Wiston Papers

Celebrating America's Birthday

     

I love America.  Despite my occasional criticism of our political leaders, Democracy in the United States continues to work reasonably well.

Despite my irritation with the occasional misbehavior of celebrities, America enjoys a wonderful array of entertainment in venues across the land.

Despite my anger over the criminal deeds of some and the seemingly lack of justice in their cases, the vast majority of our citizens are law-abiding and respectful of the rule of law.

Despite my frustration over the inadequate funding for public education in some quarters and lack of needed counseling for young people in poor areas, our nation continues to graduate some of the brightest people in the world.

Today we celebrate our independence.  It’s a well-deserved occasion to remember how our forefathers and foremothers fought to establish this republic and build a nation that affords unlimited opportunities for persons who aspire.

The War of Independence was an act of revolution by a people who sought the freedom to chart a new course free from the binds that restricted full expression of religion, speech and political assembly.

For more than 200 years Americans have continued to follow that path.  It certainly hasn’t been an easy one.  And many of us have debated whether we have lost our way, abandoned our original ideas, squandered the legacy we inherited.

Yes, I am occasionally critical, irritated, angered and frustrated by what my fellow residents do or do not do.  Human beings have flaws and in a nation of more than 300 million inhabitants, those weaknesses will manifest themselves.

But America is a great nation with great people.  We are blessed to have a standard of living that remains the elusive goal of many around the world.  

We have a political system that affords open debate, grants freedom of religion, and protects the interests of divergent opinions.

We have a society that respects education, protects the legal rights of residents based on a presumed innocence, and promotes diversity.

We have an economic system that--when working properly--promises opportunities for employment, innovations, security and modest prosperity.

And we have men and women who continue to risk their lives and health by enlisting in our volunteer armed forces to protect America at home and abroad.  Men and women who eagerly serve as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps volunteers as well as a virtual army other residents engaged in a score of eleemosynary endeavors.

I love America.  She has her flaws, of course.  But let’s take a moment today to celebrate her greatness and pledge anew our commitment to the gift we all share as a result of those brave men and women who fought for our independence and freedom.

Steve Coon

July 04, 2012

Wiston Papers

Making Your Mark

     “I’ve decided to become famous,” John leaned back in his chair.

“You’re already legendary,” our waitress, Beverly,  smiled as she poured our coffee and walked away.

“Seriously, I’ve been following the news and I see a successful lifestyle here.  Notoriety and nuttiness...that’s my new motto.  I can even turn it into a TV show”

“Well, I think  you’re already have way there,” I noted.

“Here’s what I’m talking about,”  John sipped and said.  “There’s Sarah Palin...”

“You betcha...” I shook my head.

“She was governor of Alaska, Republican Vice Presidential candidate and then decided to star in her own  TV show.”

“And how’s that workin’ for her?,” I commented.

“And her daughter, the dancer Bristol Palin, has a TV show about herself and her son, Tripp.”

“Must watch TV,’’ I grimmaced.

“Oh, and Sarah’s husband,Todd, will soon be on NBC in a show, too.  Something about military exercises...”  John pondered.

“Gives patriotism a whole new meaning...” I motioned to Beverly for a refill hoping she had something stronger than cream and sugar.

“Look, John,” I leaned forward, “There are lots of celebrities who don’t do stuff like this.  Some famous people are doing good things,” I said confidently.

“Like who?”  John challenged me.

“Give me a minute,” I panicked.

“Here’s what I mean,” John pressed on, “John Edwards cheats on his dying wife, uses campaign money to hide the affair, then skates when he’s acquitted by a good old boy jury.”

“Maybe he was innocent of the specific charges,”  I suggested.

“Then Roger Clemmons takes illegal drugs, lies to Congress and he gets away with it because he can throw a fast ball,”  John said confidently.

“Well, it was just a ‘he-said-he-said’ trial.  I don’t think there was really any real evidence,”  I attempted to clarify.

“Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner doesn’t pay any taxes then he’s given the job making sure the rest of us do,”  John sipped confidently.

“Well, there’s always an exemption,”  I moaned.  

“Lindsay Lohan is in and out of jail all the time for drinking...

“She is a spirited one that’s true,” I conceded.

“Mel Gibson and Charlie Sheen are always saying creepy things.”

“Yes, men of choice words,” I shook my head.

“Look, John, these famous folks were all either accused of illegal acts or criticized for bad behavior.  You don’t want to be bad to be famous,” I cautioned. “There are lots of ways to make your mark.”

“Like what?”  John wondered.

“You could help humanity, you could find people in need, you could...”

“Great idea, “John replied surprisingly. “Yes, that’s it.  I’ve found my calling.  I’ll lead a life of absolute virtue and ethics.  I’ll devote all my energy in selfless sacrifice and commitment to my neighbors, community and nation.  I’ll seek conciliation and compromise...and avoid bickering and rancor.  Yes, yes, I’ll deny all temptation and live frugally and forthrightly.”

