Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Words vs Actions
I don't know about you, but I don't listen to the advertisements these days. None really speak for the candidate. They are all lies. They are like "reality" shows. There is no reality in them. I don't read the media blitz stuff either. Same thing. No reality in them. So where do I go to get reality? Well, I am from the old school....a picture is worth 1000 words. I also believe the text in the bible that says...."A little child shall lead them." That obviously does not mean that children know best what to do in the world. What I think it means is children who have not joined the race to "lie" for their own profit, know who to trust. I have some pictures. You decide what they say.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Teachers Reality
As I watch the news unfold about the Chicago Teachers strike, I think about what is said vs. what is done. Everyone always says "teachers are so important." "Our children are the most important thing in our nation." That is wonderful, right? Then I hear that teachers went on strike and the first words on national news is "Parents in Chicago scramble to find child care for 400,000 children." There is nothing about children losing time in a learning environment, seniors losing valuable time in preparation for their college entrance, education is important enough for us to settle this problem quickly so the teachers can go back into their classrooms quickly and return to educating our children.
So if actions do speak louder than words, again, school is a "low cost daycare". Nothing is really lost as far as reading, math, science etc. You don't hear about parents scrambling to find tutors for their children so they do not lose valuable learning.
I also hear "teachers are not paid enough for the important job they do." Then the actions say, these people are a drain on our taxes. When we "need" to cut costs because of mismanagement of funds by those who are supposed to have our best interest in the forefront, we say "well, class size does not really matter."
I am not a researcher but I can say from experience that there is a huge difference in the quality of education possible between an elementary class of 25 students and a class of 35 students. One thing that is pretty visible is the size of the classrooms. If a classroom is built to hold a maximum of 25 students, putting 35 students in that room is going to have a negative effect. Just think of the last time you took a flight in those planes that were built to hold 250 passengers and then "redesigned to hold 300 passengers. The redesign had nothing to do with the size of the plane but the size and number of seats in that plane. Take a classroom that is designed to hold 25 students and add desks and chairs to hold 35. You better hope that none of those students are large, long legged or have special needs that require extra space.
I worked in a school once that had 40 students in the classroom. The children had to crawl under the desks to get out of their row. Teachers could not walk around the room to "get to" a child in need without asking several students to get up and move away.
One problem is that elementary school teachers are very creative but not too pushy. They adapt to the situation rather than screaming about the injustice. So people do not "see" the problem until teachers can no longer adapt.
Maybe Parents, Mayors, Governors, Senators, School Board Presidents and even School Superintendents should be required to spend a week a year in an elementary school classroom that is overcrowded. They should have to make their own lesson plans, deal with the myriad of interruptions, questions, lack of materials and required paperwork, excuses for not having homework, materials, or lunch, required meetings and extra assignments. They should have to deal with all of these things with no help, 20 min lunch periods and bathrooms that are too far away to dash to during the school day.
Interestingly enough, if they did this and actually interacted with those wonderful little people with a variety of experiences, problems, interests, ability and self-motivation, they would say "This is the hardest job I have ever done and I LOVE it.
Trust me, those teachers in Chicago want more than anything to get back into the classroom with their children.
So if actions do speak louder than words, again, school is a "low cost daycare". Nothing is really lost as far as reading, math, science etc. You don't hear about parents scrambling to find tutors for their children so they do not lose valuable learning.
I also hear "teachers are not paid enough for the important job they do." Then the actions say, these people are a drain on our taxes. When we "need" to cut costs because of mismanagement of funds by those who are supposed to have our best interest in the forefront, we say "well, class size does not really matter."
I am not a researcher but I can say from experience that there is a huge difference in the quality of education possible between an elementary class of 25 students and a class of 35 students. One thing that is pretty visible is the size of the classrooms. If a classroom is built to hold a maximum of 25 students, putting 35 students in that room is going to have a negative effect. Just think of the last time you took a flight in those planes that were built to hold 250 passengers and then "redesigned to hold 300 passengers. The redesign had nothing to do with the size of the plane but the size and number of seats in that plane. Take a classroom that is designed to hold 25 students and add desks and chairs to hold 35. You better hope that none of those students are large, long legged or have special needs that require extra space.
I worked in a school once that had 40 students in the classroom. The children had to crawl under the desks to get out of their row. Teachers could not walk around the room to "get to" a child in need without asking several students to get up and move away.
