AFTER SIX YEARS OF WHITE HOUSE BLACK MAGIC, maybe it’s time to bring in the wish doctors.
First in line is the brilliant brain surgeon, Dr. Ben Carson. While Obama has been back-pedaling from behind on everything from economic growth to national security, Carson has been quietly building his case for a better America.
The foundation for Carson’s strategy is his own personal success story. Raised by an illiterate single mother in an urban ghetto, young Ben Carson had much to overcome. In his first book, “Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story” (1990), Carson focuses not on the hardships of poverty and single-parenthood but on the courage and determination of his mother, who “would never allow herself to be a victim no matter what happened . . . never made excuses, and she never accepted an excuse from us.”
In this regard, there’s a big difference between Carson’s mother and Ann Dunham. Both married philandering drunks, but Ann dumped baby “Barry” on her parents in Hawaii to travel the world and spread the gospel of blame called communism. Sonya Carson, however, remained faithful to her parental duties, worked two jobs as a domestic to support her sons, and refused to blame anybody — not even her wayward spouse. Though she couldn’t read herself, Sonya limited her sons’ TV viewing and required them to read two books every week. As a result, Carson says, “I actually began to enjoy reading those books, because … between the covers of those books I could go anywhere, I could be anybody, I could do anything. I began … to see that the person who has the most to do with you and what happens to you in life, is you.”
By 1990, Dr. Carson had already proven his bona fides by performing hundreds of successful operations as head of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. At thirty-three, he was one of the youngest physicians ever to hold such a prestigious position — and, of course, the first African American. For Carson, though, this was only the beginning of his crusade to promote knowledge and self-determination for others.
During his keynote address at the 2013 National Prayer Breakfast, Dr. Carson asked America’s leaders an important question: “What will maintain our position in the world? The ability to shoot a 25-foot jump shot or the ability to solve a quadratic equation? We need to put the things into proper perspective.” That’s why, in 1997, he and his wife founded the Carson Scholars program. “We started 16 years ago with 25 scholarships in Maryland, now we’ve given out more than 5,000 and we are in all 50 states.”
So what has our first African-American president done to promote knowledge and self-determination over the past six years? By now, just about everybody knows about “My Brother’s Keeper,” the much-advertised White House initiative to help young African-American men escape the throes of poverty, ignorance and crime.
There are a couple of small problems with this big government program, however. Kimberle Williams Crenshaw explains in the July 29 New York Times: “Mr. Obama has told us why men of color are his focus. His moving story of the Kenyan father he knew for a month and the Kansan mother who went on to raise a president speaks volumes about his passion. But My Brother’s Keeper highlights one of the most significant contradictions of his efforts to remain a friend to women while navigating the tricky terrain of race. It also amounts to an abandonment of women of color, who have been among his most loyal supporters.”
Guest columnist Howard Husock expands on the same theme in the Aug. 14 issue of Forbes: “That focus was a cause of concern for NoVo Foundation Executive Director Pamela Shifman and former Schott Foundation program manager Nakisha Lewis, who wrote that Brother’s Keeper inappropriately overlooks the ‘dire straits’ of many ‘minority women and girls,’ including ‘epidemic levels of of domestic violence.’” Husock also points to yet another problem with My Brother’s Keeper: “It’s not a federal program so much as an effort by the White House to focus private giving and match it with non-federal government appropriations. … Historically, as I’ve argued in my book ‘Philanthropy Under Fire,’ government and philanthropy have operated independently of each other — allowing philanthropy to identify problems government lacks the means or understanding to deal with.”
Carson Scholars, by the way, is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. So hands off, Uncle Sam!
There are many other wise “wish doctors” in America. Consider, for example, Robert L. Woodson Sr., whom the Wall Street Journal’s Jason Riley interviewed on April 18 of last year. Riley describes Woodson as “a no-nonsense black conservative who heads the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise and knows a thing or two about that culture. … He is academically trained but wears his pragmatism on his sleeve. ‘We go around the country like a Geiger counter, looking at high-crime neighborhoods and asking the questions the poverty industry doesn’t.’”
