Women's Movement

While spying on Puma United Radio, (I know, take my "sistah" card, later), I heard about a very interesting group seeking to pull together the voting power of women. To be more specific, this group seeks to bring together Republican and Democratic women to work on issues specific to women, such as equal pay.

Pretty interesting concept. The group is New Agenda. I personally could not get their site to load. I'll keep checking. I'll write a little more on this later.

Sick of the Partisanship

I'm frankly tired of the partisanship. I'm sick of republicans blaming democrats, and democrats blaming republicans. I'm tired of it. I'm sick of FoxNews being in the tank for McCain and MSNBC being in the tank for Obama. I think this two party system is KILLING our country.

Democrats currently have the majority and ALL THE VOTES they need to pass the bailout if they want. But, what are they doing? Without the slightest hint of shame, they're on every media outlet that's willing, saying republicans are standing in their way because they don't have the courage to sink with that stinking plan by themselves and would feel better if they take a few republicans down with them.

Republicans are by no means any better. McCain postured all week and is afraid to say whether or not he agrees with it, for fear we'll hang it around his neck later. The same could be said for Obama. We need courage and we have chumps. Right about now, I feel if these two are the best we have for success in the future, we're doomed.

Who do I really want to blame? The mainstream media that now gets to choose our candidates for us. Where were the other candidates for president last night at that BORING debate. I'll tell you where...they weren't invited. What nerve? Where is the outrage? This is no democracy. And, we'll deserve what we get with these two, because we refused to stand up and demand better.

Our only hope:

Fire every sitting republican and democrat currently sitting in Washington in an elected position. Make them all, Obama & McCain included, pay huge fines for all the money they've taken as elective officials from their campaigns. I have no doubt, we'll find $700 billion there, when we add it all up. Finally, incarcerate their lying, incompetent hides for getting us into this mess.

Finally, to all the Obamabots and McCainiacs, grow up. Neither of these people are interested in your daily issues. Regardless of the big talk, neither of them identify with you. McCain has more cars and houses, than many of us will have in a lifetime. The Obamas were paying $15K a year for ballet. I assure you, our little concerns about putting gas in our tanks, isn't high on their list of priorities.

We've got to take our country back and fast!

The Resemblance Is Serious

Obama seriously looks like his grandfather.

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1834628_1754183,00.html

Puma Power?

Okay, I think Obama might have a tiny problem that the media have been kind enough NOT to highlight. Don't tell anyone...but those pesky pumas have become quite organized. They are not getting over it.

Hmm, apparently public ridicule, being snubbed by the media, looked down on by Obama supporters, being called racists, and reports of voter fraud has them a little ... riled.

http://www.pumapac.org/

These women even have a blogtalkradio show. I wonder if Obama should consider REACHING OUT.

Twilight Zone

What the heck is going on? Democrats, Paulson (also a democrat - look it up), and Bush want a bailout and ... republicans don't. The people who want to take my money and give it to Wall Street are in my on party? ???

Say it ain't so.

Politicians Are Crooks!

Nuff said...

Okay, maybe I should elaborate. Many republican and democratic politicians are simply crooked. We send them to Washington to do a job and they SIMPLY REFUSE TO DO IT. We should fire every single one of these individuals and start over. And, get ready to gripe, I include both Obama, McCain, and Biden in this rant. These people aren't doing their jobs. Where were they and the rest of these crooks while Wall Street was filling its pockets with our money. They had their hands out or their backs turned. You can pick which scenario is worst.

Michelle Obama Dances On The Ellen Show!

It truly IRRATES me that apparently everyone has to dance on The Ellen Show! But, I'm willing to give Michelle Obama a pass, simply because I really like this possible first lady. Having said that, here's a note to McCain, Palin & Biden. If you have to dance your way onto this show, JUST DON'T GO! Then again, Biden may look okay "cutting a rug".

Note to McCain & Biden ==> "Just Say No!"

NOW, NAACP, etc, etc, etc

The National Organization for Women and the NAACP has lost their way. Let's not spend time trying to find them.

Please wait, your request is processed... MSNBC Drops Keith Olbermann And Chris Matthews From Anchor Chair During Election Coverage

MSNBC is replacing Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews as co-anchors of political night coverage with David Gregory, and will use the two newsmen as commentators.

