Over the last 50 years gay activist groups have organized to construct a social reorganization of America. Although a comprehensive survey of sexuality conducted in 1992 at the Unversity of Chicago documented that 2.8 percent of men identified themselves as homosexual or bisexual and 1.4 percent of women defined themselves as lesbian or bisexual,(1) the gay culture, influenced by the civil rights and women's movements, rapidly influenced the American culture with gay liberation.
The movement to bring homosexual behavior into social acceptance is challenging every social institution with fundamental change, including the government and legal systems, educational systems, the professional health industry, corporations, religious organizations, and the institution of marriage and family, the media, and the military.
As the gay movements gained momentum, particularly in the media, the schools and churches, powerful counter-movements and organizations developed to challenge the changing expectations of sexual behavior as being personally and socially destructive. Battles ensured as groups within education and health systems, religious organizations and the military claimed adverse impacts on societal outcomes.
The normalization of homosexuality within society will create profound changes in social organization, especially in the areas of social integration, social reproduction, social health and the intergenerational transfer of cultural values. The social discourse has been rampant with charges of bigotry, homophobia and hate mongering. However, neither intimidation, tolerance nor back slapping love fests are appropriate means to bring about change in social behavior that has wide reaching consequences. These foundational social issues deserve serious and thorough consideration.
"The concept of externalities helps define situations that justify government intervention and identify appropriate policy solutions to the problem. Externalities exist when an individual's actions impose costs on or provide benefits to others who are not parties to the decision... This approach provides criteria for when government should act and the type of policies it should use...Positive externalities provide gains for society, while negative externalities produce losses..." (2)
In 2003, Melik Kaylan called for caution in discussing the growing changes in society. "Libertarians, now both on the left and right, say that relations between consenting adults should not be regulated if no participant is hurt, which includes the freedom to marry anyone you please. Here, there's no concern for the aggregate effect on society of cumulative individual choices...Gay marriage...alarms many Americans precisely because it contends blurry unknowable enormities. We will be, after all, the first society ever to pursue the experiment fully... What will be the ultimate human cost, and who will have the courage then to identify the cause?"(3)
REFERENCES
1.Laumann, Edward O., John H. Gagnon, Robert T. Michael, and Stuart Michaels. The Social Organization of Sexuality: Sexual Practices in the United States. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL,1994.
2. Steinacker, Annette. "Externalities, Prospect Theory, and Social Construction: When Will Government Act, What Will Government Do?" Social Science Quarterly,Vol.87, No 3. September 2006:459-476.
3. Kaylan, Melik. "The Way We Live Now." The Wall Street Juornal. Fri. Aug. 8, 2003: Opinion Page.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Keys To Loving Family Relationships
Loving relationships within the family lay a foundation for personal health and wellness. Families are a special way that love and healing are made manifest. The family is the unique organization in which we become whole in our relationships. This wholeness requires that we grow in the graces of faithfulness, patience, forgiveness and self-control. From these graces flow the joy and peace of connectedness and loving assurance.
Our modern culture emphasizes self-interest, but it is within the family that we accept others into our definition of self. Families are under stress today because social pressures that once held families together are weakened. We want our family to be a place of joy and happiness. It is up to us to make it happen.
We'll focus on four keys that will help to unlock loving relationships in our families:
* Positive communication;
* Conflict resolution;
* Money management;
* and Attitudes of gratefulness.
POSITIVE COMMUNICATION
Families provide for us a sense of companionship and completeness. Communication is essential for the expression of these relationships. When communication breaks down, love is blocked. Resentment and hostility replace companionship. Communication takes time. We need to clear our schedules of activities that keep us from communicating with each other.
In many families the key to communication cannot be found. The doors to meaningful discussions are locked. Communication involves talking, listening and understanding. Unfortunately we often are more inclined to talk about our own wants than to listen to the concerns of others. All people have an immense need to be truly listened to. Communication also requires that you share yourself verbally and non verbally in such a way that the other person can understand and accept what you are sharing.
Thoughts to Ponder
1. Communication is to love what blood is to the body. When communication breaks down, love is blocked.
2. Words have power. Choose them carefully. Words can hurt, injure, and anger, or they can heal, help and comfort.
3. Research shows that tone of voice, facial expressions and gestures communicate even more effectively than words.
4. Do your words, facial expressions and body language encourage loving family relationship?
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Conflict is natural when people live together. Our creator has made each of us differently, and family members seek to protect their uniqueness. When we are threatened, we feel an impulse to attack. Conflicts arise out of personal values, beliefs and needs. We truly love the members of our family when we understand and appreciate the ways in which they are unique. Conflict in families is an opportunity to recognize each other's needs and uniqueness and to celebrate differences. Conflicts are to be resolved, not avoided. Conflict resolution requires working together, listening, and caring. Make your family a place of safety through resolving conflict in a healthy way.
Ground rules for conflict
1. Realize that conflict is natural. People who live together will experience conflict.
2. Don't try to win. Make it a win-win solution where everyone feels OK.
3. Find a way to de-escalate. Look for the positive. Hurtful comments increase defensiveness.
4. Keep the big picture in mind. Don't let molehills become mountains.
MONEY MANAGEMENT
Money problems often cause anger and conflict in families. Money problems rank among the top four reasons leading to divorce. The problems increase as the number of people in the family increases. Problems develop when decisions about money create distance and resentment. Family members should feel that their needs and values are supported by the way in which family finances are spent.
The value of a family member should never be equated with the person's net worth. Family relationships can be destroyed if a love of things becomes a higher priority than a love of each other. Freedom from money problems more often results from spending less than earning more.
Questions to ponder
1. Is your money being spent to support your priorities?
2. Are behavior problems leading to money problems?
3. What holes need to be plugged where money disappears without knowing where it went?
4. Have you considered the feelings of other family members in regard to how the family money is spent?
ATTITUDES OF GRATEFULNESS
Appreciating the people who live in our family is foundational to loving relationshilps. The dynamic that keeps a family happy is a positive attitude. We are trained in our culture to focus on the problems that need to be solved. We too often develop a negative attitude and resent the people in our family who aren't living up to our expectations. When we cling too tightly to expectations, we lose a sense of appreciation for the goodness in those around us. Often the best way to eliminate negative behaviors is to accentuate the positive ones.
Growing in gratitude
1. To create joy in your relationships, focus on what is admirable about the people in your family.
2. When family members do something good, say so! "Thank you" and "I like that" are powerful tools for good relationships.
3. Negative impasses will break down when a positive attitude replaces anger.
4. You can choose what to pay attention to. Focus on what is wonderful about the other person.
Loving relationships don't just happen. They are the result of a decision and commitment to grow in understanding amidst all the problems and concerns that family life presents throughout the years. You can turn the keys to loving family relationships.
REFERENCES:
* Poduska, Bernard E. For Love and Money: A Guide to Finances & Relationships.Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Pub. 1993.
* Ryan, M.J. Attitudes of Gratitude in Love: Creating More Joy in Your Relationship. NY: MJF Books. 2002.
* Whiteman, Thomas A., Ph.D. and Thomas G. Bartlett, Ph.D. The Marriage Mender: A Couple's Guide for Staying Together. Colorado Springs, CO:NAVPress.1996
Our modern culture emphasizes self-interest, but it is within the family that we accept others into our definition of self. Families are under stress today because social pressures that once held families together are weakened. We want our family to be a place of joy and happiness. It is up to us to make it happen.
We'll focus on four keys that will help to unlock loving relationships in our families:
* Positive communication;
* Conflict resolution;
* Money management;
* and Attitudes of gratefulness.
POSITIVE COMMUNICATION
Families provide for us a sense of companionship and completeness. Communication is essential for the expression of these relationships. When communication breaks down, love is blocked. Resentment and hostility replace companionship. Communication takes time. We need to clear our schedules of activities that keep us from communicating with each other.
In many families the key to communication cannot be found. The doors to meaningful discussions are locked. Communication involves talking, listening and understanding. Unfortunately we often are more inclined to talk about our own wants than to listen to the concerns of others. All people have an immense need to be truly listened to. Communication also requires that you share yourself verbally and non verbally in such a way that the other person can understand and accept what you are sharing.
Thoughts to Ponder
1. Communication is to love what blood is to the body. When communication breaks down, love is blocked.
2. Words have power. Choose them carefully. Words can hurt, injure, and anger, or they can heal, help and comfort.
3. Research shows that tone of voice, facial expressions and gestures communicate even more effectively than words.
4. Do your words, facial expressions and body language encourage loving family relationship?
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Conflict is natural when people live together. Our creator has made each of us differently, and family members seek to protect their uniqueness. When we are threatened, we feel an impulse to attack. Conflicts arise out of personal values, beliefs and needs. We truly love the members of our family when we understand and appreciate the ways in which they are unique. Conflict in families is an opportunity to recognize each other's needs and uniqueness and to celebrate differences. Conflicts are to be resolved, not avoided. Conflict resolution requires working together, listening, and caring. Make your family a place of safety through resolving conflict in a healthy way.
Ground rules for conflict
1. Realize that conflict is natural. People who live together will experience conflict.
2. Don't try to win. Make it a win-win solution where everyone feels OK.
3. Find a way to de-escalate. Look for the positive. Hurtful comments increase defensiveness.
4. Keep the big picture in mind. Don't let molehills become mountains.
MONEY MANAGEMENT
Money problems often cause anger and conflict in families. Money problems rank among the top four reasons leading to divorce. The problems increase as the number of people in the family increases. Problems develop when decisions about money create distance and resentment. Family members should feel that their needs and values are supported by the way in which family finances are spent.
The value of a family member should never be equated with the person's net worth. Family relationships can be destroyed if a love of things becomes a higher priority than a love of each other. Freedom from money problems more often results from spending less than earning more.