As for My Brother’s Keeper, Woodson applauds the president for promoting the program but worries “that the money and resources will go to the same racial grievance groups, the same members of what I call the poverty Pentagon. They’ll give it to Al Sharpton and the others to do what they’ve been doing for decades, to do what doesn’t work — what in fact is making things worse. Around 70 cents of every dollar designated to relieve poverty goes not to poor people but to people who serve the poor — social workers, counselors, et cetera. … We’ve created a poverty industry, turned people into a commodity.” Everybody knows what that means — all widgets are gadgets, and one size fits all.
So what does Woodson think would work better? He points to “the successful outreach efforts of former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan and former Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, two Republicans who worked with local minority communities to push market-driven urban redevelopment.” Woodson also points out that, since its founding in 1981, the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise has trained some 2,500 grassroots leaders in 39 states. “We have the platform. We need the investment. My challenge is to get more conservatives to understand that there are many people who are in poverty but not of it.”
Of the Obama administration’s opposition to charter schools and programs like Opportunity Scholarships, Woodson says, “The left assumes that if you’re not for forced integration, then you support segregation, but that’s a false dichotomy. I believe we should have fought for desegregation, but forced integration is a separate issue, especially in education.”
In the forefront of the political battle over school choice is Kevin P. Chavous — founding board member and executive counsel for the nonprofit American Federation for Children (AFC). “In 2004, when I headed the D.C. City Council education committee,” Chavous explained in the Oct. 7, 2013 Wall Street Journal, “we secured federal funding for the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, which provides vouchers to low-income students for tuition at private schools that outperformed public schools. We also secured funding to improve the city’s charter and traditional public schools. Between 2004 and 2012, the program received more than 11,000 applications and awarded 4,900 scholarships.” In June of 2012, though, the Obama administration killed the program. An effort by then-Sen. Joe Lieberman and House Speaker John Boehner to restore the program ultimately proved futile.
As one disgruntled reader named Steve Haynes posted in a next-day online response: “This is a great idea, but sadly the Democrats are against it. In fact the Democrats are against a lot of things. Democrats are against: charter schools, home schooling, welfare work reforms, voter ID laws, guns, health care choices, border protection. Just to name a few. I thinks it’s fair to say Democrats are against independence.”
But as Wall Street Journal columnist Allysia Finley writes, “Chavous has the political power of an idea — education opportunity for all, and school choice is clearly making inroads nationwide. In 2000 four states had private-school choice programs with 29,000 kids. Today, 19 states boast programs that enroll more than 308,000 children.
“‘This is really the fight for the soul of America,’ Chavous says. ‘Parents are tired of the status quo offering promises of change that don’t take place.’”
Bruce Robinson is a writer and former Benicia resident.
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Was there some point to all that?
Democrats are not against home schooling nor are they against independence…Why include such isolated, meaningless uotes as if to think you’re. making a valid generalization, which you didn’t. Good luck, there are some quasi-independent-progressive-democratic voters who read your stuff just to see if its 1% valid or just stocking stuffers left over from Christmas…
It does read like some sort of unfocused stream of consciousness, doesn’t it?
It is as if the author has an imaginary dialog in his head, where Obama and Dr. Carson are involved in a battle of “your momma’s so fat” jokes.
Cartoon Wannabes jousting with kitchen matches and tuning forks…if all fails write some rambling, armchair philosophies to attempt to make up for 6 useless years of Republican obstructionisms… Obama’s doing just fine in his One-Man Executive Show, Watch the Repubs’ Congressional mayhem for the next 2 years…Gee, I wish those GREAT BUSH and Cheney years were back! WE were TOPS then! Weren’t we? Go Obama!
Peter Bray, Benicia (Still in town and writing locally, not imported…get the hint?)
Peter Bray, Benicia (Still in town and writing locally, not imported…get the hint?)
Why do you only complain about certain out of town writers and not others?
