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February 28, 2007
Generation me
A recently released study proves statistically what many of us have been thinking for a while – today’s college students are more self-centered than their predecessors.
It is of course, the right, if not the obligation, for each generation to point out the following generation lacks the work ethic, manners, patriotism, etc that theirs did. However, this one intuitively strikes me as correct. We have worked so hard for so long to reduce personal responsibility, to create a sense that every child is extraordinary and that every feeling is justified and should be acted upon that they have come to believe it’s true. Rational people know this is not true. Personal responsibility is good thing, the backbone of a functioning society, not every child is extraordinary (by definition this is impossible) and not every feeling is a good one.
There is a story in today’s Los Angeles Times that perfectly illustrates just how far we have sunk. Elizabeth Venable was cited recently for refusing to stop cursing at the Orange County airport. She was not protesting the Iraq war, illegal immigration, global warming or even college tuition rates at UC Riverside (which must be so proud to have her as a graduate student), but was simply exchanging obscenities with a friend while leaving the baggage area. When asked by a police officer to stop, being reminded that it was illegal, inappropriate and that families and children were present, she preceded to curse even more loudly and at the officer.
She has now filed suit, claiming that her First Amendment rights have been violated. After years of raising children to have concerns regarding no one but themselves, teaching them that the ‘right” to do something makes it right and treating the First Amendment as an excuse for all deviant, boorish and offensive behaviors, we shouldn’t be surprised. However, we should be angered, outraged and ready to take a stand.
Elizabeth Venable is a product of her parents, our society and our education system and all of us should be ashamed at the poor job we have done. Obviously and unfortunately, she is not capable of shame or understanding just how wrong her actions are, so she needs to be taught. Let’s hope this case is thrown out of court and she is actually held responsible for her actions. It will be a step in the right direction, both for her and for us.
Posted by sharris at 07:32 AM
Pediatrician vs. patient
Dr. Gary Merrill, citing his Christian faith, refused to treat the daughter of Tasha Childress. Tasha has tattoos and piercing, both of which are prohibited by Merrill’s faith. The young girl had an ear infection and went the night without medicine as a result of Merrill’s refusal.
It strikes me that Dr. Merrill, as long as he is not in an emergency room, has a right to turn away patients based on his beliefs. However, having had a child with an ear infection, it also strikes me how angry and frustrated I would have been had I been the young girls parents.
It seems – with the benefit of hindsight – that the answer was reasonably simple. The doctor could have treated the young girl – who had done nothing wrong, even if you believe the mother did – and eased her pain, while letting the mother know that she needed to find another physician for the follow up and future visits.
Sometimes we are so quick to take a stand, we lose sight of the more important issues. Shouldn’t the doctor’s commitment to the Hippocratic oath and even to Christian values regarding helping those in need have trumped his concerns regarding a tattooed mother? I am not sure this served his profession or his God in the best way possible.
Posted by sharris at 12:05 AM
February 27, 2007
$4.5 billion
On Monday, state officials significantly bumped the amount of bond money – from $2.8 to $4.5 billion dollars – that they plan on spending this year. This was in direct response to lobbying efforts by politicians, advocacy groups and regular folks like you and I simply fed up with traffic. A large percentage of the increase will be spent in SoCal, specifically on the 405 and 91 freeways.
Whether or not you think the November bonds were a good idea, it is heartening to see state officials respond to the voices of Californians. Enough of us were dissatisfied with their initial proposal to demand – and receive - change. While this will not always be the case, nor should it, any example of bureaucrats listening to citizens has to be a good thing.
Now, if we really do make in impact on traffic….
Posted by sharris at 10:14 AM
The height of gall
James Pacenza was fired by IBM for frequenting an adult chat room while at work. He was warned not to do it, did so anyway, was caught and fired. For most self-respecting perverts, this would be the end of it.
However, Pacenza has filed suit for wrongful termination, citing the Americans With Disabilities Act and blaming Vietnam and post-traumatic stress disorder for turning him into a sex addict. This is another example of a weak American blaming a lack of character and personal responsibility on anyone and anything. One can only hope he will lose the suit. The real tragedy of this situation is the disrespect it shows to veterans who have suffered real injuries, either mental or physical, resulting from having served for their country and for all American who have real disabilities. If this lawsuit is allowed to stand, it cheapens us all.
