Finding common ground, part III

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By Nate Slate

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  • The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) enabled our community to take a major step forward in advancing STEM education. Our city high schools all did very well in this program. Eisenhower High School became the NMSI High School of the Year for the United States – an amazing accomplishment in a remarkably short period of time. The NMSI effort resulted in Lawton becoming “Oklahoma’s STEM City.”
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The recent discussion about reparations for the past is very interesting. After all, there is so much history. People, tribes, have competed for control of resources for as long as there has been recorded history. There are many unfair acts to address. Even if we reduce the number to what we agree are egregious atrocities, the number would still be quite large. The notion of paying for past sins gets very complicated very quickly. Will we study everyone’s DNA to see what tribes they are genetically affiliated with? That doesn’t seem right. Will our efforts to make up for historic wrongs change history? What is it we are trying to achieve? Are we trying to make a better world, or get even? A zero-sum game here seems counterproductive and dangerous, as it will pit demographics against each other.

As for history, I have said before that I believe you look for the honorable aspects and build upon those. Identifying the shortcomings to ensure they do not occur again seems to make sense. But, you honor only those things that inspired some sort of social/cultural progress. We would certainly have a lengthy debate about what should be honored.

If we’re truly interested in finding common ground, we will need to identify those things that level the playing field and make true progress possible. Personally, I like the idea of programs that enable groups (all groups) to achieve prosperity – the ability to have enough wealth to exercise social freedom.

Business development is a key. You have to have jobs that allow social progress. To compete for these jobs, you have to have available education that prepares individuals to serve in these positions. To prepare communities to aspire to be educated and forward-thinking, you have to have a positive community culture. There has to be a sense of teamwork. We have to create a culture of prosperity. This needs to become our tribe.

When we make prosperity possible for everyone in our community, we will surpass the notion of reparations. To make this possible, we will need to see what adjustments need to be made so that everyone can participate. It may mean investing in communities, education and outreach programs. The answer will vary to some degree from city to city and district to district. However, bridges to prosperity must be constructed, nourished and maintained.

In Lawton-Fort Sill for instance, some steps have been taken. The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) enabled our community to take a major step forward in advancing STEM education. Our city high schools all did very well in this program. Eisenhower High School became the NMSI High School of the Year for the United States – an amazing accomplishment in a remarkably short period of time. The NMSI effort resulted in Lawton becoming “Oklahoma’s STEM City.” Across our state, no one imagined this possible. 

STEM education is just one component. Affordable college is another. Cameron University is widely recognized as one of America’s most affordable college opportunities. Likewise, OU and OSU will recruit our STEM stars. STEM education is a great stimulus for a prosperity consciousness. All that remains are the high-tech jobs.

Our recent commitment to the Fires Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator (FISTA) will enable the growth of high-tech jobs. This piece is key to our community plan going forward. Our kids must be able to get a good education and a good job in our community. FISTA will bring in industry, and with this, there will be internships, scholarships and employment opportunities.

To leave the past behind, there must be a path to a better future – a better future for everyone. We have to ensure that prosperity is available across our communities. For Lawton-Fort Sill, we have a framework developing. We are developing a culture of prosperity – STEM education, high-tech jobs and a determination to create a prosperous future for everyone. STEM education and FISTA will create a high tide, and if we nurture a community culture of inclusion and innovation, that high tide will lift all ships. Strong, powerful opportunity is the best reparation.

Nate Slate is a retired Soldier and community volunteer.