America is at a crossroads. Our country faces numerous critical challenges. Whether it is winning the war on terrorism, or restoring respect and good will on the international front, finding solutions to reduce our national debt or improving the performance of all American students in public and higher education to win the global talent race or solving the immigration problem, our national character is being tested.
The great American hero, Rev. Martin Luther King, inspired us with his words: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
As Americans, we can choose to attack and belittle one another or choose to help and uplift; we can choose our words to build up or tear down, heal or hurt, denigrate or edify. The choice is ours.
The immigration debate must be held. It is a complex, emotionally charged issue. It is one of the many complex issues facing our country that requires real leadership. It requires people of good will to confront legitimate differences in opinions and approaches with facts, questions and a willingness to hear the other side. This is a time when America needs us all, our best selves, our best ideals, our greatest vision and commitment to make our country better.
We have different opinions about what will make America better. We argue forcefully for our solutions. That is our way of life, it is democracy.
Former Gov. Dick Lamm’s words in recent weeks are not fitting for a man of his stature, presumed intellect, and role as senior statesman. His comments about the “non-success producing cultures” of African-Americans and Hispanics are not words worthy of a person in a leadership role. His additional comments that “illegal immigrants may shoot down airliners, open fire in malls and schools” were incendiary in content and implication. Fueling fear through innuendo is not leadership.
Let me illustrate how facts can be distorted. The majority of people in poverty in America are elderly white women. Would it be accurate to conclude that “women are not success-producing”? Or might we ask other questions? Could it be that too many men leave women to raise children alone? Could it be that women are paid less than men? Could it be that there are too many teen parents and it is teen moms who raise the children and have too little education to make ends meet? Could it be that as women live longer, they have not planned adequately for their last years? Is wealth the ultimate measure of success? If someone concluded that “women are not success-producing,” that would be misleading at best. Manipulating half-truths serves no one and evades solutions.
Let’s examine another topic that is a serious problem for America that can be easily misrepresented – teen pregnancy. A disproportionate number of pregnant teens are African-American and Hispanic. Does this mean white teens do not engage in premarital sex?
Or can it be that white teens are more likely to use contraceptives? Are white teens, if pregnant, more likely to have abortions than Hispanic teens?
The issues of poverty and teen pregnancy are serious. They exist, and we must find solutions and parents of all kinds and people of good will of all kinds work to reduce problems.
These are not simple problems, and facts can be used to reach incorrect conclusions, create innuendo and inflame emotions. What purpose is served by misrepresenting information?
The educational success of Hispanics and African-Americans is a problem. In fact, the performance of all American students on international comparisons is a problem, particularly in math and science. I don’t believe I know any Hispanics or African-Americans who are satisfied with current student achievement results.
African-Americans and Hispanics are working together with many people of all backgrounds to solve student academic performance. Students, families, teachers and principals and schools share the responsibility. School improvement, parental choice options and numerous alternatives are being implemented to raise the levels of student success.
Hispanic families have long sought and supported Catholic schooling for its rigorous work, its emphasis on values and character development. Clearly this demonstrates a culture that supports education.
Hispanics and African-Americans have a responsibility and long record of contributing to America. We have a duty to make our country better, to help ourselves, and our fellow Americans. We know our future shapes our United States. We are the engine that will be the backbone of America’s prosperity, and we want what is best for the country we love.
Dr. Christine Johnson is president of Community College of Denver.
