What moral messages have kids been taught from Election 2000 and Iraq War?

[shance]

I find it pretty astounding the messages and examples of immorality that are now being showered upon American society today, and ultimately American kids.

It seems frighteningly apparent that the Ken Lays, William Bennett, Dick Cheneys, Tom Delays of the world are doing far more harm to infect the minds of children than Bill Clinton could have ever thought of doing. But then again, Bill Clinton actually is capable of compassionate caring, and we can see that from the love and appreciation that is present for him wherever he goes. Republicans mechanically spew about Bill Clinton as if they are a 45 record stuck in a groove, and now more than ever I look at the disastrous moral behavior of the Republicans and an out of control Administration and I have to wonder how is this effecting American kids and our culture at large.

What concerns me the most is the message or lack thereof, regarding the election of 2000. It didn't help when one of our own candidates (John Kerry) dismissed the 2000 election and said we need to "get over it". Is the message to children to get over the truth, and hey, if you play by the rules and fight fair then you are going to lose so you better learn to play like the Republicans and be sure to have a lot of money and James Baker on your team? One thing I believe is that when the truth goes, so does a society.

Its about as immoral as it gets when we dismiss historic events like the election of 2000, the Iraq war, and our media continues to create a spectacle out of the California recall, instead of calling it the blatant anti-Democratic power grab that it is.

In essence, we are teaching our kids and teens to be immoral and to be ruled by money and power over others, something Bill Clinton in my opinion would never do. The importance of comprimise is being almost unlearned.

I think of how truth has been turned upside down and now more than ever, our ACTIONS are going to have to speak SO MUCH louder than our words, because words have been pretty twisted and tortured by factions that say the opposite of what they mean. Talk about playing with a kid's mind. Theres some inner conflict waiting to happen.

It would be nice to hear this issue addressed by Democratic leaders. I know they are inundated, but I believe this issue would resonate with American families. If we teach our children to respect those that abuse privilege and power, are we creating a truly immoral society? Ultimately, we should never stop talking about the 2000 electioin and should begin to speak more on the consequences that have been a result of that election.

[dbt]

1. Well said, shance!

Reminds me of that famous Repug Talking Point:

What will we tell the children?

:hurts:
dbt

[shance]

2. Thanks DBT**

I think its an issue that the Republicans have jumped on and through an obedient media have created an image that they are the Party of family values, but their actions through neglecting education and proper social programs tell the truth and reveal otherwise.

Go figure!

[FlemingsGhost]

3. Lesson #1: Democracy demands vigilant participation

Become complacent, and you will suffer the rule of a tyrant.

Fear not, most children know what a bully is...

[shance]

4. No doubt. We all learn to spot a bully early on. BUT

in a society that largely values conformity, have we learned (especially women) to know how to deal with bullies, especially when they engage in cohvert behavior?

[karlschneider]

5. "Thou shalt not"

lie
steal
cheat
covet
chisel
vandalize
kill
bear false witness
subjugate
and stuff like that
unless thee be a Republican.

Amen.

:eyes:

[shance]

6. Thats funny*** well not really but ,

it could actually be a cute plaque.***

[BattyDem]

8. Ah, yes ...

The Republican Commandments - did Charlton Heston bring those down from the mountaintop, too? :eyes:

[BattyDem]

7. Children have been taught that ...

sex is dirty, filthy and wrong - but lying, cheating, stealing, bullying and bombing the hell out of defenseless countries is just fine because it's God's work. :eyes:

[shance]

9. Exactly and money defines success so get out there and

run em down kids!

You know its every man for himself and be sure to say the right things and carry a Bible, but for God's sakes, DONT MEAN IT.

:)

[gristy]

10. The saddest part of this issue is the republican PARENTS

who are supporting shrub. Kids/youth would not know what to make of his behavior UNTIL they see their parents supporting him. Ideologies and world-view reference points are readily transferred from parent to child.

[shance]

13. Thats a good point.

One can only hope that children in these situations will be provided some opportunity to break away from that sphere long enough (and far enough away) to see a wider view of life and to find their own identity separate from their family. I was able to do that, and yet I still have friends from high school who's views have not really changed since then!

Americans I am finding dont travel as much abroad as individuals from other countries. Perhaps that is part of the reason for the over-inflated nationalism that is so overwhelming in this country. We have to venture out of the box to break out of such limited thinking. And yet we have a society and a culture that doesnt really support it.

[camero]

11. Excellent

A Darwinian society is an immoral society as children are taught to eat the weak and bow to the strong. And self-sacrifice is for sissies and money rules everything.

It is through parent's fears that children learn this and it will take quite awhile to undo.

[Samuraimad]

12. Crime Pays, and it pays damn well!