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Never Back Down<br />
By: Rana Goodman / On My Soapbox<br />
Like many teenagers, a lot of the teachings I<br />
received from my father rolled off my back<br />
and I never thought about them again. However,<br />
there was one lesson he taught me that I have never forgotten. “Never<br />
back down to a bully. Stand your ground and fight back.”<br />
When we first arrived in the USA and settled in Las <strong>Vegas</strong>, I was in<br />
seventh grade. I never heard certain “words.” I knew little of bigotry<br />
and hate.<br />
Walking with some new friends to class one day, a group of girls<br />
passed us. As they did, one shouted at me calling me a term I didn’t<br />
know.<br />
One of my friends asked if I heard her and my response was, “Yes, but<br />
what does that mean?” She then explained that it was a very derogatory<br />
name for Jewish people.<br />
Remembering what my father had taught me, I caught up to the girl<br />
and without thinking began to fight. Suddenly we were grabbed and<br />
taken by the teachers to the principal’s office.<br />
We waited for our parents, who had been called. Upon arriving, my<br />
dad, with the sternest look he could muster asked me what happened.<br />
After I told him, he smiled and told the principal he didn’t approve<br />
of my fighting, however he was proud that I stood up for myself. There<br />
would be no punishment.<br />
I never forgotten that episode and still carry that feeling of defiance<br />
against bullies to this day. I have also found that most bullies “get<br />
off” taunting their victims - hoping for tears, fights, or arguments. I<br />
however prefer to make these people irrelevant in my life.<br />
Every election season, be it city, state, or national, the negativity and<br />
personal attacks seem to be at the forefront. It is also election time<br />
in Sun City Anthem and sadly, the resident bully is at it again - first<br />
attacking candidates in opposition to those he is supporting, and now<br />
me.<br />
Much of what has been written is more like a “flight of fancy.” Rather<br />
than try to defend myself against such trash, I will do as my dad taught<br />
me - “never back down, stand my ground” and fight back as the<br />
lady he raised me to be.<br />
I am able to look myself in the mirror each day and know that the<br />
woman looking back has never done anything to harm anyone - except<br />
for one other person who called me a liar. That person was private<br />
guardian April Parks - and look where she is now.<br />
You can contact Rana by email: Rana@thevegasvoice.net. Also<br />
check out her blog about life in Sun City Anthem at:<br />
Anthemtoday.com<br />
24<br />
Previous and Current Chief Judge of Henderson Municipal Court<br />
Founded Henderson Veterans Treatment Court in 2011<br />
Past President of Nevada Judges of Limited Jurisdiction<br />
Marine JAG/Defense Attorney & Company Commander<br />
VFW, American Legion, Military’s Officer Association<br />
April 20<strong>19</strong><br />
<strong>Vegas</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> political editor Rana Goodman takes to the stage<br />
and answers questions after the showing of the award winning<br />
documentary “The Guardians” at Sun City Summerlin last<br />
month. Nearly 300 residents attended the event.<br />
Thank you Sun City Summerlin for hosting us!
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