The Battle Against Civility

Of all of the things that we are teaching our children both at home and in school, the one topic we seem to be failing in is the area of human rights. How else can you explain the rise of Anti-Semitism in the United States? How else can you explain this week’s brutal and senseless church killings in Charleston, South Carolina? How else can you explain that on February 10,2015 three Muslim-American students were killed assassination style, in Chapel Hill North Carolina? We can debate all we want about whether this is a gut reaction to worldwide terrorism or is it something more sinister creeping into American culture. The fact is that tolerance doesn’t seem to be taught with any degree of success in the homes and schools in the United States. Even President Obama, in a speech this week expressed his sadness and frustration.

One organization that is trying to fight the rising tide of violence and hatred is “Not in OuTown(NIOT). Not In Our Town is a movement to stop hate, address bullying, and build safe, inclusive communities for all. This organization is spearheading a nationwide effort against hatred and bullying. Check out their website at www.niot.org. Information is available at this site for schools, communities as well as law enforcement.

j. Margolis 2015

A Twenty First Century Civics Lesson

Last week I had the opportunity to be a lobbyist for day. I was invited to the office of two members of the United States House of Representatives in Washingt0n, DC to discuss the increase of global anti-Semitism and request the congressmen’s support to join a Congressional task fore to investigate acts of anti-Semitism and to confer with the their counterparts in other countries. The Cannon Office building in Washington is home to many members of the House of Representatives. I was not alone on the day of my visit. There are many other citizens visiting many members of congress to enlist their support for a wide variety of issues. I saw one veterans group lobbying for improved treatment of our veterans.  Members of other organizations were there to discuss the ongoing US negotiations with Iran regarding nuclear weapons.

This is how our system works. I encourage everyone who is passionate about a cause          to write his or her congressman or congresswoman.  Plan a visit to their district office in your town. When in our nation’s capital, stop in to their office. Even if the member of congress is not available, you might have the opportunity to meet with a legislative aid or assistant. They keep track of voters’ feelings about a wide variety of issues. If you are not satisfied with their work, you can always register your displeasure on Election Day.

c. 2015 J.Margolis