Vote for the Next Generation and Unity

Rob Oakley
Kelly Yoon
English 1301
24 October 2008

One may define culture as “the integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that depends upon the capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding generations” (“culture”). What if that pattern came to an end and what if that knowledge never transmits or even is received? That information would never have transferred over resulting in a possibly defective person or an uninformed and ignorant person; however, would society truly allow this to happen? Would society allow the freedoms of learning, of living, of experiencing life go to waste for the individual mind even solely for its own gain? If so, then where would society be as a whole if all of its members had no understanding? The answer to these questions may be found in the fact that many look to the mainstream media for current news and events, many turn to the media for knowledge to support or even find faith in something (science for instance), and they also allow media to even affect their behavior. On the Contrary, media has its disadvantages. As of now, the media and even this nation is divided and unwilling to transmit the truth that “if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand” (The English Standard Version, Mark 3.25). No doubt knowing this and once the noise of social discussion and the buzzing of the mainstream soften to a deep silence, one may see that something is wrong—something is wrong with the culture and the media. The nature of this world greatly depends upon a transfer of knowledge onto the next generation and it requires unity. Otherwise, the race of man’s future may never take place simply because the dwelling of the now takes too much priority and the segregation in between only produces chaos. This discussion is precisely thus to take measures not because of today’s society but for the society of tomorrow. Unfortunately this cannot happen on its own, this cannot happen without some kind of system that regulates, moderates, and integrates the transfer of information in all of its entirety through and to the populace; wherefore, a form of government comes into play and is required. Of course, a government needs leaders: where those leaders come from is a question with various answers.

Thomas Jefferson, the very first president to start and run in the first Democratic and Republican Party, knew full well the importance of civil rights and the phrase “Fair and Balanced.” Jefferson even wrote two very important documents concerning the issue called the “Declaration of Independence” and the “Bill of Rights.” Jefferson, the first and probably the greatest Democrat, participated in the Revolutionary War, took part in the Louisiana Purchase, and laid out a more concrete foundation for the future of all citizens foreign and domestic. Today, this county’s foundation crumbles because society and individuals are becoming more and more distant with each other and centralized in the preferred post-modern populace which believes they can have what they want when they want it at no cost (“Party”).

Now, the next generation Democrat, Barack Obama, claims a change is on the horizon; however, on what basis does that change lie? It certainly is not the traditions of the forefathers and the traditions of earlier democrats such as Theodor Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. No, the change is more likely based upon the future American and the post modern socialist world that believes in redistributive wealth, desecrating the sacredness of marriage, and the murder of unborn potential American citizens. Obama’s ideals of “Tax Cuts” truly deciphers into “Tax Credit” and might as well be telling everyone the plan to save the middle class is charging all their expenses on the hard working class’s time and money (Orr). The opinion of marriage is intently between one man and one women as even two thirds of Californian citizens declared when Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger went against the people’s will and invited “same-sex” couples to marry at city hall (Boone). As for Obama’s voting record, Obama is most certainly pro-abortion (“Barack”).

It isn’t enough to appease the pop-culture with suggestions of “quick fixes.” As long as people use a microwave mentality, nothing will ever taste right or last. The recipe of change calls for a crockpot mentality with good reason. Unless an individual is willing to change himself and be patient about it, the world may never change and unify. Although a universal mind set that agrees with everyone will never exist, there still must be balance within the system which is why voting for John McCain is not just the right thing to do but the necessary thing to do. To maintain balance in the system and a government that conserves this nation’s truest and most pure values on both sides, John McCain must be elected in this election or else an imbalance of power will go completely to the democratic party and thus monopolizing not just the Legislative and Executive branches but also the Judicial branch if Obama is elected. Which means nothing but a democratic stand point will arise in almost every public issue. Wherefore, if unity is indeed impossible at the time being, at least vote for balance.

But, in essence, Americans should vote not just for John McCain nor vote for Barak Obama; Americans should vote not for Republicans nor vote for Democrats; Americans should vote not for just the change of today’s world, instead, vote for tomorrow. Americans should vote not for just themselves, instead, vote for their brothers and sisters of society, Americans should vote for their future and their children’s future, finally brothers and sisters, Americans should vote principally for the future of this nation and not its present.

