drtennis’s whereIstand Blog

Some of us believe that this has already been done. It was called the Civil War or the War Between the States. Actions speak louder than words. Of what value, would a formal apology be , to descendants of slaves? Just how would it impact their lives today?

There are at least 3 areas, other than slavery per se, that the U.S. should consider. First, at the time slaves were set free, reparations were promised. From my reading of history, our nation reneged on that promise. Considering possible reparations currently, I frankly have no idea how this could be carried out fairly. For example, many African-Americans were immigrants, long after the abolition of slavery. By the same token, why should Irish Americans, immigrants in the 1890s, particapate, as taxpayers, in reparations?

Second, the existence of Jim Crow laws for a century after Abolition, was an abomination almost equal to that of slavery. Perhaps even greater, because it defied the intent of our laws.

Third, the Black community should be owed a big apology for legislation resulting in the welfare state. The government, probably unwittingly, destroyed the intact black family and community. Before the end of segregation, mid-20th century, blacks had higher percentages of 2 parent families than whites! Divorce rates were lower as were ratios of children born out of wedlock.

The U.S. government helped to destroy that rosy picture in the 1960s. Consider one fact. Welfare payments were higher to families without a male adult. Thus, an incentive was created for black men to split.

In summary, we have a lot to apolgize for. Progress is clearly being made in race relations, not by government programs, but by the goodwill of individuals of all races. It may, however, take many more decades for complete healing.

                                       Dick Brooks

The only arguments  in favor of this photo shoot of a child, displayed in a grown-up sophisticated magazine, might be that there was very little flesh shown, and after all, this is the 21st century. That is precisely the point. For heavens sake, this is still a kid, and a wholesome one at that, even though she is a fast-rising celebrity.

The dominant culture seems hell-bent on turning little girls into miniature tarts. Case in point, a mother goes into a Gap store to buy some school clothes for her nine year old daughter. She is shocked to discover not one outfit that would be demure and appropriate. Most of the collection seemed to be small sizes of what harlots would wear.

Back to Miley. Like it or not, she is a role model for teens and pre-teens. And from all accounts, she has been a good role model. Why can’t we keep her that way? Goodness knows, there are plenty of celebrities that are terrible for emulation.

It is possible that I am over-stating the case against the Vanity Fair spread. On the other hand, if we were to take a survey of fathers, I wager that the overwhelming majority would be against the photos.

It is my opinion that our society is attempting to sexualize even little kids. Fewer mothers than fathers agree with this contention, and that also is a pity!

                                  Dick Brooks

Tighter budgets, in many school districts, have impelled the elimination of arts programs. The logic is that reading, writing, and arithmetic are the basic building blocks. Any other studies are optional.

In my opinion, this view is narrow, and does not encompass what a well-rounded liberal education is all about. A liberal education is much more than absorbing facts on a number of subjects. It should equip students to be able to search for truth zealously. Just as importantly, students should begin to appreciate art, in all forms. In this way, they are able to live fuller, and deeper lives.

Without beauty in our lives, our existence is drab and mechanistic. We are more than two-legged beasts. Beauty and truth are closely related.

Therefore, I deem the arts to be essential in education.

                                 Dick Brooks

The government has a consistent record of proposing solutions to problems, without thinking through the possibility of other problems being created. This is popularly known as the law of unintended consequences.

Recent examples include the ethanol disaster and its impact on food supply, the McCain-Feingold Act which served to increase the amount of money in elections, and the current stimulus package, which will only help the Chinese eventually.

Getting back to the gas mileage question, there is only one way of significance, to increase it. That, of course, is to build smaller and lighter cars. Unfortunately, little cars are not as safe as big ones. In the event of an accident, the rate and severity of injuries to occupants is much higher. The same  is true of the probability of fatalities.

The gas mileage standard is a short sighted approach to the goal of fuel conservation.

                          Dick Brooks

It might not have, if Obama had handled it properly. Unfortunately, when the matter first came to public awareness, Obama chose to dissemble by saying he had never heard any of the anti-American, or antisemitic remarks by Wright. Since the Obamas had been in the church for 2 decades, it was inconceivable that Barack would not have known about the vile hatred in his pastor.

Even Obama began to realize his initial alibi did not pass the smell test. So he began to modify it, thereby entangling himself more and more in his deceit.

Proving once again that a cover-up is usually worse than the original mistake. Example, Richard Nixon and the doomed strategy of “modified, limited hang-out”.

If Obama had told the whole truth in the beginning, it is very likely that he would have been forgiven. A large part of the electorate had been rooting for this young, charismatic, articulate candidate, with his charming family.

Some pundits feel that Obama has gone from being a messiah, to just another politician. But things could get worse than just the Wright association.

The alleged association with arch-terrorist, William Ayers, is still in the early stages of probing by the media. Also, what role did the convicted Rezko play in the financial life of Obama?

In this crazy election season, Obama could still pull off a win. But the odds are clearly moving away from him.

                                Dick Brooks

Keep in mind, that recession is defined statistically. It means 2 consecutive quarters of negative growth. Therefore, it is easy to see that people may feel like they are experiencing recession, even though they are not in one technically. The current situation may well be such a time. We are on the edge, but not quite there yet.

