Once again we as a nation are dealing with a senseless tragedy with some wacko taking the lives of multiple individuals for some twisted reason only they know. What makes this one so heinous is that it is a crime against children. I know that millions of people feel the same way about this awful event and I just wanted to join in the chorus echoing what we all feel.
The worst thing a parent can go through is the loss of a child. We as parents are not supposed to out live our children and when we lose a child it colors our very being for the rest of our lives. No one who has not gone through such a tragedy can ever understand that sense of loss and heartache. No words can console, no agency, organization can ever erase the pain a parent can experience in the course of this loss. About the only thing those of us who have been lucky enough to never go through it can do is offer a shoulder, an empathy, a set of arms to support them, hold them, be there for them to vent throughout the grieving.
Politicians will debate the merits and demerits of gun control, mental health care and the access to schools from the outside world. But, in my opinion, even though all those subjects need attention, you will never be able to stop a crazy person from getting into a place and wreaking havoc. Nor do we want to turn our schools into armed camps as some cities have already done. We can discuss this tragedy over and over again and nothing we do will bring those children back. What we can do is reflect how lucky we are that we have our children, grandchildren and those that are our future that live around us and thank who and whatever we believe in that it never happens to us.
Like President Obama, my heart is broken and like those parents and the rest of the nation I will never be the same. In my own small way I will carry the images of this tragedy in my heart forever. How can you not.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
What I've Been Thinking
I know, I know, it's not Sunday, but I felt I needed to pontificate a bit at this moment. The election is over and all the turkeys are back at work or have been already eaten. But like in 2008, the crazies are still at it. Who you may ask? The secessionists. We had a civil war about much of their views and I guess my Dad was right. I should have saved my Confederate money as the South will rise again. Curiously, most of the states petitioning to leave the United States of America get more federal money than the pay for in taxes. Here is my take and it may be extreme; I think Obama should allow their petition to be accepted. Then, begin to pull all federal funding sent to those states. All FEMA offices should be closed, US post offices removed, any federal government offices in fact need to shut down and all the accouterments and equipment shipped to the real US of A. Lastly, having done that on a reasonable schedule similar to the removal of troops from the mid-east. All Federal Army, Navy, Marines, Air force and Coast Guard members along with the equipment they use sent to the country that funds them. Then, a fence needs to be built so those in those states do not corrupt the rest of us that have reasonable minds and become a distraction in our daily lives. We don't want them taking jobs that we Americans now do. Oh, and another thing we need to do is disallow any of the Constitutional rights as well as any addition to our Bill of Rights that Americans now enjoy and treat this new group as we do any potential belligerent country that may want to invade our borders. I, like a number of political commentators, think we can find ways to trade with the remaining states by building good relations with Canada and Mexico for travel and economic purposes.
Give the people in the leaving states what they want; to have nothing to do with the rest of us. They don't get federal water and their farmers are now on their own. The goods the errant states produce are now subject to tariffs just like Japan and England. Any food produced by the rest of us they need to buy as China would and they need to negotiate passage through our country with visas and proper papers.
I know I'm ranting. But, I can't for the life of me see how any intelligent, thinking, grade school educated individual would think that secession is a good idea. But, if they think it should happen, then go for it and when thy find out what it really means they need to apply for statehood all over again and be treated like Puerto Rico and spend decades to see if they can be good citizens.
Give the people in the leaving states what they want; to have nothing to do with the rest of us. They don't get federal water and their farmers are now on their own. The goods the errant states produce are now subject to tariffs just like Japan and England. Any food produced by the rest of us they need to buy as China would and they need to negotiate passage through our country with visas and proper papers.
I know I'm ranting. But, I can't for the life of me see how any intelligent, thinking, grade school educated individual would think that secession is a good idea. But, if they think it should happen, then go for it and when thy find out what it really means they need to apply for statehood all over again and be treated like Puerto Rico and spend decades to see if they can be good citizens.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
It's Football Season!
That's right sports fans! It's football season. That's the activity that surrounds the show that is being done on the field by a Marching Band and Auxiliary. Witness the grunting, the groaning and the sweaty furrowed brows...and that's just the Flag team. Hear the crashing, the wheezing, the narrowly escaping collisions from the drumline. Watch as golden brass excite the crowd to a frenzy and end the performance with an orgasmic high note echoing throughout the land. Observe as women and girls swoon over the assignations of the Drum Major dressed in his finest plumage and watch the director of it all deftly conduct the intricate coordinating of all the elements. No finer agreement can be had as lines and swirls and images emerge form no where to dazzle and amaze the crowd. Then when all is over, back to football to bring the crowd back to the reality of the mundane of defending territory and attacking territory the disputes over a pig and who did what to whom. Time to go get a hot dog at the concession stand!
