Mom!!! When's dinner?
Me- As soon as your Dad's gets home.
When is that?
Me- Oh, I don't know, why?
All three boys from upstairs yell,
Because the debate is on at 6:00 and we don't want to miss the opening remarks!!!
The boys have not missed a single debate. They discuss it over and over like a football game. They talk about issues and what is important and what is not.
Today though my 17 year old said something that made me sad.
Mom, I am glad I am not old enough to vote. I asked why was that. He said " because I would have to choose a president of the United States by who lies the most and who has the best handlers."
I said, "Oh No, you shouldn't feel that way at all.
He said, Mom, you have just spent the last 4 years teaching me world history, and the founding of America, of the struggle for Independence, What George Washington believed and Thomas Jefferson and Sam Adams. He said, My favorite president is Andrew Jackson and all of the things that happened in the War of 1812 of what the Civil War was for and how we were that country built on a hill and all of the people who came here for freedom. For a better life.
"But not anymore, now it is about who lies the best."
I have thought about it all day. I don't have a answer. I know what I believe that we still live in the best country in the world, that we have flaws but for the most part it is the best. We have been down before and we get up again. We have the right to criticize and write what we want. We may argue about things but we can without threat of a knock at the door.
So what would you do? Is America more than taxes, the price of gasoline, health care, education. Or is America about freedom, and justice, and the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? Is it worth fighting and dying for or is it for the government telling us what to do from the cradle to the grave? I have a 17 year old son, almost a man, do I tell him to go out and change what he doesn't like so that his children can live in peace.
I had six babies when I was young. You know why? I believed I could change the world. I truly believed that " The hand that rocked the cradle, ruled the world." I wanted to leave the world better than I found it. Now there are nine people in this family who vote. I am thankful for that privilege. We can change the world for good...still.
I will tell him, never give up on doing good. Always do good and look out for your fellow man. Think of others better than you think of yourself and do unto others the way you would have them do unto you, and never judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes.
I really do think I need to take a break from life for awhile. Too much thinking is going on between my ears.
Have a great Thursday,
~Kim~
17 comments:
you should be proud of your sons. i detest the debates and get very uncomfortable watching the rancor of them.
Anyone can turn statistics to fit there view of the world. Are they lying? Who knows. Are they taking a risk by wanting the most thankless job in America? Yes. Are they perfect? Nobody is. We can only do the best for what we believe in. I hate politics, but somebody has to do it. Is the America a mess. I think in every era there was something to complain about. It is easy to complain about the bad. I have students from countries that still practice genicide and if you disagree with the government you are shot. I love America politicians and all. Tell your sons to do their best and hope that the people around them do the same. That is all we can ask.
Great post, great boys, great mom, great comments! :)
P.S. I started to watch it, but the moderator stressed me out... ;)
Blessings,
Heather
thecountryschoolmarm.blogspot.com
I think your 17 year old son is very wise. He hit the nail right on the head!
Kim, you have a very bright seventeen year old son!! I applaud him for speaking his mind. You have done your job well...
What an intelligent young man. You have taught him well. Those are tough questions, but I believe he will figure it out. He has a good head on his shoulders and a mom who prays for him...that's a good combination!
Very wise thinking for a 17 year old, actually, it's wise thinking for any age! It becomes not a choice of the perfect candidate in nearly every election, but rather who comes the closest to our values and the changes we hope for. I'm praying for all Americans as they make their choice. You've done a great job Kim!
You know what, your son saw the dishonesty. Our government is still the best in the world, but it is such a dirty campaign on both sides. It's hard for a kid to understand. What a smart kid.
I can see why you'd be so proud of your son. So much wisdom for a 17 year old! You've done such a good job! I too am praying for America. It is so time to make the right choices.
Kim,
You have succeeded in something I know you're proud of....raising children to think for themselves! That's a huge thing in today's world! I am so burdened for America and often go to sleep thinking of it and even dreaming of it. Our family has conversations about it often....especially Jason and I. I keep praying 2 Chronicles 7:14.
I can see that your boys got the real history too. :)
Thanks for sharing your heart and know I'm with you! :)
Hugs,
Tammy
Ugh, he's so right about who lies the best. All we can do is go by track record, I suppose. Blah, I get so sick of politics this time of year. We're two weeks to the election and it gets so bitter. This is the point where I put my fingers in my ears and do something else until it's all over. :-p
You made the world a better place by homeschooling your children, that's for certain! I haven't heard such intellect from a public school student in years... so, yes, tell him to go out and make the world a better place. Because to believe is to be able. That's what this country was founded on... and most people have lost that drive. I hear to many people saying they are waiting for the government to improve the economy.... really? Government dependent society isn't getting the USA anywhere except dependent... and lazy... Americans need to get off their butts and give our military something worth fighting for!
Kim, your son is wise beyond his years! Unfortunately, I feel very similar. I'm not voting for Romney; I'm voting against Obama.
You have done well Kim, your son is very wise. (at least your children watched the debates) I on the other hand am just over it
Kim, you have instilled some sound advice to your boys and they have taken your advice to heart. They are very mature for their years and will do well because they have a good foundation.
Unfortunately money and power corrupts and turn good people into greedy liars and deceivers.
I used to be interested in politics but got disillusioned by some liars and I still vote but it's a real headbanger.
Americans say that they live in the best country in the world and Canadians say that they live in the best country in the world too. I guess we are both very lucky to live in a free country in comparison to some other countries. For this I'm thankful.
Hugs. JB
There's a lot of wisdom in the 17 year old ... enough wisdom to help make the world a better place! ;-)
I'm afraid it's hard to find a real statesman any more. I can't stand the debates. And I think the problem of lying starts with people lying to themselves.
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