To this day we Americans' glamorize the Cowboys' macho image. Goodness sakes, when the horseless carriage became our travel mode replacing the horse, we just had to identify our motor vehicles' strength in terms of 'horse power.' And to this day, some cowboys driving their Ford Super Duty 475 HP Truck are compelled to attach a set of metal "balls" to the wagon-hitch-knob as a sentimental remembrance of "Old Paint," if not to suggests their own personal endowment.
White Europeans came to North America as uninvited immigrants. They immediately decided that the land of plenty (spacious and blessed with Natural Resources) must be theirs not that of these savages who spoke some foreign language. To accomplish this narcissistic manifest destiny, those white settlers cheated and slaughtered the 'dark skinned' indigenous Red Skin. people. Readers: Can I get an "Amen" for the formation of a Christian nation? Ah, come on! AMEN! The reality is the United States government authorized over 1,500 wars against Indians and consequently reduced the Native American population from approximately 7 million to 238,00. My fellow Americans that's called genocide, you know the killing off of a particular group of people. It's usually found in one of those "shithole' countries we don't like.
America's longing for the cowboy times is alive today. When the 21st century American cowboy protests, he shows up in public dressed in military fatigues armed with assault weapons much more than yesterdays six shooter. We observe the cowboy philosophy with 'some'of our law enforcement officers. The Sheriff's posse no longer lynches dark skinned people at the edge of town but they instead shoot them in the back as the 'black man' runs for his life or the cowboy hogties the victim and applies pressure force to the victim's neck killing the modern day 'savage.' Readers: "Liberty and Justice for All?" How about now? Can I get and "God Bless America?" And perhaps a "God Forgive Us?"
Funny how we white folks enbrace and cheer our black athletic heroes who win Olympic Gold, score Super Bowl MVP awards, slam dunk, hit grand slams and wow us with song and theater performance but we will not speak out against injustices suffered by these brothers and sisters. Most people who read this feel exonerated simply saying, "I'm not a racists." Perhaps they are not racist. But have they considered being an active anti-racist, which could become part of the solution to our beloved nation's greatest problem?
I'll end this blog pointing to whites once again benefitting from Indians. My daughter's family lives in the affluent Nortwest Suburbs of Chicago. My grandchildren in that area attend a school that spends $18,000 per student annually compared to the Illinois average of $14,000. Well, as this school year was shifted from building attendance to online education due to a pandemic you would think homework was increased. My daughter told me that some teachers really loaded up on the homework and damn if the increased work load wasn't caused by India childrens' parents who were calling the teachers and complaining that their kids were NOT being educationally challenged with enough work. There's Hope Folks! We just might see a white kid winning a spelling bee constest in the future!
Saturday, May 30, 2020
Monday, May 25, 2020
Lookin' Back
With 81-years in my rear view mirror, I've come to realize that I've learned a few things and appreciate even more things. I could have avoided some sleepless nights had I know back then that most of the things I worried about never were going to happen. I learned that stock market analyst and meteorologist have one thing in common; they are often wrong predicting.
I learned that you won't accomplish anything noteworthy if you don't take chances. As a young boy, I learned success can win you false friends but likely true enemies. (I'm not sure why, I just felt it).
With hindsight, I learned that many of the things I accomplished actually could have been done better or sooner. (My dad once told me after I had scored 30 points in a high school basketball game, "Boy you do know that you're not the first one to do that and won't be the last.") I learned in that moment I had better be humble.
I've learned you can't be sure who you can trust. I've learned that the combination of sweat and dirt in a baseball glove releases a wonderful aroma years later. I've learned if your job is your passion then you'll never work a day in your life. I've learned you can't control everything but you can control your response to anything.
I've learned that no matter gender, age, color, politics or religious persuasion, we all need the same things, namely love, hope, opportunities and freedom to pursue. I've learned that I enjoy seeing a sermon rather than hearing one. I've learned that watching a young child do hand motions to the words of 'Itsy Bisty Spider,' that I just saw and heard the greatest 'Love Song.' I've learned that foods, which are white and taste good are bad for me.
