Reflection on Class 8

The part of today's discussion that made me think the most was the interplay between a math teacher and V's method of opening a person up to reality. In both situations, the teacher is explaining something that most of the students are certain they don't want to learn. In both cases as well, however, the student ends up valuing what they learned (if not through verbal acknowledgment, then through their constant use of it). I feel as though there are many people who could currently use a refresher course in freedom and liberty, albeit not as harsh as V's lessons. People seem to have this annoying trait called "fickleness" - it has this annoying side effect where they forget whats actually good and not so good for them soon after learning. Its getting kind of old - "never again shall we have war." Look how that turned out. "Never again shall there be genocide." Failure. "Never again shall there be slaves." In name, this is technically true - but what about sex slaves, and child laborers and so forth? I feel like Americans, comfortably clothed and well-off, have no need to consider what our state of life really means liberty-wise. "Yeah, so theres starving people and oppressed people - but since I am doing well, its probably their fault that they're in that situation." Not even all Americans realize the extent of the problems in the world, much less in their own communities. Ignorance is no excuse - in fact, it merely reflects poorly on our nation. Land of the brave, home of the free? I feel like we've lost the meaning behind that maxim some years ago. This is unacceptable to me - I for one am not willing to let this wonderful nation with its outstanding potential to do good in the world fail and lapse into hedonistic destruction - it happened to Rome, and I will not let it happen to us. Enough complaining, enough excuses - change spending around to feed and clothe everyone. Educate all people on how to be truly free, and then only let them graduate when they clearly demonstrate understanding of the necessity to be self-responsible as well as part of the community. I am certainly not yelling at anyone in class; I am merely frustrated with the way the world is, and specifically the way our nation is poised to continue in coming years. Vote Ron Paul - all joking aside, he brings a third dimension to the political scene, whereas Democrats and Republicans argue really loud but are actually pretty similar in most ways. If not vote for him, at least go look into what he has to say - consider what politicians do from day to day, and compare that to what the Constitution sets out as their powers. Its ridiculous.


America can Prevail Again, if people started trying again (that doesn't have the same ring to it, but I stand by it)

-Mike