Propaganda Fuels Hatred--Again

Recently, I was pumping gas and noticed these 

“business cards”lying on the ground around the 

pump areas.  I was appalled and frightened that 

such beliefs continue to permeate our world.  

Have we forgotten?

I will not go into an in-depth discussion of the writings

on the cards (front and back shown).  Each one of us 

will have a unique perspective on how these words can

tear the fabric of our Nation--again.  I welcome comments.

My only fear is that by placing these words on

Facebook, it will only help spread the hatred.  That is not my intention.

I just could not ignore the implications. We can no longer turn a blind 

eye to ignorance and injustice.    

There is a saying that people should “keep their friends close,

but keep their enemies closer.”  It is human nature to desire

living in peace.  And, it is easier to take the mindset that one

person does not have the power to make changes except in

each person’s immediate environment.

 

This is exactly what evil is looking for--apathy--to infiltrate

society and take control.  Over time, the peaceful are

exterminated in one way or another and the power-hungry

will rule the nation.

Following the Holocaust, in 1946, Pastor Martin Niemoller

presented the following poem he wrote to remind people

that we all must stand-up and defend each other.  To not

do so, makes us guilty of the evil as well--and can lead to

our own individual and collective demises.

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

References

Latz, Rabbi Michael Adam. (2019).  First They Came.  [Online Blog].

Retrieved from https://www.truah.org/resources/first-they-came/

Looking Out My Window

This morning, I was standing at the sink and looking out the window. The weather over the last few years has been rough on the backyard. The sheets of plastic placed over lawn items have deteriorated and are falling-off in strips and pieces.

The cats were outside and roaming about the backyard. A very enterprising bird darted just out of reach of the felines, grabbed a long strip of plastic sheeting, and flew to the highest tree top. It happened so fast!

After I thought about the snatch-and-fly event, I realized that even the birds are getting tired of the rain and cold. On the other hand, Spring must be close because the birds are feathering, or "plastic-lining," their nests.

The day is still gray, but soon we humans will be complaining about the heat....

 

Was Granny Right, Or What?

Grandmother said there are three things a person does not discuss 

in polite company: politics, religion, and another word that begins 

with an ‘s’ (sex).  She couldn’t even say the word.

Today, I took a glance at my horoscope on Yahoo.

“Do your best to avoid conversations about politics, religion, or 

any other potentially volatile topics today.”

Say, What?!

How Do You Salt Your Oats?

No matter what age a person may be, no one wants to be told what to do.  In fact, when confronted with the truth, humans will cling to their false beliefs instead.  So, how does a teacher, counselor, or giver-of-advice steer misguided individuals to manifest appropriate beliefs and behaviors?

Many years ago, we teachers attended an outdoor training session at a horse corral.  The presenter was an old cowboy who used his horse to explain the effective process of teaching others.  

The cowboy expanded upon an old saying which still applies to us all even in today’s world:  

“You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.  But, you can put enough salt in its oats so that it has to.”  

Perhaps we stop short of completing the transference process.  Yes, we can offer words of knowledge, but we fail to give ownership for the other person to find awareness on his or her own terms.  

In truth, all we can do as educators is salt the environment with wisdom and let each

learner walk the path on his or her own time-frame.