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Show The Ogden Valley news Volume XV Issue XXII Page November 1, 2008 Guest Commentary Parents and Schools Have a Role in Teaching Children about Respect for Others We are writing this letter with the hope that after reading it you will feel compelled to talk to your children about the effects of racism and prejudice on others. Our son was approached by two boys at school (Snowcrest Jr. High) while wearing a Barrack Obama tshirt that displayed the word “CHANGE” with Senator Obama’s picture on it. The two boys said to our son, “Do you know what change really means?” Our son replied, “No, what?” To his shock, the boys responded, “Come Help A Nigger Get Elected.” We have asked the newspaper to print the word “nigger” because we want people to feel the impact of this word. It saddens us to tears that this is not the first time and, unfortunately, won’t be the last time our children experience this kind of act toward them. Our children look up to Barrack Obama as a role model just like your children may look up to Tom Brady of the New England Patriots or Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps. Not only does Barrack Obama emulate our family’s moral and political values, our children feel they can relate to him because his life experiences are similar to theirs. They see him as someone who looks like them, someone who has grown-up in similar circumstances as they have. He shows them that no matter how you look or where you live, you can become anything your heart desires, even the Commander and Chief of our great country. We are dealing with this incident on a parental and school level, but we also feel this issue needs to be dealt with on a community level as well. We believe there are two major factors that influence ignorance and discrimination, the first being parents. These boys did not come up with this acronym by themselves. They have heard it somewhere. It may not have come directly from their parents, but we feel the parents have not sent a strong message to their children that their family will not tolerate treating another person with disrespect. Most children are unable to critically think about topics such as racism and discrimination if they don’t experience it on a personal level. Parents must talk about specific ideas and issues for the child to understand how their behavior can significantly impact another person’s life. Parents cannot just tell their children “do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” Parents must talk about why and how to treat others with dignity and respect. The second factor is our school system. When it comes to teaching history that involves African-Americans, the subject is typically on slavery, Rosa Parks, or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And, when it comes to other minorities, well, ask your children about that one. If the indiscretions of our country, which involve the treatment of minority groups, as well as the accomplishments of minority people were taught in history classes, our children may be more open to understanding others and themselves, which, ultimately, creates confidence in self and prepares them for life outside of our beautiful Valley. We live in a country whose foundation of democracy was built on the freedom of dissent and difference. It took our country many years to realize the true meaning of our constitution and that our constitution applies to all citizens of the United States of America. Although our country has made great strides in accepting one another’s differences, this presidential election is showing there is still much to be learned. Please, take the time to talk to your children. Teach them the moral values of acceptance and understanding of others. Help them to recognize the power of diversity in their lives. Encourage them to stand up for what is right and good in the world. John and Ali Thomas, Eden ARE YOU A “NEWCOMER” TO OGDEN VALLEY? If so, order your FREE Welcome Package at www.ovba.org those werethe days 1955-2008 Alpine Sports 53rd ANNIVERSARY SALE Nov. 7-11 ALMOST EVERYTHING ON SALE INCLUDING NEW 2009 GEAR 1165 Patterson, between 30th & 31st, off Harrison, Ogden (801) 393-0066 www.alpinesportsutah.com Come Join Us for Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet Traditional Thanksgiving Buffet Hours: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations required. $17.95 Adults ~ $15.95 Seniors ~ $12.95 Child Eleven Ways We Can Save America Too often, American citizens take a “wait and see” attitude towards events. We go about our daily lives, assuming and hoping that someone else will take care of things—someone in city hall, the state capital, or in Washington. Well, we are that “someone else.” And we need to take responsibility now. Here is a list of eleven things you can do to participate immediately as a citizen of the United States. Eleven simple things you can do to build, what President Franklin Delano Roosevelt called, “a greater, a more stable, and a more tolerant America” because the ultimate success of our democracy rests upon the individual citizens who make up this great nation. 1. Vote. By participating in elections at the local, state, and national level, we make our opinions heard. Understand the issues. Learn as much as you can about the candidates. Vote responsibly. 2. Stay informed. Read newspapers, magazines, blogs. Talk to your friends, coworkers, neighbors. Go online and read current bills before congress. An educated American is an empowered citizen. 3. Exercise your right to free speech. When we articulately and intelligently state our opinions, popular or not, we truly live up to the hopes and dreams of the Founding Fathers. Freedom of speech is an extraordinary right. 4. Support American businesses. When we buy products labeled “Made in USA,” we are supporting our economy and creating jobs for our fellow citizens. 5. Support Americans in need. Katrina, Ike, devastating forest fires; our neighbors need us. Help your fellow Americans. Donate your time, services, or money to those less fortunate than you. 6. Use your time meaningfully and wisely. Volunteer for local charities. Help out at the local school or nursing home. Organize a neighborhood clean-up. Let’s all do what we can to support each other. 7. Reread our founding documents. The principles laid out in the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are timeless and essential. This country’s founders envisioned a future we are living out today—and we can turn to these documents whenever our democratic institutions and expectations are challenged and need to be reinvigorated. 8. Look to the past for perspective. Our Nation’s history is rich with moments when strength and resilience transcended hardship and adversity. Look to the lives of our great leaders, Presidents, and citizens for inspiration. 9. Teach the next generation. Like anything else, enlightened patriotism comes from education, not ignorance. Teach the children about the special rights and responsibilities we share as Americans, and how they can exercise those rights. Set the example by being a good citizen. 10. Enjoy and protect America’s natural resources. Conserve. Recycle. Help clean up a river or plant a tree. Our democracy deserves a home as beautiful as its ideals. 11. Above all else: bet on good. Believe in America. Believe that together we can forge a better future and better ways of doing things. Believe it, then do it! It was Robert F. Kennedy who said, “The future does not belong to those who are content with today, apathetic toward common problems and their fellow man alike, timid and fearful in the face of bold projects and new ideas. Rather, it will belong to those who can blend passion, reason, and courage in a personal commitment to the ideals of American society.” Passion, reason, and courage: these are the lifeblood of American citizenship. Note: Information from an excerpt from The Handbook for Americans (new from Hatherleigh Press, November 2008. ISBN: 978-1-57826-320-2). VOTE cont. from page 1 interactive voting machine demonstration to help familiarize voters with the voting equipment you can expect to find at the polls, and early voting information. If you need assistance on maneuvering through the web site, or need additional voting information, call 1-800-995-VOTE Seats, and local and state School Boards. (8683), or email the lieutenant governor, Additional information can also be Gary R. Herbert, at <gherbert@utah.gov> accessed, such as your voting location, an Leave your print—get out and vote! Daylight Savings Time November 2. Harley and Bucks Grill Fall Madness Catering Sale!!! Come in by November 15, 2008 to book any catered event, wedding, Holiday party or family reunion with event dates from November 1, 2008 to July 1, 2009. Receive 20% off FOOD Let us custom design a menu for your special day! Ask about our new Banquet Facilities for your next party or meeting. Harley and Bucks must receive your deposits by November 15, 2008 to retain your discount. Discount applies to Food only. Texas Style BBQ - USDA Choice Beef Fresh Seafood - Premium Beer & Wine Private Chef Service - Catering Experts Open Mon - Sat for Dinner Wed - Sat for Lunch 92-6775 508 Ogden Canyon, Ogden 5510 E 2200 North, Eden Reservations Recommended 801-745-2060 www.HarleyandBucks.com |