My friend Keith Tonkel raised the issue of our "lost art of protest." I'm not certain we ever had it. And, I admit that a post like this is risky. I don't want to raise the ire of those whose ire is already raised. Neither do I want to act as if I "know." So, ok, I will admit it. I don't have any answers! And, if there is any value, any thought worth pursuing in this, I'm thankful.
In my life time, social protests have always had their share of violence and vitriol. The 60's were full of it. MLK Jr's non-violence was met with violence, and more. The documentaries are filled with video and photos that should make us all feel ashamed that any society would respond that way.
Our modern spiral back into darkness may be, in part, the result of our society's blind eye toward the struggle of the poor. At first it was the "urban sprawl" and the ghetto. Those who could answered by moving to suburbia. Now there are different groups rising. The loss of technical schools is taking it's toll as the new labor skills needed for a changing job landscape, disappeared.** Joining the ranks of the poor are many who once considered themselves middle class as they face stagnant wages and loss of "status."
In the 1950's, a period of great prosperity in the USA, public high schools, which included vocational education, produced the best trained work force in the world. We failed to keep it up. In Europe, today's higher education is focused from day one. As they train a 21st Century work force, course work not related to your chosen work goal which would extend your education and with it your debt, is eliminated. In a day when students can search the Web for detailed information on almost any topic, our colleges continue to overburden students with courses not related to their focus. Is this simply a product of failure to adjust by continuing a path made redundant by changing times? In the end, excessive college debt with limited job opportunities just creates another group of unhappy protesters.
Beyond the economic issues such as the failing infrastructure of our highways and cities and other signs of distress, social issues are not faced with integrity. People have their minds made up and look for ways to prove themselves right. There is little search for truth. To me, there is more truth in today's study of physics, which continually faces what we don't know with open minds, than in our facing "Black Lives Matter" or the issues of LGBTQ, rehabilitation for our veterans, and so much more. People cannot talk about these for they already "know their answers." And we who call ourselves Christians may find ourselves among the worst.
One more thought. In Jesus day, the Romans were very successful peace keepers (Pax Romana -- the Peace of Rome) using their very substantial power. The High Priests of Jesus day, using their negotiated relationship with Rome, chose to have one man killed rather than risk their power over the people. Jesus never said: "Blessed are the peace Keepers." Instead Jesus said: "Blessed are the peace MAKERS for they shall be called the children of God." (That begs an entirely different discussion)
Please forgive my rant. It makes me feel like one of those angry protesters -- and I guess, as bad as I hate to admit it, it is. :)
**(Please note that this is being addressed in some areas of our country. In Mississippi, one example is the Golden Triangle Industrial Park, their partnership with Community Colleges and Universities are making a difference in training workers.)
**(Please note that this is being addressed in some areas of our country. In Mississippi, one example is the Golden Triangle Industrial Park, their partnership with Community Colleges and Universities are making a difference in training workers.)
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