealistic but that does not automatically make them liberal or violent. Higher education of our population is extremely necessary for the United States to compete in a global market. Without scientists, engineers, doctors, teachers and so many other professionals we will become dependant on other countries for our technological and scientific research. I feel that this article and some of the subsequent comments are very anti-education just because you disagree with a generalized, perceived political leaning. Regardless of it’s political leanings higher education is what made American great and is our only hope for the future. We need an educated population if we expect to remain a world leader, economically, politically, and technologically.
“talking about SEVEN professors out of” – No, we’re talking about SEVEN examples that actually made it into the media.
“Now I do agree that universities in general are somewhat left leaning” – SERIOUSLY? “in general”? “somewhat left leaning”?
“Without scientists, engineers, doctors, teachers and so many other professionals we will become dependant on other countries for our technological and scientific research.” – We’re long past that point. If that is what the universities were actually for, that would be great, but that’s not the direction that they are going. While the STEM programs are still there, what is increasing at a disproportionate rate are the SJW fields that have provided so much great material for conservative comedians.
“a generalized, perceived political leaning” – You can’t be serious… well, I suppose you are considering that’s the second time you brought that up.
“Regardless of it’s political leanings higher education is what made American great and is our only hope for the future. We need an educated population” – Yes, higher education has played a major role. Just to keep it in perspective though, the emphasis on education is not really “what made America great”, but rather it is an outgrowth of what made America great. Political leanings are an outward indication of character, general outlook, and culture, and those are what made America great.
I have to ask Mr McGehee, did you go to college? If so did it change your political opinions? We’re you “putty” in the hands of leftist professors? From your comments I believe that you are a person of strong political beliefs that would not easily be swayed. Even if everything you believe about higher education is true, and I’m not going to get into a debate over that because it is just an opinion, I think you are overestimating the influence of the educational system. Students so easily swayed I doubt would be of the character, general outlook, and culture you respect. Character, outlook and culture are a product of upbringing. By the time a child makes it to adulthood and college their core beliefs should already be formed. If you want to blame anyone you need to blame the families these young scholars come from.
I don’t know if you have children but I do and I am raising them to be what I feel good people and good citizens should be. I’m raising them to love God, to be kind and loving towards all people of the world, to have a good work ethic and to be critical thinkers. I’m teaching my children to be tough and smart and to form their own opinions based on facts. As a parent this is my job. If I do it well the political leanings of the educational system should be irrelevant.
Through my educational career and both professional and personal life I have met many people with different life views from my own, people of different races, religions, upbringing, sexual orientations, and political beliefs. As an intelligent, educated person I am always interested in hearing ideals and beliefs different from my own. I respect others opinions (including yours) even if they are different from my own. That doesn’t mean I automatically adopt them. I can disagree with someone without degrading them.
All that aside, higher education is essential to a working civilization. Without doctors and nurses, teachers, lawyers and judges, scientists and engineers, and so many other highly trained professionals our country would be… well just imagine life without these people. It would be apocalyptic. Society needs people with a variety of skills and some of those skills require a college degree. All forms of education are necessary from apprenticeships to vocational schools to universities regardless of the political leaning of the institution.
I am however very curious as to what you think is the solution to this issue. How would you fix this problem with a real life workable solution? For example, if you say to fire all the professors where will you find replacements for them. If you say shut down the universities how would you train people to fill these skilled professions?
If you, or anyone else for that matter, are willing to play the game I think this would be an interesting theoretical discussion. I always like to hear ideas and opinions, especially if they contradict my own. The only rules are that you must be respectful and polite. You may attack the comments but not the commenter.
Krispiemae – Thank you for the reply. Like you, I don’t want to get into a debate, but civil discussion is always a good thing.
Yes, I went to college – two degrees from two different colleges. For background, I am 64 years old and have 5 grandchildren at this point. I founded a software business 27 years ago, and it has done well for me. I’m currently in the process of turning that over to one of our sons. Our other son is on track to be part owner of the business he is currently working for. Neither of our sons went to college, both were home schooled, and only one has so much as a G.E.D. when it comes to “official” certification of education.
I first went to college in the early 1970’s (graduated in 1974), so I, too, went through a Leftist era, only it was mainly from my peers rather than from the instructors (there were plenty of them on the Left also).
The problem begins with the idea that:
1) College is right for everyone.
2) Not going to college puts one at a disadvantage.
3) Government policy should be to push everyone to college.
College is really needed for only a rather small number of careers. Medicine, law, math, engineering immediately come to mind. For almost everything else, college can be rather pointless, preparing one for life as an employee rather than taking command of one’s own destiny.
The skills needed to get ahead are readily available on-line and through other sources. Despite all the time and money and effort that went into those two degrees that I have (three if you count the AA that I got along the way), what really mattered was the “Learn to Program” CD package that I got from Microsoft many years ago. I spent evenings and weekends learning to write software, and that’s what made all the difference for me. I have since taken advantage of various on-line, CD, and DVD based classes to learn new skills.