I've learned that it's easier coaching the other guy's team as it is raising somebody else's children. I've learned that America ranks below many nations in education because America does not value education as much as many other nations. I've learned we Americans 'get off' chanting USA at Olympic venues because in somethings it's important to be Number 1. I've learned that it's more important to 'get it right' than to 'be right.' I've learned the older I become the more the back of my hands look like my father's hands.
I've learned that my adult children grew to be loving, positive, successful and caring people due to me...because I provided the necessary ingredient marrying the girl who would become their mother.
I learned that you won't accomplish anything noteworthy if you don't take chances. As a young boy, I learned success can win you false friends but likely true enemies. (I'm not sure why, I just felt it).
With hindsight, I learned that many of the things I accomplished actually could have been done better or sooner. (My dad once told me after I had scored 30 points in a high school basketball game, "Boy you do know that you're not the first one to do that and won't be the last.") I learned in that moment I had better be humble.
I've learned you can't be sure who you can trust. I've learned that the combination of sweat and dirt in a baseball glove releases a wonderful aroma years later. I've learned if your job is your passion then you'll never work a day in your life. I've learned you can't control everything but you can control your response to anything.
I've learned that no matter gender, age, color, politics or religious persuasion, we all need the same things, namely love, hope, opportunities and freedom to pursue. I've learned that I enjoy seeing a sermon rather than hearing one. I've learned that watching a young child do hand motions to the words of 'Itsy Bisty Spider,' that I just saw and heard the greatest 'Love Song.' I've learned that foods, which are white and taste good are bad for me.
I've learned that it's easier coaching the other guy's team as it is raising somebody else's children. I've learned that America ranks below many nations in education because America does not value education as much as many other nations. I've learned we Americans 'get off' chanting USA at Olympic venues because in somethings it's important to be Number 1. I've learned that it's more important to 'get it right' than to 'be right.' I've learned the older I become the more the back of my hands look like my father's hands.
I've learned that my adult children grew to be loving, positive, successful and caring people due to me...because I provided the necessary ingredient marrying the girl who would become their mother.
Thursday, May 21, 2020
When Life Throws Us a Curve.
Being somewhat of a 'control freak' is not all bad just as long as you recognize that which is out-of-your-control. Every leader that I've observed has control tendencies. Leaders tend to believe they can make things happen if they are afforded opportunity, allowed to apply their abilities and have control of the charge. All leaders must 'have or take' control. That said, we sometimes face a circumstance that spins far beyond our capacity to harness, direct or change.
Life can toss us a curve ball and we must 'adapt' to that which is out of our control by making 'adjustments,' which we can control. As a baseball pitcher, I often had umpires who were high strike zone umps, others low strike zone callers or umpires who expanded the width of the plate. Those umpiring tendencies were beyond my control therefore I 'adapted' with pitch location 'adjustments.'
Similarly, as a basketball coach, I constantly preached to my players that officiating styles, game in and game out, will be out of our control therefore be ready to adapt with defensive adjustments.
Five months ago, you and I were sailing along enjoying our daily life when suddenly we heard the term coronavirus, then daily case increases of infection and soon a death count. We were inundated with a lists of do's and don't's if we wanted to avoid the virus. I suppose the ultimate adjustment for us to find adaptation was dealing with 'shelter-in-place' or 'stay-at-home' mandates.
I've not heard any voices saying any of this has been fun but for survival we do what we must do. As many have expressed, I miss jumping in the auto and visiting my kids, grandkids and great grandchildren. I miss going out for meals, taking leisurely strolls through shopping centers, market places and watching college and pro sports.
