One thing I enjoy is when someone passes along a good article, video clip or book; particularly when it ends up inspiring me.
That was the case with the video below as a friend sent it to me via Twitter. I knew of Dr. Benjamin Carson although had no idea of the heavy obstacles he overcame to become successful. What I like about his speech is that he offers ideas and solutions to many of the ills we face in the USA.
And he puts emphasis on one of our biggest problems - education. Once a shining light, the USA can no longer claim to be a top dog. Yes, we still have many of the world's best colleges although our children aren't being educated in a way that will prepare them for the technological future. A quote from his talk is below.
"Things that were important in the development of our
nation...one of those things was education. I’m very passionate about
education because it’s made such a big difference in my life. But here
we are at a time in the world, the information age, the age of
technology, and yet 30% of people who enter high school in this country
do not graduate. 44% of people who start a four-year college program do
not finish it in four years. What is that about?
In my book you will find questions extracted from a sixth grade exit
exam from the 1800′s, a test you had to pass to get your sixth grade
certificate. I doubt most college graduates today could pass that test.
We have dumbed things down to that level and the reason that is so
dangerous is because the people who founded this Nation said that our
system of government was designed for a well-informed and educated
populace, and when they become less informed, they become vulnerable.
Think about that. That is why education is so vitally important."
Link to article on Dr. Carson
It's interesting to hear Dr. Carson's take on education as well as other topics. You may not agree with him on all his points, although it's difficult not to be impressed with his concern for our country. In addition, he not only "talks the talk but walks the walk" as his foundation is producing positive results.
"I don’t like to bring up problems without coming up with solutions. My wife and I started the Carson Scholars Fund
16 years ago after we heard about an international survey looking at
the ability of eighth graders in 22 countries to solve math and science
problems, and we came out Number 21 out of 22. We only barely beat out
Number 22...very concerning."
Please take a moment to watch this almost 30 minute speech as I hope it will have a similar impact on you.
Dr. Carson's Speech at National Prayer Breakfast
We all need to do our part to make our communities, countries and global world a better place. Dr. Carson is doing his.
Happy Gswede Sunday!
