Good fathers deserve praise, not disrespect
One of the nicer pieces I have read in the News & Record lately was reader tributes to their mothers on Mother's Day. I wonder, then, how anyone at your paper could have thought it was a good idea to ask readers to tell how their fathers embarrassed them for Father's Day.
I'm sorry, but I just don't get it: Celebrate mothers on Mother's Day, but put down fathers on Father's Day.
The kindest such letters would be of the form, "My father was a graceless oaf on some trivial occasion but I love him anyway." Hardly a fit companion for the Mother's Day pieces.
It may be news to you that there are lots of men in our community who are good, faithful husbands; supporting, nurturing fathers; leaders in our churches and community organizations; and heroes who defend our lives and freedom. If they seem to be rare, all the more reason to clearly and forthrightly celebrate the ones we have.
My father is such a man. I have embarrassed him many times, though he never showed it; he has never embarrassed me.
You should be embarrassed for even considering such a condescending feature.
John Guthrie
Browns Summit
Comments (7)
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John,
You post is so sensible that it probably should go without comment.
But, since you raise the question as to why the Greensboro News and Record does this, I feel compelled to reply.
Both "praising motherhood" and "bashing fathers" is currently politically correct. And, if nothing else, the N & R is always politically correct. So, unless this changes anytime soon, you should accept this as an unchangable reality.
Incidentally, there are a few other political correct "realities" cherished by the N & R, that simply cannot be changed. These include, but are not limited to:
1. The police are always wrong.
2. President Bush is always wrong.
3. Al Gore was robbed in 2000
4. Molly Ivins makes sense
5. When in doubt, blame the white guy(s)
6. No economic news can be good news until we elect a Democrat President
Once you accept these realities, the Greensboro News & Record is actually a pretty good newspaper.
I hope this clears things up.
Regards,
Marty
Posted on June 3, 2006 8:44 AM
Good letter, John. I am in agreement with Marty. Also I would add this: "leaders in our churches", in the eyes of many equals this- Bible thumpin', right wing christian wackos who want to control the lives of those around them.
"Heros who defend our lives and freedom" = murderers who kill and rape innocent civilians for entertainment in an 'illegal' war.
"If they seem rare"... they are not rare. They just don't get the press.
I was a troubled youth, but my Dad (and Mom)never gave up on me. One of the highlights of my life was my Dad telling me before he died, he was proud of what I had become and the family I had raised.
Posted on June 3, 2006 9:30 AM
I would add to Marty's post that only bashing white Christian dads is politically correct. Don't expect to see any clips of what oafs dads like Ackmahd or Jose are.
Neo, my dad (and mom) helped me alot too. I was a semi hellraiser growing up, but eventually settled down. Then I became awash in liberalism at UNC-CH and actually started ascribing to it. My conservative dad never gave up on me and now I am very much like him politically, in business, and in the way I'm raising my kids.
I'm sorry to hear your dad is gone and I'm sure his statement will guide you the rest of your life. I'm fortunate to still have my parents, my dad will be 78 next month and is in good health. I dread the day he and my mom will no longer be around to see their 9 grandchildren grow up.
Posted on June 3, 2006 9:43 AM
Dan and Neocon...
They just don't get it.
There are too many people who think like us. And, until they come to grips with it, they will continue to lose elections.
I know saying this will enrage the left wing extremists, and upset the Editorial Board of the Greensboro N & R, but the simple fact is the Democrat Party has LOST seven of the last ten Presidential Elections, and has NOT WON the "white vote" for the last 42 years. I only point this out to remind them that it is THEY who are out of step with the majority, centrist view in America.
The sad part about all this is that as the Democrats continue their steady march to the radical left, they make it EASIER for Republicans to win elections. Right now, the Republicans can nominate a head of cabbage and defeat whoever survives the Democrat "Smackdown Between Radicals" (a.k.a. "the Democrat Primary Race.")
I truly mourn the loss of our two party system, which can only be restored by the Democrat Party moving back to the center of the political spectrum. But, right now, that prospect just doesn't seem very likely.
Regards,
Marty
Posted on June 3, 2006 9:53 AM
Marty, Neocon and Dan,
You guys said it all, it is good to see folks who actually understand that one ane one is two. I am also tired of white conservative males being at the bottom of the food chain when it comes to media portrayal. I am ready to change the term Political Correctness to the true meaning "Stealth Tyranny." You guys keep it real!!
Posted on June 3, 2006 4:41 PM
I was disappointed that the N&R handled Father's Day this way too. I had really hoped to write something about all the things my dad did right, not what he did wrong. The main thing my dad did right was that he loved me and taught me right from wrong. He also taught me that it was worth doing things the right way even if the wrong way seemed a heck of a lot easier.
I don't always live up to the things dad taught me--he set a pretty high standard. But I thank God for his presence in my life.
Posted on June 5, 2006 11:15 AM
I'm with you, YD.
Posted on June 5, 2006 12:11 PM