My days remain anything but boring. I write something everyday. Sometimes it's notations for a future book or blog, other times it's just personal thoughts. I exercise by walking. I get down and dirty with yard landscaping and maintenance. I record LP records and 45's onto CD's for the joy in sending the CD to a friend or family member. I order too much stuff from Wayfair but rationalize the expenditure telling myself that during this shelter in place, I'm saving gas money, entertainment money and dinning out money. I have come to recognize my love for peanuts, bananas, music, cooking new recipes, getting my hands dirty and taking periodic breaks sitting on a bench next to my pup, Yodie...I can do all that at home.
My kids Steve, Dawn and Pamela are wonderful as are the older grandkids who telephone frequently. Actually, my son, Steve telephones three times each day; once to see how his mom is feeling and what our plans might be for the day. He calls a second time to discuss coaching or sports in general. At least once a day, he calls to ask 'why' and 'how come' questions about President Trump and Evangelical Conservatives. My explanations answering those questions about Trump and Evangelicals usually include words i.e., greed, racism, religious bigotry, judgmental mentality, abortion-duped, white privilege, backlash to first Black President, ignorance, status frustration/anger and some words best not printed.
I must stop now and finishing transplanting some Hostas.
Life can toss us a curve ball and we must 'adapt' to that which is out of our control by making 'adjustments,' which we can control. As a baseball pitcher, I often had umpires who were high strike zone umps, others low strike zone callers or umpires who expanded the width of the plate. Those umpiring tendencies were beyond my control therefore I 'adapted' with pitch location 'adjustments.'
Similarly, as a basketball coach, I constantly preached to my players that officiating styles, game in and game out, will be out of our control therefore be ready to adapt with defensive adjustments.
Five months ago, you and I were sailing along enjoying our daily life when suddenly we heard the term coronavirus, then daily case increases of infection and soon a death count. We were inundated with a lists of do's and don't's if we wanted to avoid the virus. I suppose the ultimate adjustment for us to find adaptation was dealing with 'shelter-in-place' or 'stay-at-home' mandates.
I've not heard any voices saying any of this has been fun but for survival we do what we must do. As many have expressed, I miss jumping in the auto and visiting my kids, grandkids and great grandchildren. I miss going out for meals, taking leisurely strolls through shopping centers, market places and watching college and pro sports.
My days remain anything but boring. I write something everyday. Sometimes it's notations for a future book or blog, other times it's just personal thoughts. I exercise by walking. I get down and dirty with yard landscaping and maintenance. I record LP records and 45's onto CD's for the joy in sending the CD to a friend or family member. I order too much stuff from Wayfair but rationalize the expenditure telling myself that during this shelter in place, I'm saving gas money, entertainment money and dinning out money. I have come to recognize my love for peanuts, bananas, music, cooking new recipes, getting my hands dirty and taking periodic breaks sitting on a bench next to my pup, Yodie...I can do all that at home.
My kids Steve, Dawn and Pamela are wonderful as are the older grandkids who telephone frequently. Actually, my son, Steve telephones three times each day; once to see how his mom is feeling and what our plans might be for the day. He calls a second time to discuss coaching or sports in general. At least once a day, he calls to ask 'why' and 'how come' questions about President Trump and Evangelical Conservatives. My explanations answering those questions about Trump and Evangelicals usually include words i.e., greed, racism, religious bigotry, judgmental mentality, abortion-duped, white privilege, backlash to first Black President, ignorance, status frustration/anger and some words best not printed.
I must stop now and finishing transplanting some Hostas.
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Recall Check List; Thought Provoking
I've been immersed in landscaping these past few weeks and if the weather ever decides to give some summer-like consistency, I'll do ever more. Obviously, this surge of energy and aesthetic yard planning found impetus in numerous days of Coronavirus 'House Arrest.'
I did have an interesting interruption a couple of days to accommodate my nine year old South Barrington, Illinois granddaughter, Ashlyn. She telephoned last week to ask if I'd be her interview subject for a school project. The assignment was to do a biography, I suppose of a family member.
