Monday Morning Rant 45

In the aftermath of the 4th, I found myself ruminating on that which makes America a great country and then upon that which tears it down. I truly believe of all the mechanical devices used to subvert the noble intentions of this nation, the hyphen stands as the principal offender. This lowly punctuation mark is a major contributor to divisiveness in the society.

In one original usage it was used to designate those persons who were foreign born who became US citizens. Thus a person born in Munich or Lisbon and who later emigrated to United States became a German-American or a Portuguese-American. He was then not deprived of the cultural identity of his birthplace yet still acknowledged as an integral part of his new homeland. This dual identification successfully eased his transition into a new society. The children, born in the US, were not so designated because without the fact of foreign birth were truly American without any clumsy addenda to describe their parent’s nationality. Given the so-called “melting pot” aspect of our society we no longer require the association with other countries in our history and can point with pride to our identity as Americans.

One legendary figure in the early days of our struggle for independence was Crispus Attucks. His presence in Boston on March 5, 1770 and subsequent death—in a snow ball fight gone wrong—at the hands of British regulars is easily confirmed. He is popularly identified as the first casualty in the War for Independence. The remaining details are somewhat murkier. Circumstantial evidence points to his background as having a slave father and a Wampanoag woman as his mother. In today’s diversity madness it would make him an African-American/Native-American. Might we not better describe him simply as a “son of liberty?” He was born in the colonies, had escaped slavery and was a British subject. This continued insistence upon former nationalism works to supersede the collective unity which has come to typify Americans of all origins.

Over the last half century, we have also seen the onset of hyphenated marriages. Another tradition is in the process of “biting the dust.” At the least it follows the patriarchal line but that will no doubt be assaulted as well, given enough time. It flies in the face of giving oneself wholeheartedly to that sacred union.

These hyphens strive to undo the collective bonds which serve our unity as a people: to emphasize that which separates us rather than those uniting factors, so necessary for our preservation. They support a tribal mentality inconsistent with the founder’s intent. I truly believe the only hyphen we should retain is “Casino-Americans.” It would relieve the stress I feel as I struggle to properly identify the original inhabitants of the continent.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Had this been adopted in the United States in 1956, I would have been jailed within the next five years. In extremely flowery language the law would provide for penalties, including removal from the home, for parents who did not honor the rights of children as out lined in the proposal. In section 18, we find the following, “States Parties shall use their best efforts to ensure recognition of the principle that both parents have common responsibilities for the upbringing and development of the child,” and that parents are primarily responsible for their children. As parents, “the best interests of the child will be their basic concern.”

And just precisely who determines the “best interests of the child?” The child would happily volunteer for that job. If my kids held the control of their “best interest” it would have been Ho-Ho’s and gummy bears for breakfast followed by a trip to the zoo in the morning, ice cream and potato chips for lunch a quick stop at the fair for rides and more junk food and then hurry home for TV until 3 am. As I said previously, I would have been jailed.

The question remains; who is it that determines the “best interests of the child,” the state? I am certain that Senator Larry “wide stance” Craig could give us some tips. Maybe they could turn to our adulterous disbarred ex-president for advice. If all else fails, perhaps the personnel at the Texas Department of Child Protective Services could direct the program. Some might offer the teacher corps in our public schools but they rarely have the time since they are preparing a response to their next indictment for improper relations with members of their class. Oh I forgot, the UN had peacekeepers in Africa who traded food for sex with minors might be available. How could we not trust government with this all important task?

If not the state, might we safely call on the church for advice? The archdiocese of Boston has freed up an army of priests who have experience with children. For those smugly starting to point a finger at the Roman church, don’t. Those of us not of that faith have more than enough skeletons in our own collective closets to more than match that abuse of children in our own religious enclaves. Part of faith is trust. With trust comes power. With power comes an opportunity for abuse. That then, is most often visited upon the least and most vulnerable of our number, children.

Parents, be aware of this travesty. There are those who would steal your kids. Under the guise of “what’s best for the children” they want to control you, them, and your lives. This is not paranoia; it is an actual proposal from the United Nations which requires the acquiescence of the United States Congress for full implementation. I don’t care how bad a parent you think you are, you are far better than any of the above.

Spooky warnings

We have aired this before but it requires repetition. A constant stream of doomsday warnings appear in the news with every natural calamity. Current disasters are seen as a predictor of even more natural violence, death and destruction. It is almost as though some are eagerly awaiting doomsday in the expectation of their personal survival at the expense of every one else. They accumulate stores of equipment and supplies in anticipation, build elaborate shelters and smugly await the coming end times.. They seem pretty certain they have the inside track on a successful and predictable outcome.

Google “2012” and pour through the 334,000,000 (this not a made up number, try it!) responses and come to realize how prevalent this is among believers and non-believers alike. That is more than one entry for each and every man, woman, and child in the United States!

People, get a grip!

One way or another, we are all going to die. We will either do it individually or we shall do it collectively. Some will struggle and others will peacefully “give up the ghost.” If one is truly in touch with God, through his son, Jesus Christ, then how do the means of departure matter? If you have given your all to this effort the moment and circumstances of your death will not even be a speed bump on the road to eternity. Apparently, given the above number, we are not nearly so solid in our beliefs and confidence in God Almighty as polling data would show.

I take little comfort in bringing this up because it demonstrates a weakness of faith generally. I would suggest that instead of worrying about the next asteroid impact, flood, tsunami, fire, earthquake, or what ever the disaster de jour might be, we should all take refuge in God’s loving arms, embrace Him in return, and look forward to the meeting. Meanwhile, love your neighbor as yourself.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon