Conservatives and the Question of Supporting Urban Areas: A Father's Perspective

Conservatives are often criticized for not doing enough to help low-income urban areas like educational communities and youth programs. This is a valid concern, as the state of affairs in many urban areas is dire. But how much more can be done, and what is the responsibility of the conservative community in these efforts?

Investment and Accountability

The question of what more can be done is complex and nuanced. When discussing whether conservatives should do more to help low-income urban areas, one must consider how much more than we are currently spending. At every level of government, the current investments may be lacking, and there is an argument to be made for increasing funding for initiatives that support education, community development, and youth programs. The success of these initiatives, however, is not solely the responsibility of conservatives or any particular political group. It requires a multifaceted approach and broad-based support.

BLM Initiatives and Comparison

As a conservative, it is important to acknowledge that the comparison to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement is not applicable in this context. BLM has instituted various initiatives, but a direct comparison is not relevant to the discussion of supporting urban areas. The focus should be on finding solutions that address the root causes of poverty and crime, rather than making unfair comparisons to other movements.

The Role of Older Generations

At 62 years old, I am a member of the older generation, and I am aware of our responsibility to set an example for the younger generation. However, I must acknowledge that there is a lot of failure within our own generation when it comes to the issues of illegal immigration and the passing down of values. Many young people today do not believe in marriage or stable relationships, and this is partly due to the failure of the older generation to instill these values. The path to success and stability begins with the family, and the older generation has a significant role to play in ensuring that the younger generation is set up for success.

Addressing Urban Challenges in Seattle

Seattle, once known as the Emerald City, is now facing significant challenges. The city has been hit by a combination of factors, including the coronavirus pandemic, job losses, and racial tensions. The recent protest for cutting police funding highlights the complex challenges that urban areas face. While some argue that reducing police funding and reallocating resources to poor and ethnic communities could help address these issues, the evidence suggests that this approach may not be effective. Corporate America, for example, is unlikely to invest in areas with high rates of crime and shoplifting, further exacerbating the problem.

Education and Its Importance

Despite these challenges, education remains a critical component in breaking the cycle of poverty and setting young people up for success. One study has shown that less than a third of California students are meeting standards on new science tests. This underscores the need for accountability in the education system. It is not just about the child, the parent, or the teacher; it is a combination of all these factors. However, the responsibility is also on the older generation to ensure that they are providing the necessary support and resources to help young people succeed.

Advice for the Youth

To the youth, I offer these pieces of advice:

Sell Yourself: Know your value and be prepared to demonstrate it in the workplace. Learn Continuously: Educate yourself about the business you work in and strive to improve your performance. Be Professional: Present yourself and your work in a professional manner. Visionary Thinking: Always seek new opportunities that can change your life. Hard Work: Be punctual and willing to work beyond standard hours. Volunteer for responsibility.

Ultimately, there are no limits to what young people can achieve, and with the right support and dedication, they can succeed beyond their wildest dreams.