I told her I was humbled that she would ask me; I'm sure her mother later explained to her the definition of humble.
I was surprised it was broad-gauged. Here are a few of those questions:
1) What things did you enjoy doing in your youth and how did they change over the years?
2) Name three role models growing up and why?
3) What occupation did you choose and why?
4) What do you consider your greatest occupation accomplishments?
5) What did you enjoy the most about your occupation?
6) What advise would you give young people today?
7) What advise would you give yourself as a young person if you could?
8) Would you do things the same if given the chance to do it over?
I may have left out a few of her interview questions but those are the readily recalled. I can honestly say that I had not given much thought to some of the answer and in retrospect, I found the exercise refreshing and personally revealing. Perhaps you readers might take a few minutes and think of responses you might have to such inquiries.
I hope Ashlyn and I get a good grade on this project but knowing Ashlyn's mother (my daughter, Dawn as I do), I believe we're GOOD!
I did have an interesting interruption a couple of days to accommodate my nine year old South Barrington, Illinois granddaughter, Ashlyn. She telephoned last week to ask if I'd be her interview subject for a school project. The assignment was to do a biography, I suppose of a family member.
I told her I was humbled that she would ask me; I'm sure her mother later explained to her the definition of humble.
I was surprised it was broad-gauged. Here are a few of those questions:
1) What things did you enjoy doing in your youth and how did they change over the years?
2) Name three role models growing up and why?
3) What occupation did you choose and why?
4) What do you consider your greatest occupation accomplishments?
5) What did you enjoy the most about your occupation?
6) What advise would you give young people today?
7) What advise would you give yourself as a young person if you could?
8) Would you do things the same if given the chance to do it over?
I may have left out a few of her interview questions but those are the readily recalled. I can honestly say that I had not given much thought to some of the answer and in retrospect, I found the exercise refreshing and personally revealing. Perhaps you readers might take a few minutes and think of responses you might have to such inquiries.
I hope Ashlyn and I get a good grade on this project but knowing Ashlyn's mother (my daughter, Dawn as I do), I believe we're GOOD!
Friday, May 15, 2020
Own The Outcome
The medical scientist encouraged Federal andd State governments to 'shelter-in-place' / 'stay-at-home'
during the outset of the coronavirus in the attempt to minimize the unbridled infection rate. Not to anybody's surprise, we Americans have had it with these quasi quarantines. The economy has suffered and our freedoms have been handcuffed many claim.
Michigan has had armed protesters storming their State Capital in an effort to intimidate their Governor to lift the stay at home policy and Wisconsin's Supreme Court recently overturned that State's stay at home order. President Trump praised Wisconsin's Supreme Court's ruling and many Wisconsinites celebrated at crowded bars ignoring face masks and social distancing.
So, let's get a clear picture of this. Our President marched his hand selected coronavirus medical team before the American people with coronavirus update briefings. During those briefings, aside from the President praising himself, he had puppet Vice President Pence hold up a placard outlining 'The President's' guideline for reducing and eliminating the virus. Among those 'musts' 1) wash hands 2) social distancing and later 3) wear face masks. I'll be damned if those suggested Presidential guidelines were not shit-canned by one State's Supreme Court ruling and then praised and endorsement President Trump.
Finally, keep in mind that the President's coronavirus task force established criteria, which if met would allow States to begin opening businesses. No State has met those criteria but most are opening. Secondly, the President has now chosen to diss doctors and scientists who are calling for caution. This is the same President who believes you can halt a hurricane by dropping an atomic bomb in its 'eye.' He also maintains that energy producing wind-turbines causes cancer. He believes there's a possibility that injecting or ingesting disinfectants could kill the coronavirus in human organs.
Ps. Make no mistake that those saloon cowboys and bar maids serving up drinks to patrons ignoring social distance and mask wearing feel liberated and are enjoying what they falsely believe is their constitutional freedoms. These people would be the first parents to raise holy hell when their child comes home from grade school with lice only to find out there's no school policy about students with lice...'whatever floats your boat!'