Thank Goodness! What took so long!!! Mr. Shivers up one leg and Olbermann made journalism look bad. Well, let me be a little more generous. Chris Matthews could at least look professional. Olbermann, perhaps he lost his way a long time ago. I think he could be a serious newsman. I hope he decides to be so again one day.

Rachel Maddow will have her own show that I believe will be up against Hannity & Colmes. I have a lot of respect for her, but I'm getting a sense that she may slide down Olbermann's path. I hope not. She should find a legitimate news shop, she has a lot to offer - and I think when she's being impartial, she adds a lot to the discussion. It's the same with Chris Matthews, when he's in journalism mode - he's really good.

I'm a democrat, and eventually MSNBC even got on my nerves. Good grief!!! Who's running things over there? Are they awake?

Jobless Rates On The Rise

I have a really tacky question to ask. I guess there's no really nice way to ask it, though. Since our jobless numbers are up, is it now okay to ask illegal immigrants to go home. Now, before you get all riled up, I know the wisdom from on high implied that they were only doing jobs that no American really wanted. It seems whenever illegal immigrants are gathered up and deported, almost before they can get in the vans, Americans are standing at the door asking for job applications.

So, is it okay to enforce the law, now?

Obama Has Decided To Interview With OReilly

Surprise, surprise. After months of ignoring Fox News. After hearing Bill O, complain relentlessly, Obama decided to finally (the day after Palin's speech), to sit down on Fox News. Now, I have to be honest. I've always thought it was ridiculous to write off Fox News and attempt an odd little boycott. Fox has viewers. Viewers vote. You need to be wherever the voters, are. So, I'll be very interested in watching this interview. For all of you anti-Fox watchers, I'll be glad to keep you informed.

Campbell Brown - One Tough Cookie

There are a small number of talking heads that I respect. A couple died this year (Tony Snow & Tim Russert). There are still a few more around though that I think are emerging as real watchdogs. No, not Chris Matthews (Mr. A Shiver Ran Through My Leg When I Heard Obama Speak). Again I ask, is this man married? Not, Keith Olbermann...I've never considered him a serious journalist. He's been a staunch Obama supporter and I thank him for that...but a real journalist, not lately. Bill O'Reilly...don't make me laugh. So, who? I must say, I like Roland Martin, again, not very objective. But, hey, I like him. I like Juan Williams. He doesn't allow his party loyalties to take over and drive every third word from his mouth. And, I like Campbell Brown.

I was watching Campbell Brown eviscerate this young, blond, McCain aide and I immediately thought. What! McCain can't actually want to win. This works out for me, of course. His team sends Opie Taylor (Tucker Bounds) to defend his new VP selection and her foreign affairs experience (non existant) against Campbell Brown. It was embarrassing, but hilarious to watch. My husband remarks, I bet he was sitting in a puddle. This young woman is tough. It'll be great to watch her over the years if she can keep a bit of objectivity. I'm a democrat, but not a democrat that actually believes the mainstream media is above bias. And, unlike many democrats, I definitely believe most outlets lean left. Usually, this works for my benefit. But, sometimes most of them lean too left for even me. Since, I don't believe Fox is a real news outfit most days, don't throw them up at me as a defense. I can hear it now. "Well, what about Fox?" Don't even try it.

I want less spin and more news. And, every once in awhile, I want a legitimate puddle.

P. Diddy Says, Gas is Too High, Ya'll!

You know, I hate it when Laura Ingraham and I can actually agree on something, but apparently today is the day. Darn It! Laura Ingraham, or perhaps another one of those blonde conservative talking heads, suggested perhaps it would be better if entertainers simply...entertained. I know. It's unfair. As Americans, they have the right to push their own agendas, support candidates and issues, just like everyone else. And, then...we have P. Diddy. P. Diddy's upset. He's been reduced to first class instead of using a private jet.

Wow! Just shut and sing, comes to mind.

Is Obama Ready To Be President?

Was Bill Clinton's unwillingness to state simply that Obama was ready to be president a sign that there is still a rift between the Clinton's & Obama? Or, was the president simply speaking in terms of his experience in the White House. Bill Clinton's reply to the question of whether Barack Obama was ready to serve as president, "You're never ready to serve" (semi quote). Liberals wanted a simple yes to that question. Conservatives are tickled pink that they didn't get it. Calculated dodge or simply an understanding based on his own experience. You'll have to tell me.