Could it be selective criticism (code words for hypocrisy) on your part on a topic of no importance?
Oh, you have your equal, in-town armchair wannabes, too…if all fails, joust more and faster…2016 is just around the corner with Jeb, Huckabee, and a thousand more adding to the sideshow flavor…can’t wait! Prez Jeb has a nice down-home ring to it don’t it?
He’ll probably just try and vote for Reagan. Shhhhh! Don’t tell him.
Let’s apply the words (with some slight modifications) of one of the ‘open minded’ people to Mr. Bray:
“Your repeated references to this mysterious ancient issue of residence reveals two things: 1. You have no ability to refute anyone’s points, and 2. You are a hateful, spiteful little man whose only interest is in stifling the speech of others.
Sounds about right.
Not even close.
Mr Robinson’s wandering disjointed statement is exactly why we can’t have nice things. This inmate and those like him are in charge of the asylum..
Beyond the sky god—or, no more theocracy, please!!
From the above article:” “Carson has been quietly building his case for a better America.”
What kind of ‘ better America’ would that be?
From the the article below more information or other side of the story on “Dr. Carson” for the community to consider…
“Dr. Ben Carson, likes to pose as a man of faith, a steadfast Christian deriving his worldview from the Bible – heroically, unapologetically, …”
“Beyond scriptural (in)accuracy, the fundamental flaw in Dr. Carson’s reasoning lies, of course, in his failure to realize the United States is not a Christian nation, but a secular Republic, where there’s a constitutionally-mandated distinction between sin and crime, between civil order and religious institutions.”
“And like the ancient Pythia at Delphi, his utterances have shown the power to strike his audiences agape. Darwinists are nihilistic time-bombs – he maintains – since true morality only stems from the literal word of the Bible; parents should be encouraged to mete out a sound caning to their misbehaving tots, as the Book of Proverbs says so; fiscal policy is divinely-ordained to stand to benefit the rich; and last but not least, we’re assured the Good Book is riddled with warnings throughout that marriage is only the union of one man and one woman.”
” As James Madison (not Lenin) put it, the entanglement of religion and politics yields “in all places, pride and indolence in the clergy; ignorance and servility in the laity; in both, superstition, bigotry and persecution”.
http://www.counterpunch.org/2013/04/10/free-speech-culture-wars-and-enlightenment/
Brucie, your first paragraph exposes, perhaps not your actual racism, but your blatant readiness to use the “race card” as part of your anti-Obama rhetoric. If you had conscience, a just attitude and ability to edit yourself, you might be ashamed to add your fuel to the flames of evil burning in the hearts of our country’s low-lifes, among whom you obviously allow yourself to be counted. Shame on your lack of shame. Shame on your illiberal Rightism. Would that your mind and heart would meet and mature.
H H read Shelbys comment. Maybe it will gety thru that head of yours. Read it
I did read it. Who are you to suppress his freedom to write it?
It seems obvious from the comments that, once again, those on the left are not interested in the kind of debate needed in a free society but only in shutting up those with whom they disagree. In any case, if they want respect for their views, including those they themselves publish, it would be good for them to respect others and, at the very least, generate some thoughtful responses to this kind of article. I don’t think this reaction benefits the Herald’s website.
Your comment is spot on Reg.
Reg, Your comments certainly are not free of bias. It is a tall horse you ride.
Reg your comment is nothing but whining: “once again, those on the left are not interested in the kind of debate needed in a free society” … Reg, stop whining and join the debate you say isn’t happening. It’s just passing you by, Reg. Some good points are being made here Reg. Your skin is comically thin.
I didn’t see any debate being entered into at all – only name-calling. Bruce’s article calls attention to educational inequities and the issue is how to understand them and address them. From what I read you folks have added absolutely NOTHING to that discussion, much less stimulated any kind of debate.
