The Significance of a Date

In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, there is a line that sets the context for what follows.  The line reads, “What’s in a name?  That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”  But when we ask, what’s in a date, the situation grows more complex.  Certain dates are uniquely life-changing. There are significant dates that have meaning to individuals for a variety of reasons.  Some dates stand out in one’s memory because of their historical significance.  The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 propelled the United States into WW II and was proclaimed by President Roosevelt as a “date which will live in infamy”.  November 22, 1963, was the day that President Kennedy was assassinated and led to the end of Camelot and a youthful vibrancy of leadership at the federal level.  The assassination of Senator Robert Kennedy following his victory in the California democratic presidential primary on June 6, 1968, came just a few short months after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis on April 4, 1968.  The year of 1968 was a year fraught with historical significance and most of what took place was traumatic for the entire county.  In addition to the death of these two prominent men there was the acceleration of the war in Vietnam, specifically the Tet Offensive on January 31, 1968.  The riots at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 28, 1968 were a culmination of frustration on the part of young people questioning the role of the United States in Vietnam.  Each of these events painted a picture of discontent that raged through the country and each had dramatic historical influence.

The astronauts landing on the moon on July 20, 1969, made us all just a little bit smaller in comparison to this unbelievable event.  The bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995, was one of the most egregious acts perpetrated on American soil, yet it paled in comparison to what happened on September 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center buildings were attacked, leading to the death of thousands.  More recently, the massacre at the concert in Las Vegas on October 1, 2017, was coupled with the slaughter of the innocent at the high school in Parkland, Florida on February 14, 2018.  Certainly, there have been other events that could be added to those noted above and what has been included is an attempt to emphasize the importance of dates as a source of reference.

In addition to the representative historical dates, there are certainly dates that have a very personal meaning. The date of a wedding and subsequent anniversaries, the dates that children were born, the dates of graduation from high school and college, children getting married and having their children, and the death of those who are an integral part of one’s life.  April 29th is a date that will forever be etched in the memory of my wife and me.  It was on this date back in 1969 that our oldest daughter died from the effects of leukemia.  She would have been six on June 26th of that year.  Anyone who has experienced the death of one of their children belongs to a very special group, the only ones who can truly understand what this means.  You play out in your mind over and over what might have been  What might she have  chosen as a life direction, might she get married and have her own family, might she have been able to live a normal life after all of the chemicals that had been put into her small body--these are just some of the “mights” for which there are no answers.

Indeed, there have been a myriad of parents who have lost children, and the dates of their loss rest in their memories in perpetuity.  Forgetting, for most, is not in the equation.  My wife and I are grateful for the memories that we have of our daughter, and we are so thankful for the other two daughters who have made us so very proud.  Some may read this and question why I wrote this.  I did not do it to resurrect pity but rather to share some emotions that are aroused by a date, April 29th.

The Variety of Diversity

Recently, a self-proclaimed white nationalist, Jared Taylor, was scheduled to speak Thursday evening, April 19, 2018, on the campus of The University of Alabama.  Taylor had been invited to speak by a student group, Students for America First, which at the time of the invitation was a bona-fide registered student group at the university.  Clearly, the invitation was not sanctioned by the administration of the university and the president of the university, Stuart Bell, issued a statement denouncing the message that Taylor espouses.  Having listened to several interviews that have been held with Mr. Taylor, it is quite evident that he believes that whites are superior to other racial, and ethnic groups.  He also denounces the practice of diversity and has proclaimed that the United States belongs to whites, and that the inclusion of other groups has undermined the very fabric of the country.  It was whites from Europe who came to America to form their own country and government, and this has been eroded by the inclusion of others.  The speech that he was to give at Alabama was titled, “Diversity: Is it Good for America?”

As noted, Jared Taylor was invited by a registered student group and at the time the invitation was extended, the student group met the requirements established by the university.  One of the criteria to be a registered group is that there must be a faculty or staff advisor.  They had such an advisor when Taylor was invited.  Interestingly, the week prior to the scheduled address, the advisor resigned the position.  What is interesting is that the advisor knew an invitation had been extended some time prior to the week before the scheduled speech but did not resign at that time.  Was the resignation “encouraged” by university officials?  Was the resignation of the advisor a roundabout effort that led to the cancellation of the event?  As the university president stated, the university must comply with the law that provides for the opportunity for individuals and groups to express what they have to say and what they stand for and represent.  Was the law compromised by action that led to the advisor’s resignation?