One problem is that elementary school teachers are very creative but not too pushy. They adapt to the situation rather than screaming about the injustice. So people do not "see" the problem until teachers can no longer adapt.
Maybe Parents, Mayors, Governors, Senators, School Board Presidents and even School Superintendents should be required to spend a week a year in an elementary school classroom that is overcrowded. They should have to make their own lesson plans, deal with the myriad of interruptions, questions, lack of materials and required paperwork, excuses for not having homework, materials, or lunch, required meetings and extra assignments. They should have to deal with all of these things with no help, 20 min lunch periods and bathrooms that are too far away to dash to during the school day.
Interestingly enough, if they did this and actually interacted with those wonderful little people with a variety of experiences, problems, interests, ability and self-motivation, they would say "This is the hardest job I have ever done and I LOVE it.
Trust me, those teachers in Chicago want more than anything to get back into the classroom with their children.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Compare
I see problems in each party. I see big mistakes being made by both parties. I see real commitment in both parties. Now what to do. One thing that keeps coming back to me is the politics of hate. Since when do we need to hate the other guy. I have friends who are big Romney supporters. I have friends who are big Obama supporters. What exactly is wrong with that?
My biggest problem is the use of God and religious values to condemn people. Where in the Bible is that okay? It says "it is God's will that none should parish." "Love your enemies and do good to those who persecute you." "Pray for your leaders." "Give unto Cesar that which is Cesar's and unto God that which is God's." "Take care of the widows and orphans." "What you do to the least of these, you do to me." Shall I go on? I can. Jesus said "he who is without sin, throw the first stone."
I heard a speech last night that made sense to me. He spoke in clear English. He said that he worked for and admired people he did not necessarily agree with about policies. He saw the good in their intentions. They all, republican, democrat, rivals and friends, had one purpose: Work together to solve a problem for the good of the people. For four years all I have heard from Congress is we will not give in to anyone. We are here to get Obama out of office. What a goal. I cannot support that goal. Can anyone give me an actual reason with clearly stated plans that I should?
My biggest problem is the use of God and religious values to condemn people. Where in the Bible is that okay? It says "it is God's will that none should parish." "Love your enemies and do good to those who persecute you." "Pray for your leaders." "Give unto Cesar that which is Cesar's and unto God that which is God's." "Take care of the widows and orphans." "What you do to the least of these, you do to me." Shall I go on? I can. Jesus said "he who is without sin, throw the first stone."
I heard a speech last night that made sense to me. He spoke in clear English. He said that he worked for and admired people he did not necessarily agree with about policies. He saw the good in their intentions. They all, republican, democrat, rivals and friends, had one purpose: Work together to solve a problem for the good of the people. For four years all I have heard from Congress is we will not give in to anyone. We are here to get Obama out of office. What a goal. I cannot support that goal. Can anyone give me an actual reason with clearly stated plans that I should?
Saturday, September 1, 2012
What?
Okay, now the Republican Convention is over and I don't know any more than before. Still no real information about how Romney plans on "turning around" the economy.
Lots of fear about the fact that he said let the oceans rise, I am going to help you and your family. What exactly does that mean?
Just a thought. The north Arctic ice is melting much faster than anyone thought. Everyone knows that no ice means warmer ocean water and higher ocean water. Coastal cities include Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, (well, actually, all of Florida) New Orleans, Los Angeles and San Francisco would be seriously affected by this. Does anyone besides me wonder where those people will go if these areas flood? And that is not even considering other countries. Shouldn't we wonder what could be done? No, actually, we are just excited that we can DRILL for oil there now and isn't that what is important? That way we can drive to higher ground.
Then there is the health care. Gonna get rid of "Obamacare". What are you going to do for those young adults who are now able to stay on their parents' insurance but won't be when you take that away. Can't call on the government to help because everyone knows government is too big so we will just cut that. Those students can just take loans from their parents. Really, I don't know about you but I can't loan anyone anything. Now I need to worry about my fixed retirement income and my medicare insurance that I can just barely afford now. Social Security, yes, cut it out over the next 40 years. I can handle that I guess if I have to.
School choice. For whom. Oh, those people rich enough to send their kids to private schools. Public schools, what? will be fazed out also? All those people who cannot afford it will what? Not go to school? College is only available for those kids who can afford the rising tuition or again, Just borrow from their parents? Have you met the middle class? Who are you people?