To borrow and paraphrase Col. Nathan Jessup's comment to military attorney, LT. Daniel Kaffee in the movie 'A Few Good Men,' "You Can't Handle The Truth!" Therefore, you accept the endless lies of Donald Trump.
during the outset of the coronavirus in the attempt to minimize the unbridled infection rate. Not to anybody's surprise, we Americans have had it with these quasi quarantines. The economy has suffered and our freedoms have been handcuffed many claim.
Michigan has had armed protesters storming their State Capital in an effort to intimidate their Governor to lift the stay at home policy and Wisconsin's Supreme Court recently overturned that State's stay at home order. President Trump praised Wisconsin's Supreme Court's ruling and many Wisconsinites celebrated at crowded bars ignoring face masks and social distancing.
So, let's get a clear picture of this. Our President marched his hand selected coronavirus medical team before the American people with coronavirus update briefings. During those briefings, aside from the President praising himself, he had puppet Vice President Pence hold up a placard outlining 'The President's' guideline for reducing and eliminating the virus. Among those 'musts' 1) wash hands 2) social distancing and later 3) wear face masks. I'll be damned if those suggested Presidential guidelines were not shit-canned by one State's Supreme Court ruling and then praised and endorsement President Trump.
Finally, keep in mind that the President's coronavirus task force established criteria, which if met would allow States to begin opening businesses. No State has met those criteria but most are opening. Secondly, the President has now chosen to diss doctors and scientists who are calling for caution. This is the same President who believes you can halt a hurricane by dropping an atomic bomb in its 'eye.' He also maintains that energy producing wind-turbines causes cancer. He believes there's a possibility that injecting or ingesting disinfectants could kill the coronavirus in human organs.
Ps. Make no mistake that those saloon cowboys and bar maids serving up drinks to patrons ignoring social distance and mask wearing feel liberated and are enjoying what they falsely believe is their constitutional freedoms. These people would be the first parents to raise holy hell when their child comes home from grade school with lice only to find out there's no school policy about students with lice...'whatever floats your boat!'
To borrow and paraphrase Col. Nathan Jessup's comment to military attorney, LT. Daniel Kaffee in the movie 'A Few Good Men,' "You Can't Handle The Truth!" Therefore, you accept the endless lies of Donald Trump.
Thursday, May 14, 2020
Pandemic Shines Light on Little Things
Singer, Kitty Kallen's recording of "Little Things Mean A Lot" hit #1 on the U. S. Billboard chart in 1954. Kallen lived to enjoy many 'little things' as she died in 2016 at age 94.
Undoubtedly in the throes of great change caused by the coronavirus world wide pandemic, I think most people have come to miss and greatly appreciate those 'little things' in our daily lives that have suddenly vanished. I need not elaborate with a list because we are all keenly aware of those 'things.'
I have discoreved as has my wife 'other things' or 'new things' or the intensity of 'old things' done more frequently that have replaced 'Little Things' we used to embrace. While a weather-fickle spring teases, we jump at a sunny or warm day when we can be in our flower garden, veggie garden or doing new designs with five yard fountains along with General yard maintenance. Nothing like embracing beautiful flowers, the green grass and soil beneath...wonderful Little Things!
Our adult children and several grandchildren telephone regularly. Their genuine concerns for mom/dad and grandparents is truly monumental 'little things.' There is not a day that passes when these calls are not made. Just today, my first telephone call was expected at 7:30 AM. Son, Steve was checking in to chat about some current events, speculate about events yet to happen and inquire about our needs and daily 'dance card.' On the later inquiry, I said, "Well since rain is in our forecast, my highlight today is to be interviewed by my nine year old granddaughter, Ashlyn for her school project. Now that will be a special little thing for me and perhaps a special memory-maker for Ashlyn.