Diversity includes a multitude of differences whether those differences are racial, ethnic, religious, philosophical, political, etc. To censor what individuals can and cannot say or represent may well lead to a very slippery slope.  Whether such censorship is overt or covert, it is wrong.  About the event in question, there was a great deal of angst focused on Mr. Taylor coming to the university, and it might well have led to some problematic activities by those in opposition.  Other universities have experienced such reactions.  However, to “shout-down” those with whom we do not agree does not bode well for the whole of the university community.  Do remember that one of the hallmarks of higher education is the principle of academic freedom.  The very reason that we have this principle engrained in the fabric of higher education is to protect the right to espouse unpopular positions and philosophies. If it was Jared Taylor this time who and what will it be next time? 

Pet Peeves

In effort to release some of my pent-up frustrations, let me share some of my aggravations and annoyances.  What is included is certainly not an exhaustive list and I am certain that many of you could add to what I have included.  This is what I include today tomorrow might include other pet peeves.  There is no order to what follows, but, collectively, the list is representative.

1)      The inability of individuals to carry on a conversation, thus relying on the use of cell phones;

2)      The over reliance on texting which is done at any cost, including while crossing busy streets.

3)      The lack of consideration in a movie theater as individuals carry on chatter, texting, and game playing.

4)      The violation of my privacy by charitable organizations by sharing my name and address with other organizations, leading to the receipt of pleas for contributions.

5)      The receipt of ongoing requests for contributions from organizations that you have supported with a contribution.

6)      The abundance of “junk mail” that ends up in the mailbox, most often from places I know nothing about or have had any contact with, previously.

7)      The intrusion into the family by telemarketers at all hours of the day and night.

8)      The phone calls from all over the country that you block, but still receive again and again.

9)      .The assault from individuals listening to something remotely referred to as music that encroaches on others with a loud, often vulgar rendition.

10)   The practice of doctors and other members of the medical profession to over-schedule patients leading to lengthy waiting periods in the waiting room.

11)   The failure of drivers to move from the passing lane except when they are passing another vehicle.

12)   The absence of consideration for others from pet owners who let their dog leave a pile of poop on a person’s lawn or sidewalk.

13)   The lack of recognition that trash on the highways and roads is a negative reflection of the community and state.

14)   The amount of debris on the interstate highways from blown tires, leaving hunks of rubber on the roadway which cause deadly accidents.

15)    The lack of attention of managers, proprietors, and/or owners in expressing appreciation for your business.

16)   The neglect of wait-staff and bartenders in recognizing and acknowledging that you are in their establishment to be served.

17)   The negative attitude of some counter staff at fast-food restaurants, acting as if they are doing you a favor for you to give them business.

As I noted, this is not an exhaustive list of pet peeves, but it does reflect on the society in which we live.  There is a depersonalizing that permeates our lives.  Often, we are not known by who we are, but by a number.  Individualization seems to be becoming a phenomenon of the past and we are being thrown into groups and categories undermining any sense of self-identity.  Technology is a valuable contribution; however, it can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how it is used.  Many of the points that have been raised above are evidence of where we are, and unfortunately it is an environment fraught with questions and uncertainties.

Enough is Enough

On February 14, 2018, a horrific tragedy occurred in Parkland, Florida at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.  As we know, 14 students and 3 adults lost their lives in the massacre on that day.  The spotlight of the country, and yes, the world shown on the south Florida landscape as students who survived the tragedy began to speak.  Their message was one that has been spoken too many times, only to fall on the deaf ears of the power brokers in this country.  Since the horrible day in Littleton, Colorado almost 20 years ago, 533 people have been killed in mass shootings. The students who survived have mandated that “enough is enough”.  On March 24th of this year these students along with countless others organized a march on Washington to bring to the attention of those sitting in their paneled offices behind strict security that it was time that they act and stop issuing platitudes.  Similar marches were organized in cities throughout the country and in other countries. 