Does anyone know if a company has ever filed suit against an employee like Pacenza, attempting to recoup the value of the time lost in acts like this? It might be a great way to stop frivolous lawsuits like this from even starting.
Posted by sharris at 12:03 AM
February 26, 2007
The Audacity of Obama
Whether you are liberal or conservative, whether you believe Barack Obama might be too black, not black enough or that color doesn’t matter or whether you believe he might be too young / inexperienced to be our next president, I strongly recommend you read his book – The Audacity of Hope.
It is well written and contrary to what you may have heard, has specific answers to questions that many of us are asking. While I did not agree with all of his assumptions, or conclusions, I was fascinated. He did an excellent job of outlining the positions of those who disagree with him. Not in a condescending or attacking manner, but done in a way that those who hold those positions should appreciate. I have always said that if you cannot articulate the opposing point of view, you do not have a position, you have an agenda. It strikes me that this young man (first real presidential candidate ever who is younger than me!) has positions.
The election is a long way off, but he is worth watching.
Posted by sharris at 12:05 AM
February 25, 2007
Today’s column
My column today, Time to pick a candidate, addresses the issue of looking at the variety of presidential candidates – from both parties – and selecting the one that would best serve your and the countries needs. Feedback encouraged!
Pick A Candidate
Pull quote – … a system for selecting your preferred candidate for president, something that reflects our statewide and national trend of thinking beyond party registration.
Scott Harris
The 2008 presidential election is only 20 months away – which in today’s era of long campaigns means things are heating up already. Most Americans don’t bother voting in the primaries, waiting to vote instead (if at all) in the general election, when the candidates have been conveniently weaned down to two – one from each of the major parties. About that time, you’ll start hearing the phrase “lesser of two evils,” reflecting the fact that a great many voters are not happy with either option.
The time to do something about that is now, while you still have a variety of options and choices. There are already nine announced Democratic candidates and the same number of announced Republican candidates. Some will drop out and more will be added, but the primary season will certainly be active and the campaigning has already been begun.
Allow me to suggest a system for selecting your preferred candidate for president, something that reflects our statewide and national trend of thinking beyond party registration.
The first thing to do is review the candidate’s positions on various issues. Identify issues that are important to you. Keeping the number of key issues to a minimum, ideally three, allows you to focus on the most significant topics. These can include anything that is important to you, but obvious examples are; universal healthcare, Iraq, stem cell research, abortion, same sex marriage, infrastructure, education, taxes, environment, energy independence, and immigration.
Once identified, review the candidate’s positions against yours. This will narrow the number of viable candidates, especially you have litmus test positions – your stance on abortion or troops in Iraq, etc. Try not to get caught up in party generalizations. For example, some Republicans are pro-choice while some Democrats favor our military presence in Iraq; therefore, it is time well-spent to explore all the options, regardless of party affiliation.
Compare the positions taken today against their past voting record. Look carefully at inconsistencies in positions taken and allow for nuances and the impact of time. Not all modified positions indicate ‘flip-flopping” or mere political expediency. Some changes in position are the result of a change in circumstances, or the maturing of a position or point-of-view. Do we really want our leaders married by political necessity to positions taken years ago, or do we want their current positions to reflect new information and a changing world?
Now take a look at any prejudices you may have regarding age, race, gender, religion, experience, etc. We have serious female, black, Latino and Mormon candidates for the first time, and it is impossible that this will not impact the campaign. Some will prefer their candidates “to be seasoned;” some will prefer them young and possibly more idealistic. You may prefer a candidate with military service, or without. You may prefer a governor’s executive experience from running a state, or a Senator’s involvement with foreign policy. Again, identify which of these qualifiers are important to you and use them to winnow those who survived the “issue test.”
I do not support the media’s relentless search for “dirt” on a candidate’s private life. However, much of this information, such as private or public scandals, a history of drug use, or divorces, is publicly available and might impact your views of the candidate. In today’s information age, for better or worse, there is very little we don’t know about our candidate’s personal, professional and political lives. It makes sense to look into the background of those who are still in the running for your vote. Does anything in their past jump out as important to you? If you can’t abide by someone who has done cocaine, or if you feel that a few youthful mistakes only add character, allow these feelings to guide you.
