I am a person of privilege -- not because I am a Caucasian male; but rather because I was raised by both my mother and my father. They taught me right from wrong. When I was wrong I was disciplined, but I was always expected to do right. My sister was the oldest. Our family went to church. My mother was born in a log cabin in the woods with no running water and no electricity, but she worked her way through college.
Before I was born, my father co-op'ed and was working his way through college; but his college education was put on hold because he served in the U.S. Army in the European Theater during World War II. He then finished college after the war with a degree in electrical engineering.
I am a person of privilege.
I went to public schools in Decatur, Georgia, and Tampa, Florida. My teachers taught me "reading, writing and arithmetic." They taught me American history. They taught me world history. They taught me Florida history. They taught me civics. They taught me Latin and Spanish. We had service clubs in high school. We had driver education and typing classes available in high school. We had a school song; and we said the pledge of allegiance every morning.
I am a person of privilege.
I was a Boy Scout. I worked part-time during summers and holidays. I have picked and sold strawberries. I have mowed lawns. I have worked as a sales person in a clothing store.
I am a person of privilege.
I was able to attend a college and university of my choice. I was able to select my courses of study. I met my wife in college. I was able to enroll in a U.S. Army ROTC program. I became a commissioned officer in the United States Army; and I spent time, including active duty, at five (5) different military installations.
I am a person of privilege.
After active duty military service, I was a state prosecutor. After having been a state employee, I went to the private work sector. I subsequently started my own small business. We had more than fifteen (15) employees at one point in time, supporting or helping to support more than 15 families.
I am a person of privilege.
I have spent more than 45 years working in basically the same profession. Our son is grown and has his own family. We donate to our entities and organizations of choice and we strive to support the community.
Yes — I am a person of privilege.
If you like or want Socialism, move to Venezuela. If you like or want Marxism or Communism, move to China. God Bless and God Save the United States of America.
Robert E. Morris
Monticello, Florida