OK, the so-called "moderate" or "mainstream" Muslims complain about discrimination, about poor attitudes toward them and their religion, Islam. Well, this latest suicide (more aptly described as homocide) bombing is a good excuse to explain why there are such hostile feelings against Islam.
(BTW, I have studied Islam and find it to be a legitimate religion, one worthy of inclusion. The problems are that Islam has been coopted by the fantics and that the so-called "moderate" or "mainstream" Muslims do nothing about it.)
Unless the American media is lying (and who would think so, after the apologies they make for the terrorists, as if the USA is responsible for the terrorist activities, merely reactions to US tyranny?), the latest bombings came as two adults with Downs Syndrome were strapped with bombs that were then detonated by remote control. If that is true.... Can you believe that?!?!?! Sure we can. Look what the Taliban did in that former soccer stadium.
Now, where are the Muslim protests about this, this inhumane action, beneath that of human beings, despicable beyond belief? After all, protesting is so very easy--against cartoons depicting the messenger, Muhammad; against "Tickle Me Muhammad" and the light sentence the teacher received (only 16 days in a filthy Sudanese jail), etc. Where are the protests? Or, does Islam condone this sort of behavior, using Downs Syndrome adults as bomb carriers?
The last whine job, by some prominent Detroit-area Muslim, was met with a number of letters-to-the-editor in the Free Press (yes, I had a lengthy one that was printed). They all explained pretty clearly why Muslims were "discriminated against," at least in the whiner's mind. So, after the explanations, where is this guy, this whiner? Why isn't he trying to take back his religion? Where are his outbursts against, not discriminators, but inhuman trash who perpetrate such bombings?
And Obama wants to sit down and talk with these people! Can you say "Chamberlain?"
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Shame?
Apparently there is no shame any longer....
The mayor of Detroit, amid all these shenanigans, has the temerity to speak to his constituents from a church--from a church! Then, his wife comes on to ask for support for Hizzoner--his wife!
And, yet again, I read in the Free Press, "The Morning Friendly," a family newspaper, curse words. I wrote to the reporter who used the direct quote, but harbor no illusions that anything will come of it. The past half dozen or more such protests met with no responses and, obviously, no change of policy. I said, yet again, that my rule might well be that I would write nothing, not even a direct quotation, in my column/story that I wouldn't say in front of my young children (or grandchildren) or my mother and father.
Apparently, in my older age, I have become a Victorian prude! Yet, look at all of the difficulties we are having socially in our culture. No, I'm not a member of the Christian right. But I think that there are standards of decency that shouldn't be "dumbed down."
Just one man's lonely opinion.
The mayor of Detroit, amid all these shenanigans, has the temerity to speak to his constituents from a church--from a church! Then, his wife comes on to ask for support for Hizzoner--his wife!
And, yet again, I read in the Free Press, "The Morning Friendly," a family newspaper, curse words. I wrote to the reporter who used the direct quote, but harbor no illusions that anything will come of it. The past half dozen or more such protests met with no responses and, obviously, no change of policy. I said, yet again, that my rule might well be that I would write nothing, not even a direct quotation, in my column/story that I wouldn't say in front of my young children (or grandchildren) or my mother and father.
Apparently, in my older age, I have become a Victorian prude! Yet, look at all of the difficulties we are having socially in our culture. No, I'm not a member of the Christian right. But I think that there are standards of decency that shouldn't be "dumbed down."
Just one man's lonely opinion.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Hugging/Kissing
OK, there is one (well more than one!) aspect of Christmas that seems to get me going more than other times. Maybe it's because it's more prevalent, open this time of the year.
Why do so many people hug and kiss each other? No, more specifically, why do they assume others want to be hugged and/or kissed?
I suppose they think it's their way of showing affection, that they care. But, if they really "cared," wouldn't they ask the others first?
I am very uncomfortable hugging others. Does that mean I don't care, am not affectionate, etc.? I especially don't like hugs and kisses from casual acquaintances, people I don't really know. Again, maybe they are showing that they think they are more important in my life than I realize or acknowledge. I don't know.
I am especially miffed when I see some hugging and kissing others, because it's trendy I guess, when those some never did it before it became trendy. And, it is more irksome when the hugging and kissing is for others who certainly are not part of their intimate lives.
Hugging and kissing has become so trite that it has become meaningless, except to show how trendy one is, how much one cares. And, I suppose, that is what American life has become, showing how much we care, not really caring.
Just one man's lonely opinion.
Why do so many people hug and kiss each other? No, more specifically, why do they assume others want to be hugged and/or kissed?
I suppose they think it's their way of showing affection, that they care. But, if they really "cared," wouldn't they ask the others first?
I am very uncomfortable hugging others. Does that mean I don't care, am not affectionate, etc.? I especially don't like hugs and kisses from casual acquaintances, people I don't really know. Again, maybe they are showing that they think they are more important in my life than I realize or acknowledge. I don't know.