Last, and maybe most importantly, does the candidate inspire you? Can you see him or her as the leader of the free world, motivating America to be the best she can possible be, furthering relations with our allies and friends while not compromising our self-interests? As leaders of the world’s greatest nation, can he or she send us to the moon, or tear down walls?
If a candidate’s deeds match his/her words and views match yours, if you can see this person leading you and this country for four years, then that’s your candidate. Support him/her with your money, time, word of mouth, and most certainly your vote. The first primaries are only a year away.
Scott Harris is a political commentator. Read his columns, hear his radio show and contact him through his Web site, AlphaState.org.
Posted by sharris at 12:57 PM
February 24, 2007
Today’s California: The Alpha State
Each week I do a one-hour radio show – California: The Alpha State . It is a full hour: no commercials, no call-ins. It is an opportunity for an in-depth discussion on the issues facing our state and our nation.
Today’s guest was Jack Stewart, president of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association. We discuss the present state and the future of manufacturing and technology in California, the challenges and opportunities related to both and how it impacts each of us.
For those who like to look ahead, next week’s guest is David Lesher of the New America Foundation and we’ll be discussing direct and deliberative democracy.
If you missed any of our recent shows, take a look at my website and catch shows with Senator Tom McClintock, author Jeff Cohen and actor/author John Ratzenberger.
Upcoming guests include former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter, Ward Connerly and Secretary of State Debra Bowen.
Posted by sharris at 10:16 PM
This Week in Politics & Policy
Each week I do a column with a quick overview of what’s happened in the state in the past week. In case your local paper doesn’t carry it (and please ask them to!), I’ve attached it here.
I also do a radio version of the column, which you might enjoy.
This Week in Politics and Policy. February 23, 2007
Pull Quote – Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez has announced his support to legalize suicide in California.
Scott Harris
It’s time for our weekly tour around the great State of California, highlighting what’s new in Sacramento and what’s happening around the state that affects you, your family and your business.
Our Sacramento legislators have proposed a variety of new laws, each designed to protect us from what they apparently believe to be our greatest danger – ourselves. Proposed laws include bans on spanking children, talking on a cell phone while driving, smoking while on the beach or driving with children in the car, and serving trans fat in school cafeterias. If these laws pass, we will quickly become a full fledged “nanny state,” as they are sure to be followed by other restrictions.
As Democratic Assemblyman Lloyd Levine – who has proposed forcing homeowners to buy energy-efficient light bulbs – acknowledged, “I guess the government is trying to be the nanny, or the parent… And you know what? Sometimes the nanny is right, sometimes the parents are right, oftentimes the parents are right.”
For those who believe full control over us while we’re alive is not enough, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez has announced his support of legalized suicide in California. The bill, AB 374, euphemistically known as the “death with dignity” act, will allow people to self-administer lethal drugs when declared mentally competent with less than six months to live. The California Medical Association representing 35,000 physicians opposes the bill because it conflicts with a doctor’s ethical duties. Also opposed are those who doubt anyone can be certain that a death will occur within six months, and advocates for the disabled who fear “competency” might come a little too easily.
Nunez, a self-described “Johnny come lately” to the issue, is ready to buck the church and Cardinal Mahoney, but expects his toughest conversation to be with the woman who wanted him to be a priest - his mother. The bill is bound to join abortion, capital punishment and same-sex marriage as a polarizing issue between Democrats and Republicans, with a few outraged Libertarians thrown in.
Last month, Governor Schwarzenegger predicted that we would have a $2.1 billion dollar surplus this year in the state budget. This week, Elizabeth Hill, the Legislature’s nonpartisan chief budget analyst warned lawmakers that it’s more likely we’re looking at a $726 million dollar budget deficit and that without immediate program cuts, we’ll be facing a major shortfall at the end of the fiscal year. Hill recommended cutting over $600 million from the education budget, but it would be surprising if a single dollar is removed.
That’s it for this week and remember, California is the Alpha State: the greatest state in the world’s greatest country.
Scott Harris is a political commentator and can be reached at scott@alphastate.org. His blog, columns and radio show can all be accessed at AlphaState.org.
Posted by sharris at 10:00 PM