Questions to ponder
1. Is your money being spent to support your priorities?
2. Are behavior problems leading to money problems?
3. What holes need to be plugged where money disappears without knowing where it went?
4. Have you considered the feelings of other family members in regard to how the family money is spent?
ATTITUDES OF GRATEFULNESS
Appreciating the people who live in our family is foundational to loving relationshilps. The dynamic that keeps a family happy is a positive attitude. We are trained in our culture to focus on the problems that need to be solved. We too often develop a negative attitude and resent the people in our family who aren't living up to our expectations. When we cling too tightly to expectations, we lose a sense of appreciation for the goodness in those around us. Often the best way to eliminate negative behaviors is to accentuate the positive ones.
Growing in gratitude
1. To create joy in your relationships, focus on what is admirable about the people in your family.
2. When family members do something good, say so! "Thank you" and "I like that" are powerful tools for good relationships.
3. Negative impasses will break down when a positive attitude replaces anger.
4. You can choose what to pay attention to. Focus on what is wonderful about the other person.
Loving relationships don't just happen. They are the result of a decision and commitment to grow in understanding amidst all the problems and concerns that family life presents throughout the years. You can turn the keys to loving family relationships.
REFERENCES:
* Poduska, Bernard E. For Love and Money: A Guide to Finances & Relationships.Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Pub. 1993.
* Ryan, M.J. Attitudes of Gratitude in Love: Creating More Joy in Your Relationship. NY: MJF Books. 2002.
* Whiteman, Thomas A., Ph.D. and Thomas G. Bartlett, Ph.D. The Marriage Mender: A Couple's Guide for Staying Together. Colorado Springs, CO:NAVPress.1996
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Health Care Reform Begins at Home
Each of us makes decisions about our own physical and psychological health and wellness. Much of our personal illness and injury is created by lifestyle choices related to destructive habits in eating, exercise, cleanliness, drinking, smoking, drug use, and reckless driving.
President Obama, in his discussion on health care reform policies, emphasized preventive health care, urging all of us to take more responsibility for our own health.
Chruches are also adding health and wellness dimensions to their ministry, a practice that is consistent with the concerns of Jesus for healing and wholeness.
Restoring the health of our family relationships and sexual behaviors should be a priority concern in our move toward health care reform. Both religious and secular education needs to include rigorous preparation for healthy sexual, marriage and family relationships, beginning with children and increasing for teens and older.
"The devastating impact of marital and family breakdown on individuals and on our society as a whole has been well documented, yet too often we stand by helplessly while families fall apart. We often fail to provide the relationship education and support needed to build strong families whose members enjoy each other and cope effectively with life's challenges...
We can learn the skills to build healthy relationships;
we can unravel the emotional tangles that sabotage our families;
we can build on family strengths to establish the deep friendship and mutual commitment that undergirds lasting marriages and healthy families." 1.
Many organizations and resources provide help in the development of family relationship growth. (marriagelovepower.net)
Classes on marriage enrichment and parenting skills should be offered on a continuing basis, with classes focusing on premarital counseling, different stages of marriage, and childhood development.
HEALTHY SEXUALITY
Modern social influences are bombarding us with enticement into dangerous and destructive sexual behaviors that too often result in debilitating disease, broken trust, broken relationships, and broken lives.
Healthy sexuality focuses on ultimate concern for the individual lives involved and ultimate concern for the lives of children who develop from sexual togetherness.
PORNOGRAPHY DISTORTS HEALTHY SEXUALITY
Speaking out against the dangers of pornography and educating people, especially young people, about lustful addictions and sexual distortions that grow from pornographic images is an essential and valuable concern for health and wellness.
PREMARITAL ABSTINENCE AND FAITHFUL MONOGAMY WITHIN MARRIAGE
Our contemporary society is presenting sex as a toy for personal pleasure, even to the young. Tragic consequences related to sexually transmitted diseases, loss of self esteem, broken trust, children born out-of-wedlock, and abortion become the reality for too many people. Young people need to be given the understanding and commitment to resist the temptations of careless sexuality.
An understanding of the importance of sexual abstinence before marriage and faithful monogamy after marriage is a foundation for healthy sexual behaviors.
THE DANGERS OF 'SAFE SEX'
The careless double talk of 'safe sex' and the handing out of condoms, even to middle school students, puts sexual health in jeopardy. Condoms are not safe. They have a 14% actual use failure rate, a failure rate of 1 out of 6 or 7 time. This amounts to Russian roulette sex. The common use of the phrase 'safe sex' in regard to condom use is cruel, dangerous and careless.
THE SANCTITY OF LIFE IS THREATENED
Healthy living is a call to respect the value of each life, and a call to order our lives in ways that we support and cherish our own life and the lives of others.
Since 1973, abortion has taken the lives of over 50 million infants. About 80%
of abortions are performed on unmarried women, as young women are told that a fetus is 'merely a mass of tissue' rather than a developing child.
The development of the ultrasound machine is allowing women to respect and watch the growth of their child. Pregnancy centers are protecting and educating women in the development of their child.
Women who feel that they are unable to raise a child can be supported in their pregnancy and encouraged to offer their children to loving couples seeking a child to adopt.
PROTECTING TRADITIONAL FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
Heterosexual marriage is primarily a social issue. It becomes a religious concern and a political concern because it is a foundation for social integration, freedom, reproduction and health.
The normalization of homosexuality in society would create profound changes in social organization that warrant caution and serious consideration rather than the heated arguments that are being generated.
Social Integration -
The traditional family is the building block for the integration of society as members grow in understanding of various perspectives within the family. In spite of immense variation within the sexes, there remain fundamental differences in biological and psychological make up. Heterosexual marriage seeks to integrate these elements into a caring unit.
As men relate intimately to men and women to women, social disintegration will occur.
Social Freedom -
The family preserves and passes down its unique cultural values to the next generation, providing checks and balances in society which guard against destructive extremism. Homosexuality will jeopardize the intergenerational transfer of cultural patterns within society.
Social Reproduction -
Homosexuality will jeopardize social reproduction and the intergenerational transfer of genetic patterns. Reproduction will necessitate contrivance and manipulation, buying and selling.
Social Health -
Personal health risks associated with homosexual behavior are deeply troubling. According to the American Medical Association, homosexual youth are 23 times more apt to contact a sexually transmitted disease than their heterosexual counterparts. In the U.S., men who have sex with men account for 60-70% of estimated HIV infections, although they represent only 5-7% of the population.
CAUTION IS WISDOM -
Countless research studies confirm that the greatest sources of nurture, support and meaning for the majority of Americans are found within the family unit. Legal constraints maintain a sense of appropriateness. Extending the range of permissible behavior will put in jeopardy social integration, freedom, social reproduction, and social health.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS BEGINS WITH US AND OUR PERSONAL CHOICES.
1.United Methodist Marriage Ministries (Overview). www.marriagelovepower.net.
President Obama, in his discussion on health care reform policies, emphasized preventive health care, urging all of us to take more responsibility for our own health.
Chruches are also adding health and wellness dimensions to their ministry, a practice that is consistent with the concerns of Jesus for healing and wholeness.
Restoring the health of our family relationships and sexual behaviors should be a priority concern in our move toward health care reform. Both religious and secular education needs to include rigorous preparation for healthy sexual, marriage and family relationships, beginning with children and increasing for teens and older.
"The devastating impact of marital and family breakdown on individuals and on our society as a whole has been well documented, yet too often we stand by helplessly while families fall apart. We often fail to provide the relationship education and support needed to build strong families whose members enjoy each other and cope effectively with life's challenges...
We can learn the skills to build healthy relationships;
we can unravel the emotional tangles that sabotage our families;
we can build on family strengths to establish the deep friendship and mutual commitment that undergirds lasting marriages and healthy families." 1.
Many organizations and resources provide help in the development of family relationship growth. (marriagelovepower.net)
Classes on marriage enrichment and parenting skills should be offered on a continuing basis, with classes focusing on premarital counseling, different stages of marriage, and childhood development.
HEALTHY SEXUALITY
Modern social influences are bombarding us with enticement into dangerous and destructive sexual behaviors that too often result in debilitating disease, broken trust, broken relationships, and broken lives.
Healthy sexuality focuses on ultimate concern for the individual lives involved and ultimate concern for the lives of children who develop from sexual togetherness.
PORNOGRAPHY DISTORTS HEALTHY SEXUALITY
Speaking out against the dangers of pornography and educating people, especially young people, about lustful addictions and sexual distortions that grow from pornographic images is an essential and valuable concern for health and wellness.
PREMARITAL ABSTINENCE AND FAITHFUL MONOGAMY WITHIN MARRIAGE
Our contemporary society is presenting sex as a toy for personal pleasure, even to the young. Tragic consequences related to sexually transmitted diseases, loss of self esteem, broken trust, children born out-of-wedlock, and abortion become the reality for too many people. Young people need to be given the understanding and commitment to resist the temptations of careless sexuality.
An understanding of the importance of sexual abstinence before marriage and faithful monogamy after marriage is a foundation for healthy sexual behaviors.
THE DANGERS OF 'SAFE SEX'
The careless double talk of 'safe sex' and the handing out of condoms, even to middle school students, puts sexual health in jeopardy. Condoms are not safe. They have a 14% actual use failure rate, a failure rate of 1 out of 6 or 7 time. This amounts to Russian roulette sex. The common use of the phrase 'safe sex' in regard to condom use is cruel, dangerous and careless.
THE SANCTITY OF LIFE IS THREATENED
Healthy living is a call to respect the value of each life, and a call to order our lives in ways that we support and cherish our own life and the lives of others.
