From: eyc@acpub.duke.edu (EMIL CHUCK)
Newsgroups: alt.rush-limbaugh,alt.politics.bush,alt.politics.clinton,alt.politics.elections,talk.politics.misc
Subject: EDITORIAL: responsibility -- Duke CHRONICLE
Keywords: responsibility, family values, editorial
Date: 4 Sep 92 00:51:37 GMT
Followup-To: alt.rush-limbaugh
Organization: Duke University; Durham, N.C.

DISCLAIMER: I am typing this article since it caught my eye. There has been
much discussion on the newsgroups on which I have subscribed regarding
"family values" and "responsibility." Well, this is an editorial that came
out from the Duke CHRONICLE Thu Sep 03 92, p7. I only offer this editorial
for the sake of discussion on the newsgroups I have listed above.

"Students need to accept responsibility for all problems"
Anita Bowles [undergraduate senior]

They say baseball is America's national pastime. Lately, however, it seems
that this position has been usurped by the good old American sport of whining.

Duke itself is notorious for its omnipresent, "Dude, I drank a gallon of
Mad Dog then wrote my twenty page paper in 30 minutes and gave my oral
presentation while still drunk" conversations. It's a well respected rite to
brag about one's intense procrastination activites and general lack of
preparation for class and/or the job market. College is the place where we
supposedly learn to overcome these styles of thinking and to master "budgeting
our time," "managing our finances" and all sorts of other fun real world
activities.

While bitching about our lack of ability or responsibility may entertain
other students, it does nothing to prepare us for our roles as adult citizens
in a democratic society. As college students, we are continually exposed to
new viewpoints and difficult political, social and moral questions. Many of
these issues are being debated in the news media as the politicians once
again promise to save us from ourselves. The conflict over many of today's
political issues revolves around one central theme, and many of these
problems can be avoided or ameliorated through a simple process that many
seem to have forgotten. I am speaking of simply taking personal responsibility
for one's actions.

The continuing trend of blaming external causes for one's personal trials and
failures seems to be growing in popularity -- from alcoholism to laziness to
failure to succeed in class. While this assignment of blame may help to
avoid self-depreciation and/or depression, it is ultimately a form of denial.
I am concerned that an attitude of helpless acceptance of one's circumstances
is spreading. This is harmful to individuals of course, but it is devastating
to the country as a whole.

Now, I realize that throughout this country, there are citizens struggling
daily to better their circumstances. There are also a great many dedicated
volunteers who feel a moral/societal obligation to help those in need.
Everyone has heard the saying, "The Lord helps those who help themselves"
and anyone who listens to country music may have heard, "Love helps those
who cannot help themselves." I am certainly not belittling the efforts of
these people. I am, however, concerned with the proliferation of "lame
excuses" in the personal, moral and political spheres.

Duke example: "I wouldn't have hooked up at kegs last night, but I was drunk
and, I mean, I would have used a condom if I was sober, but I wasn't, so
what could I do?"

Political example: conservatives -- "Bush couldn't get anything substantial
accomplished in four years because of the Democratic Congress and the
liberal media conspiracy." Liberals -- "The right wing is composed of evil
human beings who are out only to oppress and screw over everyone but rich,
white males."

A nation that has historically valued the work ethic and placed a great deal
of emphasis on independence and know-how has seemingly degenerated into a 
nation of whiners who feel helpless and disenchanted with the system.
Everyone is a victim of something and all problems are the work of societal
forces far beyond the control of mere mortals such as ourselves. Through
this sort of blame-shifting, name calling and general lack of willlingness
to accept the responsibility to personally work for change, we are dooming
this country to a future of further ethnic divisiveness, economic
irresponsibility and social decay. There is, however, a solution to this
bleak scenario.

There has been much talk of "family values" in the political arena these
days.  I say, forget the family values rhetoric. There comes a time in each
person's life when she must make a decision to actively pursue her goals,
to work to heal her past wounds and to accept the frightening prospect of
living with her own decisions. The time has come to say, individually and
as a nation, "I have been hurt in the past. I have made mistakes. I will
make mistakes in the future. I am willing to deal with the consequences of
my actions rather than denying or avoiding them." This is a difficult
message to hear and an even more difficult one to live by.

This then is a call to personal action, a call to personal responsibility.
Our problems cannot be abolished through blaming them on others or by
disguising them in pretty, non-offensive language. This year at Duke, do not
become stifled by the majority attitudes or policy recommendations that
surround you. Do not fall prey to excusing your behavior through the use of
drugs or alcohol. Do not tow the University's party line on opinions. Think,
and form your own. Discuss issues with your friends or, better yet, your
enemies. If you have a question, voice it. In this lies our only hope for a
better future both as individuals and as a nation.
*** END ***





-- 
Emil Thomas Chuck (Duke BME '93)		eyc@acpub.duke.edu
I'm too busy for my class, too busy for my clubs, too busy for my work.
I'm too busy for my mail, too busy for my news, too busy for my life.
I'm too busy for this .sig. 
Newsgroups: alt.rush-limbaugh,alt.activism.d,alt.politics.clinton