It’s a Good Thing
By Dixie Darr
“These days, the mind that’s standing still is, in fact, slipping backwards down the competitive ladder. Fast.” Tom Peters
I don’t understand the criticism about politicians “flip-flopping” on the issues. As an educator, I see the ability to learn, grow and change your mind as a positive characteristic. How do you become educated if you are never open to examining and re-evaluating your beliefs? Luckily, at least one of my students agrees with me. About forty and in his fifth university class, he said he has had to change his mind about something in every class. “It’s hard,” he said, “but it’s great. I know I’m learning something.”
In the same class, another student said he believes that anybody who doesn’t support our government about the war in Iraq, should go live in Iraq. I told him I thought that statement was un-American. The first amendment guarantees us the right to disagree with our government. It’s one of the basic values that makes us American. If we didn’t have that right, we might as well be living in Iraq. He grudgingly agreed, but made it clear he wasn’t about to change his mind. I predict a tough time in college-–and in life-- for him.
If there is one constant in our world, it is change, and the only way to cope with it is to continually learn and adapt. As author Charles Handy said, “Those who are always learning are those who can ride the waves of change and who see a changing world as full of opportunities.” That’s why I see so many people over fifty going back to school to change their careers, change their lives and change their minds. If only our politicians would do the same, the world might be a better place for all of us.
8:55:17 AM 
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