President Obama's speech to schools today has drawn heavy criticism, which wasn't based on the substance of the message, but on the principle. Some parents had a healthy dose of skepticism and thought that the speech, targeted at public schools, was some sort of backdoor mind infiltration game the leader of the free world was using to indoctrinate their kids with the gospel according to Obama. However, a quick review of the speech, which was released prior to its delivery to schools, shows that was not the case.
Instead, the speech is about meeting kids where they are, encouraging them to stay in school, and helping them understand why its important to set goals. You can read the speech for yourself here.
I can understand why some people might find it far reaching, and perhaps inappropriate for the president to speak to students about their role in their education. It might come across as preachy.
However, having read Obama's autobiography, I heard the speech as a father speaking to a child. Genuinely wanting him or her to succeed. He didn't have a father to do that for him. I think he realizes that many kids have similar situations, and he's trying to fill that void.
So, if you accept the idea that schools work to socialize the masses to American culture and values, you should agree with the messages he's trying to deliver, which are stay in school, find a focus in life, and set goals to be successful.
If you're fortunate enough to think schools shouldn't teach American values because you're the one who teaches your family, then you likely won't agree with the method to this madness. I hope everyone's parents share your drive, though you don't have to look far to realize that is not the case.
When it comes to values and young people, someone should probably issue a mayday call, because our world is crashing. Just in the past few weeks in Macon, Georgia we've had a 16 year old arrested and charged with murder for the death of a gas station clerk, and another teen locked up for a year for bringing a gun to school. While I won't go as far to say their lives are ruined, I will say they definitely face an uphill climb on the road of life.
I don't know their situation, but assume for a moment that they didn't have a father active in their lives. Perhaps, a speech from the president could inspire them. What if today were the day, someone who was lukewarm about getting an education, or blamed the world for his/her failures accepted some personal responsibility. If that happens, I'd say mission accomplished.
You can watch it here:
Should we cancel Labor Day?
You can read about the history of Labor Day here, and once you do maybe you'll ask the same question.
It was created as a tribute to hard working Americans, but with more than 10% of the people in Georgia unemployed, couldn't we just skip it this year? Seriously. If those of us who work, all of us, go to work that day... how much more productive would that be? I bet it might have an impact.
But, that's easy for me to say... I'll be working anyway.
It was created as a tribute to hard working Americans, but with more than 10% of the people in Georgia unemployed, couldn't we just skip it this year? Seriously. If those of us who work, all of us, go to work that day... how much more productive would that be? I bet it might have an impact.
But, that's easy for me to say... I'll be working anyway.
Beware of the Swine Flu (A.K.A. Novel 2009 H1N1 Influenza)
There are a lot of reasons to be afraid these days with terrorism, war, and domesitc crimes. So, when there's a "new" disease looming to infect and kill the masses it can be somewhat unnerving. Such is the case with the swine flu.
Here's what we think we know: The swine flu came from Mexico and spread around the world in what seemed to be a matter of days. Health officials were so alarmed that they closed schools in some American cities, and quarantined tourists in China. FAST FORWARD... now, President Obama is strongly suggesting Americans wash their hands and cover their mouths to avoid spreading the disease. Thousands of human guinea pigs have volunteered across the country to test the swine flu vaccine, which is expected to prevent spreading the disease among those most at risk. But by the time those tests are complete, it may be too late by some estimates.
Right now, the disease might be out of control. No longer a pandemic, but an EPIDEMIC. Already, college campuses are breeding grounds for the disease to spread. Health departments are no longer counting cases in localities; only hospitalized patients are documented. The good news, at least from my observation point, is most of those who are displaying the so-called flu-like symptoms are far from being deathly ill. Let's hope it stays that way.
The federal government announced this week it is prepared to handle a swine flu outbreak. Let's hope so, or else it could be a situation similar to the response of Hurricane Katrina with much more dire consequences.
Here's what we think we know: The swine flu came from Mexico and spread around the world in what seemed to be a matter of days. Health officials were so alarmed that they closed schools in some American cities, and quarantined tourists in China. FAST FORWARD... now, President Obama is strongly suggesting Americans wash their hands and cover their mouths to avoid spreading the disease. Thousands of human guinea pigs have volunteered across the country to test the swine flu vaccine, which is expected to prevent spreading the disease among those most at risk. But by the time those tests are complete, it may be too late by some estimates.
Right now, the disease might be out of control. No longer a pandemic, but an EPIDEMIC. Already, college campuses are breeding grounds for the disease to spread. Health departments are no longer counting cases in localities; only hospitalized patients are documented. The good news, at least from my observation point, is most of those who are displaying the so-called flu-like symptoms are far from being deathly ill. Let's hope it stays that way.
The federal government announced this week it is prepared to handle a swine flu outbreak. Let's hope so, or else it could be a situation similar to the response of Hurricane Katrina with much more dire consequences.
Obamacare Confusion: Understanding Healthcare Reform
There's a lot of yelling and finger pointing going on about healthcare reform or Obamacare, as it is known in some circles. What's impressed me most is people are coming alive about a political issue, so much so, that they're showing up at meetings with elected officials and are passionately engaging them.
And that's when we get the big let down. What should become a moment of enlightenment from our leaders, turns into a patronizing "don't yell at me, I'm on your side" exchange. What could be an opportunity to teach, convince, and assuage fears ultimately turns into a conversation with no real answers. We've seen it time and time again.
"We the people" are looking for clarity and guidance, but most often it's just ducking and dodging from Congressmen.