Bruce,
If there are two things that the Alinskyites and the enablers of institutionalized poverty hate its:
**When Blacks rise above the status (preferred by the above), to achieve a high level of success in their chosen fields through hard work, a good education and self-determination. That is why they absolutely hate people of color like; Dr. Ben Carson, Clarence Thomas, Herm Cain, Dr. Walter Williams, Thomas Sowell and others.
** The second ‘hate’ is people like yourself who point out that there are alternatives to their preferred method of government dependency. Thus instead of offering any words or evidence in support of their positions they attack you personally, as Robert did, or attack the piece itself, as the others did.
Remember this Bruce: When you anger them, you have struck too close to home.
Just a quick comment on the merit of this piece by Mr. Robinson: I actually thought it was one of his better pieces. There are some good ideas here, and Dr. Carson would be a real source of inspiration if he weren’t a mouthpiece for all kinds of crazy constituencies and an admitted plagiarist.
Well, I seldom get intrigued by the meanderings of this particular writer; has a great photo, though. You expect a wise, focused gent to compose thoughtful pieces. But inevitably, their rather cheaply-penned scribes with underlying anger, targets-in-sight and mockery buried not-too-deeply beneath the surface. But! At least he tries and speaks up and composes — admirable.
THe difficulty I’m finding here is that, as usual, Mr. Robinson has “big government” as his straw-dog, much like the lefties will trounce “big corporations” as the monolithic boogeyman. Perhaps MR. Robinson would prefer his traffic and faucet water and election protocols and parks and roads to be purely unregulated and government-free. Somehow, so his Ayn Rand-like logic goes, that too — along with “free market” charter schools –would yield his libertarian paradise. ( Funny that it sounds as looney-tunes as the communist dream of a “worker’s paradise.”)
BTW, any chance we can put to bed the oft-stated assumption that “liberty” or his recent term “independence” is some gooey do-what-I-want-whenever-and-to-whoever utopia? That’s a good thought for second graders. But it seems like we do better, are stronger, and stand taller as a state, city and community, when we all collaborate and pull together. Rompin’ alone in the playground and the sandbox? Well, not so much….
ROB
Petr I make my judgement on your constant complaining. You set the agenda and I rersponed or took advantage of your constant complaining. Say something possitive Petr. You are no different than any of us. We all have done our best for our family. Believe me Petr you fall into that same group that we are all in. So do not try to put yourself above anyone else. Your are just a handyman.
Bob,
There is the right job for everyone out there.
I remember when I was 17 and working as a plumber’s helper for my Uncle. Hard work it was and combined with the dirt as well as other issues, I just knew I never wanted to find myself at age 55 having to do that kind of menial work. The money was good though for a 17 year old kid fresh out of high school.
That was one reason I went to college!
Fact You are a loser.
Of the 35 comments posted so far about “Bring in the Wish Doctors,” only 3 had anything to do with the subject. Every other comment followed the usual pattern of ‘wise cracks’ ad hominem attacks. Here are the three that might be considered relevant:
Reg Page wrote: “I didn’t see any debate being entered into at all – only name-calling. Bruce’s article calls attention to educational inequities and the issue is how to understand them and address them. From what I read you folks have added absolutely NOTHING to that discussion, much less stimulated any kind of debate.”
DDL wrote: “Bruce, If there are two things that the Alinskyites and the enablers of institutionalized poverty hate its:
**When Blacks rise above the status (preferred by the above), to achieve a high level of success in their chosen fields through hard work, a good education and self-determination. That is why they absolutely hate people of color like; Dr. Ben Carson, Clarence Thomas, Herm Cain, Dr. Walter Williams, Thomas Sowell and others.
** The second ‘hate’ is people like yourself who point out that there are alternatives to their preferred method of government dependency. Thus instead of offering any words or evidence in support of their positions they attack you personally, as Robert did, or attack the piece itself, as the others did.
“Remember this Bruce: When you anger them, you have struck too close to home.”
Rob wrote (last entry I noted at 1:43 pm on 1/14/15): “Well, I seldom get intrigued by the meanderings of this particular writer; has a great photo, though. You expect a wise, focused gent to compose thoughtful pieces. But inevitably, their rather cheaply-penned scribes with underlying anger, targets-in-sight and mockery buried not-too-deeply beneath the surface. But! At least he tries and speaks up and composes — admirable.
