In Search of Truth, Justice and The American Way
Posted: Monday, September 07, 2009
by Steve Kovacs
The Kovacs Perspective
Some will read the title of this article, smirk and think that truth, justice and the American way is an oxymoron. They will say there is no core honesty left anymore. That politician's are dishonest and selfish. That partisans on both side of the political spectrum are loony and lost in their own ideas and agendas. Some will say that those who strive for truth, justice and the American way are living in a dream world and should open their eyes to reality.
Years ago, the corny phrase of truth, justice and the American way was used often. And there were plenty of cheats, liars and criminals back then too, perhaps not as many as today, but enough. Immigrants, like my entire family flocked to this country for the American way.
However, many attitudes have changed and many have given up on America . Too many inside her borders feel she is a bad country. That she is selfish and dishonest. That too many criminals are murdering, kidnapping and raping children. That too many are abusing animals, cheating others out of their life savings and a majority of our urban areas are out of control.
However, the good people, and yes there are still many left in America, can make all the difference in the world. Mentoring by example is one of the best ways to change human behavior. People that care and want to see strength, honesty and more contentment in the US can utilize some behaviors:
- By example: show people that honesty is a sign of strength and success.
- By suggestion and rational dialogue: show that crime is an unwise option for self-image, self-fulfillment and success. That crime is a dead-end strategy, not a viable one.
- Show, tell, and reveal to people that they are SOMEBODY. Furthermore, that they are listened to and that they matter.
- When debating issues, temper your beliefs with patience and respect for others opinions. Going off the deep end saying all liberals have no realistic clue or that conservatives are out of touch is nonsense and will not solve much.
- Many a political debate is actually all about people dealing with their own personal issues not the political or social issue at all. Treating everyone with respect and listening to his or her ideas can help the core issue whatever it may be. And of course, you may learn something.
Do not get me wrong, if people are disrespecting you or will not allow you to be realistic, honest and friendly, do what you must and speak as you must. You are not a weakling to be abused by anyone. On the contrary, strong and realistic men and women utilize the points mentioned above.
From the coasts of Florida to the mountains of West Virginia to the arid regions of the west and beyond, the American dream is still alive, be a part of it.
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Top-level comments on this article: (10 total)Great article, Steve.Our country does have many flaws, but, as you have heard, all it takes for evil to prevail is for good folks to do nothing.
NIcely done.Hey Ken thanks for your comment. I never heard that saying before: all it takes for evil to prevail is for good folks to do nothing--I learned something--thanks.Steve
I say to critical Americans, try living in Iran or Iraq and say what's on your mind. You're head may say "I want my body back on!" after it is decapitated and placed on a stick in the middle of the desert by soldiers of a government tyrant.Hi Mike,Yes we have it good here, very good in so many ways, and good point: try saying some of the things we are free to talk about here in Iran--we would not be around too long. Thanks for writing.
Great article. I believe in the American way and I wouldn't have it any other. I've lived in Iran, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia and this is the only country where if you see a police car you don't have the little hairs stand up on the back of your neck. If only those who try to bring America down from within would realize something as simple as the freedoms they enjoy are not available anywhere else, we'd all be better off. Those who take anything for granted in the end probably believe they can do without. Very well done.Thanks Mike--I think many people from other countries who have made America their homes have an appreciation for America and quite often a work ethic that puts many born and bred Americans to shame--probably me included. Thanks for reading and commenting Mike.
Steve,Great article and how true! Both sides have gone off the deep end. It is time to pull in the reigns, start listening to each other, and treat differing ideas with respect.Thanks,NancyHi Nancy,Thanks for the comment and you explain so very well what is occurring and what we should do to make positive changes! Thanks.
Thanks Steve; thanks for simply being clear, concise and compassionate. I appreciate it.Hi Ed--thanks for your kind words!Steve
You offer some good suggestions for uniting us as a people Steve.Hi Dave,Thanks for reading and dropping an insightful comment
It may seem daunting to think we can do anything to affect change. But yes we can! We as individuals can make a difference, one day, one person at a time. It just takes perseverance is all. Great article Steve.We really can, just as you say, one day, one person at a time! Thanks for writing Brianna.
....actually, the crime rate in some cities are quite high but on an overall average it is not as high as we think. It's possibly the ripple effect that makes it seem so astoundingly high. There are a lot of great Americans out there as your article points out.Interesting point on crime rates in some cities--true--and the ripple effect makes sense as being the reason it seems so astoundingly high. Great observation-thanks for writing.
Great article, Steve.
A couple of thoughts along the lines of your piece, excerpted from my future article
"Can We Save Our Democracy?"
"One of the main tenants of a democracy is bringing people of common thought and goals together. It requires a country with like-minded people and defined borders, both of which have deteriorated. It is now at the point that our culture no longer can be defined as like-minded people, and our borders are impossible to maintain.
"As we have become a diverse society, with more or less open borders, like-mindedness is disappearing. The very fabric of our democracy is melting into a quagmire of indecision and inaction as witnessed in congress during the last decade. We are no longer like-minded at all. Instead, we are torn in many different directions by countless and diverse interests.Hi E. Raymond,I'm anxious to read your upcoming article. Interestingly, with many diverse interests it might be necessary to give and take more than in the past to get along, be productive, and be successful as a nation.
hi steve,i second that motion :)there is a 4 letter word that is what we all desperately need; HOPE.hope that we are moving in a more positive direction than before, and that although we have much to work out, we are better off.your article is the 3rd one i've read that speaks to the kindness people should show one another. that in itself, means people are thinking about it, and that brings about hope.I like how you said-----"hope that we are moving in a more positive direction than before"--that seems like a pretty good gage to go by. Thanks Sue
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