Okay, welfare. Now there is a topic we can all agree on, right. Make those lazy people go to work. Oops, there aren't any jobs. Drug testing? Absolutely. Will the big corporations pay for that? We can't ask the government to because we are gonna need that money to balance the budget. I would vote for it if someone said Exon, Bane, Morgan Chase have all agreed to fund drug testing programs for all people receiving public assistance. They also have agreed to fund drug rehabilitation programs for all those who test positive. They also will fund public works jobs to put these people to work instead of just giving them free food and housing. I would vote for that in a heartbeat.
Now, in a perfect world, the large corporations would step up and support programs to retrain those people who lost their jobs through "downsizing" (another name for sending jobs overseas). They would actually have research and development divisions who were working on ways to solve our crumbling infrastructure problems, what to do with the serious drought and it's devastating effect on food for livestock and people, and a myriad of other problems. Corporations could really make a difference. But, I don't hear anyone suggesting how.
I would vote for giving tax credits to those companies. I would vote for giving tax credits to companies who are developing new forms of products made in America.
I would even vote for companies who would take on struggling school systems as corporate partners in order to give our children a chance to compete in the world. They could help pay good teachers what they deserve for a change.
I don't see any companies stepping up to do any of these things. I don't hear anyone saying this is what we should do in order to decrease the size of government. Will it just magically happen? Why would I vote for anyone who cannot answer what I consider to be important concerns? Why would I change? I would love to see every member of congress paid based on productivity. Back when I worked in a factory we were paid piecework. Lets start downsizing government with congress. You do not get paid for saying no we won't do that because it doesn't give me anything. Get rid of super- pacs. Get rid of corporate lobbies. Lets go back to Of the People, By the People and For the People.
Lots of fear about the fact that he said let the oceans rise, I am going to help you and your family. What exactly does that mean?
Just a thought. The north Arctic ice is melting much faster than anyone thought. Everyone knows that no ice means warmer ocean water and higher ocean water. Coastal cities include Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, (well, actually, all of Florida) New Orleans, Los Angeles and San Francisco would be seriously affected by this. Does anyone besides me wonder where those people will go if these areas flood? And that is not even considering other countries. Shouldn't we wonder what could be done? No, actually, we are just excited that we can DRILL for oil there now and isn't that what is important? That way we can drive to higher ground.
Then there is the health care. Gonna get rid of "Obamacare". What are you going to do for those young adults who are now able to stay on their parents' insurance but won't be when you take that away. Can't call on the government to help because everyone knows government is too big so we will just cut that. Those students can just take loans from their parents. Really, I don't know about you but I can't loan anyone anything. Now I need to worry about my fixed retirement income and my medicare insurance that I can just barely afford now. Social Security, yes, cut it out over the next 40 years. I can handle that I guess if I have to.
School choice. For whom. Oh, those people rich enough to send their kids to private schools. Public schools, what? will be fazed out also? All those people who cannot afford it will what? Not go to school? College is only available for those kids who can afford the rising tuition or again, Just borrow from their parents? Have you met the middle class? Who are you people?
Okay, welfare. Now there is a topic we can all agree on, right. Make those lazy people go to work. Oops, there aren't any jobs. Drug testing? Absolutely. Will the big corporations pay for that? We can't ask the government to because we are gonna need that money to balance the budget. I would vote for it if someone said Exon, Bane, Morgan Chase have all agreed to fund drug testing programs for all people receiving public assistance. They also have agreed to fund drug rehabilitation programs for all those who test positive. They also will fund public works jobs to put these people to work instead of just giving them free food and housing. I would vote for that in a heartbeat.
Now, in a perfect world, the large corporations would step up and support programs to retrain those people who lost their jobs through "downsizing" (another name for sending jobs overseas). They would actually have research and development divisions who were working on ways to solve our crumbling infrastructure problems, what to do with the serious drought and it's devastating effect on food for livestock and people, and a myriad of other problems. Corporations could really make a difference. But, I don't hear anyone suggesting how.
I would vote for giving tax credits to those companies. I would vote for giving tax credits to companies who are developing new forms of products made in America.
I would even vote for companies who would take on struggling school systems as corporate partners in order to give our children a chance to compete in the world. They could help pay good teachers what they deserve for a change.
I don't see any companies stepping up to do any of these things. I don't hear anyone saying this is what we should do in order to decrease the size of government. Will it just magically happen? Why would I vote for anyone who cannot answer what I consider to be important concerns? Why would I change? I would love to see every member of congress paid based on productivity. Back when I worked in a factory we were paid piecework. Lets start downsizing government with congress. You do not get paid for saying no we won't do that because it doesn't give me anything. Get rid of super- pacs. Get rid of corporate lobbies. Lets go back to Of the People, By the People and For the People.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
I am not here to criticize but.......