This week one of my grandsons turned one. The whole family got together to celebrate and it was glorious. Seeing friends and family together sharing stories, having fun, eating cake as well as watching the rest of the children play, having the party extend into the night. Then sharing the pictures on facebook. I can't think of anything better to do with a Saturday than that.
Until next time.
This week one of my grandsons turned one. The whole family got together to celebrate and it was glorious. Seeing friends and family together sharing stories, having fun, eating cake as well as watching the rest of the children play, having the party extend into the night. Then sharing the pictures on facebook. I can't think of anything better to do with a Saturday than that.
Until next time.
Monday, September 3, 2012
To Those Who Came Before Me
I know , I know, it's not Sunday. Today is Labor Day! The day to end the summer, the day before many schools start and the day to honor the American worker. I want to participate in that tribute. If it wasn't for the American worker, which I still am one, this country would not be where it is. I am a union guy. I know that if it weren't for the American workers of this country I would not have the benefits that I have. So numerous to mention I am just going to focus on my chosen profession to illustrate. This is my 41st year at a single job and let me describe for you how it was before one of my unions helped to better my work environment, health care.
When I started I made $520.00 a month. Granted gas was 22 cents a gallon and our apartment was $135 a month. But the salary was not the issue here. Everyone in my profession was making about the same. We did not have health care, no dental, no well maternity, no optical only catastrophic health care. For those who don't know what that is, it means that if you get hit by a truck and live, you and your employers insurance will take care of some of the hospital bills. Since that time my union( of which I was a member of several, some at the same time) through negations with my employer and my union I have dental care, I get sick and through the contributions that I make, my employer makes and my colleagues make with their dues I get assistance in paying my medical bills. I can get glasses every few years and get help with an old man continuing to see and I make a working wage that helps support my family. I'm not rich, in fact, I was at one time slightly below the national poverty level. That, after a High School Diploma and two years of Community College and four years of a State Collage degree and post graduate work. The training enabled me to work with the nations children and mold the minds of the future in more ways than just a specific subject matter. In my opinion the most important job we have as a nation, educating our children. I get no Christmas bonus, I get no commission, so that no matter how hard I work I don't make more money, no stock options, no paid vacations ( we call Summer "Forced Unemployment" in our house), not only do I have to take my work home with me I have to come up with $200.00 or more a month to support my work with students. This is not just me but the national average of what teachers do to teach our nations children. And so that you don't get the wrong impression, I do it willingly and honorably. But, to the point of this missive, my union helps ease the burden on me and my family and for that I thank them, my colleagues.
Unions have gotten a bad rap these days. Everyone forgets that they were started by the industrial workers to better their working conditions. At the time those same workers were considered socialists, communists, the liberal left, as they didn't want to go back to the past but move to improve the future of their lives. Now those same "blue collar" workers are considered to the right of the political spectrum, right along with the business owners and operators that want more from their workers for less. I listen to those workers and how they rail against the ideas that got them the safety of their work place, health care, retirement, and many other benefits. How they condemn those who suggest that they could do better and improve their lives through collective bargaining with their employers to build respect and a decent living.
With all my experience and education I guess the one thing that seems to elude me is why so many of us will vote against our own interests, removing the hard fought improvements to our lives, removing the right of the American worker to make a better life for themselves and champion those who would remove those rights.
I want to thank all those before me who fought so hard so that I could have the "American Dream".