Me, I'm just sick of the two party system.

Wal-Mart: Shame On You - (Telling Employees Who To Vote For)

Is it 2008, or what? Is Wal-Mart really telling its employees who to vote for... Read it for yourselves.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/08/01/politics/animal/main4314198.shtml

Wal-Mart is attempting to thwart Obama's support of making it easier for workers to unionize. Now, don't get me wrong. My state, Mississippi, is known as right-to-work state. We've benefited greatly from companies (car companies especially) running from states where unions had helped minimize their profits. Thanks, folks! But, isn't Wal-Mart getting beside themselves when they tell their employees who to vote for. The world is getting nuttier and nuttier.

Free Trade (Is It Working For You Yet?)

According to Wikipedia, Free trade is a system in which the trade of goods and services between or within countries flows unhindered by government-imposed restrictions.

I like this little tidbit from Wikipedia as well. Free trade can be contrasted with protectionism, which is the economic policy of restricting trade between nations. Trade may be restricted by high tariffs on imported or exported goods, restrictive quotas, a variety of restrictive government regulations designed to discourage imports, and anti-dumping laws designed to protect domestic industries from foreign take-over or competition.

Wow! I love Wikipedia. You have to watch them, though. Anyone can update a Wikpedia page (seriously, I've done it). So, although its a great place to snatch tidbits of information, it isn't always accurate.

Here's a little more on Free Trade.

Free trade is a term in economics and government that includes:

• trade of goods without taxes (including tariffs) or other trade barriers (e.g., quotas on imports or subsidies for producers)
• trade in services without taxes or other trade barriers
• The absence of trade-distorting policies (such as taxes, subsidies, regulations or laws) that give some firms, households or factors of production an advantage over others
• Free access to markets
• Free access to market information
• Inability of firms to distort markets through government-imposed monopoly or oligopoly power
• The free movement of labor between and within countries
• The free movement of capital between and within countries

Judging from all of this, I seriously doubt we're involved with Free Trade simply because the phrase is included in the name of agreement. Let's take the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This agreement has been around since 1994 (gee, thanks Bill). Before NAFTA, we had a $3 million dollar surplus with Mexico. Now, not only has that trade surplus disappeared, we now have a massive loss. In fact, now we pay a 15% tariff. Mexico actually had the nerve to put this into place AFTER the trade agreement.

We have a $200 billion trade deficit with China. Now they're buying US properties from money they received from us. That's like GIVING someone the money they need to buy the house you own. Now, you have neither the house or money. In addition, China devalues their money. So, American products are more expensive from the door - as if we could compete effectively with their labor practices anyway. Did I mention we're losing jobs? I blame free trade for many of those losses as well. You'll have to comment or call the show to tell me where I'm wrong on this issue.

I hate to agree with Pat Buchanan on anything, but I must say he warned us on this one. Go back and read some older articles from the era. But, sit down first. It can be pretty depressing.

http://www.iht.com/articles/1996/03/05/think.t.php
http://www.ontheissues.org/Celeb/Pat_Buchanan_Free_Trade.htm

Bill Clinton gave us this horror and now McCain wants to see us keep it. I'm hoping Obama is being honest about his desire to revisit trade agreements. I'm hoping McCain is sitting at home with the rest of us as we wonder if Obama was being honest about revisiting trade agreements.

Leo Terrell: Hidden Messages

I sat in front of my television with my mouth open as Leo Terrell explained that there was a hidden message in the McCain commercial that includes Obama, Hilton, & Spears. According to Terrell, people will see a black man with two white females and this (in and of itself) is racist. Terrell's concern is that apparently white males will see this as some sort of code. Hide your little blond wives and daughters, perhaps. This isn't the first thing that came to my mind. But, then again...I'm not a white male. I surely hope this isn't the case. I was just overwhelmed with the idea that once again, if this is a friend...good grief.

Is Obama Playing the Race Card?

