Lost Literacy; Lost Liberty

Author Ann Rice once said: “Give me a man or woman who has read a thousand books and you give me an interesting companion. Give me a man or woman who has read perhaps three and you give me a very dangerous enemy indeed."  
How true.  
As I observed the political campaigns and elections recently, I noticed a troubling trend of friends and countrymen falling victim to media manipulation. I watched as we created a new enemy in society---ourselves. We are turning on each other as a nation, as the enemy steadily and quietly attacks from within our own circles as our friends and family; our neighbors, schools, and communities obliviously descend in a death spiral downward towards a world of chaos and ruin. Liberty and freedom continue to be threatened as even our own election process has brought a resistance as people march to overthrow our newly elected president who has not even been given a chance to show his worth as our leader. We judge too quickly, as an ignorant crowd armed with pitchforks and torches to take down our republic.
These days we as Americans are obsessed with our health, and devote endless hours to maintaining our  physical well being through exercise and nutrition. But it seems as our world becomes increasingly engulfed in the flames of hate and division on on the streets of our great nation and in social media in matters of  social and political issues we have been severely neglecting the single most important segment of our health--our minds.  How tragic for one of the greatest nations the world has ever known, that we have fallen victim to willful ignorance. Our minds are very complex as we all know, the thing is, we have to exercise them just the same as we do our bodies.
No matter how busy we claim to be as we move through our days, it is essential we always take time to exercise our minds and read. Reading full books, full articles and authors from a VARIETY of perspectives prevents one from becoming too stuck in a mindset that promotes willful ignorance. Letting ourselves become mesmerized by social media rhetoric and voicing only one perspective stifles our objectivity and critical thought while rendering us incapable of debating each other in a manner that is both productive and meaningful. Some people choose only see what they want to see, and it is creating a cult of ignorance, intolerance and anti-intellectualism. (no matter if you consider yourself on the left or the right of political and social issues) We owe it to our children and young people to create a climate of love. People can love each other and still disagree. You can share your views on society and still love and respect those who do not agree with your values. It's true! No matter how hard it is to love those who oppose your values, one has to try because you will only drive others away from your perspective if you don't' take time to listen to others. But this can only come through educating ourselves; and educating ourselves requires reading and honest discussion in the spirit of mutual respect. Through reading we learn to use our words in a manner that persuades and invites thoughtful debate.
 Be careful with your words, don't allow yourself to feed into the lies that divide and dominate our culture today. Take time to read, study and contemplate. Then, armed with enlightenment and facts have the courage to step outside those "safe spaces" we have created for ourselves and others by interacting with others who hold different values from your own. While it is challenging for sure, it is possible.  It takes guts..but who knows, you might  find in the process a mind is changed....be it theirs or yours.
Stay humble, hold fast to your deepest values, and don't be afraid to take a risk. Reach out to others, share your knowledge. In the end not one of us have cornered the market on righteousness. Not a one. That privilege is held only by The One who created us.

Protectors Defending the Sacred

Sunset at Camp: Jaci Begay

 The spiritual and conservational wisdom of Native Americans is and has been legendary every since the first explorers began traveling to America so long ago . Respect for the natural world, it’s abundance and fragility has been a constant thread weaving its way throughout humankind for centuries by the brilliant elders of Indigenous America who were and continue to ruminate far ahead of their time. I often find it puzzling why their voices go largely unheard in affairs of our country today.  Seeing numerous stories come across my social media news feeds recently on the events happening in North Dakota over the Dakota Access Pipeline are compelling, and I believe it is time for me to speak out.  

I don’t pretend to know much about the pros and cons on the controversy over the pipeline, but I do know many of the people who have spent months fighting against it; and I trust their judgment. The arguments on both sides are equitable. But speaking as someone who has lived as neighbors and worked with Native Americans for the majority of her career, and as someone who is blessed with Native relatives, I feel I need to take a stand in solidarity with them and the lesson our Indigenous brothers and sisters are trying to teach us all on this dispute. They have been the protectors of this land for centuries and have the wisdom of the ages; and we are not listening to them.