When I started I made $520.00 a month. Granted gas was 22 cents a gallon and our apartment was $135 a month. But the salary was not the issue here. Everyone in my profession was making about the same. We did not have health care, no dental, no well maternity, no optical only catastrophic health care. For those who don't know what that is, it means that if you get hit by a truck and live, you and your employers insurance will take care of some of the hospital bills. Since that time my union( of which I was a member of several, some at the same time) through negations with my employer and my union I have dental care, I get sick and through the contributions that I make, my employer makes and my colleagues make with their dues I get assistance in paying my medical bills. I can get glasses every few years and get help with an old man continuing to see and I make a working wage that helps support my family. I'm not rich, in fact, I was at one time slightly below the national poverty level. That, after a High School Diploma and two years of Community College and four years of a State Collage degree and post graduate work. The training enabled me to work with the nations children and mold the minds of the future in more ways than just a specific subject matter. In my opinion the most important job we have as a nation, educating our children. I get no Christmas bonus, I get no commission, so that no matter how hard I work I don't make more money, no stock options, no paid vacations ( we call Summer "Forced Unemployment" in our house), not only do I have to take my work home with me I have to come up with $200.00 or more a month to support my work with students. This is not just me but the national average of what teachers do to teach our nations children. And so that you don't get the wrong impression, I do it willingly and honorably. But, to the point of this missive, my union helps ease the burden on me and my family and for that I thank them, my colleagues.
Unions have gotten a bad rap these days. Everyone forgets that they were started by the industrial workers to better their working conditions. At the time those same workers were considered socialists, communists, the liberal left, as they didn't want to go back to the past but move to improve the future of their lives. Now those same "blue collar" workers are considered to the right of the political spectrum, right along with the business owners and operators that want more from their workers for less. I listen to those workers and how they rail against the ideas that got them the safety of their work place, health care, retirement, and many other benefits. How they condemn those who suggest that they could do better and improve their lives through collective bargaining with their employers to build respect and a decent living.
With all my experience and education I guess the one thing that seems to elude me is why so many of us will vote against our own interests, removing the hard fought improvements to our lives, removing the right of the American worker to make a better life for themselves and champion those who would remove those rights.
I want to thank all those before me who fought so hard so that I could have the "American Dream".
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Just Vote!
Miss me last Sunday? I tried! It was beautiful. It was one of my best rants. I was ranting about the right to vote and the new voter suppression laws some states are passing. You know how it is with rants. I was logical, eloquent and absolutely right! I went on for close to 300 words and when I was spent the computer decided to glitch out. Oh no! I did the right thing I pressed "save" throughout my rant and went back to my blog with confidence. But as fate would have it, it was still gone. After yelling at my Charrier Rosie (good thing she doesn't speak English) in copious amounts of profanity about the virtues of using a computer, I calmed down and walked away from it all. I just reached back into the ancient philosophies of Asia, Native American mysticism and primitivisim and meditated my over active adrenaline back into it's Confucius state of mind. So.....To summarize(which of course doesn't do it justice) I want to leave you with two points about participating in our style of democracy: If you don't vote I believe you have no right to complain and remember when you do vote, we get what we deserve. I wish I could take credit for those thoughts but in the name of the new buzz word "transparency" my college freshman speech class instructor was the first time I heard those thoughts. Obviously she had a profound influence on those early years. For that I want to thank her.
I am going to watch the Republican National Convention this week as it is the greatest resource for late night comedians. I on the other hand will have to go to my nearest Target store and buy a lot amount of Nerf toys to through at my expensive Japanese made flat screen tv. It will be somewhat to watching a NASCAR race for the crashes. Listening to the speeches that no one listens to while delegates party on the floor, watching idea log pundits pontificate their partisan views about one person, policy or political outcome and have it interspersed with commercials for Viagra and feminine hygiene products. It should be great fun as I do my bit to participate in this process buy abusing inanimate objects in my house. Good thing there is a gap until the Democratic Convention so I can build up my strength to do it all over again!
One last thing. Rest in piece Neil Armstrong. It is a shame most people do not appreciate how much the space program has contributed to our daily lives and that he was our "Christopher Columbus" and we seem to have forgotten that we need to continue to explore the Universe as a necessity to our survival economically, scientifically and culturally. Going backwards to the 50's and beyond is not an option.
Until next time, have a good week. Remember, school has started, so, slow down and watch out for the little ones.
I am going to watch the Republican National Convention this week as it is the greatest resource for late night comedians. I on the other hand will have to go to my nearest Target store and buy a lot amount of Nerf toys to through at my expensive Japanese made flat screen tv. It will be somewhat to watching a NASCAR race for the crashes. Listening to the speeches that no one listens to while delegates party on the floor, watching idea log pundits pontificate their partisan views about one person, policy or political outcome and have it interspersed with commercials for Viagra and feminine hygiene products. It should be great fun as I do my bit to participate in this process buy abusing inanimate objects in my house. Good thing there is a gap until the Democratic Convention so I can build up my strength to do it all over again!