Parent-child geographical proximity plays a major role in any social-distancing contact with adult children. Youngest daughter, Pamela (one hour away) gets the wonderful opportunity to pick up garden flower plants for mother and do periodic grocery shopping for the old folks. Son, Steve (one hour 45 minutes South) has made a couple of Decatur runs to shop and bring a Mother's Day gift. Daughter, Dawn is compromised by a 3-hour travel distance and some home court demands. Never-the-less, she calls daily and sent a beautiful bouquet of Mother's Day roses. Daughter in-law, Kathy arranged a Mother's Day pasta w/ bottle of wine 'pick-up dinner' from a local restaraunt. Weekly, 'Little Things' highlights might well be the videos and photos of five-year old great granddaughter, Juniper and 19-month old great grandson, Ryelan. Keep'em comin'!
Finally, on a personal note, I enjoy this little thing of engaging with you readers with my blogs. And I am aware that my rants may be received by some as a pleasant little thing in their lives while others might see them as a gigantic pain in the Ass...and so it is. Enjoy.
(Touch)
Little Things
Undoubtedly in the throes of great change caused by the coronavirus world wide pandemic, I think most people have come to miss and greatly appreciate those 'little things' in our daily lives that have suddenly vanished. I need not elaborate with a list because we are all keenly aware of those 'things.'
I have discoreved as has my wife 'other things' or 'new things' or the intensity of 'old things' done more frequently that have replaced 'Little Things' we used to embrace. While a weather-fickle spring teases, we jump at a sunny or warm day when we can be in our flower garden, veggie garden or doing new designs with five yard fountains along with General yard maintenance. Nothing like embracing beautiful flowers, the green grass and soil beneath...wonderful Little Things!
Our adult children and several grandchildren telephone regularly. Their genuine concerns for mom/dad and grandparents is truly monumental 'little things.' There is not a day that passes when these calls are not made. Just today, my first telephone call was expected at 7:30 AM. Son, Steve was checking in to chat about some current events, speculate about events yet to happen and inquire about our needs and daily 'dance card.' On the later inquiry, I said, "Well since rain is in our forecast, my highlight today is to be interviewed by my nine year old granddaughter, Ashlyn for her school project. Now that will be a special little thing for me and perhaps a special memory-maker for Ashlyn.
Parent-child geographical proximity plays a major role in any social-distancing contact with adult children. Youngest daughter, Pamela (one hour away) gets the wonderful opportunity to pick up garden flower plants for mother and do periodic grocery shopping for the old folks. Son, Steve (one hour 45 minutes South) has made a couple of Decatur runs to shop and bring a Mother's Day gift. Daughter, Dawn is compromised by a 3-hour travel distance and some home court demands. Never-the-less, she calls daily and sent a beautiful bouquet of Mother's Day roses. Daughter in-law, Kathy arranged a Mother's Day pasta w/ bottle of wine 'pick-up dinner' from a local restaraunt. Weekly, 'Little Things' highlights might well be the videos and photos of five-year old great granddaughter, Juniper and 19-month old great grandson, Ryelan. Keep'em comin'!
Finally, on a personal note, I enjoy this little thing of engaging with you readers with my blogs. And I am aware that my rants may be received by some as a pleasant little thing in their lives while others might see them as a gigantic pain in the Ass...and so it is. Enjoy.
(Touch)
Little Things
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Draw Your Own Conclusions
A few Florida winters ago, I noticed a homemade sign on the shoulder of a busy route US 98, which read: "Go Back Home Nig*^rs." It deeply angered me and I wrote a follow up blog calling out some of the long lasting racial bigotry found in the American South. A reader suggested that I was "profiling" Southern whites. I will acknowledge that racial prejudice is found in all corners of our country and throughout the world. There are people everywhere embracing prejudicial attitudes about numerous things, i.e., race, religion, ethnicities, etc.