“THe difficulty I’m finding here is that, as usual, Mr. Robinson has ‘big government’ as his straw-dog, much like the lefties will trounce “big corporations” as the monolithic boogeyman. Perhaps MR. Robinson would prefer his traffic and faucet water and election protocols and parks and roads to be purely unregulated and government-free. Somehow, so his Ayn Rand-like logic goes, that too — along with ‘free market’ charter schools –would yield his libertarian paradise. (Funny that it sounds as looney-tunes as the communist dream of a ‘worker’s paradise.’)
“BTW, any chance we can put to bed the oft-stated assumption that ‘liberty’ or his recent term ‘independence’ is some gooey do-what-I-want-whenever-and-to-whoever utopia? That’s a good thought for second graders. But it seems like we do better, are stronger, and stand taller as a state, city and community, when we all collaborate and pull together. Rompin’ alone in the playground and the sandbox? Well, not so much.”
I have never met Reg Page personally, but I am certainly grateful his always balanced and insightful comments.
Both DDL and I have written scores of conservative viewpoint articles for the Benicia Herald Forum page, so DDL’s comment came as no surprise. Even so, his last sentence seems out of place in a public forum where edification, not anger should be our common goal.
As for Rob, I have never had the pleasure of meeting him face-to-face either. I certainly hope I do someday so I can disabuse him of some of his exotic theories about the source of my political ideas. Ayn Rand? You’ve got to be kidding!
In the interest of improving the quality of our online conversations, I’d like to recommend a recent Wall Street Journal article that might be helpful for all of us─Elizabeth Bernstein “How Well Are You Listening?” http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/print/WSJ_-D001-20150113.pdf
Here’s a list of five steps Ms. Bernstein recommends for improving our communication skills:
1. “The very first step, before the conversation even begins, is to pick up on hints and signals that the other person needs to talk.”
2. “Let the other person disclose the issue. Acknowledge and provide legitimacy for their experience and feelings….”
3. “Encourage the other person to elaborate. Ask open-ended questions. Use verbal cues to show you want to hear the whole story….”
4. “Show you heard what the other person said by paraphrasing and using a verbal ‘check-out.’”
5. “Continue asking questions and listening so you can collaborate together on possible solutions.”
Bruce you are correct. That is why I write LTTE. If someone wants to comment they must also write a LTTE. But blogs I use for fun and watch the fools rush in. Very good article Bruce. Do let us off target folks stop you from continuing to write. We do like your articles. Very well written.
Bruce,
Having been involved in countless meetings over the years, both in the private and public sector, I think the article you mention and the tips you quote are very, very good and can be effective. I would only add that in many situations, especially with disparate interests, it is essential to be able to define what the “question” is? So often we begin talking (or posting in these cases) with opinions rather than talking about facts or attempting to even figure out what the relevant question is? The subject of your piece is a perfect example. As you know we live in a community that has a very good school system. Not all are so fortunate and we need to be able to consider what it takes to make those others as good and not bury our heads in the sand. I am a very strong supporter of public education, but there are a lot of poor and minority children out there who could use some help. Shutting down this kind of discussion doesn’t help them one iota.
Thank you, Reg…see my first response at the very beginning of this thread…what was Brucey’s point anyway? And did it really take a term paper to make it?
Your post as well as three others was why I posted at all. This was a serious subject and one that deserved some serious thought and response. That isn’t what we got, is it?
I wouild like to apologize for my on-line behavior. It was wrong and disrespectful. This is a verry sincere apology You deserve better. Thank you. Bob Livesay
Livesay:
Apology accepted. Twaddle and chronic carping and armchair political-condescending remarks on these pages only foster equal stupidity in response, I try NOT to linger here. The wattage is too low to hear or see anything worth reading. Good luck on the planet.
pb
Thank you.