“Really?,”  I stammered in astonishment.  “You’re going to become a monk?”

“Heavens, no,” John rose leaving me with the bill,  “I’m going to run for Congress.”

Steve Coon

June 26, 2012

Wiston Papers

 

Shortly before I retired, I received the Iowa State University International Service Award. That honor allowed me to attend a Parks Conference at Wiston House in England.

This event helped me focus my thoughts on a variety of domestic and international issues. And these periodic blogs are the result. Not all my posts will be serious. Some will be attempts at humor or simply musings about topics I find interesting.

These articles may range from the serious to the whimsical, but they will represent my  perspective alone.   I absolve all other persons of any errors either of omission or commission.

Your reactions are always welcome.

Wiston Papers

Courting Latino Voters: The Myth of Hispanic Power

Father’s Day and our son and I were discussing politics.  It’s enjoyable and easy since he’s very knowledgeable and we usually agree.

The topic was President Obama’s declaration that his administration would stop deporting young people who came to the United States illegally with their parents but have been good residents here.

Our son suggested that perhaps this action would further tighten the Democrat Party’s already strong hold on the Latino community and--as a result--there would be less pressure by Governor Romney’s camp to name Republican Florida Senator Marco Rubio as the GOP Vice Presidential nominee.

An interesting scenario I agree and certainly a plausible scenario.  That opened a wider discussion of about the Latino voting bloc.  Much of it is a myth.

The numerical strength of Hispanics in America is unquestioned.  Latinos are the largest minority in the United States.  However, their political power is far less than the sheer numbers would suggest.  Their 50.5 million constitute 16.3 percent of the population compared with the 42 million African-Americans (13.6%).

But according to the 2011 Congressional Research Service, there are are only 26 Latinos in the House of Representatives and 2 in the Senate.  That contrasts with the 44 African-Americans serving in Congress--representing the second largest U.S. minority population.  

Not only is Hispanic Congressional representation disproportionately lower than Latino national population numbers, but numerous news stories reveal that Latino voters are casting their votes this primary election season in surprising numbers for non-Hispanics in predominantly strong Hispanic congressional  districts.  

Furthermore, Latinos are not monolithic.  They do not identify themselves as Hispanics or Latinos but rather by country of origin.  That is  Latinos describe themselves first as either Argentine-American, Cuban-American, Mexican-American or from any of the other nations in the region.

The three largest Hispanic groups are Mexican-American, Puerto Rican and Cuban-American.  Senator Rubio is of Cuban descent.

Unlike other Latinos, Cuban-Americans are more conservative, wealthy and highly educated.  They tend to vote Republican.  

Senator Rubio would attract fellow Cuban-American voters but would have little appeal to other Hispanics.

Simply put.  Latinos constitute a potentially powerful political force.  But that potential is more myth than reality.  It has been that way for decades and--despite pundits pronouncements to the contrary--will be that way this November.

The vast majority of Hispanics who do decide to vote this fall most likely will cast their ballots for Barack Obama.  That is a fact.  

Our son is correct. Mitt Romney’s choice for his running mate will have to be someone with much wider and stronger political appeal among various sectors of America than does Marco Rubio does at present.  

Steve Coon

June 18, 2012

Wiston Papers

Amnesty for Illegal Children?

Seldom have I commented on an issue about which I have wrestled for decades than the case of what do with the sons and daughters of undocumented workers.  

As a result of their parents’ illegal entry into the United States, many of these children are also unlawful residents in our country.

President Obama last week declared that his administration would no longer deport these young people who were brought here by their parents “and through no fault of their own” are breaking the law.  Mr. Obama’s decision affects an estimated 800,000 persons whom he claims by and large are model, law-abiding members of the American community.

I studied and learned to speak Spanish in high school and developed a love for the language and appreciation for Latino culture.  Much of my subsequent professional career has been spent in Latin America working either on short-term educational and media training projects or long term as a Fulbright Scholar in Ecuador  and a Knight Journalism Fellow in Brazil.

Furthermore, I co-sponsored a Junior Fulbright program for Central American undergraduate students at Iowa State University when I was a journalism professor there.   And I recorded numerous interviews with Hispanics as part of a sabbatical project entitled “Boxcar Babies,” which documents the lives of the Mexican workers and their families who came to Iowa to work on the railroads.

No one is more sympathetic to the plight of Latin Americans who have risked much to come to the United States for a better life for themselves and their children.

This said I have asked for years “How could Latino mothers and parents allow their children to grow up in this nation and fail to take the necessary steps to ensure that their offspring are legal citizens with no risk of deportation?”  It is absolutely unconscionable.

Yes, I know many of the explanations:

“If we identify our children to the U.S. Government, we’ll all be sent back to our home countries.”

“We didn’t know that our children were breaking the law.”

“Mom and Dad never told us that we, too, were here illegally.”

The list of reasons goes on and on.  But the impact on many Hispanic children has been devastating.  There are cases of young teenagers who have known only life in the U.S. being deported to countries about which they know nothing, have no ties, and perhaps cannot even speak the language.  