Native Americans are the most unappreciated and misunderstood population in this country, and sadly, too, they are the most neglected. First Americans wandered this land and called it their home long before my ancestors stepped foot on her soil or beheld her majestic, hidden beauty. Tragically they are almost all but forgotten in modern American society; their voices ignored and the faces of these ancient peoples nearly invisible. Still they persevere in spite of our disregard and subjugation.

The beauty and richness of Native culture is something of which we all should be proud. But the problems that plague these kind, peaceful, and generous people are daunting, and their plight through the years has been a shameful reflection of us all regarding what we value in our society as a whole. The little land they still hold onto—reservations-- are riddled with economic and societal problems. Yet in spite of these obstacles Native people continue to thrive and work diligently to preserve their vibrant culture. More and more Natives are finding the courage once again speak out and tribes from all over the country are joining together to collectively voice their concerns on things that really matter, not just to them, but to us all.

Photo credit: Jaci Begay

Fast-forward to today and the Dakota Access pipeline. A months-long protest by Natives and other concerned Americans against this multi-billion-dollar oil pipeline has grown to one of the largest gathering of Indigenous peoples here in over 100 years.  They are taking a stand against allowing the pipeline to cross their lands and under the Missouri River citing concerns that the pipeline will have a negative impact on water quality on the reservations and jeopardize cultural and sacred heritage sites. 

Pipeline, Ipswich, South Dakota

On the flip side of this controversy proponents of the pipeline say it will boost the economy and create thousands of jobs. They contend there is little risk of water contamination.  I guess Native America feels there are just some things more important than money and even a small risk is too great.

What troubles me most about this entire controversy is that it goes largely unnoticed by mainstream America.  While most of us go about our daily business with little regard to the precious land we live on these committed souls have left the comforts of their own home, took leave of their jobs and sacrificed their own daily lives to come together to fight for the one thing none of us can live without—our sacred water. We dwell in a land of various faiths, cultures, and races, but we all have one thing in common--We share in the sacred gift of water. It is the lifeblood that runs through all our veins, as a reminder of goodness and purity.  Before any living creature ever came into being, Our Creator first fashioned the land and the water with His Mighty hand, and we will not survive without it. Water is the one compound humans are not able to replicate. It is unique, and it is irreplaceable.

I don’t know what the answer to the present dilemma is in North Dakota. Our society is dependent on oil and without it our economy is in trouble. But I cannot ignore the wisdom of those who are there right now, fighting against the pipeline. There has to be answers that can accommodate us all in a safe and prosperous manner and I believe we need to stand with Native America now and fight for their cause. Our president and our politicians have let them down with their deafening silence on this issue; an all too familiar scenario on reservation’s today.  So it is up to us all to stand with Native America against the pipeline and demand another way.

Photo courtesy of Jaci Begay

And so goes the events unfolding in North Dakota at this very moment. Many are growing weary of the long and grueling protests and need our support and prayers.  Officials for the pipeline have tried multiple tactics to discourage and disperse them away from the front lines from thwarting  their supply of water to using force against the unarmed and peaceful protectors. But they will continue and refuse to stand down until their voices are heard. It is time, and it is long over due.

The Water Protectors have come from all over the country. Photo: Jaci Begay

Tomorrow morning as you are making your first pot of coffee, or as you offer your toddler a cold glass of water before they lay their precious head down to slumber, give thanks to God for the clean water so readily available to you and pray you never take it for granted.  And as you relax in a warm bath at the end of a hard day, and feel the clean, pure water blanket your being, whisper a prayer for those up in the Dakotas, fighting to preserve our sacred gift. Give thanks to men and women like them who will give their all to save our water.  And as one wise young Native man reminded me the other day, envision them not as protestors, but as protectors. They are and always have been the keepers of this land we all call home. Pray for the protectors of the Creators sacred gifts.