Hmm...I can't wait to read the mail I receive from this...But, I believe Obama IS playing the race card. I think Obama and his staff have played the race card effectively since South Carolina. They very deftly dropped that particular hot potato on Bill Clinton's lap and for some reason, Clinton picked it right up. Man, did it burn. I think Obama has effectively taken what could have been viewed as a negative and turned it quite positive. I also think there is some truth to Geraldine Ferraro's comments. Race has helped Obama in this particular struggle for the White House. His unique position in history has merited him much political coverage and a hands off approach (hard questions) from the media. In fact, MSNBC has been his personal press core for quite some time. The news media has attempted to thwart every mistruth, minimize his missteps, and basically pave his way to the White House. Here's a question, why?

Obama's comments about other's using his name and color to engender fear actually isn't new. There have been very few new speeches since the nominations from either camp. Unfortunately for McCain, this also will not help him get any closer to the White House.

The Kiss of Death: Obama Supporters

Comedians, politicians, rappers...what do they have in common? They appear to be have the kiss of death for Obama. Bernie Mac, Jessie Jackson, & Ludacris. My goodness, with friends like these... Obama's enemies are beginning to look safe. After all, how big of an opponent has McCain really been. Hilary Clinton was actually a tougher opponent. I liked some commentators take on the race. McCain is a speed bump on Obama's trip to the White House. It's his circle of supporters that are throwing up real road blocks at every given opportunity. From Reverend Wright to this current crop of supporters, Obama has had to shake off his friends, not his enemies.

McCain's New Ad: Obama, Spears, & Hilton?

So, McCain has decided to take his campaign negative. No surprise, necessarily. Except, wow! What a dumb ad? The entire point of the ad (one assumes) is to bring attention to the fact that Obama is like a "rockstar". In McCain's mind, or in the mind of his handlers, this will give the appearance of (???) Folks, you'll have to tell me. Does he want to give us the impression that Obama is popular? He's already done that. When he insisted Obama travel and see the world (Iraq, specifically), we noticed how popular he was with many world leaders and citizens. Since, I don't want McCain to win, I'm not sure I care how he runs his campaign. But, give me a break. Obama was right to ask, is this the best you can come up with...

Please, dude. Fire someone. McCain's campaign is actually the one that's starting to look a bit inexperienced and lacking. Talk about poor judgment. We're witnessing chronic poor judgment on the part of John McCain. His party should cut him loose. Chalk up the 2008 elections as a democratic win and thank their lucky starts that he'll be forgotten shortly. McCain supporters are always quick to tell me that the race is tightening. I hate to admit it. They're right. But, the race isn't tightening because of America's great love of McCain. The race is tightening because of mistrust of Obama. If Obama can fix the trust issue, McCain will be cast off rather quickly (my personal opinion). Not to mention, I'd have a tough time listening to McCain for four years, so someone needs to do something.

The New Black Leaders

Watch out America. There is a new age of black leadership. I'm not talking about Barack Obama, Tavis Smiley, or Tom Joyner. Although they do represent an impressive collection of black brothers. I'm thinking about the new generation of black leaders who won't be on the cover of Time or Newsweek. But, they're growing into a silent majority. They're less likely to perceive a racial injustice around every corner, but they're still sensitive the needs of the black community. These are the worker bees. They are quietly creating networks that benefit the black community by bringing attention to one crisis after another. They stand on the front line and often take positions that are unpopular with the masses, even if it means taking on friendly fire.

These leaders resist the urge for a camera shot, but fight for their issues to take front a center. They can be found in churches, writing blogs, in local government, and even in our homes as faithful mothers and fathers. They are the new young black leaders of our time. Although our community is full of example of deadbeat dads, there are still young black men marrying our daughters and raising families. They may be small in numbers, but their impact help sustain our communities. This community isn't in a particular neighborhood. This is the human community. For all the young women having children out of wedlock, there are still some young women choosing to marry and then have children. Perhaps they're not the majority. But, they're still out there. And, for those young women you find themselves single with children, for whatever reason, there are many single mothers who responsibly, faithfully raise another generation of strong black leaders.

Our job is to find these people and offer them a supportive network. If you can afford it, send your child to college and then help someone else send theirs. Share that job opportunity. Share the blessing of moral absolutes. It makes life less complicated. Encourage that young man to work with the young mother of his child to build a stronger adult. Many of you are already doing all of these things. Let me salute you. Although, you deserve to be featured, few will ever know about your efforts. And, yet our community stands perhaps even more strongly on your shoulder than on the shoulders of black leaders pulled out for the latest photo op.