Since 1973, abortion has taken the lives of over 50 million infants. About 80%
of abortions are performed on unmarried women, as young women are told that a fetus is 'merely a mass of tissue' rather than a developing child.
The development of the ultrasound machine is allowing women to respect and watch the growth of their child. Pregnancy centers are protecting and educating women in the development of their child.
Women who feel that they are unable to raise a child can be supported in their pregnancy and encouraged to offer their children to loving couples seeking a child to adopt.
PROTECTING TRADITIONAL FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
Heterosexual marriage is primarily a social issue. It becomes a religious concern and a political concern because it is a foundation for social integration, freedom, reproduction and health.
The normalization of homosexuality in society would create profound changes in social organization that warrant caution and serious consideration rather than the heated arguments that are being generated.
Social Integration -
The traditional family is the building block for the integration of society as members grow in understanding of various perspectives within the family. In spite of immense variation within the sexes, there remain fundamental differences in biological and psychological make up. Heterosexual marriage seeks to integrate these elements into a caring unit.
As men relate intimately to men and women to women, social disintegration will occur.
Social Freedom -
The family preserves and passes down its unique cultural values to the next generation, providing checks and balances in society which guard against destructive extremism. Homosexuality will jeopardize the intergenerational transfer of cultural patterns within society.
Social Reproduction -
Homosexuality will jeopardize social reproduction and the intergenerational transfer of genetic patterns. Reproduction will necessitate contrivance and manipulation, buying and selling.
Social Health -
Personal health risks associated with homosexual behavior are deeply troubling. According to the American Medical Association, homosexual youth are 23 times more apt to contact a sexually transmitted disease than their heterosexual counterparts. In the U.S., men who have sex with men account for 60-70% of estimated HIV infections, although they represent only 5-7% of the population.
CAUTION IS WISDOM -
Countless research studies confirm that the greatest sources of nurture, support and meaning for the majority of Americans are found within the family unit. Legal constraints maintain a sense of appropriateness. Extending the range of permissible behavior will put in jeopardy social integration, freedom, social reproduction, and social health.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS BEGINS WITH US AND OUR PERSONAL CHOICES.
1.United Methodist Marriage Ministries (Overview). www.marriagelovepower.net.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Obama, Socialism, and the Threatened Family
Words express our joys, they also express our fears and observed concerns.
Pastor Jeremiah Wright, when asked whether he had spoken to his former church member, President Obama, since moving into the White House, replied, "Them Jews ain't going to let him talk to me."
Ironically, the white supremacist, James von Brunn, who killed a security guard at the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC made almost an identical statement, "Obama was created by Jews. Obama does what his Jew owners tell him to do."
San Antonio Express News Columnist, Jonathan Gurwitz, dismisses these concerns,finding it "almost too much to comprehend" that "nutjobs on the left and right have the same unhinged preoccupation with all things Zionist."(June 17,2009,
pg. 7B)
However, from my experience and observation it is very possible that President Obama's move toward socialism has been guided and influenced by Jewish professionals.
In 1976 I completed my master's thesis in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University. A large portion of the professors, perhaps even 40%, were Jewish and socialism was accepted by most professionals as the direction in which our country was heading.
During this same time period, Dr. Urie Bronfenbrenner, a Jewish professor in the School of Human Ecology at Cornell, had returned from doing research in China. Bronfenbrenner was impressed by the child care patterns he observed in China, and concluded that this was the direction in which we need to move. He made a number of public speeches to this regard.
* * *
I wrote a letter to the local newspaper, the Ithaca Journal. The letter was printed verbatim as a guest opinion column on Tuesday, December 7, 1976.
The remaining portion of this entry will be a reprint of this article.
The Ithaca Journal titled the article:
THE NUCLEAR FAMILY: IS IT THREATENED BY SCIENCE?
by Marjorie Coppock
I am increasingly upset by the continued proliferation of Professor Urie Bronfenbrenner's interpretation of the American family. His basic concerns for family, caring relationships and concerned societies are certainly areas with which I identify; however, his conclusions and solutions indicate a bias in data collection that I have come to believe is not only misleading but deliberately so.
In a front page article in the Land Grant Gazette, Dr. Bronfenbrenner deplores the existence of problems such as "family disintegration, high divorce rates, children growing up in families with a single working parent, plunging achievement scores in basic communicaton skills among high school students, drug abuse, delinquency, high rates of child abuse." He contends that the American family is dis-integrating, becoming increasingly disconnected from the rest of society.
He states: "We've carried our individualism, the 'do your own thing' mania to ends that are not constructive. We have a paranoia about helping one another, excusing it with axioms about how you'll wreck the moral fiber of people by giving them a helping hand. This may be true when you are strong and know how to help yourself, but it's not so fine for the sick, the elderly, those who are small and alone, for children who can only be victims. We are not a caring society. We are unwilling to make irrational loving commitments to children, to families, grandparents, relatives, even our wives and husbands. And beyond to friends, neighbors, community, indeed even to our country."
He continues in the article to commend the socialist countries such as Sweden and China for their exemplary patterns of 'people caring'. His lecture on this topic follows the same pattern - Our families and communities have fallen apart: therefore, we need to adopt socialism because socialism 'serves the people'.
Dr. Bronfenbrenner decries the loss of the extended family: the grandparent, aunt-uncle, brother-sister support system which in the past has cared for the individual. He decries the breakup of the nuclear family; the high divorce rate and the large number of working mothers. He decries the mania of 'do your own thing'. However several situations have converged to cause me to believe that his concerns are more political than compassionate. (Although I am not questioning the depths of his compassion.)
Last summer, I was discussing Dr. Bronfenbrenner's concerns with a woman who now lives in Rochester. She commented, "I'm interested in what you're saying because I was a student in that department 20 years ago. The situations that he claims have now occurred are the very things we were taught to teach. We were to encourage students not to return to their home town and to their extended families but rather to move to a new town in order to be independent and 'do your own thing'. Perhaps he has helped to create the situation that he is now exploiting."
The second situation concerns the brand of feminism that is supported by the professional educators. If the extended family has been threatened in the past by professional counsel, the nuclear family is presently under intense attack by those women whom the professionals choose to support.
As a student at Cornell I actively tried to bring to consciousness the important contributions made to our society by homemakers believing that these contributions should be recognized by more than the Ladies Home Journal. Much to my dismay I discovered that many professional women also are unappreciative of these contributions. Women are being encouraged to remain single or accept divorce as a viable alternative. Women are being encouraged to leave their families and to leave their children in day care centers, to develop careers and enter paying jobs.
One woman professor stated, "We should not just stay at home and have children who only cry and vomit." Another woman in a lecture advised the men in the audience to "kick your wives out of the house. Make them become economically independent so they will not be a burden upon you."
I am not necessarily opposed to all of these trends; however, my concern is deepened by the realization that one of the main advisors for the women's studies program is a male professor who works closely with Dr. Bronfenbrenner. The question becomes, "Are these men working against each other or with each other?"
The third situation which causes me to question the statements of Dr. Bronfenbrenner is the treatment accorded by the professional community to data recently collected for my Master's thesis in another department at Cornell. These data contradict almost all of the statements he makes. The thesis was a survey of the woman volunteer. A 10 page questionnaire was mailed to 900 women volunteers in Tompkins County. Five hundred and thirteen women thoughtfully completed and returned these questionnaires.
The predominate impression from this overwhelming response was that of a deep concern for family, community, the sick, the elderly and the children. These women were not motivated by a mania to 'do their own thing' but rather a desire to 'serve the people' because of a love for their fellow man. They expressed no paranoia of helping one another. Their responses and comments (written along the edges, between questions and on the backs of the pages) indicate irrational loving commitments to family, neighbor and community.
Their deep concerns were perhaps developed by the altruistic and intrinsic rewards instilled by religion as 85 percent of the women identified with a religious affiliation. These 513 women gave 3,205 hours each week to community service organizations. Because the sample was randomly drawn these data can legitimately be extended to thousands of women. In observing the volunteers in our community I suspect the data could be equaled by the men who contribute generously of their time to run church activities, service organizations, scouts and sports activities.
* * *
I was not prepared for the treatment which I received from the professional community. Although data had been collected on background characteristics, volunteer job involvements, attitudes toward job satisfaction and attitudes toward six currently debated policy orientations it was dismissed as 'predictable and merely data'. After receiving the returned questionnaires I received essentially no more help from the professors in the analysis of the data.
The only assistance was the following advice: "Tell the women they are being exploited, they are taking paying jobs from other women, they should form a union so the National Labor Board can speak for them and then go on strike." I was stunned. Although the data does not support this advice it was repeated on two other occasions.
I cannot condone or condemn socialism. I would need more information to do so. Perhaps we could benefit by adopting some of the 'people caring' patterns of socialist countries. I do, however, deplore the manipulation, distortion and suppression of data for political reasons. I have both personal experience and observation to support the contention that this is occurring. We cannot deliver a caring society from the bowels of deception.
When Dr. Bronfenbrenner speaks with concern for the American family and in the same breath praises the Chinese and Swedish families he overlooks the government infringment and control which exists in socialist countries over the cultural training of the children. The beauty, freedom and strength of America and of existence itself lies in a multiplicity of ideas and in variations of cultural interpretations. The authority and autonomy of the family unit is the cornerstone upon which these variations are built.
Pastor Jeremiah Wright, when asked whether he had spoken to his former church member, President Obama, since moving into the White House, replied, "Them Jews ain't going to let him talk to me."
Ironically, the white supremacist, James von Brunn, who killed a security guard at the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC made almost an identical statement, "Obama was created by Jews. Obama does what his Jew owners tell him to do."
