Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, January 24, 1994 TAG: 9401250260
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BRYAN DISHNER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
I propose an experiment to decide a sensible method for creating a decent society. The duration of the experiment will be one generation (20 to 25 years). Two teams will be selected. Each will be given a community and be responsible for the instruction of its youth.
One team will be called the ``conservative'' team and the other the ``liberal'' team. Each team will be asked to instill a set of values in its youth.
The flavor of the ``conservative'' team's approach will be as follows: Teach children that they were created by God. Teach them that there is an absolute standard of right and wrong. Teach that lying, stealing, sex outside of marriage and doing harm to any other is wrong. Teach respect for God, parents and authority. Teach that hard work and diligence are right and that laziness and lack of discipline are wrong.
Each day will start with a pledge of allegiance and prayer. Disobedience will be punished. Parents will be informed and involved concerning all aspects of their child's activities. The pleasure of sex and the responsibility of parenthood will not be considered as separate issues. Individuals will be free to make mistakes, but will be held responsible for the consequences.
The flavor of the ``liberal'' team's approach will be as follows: Teach children that they evolved from the primordial ooze. Teach that right and wrong are relative, because each individual must come to his own understanding of what is right and what is wrong. All symbols of authority will be removed from the classrooms. Teach that the answers to all mankind's problems will come through reason and science. Each day will start by reflecting on our membership in the greater humanity and a reminder about the need for ``political correctness.''
Troublemakers will be given ``time-out'' and encouraged to enroll in self-esteem training. School counselors will determine when parents should be informed about their child's activities. Alternative lifestyles will be presented to all children starting at a young age. Children will not be confronted with absolutes about sex, but instead be provided with condoms and birth control so they can protect themselves. Welfare will be provided for those who can't seem to find their way.
At the end of the experiment we shall evaluate each community as to percentage of intact family units, teen pregnancy rate, drug use, crime rate, number dependent on welfare, industrial competitiveness, the number of ineffectual government programs, tax burden, and the freedom of individuals to roam the streets without fear for their safety.
\ Bryan Dishner of Pulaski is an electrical engineer and a member of Memorial Baptist Church.
by CNB