Will AmeriCorps Shed Volunteers?
By Ron Marr (07/10/03)
Some argue that people fit into well-defined, diametrically opposed categories. In the simplistic sense, these groups fall under the umbrella of urban versus rural, liberal versus conservative, educated versus ignorant or pragmatic versus idealistic.
Oh hush! I already hear the supplicants of "diversity" mewling that generalizations are a form of stereotyping, that the human spectrum is more rainbow than black and white. Maybe such sensitive sorts become irate over easily observed cultural phenomena due to the fact that they are typically urban, liberal, erroneously idealistic and ignorant in the sense that most of their formal education revolved around self-esteem enhancement, peace studies, metaphysics and full-contact origami.
Or, perhaps it's because their mental framework is based on emotion and fantasy rather than observation and fact.
Personally, I believe that while shades of ideological gray do exist, generalized categorizations are valid. There's a reason for that; the vast majority of our Homo Sapien brethren yearn to identify with a group, to enjoy the security of shared fellowship, to tap into the flimsy strength that comes only with numbers. In modern society, a desire for independent thought or action is frequently viewed as a low-level felony. The "civilized" among us believe that a canvas of "rugged individualism" is painted in hues of anachronistic intolerance. My biggest beef with the aforementioned "diversity" crew is that their ostensible celebration of personal choice is polluted by a denouncement of beliefs divergent from their own.
Truth be known, I could easily dispense with all the banners and standards of the various groups, sects and social quilting circles and identify two predominant philosophies which comprise mankind.
Some people want to be led and controlled. Others have no such desire. Some people want to be told how to think, act and believe. Others strive to think, act and believe for themselves. Some people seek constant guidance and direction. Others adore setting their own course. Some people wish to wear a bib and be spoon-fed. Others insist upon big bites and to hell with the rib-sauce spilled on their shirt.
In short...our nation is comprised of adults and adult infants.
A perfect example of the mind-set exhibited by the latter comes in the form of the hullabaloo currently arising over upcoming reductions in the "volunteer" AmeriCorps program. This modern version of Roosevelt's WPA - created in 1993 as a Clintonian "feel good" giveaway - offers participants $4,725 in educational grants to become involved in public service ventures. How uniquely liberal - turning what should be a heart-felt act of kindness into a taxpayer-funded job.
At present there are 67,000 AmeriCorps "volunteers" working across America. However, on August 1st there will be a nationwide cut-back that shrinks those numbers by nearly 60%. To keep AmeriCorps operational at current levels, Congress would need to endorse a $200 million dollar influx of funds. This largesse would be tossed willy-nilly toward a government agency whose greatest supporters freely admit to a consistent pattern of gross mismanagement and wasteful financial practices.
Of course the argument arising from the adult-infants, those incapable of personal initiative or self-reliance, is that without AmeriCorps there will be few effective outlets for volunteerism. They cry that the system must be kept intact, given more money or re-vamped from head to toe. The caterwauling is that of a baby whose diaper needs changing.
Really now...are such folks deaf, dumb and blind? Or, has dependence on the nanny state rendered them incapable of cogent thought? Why should one need a government program to explain how to give freely of one's time (without pay). Why should one need to be told whom to help? Why should one need specific instruction in the fine art of lending a hand to those less fortunate? Can they not mow the elderly neighbor's grass without Congressional approval? Can they not work at a soup kitchen without Washington's assistance in turning on the stove? Can they not donate their own money to causes or organizations they deem worthy? Why do they require a thumbs up from Big Brother to perform compassionate deeds?
Easy...they are the same people who freak if the re-cycling truck is late, who believe guns are more dangerous than the criminals who wield them with malicious intent. They are the people who don't wish life to be too spicy, or too fast or too interesting. They are the politically correct, the timid, the sheltered children fearful of laughing too loud or crying too hard or running too fast, the ones who feel life should be a bland broth, devoid of taste and pre-processed for easy consumption.
In short they are insufferable bores dedicated to the almighty status quo. To paraphrase Walt Kelly's beloved "Pogo..."
"We have met the enemy...and they are us."
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