All photography property of Jaci Bagay

The Misplaced Fear of Donald Trump

Here's something to think about for all who are fearful of Donald Trump.  Spreading Trumpaphobia to the masses seems to be the latest fear mongering weapon of choice for the Left. I wonder if those who fear him realize we have someone sitting in the White House right now who IS doing exactly what people are fearful Trump MIGHT do. Let me explain: I care about everyone. I care that if someone is uncomfortable using a specific bathroom then we should help, we should be sure their rights are protected just as every other American citizen. Trans friends have most likely been using the bathroom of their choosing forever, you just didn't notice. I am not here to debate that issue. However the way the Obama administration set forth the directive for schools in terms of bathroom policies seems alarmingly unlawful. Obama used a sort of "blackmail " to force schools to follow his directive. No room for debate, no room to let schools and states handle things on a local level, no time or room for discussion of possible better ideas to help all young people. This was not an executive order; this was a directive. There is a difference. You see, at least two provisions of federal law ban discrimination on the basis of sex: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which covers employment, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.When lawmakers passed the education amendments, they did not consider that the law could one day be applied to gender identity. (Jeremy Tedesco, senior counsel at the Alliance Defending Freedom). It seems the Obama administration did not follow proper procedure for making new regulations, which would leave the larger issue unsettled, or that its interpretation of Title IX is inconsistent with the law and in turn possibly jeopardize future rights of transgenders or any gender, race or faith back ground for that matter under any future president. Using the false narrative that opposition to his tactics is somehow phobic or fearful is simply untrue. All Americans deserve rights and freedom under our United States Constitution. No one is fearful of anything but the possibility that all American’s rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution are slowly being eroded away. Freedom erosion should be a concern to all Americans. People should be very concerned; Americans on both sides of this issue need to wake up and smell the proverbial coffee. The more critical debate we should be having is not over who goes in what bathroom, but rather if this administrations callous disregard for constitutional laws and due process is now the weapon of their choice.

Hidden Agendas in the Unlikely Places

I have in the past enjoyed a few speeches given by our First Lady, Michelle Obama. But the one she delivered at the final commencement at The City College of New York   has me deeply concerned. Again I feel I need to say, I am not defending Trump, but I’m getting sick of all the nonsense. Allow me, if you will, to go step by step through this snippet, as I hear lots of political rhetoric. Mrs. Obama  says, “we don’t give into our fears, we don’t build up walls to keep people out” What does that mean? Who’s afraid? No one I know. And certainly not Trump. Maybe she means letting anyone from anywhere come and go as they wish? She better check with her husband first though because his administration has deported more illegals than any president before him. We can’t go into Mexico illegally, why can they do it here? She says people are afraid of those who are different” Who is afraid? Not me, I have friends of all races, religions and cultures. I am sure most of us do. So whom is she talking about? Trump? He most likely has more friends, business partners and acquaintances of more diverse backgrounds and cultures than any of us, including the Frist Lady. Who is she talking out when she says “there are those who discourage diversity.”? Is that Trump again? Trump encourages entrepreneurship regardless of race or religion. So it can’t be him. He has supporters of all races. Does she mean Conservatives in general? Seems to me the Republican Party this time around has more ethnically diverse candidates than the Democrats. “They act as as if anger and name calling are a substitute for thoughtful debate” Hey wait, she must be on my side. I see plenty of anger and name calling by anti-Trump protesters aka Democrats or illegals or whoever they are. I’ll give her that one. Or maybe she is referring to both Trump and Sanders who equally are very brash in their angst over what they believe to be wrong with this country. (The later, being a career politician, is just better at doing it more palatable manner I guess)
Finally: “As if anger and intolerance should be our default state rather than optimism and openness that have always been the engine of our progress.” Yes Michelle, we always have been a country of optimism and openness. We have always been optimistic based on the progress we have made through the ears. We have always been open to diversity and love of our fellow man. Nothing new there, no one is trying to stifle it. Unless you count the folks who are burning flags and shouting “Death to America” And I can guarantee you those are not Trump supporters.
Ms Obama, I thought you were above this kind of rhetoric. Using the word “they, they, they” all the time incites division. Is this the kind of talk given by a skilled public speaker and the president’s wife?  Where is your attempt at creating unity among citizens?? Don’t’ you know better?? This speech makes me very sad indeed. Using a commencement ceremony as a political platform is in very bad form.  

