- we have the highest rate of incarceration in the Western industrialized world
- we have the highest rate of execution in the Western industrialized world
- we have the highest rate of murder in the Western industrialized world
- we have perhaps the greatest economic disparity in the Western industrialized world
- we have the lowest rate of medical insurance in the Western industrialized world
It seems to me that our American exceptionalism should be a matter of embarrassment if not outright shame, and not something about which we brag.
(more)
I originally posted the words above the fold in a discussion on one of my diaries (which was entitled It was not an April Fools story in 1985, but is not directly relevant to this diary). Today I received an email which led to me reread these words. They seemed especially relevant because of a discussion occurring on an educational list in which I participate. It was about the quality of schools in Finland, which are superb. There is a much lower teacher-student ratio, teachers are accorded much more respect, and test scores – to which they do NOT gear instruction – are much higher.
In the discussion someone reminded us that all of the Scandinavian nations have a strong tradition of democratic socialism, with many of the accoutrements of the welfare state against which some in this country so often loudly rail. And yet, there is clearly a connection among the facts cited.
So I pondered them, and then I decided I needed to make a request, of myself as much as I make it of you.
Look at them again and ask yourself whether you see how they relate.
And as we go forward in what remains of this political cycle, ask yourself what those candidates who seek your support intend to do about the combined horrors I cite, the facts that should be so shameful.
Better still, ask them. And until they give you a satisfactory answer, keep asking them.
Please.
For our sakes.
For all of us.
Especially those whose voices otherwise will not be heard.
Peace.