To answer the issue question, in my opinion, the economy will be in recession by year end. The main reason is that consumer spending is in decline. Since spending by individuals accounts for over 70% of our Gross Domestic Product, this decline will bring on the recession. Major reasons for people reducing spending are the rising costs of food and energy, losses of jobs, the collapsing housing market, and frugality in anticipation of hard times ahead.

It is significant, that the preceding economic expansion cycle, was largely fueled by borrowed money. First, credit cards, until they were maxed out, then home equity loans, until the housing market crashed. Finally, and sad to say, some folks were withdrawing from their 401k to pay for consumer items!

So there is just no way for consumers to keep up spending, unless they do so out of current income. Fat chance!

The fact of the matter is, that unless we, including Washington, learn to live within our means, even rougher times lie ahead.

                             Dick Brooks

It seems like he can already be considered as worthy of ranking among the top ten male players in history. However, to rate him as number one , is premature for several reasons.

First, his career has at least several good years ahead. His future performance will likely determine how far up the all-time list he will go. He has some current challenges to deal with. Foremost being, his difficulty in winning against Nadal. He has also lost to others, lower rated, in tournaments during the past year or two. So Roger is not impregnable, but nobody is.

His accomplishments need to be evaluated against those of the greats in the past, all the way from Tilden to Sampras. By doing so, we might conclude that Federer is not above the giants of tennis history. At least, not yet.

Most of the legendary players were versatile. They could play on all kinds of surfaces, grass, clay, hard courts, composition surfaces. They had a variety of shots, all types of spin, lobs, drop shots, different serves. They could do as well at the net as from the baseline. Some were just as proficient at doubles as at singles. They were able to lift their game in international competition, such as Davis Cup. I think the jury is still out un Roger’s versatility.

While Roger’s ultimate place in the pantheon of greats is still to be determined, he can be given great credit for one thing. That is his sportsmanship. He is a credit to the game, both on and off the court. Kids need icons like him.

                                Dick Brooks

The First Amendment to the Constitution gives us  freedom of religion. In actual practice, there appear to be two kinds of violations or distortions of this right. One by government, and the other by private parties.

The government has distorted this right, by reading into the First Amendment, a doctrine of the separation of church and state. The Founders of our nation, well aware of the limitations of religious expression in other countries, viewed the First Amendment as a protection against the establishment of a state religion.

It is not logical, to attempt to divorce religion, or more specifically, God, from our secular life. Examples abound. In the Declaration of Independance, there are several references to the reliance on God. Monuments, statues, and buildings in Washington are replete with passages from Scripture. Finally, our money has the motto “In God We Trust”

I believe that it is in the private sector where there has also been much distortion of the religious impuse. It occurs regularly in our schools. Examples, include such violations of our rights as, prohibiting carrying of a Bible in school, penalizing individual prayers during school hours, denying the right to wear crosses or other religious symbols, and not permitting the words “Jesus” or “God” in valedictory speeches.

It is significant, that when many of these incidents are taken to court against the schools, the plaintiffs win most often.

Just as any other right we have, citizens must be constantly vigilant to protect it.

                                Dick Brooks

Viewership is the lifeblood of TV outlets. This factor is significant, not only in attracting the largest number of advertisers, but also the rate that can be charged for commercials.

Competition is fierce for the advertising dollar. Less than a generation ago, there were only the three broadcast networks. Today, there are numerous cable networks competing in the same Advertising market.

Since ratings are supreme, it is not surprising that news outlets will try anything to boost the number of viewers. One easy method, is to create a poll. The questions in the poll, can be constructed so as to produce whatever result the pollster desires. Even when a poll is honest, the results can be considered news. This news can be used as fodder, by the pundits who can analyze and speculate, hour after hour.

Viewership can also be stimulated, by the choices, of the editor, as to what stories reach the air, and for how long. A cynical adage in the media, is that if it bleeds it leads.

Thus, many of the stories aired have great visual appeal, although meaning little to the country. These include car chases, vehicle wrecks, wildfires, and other natural disasters. In depth discussion of political, economic, and cultural issues is considered boring, and aired Sunday morninng, if at all.

Debates create issues, that are attractive but only if the sound bites are short and not complex. After a debate, analysts can use endless hours to explain what happened, and why.

Ratings are everything, and real news often makes way for the trivial, the vulgar, and the meretricious.

                         Dick Brooks

They are already permitted, under the proper conditions. These include prior approval of reasonable displays, and offering the same privileges to other religious groups.

The issue question arises from a misinterpretation of the First Amenment. The government does not promote a particular religous group merely by allowing a display on public property.

The Supreme Court building, for example, has imbedded a graphic and beautiful display of the Ten Commandments. This text comes right out of the book of Exodus and is widely used by both Jews and Christians. Should this display be sand-blasted off the Supreme Court building?

The Declaration of Independance contains several references to a Divine Creator. This is who we are as Americans. The last stanza of our National Anthem, is a portrayal of the Gospel, and the meaning of Christ! Statuary Hall is filled with verses from The Bible.

In summary, our country evolved from the freedom of religion, not found in many other lands. We are a religious people, even though it may not seem that way on the surface. Therefore, displays are entirely appropriate to celebrate our core beliefs. Naturally, such displays should not be exclusionary, and be in good taste.

We might add that they not be offensive. But the old bromide arises. religious displays are offensive to atheists. My response is, so what!!

                                    Dick Brooks