Politics, scholarship, suburban angst

I was asked recently if I had any political views. My answer was 'yes'.

Today my oldest son received a letter from the department of Education inviting him to apply for some Presidential this, that, or the other thing. He would get to go to Washington D.C. with about 140 other kids nationwide. They will get a medal, attend some 'functions', and get to meet the President. NO MONEY for school mind you, just the trip and the fun.

Well it turns out that he has to fill out an application. He's been filling out lots of applications lately. And assembling portfolios. He has promised that his latest portfolio will be like nothing anyone else has written. So here's my concerns: The kid has strong and mature political views. I have myself to blame I suppose. I am an economist. I analyze the world with this in mind. And warfare of course. I have studied both since I was sixteen. As I answered earlier, I have definite political views.

I told my son that he need not shrink from, nor modify his beliefs. He needs to be careful about what he says. Not for fear that it may offend, or alienate, but to make sure that what he states is clear, concise, and most importantly what he believes. I have always taught him to challenge others beliefs. I have taught him to recognize authority where it exists and to respect that which earns respect. I have failed in one key regard though. He has yet to challenge me. Not once has he said, "how can you believe that" or better yet "you're full of it old man!".

Our relationship has obviously been that of father/son. But it has at times taken on that of teacher/student. The student is always reluctant to challenge the master. He has already surpassed me on a few academic fronts. That is to be expected. His analyses and the styles he employs leave me anxious about the path he will be eventually drawn to. He wishes to study physics and mathematics. One day he wants to work at CERN. I don't see that happening for him unless he challenges me in a timely fashion. I see him clutching the Nobel Prize for economics. And maybe providing sage advice for some knucklehead President of the United States that he met back in the summer of 2009 at a conference for presidential scholars.

I fail to grasp why economics and human decency and compassion have to be politicized. Perhaps my son can make it possible. I certainly haven't. One of my views is summed up nicely from the closing lines of Brecht's 'Caucasian Chalk Circle'.

Take note of what men of old concluded:
That which there is shall to go those who are good for it.
Children to the motherly, that they prosper.
Carts to good drivers, that they might be driven well.
The valley to the waterers, that it yield fruit