DISRESPECT FOR AUTHORITY IS CAUSING MASS KILLINGS: NOT GUNS

DISRESPECT FOR AUTHORITY IS CAUSING MASS KILLINGS: NOT GUNS

By Domenick J. Maglio PhD. Traditional Realist

Our modern childrearing experts have put children on an equal footing or even above their parents. Elected officials are diluting the power of law enforcement, while protecting hoodlums and chronic criminals. Due to financial and progressive humanitarian concerns, our legal system is reluctant to incarcerate convicts for significant crimes. Pressure for early release is creating a mockery of our criminal justice system. Our teachers are not allowed to intervene in student fights or attacks on other teachers. Authority figure’s hands are tied on every level. Even sports umpires are quitting as disrespectful parents and players verbally and physically attack them.

This weakening of consequences, enforcement and duration of punishment for serious transgressions is causing our authority figures to be paper tigers. There is little reason for the average person to listen to or obey people in positions of authority, including their own parents. Most people think everyone is equal, doing their own thing instead of respecting an officials’ powerful position.

In California two big 15-year-old female students physically punch and kick a small stature female teacher, while she is helplessly curled into a ball. This vicious act shows a lack of feelings for others. Students in the room took videos instead of intervening to stop this cruel act on the teacher. Something is radically wrong with our moral values to see so many examples of this type of behavior over the last couple of decades.

The respect for brute force and lack of respect for people with superior knowledge and experience is a frightening sign for our nation’s growing instability. Without allegiance to our parents, teachers, firemen, policemen, elders, representatives, social law and order will crumble. This is a major reason for random acts of mass violence.

The adage that you have to give respect to earn it is still true. Another perspective is if you have authority, you need to use it and be backed up by your superiors. When police are forced by politicians to “stand down,” that official is undermining their function and power. When a parent says to a child that they will take away something due to their behavior but does not follow through, their word becomes a joke.

Parkland, Florida mass killer, Nikolas Cruz, showed all the behaviors, psychological signs and vicious threats to commit the mass slaughter he actually did. He was known to the school personnel, police and his family to be a ticking time bomb. Multiple authorities dropped the ball allowing him to remain free without incarceration or mental health treatment. Everyone in authority who passed the buck and allowed this tragedy to unfold deserves the loss of respect after they chose not to do their duty for the public.

Parents often witness their child exhibiting antisocial behavior without taking significant measures to put them on a more normal track. In school parents are not supporting their children’s teachers by following through on consequences for their inappropriate behavior or lack of effort. At the first sign of the child’s appeasing them they end their attempt at confrontation. The parents disregarding their duty to shape their child’s actions is setting up the child to be alienated from others in power.

Teachers are also in a bind as they are unable to exercise their responsibility with all the bureaucratic rules that keep them from doing what previously worked. Educators of the past used these methods with positive results. They are not backed by school administration or in many cases by the parents so are unable to do what they know works.

Most teachers play bureaucratic games to survive or have left the profession. They want to be dedicated teachers but are handicapped by a myriad of regulations.  The public expects positive results from our public servants although we constantly second-guess them. This lack of bureaucratic and public support has weakened their ability to do their conscientious best.  Almost anyone in an authority position appears to be protecting himself first instead of accomplishing stated objectives.

Blaming guns for mass killings is a cover up for a cultural breakdown. Our traditionally balanced culture is out-of–whack. We are undermining our essential authority not only by lax parental expectations, poor follow through and lack of support by superiors. We do not mention the effects of mental illness, drugs, shabby education, lazy and ineffective parenting and rampant lying that are factors in mass shootings.

Targeting guns is a diversion from the real problems affecting our society. The moral decay of our sacred institutions and weakening authority figures’ power in the family and in our traditional institutions is where the responsibility lies.

Domenick Maglio, PhD. is a columnist carried by various newspapers, an author of several books and owner/director of Wider Horizons School, a college prep program. Dr. Maglio is an author of weekly newspaper articles, INVASION WITHIN  and a new book entitled, IN CHARGE PARENTING In a PC World. You can see many of Dr. Maglio’s articles at www.drmaglioblogspot.com.

