LET'S NOT GET STUCK IN THE PAST

This line from an Elvis Costello song is applicable in so many situations. We all have incidents from years ago which still give us pain when we think about them. But must we carry these burdens for the rest of our lives?

At the risk of angering people, I can't help but notice that the groups which keep proclaiming their grievances seem not to notice that society is changing. For example, the racism of white Americans toward black folks is far less than it was fifty years ago. Yet certain individuals, who stand to benefit from the unrest going on, continue to claim that they're discriminated against.

Likewise, discrimination against native people has greatly decreased. But though wrongs are being apologized for by governments, particularly the Federal Government of Canada, the race card is still trotted out when native bands are criticized by the rest of society. The recent protests against bands having to report the incomes of their leaders is a case in point.

Life is much better for homosexuals too. What once would be punished with prison time is now tolerated by most of society. But it isn't enough for activists who want all the benefits of man-woman marriage. What some people call the Gaystapo is actively pursuing Christian businesses who refuse to give services and lend approval to same-sex couples desiring to be wed.

Women have it much better in first world countries. Many leadership roles are filled with talented women. Yet there a few strident voices who claim that men still hold too many positions of headship.

Even disability rights movements aren't immune to this trend. Things are so much better for blind, deaf, and other physically and mentally disabled folks. Yet a few still whine about perceived injustices.

I'm not saying people shouldn't improve their lot in life. What I am saying is that they should keep things in perspective. Society owes nobody a living. Accomplishments happen through the hard work of entrepreneurs who risk their finances to reap a harvest of profit. Why then should certain lazy people expect hand-outs as if they were an inherent right?

I earned the disability pension I'm on. But instead of lounging around, I wrote many freelance articles and three memoirs. I also hazarded my monthly income by self-publishing them. Read about the first two at the Bruce Atchison's books page. My third paperback is at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Powell's Books

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