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Show Feature SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS An American Patriots Bookshelf No. 19 Jr. M.D. The Real Generation Gap By Howard L. Roberts (Cont. From Patriot No. 18) Taken from IMPRIMIS, Aug. 1998 by Marianne M. Jennings, professor of Law & Ethics, zona State University. Ari- Parents as teachers As parents we have to stand up and be counted. When our children come home from school, as my daughter did one day, spinning yarns about Ethan Allen and Green Mountain Persons, we have to set the record straight. Truth matters. It was Ethan Allen and Green Mountain Boys, and this fact is not a sftght to women. When pre- schoolers are exposed to storybooks on alternative lifestyles and early sex education (endorsed by the National Education Association, by the way), we must sound our objections loudly and clearly. We must exert pressure on superintendents, principals, and teachers. and that expressing moral outrage is not a form of hate speech. What a ... narrow-minde- d world we would have if choosing right and rejecting wrong were considered fanatical! . When I graduated from law school, a speaker offered nine words I have never forgotten. Truth is violated by falsehood The , but outraged by silence. been have 25 filled past years with falsehoods about our history and our culture. Genera fm tifag Hello! Remember me? Some go overseas to defend me. What has happened? Im still tion X has never lived in a time people call me Old Glory, others of truth. Condemning immoral- call me the Stars and Stripes; I the same old flag. Oh, Ive had a ity has become virtually the only have also been referred to as The couple more stars added since sin, so it has not even witnessed Star Spangled Banner. But, you were a boy. A lot more blood the courage of conviction. We whatever they call me, I am your has been shed since that Memohave been silent as an entire Flag, or, as I proudly state...the rial Day parade long ago. Dad is generation has seen truth re- Flag of the United States of gone now. The home town has a America. There is something new look. The last time I came peatedly violated. There is a difference between that has been bothering me, so I down your street, I saw that holding beliefs and being val- thought I might talk it over with some of the old landmarks were iant in defending beliefs. As you.. .because its about you and gone, but in their place, shining majestically in the sun, were a parents, struggling to close the me. I I remember some time ago, number of new buildings and generation gap, we must be valMemorial think was it in beliefs. our iant Day, homes. Yessir, the old home defending both town sure has changed. on Indeed, this is a call to action for people where lined up But now... I dont feel as proud all who guide our youth and of- sides of the street to watch the school imThe towns as I used to. When I come down fer them instruction. When high parade. natudeand behind band was and are me, your street, you just stand there adultery morality I was the therescribed as private and parade. with your hands in your pockets leading rally, fore irrelevant in the public When your daddy saw me com- and give me a small glance then square, with no impact on char- ing along, waving in the breeze, look or turn away. When I think of all the places acter and leadership, we must he immediately removed his hat shout from the rooftops, Per- and placed it against his left Ive been...Anzio, Guadalcanal, sonal conduct is character! shoulder so that his right hand Battle of the Bulge, Korea, and Character does matter! When was directly over his heart. Re- now, Vietnam; I wondered the lessons of history, literature, science, and religion are distorted, attacked, or lost in the shuffle, we must rescue them. It We must take the initiative and is time to break our silence and run for positions on school boards confront those who have perpetrated so many myths, so much and city councils. We must also seize moments fraud, and so little substance for of morality with our children to teach them the difference between right and wrong and impose punishments when they stray from moral principles. Most important, we must restore the twin notions that beingjudg-menta- l is not the same as being so long. It is still possible to reclaim member? And you, Yes, I remember you. Standing there straight as a soldier. You didnt have a hat, but you were giving the correct salute. They taught you in school to place your right hand over your heart. Remember little sister? Not to be outdone, she was saluting the same as you. Oh, I was very proud as I came down, your street. There were some soldiers home on leave and they were standing at attention giving the military salute. Also, some V.F.W. veterans with their caps at jaunty angles were saluting smartly. Ladies as well as the men, paid me the reverence I deserve. Now, I may sound a little conceited. Well, I am. I have a right to be, because I represent the Finest country in the world.. .the United States of America. More than one aggressive nation has tried to haul me down, but they all felt the fury of this i - n came back, and are resting neath white crosses on far away shores. Some of them were friends or relatives of yours. ..maybe even went to school with you. Thats who youre saluting...when you re- Generation X from the hopelessly flawed indoctrination it has experienced. But reclaiming our children will require the type of introspection that results in moral courage and is followed by the expression in moral outrage. One of my students commented to me at the end of a semester, Youve dispelled so many myths. Now I know rality in business is not a crime. And I responded, Its even better, son. Neither is the moral life a sin. Breaking our silence will allow truth to emerge, and its rare and illuminating quality will attract the attention and devotion of a generation trained freedom loving country. and raised in amoral darkness. Remember... many of you had to Answer by: Tom Lee, Utah State tivities of young adults. Talk to University Extension Family and them about their interests. Human Development Specialist Youngpeople need support from As parents, grandparents and caring adults outside their famother adults concerned about the ily. Help them feel important. Support community efforts youth in our communities, we do to we to see youth as resources rather can might wonder what Some succeed. than them things problems. Help others see help individual do on them as resources rather than an we can all basis to interact withyoungpeople liabilities. and help them succeed are: Recognize people who are Smile at kids. Acknowledge dedicating their time to children them as you pass them in the and young adults. Sometimes teachers or volunteers in youth community. Learn the names of young organizations dont get recogpeople in your neighborhood or nized for the vital role they play. congregation. Learn their names Take time to thank them. Involve youth in the decL and say Hi .regular ly v , Interest-iac .sionsthat affect them in. the tne Take ah . quickly put his back on. Is it a sin to be an American patriot anymore? Have you forgotten what I stand for? Have you forgotten all the battlefields where men fought and died to keep this nation, your nation free? When you salute me, you are actually saluting them. Take a look at the Memorial Honor Rolls sometime. Look at the names of those who never vere me. Well, it wont be long until I come down your street again. So when you see me, stand straight, place your hand over your heart, and youll see me waving back. My salute to you. Ill show you whats happened? Vm the same that I too, remember! Presented by old Flag. But now I see children running around and shouting as Operation Patriotism CommitI pass by. They dont seem to tee know who I am. I saw an old 1620 Tactical Fighter Training man take his hat off, and then Group (TAC) look around. He didnt see any- Arizona Air National Guard body else with theirs off, so he Tucson, Arizona What can I do to help youth succeed in my community? . 14 WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 24, 1939 -- home, in the church, in the school lives of their children. Employand in the community. They ers that give parents flexibility have creative ideas and great in work schedules so that they energy. Involving them leads to good decisions that they will support. Volunteer to work with young people. Give some time. Their future is our future. Besides, theyre fun to be around! Provide gopd work environments for young people as an employer. Employers can build character and skills in them as they mentor, foster initiative, and compliment good work. Support policies that allow employed parents their needed "flexibility .to be involved' in' the concan attend a parent-teache- r ference or take a child to the doctor are strengthening adolescents by supporting the family. When we hear about youth violence, teen pregnancy and substance abuse, the problems can seem too big for us to do anything about them. But each of us can make a difference by being youth builders in our homes, neighborhoods, schools, congregations, workplaces and communities. Such individual efforts will add up to a positive future for youhg'pebple. ri ' U-!1- ! Public Meeting on Monument plan The Kane County Commission will be hosting a public meeting in the Big Water Town Hall on Thursday, February 25 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend and respond tn th Grand Rtair-case-Escala- nte National Monument Draft Management Plan. County staff will be on hand to help you write your response and answer any questions you may have about the Monument. Plan to attend and voice your opinion on the inadequacies in the management plan vfor the Monuhient. - |