CULTURAL APPROPRIATION VERSUS CULTURAL APPRECIATION

CULTURAL APPROPRIATION VERSUS CULTURAL APPRECIATION

By Domenick J. Maglio Ph.D. Traditional Realist

We have been in the middle of a culture war for the minds of Americans for many decades. Traditionally people came to the United States from other countries to forge better lives for their families. The newly arriving immigrants kept most of their old country customs for the initial years. Most of these first generation Americans spoke broken English, a mixture of native tongues and English phrases to communicate in business transactions and later in social ones.

Their children were educated in English speaking classes and often acted as interpreters for their parents. These first generation children became immersed with their English speaking friends. They became accustomed to new foods and traditions of other Americans but especially fully assimilated citizens. These adult and peer expressions, mannerisms and interests were important in learning how to transition into being American.

Surprisingly, if you ask fourth generation immigrants many may not know from where their ancestors immigrated. They have been totally assimilated as Americans yet at closer examination of their lifestyles there are some remnants of their ancestor’s emphasis on certain customs, moral values, beliefs, socialization and traditions which they were exposed to in family interactions. For the most part they consider themselves totally American. They are the products of the melting pot process that have made ours the vibrant great nation by introducing subtle nuanced thinking and behavior into our culture.

Then came the progressive’s “salad bowl” formula of how new immigrants, legal and illegal, should be treated. Instead of having to experience the initial government tests to permit them to become fully assimilated citizens, they are given a pass. These illegal immigrants are not supposed to learn US history or speak English as it could be too much of a hardship for them.

The progressives relentlessly say, “diversity is our strength” in order to show that these citizens who are not enthusiastic patriotic Americans are still totally acceptable. They insist that immigrants should retain their foreign cultural identity to insure they remain different. They demand youngsters who enter public school be taught in their native language and be exposed to the virtues of their ancestors’ culture. This diversity approach, revising the truth or glossing over the suffering the ancestors endured in their original homeland lessen their appreciation for a new life. The feeling of ambivalence towards the United States does not encourage assimilation to be proud Americans.

According to their mantra each ethic group should keep their native culture and not become Americanized. Most bizarre, these progressives argue that U.S. citizens should not be adopting other’s ethnic foods, music, customs or anything that is part of their own family’s native culture. This convoluted thinking makes taking of a feature of any ethnic group negatively labeled as “cultural appropriation.” The subculture of immigrants should remain separate from mainstream America to preserve their “sacred diversity” while preventing them from fully joining the U.S. culture.

New immigrants holding onto their former culture should be only a temporary condition. As those immigrants learn more of the culture their appreciation of it will transform them into true Americans. The “salad bowl” perspective is a method of preventing the assimilation process. The progressives have anointed these recent immigrants with the labels of “privileged and protected class” to split our nation into competing tribal groups further dividing our country.

Imagine coming to the U.S. and seeing Americans eating only meat and potatoes. From small towns to major cities Americans can eat foods from all over the world. Pizza from Italy, bratwurst from Germany, tacos from south of the border, wonton soup from China, wine from France and many other dishes have become part of the American experience. Cultural appropriation concerns would eliminate our ability to absorb ideas and various foods into our nation.

Our strength as a nation does not come from our separation from each other’s culture but the accepting of each one to become part of our common culture: America. Our culture is made more vibrant by every one who becomes a citizen and brings new spice and excitement to the U.S. experience.

The strength of the U.S. is not the country our ancestors came from but the creation that melts the essence of each subculture into a magnificent experience for all Americans. In the same way metals are strengthened and improved by blending types to create an alloy that is stronger or that has unique desirable properties. The secret ingredient to the process is blending with the predominate culture.  The common good for all citizens strengthens our bond of love for our country.

 E Pluribus Unum has been the goal for the United States, let us not reverse it and foster chaos and self-destruction.

Domenick Maglio, PhD. is a columnist carried by various newspapers, an author of several books and owner/director of Wider Horizons School, a college prep program. Dr. Maglio is an author of weekly newspaper articles, INVASION WITHIN  and a new book entitled, IN CHARGE PARENTING In a PC World. You can see many of Dr. Maglio’s articles at www.drmaglioblogspot.com.