In recent years there have been all too many instances of college-bound Latinos being denied scholarships and potential educational opportunities because of their illegal status.   These cases further highlight the terrible consequences of their unlawful residency.

I don’t want to, but I hold the parents fully responsible for this travesty.  And I also have to place partial blame on the children themselves for not wondering at some point “Who am I; where do I belong; am I safe here.”  Whatever the reasons, these young people are the victims or poor judgment and bad decisions either by themselves or their parents or people close to them.  

Again I ask, “How in the world could they not know and why did they not act to avoid this?  Where were the people who should have known of the inevitable consequences of their  lives in limbo?  Where were the social workers, the teachers and counselors in schools with high Hispanic populations--many of whom obviously were there illegally?  Why was nothing done to protect these children?”

Although some will criticize Mr. Obama for acting solely for the political benefits he hopes will accrue to him among potential Latino voters this election year, I applaud his action.   For too many years too many voices in the White House and in Congress have called for immigration reform.  It is too long overdue for several reasons.

I support the President’s decision.  Yet his policy in no way lessens my strongly-held support for tough immigration laws.  We allow too many people to come to the United States illegally and do nothing either to stop them, capture them, or return them to their countries of origin.  

Amnesty is a welcome response by this government to this small group of residents who deserve some degree of compassion and understanding.  This time alone.

But America cannot use amnesty as an excuse for ignorance and lack of courage by Latinos and their supporters--or cowardice by U.S. government leaders to enact much-need immigration reform.  

   

Steve Coon

June 17, 2012

Wiston Papers

Let The Games Begin

“What in the world...” I almost dropped my coffee cup only seconds after our waitress, Beverly, had filled it.

“I can hardly wait to hear this one myself,” she smiled and walked away.

“I’m ready,” smiled John proudly, “let the games begin.”

“But...what...how...” I struggled to know where to begin.

“If you’re going to follow the Olympic Games, Dude, you’ve got to dress like a champion.”

“You mean...”

“Yes, you gotta wear the uniform,” John turned slowly to reveal his sartorial sporting splendor.

“But there are 32 sports in the Olympics,” I tried to grasp what I was seeing.  “You don’t mean that you’re wearing every...”

“Right on.  You got it, man.  For example, this is a Cycling Helmet for Biking and the Triathlon.  And my  Archery Chest Guard  keeps loose clothing like this Taekwondo Dobok away from my arrow.”

“I’m all a Quiver,” I replied pointedly.

“I think this Shuttlecock in Badminton is a nice touch,” John pointed to the Birdie atop the helmet.

“Hm...it’s Clear something’s at Fault” I tried to rally.  But how can you see with that...?”

“Oh, the Slide Blinder we use in Shooting.  I think it will also help me ignore TV commercials.”

“Your shoes...”

“I’ve got my Track Spikes,” John Put his left Leg on the table just as I LIfted  my coffee.

“And on your right...” I said in seizing the Baton.

“A Boxing Shoe,” John Feinted. "With a Pentathlon Spur on the back. It’s Plane that I can have these Sailing Hiking Straps.  And and these Trunks are for Beach Volleyball.”

“As least they are not Bikinis,” I Jousted.  

“Hm...that would call for a new Approach and increase the Degree of  Difficulty that I only expected in Diving,” he Balked.

“I may not be the best Judge but at least you won’t have to change Trunks for Swimming, Synchronized Swimming or Water Polo,” I Dived In seeing  a Clean Entry.

“To Broach a related issue.  I can’t decide between this Canoe Bent-shaft Paddle or the Kayak Double-bladed Paddle,” John Beamed.

“I think it’s a Wash,” was my Stern reply.

“You’re a Bit sarcastic,” John Bridled turning to Equestrian.

“OK.  I’m at Fault for my Disobededience,” I Halted.  But, John, ...the..uh...Skirt?”

“Field Hockey.  I admit it’s a Dangerous Play but at least I have my Judo Judogi Pants underneath.  “Uh...could you...”

“Yeah, drinking coffee with a Handball Glove is tough,” I Threw-In. And the Fencing Foil doesn’t help either,” I Advanced.

“Oh, I have this Rhythmic Hoop around my Neck,” John Vaulted to Gymnastics.

“I really like the Volley Ball Net around your waist. A great Kill,” I Rallied.  And the Soccer Flag on your back, but that was your Goal?”  I Challenged.  

“Look...I’ll be Straight with the Trampoline, ” John Twisted, “I don’t know where to Wrap that.”

“Yeah, I can see you’re Wrestling with that,” I Cautioned trying to Escape.  And Weightlifting was a Bomb?”

“Heavy, Man.  But at least I have room for my Basketball headband,” John Charged.

“Boys, just think of me as your Sailing Cockswain,”  Beverly, Tucked the Check under John’s cup.  “But with all your Racket you didn’t mention my favorite Olympic Sport.”

“What’s that?” we both asked.

“Table...Tennis.”

Steve Coon
June 12, 2012