Recall?

I'm just a bit confused. I read in the newspaper that recall efforts against the governor and his legislative allies are "moving forward." I don't understand. These recallers, who do they want to replace the current folks--the same boobs who drove the state to the brink of bankruptcy (some might argue into bankruptcy)? It seems more than a bit looney to me.

Interesting set of letters to the editors this weekend. I think a good number of them were from teachers. How did I guess that? Well, each of the letters included a few clues, how "dedicated" teachers are, how "hard" they work, that they "deserve" their pay, etc. I guess they don't figure that everyone thinks he or she is a "dedicated" worker, one who works "hard," and "deserves" his/her pay. I suppose a logical next question is, if teachers are all so "dedicated," "hard-working," etc., why are students more poorly educated than ever? In the state of Michigan, fewer than 15% are ready for college by the time they graduate. Hmmm.... No doubt there are many external factors affecting the poor product education produces (and I could list a number of them, but that's fodder for another rant), but alternative answers to my above question are not very flattering to teachers.

Hey, I was finally told by another teacher that he/she doesn't identify him/herself in public as a teacher, not wanting to be lumped in with the lot of them. It's our own fault.... No doubt, there are a number of good, even great, teachers out there. But there are far too many who aren't even mediocre. C'mon, how can someone who can't write or doesn't know history teach writing or history?

OK, enough bashing. Here are some compliments for teachers, specifically, my teachers. At my college reunion, it was brought up by me and seconded by others, that I always refer to my Amherst professors as "Professor Romer" or "Professor Starr." One classmate said he remains, after all these years, "in awe of their intelligence and abilities" to teach. Yep... I was very fortunate to meet and talk to both of the above professors, with lengthy and meaningful chats. They haven't lost it!!!!! By the way, Prof Romer has branched out and displayed the breadth of his knowledge and abilities. My physics professor has written a history book, one on slavery in Western Massachusetts. Wow! So far, it's pretty darn good. At the reunion, a number of us shared good stories about a number of our teachers.

Speaking of Amherst, the campus was beautiful. Memorial Hill remains my favorite place--any-where and everywhere. I can sit up there and stare at the Holyoke Range for what seems like forever. It was also great to "room" with a couple of my past roommates--what great guys! And we all enjoyed a 3-hour breakfast in Springfield with a bunch of other friends/teammates on Sat AM. I am a lucky man!!!!!

Bopper hit his first home run last week--the first of his life! And, little league or not, it was a pretty legitimate homer. It didn't go over any fence, but he did lace it down the right field line past the right fielder. He was held for an instant at 3rd by the coach, who then saw the throw wasn't going to get in to the plate on time, and kept Bopper going. He scored standing up with no play even close to being made. How cool!

I attended a charity event yesterday in Dearborn for children with serious illnesses, diseases, and other afflictions. It was very moving and inspiring. Beth Voyles, a nurse at Children's Hospital, organized it and said there were a lot of volunteers. Included were the folks at The Henry Hotel (formal the Ritz Carlton) who donated the room. There was a lot of "kid food," such as hot dogs, pizza, and tacos along with fruit and cupcakes. Superheroes the Hulk (quite a dancer!), Wonder Woman, Batman, and Spiderman were there, too, bringing smiles to kids' faces. Several princesses, including Cinderella and Snow White, brought a smile to my fact, too! Wow! I "met" a couple of the little ones and it is heart-breaking to see them in such condition, but very inspiring to see them fighting and wonderful to see them have such a good time. Again, how cool!

OK, out to get ready for a thrilling lecture (I'm sure) on the Bill of Rights.