One last thing. Rest in piece Neil Armstrong. It is a shame most people do not appreciate how much the space program has contributed to our daily lives and that he was our "Christopher Columbus" and we seem to have forgotten that we need to continue to explore the Universe as a necessity to our survival economically, scientifically and culturally. Going backwards to the 50's and beyond is not an option.
Until next time, have a good week. Remember, school has started, so, slow down and watch out for the little ones.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
I'm angry and disappointed in my fellow Americans. Oh sure, there are those who I would normally be upset with. Those that carry signs "Get the Government out of my Medicare" or "God hates this or that" or the group of people who piclet funerals of fallen soldiers or victims of foul play that costs people their lives. No, I'm angry with a lot of other people h should know better. Let me start with what happened a few days ago.
I was browsing the internet via my facebook account and came upon a site that proposed to wish happy birthday to our President of the United States. Somthing simple, "Happy Birthday Mr. President" like Marilyn Monroe did to JFK. as I was going through the well wishers or what I thought would BE the well wishers I found the most vitrolic diatribes railing against Barak Obama as a person and certainly as th duely elected head of our nation.. And, I thought, how horrible for a man wh has a family with young children, a wife thea he is not afraid to smooch at a sports event or sing to in public, a human being with feelings, hopes and dreams, fears and trepidations, compassion and fearlessness, all those qualities that make us human. I thought, on the one day of the year that we all celebrate our birth, even those that don't like us at work sign that card that our colleagues who do put on the counter. They all wish us a good day, at least for that day anyway. But, no, not for some. Too many people took that opportunity to demonize the man, charge him with heinous crimes against society, question his patriotism and birth and faith. In the name of free speech I can see where there might be a place for that, but, not on his birthday card. Howwould they like it if on their birthday card people told them how terrible a person they were? Doesn't the right wing quote passages from the Judeao/Christian Bible that "Do unto others as you would have done unto you"? Would the like some of what they said on our President's Birthday card said about them?
Unfortunately made a comment sayinguch the same thing to the list of contributers. I also added tha even if you dissagreed with Obama and his policies he deserves ONE day that is free of critisism. One day out of the year that he can enjoy the messages of good will and celebrate his existance on this planet.
It is just to bad that so many of us fail in our ability to follow the teachings of those we profess to love and cherish; treating others like we would like to be treated, If you don't have anything nice to say about someone don't say it, loving thy neighbor, all those goals that everyone seems to say they want but fall far from getting.
So let me be one of the seemingly few that on the celebration of the day he entered this world, Happy Birthday Mr. President. I hope you have a great day because you deserve it.
I also want to congratulate all the athelets that are repesenting our nation during the Olympics in London on doing a terrific job. Whether you win gold or not I still think we are proud of all of you!
I was browsing the internet via my facebook account and came upon a site that proposed to wish happy birthday to our President of the United States. Somthing simple, "Happy Birthday Mr. President" like Marilyn Monroe did to JFK. as I was going through the well wishers or what I thought would BE the well wishers I found the most vitrolic diatribes railing against Barak Obama as a person and certainly as th duely elected head of our nation.. And, I thought, how horrible for a man wh has a family with young children, a wife thea he is not afraid to smooch at a sports event or sing to in public, a human being with feelings, hopes and dreams, fears and trepidations, compassion and fearlessness, all those qualities that make us human. I thought, on the one day of the year that we all celebrate our birth, even those that don't like us at work sign that card that our colleagues who do put on the counter. They all wish us a good day, at least for that day anyway. But, no, not for some. Too many people took that opportunity to demonize the man, charge him with heinous crimes against society, question his patriotism and birth and faith. In the name of free speech I can see where there might be a place for that, but, not on his birthday card. Howwould they like it if on their birthday card people told them how terrible a person they were? Doesn't the right wing quote passages from the Judeao/Christian Bible that "Do unto others as you would have done unto you"? Would the like some of what they said on our President's Birthday card said about them?
Unfortunately made a comment sayinguch the same thing to the list of contributers. I also added tha even if you dissagreed with Obama and his policies he deserves ONE day that is free of critisism. One day out of the year that he can enjoy the messages of good will and celebrate his existance on this planet.
It is just to bad that so many of us fail in our ability to follow the teachings of those we profess to love and cherish; treating others like we would like to be treated, If you don't have anything nice to say about someone don't say it, loving thy neighbor, all those goals that everyone seems to say they want but fall far from getting.