The Truth in Black and White.

One encouraging thing I can say right now regarding the possibility that Trump will be our next president is this: At least I will be able to openly criticize a president again without much backlash. The thought of a white male president makes me realize that we have become a nation of whiners, crybabies and bullies. What other country gets so easily offended as Americans? Who else cries over insignificant nonsense as loudly and consistently as us?

I have openly criticized every US president that has held office at one time or another because I never agree with their policies 100% of the time with anyone.

Most of us don’t.

It’s a free country.

 We have a right to speak our minds.

But with President Obama as our leader, I found that any time I criticized one of his policies someone would accuse me of racism.

My thought is that Americans are to blame for this more than the president himself. People tend to forget regardless of race we are all human thus we are imperfect beings. President Obama has received criticism on his handling of the race issue from both the black and white community.

 Actually some of his harshest criticism comes from the black community saying he’s has not done enough or been stronger on fighting racism. But we dare not say this openly because racism has been sanctioned by the Left; , dare I say even encouraged.  Liberals seem to have stolen pride from blacks.

As strange as it may seem, racism in America is no longer mainly about race, but more and more it seems to becoming an excuse, to escape responsibility or to dodge intelligent, respectful debate.  How can we work together to fix problems if certain people are not allowed to talk about race? We need to have the courage to start honest, respectful dialogue about sensitive issues. How can we work together unless we can discuss??

Racism does still exist. Sadly, it always will.  But thanks to the hypersensitive drama kings and queens in this country, the progress we have made as a nation is slowly plummeting into a backwards spin.

People seem to forget the bigger, brighter picture:

We live in a nation with a black president and a black attorney General. Minority voices are being heard. Most wont’ admit it but does anyone realize it seems ok to be discriminatory and racist against Whites based on their color? Do people see that many whites in general are ok with letting that happen for the sake of open dialogue and to reach some kind of unity with other races? Yet there are those who can’t go a day in this country without crying about what a racist country they live in. It’s almost become like a religion to some.

Being offended is a choice you make. No one is responsible for that choice but you.  I am challenging all Americans to throw away the crutch of offendedness and begin to use our intelligent and creative minds to move forward together as Americans. This is the only way we can move away from the path of self- destruction and onto the road to progress.

Cultural Relativism

More than 100 million people in this world dream of a chance for life in the United States. Yet  in America today the Progressive Left denounce Western Culture as no better than any other culture or society.  Why, is it that so many wish to come here and often risk everything for a shot at the American Dream? In these unsettling times, it seems to be popular to demean and discredit our Western way of life. One of the most disturbing ideals catching hold with a large number of Americans is the notion that the Western-style society/culture is no better than any other society/cultures. Some even go so far as to say Western culture is worse.  Leftists argue that no one can determine which cultures demonstrate exemplary traits because no one can assess any standards objectively-- what is good-- or ethical; that no one can identify the shortcomings and failures of different cultures.

I completely disagree. And if you live in America, you should too.

When you study Western civilization compared to others you see clearly, man at his best. Western society illustrates the ideals of individualism, freedom, and God-given/natural born rights. It represents reason, personal responsibility, self-sufficiency and the beauty of entrepreneurship through capitalism.

Western culture recognizes the necessity for limited government in a republic that is representative of its citizens and the rule of law.

Things like technology, art and literature, science; ideas of connectedness to the earth and universe; rules of reason and sensibility. All these are logical in a world governed by natural laws. That describes Western society. These principles are values for all, regardless of geography, gender, and ethnicity.

