What are you doing to achieve the American Dream?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 22:43:04 -0500

This is extremely powerful. Mr Smith IS the epitome of the American Dream, NOT all of these musicians, actors, or athletes. DR Ben Carson IS the epitome of the American Dream. There are thousands others out there, whether white, black, yellow or red, whether male or female, whether whatever country they are from. Get an education. Learn HOW to speak and write well. Learn HOW to interact appropriately with others. STOP looking at life and society through the prism of color, gender or ethnicity. STOP IT!!! We are ALL equal. I believe it wholeheartedly, without a shadow of a doubt. Opportunities are running rampant all across the country. They are THERE!!! It is up to YOU, and YOU, and YOU to stand up and seek them out. It is your RIGHT to do so but it is NOT your right to have it GIVEN to you. STAND UP and DO something!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrVDENi16Qc

Stephen Smith respond about him being a uncle tom

Speakon the truth

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jan 2 at 2016 10:47 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 22:47:48 -0500

Good points.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2016 12:14 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 12:14:57 -0500

When people come into my office bellyaching about how the "system is against them" or that the Army, the commander, or the world is prejudiced against them, after hearing them out I always ask them what they are doing about it. Inevitably, the answer is some permutation of "complain".

But that is not what I'm asking. I want to know what YOU did to address yourself. People do not single out hard-working (laughably "Hard work" was put forward as racist recently), proficient Soldiers for special treatment just because they don't like _____ people. Yes, there are prejudiced people in the Army, but they tend to self-identify and get addressed pretty quickly.
You see, I don't get on your case for being lazy or missing formation because of your color or religion or sex. I get on your case because you did not go to formation and are lazy.
And I will un-F--k you or your head will spin.
Figure it out, guy.
Far too often, people hide behind the skirt of EO to attempt to cover their failings because "they always got good evaluations" and this guy "Doesn't like me because I am ______."
Maybe.
It is possible.
That is why those programs exit.
But I doubt that is why we are here having this conversation today.

Move forward. Work hard. Do your best. I have your back.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 4 at 2016 2:00 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 14:00:57 -0500

I don't know. Every time I think I have smooth sailing, a storm approaches.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2016 7:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 19:09:57 -0500

We live in a soundbite/bumper sticker world... most of the people who decided they were offended didn't take the time to understand the intent or the full message in context. There are things that are outside of our control, however that shouldn't stop us from accepting responsibility for the things we do control.