So, where is the place of understanding on matters concerning the current healthcare reform legislation? The truth is I've looked on the internet for just such a place, but most sites with information can't really be taken at face value. Granted, you should always process new information with a dose of skepticism, but there remains a huge void in getting the facts.
Nonetheless, here are some of the links for information on Healthcare Reform:
And that's when we get the big let down. What should become a moment of enlightenment from our leaders, turns into a patronizing "don't yell at me, I'm on your side" exchange. What could be an opportunity to teach, convince, and assuage fears ultimately turns into a conversation with no real answers. We've seen it time and time again.
"We the people" are looking for clarity and guidance, but most often it's just ducking and dodging from Congressmen.
So, where is the place of understanding on matters concerning the current healthcare reform legislation? The truth is I've looked on the internet for just such a place, but most sites with information can't really be taken at face value. Granted, you should always process new information with a dose of skepticism, but there remains a huge void in getting the facts.
Nonetheless, here are some of the links for information on Healthcare Reform:
Sonny Days are Fading Away
I have talked to several people who work for the state of Georgia over the past few weeks who are annoyed, to say the least, about the state's money situation. Governor Sonny Perdue's request for state agencies to cut a minimum of 5% is a tough pill to swallow for a lot of people. The direct impact in most cases is time off without pay, which amounts to a pay cut.
Many state teachers are among those affected. Perdue cut funding that amounted to teachers and public school workers losing three days worth of pay in the fall semester. By many estimates, they may face a similar pay cut during the spring semester as well. The cuts to education are in stark contrast to Governor Perdue's first-term record. During Perdue's re-election bid, I can remember teachers and education were at the top of his agenda. Schools ranked high with economic development. Perdue even went so far as to start a program known on-the-street at "Sonny Money". It was a $100 gift card given to teachers to buy supplies for their classrooms. It was billed as a token of appreciation. No wonder so many educators were disgusted to learn that the program was among the first casualties of the state's attempt to balance the budget.
And more budget cuts are coming to Georgia starting September first. The GBI and Georgia State Patrol are enacting furloughs, up to one day a month for the rest of the year. Yes, law enforcement officers will be furloughed. These two agencies have a tough job just fighting crime, without the current budget issues. These additional limitations only add to the possibility that when we need them, they won't be there. Especially with the GBI, the state may be leaving a huge gap in the number of available officers. Many of the smaller, rural counties rely on the GBI when there's a murder or other major crime. They're role is vital to justice being served, and citizens' protection. No matter. Hopefully our safety isn't compromised.
What's the long term solution? Perhaps permanent cuts. OR maybe the state will need to unload services causing an undue burden on the budget. Who knows? But the way things are going, it just seems more problems are being created than solved. The state's budget is hemmoraging and leaders are using band-aids when they needto perform surgery.
Many state teachers are among those affected. Perdue cut funding that amounted to teachers and public school workers losing three days worth of pay in the fall semester. By many estimates, they may face a similar pay cut during the spring semester as well. The cuts to education are in stark contrast to Governor Perdue's first-term record. During Perdue's re-election bid, I can remember teachers and education were at the top of his agenda. Schools ranked high with economic development. Perdue even went so far as to start a program known on-the-street at "Sonny Money". It was a $100 gift card given to teachers to buy supplies for their classrooms. It was billed as a token of appreciation. No wonder so many educators were disgusted to learn that the program was among the first casualties of the state's attempt to balance the budget.
And more budget cuts are coming to Georgia starting September first. The GBI and Georgia State Patrol are enacting furloughs, up to one day a month for the rest of the year. Yes, law enforcement officers will be furloughed. These two agencies have a tough job just fighting crime, without the current budget issues. These additional limitations only add to the possibility that when we need them, they won't be there. Especially with the GBI, the state may be leaving a huge gap in the number of available officers. Many of the smaller, rural counties rely on the GBI when there's a murder or other major crime. They're role is vital to justice being served, and citizens' protection. No matter. Hopefully our safety isn't compromised.
What's the long term solution? Perhaps permanent cuts. OR maybe the state will need to unload services causing an undue burden on the budget. Who knows? But the way things are going, it just seems more problems are being created than solved. The state's budget is hemmoraging and leaders are using band-aids when they needto perform surgery.
How much do Georgia teachers earn?
If you've ever wondered how much educators earn in the state of Georgia, you should know there's a website with that information. And it goes beyond educator's salaries. It lists earnings for just about everyone who works for local boards of education, colleges, and universities.
Here's the link to Open Georgia.
Here's the link to Open Georgia.
Grandma's Reaction to Sen. Kennedy's Death: "He was for the poor people."
I've learned a lot from my grandmother. This past week I asked her what she thought of Senator Ted Kennedy. She said she thought a lot of him because he always fought for the "poor" people and he tried to do what was right. My grandmother told me she considered herself poor. She and my grandfather, prior to their retirement, were members of the working class. Today, though pensions and savings are important, they are proud recipients of entitlements, such as social security and medicare. They paid for it. It's those kinds of programs Sen. Kennedy worked to expand and secure out of necessity for the so-called poor people. So, everyone could enjoy the a piece of the bounty America has offered for generations.
There is a lot of disagreement over what is right and what is wrong, no doubt about it. But, Sen. Kennedy's passion alone seems to be what made the difference, in my opinion. You hear all of these stories about the friendships he forged with members of the opposite party. It shows me, there was a lot more to the man than just politics. I bet some of our leaders today could learn from that.
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