I don't know about you but I hate all the negative political commercials. Sitting here in NY, I don't hear any because I am not watching TV. I can feel my mind and body calm down. I smile more and think more positively. I don't know about you, but I don't believe either side. I really would love to hear someone say, lets discuss this and come to an agreement.
Where did this idea of a two party system come from? Why is it that they have to totally disagree and refuse to budge one inch from their little, useless stands on non issues. I will be so happy when the first Wednesday in November comes. Elections will be over. Half of the country will be angry and half will be happy. Life will be normal again....right? Oh ya, right, what's normal?
Where did this idea of a two party system come from? Why is it that they have to totally disagree and refuse to budge one inch from their little, useless stands on non issues. I will be so happy when the first Wednesday in November comes. Elections will be over. Half of the country will be angry and half will be happy. Life will be normal again....right? Oh ya, right, what's normal?
The Great State Fair
What is more American than a State Fair? The opportunity to show off the best of what your state has to offer. The biggest pumpkin, squash or Dahlia. Award winning chickens, rabbits, goats, cows and pigs. Quilts, pies and grandma's famous jam.
That's what I remember. Not this year. The buildings were filled with venders selling everything conceivable. That part got old really quickly.
There was the great NY State Troopers who repelled from a tower. That was cool. There was the health building with a really cool fire prevention section for kids. And of course, there were the strange varieties of very bad for you food. Fried _________________ fill in the blank. The new one this year was fried bubble gum. Really?
So why is the State Fair scene changing? Are we going so far away from the americana those of us who were born before the 1990's remember? I guess. Maybe we just need to take a trip to the Smithsonian museum of American History to see these things again.
That's what I remember. Not this year. The buildings were filled with venders selling everything conceivable. That part got old really quickly.
There was the great NY State Troopers who repelled from a tower. That was cool. There was the health building with a really cool fire prevention section for kids. And of course, there were the strange varieties of very bad for you food. Fried _________________ fill in the blank. The new one this year was fried bubble gum. Really?
So why is the State Fair scene changing? Are we going so far away from the americana those of us who were born before the 1990's remember? I guess. Maybe we just need to take a trip to the Smithsonian museum of American History to see these things again.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Just an idea
What do I want from my government? Wow, what a concept. How about what am I willing to do for my neighbor? I hear so much about they should do this, they should do that...
.It is enough that someone believes abortion or welfare is wrong so you don't have to care what they think about gay rights, equal pay, or immigration. Whatever your little issue is should rule who runs this country, right?.
Does that really make sense? Do all your friends and family members have to believe exactly as you do about every issue? Do you only love those who agree fully with you? If that were the case you would be very alone.
Do I believe people should work for what they get? Yes. Do I believe we should refuse to help them if they don't. If it were that easy, then yes but what about those who would love to work for a living, who look for work every day. Do we throw them to the wolves along with those users and losers? Is there another way? Is anyone looking for another way?
What about those who lost jobs to outsourcing, downsizing, company aquisition? Is it worth my paying a few cents less for my purchases because they are produced in 3rd world countries. Should I be insisting on American made merchandise? Is that even possible now? Does it bother anyone else that even American flags are produced in other countries? If we are no longer producers in this country then what is our industry that keeps us working? Can we become producers again?
.It is enough that someone believes abortion or welfare is wrong so you don't have to care what they think about gay rights, equal pay, or immigration. Whatever your little issue is should rule who runs this country, right?.
Does that really make sense? Do all your friends and family members have to believe exactly as you do about every issue? Do you only love those who agree fully with you? If that were the case you would be very alone.
Do I believe people should work for what they get? Yes. Do I believe we should refuse to help them if they don't. If it were that easy, then yes but what about those who would love to work for a living, who look for work every day. Do we throw them to the wolves along with those users and losers? Is there another way? Is anyone looking for another way?
What about those who lost jobs to outsourcing, downsizing, company aquisition? Is it worth my paying a few cents less for my purchases because they are produced in 3rd world countries. Should I be insisting on American made merchandise? Is that even possible now? Does it bother anyone else that even American flags are produced in other countries? If we are no longer producers in this country then what is our industry that keeps us working? Can we become producers again?
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