So let me be one of the seemingly few that on the celebration of the day he entered this world, Happy Birthday Mr. President. I hope you have a great day because you deserve it.
I also want to congratulate all the athelets that are repesenting our nation during the Olympics in London on doing a terrific job. Whether you win gold or not I still think we are proud of all of you!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
What Will I Do Now?
Sorry Blog Fans. got busy this morning and only got to this this evening. I am watching the closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympics and at this point enjoying the review of the highlights prior to seeing the replay of the closing. It all went too fast for me. I watched on my TV, Phone, my sons ipad and my wife's Nook. Listened on the radio and got continuous alerts as events finished and heats were completed. I heard interviews and special interest stories on the Today Show in the morning and suffered through spoiler alerts on the evening news. But, with all that I am sorry it's over. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the events unfold. Even Trampoline, Ribbon Gymnastics and Open Water Swimming had its exciting moments for me. The Olympics forced me to put "Call Me Maybe" on my ipod. Don't fret I will uncheck it after a few days, but, let it bring back those fun times watching Beach Volleyball and 100 meter fly and Dressage during these past 16 days for awhile.
Now, after the "games" are over what do I do? My hometown baseball team is fighting its' way to the cellar, reruns of Survivor Java doesn't interest me, CSI marathons have been so frequent that I have the dialog memorized for the last umpteen seasons as I watch the actors age from hairstyle to hairstyle, thin to heavy to thin again. Because I have polished my car so much the paint is rubbing off and even my cats and dog are tired of having me around. Target and Starbucks" entire staff greet me by my first name due to the frequency of my patronage. I've got 3 books started all at the same time, which is very confusing by the way, and the phrase "What are we going to have for dinner?" has been a phrase that neither my wife nor I want to explore even though it takes about a half hour to decide. McDonalds or jack in the Box, Rubios or Pick Up Stix, Corner Backery or Red Robin? All good places to eat, but even cooking at home, chicken or fish, turkey or, or, or. Chick-fil-la is a definite no and Ruth Chris as well.
With 8 days left of my vacation and work starting on August 20th I think I know what I will fill my time with. Anxiety, fret, planning, teaching, exhilaration, the madness of pushing teenagers to live up to their potential. To extolling the virtues of participating in the Arts and specifically Music on how it makes us human, increases our intelligence and keeps us engaged in our culture, the cultures of others and the history of the past while experimenting in the future. I will be filling my time thinking of ways to get teenagers to be creative, think outside "the Box" and be responsible citizens of our society. I will impress upon children to think of others and be compassionate hard working individuals and believe in themselves and their peers. I think that's some of what I will be doing and I think my wife will be glad just to get me out of the house.
And I was worried.
Now, after the "games" are over what do I do? My hometown baseball team is fighting its' way to the cellar, reruns of Survivor Java doesn't interest me, CSI marathons have been so frequent that I have the dialog memorized for the last umpteen seasons as I watch the actors age from hairstyle to hairstyle, thin to heavy to thin again. Because I have polished my car so much the paint is rubbing off and even my cats and dog are tired of having me around. Target and Starbucks" entire staff greet me by my first name due to the frequency of my patronage. I've got 3 books started all at the same time, which is very confusing by the way, and the phrase "What are we going to have for dinner?" has been a phrase that neither my wife nor I want to explore even though it takes about a half hour to decide. McDonalds or jack in the Box, Rubios or Pick Up Stix, Corner Backery or Red Robin? All good places to eat, but even cooking at home, chicken or fish, turkey or, or, or. Chick-fil-la is a definite no and Ruth Chris as well.
With 8 days left of my vacation and work starting on August 20th I think I know what I will fill my time with. Anxiety, fret, planning, teaching, exhilaration, the madness of pushing teenagers to live up to their potential. To extolling the virtues of participating in the Arts and specifically Music on how it makes us human, increases our intelligence and keeps us engaged in our culture, the cultures of others and the history of the past while experimenting in the future. I will be filling my time thinking of ways to get teenagers to be creative, think outside "the Box" and be responsible citizens of our society. I will impress upon children to think of others and be compassionate hard working individuals and believe in themselves and their peers. I think that's some of what I will be doing and I think my wife will be glad just to get me out of the house.
And I was worried.
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