TOLERANCE OF POLITICAL CORRECTNESS AND HATE SPEECH WILL CULMINATE IN INTOLERANCE OF TRADITIONAL AMERICANS

TOLERANCE OF POLITICAL CORRECTNESS AND HATE SPEECH WILL CULMINATE IN INTOLERANCE OF TRADITIONAL AMERICANS

By Domenick J. Maglio Ph.D. Traditional Realist

 “Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice. Tolerance in the face of tyranny is no virtue.” Barry Goldwater

Just like parents who are tolerant of their children’s less than positive or even destructive behavior is a dereliction of duty so are citizens who are willing to remain silent in the face of an assault on our basic freedoms. Parents have to battle their children to civilize them. Patriotic Americans have to verbally battle progressives who want to rip apart our institutions and moral values. Some political elites: professors, journalists, naïve students and the mentally unbalanced who want everything for nothing have to be told “No” when they are trampling the rights of others.

These offensive behaviors and childish beliefs are not acceptable to traditional people because it leads a person down an evil path. Although being tolerant of others is often a wonderful characteristic, some progressives have gone to the extreme for themselves. They believe they should have little or no respect for others with different viewpoints. These progressive elites alone should have the freedom “to do their own thing” without concern for how it impacts others in the present and the future.

The 1960s Sexual Revolution blurred the mores concerning interpersonal relationships. These mores increase the acceptability of any attire, body piercing, vulgar language, tattoos, and sexual experimentation, which became chic. “Deviance down” became so evident that we have lost our bearings of what is evil and what is good. What was historically preferred behavior is ridiculed. It is being replaced by narcissistic actions that consider the individual’s interest over the family and the community. Our moral compasses no longer functions and was stuck in the “me” generation.

We are in a cultural civil war where the original meaning of words and expressions have been corrupted. The terms, “Political Correctness” and “Hate Speech,” in the last decade were introduced to our culture. Their use is a subtle way to handcuff free speech and foster self-censorship. Once the elite government informs us what words and concepts are politically incorrect or racist we are on a direct lane to national indoctrinations. This strategy of limiting what is acceptable to think and say stifles free speech by inserting the fear of government retaliation into the hearts of citizens. Tolerance of our government’s gradual and systematic removal of our First Amendment of free speech is a threat to all our freedoms and national identity.

Freedom of speech is paramount in keeping us a nation ruled by the people not an oligarchy of the elites. Tolerance of intolerant behavior of government is cowardice. The citizens of the United States have a responsibility to stand up against the federal bureaucratic government elite’s attempt to limit our rights and protections against a totalitarian coup. When Antifa members threaten and attack using fists, pistols and destruction of property, it is unconscionable and leads to the intimidation of law-abiding citizens.

When Antifa is using Gestapo tactics progressive government officials ordering the police to “stand down” is nothing more than encouraging and condoning lawlessness. The same process of neutering police and teachers is happening all over the country in progressive cities. We cannot act like sheeple. Citizens need to demand a responsible and strong police response to enforce law and order. There is no justification to be a silent victim tolerating intolerable behavior.

The traditional silent majority needs to reassert themselves in the local, state and federal voting booth. Our voices need to be heard not silenced by being called “flag waving, racist, deplorable, and intolerable humans.” We have the right of freedom of speech and it needs to be exercised or it will be silenced by fear of being ridiculed as racist or being physically attacked.

Either we have the courage to openly debate illogical and unworkable concepts or we will become a progressive socialist society. Once in power they will label and prosecute citizens with ideas that oppose theirs. They will use their abhorrent McCarthy-like Black List on conservatives instead of the communists the way they did with Texas donors to President Trump’s campaign and the defenders of traditional marriage.

Arbitrary political correctness and hate speech cannot co-exist with freedom of speech. America can and only will remain free through free speech and voting by all citizens. We should not allow a small group of elites who want to dictate the straws, foods, definition of marriage, gender, fuels, and every interaction by their edicts.

Live and speak free or we will die as another, centrally controlled socialist/

Communist failure.  

Domenick Maglio, PhD. is a columnist carried by various newspapers, an author of several books and owner/director of Wider Horizons School, a college prep program. Dr. Maglio is an author of weekly newspaper articles, INVASION WITHIN  and a new book entitled, IN CHARGE PARENTING In a PC World. You can see many of Dr. Maglio’s articles at www.drmaglioblogspot.com.