I am especially miffed when I see some hugging and kissing others, because it's trendy I guess, when those some never did it before it became trendy. And, it is more irksome when the hugging and kissing is for others who certainly are not part of their intimate lives.
Hugging and kissing has become so trite that it has become meaningless, except to show how trendy one is, how much one cares. And, I suppose, that is what American life has become, showing how much we care, not really caring.
Just one man's lonely opinion.
The Season
The snowfall, 8-9" last weekend, has made this a very beautiful scene this week. It's fitting for the season. Now, if only the rain can hold off this weekend!!!!
Take some time to thank those who have helped you, who have influenced your life. This might be old teachers/professors, coaches, neighbors who have moved, etc. Take a few minutes to look them up and send them an e-mail or short snail mail note or card.
Remember the less fortunate this season, too. It doesn't hurt to forgo a few presents and make some contributions to children's charities, needy families, homeless shelters, whatever you think needs a hand.
You don't have to be religious to make this a special time.
Take some time to thank those who have helped you, who have influenced your life. This might be old teachers/professors, coaches, neighbors who have moved, etc. Take a few minutes to look them up and send them an e-mail or short snail mail note or card.
Remember the less fortunate this season, too. It doesn't hurt to forgo a few presents and make some contributions to children's charities, needy families, homeless shelters, whatever you think needs a hand.
You don't have to be religious to make this a special time.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Schools, Redux
A couple of good things in the newspapers today and, as usual, some very misguiding stuff. First, the good....
One letter-to-the-editor suggested giving the new state tests to teachers and administrators. If they don't pass, let them retry. If they still fail, get rid of them. Amen! It's about time someone recognized that many of these people belong nowhere near classrooms. And, it will be just desserts for them, too. These were the same cowards (I'm giving them some credit, however just or unjust, for not being stupid in thinking the MEAPs were good things) who refused to stand up for what was best for education. Serves them right now to pay a price for messing up education even more.
Second, Thomas Sowell suggested the "unsayable." He wrote "too many students go to college." Again, Amen! He gives good reasons. Yet our governor and school administrators proceed with "Everybody goes to college!" Sowell suggests those who have this idea "aren't thinking." Well, no kidding. He cites lack of discipline, lack of preparedness, lack of interest among students. He talks about how classes have been diluted for the serious students. He doesn't mention grade inflation, for both the students and the nonstudents. I see it every day I grade papers or try to hold a seminar.
It's too bad that not enough people care to take these stories to heart. They still think those who run the schools actually know what real education is about.
The Free Press is one of them. It suggests cutting state aid for failing school districts is a bad idea, that they are the ones who need it. The Freep, despite my constant reminders, seems to think money spent on education is "for the kids." I did ask the editor to have reporters look into the salaries of school superintendents and other administrators that are higher than the governor's (although she doesn't deserve it) and the Vice President's (neither does this particular one). I asked how the editors of the FP could justify more money for a school district that compensated its superintendent with a package costing more than $500,000 annually--yes, sports fans, more than half a mill a year. No answer, as I expected.
Also, the other day, it was revealed, but not by our vigilant tribunes, the media (newspapers and television/radio), that state test scores are actually lower than they appear, that more students actually failed the tests or failed to me the lowest expectations because the bar was lowered. So, students actually did worse than their scores indicate. How typically dishonest, lacking in integrity for the schools to do this!
Perhaps many don't believe me. All I ask is not to take any administrator's word (nor that of most teachers), but to investigate. Maybe you will decide I'm wrong--that's what American is all about, differences of opinion. But, I don't think an honest investigation will show that.
One letter-to-the-editor suggested giving the new state tests to teachers and administrators. If they don't pass, let them retry. If they still fail, get rid of them. Amen! It's about time someone recognized that many of these people belong nowhere near classrooms. And, it will be just desserts for them, too. These were the same cowards (I'm giving them some credit, however just or unjust, for not being stupid in thinking the MEAPs were good things) who refused to stand up for what was best for education. Serves them right now to pay a price for messing up education even more.
Second, Thomas Sowell suggested the "unsayable." He wrote "too many students go to college." Again, Amen! He gives good reasons. Yet our governor and school administrators proceed with "Everybody goes to college!" Sowell suggests those who have this idea "aren't thinking." Well, no kidding. He cites lack of discipline, lack of preparedness, lack of interest among students. He talks about how classes have been diluted for the serious students. He doesn't mention grade inflation, for both the students and the nonstudents. I see it every day I grade papers or try to hold a seminar.
It's too bad that not enough people care to take these stories to heart. They still think those who run the schools actually know what real education is about.
The Free Press is one of them. It suggests cutting state aid for failing school districts is a bad idea, that they are the ones who need it. The Freep, despite my constant reminders, seems to think money spent on education is "for the kids." I did ask the editor to have reporters look into the salaries of school superintendents and other administrators that are higher than the governor's (although she doesn't deserve it) and the Vice President's (neither does this particular one). I asked how the editors of the FP could justify more money for a school district that compensated its superintendent with a package costing more than $500,000 annually--yes, sports fans, more than half a mill a year. No answer, as I expected.