For all that you do, this "thumbs up" is for you. We're not waiting on CNN to write our story. We're living it.

Great BlogTalkRadio Show

Here recently I participated in a great Blog Show on BlogTalkRadio. The show was hosted by the Kiri Love, Psyche Of The Single Mother. This young woman was a warrior who had a way with words. Her show encouraged me to take some time to think about my grandmothers. My grandparents were great grandparents. And, I have a lot of special memories tied to my grandparents. This young woman has coined a new term. She calls some grandmothers, deadbeat grandmothers. These are grandmothers disconnected from their grandchildren because of their deadbeat sons.

This show was touching because grandparents are so often the glue for young families. My grandparents were so encouraging and my children have been so blessed with at least one set of loving grandparents that to hear horror stories about grandparents was quite sad. But, Ms. Love has clearly identified and diagnosed a serious cancer within our community.

Good Show, Kiri!

Help Me, Nancy Pelosi. Why Can't We Drill?

I've been a loyal democrat for 20 years. In the past, I've voted for the party, even when my convictions were nudging me to do a new thing. Lately, I vote my conscience. But, for the most part, I'm still a party loyalist. But, Nancy and I are quickly parting ways. I'm not getting the anti drilling sentiment. It's not that I don't want to look for alternative solutions. In fact, I think we should aggressively support alternative sources of energy. I'm a fan of wind, solar, etc. I'm still a little edgy about nuclear. But, I'm still learning. I want to know why we can't do it all.

I'm tired of the argument that it won't make a difference for 10 years. Especially since, 1) some scientists say with newer technology we could see relief in 3-5 years and 2) they gave us this same argument 20 years ago. I'm also not really interested in the fact that oil companies already have leases where they can drill. If oil companies say they can get it faster from land the federal government is standing in front of, I want to know why we can't try.

I know in Nancy's world there are taxis, buses, trains and everyone can ride a bike or walk to work. But, honey I live in rural America with four sons. We don't fit it anything small and to get to any place of substance, you really need a car. So, if you can explain Nancy's argument to me (better than Nancy has), share the logic. I'm easy pickings. I want to believe her. I'm just not feeling it right now.

In fact, Nancy Pelosi even went as far as to say that to capitulate was to give in to Republicans. Sorry, Nancy. In my world (buying diapers, gas, groceries, paying college tuition), I'm not really thinking about whether Republicans will get a victory. I need a break.

Pelosi stands firm against offshore drilling

Rebuilding Our Neighborhoods

Let's take a vacation from whining about injustices real and perceived. No, this isn't an endorsement of Phil Gramm's silly economic brain lapse. Our economy has suffered greatly and many Americans are feeling the pain, at the pump, in the grocery store, and in many other places. But, perhaps we need to put some of our mental anguish to work, pull up our sleeves and start to rethink how our smaller cities and communities should function. How about this for a plan of attack?

1) Let's educate our citizenry, so we have a more empowered community. Government is supposed to work for us. Our representatives in Washington have forgotten how to behave, but that's no excuse for us to begin to believe they operate independently of our desires. Let's retire a few permanently and eventually we'll get a group that understands that they work for us. So, watch your back senators.

2) Let's take a lesson from Powell, Wyoming. This small town built it's own store when the big chains either refused to move in or chose to leave. Guess where the shareholders live and shop. You guessed it. Community members in the city are the ones receiving the dividend checks. Can you think of a better reason to shop locally.

3) Let's take a new look at our schools and encourage the hiring of creative teachers and administrators looking to do more than simply pick up a check. But, we also have to give them the freedom to discipline appropriately. When schools receive money based on butts in seats instead of performance, disaster can be expected.

Let's start to live a can do life in our communities. I think this is something great that emerged from the election trail. Perhaps this is the spirit that many sense from Obama, and even Clinton. On the Republican side, perhaps even Ron Paul, Duncan Hunter, and even Mike Huckabee. Why did I choose these candidates. On the Democratic side, these candidates were given a podium and really took advantage of the spotlight so their message could be heard. And, for the most part, their message was often positive. Yes, we can! Yes, we will. On the Republican side, Ron Paul and Duncan Hunter were often ignored and belittled. And, even so...they were able to win votes and supporters, although the media made certain their stories and messages weren't heard. Even Huckabee, largely responsible for the McCain's eventual nomination, was considered inconsequential and yet his message was still able to reach the masses and he was able to pull a couple of stunning defeats against candidates with much more money.