Boone, Pat. “Marriage: One Man, one woman.” SpokesmanReview. 14 May 2004.
The Spokesman-Review. 24 Oct. 2008


“Party History.” The Democratic Party 24 October 2008. The Democratic National Committee.
24 October 2008

“Culture.” Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary 24 October 2008. Merriam-Webster,
Incorporated

Orr, Jimmy. “Obama’s tax plan and the redistribution of wealth” The Christian Science Monitor
14 Oct. 2008 The Christian Science Monitor. 24 October 2008


“Barack Obama on Abortion” On The Issues. 19 Oct 2008 On The Issues. 24 October 2008.


The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, Wheaton: Crossway Bibles, 2001

Stripping the Willow

Eternal Scholar

                                                                                               

By Robert W. Oakley

Available in ways seen and unseen, edification subconsciously yet consciously embraces the mind of the life-long student, the eternal scholar, who considers learning and discovering a constant venture for the vast amount of information is, quite tranquilly, endless with endless rewards given only to the willing and dedicated. The experience of learning novel things and their deeper meanings, their scores of emotions, and their intricate mysteries form the mind. The discovery of unfamiliar worlds and uncovering their complex culture, their diverse nature, and their unknown territory bring a better sense of belonging, meaning, and purpose. The experience of not just learning but also learning to do it well grants satisfaction and advancement. More imperatively, though, the eternal scholar recognizes the experience of learning and the experience of education does not have to favor a strict or difficult life but, rather, has the potential of glorifying and enjoying life for all eternity.

Although the veil of uncertainty often warrants difficulty in obtaining an education, hoping for the opportunity only encourages but seeking for opportunity, finding opportunity, and taking advantage of opportunity unveils a much clearer route to learning. In other words, sitting around waiting for the opportunity won’t do any good; therefore, research is required. Generally speaking, learning from mistakes gains the best experience and the best way to learn from mistakes is to observe the mistakes of others in a controlled environment.  Where is such a place? There are many opportunities that can come and go but only a few advantages to truly pick from particularly universities or even community colleges. Although the many roads of life confuses the thought of the highly acclaimed certificates or diplomas, considering college, in many cases, should not render as a choice but an honor, a not-to-miss opportunity of living a joyous, free, and educated life.

With the constant change of culture, with the constant demands of the world, and with the constant battle for survival within  upper and lower bureaucratic or even chaotic societies, The knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of the complexities, inconsistencies, and anomalies of even the simplest ways of living must utterly equip themselves within the mind. As an explorer uses a compass to find a way through the crashing storm of a raging sea, so should these tools— knowledge, wisdom, and understanding—be used to channel a way around the uncertainties in life. Without these precision tools for seeking out truth, becoming lost, consumed, and even destroyed is of a much higher certainty than a safe passage towards a haven full of bounty.  Truth is imperative to obtain, to know, to understand and one way to achieve such truth, such powerful tools, is to attend a university.

The void of uncertainty produces fear and fear produces chaos. Ignorance terrorizes but understanding conquers.  There are institutions all over the world taking responsibility of providing tools students need to dilute the unknown and decimate apprehension—Institutions providing a knowledgeable and confident life in education or in a future career. On the one side, college can still seem notorious, unnecessary, or nauseating, but once an understanding is established that college intends to prepare a life full of potential, advantage, and prosperity, the opinions should change. The individual, however, must choose to learn. Without the drive, determination, and devotion of the student, a college cannot bear much help nor could any other form of education whether it is an internship or a practical job. In essence, dedication and hard work assures and preserves success. Colleges want to provide exactly that—a successful and joyful way of living. Not that only failure and despair would transcend for not going to college but the mere advantage shouldn’t go without consideration and the overall opportunity must be seized. College, although necessary, is not absolutely necessary. Much knowledge and wisdom can be obtained from experience and such experience can be obtained through peers, elders, and corporations that offer any experience needed to succeed in life. The best place to find these people, of course, is at a university where almost any thinkable profession and all the experience needed to prefect any given trade is available. 

There are many success stories of a life without a college education, there are many successful men and women who have made their way very well in the industry who felt that a form of higher education was not necessary for them to succeed; however, many of them would still encourage it for this reason: knowledge is the key to truth and, thus, success. Once opened, this door unlocks a whole other world of opportunity and is free to whoever enters within the gates, the gates of eternal wisdom. One major purpose of life is to obtain knowledge so that the development of the mind can continue. In essence, the meaning of life is to know truth.  Finding that truth is a matter of dedicated study, a devotion to learning, and the mindset of a life-long student—an eternal scholar. With these tools, with these incredible institutions, with this state of mind, anything is possible.