San Antonio Express News Columnist, Jonathan Gurwitz, dismisses these concerns,finding it "almost too much to comprehend" that "nutjobs on the left and right have the same unhinged preoccupation with all things Zionist."(June 17,2009,
pg. 7B)
However, from my experience and observation it is very possible that President Obama's move toward socialism has been guided and influenced by Jewish professionals.
In 1976 I completed my master's thesis in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University. A large portion of the professors, perhaps even 40%, were Jewish and socialism was accepted by most professionals as the direction in which our country was heading.
During this same time period, Dr. Urie Bronfenbrenner, a Jewish professor in the School of Human Ecology at Cornell, had returned from doing research in China. Bronfenbrenner was impressed by the child care patterns he observed in China, and concluded that this was the direction in which we need to move. He made a number of public speeches to this regard.
* * *
I wrote a letter to the local newspaper, the Ithaca Journal. The letter was printed verbatim as a guest opinion column on Tuesday, December 7, 1976.
The remaining portion of this entry will be a reprint of this article.
The Ithaca Journal titled the article:
THE NUCLEAR FAMILY: IS IT THREATENED BY SCIENCE?
by Marjorie Coppock
I am increasingly upset by the continued proliferation of Professor Urie Bronfenbrenner's interpretation of the American family. His basic concerns for family, caring relationships and concerned societies are certainly areas with which I identify; however, his conclusions and solutions indicate a bias in data collection that I have come to believe is not only misleading but deliberately so.
In a front page article in the Land Grant Gazette, Dr. Bronfenbrenner deplores the existence of problems such as "family disintegration, high divorce rates, children growing up in families with a single working parent, plunging achievement scores in basic communicaton skills among high school students, drug abuse, delinquency, high rates of child abuse." He contends that the American family is dis-integrating, becoming increasingly disconnected from the rest of society.
He states: "We've carried our individualism, the 'do your own thing' mania to ends that are not constructive. We have a paranoia about helping one another, excusing it with axioms about how you'll wreck the moral fiber of people by giving them a helping hand. This may be true when you are strong and know how to help yourself, but it's not so fine for the sick, the elderly, those who are small and alone, for children who can only be victims. We are not a caring society. We are unwilling to make irrational loving commitments to children, to families, grandparents, relatives, even our wives and husbands. And beyond to friends, neighbors, community, indeed even to our country."
He continues in the article to commend the socialist countries such as Sweden and China for their exemplary patterns of 'people caring'. His lecture on this topic follows the same pattern - Our families and communities have fallen apart: therefore, we need to adopt socialism because socialism 'serves the people'.
Dr. Bronfenbrenner decries the loss of the extended family: the grandparent, aunt-uncle, brother-sister support system which in the past has cared for the individual. He decries the breakup of the nuclear family; the high divorce rate and the large number of working mothers. He decries the mania of 'do your own thing'. However several situations have converged to cause me to believe that his concerns are more political than compassionate. (Although I am not questioning the depths of his compassion.)
Last summer, I was discussing Dr. Bronfenbrenner's concerns with a woman who now lives in Rochester. She commented, "I'm interested in what you're saying because I was a student in that department 20 years ago. The situations that he claims have now occurred are the very things we were taught to teach. We were to encourage students not to return to their home town and to their extended families but rather to move to a new town in order to be independent and 'do your own thing'. Perhaps he has helped to create the situation that he is now exploiting."
The second situation concerns the brand of feminism that is supported by the professional educators. If the extended family has been threatened in the past by professional counsel, the nuclear family is presently under intense attack by those women whom the professionals choose to support.
As a student at Cornell I actively tried to bring to consciousness the important contributions made to our society by homemakers believing that these contributions should be recognized by more than the Ladies Home Journal. Much to my dismay I discovered that many professional women also are unappreciative of these contributions. Women are being encouraged to remain single or accept divorce as a viable alternative. Women are being encouraged to leave their families and to leave their children in day care centers, to develop careers and enter paying jobs.
One woman professor stated, "We should not just stay at home and have children who only cry and vomit." Another woman in a lecture advised the men in the audience to "kick your wives out of the house. Make them become economically independent so they will not be a burden upon you."
I am not necessarily opposed to all of these trends; however, my concern is deepened by the realization that one of the main advisors for the women's studies program is a male professor who works closely with Dr. Bronfenbrenner. The question becomes, "Are these men working against each other or with each other?"
The third situation which causes me to question the statements of Dr. Bronfenbrenner is the treatment accorded by the professional community to data recently collected for my Master's thesis in another department at Cornell. These data contradict almost all of the statements he makes. The thesis was a survey of the woman volunteer. A 10 page questionnaire was mailed to 900 women volunteers in Tompkins County. Five hundred and thirteen women thoughtfully completed and returned these questionnaires.
The predominate impression from this overwhelming response was that of a deep concern for family, community, the sick, the elderly and the children. These women were not motivated by a mania to 'do their own thing' but rather a desire to 'serve the people' because of a love for their fellow man. They expressed no paranoia of helping one another. Their responses and comments (written along the edges, between questions and on the backs of the pages) indicate irrational loving commitments to family, neighbor and community.
Their deep concerns were perhaps developed by the altruistic and intrinsic rewards instilled by religion as 85 percent of the women identified with a religious affiliation. These 513 women gave 3,205 hours each week to community service organizations. Because the sample was randomly drawn these data can legitimately be extended to thousands of women. In observing the volunteers in our community I suspect the data could be equaled by the men who contribute generously of their time to run church activities, service organizations, scouts and sports activities.
* * *
I was not prepared for the treatment which I received from the professional community. Although data had been collected on background characteristics, volunteer job involvements, attitudes toward job satisfaction and attitudes toward six currently debated policy orientations it was dismissed as 'predictable and merely data'. After receiving the returned questionnaires I received essentially no more help from the professors in the analysis of the data.
The only assistance was the following advice: "Tell the women they are being exploited, they are taking paying jobs from other women, they should form a union so the National Labor Board can speak for them and then go on strike." I was stunned. Although the data does not support this advice it was repeated on two other occasions.
I cannot condone or condemn socialism. I would need more information to do so. Perhaps we could benefit by adopting some of the 'people caring' patterns of socialist countries. I do, however, deplore the manipulation, distortion and suppression of data for political reasons. I have both personal experience and observation to support the contention that this is occurring. We cannot deliver a caring society from the bowels of deception.
When Dr. Bronfenbrenner speaks with concern for the American family and in the same breath praises the Chinese and Swedish families he overlooks the government infringment and control which exists in socialist countries over the cultural training of the children. The beauty, freedom and strength of America and of existence itself lies in a multiplicity of ideas and in variations of cultural interpretations. The authority and autonomy of the family unit is the cornerstone upon which these variations are built.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
A Mother's Day Tribute
This Sunday in America we'll pause in our hectic pace to remember our mothers and the importance of their love and guidance in shaping our lives.
It is with a grateful heart that I remember my mother, Elizabeth Hare, who passed on to her reward 10 years ago.
Although Mom was primarily a wife and a mother, she was a strong, wise and independent woman long before woman's lib became popular in the '70's.
She had been trained as a Baptist missionary, but after marriage her family and her local church became her mission field. She worked several years as the Director of Religious Education for our church and also several years as a social worker.
When we four children left home, Mom invited us back with our families every two years to gather for a reunion. We have rich memories from these gatherings.
Both Mom and Dad took time to write their observations and feelings about the importance of life and the beauty in their lives. They would have enjoyed blogging.
Last Father's Day (June 11, 2008) I shared some of Dad's insightful and humorous observations about nature on my blogsite.
This blog will pass on some of Mom's poetic reflections in which she shares her joy and love for living.
TIC-TAC-TOE
God opened up this day for me,
And said, Now make it good.
Explore your world and work with love
As every Christian should.
Let not the routine patterns,
Thwart pictures in the mind.
Play tic-tac-toe with problems.
Joy wins the game you'll find.
AT THE ORGAN
I never will be famous
For musical array,
But in my heart a melody
I sing and write today.
I talk to my Creator,
I play Him songs most dear,
I know that He will listen,
Without a critic's ear.
I pour my soul's vibrations
Into the ivory keys,
Not man, but God will hear them,
'Tis Him I seek to please.
The world is rushing madly
Trying to find life's way
While joy and peace engulf me,
As holy tunes I play.
I LIKE POPCORN
Each person has a weakness,
We must admit with shame,
I too confess I'm guilty
In this lack-of-will power game.
At evening when we're resting
Perhaps with friends who've come,
I argue that the children,
Would like some food for fun.
Popcorn - that will please them,
If they don't play too rough,
I'll pop a great big bowlful
But I won't touch the stuff.
The children call out to me,
Hurry up, we can't resist.
Their nostrils smell corn popping,
From play they all desist.
I tell myself, now this time,
Your will must not give way,
But when the bowl is empty,
I've eaten more than they.
Some day I know I'll conquer,
My figure will grow slim,
But as long as there is popcorn,
I'm afraid I'll never win.
MOTHER, MAKE HIM STOP IT!
Mother, make him stop it.
He's hitting me in the back.
Why must I have a brother
That I always want to smack?
Can you tell me why he trips me,
Every time that I must pass?
Make him go outside, Mom,
Weed the garden, mow the grass.
And so it goes - these children,
They bicker, fuss and fume.
They like it. I don't mind it.
I suppose it chases gloom.
THE CRICKET IS SINGING A SONG TO ME
The cricket is singing a song to me,
Ta-ree, ta-ree, ta-ree.
In the darkness of night when all is at rest,
I think he must be free.
Free from the worry of human noise,
Free to explore alone,
To walk around in the silent earth,
And then to mount his throne -
To sing the song that's inside of him,
And tell me to have no fear,
'Mid rush and work and family tasks,
There is always time to cheer.
Says he at night when all is asleep,
Relax and my song I'll sing.
