Progress Through Acknowledgement and Action. Can we do it?
It's important to acknowledge our past, including our history with slavery. We need to recognize the mistakes we've made and learn from them in order to move forward as a nation. As Frederick Douglass once said, "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." This sentiment applies to our country as a whole, as we need to focus on building a strong foundation for future generations instead of continuously repairing the mistakes of the past.
One of the biggest issues facing our nation today is the racial divide that still exists. Despite progress being made over the years, racism is still an individual's decision guided by their own experiences. This is why it's important to not only address systemic issues but to also focus on changing individuals' mindsets through forgiveness, education, collaboration, and cultural awareness.
According to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, Black Americans are incarcerated at a rate five times higher than that of white Americans. This highlights the need for criminal justice reform, as it's clear that the current system is not working equally for all Americans. As Spiderman once said, "With great power comes great responsibility." It's time for those in positions of power to take responsibility for the injustices within our criminal justice system and work towards making meaningful changes that holds those that break the law accountable.
However, it's also important to acknowledge that over-criminalization affects all Americans, regardless of race. The breakdown of the nuclear family unit has contributed to this issue, as children raised in single-parent households are more likely to experience poverty, which can lead to criminal behavior. We need to focus on strengthening the family unit in order to prevent these issues from arising in the first place.
Another issue that affects all Americans is the underperformance of our educational policies. According to a report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 35% of eighth-graders were proficient in reading in 2019. This highlights the need for education reform in order to provide students with the skills they need to succeed in life. As Frederick Douglass once said, "Once you learn to read, you will be forever free." Education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for all Americans.
We cannot ignore the issue of life. This means supporting policies that promote adoption and providing resources to mothers in need. We cannot truly be pro-life if we only focus on the issue of abortion and ignore other factors that contribute to a culture of life.
As a nation, we need to acknowledge our past mistakes and work towards building a better future for all Americans. This includes addressing issues such as the racial divide, criminal justice reform, over-criminalization, the breakdown of the family unit, educational policies, and the sanctity of life. As Frederick Douglass once said, "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong." Let us all come together to do what is right for our country.
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