We can be unbiased in defining the preeminence of Western culture when
 the superiority of Western culture can be objectively demonstrated and when cultures evaluate them based on the one single important standard ---to what extent does the culture or society value life and do it’s core values support all human life? Or does the society value certain lives over others?

In a prolife culture (Western culture), reason, productivity, science and technology are encouraged and supported honored and recognized. Individuals are viewed as reasonable beings that are able to distinguish right from wrong, and honors man’s ability to survive and flourish.

Western Society has evolved into a superb example of high levels of freedom, opportunity, productivity, innovation, health, opportunity, happiness and comfort. Why else do people from other cultures risk everything for a chance to live where Western ideas and lifestyles are the dominant custom?

Man must recognize that there is a standard. And that standard is Western style culture. If we say that no society can be judged because each has a right to it’s own beliefs, than how can we object to any society’s intolerance that reflects their own worldview? If we simply say everyone is entitled to their own belief systems, then we say it we cannot object to things like genocide, slavery, Hitler, genital mutilation of young girls, child marriages, and Nazism. The idea of what is known as Cultural Relativism is faulty thinking. It takes the idea that any practice is acceptable if is in line with a specific cultures because there is no objective moral truth that pertains to all people for all time.  Not only would this thinking forbid us from speaking out against another society, but also it would not allow us to even criticize our own culture as in the instance of slavery. Cultural Relativism leaves no room for disagreement, protest, debate, and especially no room for social progress and justice, because, after all, towards what objective goal would we be progressing?

Does this sound familiar? Today we as a country are finding more and more that disagreement and debate are taboo. Cultural Relativists view themselves as tolerant; they see other cultures not as "wrong" but as "different".   Hiding under the deceptive cloak of fairness Cultural Relativism is rearing its ugly head to millions of unsuspecting citizens of the United States and Europe.  In short, cultural relativism is only attractive because is seems democratic and empowering by giving an individual's perception priority, but all it really does is refute itself.

We are seeing the devastating effects this philosophy is having on European countries now. The question is, will we as Americans be courageous enough to stay strong in our understanding of what is fair and equitable without sacrificing the very thing that keeps us free and  a shining light of hope to the millions who live in a oppressed society?

The Virtue of Respect: Conditional?

Photo source: 100 Black Men of Omaha

Can I say I like this photo without making someone mad or getting a barrage of disrespectful comments? This photo makes me smile, reminds me that we are all human; all in this life together. I hold high regard for the office of The President of the United States, and although I have disagreed and have serious concerns over many of President Obama's policies and actions, it has never stopped me from praying for him every single day. Do you pray for our president as much as you criticize him? Doesn't seem very Christlike if we don't. I admit I have on occasion said things about his man that I later regretted; sometimes it is hard to understand his actions and I get frustrated. I ask forgiveness for my shortcomings. Trouble with today's society is too many of us have lost our ability to speak out against things we are concerned with in a respectful manner; we have lost our ability to disagree. People name call and belittle those in office on BOTH sides of the political spectrum in ways that sometimes make my heart hurt.
One of the greatest men to ever live, the Apostle Paul, said we are to honor those in power: “For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1)
If we believe what Paul said to be true, then we must accept God brings leaders into power for a reason. Therefore God calls us to honor President Obama. This does not mean we have like him or agree with anything he does or believe he is a good president. But we must regard him in our hearts and with our speech as the leader of our nation, and of the free world. His time as our leader is almost through, and only time will tell of his success or failure. Until then, can we just pray for our country? Pray for our leaders; those who are and those who will be? With the Easter season upon us we need to reflect on what our Master taught us. In His final days on earth, this was Jesus’ prayer for us: that we would be one as He and the Father are One. Because, He prayed, that through unity in the Church, the world would believe that He was sent by God and that ALL are loved by Him. If nothing else, respect for our beloved Jesus demands respect for all his children, including those with whom we disagree.