As for the influence on politics – I found myself involved in the radical libertarianism movement (YAF – Young Americans for Freedom). That remained a guiding influence for quite a while. Then I grew up. I realized that, “No, everyone is not the same. Everyone does not value personal responsibility. There is no such thing as equality anywhere in nature or in the world, and trying to enforce a non-existent idea is doomed to failure.” I realized that civilization depends on social order to survive and to advance. Enforced equality destroys social order.
“you are overestimating the influence of the educational system” – Perhaps; for most people, anyway. The problem is that those who fall under the spell of academic Leftism are able to build strong networks while in that environment, giving them a disproportionate amount of power and influence.
“Character, outlook and culture are a product of upbringing…blame the families these young scholars come from.” – For the most part, that is true. That, however, brings to mind the memory of going to the memorial service for a friend who was killed while saving the life of a little girl while he was working as a missionary in Asia. Pure, selfless caring for others. In the back of the church stood a man in handcuffs, leg-irons, and an armed guard. That was his brother – same parents, same home, same upbringing, very different outcome.
How would I fix it if I had the power? Excellent question and a tough challenge. Here’s a few of my ideas:
1) End the Student Loan Program – This has had the effect of removing incentive from the schools. They can raise tuition as much as they want, push worthless programs, and hire based on political leanings, knowing that guaranteed student loans equals guaranteed full enrollment.
2) End all (not just most – all) affirmative action, preferential admissions, preferential hiring, preferential anything for any organization accepting any tax money or benefits. Purely private organizations are free to do as they wish – admit, reject, hire, fire, etc., using any criteria they wish. The free market of ideas will reward those who produce the best results.
3) Encourage the idea of self-employment rather than being an employee. Primarily a cultural / family matter, but it needs to be done.
4) Encourage apprenticeship programs and technical schools and self-learning programs. Again, this is primarily a cultural / family matter rather than just another government program.
Does this contradict your ideas? I don’t really think so – not if you are able to clearly explain why without resorting to the equivalent of “I just don’t like it,” and you don’t impress me as one who would do that.
Your turn.
Mr McGehee, congratulations on what sounds like a lovely family. I would like to return your compliment. I like you too and am rather enjoying our conversations. I appreciate a lively discussion with an intelligent person who doesn’t have to resort to insults and name calling. Like I said, I don’t have to agree with you to enjoy talking to you. That being said, I do agree with you more than I would have expected.
I absolutely agree with you that college is not for everyone. We have both pointed out that some professions require it, however I agree that vocational training and apprenticeship programs are just as valid. These programs are very often much more practical and affordable. Skilled trades-people will always be needed.
I’m intrigued by your idea of abolishing student loans. Personally I dislike student loans. I feel like graduating from college in debt is a hard way to start out life and that we are crippling our young adults under the financial strain. I also, after watching many of my friends party their way through college, think students should have a majority financial stake in their education. Much to the dismay of my husband I have no intention of paying for our children’s education. I will always be there to help them but it is my experience that kids who’s parents pay for everything don’t take school seriously. I also feel that student loans indoctrinate our young adults into a culture of debt. I hate debt. Borrowing money is selling your future. None of us know what the future holds so selling it is a gamble.
I think we would agree getting an associate’s or bachelor’s degree without borrowing money or excessive parental contributions is hard work but doable. However I question how viable advanced degrees are without loans. The courses of study are usually more intense, the classes more expensive, and often unpaid internships are required. How would you make these types of degrees attainable for children of families of average or below average income?
Another question I have for you is in regards to students who become radical lefties in college. Have you ever entertained the idea that these students come from leftist leaning backgrounds? Maybe they aren’t turned leftist in schools, but simply put in contact with others of similar beliefs? History has shown that groups of people will do, sometimes atrocious things, that any one person alone would never do. Without blaming or absolving the faculty is it possible herd mentality radicalized these groups of individuals with prior, peaceful left wing ideas?
On a slightly unrelated tangent, is it possible to say that if so many young adults are leaning left, many of their childhood homes also lean left? Maybe even a majority of Americans? Should this country be run, within the constraints of the constitution, on the opinions of the majority?
Incidentally and not to start a debate but what do you think of him as president based on what he has done since being inaugurated? If you had to give him a performance review what would it say?
I am in total agreement with you about affirmative action. From a business standpoint it makes absolutely no sense. The best applicant based on the employers criteria should get the job. As a woman I would be highly insulted if I was hired due to my gender. I want to be hired because I am the best, not to fill some silly quotient.
As for your friend and his brother, first let me say I’m sorry to hear about his death but happy for you to have had such an exceptional friend. As far as what made them so different I won’t even speculate. Having children of your own you I’m sure you understand each child has a different personality and no two children have exactly the same experiences even being raised in the same house. What propels one child to greatness can destroy another. What created the dichotomy of those two brothers we will probably never know.
I have again enjoyed your comments and was rather surprised how much I actually agree with you. As always if you have the time I’d love to hear more of what you have to say.