ANY PERSON OF ANY RACE CAN BE RACIST

ANY PERSON OF ANY RACE CAN BE RACIST

By Domenick J./ Maglio PhD. Traditional Realist

The scientific definition of race is nonexistent. It is arbitrary. In the colonies a southerner with one-quarter Negro blood was termed “quadroon,” one-eighth ”octoroon” with the rest European blood. If the family had risen to a significant level of social distinction many would continue to be recognized as “white.” A person with one white parent and one black parent was labeled as “mulatto.” President Obama, whose mother was white and father was a black African from Kenya, was considered as our first black president. For political reasons he chose to totally belong to the black race.

With the emergence of curiosity about our ancestry many people have joined Internet searches and joined genealogy businesses such as Ancestry.com to determine their “supposed racial and ethnic” roots. As these family history searches become more refined and substantiated we are finding many surprises. Many family tree branches extend into countries, ethic and racial areas people did not expect. 

There are individuals who hate anyone in a particular ethic or racial group according to their perverted perspective. People develop their appraisal of beauty vs. ugliness or smart vs. dumb, pleasant vs. obnoxious, appropriate vs. inappropriate or other traits in our “Cultural Civil War.” The assessment of others is becoming more contentious. Progressives have somehow concluded that minorities cannot be prejudiced, as they have had no power in the political establishment. Only whites can be and are racist. In fact any white, no matter their ethnic background, financial and social status and family history, will be assumed to be racist. On the other hand any minority no matter how wealthy, politically connected, famous, and formally educated does not have the possibility of being racist.

This racist notion that is being sold to the American public, especially to our youth, is preposterous. Nevertheless through repetitive indoctrination of “White Privilege” in progressive media and universities it has gained credibility with progressive audiences. Many whites believe their parent’s success is not based on their work ethic or merit but on their “white privilege.”  The lack of time families spend together talking about the parent’s struggles through difficult periods of their life has allowed their children to accept the absurd concept of “white privilege” for all whites. Many white families started their lives in poor rural communities, urban ethnic ghettos, and impoverished suburban neighborhoods. Some higher socioeconomic families who lost their wealth had to adjust to a lower lifestyle. For almost all, “white privilege” had nothing to do with their success.

Another fallacy in this narrative is that plenty of people in our culture have had prejudice against their own subculture and racial background. An Asian, Indian, black, Jew or any group might shun their own members of their racial heritage. This subtle form of prejudice is not unusual for at least part of someone’s life. Rampant racism has significantly decreased with increased mobility, education, and naturally integrated neighborhoods throughout our country. Prejudice against any group is a sad and stupid excuse to put strangers down to feel better about one. Demeaning others is not a way to advance oneself or a group.

Privilege in American culture has been mostly based on the power of money, not race. Money buys entry into country clubs, universities, legitimate businesses,

political and social events. It even purchases fame and the power of notoriety. Many rich, admired and famous families came up from the lower class doing unethical and at times criminal behavior. These now powerful people from racial and ethnic backgrounds have their own set of prejudices against other people.

We should remember all humans of all races, ethnicities or classes, are imperfect. There is no group that is all good or all bad. Attempting to label one racial group, “whites,” as the only cause of racism is ignorant and false. All types of groups have members with varying ability, production and character.

Any person from any racial group can decide to hate all others of a particular race or ethnic group. There is no rational justification for this hatred. There is an incredible difference amongst members that allows any person to find someone who has similar views. This logical realization should prevent any person from thinking that all people of a particular race or group can be classified negatively.

Once people realize people are people, as Martin Luther King said, it is all about a person’s character not the color of their skin. Racism is a mental illness where anyone from any race or group can be a racist or not.

Domenick Maglio, PhD. is a columnist carried by various newspapers, an author of several books and owner/director of Wider Horizons School, a college prep program. Dr. Maglio is an author of weekly newspaper articles, INVASION WITHIN  and a new book entitled, IN CHARGE PARENTING In a PC World. You can see many of Dr. Maglio’s articles at www.drmaglioblogspot.com.