Source: Rainscorner
In a previous post I mentioned the importance of knowing what you believe. Arriving at that answer, however, can sometimes prove challenging; it’s best to begin by developing a sound viewpoint. I spoke with more people this week regarding the changes occurring within the framework of our culture. I discovered two distinct types of people: (1) Americans who acknowledge the culture is shifting, but cannot put their finger on the problem. (2) Americans who admitted to struggling when it came to clearly articulating their position to others. This is why developing a focused viewpoint, predicated on facts and history is so critical for every American.
Let me offer you one word of caution before you begin to develop and articulate your point of view—if your goal is to be liked by the majority while gaining approval from others, you will never influence society; society will influence you. Once you take a stand and speak out, you are no longer neutral. Carefully select the ground you wish to fight on and then be prepared to hold the line because those who disagree will come. They will attempt to discredit you and use carefully crafted arguments to trip you up. That is my disclosure to you.
So how do you create an objective standard which can be crafted into a refined point of view? Let truth and measurement be your guide. Truth is the easy part. For example, a thing can be a circle and a thing can be a square, but it can’t be a circle and a square simultaneously. That’s truth; nothing to it! Measurement is harder because it requires a commitment to stay informed. I use the information I obtain to measure laws, policy, and politicians—especially politicians!
For example, when George Herbert Bush said, “No new taxes” and our taxes were raised—there’s your measurement. When Barrack Hussein Obama said, “If you like your health plan, you can keep it” and you got your insurance cancelation letter—there’s your measurement. See how this works? Simply take the truth, without removing the offense that’s inherent to it, combine it with the measurements you’ve collected and educate yourself. Alexis De Tocqueville in 1840 wrote, “The time is fast approaching when freedom, public peace, and social order itself will not be able to exist without education.” Are we there yet?
It’s okay to be proud to be an American.” – Gary W. Smith
