By Paul Morris
In today’s polarized political climate, it’s easy for conservatives like me to mock Democrats for their choice of words or worldview. But beneath the rhetoric, we face a deeper challenge: many of the institutions that once taught self-reliance — like the Boy Scouts of America — are gone or diminished.
If we want a stronger, more united America, we must shift the national conversation away from reparations for the past and toward preparations for the future.
A Childhood Lesson That Shaped My Perspective
When I was growing up in Beaverton, Oregon, I had a tenant and friend named Jace Russell. Jace came from a difficult background — his birth father was incarcerated, and although his step-parents were supportive, he often struggled with anger and impulse control. One way he expressed that frustration was by hitting others with sticks from the forest behind my house.
My parents were hesitant to address the behavior directly with his family. It was easy to assume that medication or more money might “fix” the problem. But deep down, I believed Jace needed something more powerful: mentorship, structure, and the tools of self-reliance.
Lessons in Inclusion and Innovation
In second grade, I invited my entire class to my baptism. Only one student — an African American girl — showed up. Some classmates mocked me, calling my effort “queer.” That experience taught me early on that extending kindness and building bridges isn’t always popular, but it’s always worthwhile.
I also remember noticing something simple yet powerful: that same student once wore mismatched shoes because she put them on in the dark to avoid waking her family. I thought mismatched shoes could become a trend — allowing people to express themselves with two favorite colors and reduce the need for multiple pairs. Years later, Nike began selling mismatched shoes and even offered custom colorization. That moment showed me how empathy and practicality can lead to real innovation.
From Stick Battles to Budgeting
Jace loved competing in “stick battles.” But while he focused on those games, he wasn’t learning the skills he would need for adulthood — budgeting, planning, and tracking expenses.
Meanwhile, I was learning those skills firsthand. My mom took me to financial advisor trainings at Transamerica Financial Advisors, where I learned how to build a monthly budget, track spending, and plan for the future. These experiences taught me that preparation — not quick fixes — is the path to growth.
I believe deeply that I was sent to this earth by a Heavenly Father who expects me to be among “those who know better.” And while I’m a registered Republican who believes money isn’t the answer to everything, I appreciate Pete Buttigieg’s advice to seek counsel from those who know more than we do — especially before firing people who’ve never received mentorship or self-reliance training.
This principle matters in public policy, too. The Trump Administration’s decision to withhold $2.1 billion in funding from the Chicago Transit Authority until it could verify that qualified engineers — not unprepared contractors chosen only for diversity quotas — were on the project reflected that same belief. It isn’t fair to hire anyone — regardless of race or background — if they lack the training, energy, or growth mindset to do the job well.
Preparation Is Empowerment
Today, tools like Rocket Money make financial self-reliance more accessible than ever. They help people track subscriptions, build budgets, and cut unnecessary spending — empowering them to focus on preparing for the future rather than dwelling on the past.
This is why I believe preparation, not reparations, is the true key to empowerment. Every American — regardless of race, background, or mental health challenges — deserves access to the mentors and tools that will help them thrive.
Expanding the Role of Counselors and Advisors
Therapists and counselors should do more than teach coping mechanisms. They should help people distinguish between purchases that merely “repair” the past and those that actively prepare them for a better future.
Imagine a world where every young person meets with a financial advisor who helps them eliminate wasteful spending, build habits of self-discipline, and invest in their growth. That kind of support builds confidence, strengthens relationships, and lays the foundation for meaningful work.
Beyond Finances: Nutrition, Health, and Self-Reliance
Self-reliance isn’t just about money — it’s about holistic growth. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture could support immigrants, refugees, and diverse communities by helping them access recipes built around crops and animals indigenous to North America. These foods improve health, sharpen focus, and boost academic performance — all essential for success in school and work.
When people nourish their bodies and minds, they become more resilient, more capable of constructive disagreement, and more competitive in the workforce.
A Call to Action: A Self-Reliance Curriculum for America’s Schools
It’s time to act. I’m calling for the creation of a national K–12 curriculum focused on self-reliance, built around four pillars:
- 📊 Financial literacy – Budgeting, subscription tracking, and responsible spending habits.
- 🚲 Mobility preparation – Access to bicycles, safety education, and transportation planning.
- 🥬 Nutritional empowerment – Lessons on native crops and recipes to support health and learning.
- 💡 Character development – Mentorship, resilience training, and strategies for overcoming adversity.
I am actively seeking local partners, educators, and policymakers to help form a petition to bring this curriculum to life. Together, we can prepare students of every race, background, and ability to thrive in a changing world — not through handouts, but through opportunity, dignity, and purpose.
Preparing Utah — and America — for the Future
I look forward to the day I can sit down one-on-one with Governor Spencer J. Cox in his office at the Utah State Capitol to discuss his “Disagree Better” campaign — his effort to model friendship and collaboration with successful Democratic leaders despite political differences.
One night, I even dreamed I was in Governor Cox’s home office explaining the crucial difference between repairing the past and preparing for the future through a simple analogy: bicycle maintenance.
Repairing a bike matters — it keeps it functional and safe. But preparing a bike takes it further. It means adding front and rear lights, a secure lock, a saddle bag, and panniers on a rear rack to carry essential belongings to work. For someone who has felt not just hopeless but homeless, that difference can mean the ability to travel safely, hold a job, and rebuild a life.
Utah should talk more openly about self-reliance, financial literacy, and bicycle preparation in the classroom. These are not minor topics — they are the building blocks of opportunity and independence.
If Governor Cox deepens his civic engagement around these issues, I believe he could connect even more meaningfully with Americans across the political spectrum — and potentially build the experience and credibility to run for President of the United States and compete seriously in a primary election.
Final Thought
Reparations look backward. Preparations look forward.
Let’s build an America where every individual — from kids like Jace to newcomers building new lives — has the tools, knowledge, and confidence to stand on their own two feet.
Paul Morris is a BYU student and cycling safety advocate passionate about self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and community-based solutions.
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