Last evening I thought about those Southern prejudices while watching Chris Cuomo interview a Georgia Defense Attorney, Kevin Gough who is representing William 'Roddie' Bryan who video-taped the alleged murdering of Ahmaud Arbrey by Greg and Travis McMichael in Glynn County, Georgia. Defense attorney Gough and his client, Bryan appeared on the Cuomo show together and as expected, Attorney Gough was very cautious not to permit his client, Bryan to answer many of Cuomo's questions. Early in the interview exchange Attorney Gough said, and I paraphrase, 'All due respect to you Mr. Cuomo, you are a very good prosecuting attorney and Mr. Bryan is a mechanic with a high school education and if you have ever been to any of the high schools around here that ain't sayin' very much.' Here is a Southern educated lawyer truly profiling his neighbors saying essentially, "our folks are not very educated."
I know from research that Red States rank slightly below the national high school graduation average and Blue States rank slightly above the national high school graduation rate. Continuing this educational theme, I can also claim that people living in Blue States receive college degrees at a greater rate than the national average and Red State occupants garner those college degrees at a rate below the national average. Does that mean Blue state folks are smarter than Red state folks? No! And since Red States' people tend to attend church more frequently than folks in Blue States does this indicate people from Red States are more religious than people from Blue States? Likewise, No! However, consider this: Brown vs. The Board of Education ruled that segregation of public schools was unconstitutional. Southern States fought this ruling for some nine years. It opened the defeat wounds traced back to the Civil War.
American psychologist, Gordon Allport concluded from his extensive research that prejudices are best reduced when four conditions are met: 1) Group shares a common goal, 2) Intergroup cooperation exist, 3) Every person in group is valued and 4) Law or authority support the contact.
The South fought this Allport concept passionately and regional generational racism became somewhat of a legacy, which is alive today in many areas of The South; embraced with similar passion for the Confederate flag.
You readers can come to your own conclusions and I'm certain you will. Before arriving at your conclusion ask if today's American leadership is making the assimilation of people better or worse?
Last evening I thought about those Southern prejudices while watching Chris Cuomo interview a Georgia Defense Attorney, Kevin Gough who is representing William 'Roddie' Bryan who video-taped the alleged murdering of Ahmaud Arbrey by Greg and Travis McMichael in Glynn County, Georgia. Defense attorney Gough and his client, Bryan appeared on the Cuomo show together and as expected, Attorney Gough was very cautious not to permit his client, Bryan to answer many of Cuomo's questions. Early in the interview exchange Attorney Gough said, and I paraphrase, 'All due respect to you Mr. Cuomo, you are a very good prosecuting attorney and Mr. Bryan is a mechanic with a high school education and if you have ever been to any of the high schools around here that ain't sayin' very much.' Here is a Southern educated lawyer truly profiling his neighbors saying essentially, "our folks are not very educated."
I know from research that Red States rank slightly below the national high school graduation average and Blue States rank slightly above the national high school graduation rate. Continuing this educational theme, I can also claim that people living in Blue States receive college degrees at a greater rate than the national average and Red State occupants garner those college degrees at a rate below the national average. Does that mean Blue state folks are smarter than Red state folks? No! And since Red States' people tend to attend church more frequently than folks in Blue States does this indicate people from Red States are more religious than people from Blue States? Likewise, No! However, consider this: Brown vs. The Board of Education ruled that segregation of public schools was unconstitutional. Southern States fought this ruling for some nine years. It opened the defeat wounds traced back to the Civil War.
American psychologist, Gordon Allport concluded from his extensive research that prejudices are best reduced when four conditions are met: 1) Group shares a common goal, 2) Intergroup cooperation exist, 3) Every person in group is valued and 4) Law or authority support the contact.
The South fought this Allport concept passionately and regional generational racism became somewhat of a legacy, which is alive today in many areas of The South; embraced with similar passion for the Confederate flag.
You readers can come to your own conclusions and I'm certain you will. Before arriving at your conclusion ask if today's American leadership is making the assimilation of people better or worse?
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