MY TURN: Response to Marvin George Miller
America is not slipping away … possibly your vision of your America is changing … which is a positive. I cannot argue with your values regarding our National Debt, the Border Crisis, or the Illicit Drug Trade and its cost to all Americans … or that Crime is a significant factor affecting our culture … nor that Inflation has spiked in the last four years … all of these “problems” and many more are solvable if the citizens and elected officials of this nation can compromise and find solutions for them.
What I am hearing in your letter, Mr. Miller, is your belief that you are losing your “Privilege.” The America you yearn for is in the past. It does not exist any longer. The statement that teachers are educating our children to hate each other is indefensible. Teachers teach good values, along with the relevant subjects that go with a great education … that is why so many foreign students come to this country to get an education. The education system is not perfect … good teachers, educated and qualified to teach, make our system work. And they require compensation for the job they do. Work on that, Mr. Miller.
Back to the issue of Privilege … you mention “sex mutilation” as a concern. You can be grateful you feel right in your body. In the past, our culture … and the World culture for that matter, subjugated these human beings to less than human levels. In recent years, the veil has been raised and new light has been shown on this human condition, hence bringing about needed enlightenment and change to people who deserve to feel whole and complete in their bodies and lives. Be grateful you do not have this problem. Yes, I celebrate Pride and all that this represents as an Ally. What you do have is your belief that their ability to make themselves in their image of reality, affects you. It does not. So, Mr. Miller, I hope you can help them heal with understanding, compassion, empathy, respect and hope for a better life. If you cannot, leave these human beings and the people who help them alone.
Now let’s review what is a Nuclear Family. I acknowledge your belief that it may be different. The family today represents single parents, gay parents, blended families, and many other combinations, and, of course, the traditional husband/wife and children. Whatever your definition of a traditional family is, I celebrate it with you. If you are unable to accept and recognize that all loving families have great value, then your “Privilege” is showing again.
Let’s talk about Health Care. I have a doctor who listens to me. I am guided with professional care through all my health issues. My doctor does not tell me what I can and cannot do to my body. If, by chance, you believe that more than half the world population must follow the dictates of a medical system controlled by your government … or any government, then your “Privilege” is showing yet again, Mr. Miller.
Let’s cover the Entitlements. I wonder if you ever needed a hand up in your life? Unfortunately, some people have found they need support, medical, social, legal, community, or government help at some time in their life. Be grateful, Mr. Miller, that you can say how valuable you are to our community culture. I wonder how you can help this community to make these people’s lives better. Just do it, Mr. Miller … there are no rewards other than your own self respect being confirmed.
As for me, Mr. Miller, I do many things in this community. I do not ask for anything in return. If you are not active in making this community better for others, then your opportunity is “slipping away.” Stop complaining, do something. Unless your “Privilege” is too great to bend your knee to help someone else.
I find your last statement very profound. If you are willing to do anything for America, the rest of your letter is valueless.
“Through it all, still a blessing to live in America. Happy New Year.”
And I have one for you … Mr. Miller: “If you want to be a true professional, you will do something outside yourself. Something to repair tears in your community. Something to make life a little better for people less fortunate than you. That’s what I think a meaningful life is — living not for oneself, but for one’s community.” — Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg
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Ralph Shay is a Coeur d’Alene resident.