An Opportunity Lost

Before Ben Carson fades away from the general public, I have one last thought. Carson was born into poverty, raised by a single mom, experienced racism and was a troubled youth for a time. Sadly, not unusual for many black youth struggling to grow and thrive in today's society. But what is extraordinary about Carson is never once, NEVER ONCE,……. did I hear him use his past as an excuse for ANYTHING in his life. Instead, he spoke of the value of things like unity, integrity, perseverance, education and love for your fellow man. He was devoted to God and a lover of his country; a true American.
 Ben Carson is a good man; in fact he's one of the best. Probably too good for politics. I honestly feel history will look back with the poignant realization that a world changing opportunity was  missed in not better supporting this man. I do hope we hear form this great American again.

In With the New, But Keeping the Old

Greetings Friends! It seems my blog is taking on a new direction thanks to some like-minded friends. So this post reflects those impending changes which I must say, I am extremely excited to see coming. 

Starting again at the beginning, would you be so kind as to allow me  again to share with you a little about myself and my philosophies. 

My name is Julie: educator, counselor, social servant, and author of Caddy’s Chronicles, a blog where I write about God, growing up in rural America, politics and the forces that threaten our American way of life. Kind of a unlikely combination, but it works well for me!

 I am the oldest of five children, born to hardworking, God-fearing salt-of-the-earth parents. Raised with the strong Midwestern values of hard work, honesty, personal responsibility and concern for your fellow man I strive to relay those values to others, especially our youth. Growing up, the doors of our old farmhouse were never locked at night or when we left on visiting or shopping expeditions. Everyone trusted everybody; and when hard times came to even one in the community, all pitched in to lend a helping hand. That’s just the way it was.

I use my writings to reflect the values and freedoms taught to me in my youth: values I see slowly eroding away in our country.  Important values like family and friends, simplicity and solitude, faith and freedom.

I’m a proud patriot who embraces the diversity that has made our country great.  As a descendant of immigrants myself, I understand the motivations that lead people from all over the world to this great land we call home.  However, I equally realize the importance of “Patriotic Assimilation”, which is the link that allows Americans to be a proud nation of immigrants.   My years of work as an educator and counselor have helped me build important connections and experiences with people from a wide array of cultures, backgrounds and faiths; Indigenous peoples and immigrants; rich and poor; the happy and the hopeless.

But while I respect and appreciate diversity, I also am troubled by the declining sense of community we as Americans once held so dear. Patriotism has, in a sense become out of vogue and a dirty word in some circles and this is troubling to me.  Patriotism is being replaced with the single-minded pursuit of one’s own interests and our sense of community to cooperate in resolving problems is being lost.  Loyalty to the principles of liberty are being forgotten, and redefined. Individuals teaching in our colleges, working in our government, and living in our communities are replacing extreme forms of family, racial and religious loyalty with traditional values, which makes it harder to collaborate on critical issues we as Americans face. Political correctness has made debate and open-mindedness a lost art.  We as Americans have become lazy, ambiguous and unappreciative of the freedoms we enjoy; our hearts are hard, our minds are muddled.

I wish to reestablish what it means to be a true patriot by educating and raising awareness to the preciousness of our freedom, and how love of country and our Constitution are what makes us free. I specifically strive to target our youth and minorities. Technology and social media, as wonderful as they are, often obstruct individuals in their thinking, especially the poor and minorities who have little access to other sources of information.  As a result they have developed thought processes and viewpoints that are ill informed and unknowingly biased.

I am concerned at the lack of understanding of the basic principles of freedom many young people today exhibit.  They seem unable to comprehend why this country is so precious. Many do not recognize or are unwilling to acknowledge the importance of patriotism and love of  God and country, and it’s importance in remaining free. Corruptions in government and lies crafted buy media have polluted young minds. I strive to remedy that, in my own small way, one person at a time through my writing, and through my work as a citizen of this great land.