Also, the other day, it was revealed, but not by our vigilant tribunes, the media (newspapers and television/radio), that state test scores are actually lower than they appear, that more students actually failed the tests or failed to me the lowest expectations because the bar was lowered. So, students actually did worse than their scores indicate. How typically dishonest, lacking in integrity for the schools to do this!
Perhaps many don't believe me. All I ask is not to take any administrator's word (nor that of most teachers), but to investigate. Maybe you will decide I'm wrong--that's what American is all about, differences of opinion. But, I don't think an honest investigation will show that.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
OK, I'm Getting A Headache!
When will we learn? Obviously, I know the answer: NEVER! or at least until it is too late. I was reminded of it when teaching about Neville Chamberlain and the Munich Agreement this AM.
The Muslim crowds are rioting demanding the British teacher be punished (executed?) for calling a Teddy Bear "Muhammad." She could have had public lashings, but "leniency" left her with only 15 days. Yeah, only 15 days. And the mobs demonstrated for greater punishment. Punishment for "Tickle Me Muhammad!?!?"
And then I read of a Saudi woman, gang-raped, who received 200 lashes for it. The Saudi government said it was "an outrage!" Not that she was gang-raped; not that she, the one who was raped, received 200 lashes. The "outrage" was the international (read "Western," since nobody else in the world believes in human rights--that's how Libya--Qaddify?--is on the UN Human Rights Commission) objections to the punishment of the victim.
Toss in the people still giving their business to La Shish and...
...Yep, I'm getting a headache.
The Muslim crowds are rioting demanding the British teacher be punished (executed?) for calling a Teddy Bear "Muhammad." She could have had public lashings, but "leniency" left her with only 15 days. Yeah, only 15 days. And the mobs demonstrated for greater punishment. Punishment for "Tickle Me Muhammad!?!?"
And then I read of a Saudi woman, gang-raped, who received 200 lashes for it. The Saudi government said it was "an outrage!" Not that she was gang-raped; not that she, the one who was raped, received 200 lashes. The "outrage" was the international (read "Western," since nobody else in the world believes in human rights--that's how Libya--Qaddify?--is on the UN Human Rights Commission) objections to the punishment of the victim.
Toss in the people still giving their business to La Shish and...
...Yep, I'm getting a headache.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Technology
Two interesting things that seem to bolster my views on technology occurred yesterday. Now, before starting, I love my computer, the Internet, etc., but....
Why is it that those outside of education think that technology in education is "progress?" Of course, administrators tout technology, any technology, in schools, as improvements. It certainly isn't and I can provide many instances/examples. Finally, in yesterday's newspaper, a letter-to-the-editor writer expressed such a sentiment, not in so many words. Mention the word "technology" to school personnel and immediately it's "no thinking required," adopt it. That it doesn't work, duplicates effort, actually wastes time, and/or is not at all conducive to quality education/learning/results is rarely considered. Yet more evidence that those who make the decisions in education are those who shouldn't be allowed to make them.
I had an interesting conversation last evening with a guy who echoed those remarks, not in the field of education, but they translate nicely to it. It's as if technology has brainwashed the decision-makers. They rush to buy technology, which often isn't in the best interests of learning, then are stuck with it because to admit failure would, one, admit their own mistakes and, two, admit they wasted yet more money. Remember, it is always, always "for the kids." This guy's stories in another line of business reinforce the errors with technology in the schools.
And, of course, who is going to listen to anyone who says we have too much technology in the schools? That it is wasteful, both in terms of learning and finances? That it is, contrary to what seems to be obvious, but really isn't, not "progress?"
Just one man's lonely opinions.....
Why is it that those outside of education think that technology in education is "progress?" Of course, administrators tout technology, any technology, in schools, as improvements. It certainly isn't and I can provide many instances/examples. Finally, in yesterday's newspaper, a letter-to-the-editor writer expressed such a sentiment, not in so many words. Mention the word "technology" to school personnel and immediately it's "no thinking required," adopt it. That it doesn't work, duplicates effort, actually wastes time, and/or is not at all conducive to quality education/learning/results is rarely considered. Yet more evidence that those who make the decisions in education are those who shouldn't be allowed to make them.
I had an interesting conversation last evening with a guy who echoed those remarks, not in the field of education, but they translate nicely to it. It's as if technology has brainwashed the decision-makers. They rush to buy technology, which often isn't in the best interests of learning, then are stuck with it because to admit failure would, one, admit their own mistakes and, two, admit they wasted yet more money. Remember, it is always, always "for the kids." This guy's stories in another line of business reinforce the errors with technology in the schools.
And, of course, who is going to listen to anyone who says we have too much technology in the schools? That it is wasteful, both in terms of learning and finances? That it is, contrary to what seems to be obvious, but really isn't, not "progress?"
Just one man's lonely opinions.....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