It will quiet your mind and clear your thought,
As my message, ta-ree, I bring.
Yes, the cricket is singing a song to me,
Ta-ree, ta-ree, ta-ree.
In the darkness of night when all is at rest,
And the hour from care is free.
NIGHT
Listen, my soul,
To the silence of peace,
Enveloping night
In its lazy release.
Dream on, weary mind,
Of lofty new aims,
To fire the morn
At dawn's glowing change.
Arise, heart anew,
And gird thyself well,
Awake to new light,
Love's passion to tell.
Guard zealously yet
The hours of the day.
Fill each open moment
With laughter, still pray -
That the evening approaching
From labor is meant -
To offer reward
For each second well spent.
Listen, my soul,
To the silence of peace,
Enveloping night
In its lazy release.
Mom lived to be 89. She passed on a rich heritage of love to her children and grandchildren. Thank you, Mom.
It is with a grateful heart that I remember my mother, Elizabeth Hare, who passed on to her reward 10 years ago.
Although Mom was primarily a wife and a mother, she was a strong, wise and independent woman long before woman's lib became popular in the '70's.
She had been trained as a Baptist missionary, but after marriage her family and her local church became her mission field. She worked several years as the Director of Religious Education for our church and also several years as a social worker.
When we four children left home, Mom invited us back with our families every two years to gather for a reunion. We have rich memories from these gatherings.
Both Mom and Dad took time to write their observations and feelings about the importance of life and the beauty in their lives. They would have enjoyed blogging.
Last Father's Day (June 11, 2008) I shared some of Dad's insightful and humorous observations about nature on my blogsite.
This blog will pass on some of Mom's poetic reflections in which she shares her joy and love for living.
TIC-TAC-TOE
God opened up this day for me,
And said, Now make it good.
Explore your world and work with love
As every Christian should.
Let not the routine patterns,
Thwart pictures in the mind.
Play tic-tac-toe with problems.
Joy wins the game you'll find.
AT THE ORGAN
I never will be famous
For musical array,
But in my heart a melody
I sing and write today.
I talk to my Creator,
I play Him songs most dear,
I know that He will listen,
Without a critic's ear.
I pour my soul's vibrations
Into the ivory keys,
Not man, but God will hear them,
'Tis Him I seek to please.
The world is rushing madly
Trying to find life's way
While joy and peace engulf me,
As holy tunes I play.
I LIKE POPCORN
Each person has a weakness,
We must admit with shame,
I too confess I'm guilty
In this lack-of-will power game.
At evening when we're resting
Perhaps with friends who've come,
I argue that the children,
Would like some food for fun.
Popcorn - that will please them,
If they don't play too rough,
I'll pop a great big bowlful
But I won't touch the stuff.
The children call out to me,
Hurry up, we can't resist.
Their nostrils smell corn popping,
From play they all desist.
I tell myself, now this time,
Your will must not give way,
But when the bowl is empty,
I've eaten more than they.
Some day I know I'll conquer,
My figure will grow slim,
But as long as there is popcorn,
I'm afraid I'll never win.
MOTHER, MAKE HIM STOP IT!
Mother, make him stop it.
He's hitting me in the back.
Why must I have a brother
That I always want to smack?
Can you tell me why he trips me,
Every time that I must pass?
Make him go outside, Mom,
Weed the garden, mow the grass.
And so it goes - these children,
They bicker, fuss and fume.
They like it. I don't mind it.
I suppose it chases gloom.
THE CRICKET IS SINGING A SONG TO ME
The cricket is singing a song to me,
Ta-ree, ta-ree, ta-ree.
In the darkness of night when all is at rest,
I think he must be free.
Free from the worry of human noise,
Free to explore alone,
To walk around in the silent earth,
And then to mount his throne -
To sing the song that's inside of him,
And tell me to have no fear,
'Mid rush and work and family tasks,
There is always time to cheer.
Says he at night when all is asleep,
Relax and my song I'll sing.
It will quiet your mind and clear your thought,
As my message, ta-ree, I bring.
Yes, the cricket is singing a song to me,
Ta-ree, ta-ree, ta-ree.
In the darkness of night when all is at rest,
And the hour from care is free.
NIGHT
Listen, my soul,
To the silence of peace,
Enveloping night
In its lazy release.
Dream on, weary mind,
Of lofty new aims,
To fire the morn
At dawn's glowing change.
Arise, heart anew,
And gird thyself well,
Awake to new light,
Love's passion to tell.
Guard zealously yet
The hours of the day.
Fill each open moment
With laughter, still pray -
That the evening approaching
From labor is meant -
To offer reward
For each second well spent.
Listen, my soul,
To the silence of peace,
Enveloping night
In its lazy release.
Mom lived to be 89. She passed on a rich heritage of love to her children and grandchildren. Thank you, Mom.
Friday, March 27, 2009
A Year of Concerns
Concerning This, began on March 28th, 2008. Incentive for it's formation came from the Center for Disease Control after it announced the STD rate of teenage girls in the United States. Deeply concerned about many destructive patterns developing in our country, I began to share my thoughts, in hope that conditions may improve. Readers are invited to make comments. I thank the precious few who have taken time to share their thoughts.
This blog entry will list the discussions from March 28th of last year to the present, with a capsule summary of the concerns discussed.
TRAGIC STATISTICS! WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE!- March 28, 2008
One in four teen girls has at least one sexually transmitted disease. More than 45 million abortions have been performed in the U.S. since 1973, 81% to unmarried women. By 2005, 35% of babies born in the U.S. were born out of wedlock and 40% of children are being raised without a father in the home.
WHAT NEXT? PROCREATION OR PRODUCTION? - April 1, 2008
Advances in reproductive technologies challenge our sexual and family relationships, raising many ethical questions.
* How far should commerce and reproduction mix?
* Are the rights of children of the new biology being ignored?
* What is it doing to the way we think about ourselves, each other, and our children?
THE DECEITFUL WEB OF PORNOGRAPHY - April 4, 2008
Pornography and sexual temptation are ripping the soul out of our American culture. We rationalize our destructive behaviors by weaving a web of deception around us: "I can handle it." "I'm not hurting anyone." "It's just entertainment."
Pornography is BIG BUSINESS.
HOMOSEXUALITY? CAUTION IS WISDOM - April 8, 2008
The profound changes that would occur in social organization warrant caution and serious consideration, particularly in regard to social integration, social freedom, social reproduction, and social health.
THE CON IN CONDOM: SAFE SEX! - May 13, 2008
Typical condom use has a failure rate of 14%. Would you get into a car with that probability and feel safe? If 20 million people trusted condoms for safe sex, two million, eight hundred thousand people will be 'unpleasantly surprised'. They are being passed out to junior high students.
THE ENDANGERED BLACK FAMILY AND OUR ENDANGERED CULTURE. - May 27, 2008
In their book, Come On People: From Victims to Victors,Bill Cosby and Alvin Poussaint courageously document a social tragedy that has concerned social scientists for decades. In 1950, 5 out of 6 black children were born into a two-parent home. Now 70% are born outside of marriage.
Black male rappers have churned out a profane style with antisocial, angry, women-hating messages.
A FATHER'S DAY TRIBUTE - June 11, 2008
My Dad would have enjoyed blogging. He liked to write down his observations of nature and share them. Here are a few.
* If you see a bunch of leaves bouncing like they had cricket legs, look carefully and you'll see a fox sparrow in the middle "kicking it up" as fox sparrows do.
* A tree full of blackbirds sounds a lot like water dropping into a hundred buckets.
* Tonight it is raining...a frog...hopped into the kitchen. I picked him up and told Elizabeth if she would kiss him, he might turn into a Prince. But she would not. So we let him out.
THE HIGH COST OF MARRIAGE BREAKDOWN IN AMERICA. - June 17, 2008
Increases in divorce, single-parent families and children born out-of-wedlock are creating expensive personal and social tragedies as commitment to family is replaced by self-orientation. A study released in April of 2008 reported $112 billion annual taxpayer cost due to increased expenditures for anti-poverty, criminal justice and education programs from high rates of divorce and unmarried childbearing.
IT PAYS TO ENRICH YOUR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY! - June 24, 2008
Marriage enrichment, different from marriage counseling or therapy, is an educational learning process of making marriage better, happier, and more satisfying. Marriage enrichment activities develop skills in affirming each other, conflict resolution and caring communication. It is the best investment you can make for yourself, your future, your children, and your family!
HOW'S THE WEATHER INSIDE? A WORKSHOP FOR MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT. - July 11, 2008
Plan a workshop for marriage enrichment. There are many resources available for help. Every marriage has many storms to weather as life progresses and changes. Marriage enrichment activities develop skills in affirming each other, conflict resolution and communication. Conflict is something to be resolved, not avoided. It is an opportunity to recognize each other's needs and uniqueness. Creative communication is a chance to grow closer together.
TEXAS LEADS IN MARRIAGE STRENGTHENING PROGRAMS - July 28, 2008
On June 15th of 2007, the Governor of Texas signed into law 2 bills designed to support the development of healthy marriages and families: House Bill 2683 - Strengthening Families, and House Bill 2685 - Marriage Preparation Courses. By promoting these bills, Texas took the lead at the state level in promoting programs to give families tools to succeed in marriage and family relationship skills.
WHEN ORGANIZATIONS AND FAMILIES COLLIDE August 10, 2008
We are spending an increasing amount of time in organizations, away from our families. Our social education programs are failing to educate citizens in skills necessary for healthy family relationships. In their report, Marriage in America: A Report to the Nation, the Council on Families contend that making marriage stronger will require a shift in cultural values and public policy. They conclude that educational, religious, civic, business, political, and health organizations must all work together to regain the social value of marriage and family.