Let's reclaim our communities.

News To Be Depressed By...

I'm a news watcher, through and through. Some stories are so sad, that you're actually sorry you read or heard about them.

Story #1: Woman's Corpse May Be Link To Mystery Baby

This CNN story shares the arrest of Andrea Curry-Demus, aged 38. This woman quite possibly killed an expectant mother and then pretended that the baby was hers. Later she would tell the police that she purchased the baby from the deceased for $1,000. There are so many sad components to the story. The family and friends left behind by both the deceased young woman, and the alleged killer. The thousands of young women who have unprotected sex and then decide to abort their babies. What an ugly world we live in today?

Story #2:Lawyer for Missing Florida Toddler's Mother Suggests Little Caylee Might Be Out of State

The young woman in this story has a two year old that has supposedly been missing for weeks and according to reports, she had had not reported her missing. I think we all know these reports often end sadly. I can't imagine any circumstance where a mother would not report a missing child unless foul play was a part of the picture. I'll wait for the full story. Reports like these minimize presidential politics and other nonsense.

Schools In Crisis

If you're a FIRM believer that our public K-12 schools are failing simply because of a lack money from the Federal Government, STOP Reading. You'll find the next few paragraphs highly offensive.

THE PROBLEM IN OUR ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE, JUNIOR, & HIGH SCHOOLS IS (sound the drums), that many of our kids are uninterested, unfocused, and under prepared for success. I'm sorry, I can't blame teachers, either. Now, I'll admit. It's definitely a multifaceted problem. But, we tend to get the order of priority mixed up. Here let's try this view for a moment.

Scenario (Working Parents)
Child is allowed to behave in any manner that allows the parent(s) a semblance of peace once they return home from work. This child is this scenario is basically raising him/her self. This should be seen a judging working Moms & Dads. It's simply a recognition that if we work not at home from 7:00 - 6:00 (commuting, etc), it's really hard to provide hands on parenting, get the meals done, complete homework, prepare for the next work & school day, etc. Regardless, we find a family struggling from day to day to simply exist and not really tuned in to Jim Bob's or Darnell's success at school.

Result: Mr. or Ms. Teacher gets an angry (my parents don't have much time for me) child, teen, etc. each day at school. This child interacts with the other angry (my parents don't have time for me) children. Very little learning happens because these kids are doing everything EXCEPT school during the school day. Mr. or Ms. Teacher spends precious time with disciplinary problems.

Solution: I know what you're thinking. Throw the little bums out. My little Sally Jane can't learn a thing, because Susie Q. is constantly in trouble with the teacher and is basically a distraction. Sorry, "way back in the day" when we were teenagers, the trouble makers did exist, but they were few in number, the majority had the proper fear of their parents so as not to cause undue problems in school. Today, it seems its the majority who have the issues. And, only a small handful that are NOT trouble makers. In my opinion, schools get money for "butts" in seats. No little "butts" in seat. No money. So, unless Susie Q. does something HORRIBLE, she's likely to remain a pupil, continue causing problems, and help continue the cycle of a non-functioning classroom. This isn't a problem money can help directly. (I'll mention my solution a little later)

Scenario (Single Parent - Working or Non Working)
Alright, disclaimer. I know there will be a few who will email me or call the show to tell me that "My mother was a single parent and I did just fine. Why does everyone always pick on single mothers? Resist the urge to email me and consider you may not be the rule, you may be the exception. Not because mom wasn't a great mom. But, because hey - statistically single mothers are more likely to 1) live a more distressed socioeconomic lifestyle and 2) have to assume the role of mother and father and this is simply unfair. Your grandmother was right. It took two to get that little munchkin here, what makes it think it its reasonable to expect one to bear the burden of raising it. Two parents can provide a united front, back-up (when necessary), successful pull off a convincing good cop - bad cop, and just slow down the wear and tear that raising children can have on the body, mind & spirit.

Result: See Above. Angry, kid, yada, yada, yada...

Solution: Unreasonable one...see above (throw the bums out). Reasonable one...keep reading.