The above background is presented to lay out a context for recent developments involving some of the young people who have been the face of the movement.  Some news pundits have been the voice of the National Rifle Association (NRA) to undermine the efforts of these courageous kids.  One of the more celebrated charges was leveled by Laura Ingraham of Fox News toward David Hogg. Apparently, unable to deal with the factual information about the myriad of mass shootings, she picked on his attempts for admission to various colleges, stating that he was not accepted by 4 of the top schools.  What this had to do with the issue at hand remains a mystery.  In a recent article, Columnist Cal Thomas, referred to Hogg as a coward for his “immature” retort to Ingraham, calling her a “bully”.  The NRA has argued that the young people leading this movement are actors and not students at the Florida high school.  The difference with this mass shooting is that the students involved have taken a very valiant stand against not only the NRA, but the legislators who have enjoyed significant contributions from the NRA to their campaigns.  For example, it has been reported that the U.S. Senator from Florida, Marco Rubio, has received $3.3 million in campaign contributions from the NRA.  It is the NRA and their elected pawns who have led the challenge against any substantive reform dealing with assault weapons such as the AR 15, and other weapons that can discharge bullets in milliseconds.  It has been these weapons that have been used over and over in the mass shootings in this country.  When will reason and common sense prevail?  When will we move beyond “our thoughts and prayers are with you” to viable action on limiting what guns can be sold in this country?  When will there be action that leads to substantive change?  Inaction only leaves open the very likely possibility of the next mass shooting somewhere in this country.  Forty-one states and the District of Columbia have witnessed such catastrophic events.  No state, city or community is immune.  The next mass shooting can occur anywhere.  Let us all join these young people and make the commitment that “enough is enough”.  Let us join them in holding legislators at the state and national levels accountable for doing what is sensible and right. 

Support University of Alabama or not - Bama Blitz

It does seem to be a bit ironic that the University of Alabama is promoting the Bama Blitz initiative while recent news headlines address tuition hikes, University Blvd. improvements and coaches’ salaries.  Through emails, billboards and a website, Bama Blitz is providing all who wish to participate 1 day, 8 hours and 31 minutes beginning at noon on April 11th and ending at 8:31 PM on April 12th, to make their commitments. The Bama Blitz description states that it is: “An inspiring online fundraising event for alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends to come together and support The University of Alabama.”  It is certainly a noble cause to encourage individuals to support the university, but the irony comes to the fore when there seems to be no shortage of fiscal resources when administrators and the Board of Trustees decide to spend, spend, spend.

Let’s consider just a few issues that contribute to the irony.  Please do keep in mind that we are talking about a university that is in a state where the median income is a little over $40,000 a year and is ranked in the lower quarter of the 50 states.  Recent information from the Chronicle on Higher Education stated the salary and benefits enjoyed by the university president, Stuart Bell, exceeded $700,000.  This salary was the third highest in the SEC, behind Vanderbilt and Texas A & M.  The number of administrators and faculty who have salaries exceeding $100,000 a year has increased significantly over the past several years.  The cost of tuition has increased by plus 40 percent over the past 10 years while the rate of inflation has averaged less that 2 percent for the same period.  The percentage of non-residents of Alabama enrolling as freshman, has continued to increase to the point where these students exceed the number of Alabama citizens at the university. 

Now, it is in this context that the university is imploring alumni, faculty, staff, students and others to give their fiscal support to the university.  There is no argument that there have been positive gains over the past 10 plus years.  The number of Merit Scholars has seen a dramatic increase, the overall quality of students is higher and faculty and staff salaries which were, woefully, out of step with similar institutions warranted increase.  It is not that there have been no positive gains, but there have also been questionable decisions by the Board and campus administrators.  In one of the poorest states in the country, how can a compensation package of over $700,000 for the university president be justified?  How can the addition of more administrators at salaries exceeding $200,000 and $300,000 be acceptable?  How can we continue to admit more non-Alabama students than residents of the state, year-after-year? 

Whether to participate in the Bama Blitz will be a decision everyone will need to make; however, there is also responsibility that rests with the Board and campus administrators to act in a more efficient and defensible manner.  Those in positions of power should be cognizant of what is acceptable to the alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends if they want to garner the support that is being requested.