HOLY HUMANISM! IT'S POLITICALLY CORRECT! September 20, 2008
In 1933, contending that the universe is self-existing and that worship and prayer must be replaced by a sense of personal life and social well being, the Humanist Manifesto outlined the establishment of a new religion based on modern science.
In 1973, a second manifesto announced that ethics must be considered autonomous and situational, and that civil liberties must be extended to the right to die, euthanasia, suicide, birth control, abortion, divorce and the right to engage in varieties of sexual behaviors between consenting adults. These proposals are being taught in our universities and schools as what is now politically correct.
ECONOMIC SOCIALISM ENDANGERS OUR FREEDOMS! October 1, 2008
Our freedoms are at stake in the horrendous request that asks taxpayers to give the government SEVEN HUNDRED BILLION DOLLARS of their hard earned money to bail out fiascos on wall street. Giving government bureaucrats at the treasury department centralized control over the money available for making business loans and more importantly, giving them the authority to decide the eligibility rules as to who will receive these loans moves us into the realm of economic socialism.
IT'S NOT OUR ECONOMY, S____, IT'S OUR CHARACTER! WHAT HAPPENED TO THE DREAM? October 13, 2008
What is needed at this junction in history are leaders who have the WISDOM, WILL, AND COURAGE to help us restore a greater loss than money. Who can lead us back to citizenship and social, personal, and moral responsibility so the foundation of our country can be protected and restored?
BE WARY OF SOCIALISM, VERY WARY! October 24, 2008
Socialism is a vast bureaucracy dictated by the few for the good of the few and the control of the many. In times of crises 'benevolent dictatorship' is often held out as the obvious solution. However, benevolent dictatorship is a contradiction in terms.
It is the faith of the free system of government that open and honest debate provides a foundation where the general population can choose the form of laws and regulations that will best serve the greatest good. The government is then held accountable to the people for its continuing existence.
THE NEW MORALITY THREATENS US ALL. November 30, 2008
In 1884, Freidrich Engels, co-author of the Communist Manifesto, outlined a new social organization. Women would be drawn into industry, men and women would be equal in rights and responsibilities, the means of production would pass into common property, the family would be abolished as the economic unit of society, housekeeping would become a social industry, and all children would be taken care of by the state whether they are born in wedlock or not.
From these changes will spring the new morality that Engels calls Sex Love.
This new society will give rise to more unrestrained sexual intercourse. Sex love replaces committed family love. When affection is "displaced by a new passionate love", separation becomes a blessing.
IMAGINE NO RELIGION. IMPOSSIBLE! December 26,2008
All persons and groups develop meaning systems that guide their decisions and behaviors which they then pursue with religious fervor. It is impossible to 'imagine no religion'.
When the Freedom From Religion Foundation asks us to imagine no religion they are in reality asking us to imagine no God, no higher power to which we are accountable. The attempt to remove the concept of God from our society raises deep and legitimate fears related to individual integrity, freedom and survival.
VAST CONCLUSIONS FROM HALF VAST DATA. January 11, 2009
The process of scientific investigation attempts to overcome personal bias and preference by a reliance on an objective analysis of facts systematically collected. Unfortunately, however, science can be and sometimes is misused for political agendas. The temptation may be to distort the results by using only a portion of the data that supports the agenda or to widely over generalize the results to imply 'all' when only 'some' is appropriate.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR'S STRENGTH TO LOVE. January 19, 2009
Dr. King, black ministers and leaders of the civil rights movement were insistent that the demonstrations for freedom would be controlled, orderly, dignified and non-violent. This powerful strength to love, in spite of past and present violence against them was a convincing factor that led to the passage of the civil rights acts of 1964 and 1965.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE DIVIDES THE NATION. February 4, 2009
Because abortion is intimately related to the value and meaning of human life and family, it became one of the most explosive, bitter, and divisive conflicts in America. State and federal laws were passed following Roe v. Wade limiting whether, when and under what circumstances a woman may obtain an abortion. The Freedom of Choice Act, introduced but not passed in 2007, would prohibit federal, state or local governmental entities from interfering with a woman's right to choose abortion. Senator Obama, now President, spoke to Planned Parenthood saying, "The first thing I'd do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act".
BIAS AND ERROR IN THE COSTLY DEATH PENALTY SYSTEM. February 14, 2009
There is much bias in the death penalty in America. Where a person commits a murder affects their chances of being put to death. The finality of the death penalty also raises concern about errors in sentencing. A study found that between 1989 and 2003, 340 prisoners convicted of murder and rape had been exonerated. DNA evidence and false witness identification were involved in many exonerations. The death penalty is an expensive cost to the taxpayer compared to a sentence of life without parole.
EUTHANASIA COMES TO THE UNITED STATES. February 24, 2009
On March 5th of 2009, the state of Michigan became the second state to enact into law the Death With Dignity Act. Opponents contend that Assisted Suicide is a more accurate name for the act. Depression is a primary factor linked to assisted suicides, and treatment for depression should be given before suicide is considered. Patients often seek death as a relief from relentless pain. Yet with good medical care, pain is almost always manageable.
SPEAK OUT TO PROTECT FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE. March 21, 2009
As budget and bailout concerns capture the news and the public attention, the Department of Health and Human Services(HHS) is quietly making plans to throw out the conscience rules that protect medical workers who refuse to perform medical procedures contrary to their moral convictions. President Obama, furthering his support for abortion rights, announced plans to roll back the conscience rules, stoking battles between abortion and right-to-life supporters. HHS is receiving comments from medical personnel and the public through April 9, 2009 in regard to this issue.
This blog entry will list the discussions from March 28th of last year to the present, with a capsule summary of the concerns discussed.
TRAGIC STATISTICS! WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE!- March 28, 2008
One in four teen girls has at least one sexually transmitted disease. More than 45 million abortions have been performed in the U.S. since 1973, 81% to unmarried women. By 2005, 35% of babies born in the U.S. were born out of wedlock and 40% of children are being raised without a father in the home.
WHAT NEXT? PROCREATION OR PRODUCTION? - April 1, 2008
Advances in reproductive technologies challenge our sexual and family relationships, raising many ethical questions.
* How far should commerce and reproduction mix?
* Are the rights of children of the new biology being ignored?
* What is it doing to the way we think about ourselves, each other, and our children?
THE DECEITFUL WEB OF PORNOGRAPHY - April 4, 2008
Pornography and sexual temptation are ripping the soul out of our American culture. We rationalize our destructive behaviors by weaving a web of deception around us: "I can handle it." "I'm not hurting anyone." "It's just entertainment."
Pornography is BIG BUSINESS.
HOMOSEXUALITY? CAUTION IS WISDOM - April 8, 2008
The profound changes that would occur in social organization warrant caution and serious consideration, particularly in regard to social integration, social freedom, social reproduction, and social health.
THE CON IN CONDOM: SAFE SEX! - May 13, 2008
Typical condom use has a failure rate of 14%. Would you get into a car with that probability and feel safe? If 20 million people trusted condoms for safe sex, two million, eight hundred thousand people will be 'unpleasantly surprised'. They are being passed out to junior high students.
THE ENDANGERED BLACK FAMILY AND OUR ENDANGERED CULTURE. - May 27, 2008
In their book, Come On People: From Victims to Victors,Bill Cosby and Alvin Poussaint courageously document a social tragedy that has concerned social scientists for decades. In 1950, 5 out of 6 black children were born into a two-parent home. Now 70% are born outside of marriage.
Black male rappers have churned out a profane style with antisocial, angry, women-hating messages.
A FATHER'S DAY TRIBUTE - June 11, 2008
My Dad would have enjoyed blogging. He liked to write down his observations of nature and share them. Here are a few.
* If you see a bunch of leaves bouncing like they had cricket legs, look carefully and you'll see a fox sparrow in the middle "kicking it up" as fox sparrows do.
* A tree full of blackbirds sounds a lot like water dropping into a hundred buckets.
* Tonight it is raining...a frog...hopped into the kitchen. I picked him up and told Elizabeth if she would kiss him, he might turn into a Prince. But she would not. So we let him out.
THE HIGH COST OF MARRIAGE BREAKDOWN IN AMERICA. - June 17, 2008
Increases in divorce, single-parent families and children born out-of-wedlock are creating expensive personal and social tragedies as commitment to family is replaced by self-orientation. A study released in April of 2008 reported $112 billion annual taxpayer cost due to increased expenditures for anti-poverty, criminal justice and education programs from high rates of divorce and unmarried childbearing.
IT PAYS TO ENRICH YOUR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY! - June 24, 2008
Marriage enrichment, different from marriage counseling or therapy, is an educational learning process of making marriage better, happier, and more satisfying. Marriage enrichment activities develop skills in affirming each other, conflict resolution and caring communication. It is the best investment you can make for yourself, your future, your children, and your family!
HOW'S THE WEATHER INSIDE? A WORKSHOP FOR MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT. - July 11, 2008
Plan a workshop for marriage enrichment. There are many resources available for help. Every marriage has many storms to weather as life progresses and changes. Marriage enrichment activities develop skills in affirming each other, conflict resolution and communication. Conflict is something to be resolved, not avoided. It is an opportunity to recognize each other's needs and uniqueness. Creative communication is a chance to grow closer together.
TEXAS LEADS IN MARRIAGE STRENGTHENING PROGRAMS - July 28, 2008
On June 15th of 2007, the Governor of Texas signed into law 2 bills designed to support the development of healthy marriages and families: House Bill 2683 - Strengthening Families, and House Bill 2685 - Marriage Preparation Courses. By promoting these bills, Texas took the lead at the state level in promoting programs to give families tools to succeed in marriage and family relationship skills.