So, our schools are filled with distracted children who behave horribly. (Not Your Kid - Uh, yeah, okay - then your neighbors kids). The child that wants to learn is often trying to do it under nightmarish conditions. Chance are - in your teenagers school, there are on any given day, other children are trying to 1) sell him drugs, 2) sleep with her (some teachers included), 3) exclude her from the cool clique, 4) bully him, 5) chide her for not so cool clothes, weight, hair, complexion, etc. I left off a few, for fear you were becoming depressed.

Solution. As parents and educators, we have to take a more direct approach.

1) We do need school choice vouchers. Sorry. I'm all for public education. But, even public schools should have to compete. The value of a child's education should not be dictated by their zip code. That's not free and appropriate education. If another school has creatively found a way to manage the wayward imps, you should have the option to put your little (angel, whose never cause a problem in her life, and just wants to learn...yeah), in another school.

2) Never have tenure for teachers in K-12 unless you also have tenure review. Yeah, Mr. Bob works his butt off to become tenured only to never push the envelope of creativity again. If you must have tenure, you must have tenure review. Or complacency and just down right nuttiness is bound to raise its ugly head.

3) This option may actually require money. I'm sorry. Consider same sex classrooms and even schools. I know. It stinks. We did all that fighting to make sure girls could have the same opportunities and access to education as males and now there is actually some research to suggest that they do more learning - when they're not in the same classroom. Along this same line of thinking, do we really want 14 year olds in the same classrooms as 18 year olds. Don't think it happens. If a kid fails a class a couple of times, this is exactly what happens. Consider your neighbors kid who failed English I. Not your child, of course. Now, we've got "more aware", about to turn 16 or 17, Jane or Bob in a class with perhaps I'm still 14, impressionable Sam and Sue. Your child isn't likely to get into the details of the ages of children in their classes and it may not resonate with you. Recipe for classroom disaster.

4) More individualized instruction. This definitely costs money. Sorry. The more kids have trouble succeeding in class...the more kids have trouble succeeding in class. Compounding in essence. Joe has failed a course, and really feels like a failure. If his self esteem is bruised or wounded, he may start the semester assume he just can't get it. So, anything he actually attempts and does excel at essentially reinforces his already growing belief that he just can't do it. First, this child gives up mentally. And, then he gives up physically. He believes he can't do it. And, then he just doesn't do anything you ask him to do. Why should he? After all, in his mind, he already knows he can't do it. As children around him, actually start learning, he now has to seek other ways to "fill" his time. He stopped trying to follow the class discussion ages ago, but he's required by law to sit there unless he drops out. His parents really want him to try. So, he sits there. His school needs his butt in a seat (to get paid), so even if his behavior is seriously signaling that he needs a different environment, they keep him. Now, he's got spare time on his hand and 40 minutes remaining in a classroom.

5) We need a different set of Superintendents, and Principals. We need real creativity at the top. We need to take our schools more seriously. We're sending these people into war zones. Don't believe me. Become a substitute teacher. You'll get a much greater appreciation for what teachers put up with. I tried this years ago after completing my Bachelor's Degree. Why is the turnover so high for new teachers? Substitute teach, you'll find out. These young people figure out early that if they want to go to war, they can join the military. The pay may still be low, but at least they'll have a measure of respect and professionalism. People often disrespect teachers. You can't find a lawyer, doctor, nurse, President, Vice President, etc, who hasn't had a teacher. And, still this is a ripe area for Rodney Dangerfield no respect jokes.

Want another option? You could always home school. For all the flack this group receives, many homeschool parents manage to introduce their children to a variety of foreign languages, field trips, and higher math classes than would be available at your local school.

Well, feel free to drop me a comment and share your great idea to help schools succeed.

Mad Enough To Scream - Sick Enough To Throw Up!

I'm reading a CNN article about a 10 year old that has divorced her husband and was then required to pay him $200.

Child bride gets divorced after rape, beatings

When you read the article, be sure to read the comments, also. Sprinkled in with the comments of disgusts from concerned readers (Muslims included), you also bump into some that want to educate us on media bias.

