60's Child

I grew up as a white male Baptist in the South during the 60s and 70s - during the days of integration and during the Viet Nam war. Both of these facts have impacted my life.

I was blessed to have two parents who had move beyond much of the racism that plagued our region and were courageous in their words and actions. they were willing to work with people and this was especially seen in their work - both educators. The schools were the main front in the segreation battle and we needed progressive people willing to stand up for the rights of everyone in the community to a decent education. This attitude was pretty non-conformist. It was, in historic perspective, countercultural, in fact in some circles it still is. We have a long way to go if we are ever going to create a society in the US that sees liberty and justice and dignity for all.

The Viet Nam war also was a major influence. My heros were the students marching in the streets, challenging the actions of our national leaders -saying things like "Never trust anyone over 30." I'm way past 30 but I still admire the marchers, the non-conformist the students in the streets who "distrust authorities." I am continually amazed at how we repeat the same mistakes we make in the past. How our government continues to present itself as being of such high principles, a leader of the free world, herald of democracy and then relies on lies and violence to accomplish its aims. We will never gain respect in the world until we can actually live up to the high ideals we profess. Liberty, justice and dignity for all - even those in other lands.
Even when it may not be in our own national interests but it is in their national or even personal interest. So many of our actions are driven by economic interests but cloaked in the language of our ideals. I think the world may be catching on.