WHEN ORGANIZATIONS AND FAMILIES COLLIDE August 10, 2008
We are spending an increasing amount of time in organizations, away from our families. Our social education programs are failing to educate citizens in skills necessary for healthy family relationships. In their report, Marriage in America: A Report to the Nation, the Council on Families contend that making marriage stronger will require a shift in cultural values and public policy. They conclude that educational, religious, civic, business, political, and health organizations must all work together to regain the social value of marriage and family.
HOLY HUMANISM! IT'S POLITICALLY CORRECT! September 20, 2008
In 1933, contending that the universe is self-existing and that worship and prayer must be replaced by a sense of personal life and social well being, the Humanist Manifesto outlined the establishment of a new religion based on modern science.
In 1973, a second manifesto announced that ethics must be considered autonomous and situational, and that civil liberties must be extended to the right to die, euthanasia, suicide, birth control, abortion, divorce and the right to engage in varieties of sexual behaviors between consenting adults. These proposals are being taught in our universities and schools as what is now politically correct.
ECONOMIC SOCIALISM ENDANGERS OUR FREEDOMS! October 1, 2008
Our freedoms are at stake in the horrendous request that asks taxpayers to give the government SEVEN HUNDRED BILLION DOLLARS of their hard earned money to bail out fiascos on wall street. Giving government bureaucrats at the treasury department centralized control over the money available for making business loans and more importantly, giving them the authority to decide the eligibility rules as to who will receive these loans moves us into the realm of economic socialism.
IT'S NOT OUR ECONOMY, S____, IT'S OUR CHARACTER! WHAT HAPPENED TO THE DREAM? October 13, 2008
What is needed at this junction in history are leaders who have the WISDOM, WILL, AND COURAGE to help us restore a greater loss than money. Who can lead us back to citizenship and social, personal, and moral responsibility so the foundation of our country can be protected and restored?
BE WARY OF SOCIALISM, VERY WARY! October 24, 2008
Socialism is a vast bureaucracy dictated by the few for the good of the few and the control of the many. In times of crises 'benevolent dictatorship' is often held out as the obvious solution. However, benevolent dictatorship is a contradiction in terms.
It is the faith of the free system of government that open and honest debate provides a foundation where the general population can choose the form of laws and regulations that will best serve the greatest good. The government is then held accountable to the people for its continuing existence.
THE NEW MORALITY THREATENS US ALL. November 30, 2008
In 1884, Freidrich Engels, co-author of the Communist Manifesto, outlined a new social organization. Women would be drawn into industry, men and women would be equal in rights and responsibilities, the means of production would pass into common property, the family would be abolished as the economic unit of society, housekeeping would become a social industry, and all children would be taken care of by the state whether they are born in wedlock or not.
From these changes will spring the new morality that Engels calls Sex Love.
This new society will give rise to more unrestrained sexual intercourse. Sex love replaces committed family love. When affection is "displaced by a new passionate love", separation becomes a blessing.
IMAGINE NO RELIGION. IMPOSSIBLE! December 26,2008
All persons and groups develop meaning systems that guide their decisions and behaviors which they then pursue with religious fervor. It is impossible to 'imagine no religion'.
When the Freedom From Religion Foundation asks us to imagine no religion they are in reality asking us to imagine no God, no higher power to which we are accountable. The attempt to remove the concept of God from our society raises deep and legitimate fears related to individual integrity, freedom and survival.
VAST CONCLUSIONS FROM HALF VAST DATA. January 11, 2009
The process of scientific investigation attempts to overcome personal bias and preference by a reliance on an objective analysis of facts systematically collected. Unfortunately, however, science can be and sometimes is misused for political agendas. The temptation may be to distort the results by using only a portion of the data that supports the agenda or to widely over generalize the results to imply 'all' when only 'some' is appropriate.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR'S STRENGTH TO LOVE. January 19, 2009
Dr. King, black ministers and leaders of the civil rights movement were insistent that the demonstrations for freedom would be controlled, orderly, dignified and non-violent. This powerful strength to love, in spite of past and present violence against them was a convincing factor that led to the passage of the civil rights acts of 1964 and 1965.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE DIVIDES THE NATION. February 4, 2009
Because abortion is intimately related to the value and meaning of human life and family, it became one of the most explosive, bitter, and divisive conflicts in America. State and federal laws were passed following Roe v. Wade limiting whether, when and under what circumstances a woman may obtain an abortion. The Freedom of Choice Act, introduced but not passed in 2007, would prohibit federal, state or local governmental entities from interfering with a woman's right to choose abortion. Senator Obama, now President, spoke to Planned Parenthood saying, "The first thing I'd do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act".
BIAS AND ERROR IN THE COSTLY DEATH PENALTY SYSTEM. February 14, 2009
There is much bias in the death penalty in America. Where a person commits a murder affects their chances of being put to death. The finality of the death penalty also raises concern about errors in sentencing. A study found that between 1989 and 2003, 340 prisoners convicted of murder and rape had been exonerated. DNA evidence and false witness identification were involved in many exonerations. The death penalty is an expensive cost to the taxpayer compared to a sentence of life without parole.
EUTHANASIA COMES TO THE UNITED STATES. February 24, 2009
On March 5th of 2009, the state of Michigan became the second state to enact into law the Death With Dignity Act. Opponents contend that Assisted Suicide is a more accurate name for the act. Depression is a primary factor linked to assisted suicides, and treatment for depression should be given before suicide is considered. Patients often seek death as a relief from relentless pain. Yet with good medical care, pain is almost always manageable.
SPEAK OUT TO PROTECT FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE. March 21, 2009
As budget and bailout concerns capture the news and the public attention, the Department of Health and Human Services(HHS) is quietly making plans to throw out the conscience rules that protect medical workers who refuse to perform medical procedures contrary to their moral convictions. President Obama, furthering his support for abortion rights, announced plans to roll back the conscience rules, stoking battles between abortion and right-to-life supporters. HHS is receiving comments from medical personnel and the public through April 9, 2009 in regard to this issue.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Speak Out To Protect Freedom of Conscience!
As budget and bailout concerns capture the news and the public attention, the Department of Health and Human Services is quietly making plans to throw out the conscience rules that protect medical workers who refuse to perform medical procedures contrary to their moral convictions. 1.
Following Roe v. Wade in 1973, state and federal conscience clauses were enacted to protect health care workers who didn't want to perform abortions. Subsequent protections developed to protect reluctant health care workers from participation in euthansia and assisted suicide.
THE PROVIDER REFUSAL RULE
In August of 2008, the Bush administration proposed legislation that was enacted into law on inauguration day of 2009. The Provider Refusal Rule strengthened protections for doctors, nurses and workers in health care settings who refuse to provide a medical service because of moral convictions.
This legislation also protects healthcare providers from being involved in additional procedures, like sex change operations and assisted suicide, as well as vaccinations and family planning, if they are morally opposed to the procedures.2.
Pharmacists would also be protected from refusing to prescribe medicine, including the morning-after pill, if they opposed the prescription on moral grounds.
This bill does not violate the ability of a person seeking services to receive them from another source, but protects the conscientious medical decisions of professionals who object to particular services.
THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION PLANS TO RESCIND THE 'CONSCIENCE RULE'.
At the end of February 2009, President Obama, furthering his support for abortion rights, announced plans to roll back the conscience rules, stoking battles between abortion and right-to-life supporters.
Dr. Suzanne T. Poppema, board chair of Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health, praised Obama "for placing good health care above ideological demands."
However, Toni Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said "Protecting the right of all health-care professional's judgments based on moral convictions and ethical standards...is necessary to ensure that access to health care is not diminished, which will occur if health-care workers are forced out of their jobs because of their ethical stances. President Obama's intention to change the language of these protections would result in the government becoming the conscience and not the individual." 3.
COMMENTS ARE INVITED AND ENCOURAGED THROUGH APRIL 9, 2009.
Advocates on both sides, medical groups and the public are invited to contact the Department of Health and Human Services to make comments on this proposal through the first week of April to express their opinions about changes in the conscience clauses.
HISTORY OF MEDICAL CONSCIENCE
The Hippocratic Oath, which pertains to the ethical practice of medicine, has traditionally been taken by physicians and continues to be a sacred document among health care professionals.
"I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous. I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel; and in like manner I will not give a woman a pessary to produce abortion"... (from the Hippocratic Oath)
Hippocrates was a celebrated Greek physician in the 4th century BCE. Even then physicians were organized into a guild with regulations for training and a professional ideal of practice.
"CHURCH AMENDMENTS"
In the 1970's, conscience provisions contained in the Department of Health and Human Services directives collectively known as the 'Church Amendments' (42 U.S.C.&300a-7) were enacted in response to whether or not the receipt of federal funds required recipients to perform sterilizations or abortions.
Conscience provisions provide that:
* the receipt of government funds does not require that individuals or entities be involved in sterilization or abortion procedures if it would be contrary to religious beliefs or moral convictions.
* Entities receiving funds (grants, contracts, loans), including biomedical research entities, are prohibited from discriminating against any physician or health care personnel who refused to perform a lawful sterilization or abortion procedure based on religious beliefs.
* Entities receiving funds are prohibited from discriminating against any applicant for training or study because of the applicant's reluctance to participate in counseling or assistance in abortions or sterilizations based on the applicant's religious beliefs or moral convictions.
CONCERNS ABOUT GOVERNMENT TAKEOVER OF MEDICINE
When freedom of conscience is overruled by directives from govenment or a governing board, totalitarian regimes may command citizens to engage in atrocious behaviors in opposition to their own feelings of appropriate behavior.
THE NAZIFICATION OF MEDICINE
A tragic example was seen in Nazi Germany, where doctors were used to commit unspeakable horrors under the direction of the state.
Physicians were identified as 'servants of the state'. Personal responsibility for decisions was taken away from individual doctors and nurses. 4.
