December 27, 2007 Issue

We don’t inherit the earth from our forefathers; we borrow it from our children.
—Lakota Indian saying

A recent study by Lake Research Partners found that only “16 percent of Americans believed their children’s generation would be better off financially than their own.” That dismal scenario would be a first for our young country.

I don’t believe the next generation will be in worse shape only in financial matters. Our educational system already ranks at the bottom of all advanced countries. In Florida, where my children have been educated, we specialize in FCAT testing.

Several years ago I mentioned to the-then Superintendent of Okaloosa County Schools how disappointed I was that our high schools weren’t requiring students to read Huckleberry Finn, or Hamlet, or The Old Man and the Sea.

“Oh, we have an advanced class for students who want to read those books,” I was told.

I responded that I thought all students should be exposed to literature — particularly those whose education might end with high school, those who might pursue a vocational occupation.

Now, with three children in college, I’m not sure literature is included in post-high school education either.

My youngest daughter will enter high school next year. She will be required to pick a major on entering the ninth grade. Well, I don’t want her majoring in anything, and if she had a choice she would prefer to major in something that has to do with horses.

Most kids these days seem to want to major in video games and text messaging. Reading, writing and speaking well are pursuits that like, you know, don’t interest them.

But enough about education. I am afraid the most serious issues in the world our children will inherit have little to do with global warming or financial comfort, or education for that matter.

During this holiday and political primary season, it is more evident than ever before how close-minded our society has become. While many of us celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, it should be clear that through the same liberties that allow us to practice Christianity, we should allow others to worship, or not worship, in freedom.

Our nation is one of immigrants and one that was founded in the belief that we have “certain inalienable rights.” Now rather than accept diverse opinion on matters of faith and social issues, we ostracize those who think differently than we do. We shouldn’t just accept divergent cultures and beliefs; we should embrace and celebrate them.

I am aware of the lack of tolerance people have for alternative ideas in our local area just from some of the responses I have received concerning this column.

This Christmas season let’s celebrate people of every faith, and of every belief and all political persuasions.

And here’s hoping our children inherit a compassionate, tolerant, and open-minded world.

We should just be sad.

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