RANT MOMENT: OF COURSE THERE IS MEDIA BIAS, BUT I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ONE SINGLE, SOLITARY, WHINE ABOUT MEDIA BIAS BECAUSE THE MEDIA DECIDED TO COVER A CORRUPT GOVERNMENT THAT ALLOWS AND ENCOURAGES THE RAPE OF SMALL CHILDREN. I AM SICK OF PEOPLE TREATING WOMEN AND CHILDREN AS IF WE ARE EXPENDABLE.

I am so furious. I can barely see straight. Now, the father of this child is upset. Why...because the husband of his 10 YEAR OLD CHILD, promised he'd wait until his child was 20. Yeah, right.
In a country where they had the presence of mind to LOWER THE LEGAL MARRIAGE AGE A DECADE AGO, SO THAT IT WOULD BE BELOW 15, I FIND THIS AN UTTERLY UNACCEPTABLE EXCUSE.

What the #$!%? News stories like this are bad for my blood pressure. If the CHILD'S husband had beaten his dog, AMERICANS WOULD BE IN AN UPROAR DEMANDING GEORGE W. BUSH, THE POPE, MCCAIN AND OBAMA, make a statement, demand action, etc, etc, etc.

But, it's okay here. It's OKAY FOR A MAN TO SHIP OFF HIS CHILD TO BE A MAN'S WIFE.

SAD! SAD! SAD!

Talk About a Bad Day At Work!

Talk about a bad day at the office. Did you see the video of the father who put on a wig and attempted to rob his daughter's place of employment? Yeah, now that's a disguise. Can you say, "FIRED"? Wow! CNN has this "nifty" little feature that will allow you to get a t-shirt with a headline on it. I know you're dying to pick this one up.

What do you say the next time you're out with friends? What do you say if you are this woman's friend? Hey, girl. I saw your dad on TV. Check out my shirt.

Black Woman Running For President

Well, Well, Well. Where's the band? Where's the media? Where's the never ending coverage? We have a black woman running for President of the United States of America. Cynthia McKinney is the Green Party's candidate for Election '08. (Stop laughing, I'm serious)

http://www.runcynthiarun.org/

Now, I have had my issues with this woman. She can say some really strange things. But, she does deserve her time in the spotlight, doesn't she? Wait, you want more, right. Hip Hop Activist Rosa Clemente has accepted the VP slot to run with Ms. McKinney. (Not laughing anymore. Just Crickets.)

We have black women running for President & Vice President. (People silent. Now the crickets are laughing)

This has got to be on CNN, right. Let me turn on the television. Nope, it's not on CNN. It's a show about Myanmar. Wait, I'll go to Fox. (Now, I need to laugh) Nope, no Cynthia McKinney. They're discussing Heath Leger. MSNBC has been SO PRO OBAMA, I know they'll recognize the significance of black women running for both President and Vice President. Hmm, they're talking about Obama. What a surprise?

I know what you're thinking. Stop, Yme. You know the mainstream media has mentioned that "whole, McKinney running for President" thing. MSNBC mentioned it...what day was that? They talked about it a couple of days, ago. But, you know everyone is caught up in the "historical' nature of perhaps a black man becoming President. No one seriously expects Cynthia McKinney to win. Her campaign will receive a donation from me, for that reason alone. She's a true underdog. No media outlet will drool over her. Clean up her missteps. Or give her the benefit of the doubt. In fact, the kindest thing they'll do for Cynthia McKinney is ignore her altogether. Fox News is totally in the tank for the McCain and MSNBC is in a love fest for Barack Obama. Since, I'm resolved to an Obama Presidency, this suits me just fine. But the mainstream media can also be quite brutal when you're not the fair headed child "of the moment.

McKinney's nomination has been marginalized before its barely begun. Help me come up with the many reasons black folk alone are going to complain about her campaign.

1) She knows she can't win. Jesse Jackson all over again.
2) Why should she share the spotlight with Obama?
3) With Obama, we're so close to the White House. (Newsflash...Obama's not sharing the White House with You or Bill Clinton)
4) She's going to make us look bad.
5) She has so little experience (hmm, community organizer, house representative, this is starting to look a little similar)
6) She's a lightning rod for controversy (I can only agree with this one)

At the end of the day, she's still running for the President of the United States of America. And, unlike Ron Paul and Hilary Clinton, she has clinched her party's nomination. Warts and all.

------------------------------------
This blog is an Official Supporter of Anyone who keeps McCain OUT of the White House.