The overarching Nazi biomedical vision involved medicalized killing, killing in the name of healing for the good of the 'Volk'. Sterilization, mercy killing, euthanasia and destroying 'life unworthy of life' were seen as responsible medical practices.
In a period of 7 years, the Nazi holocaust eradicated an estimated 21 million people, many of whom were killed by medical doctors who had no voice or choice but to obey the directives of the state or lose their license. Those killed included the handicapped, children, aged, sick, ethnic groups, conscientious objectors, and any critics who opposed the Nazi agenda. 5.
MEDICAL KILLING IN AMERICA
Since the enactment of Roe v. Wade in 1973, over 49,500,000 legal abortions have been performed in the United States. Since the legalization of abortion, the pressures not to abort have been replaced by a multitude of social pressures encouraging abortion. Increasingly, accounts of research studies related to abortion and stress report that in many cases the choice to abort was not made by the woman but was forced upon her by husbands, parents, doctors, counselors, or friends. 6.
In 1994, Oregon voters approved a bill permitting terminally ill patients with less than six months to live to request and self-administer lethal doses of medicine. On March 5,2009, Washington State became the second state to approve this initiative, called the Death With Dignity Act.
Opponents of the bill contend that 'assisted suicide' is a more accurate description of this legislation. Kenneth Stevens, a Portland, Oregon radiation oncolgist said assisted suicide "is a reversal of the historic role of physicians as healers, as comforters, as counselors." 7.
FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE IS DEMOCRACY IN ACTION
The ability to act on personal and moral conscience is the foundation of our liberty and freedom. The right of individuals to speak up and act on the basis of their individual sense of moral rightness provides the checks and balances that protect us from the tyranny of totalitarian dictatorship.
The Obama administration is concerned that the Bush regulations could put in jeopardy family planning services and counseling for vaccines. The administration will review comments from the public before making a final decision.
Responsible citizenship requires that we speak out to make our concerns heard.
REFERENCES
1. Lewey, Noam. N. February 27, 2009."Obama administration may rescind 'conscience rule'.Washington Bureau. Chicagotribune.com.March 21, 2009.
2.Berger, Matthew. March 3, 2009. "Obama Plans to Rescind Healthcare 'Conscience Clause'. http://www.crosswalk.com/news/commentary/11600261. 3/21/2009.
3. Young, Saundra. March, 19, 2009. "White House set to reverse health care conscience clause'". CNN.com. Campbell Brown: No Bias. No Bull.
4.Lifton, Robert Jay. 2000. The Nazi Doctors: Medical Killing and the Psychology of Genocide. Basic Books
5. Rummel, R. J. 1992. Democide: Nazi Genocide and Mass Murder. New Brunswick,NJ: Transaction Pub. http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/NAZIS.CHAP1.HTM.
6. Basu, Alaka Malwade(ed.) 2003. The Sociocultural and Political Aspects of Abortion:Global Perspective.Chapter 14.The Social Pressure to Abort. Praeger Pub.
7. Allen, Marshall. August, 2004. "Death Wishes". Christianity Today. Vol.48, No.8,page 24.
Following Roe v. Wade in 1973, state and federal conscience clauses were enacted to protect health care workers who didn't want to perform abortions. Subsequent protections developed to protect reluctant health care workers from participation in euthansia and assisted suicide.
THE PROVIDER REFUSAL RULE
In August of 2008, the Bush administration proposed legislation that was enacted into law on inauguration day of 2009. The Provider Refusal Rule strengthened protections for doctors, nurses and workers in health care settings who refuse to provide a medical service because of moral convictions.
This legislation also protects healthcare providers from being involved in additional procedures, like sex change operations and assisted suicide, as well as vaccinations and family planning, if they are morally opposed to the procedures.2.
Pharmacists would also be protected from refusing to prescribe medicine, including the morning-after pill, if they opposed the prescription on moral grounds.
This bill does not violate the ability of a person seeking services to receive them from another source, but protects the conscientious medical decisions of professionals who object to particular services.
THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION PLANS TO RESCIND THE 'CONSCIENCE RULE'.
At the end of February 2009, President Obama, furthering his support for abortion rights, announced plans to roll back the conscience rules, stoking battles between abortion and right-to-life supporters.
Dr. Suzanne T. Poppema, board chair of Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health, praised Obama "for placing good health care above ideological demands."
However, Toni Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said "Protecting the right of all health-care professional's judgments based on moral convictions and ethical standards...is necessary to ensure that access to health care is not diminished, which will occur if health-care workers are forced out of their jobs because of their ethical stances. President Obama's intention to change the language of these protections would result in the government becoming the conscience and not the individual." 3.
COMMENTS ARE INVITED AND ENCOURAGED THROUGH APRIL 9, 2009.
Advocates on both sides, medical groups and the public are invited to contact the Department of Health and Human Services to make comments on this proposal through the first week of April to express their opinions about changes in the conscience clauses.
HISTORY OF MEDICAL CONSCIENCE
The Hippocratic Oath, which pertains to the ethical practice of medicine, has traditionally been taken by physicians and continues to be a sacred document among health care professionals.
"I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous. I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel; and in like manner I will not give a woman a pessary to produce abortion"... (from the Hippocratic Oath)
Hippocrates was a celebrated Greek physician in the 4th century BCE. Even then physicians were organized into a guild with regulations for training and a professional ideal of practice.
"CHURCH AMENDMENTS"
In the 1970's, conscience provisions contained in the Department of Health and Human Services directives collectively known as the 'Church Amendments' (42 U.S.C.&300a-7) were enacted in response to whether or not the receipt of federal funds required recipients to perform sterilizations or abortions.
Conscience provisions provide that:
* the receipt of government funds does not require that individuals or entities be involved in sterilization or abortion procedures if it would be contrary to religious beliefs or moral convictions.
* Entities receiving funds (grants, contracts, loans), including biomedical research entities, are prohibited from discriminating against any physician or health care personnel who refused to perform a lawful sterilization or abortion procedure based on religious beliefs.
* Entities receiving funds are prohibited from discriminating against any applicant for training or study because of the applicant's reluctance to participate in counseling or assistance in abortions or sterilizations based on the applicant's religious beliefs or moral convictions.
CONCERNS ABOUT GOVERNMENT TAKEOVER OF MEDICINE
When freedom of conscience is overruled by directives from govenment or a governing board, totalitarian regimes may command citizens to engage in atrocious behaviors in opposition to their own feelings of appropriate behavior.
THE NAZIFICATION OF MEDICINE
A tragic example was seen in Nazi Germany, where doctors were used to commit unspeakable horrors under the direction of the state.
Physicians were identified as 'servants of the state'. Personal responsibility for decisions was taken away from individual doctors and nurses. 4.
The overarching Nazi biomedical vision involved medicalized killing, killing in the name of healing for the good of the 'Volk'. Sterilization, mercy killing, euthanasia and destroying 'life unworthy of life' were seen as responsible medical practices.
In a period of 7 years, the Nazi holocaust eradicated an estimated 21 million people, many of whom were killed by medical doctors who had no voice or choice but to obey the directives of the state or lose their license. Those killed included the handicapped, children, aged, sick, ethnic groups, conscientious objectors, and any critics who opposed the Nazi agenda. 5.
MEDICAL KILLING IN AMERICA
Since the enactment of Roe v. Wade in 1973, over 49,500,000 legal abortions have been performed in the United States. Since the legalization of abortion, the pressures not to abort have been replaced by a multitude of social pressures encouraging abortion. Increasingly, accounts of research studies related to abortion and stress report that in many cases the choice to abort was not made by the woman but was forced upon her by husbands, parents, doctors, counselors, or friends. 6.
In 1994, Oregon voters approved a bill permitting terminally ill patients with less than six months to live to request and self-administer lethal doses of medicine. On March 5,2009, Washington State became the second state to approve this initiative, called the Death With Dignity Act.
Opponents of the bill contend that 'assisted suicide' is a more accurate description of this legislation. Kenneth Stevens, a Portland, Oregon radiation oncolgist said assisted suicide "is a reversal of the historic role of physicians as healers, as comforters, as counselors." 7.
FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE IS DEMOCRACY IN ACTION
The ability to act on personal and moral conscience is the foundation of our liberty and freedom. The right of individuals to speak up and act on the basis of their individual sense of moral rightness provides the checks and balances that protect us from the tyranny of totalitarian dictatorship.
The Obama administration is concerned that the Bush regulations could put in jeopardy family planning services and counseling for vaccines. The administration will review comments from the public before making a final decision.
Responsible citizenship requires that we speak out to make our concerns heard.
REFERENCES
1. Lewey, Noam. N. February 27, 2009."Obama administration may rescind 'conscience rule'.Washington Bureau. Chicagotribune.com.March 21, 2009.
2.Berger, Matthew. March 3, 2009. "Obama Plans to Rescind Healthcare 'Conscience Clause'. http://www.crosswalk.com/news/commentary/11600261. 3/21/2009.
3. Young, Saundra. March, 19, 2009. "White House set to reverse health care conscience clause'". CNN.com. Campbell Brown: No Bias. No Bull.
4.Lifton, Robert Jay. 2000. The Nazi Doctors: Medical Killing and the Psychology of Genocide. Basic Books
5. Rummel, R. J. 1992. Democide: Nazi Genocide and Mass Murder. New Brunswick,NJ: Transaction Pub. http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/NAZIS.CHAP1.HTM.
6. Basu, Alaka Malwade(ed.) 2003. The Sociocultural and Political Aspects of Abortion:Global Perspective.Chapter 14.The Social Pressure to Abort. Praeger Pub.
7. Allen, Marshall. August, 2004. "Death Wishes". Christianity Today. Vol.48, No.8,page 24.
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