Free Tibet
About the Author
Recent protests and crackdowns have put the Tibet issue firmly into the eyes of the international media. Tibet supporters across the world have united in their call for an end to Chinese government oppression. This is a group for those who wish to support Tibet and take action to end China's brutal regime there.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/08/us/08vets.html?th&emc=th
The New York Times restarted their War Torn series, and I am glad they are. So much of life after a soldier's return is never told, and the New York Times is bold and courageous to tell it, especially now.
I know with my previous posts, I have been reiterating the need for universal health care for our troops and that the government should recognize that just because a soldier is home doesn't mean they shouldn't be forgotten. And, I still believe that.
I think the government should have a Welcome Back program to help our troops and their families that will help the families during the soldier's tour of duty economically and psychologically as well as after when the soldier comes home. For the soldier, this program would offer the best of care upon her/his return from their tour of duty, complete with physical and psychological care.
I believe our current system of handling veterans is disgraceful to our troops and negligent to their families. The system is so bad in that regard, it just ends up being the bottle or the bullet for our brave women and men who sacrifice so much so we can continue practicing democracy as we please right now. The bottle connotates alcohol, which the article is about, but it can also mean the painkillers that a soldier can become addicted to and can't get better treatment because her/his health care plan doesn't cover it, even though she/he is currently without a limb. It could also mean other psychiatric medications that the soldier could need along with psychological treatment that she/he cannot get because her/his health care plan doesn't cover it or only covers it to the least extent. One thing I would like to change is the perception that just because we throw a paper-taper parade when a soldier returns, doesn't mean we should be done with that soldier yet in reaping praise for the soldier. It is that perception that is hurting our troops, even now more than ever.
Of course, the other alternative given our current system regarding our troops and their return is the bullet. The series of articles I have been posting dealt with veterans committing violent crimes because no one would help them, isn't it time they were helped? Also, there is the "option" of going to Iraq or Afghanistan and just dying there. I mean no ill will by pointing out this reality that has become more probable than just "possible."
America needs a Welcome Back program for our troops and their families so this continual Bottle vs. Bullet thing ends. I'm hoping that if by chance someone from the Obama campaign reads this, or even the office staff of good Democrats who speak out for the health care of our troops will read this. If anyone does, please contact me, I would love to help out in achieving what needs to be achieved.
The New York Times restarted their War Torn series, and I am glad they are. So much of life after a soldier's return is never told, and the New York Times is bold and courageous to tell it, especially now.
I know with my previous posts, I have been reiterating the need for universal health care for our troops and that the government should recognize that just because a soldier is home doesn't mean they shouldn't be forgotten. And, I still believe that.
I think the government should have a Welcome Back program to help our troops and their families that will help the families during the soldier's tour of duty economically and psychologically as well as after when the soldier comes home. For the soldier, this program would offer the best of care upon her/his return from their tour of duty, complete with physical and psychological care.
I believe our current system of handling veterans is disgraceful to our troops and negligent to their families. The system is so bad in that regard, it just ends up being the bottle or the bullet for our brave women and men who sacrifice so much so we can continue practicing democracy as we please right now. The bottle connotates alcohol, which the article is about, but it can also mean the painkillers that a soldier can become addicted to and can't get better treatment because her/his health care plan doesn't cover it, even though she/he is currently without a limb. It could also mean other psychiatric medications that the soldier could need along with psychological treatment that she/he cannot get because her/his health care plan doesn't cover it or only covers it to the least extent. One thing I would like to change is the perception that just because we throw a paper-taper parade when a soldier returns, doesn't mean we should be done with that soldier yet in reaping praise for the soldier. It is that perception that is hurting our troops, even now more than ever.
Of course, the other alternative given our current system regarding our troops and their return is the bullet. The series of articles I have been posting dealt with veterans committing violent crimes because no one would help them, isn't it time they were helped? Also, there is the "option" of going to Iraq or Afghanistan and just dying there. I mean no ill will by pointing out this reality that has become more probable than just "possible."
America needs a Welcome Back program for our troops and their families so this continual Bottle vs. Bullet thing ends. I'm hoping that if by chance someone from the Obama campaign reads this, or even the office staff of good Democrats who speak out for the health care of our troops will read this. If anyone does, please contact me, I would love to help out in achieving what needs to be achieved.
We are the democrats, this is what and who we are.
Democrats are mutli-taskers, who can balance the budget, and create effective social programs that are productive for the economy, it does not have to be one or the other. The Clintons have already proved that. Creativity works.
Democrats are the great communicators, who are willing to knock heads and work together to find a common denominator for the greater good.
Democrats are the compassionate ones, willing to help the needy and share their time, energy and assets with those who are less fortunate and help them become self-empowered.
Democrats are the conscientious ones, who conserve the earth, the environment, and wildlife.
Democrats value education for all, knowing that a separatist society of haves and have nots, will only bring us down as a culture.
Democrats celebrate the arts and sciences and are thoughtful and considerate to what innovations the future holds.
Democrats are for strengthening the nation as a whole, and not just an elite few.
Democrats are the caring ones, those who are in favor of quality healthcare for the needy and under privileged.
Democrats have creativity at their dispense and use it to avoid needless war and bloodshed for profit.
Democrats are not consumed by greed, personal gain and ambition, they want things to better as a whole, not just for themselves.
Yes.
Democrats are the compassionate, creative, communicators working toward social evolution, all the things that seem to scare republicans.
Wouldn't you like to be one too?
Join us !
Democrats are mutli-taskers, who can balance the budget, and create effective social programs that are productive for the economy, it does not have to be one or the other. The Clintons have already proved that. Creativity works.
Democrats are the great communicators, who are willing to knock heads and work together to find a common denominator for the greater good.
Democrats are the compassionate ones, willing to help the needy and share their time, energy and assets with those who are less fortunate and help them become self-empowered.
Democrats are the conscientious ones, who conserve the earth, the environment, and wildlife.
Democrats value education for all, knowing that a separatist society of haves and have nots, will only bring us down as a culture.
Democrats celebrate the arts and sciences and are thoughtful and considerate to what innovations the future holds.
Democrats are for strengthening the nation as a whole, and not just an elite few.
Democrats are the caring ones, those who are in favor of quality healthcare for the needy and under privileged.
Democrats have creativity at their dispense and use it to avoid needless war and bloodshed for profit.
Democrats are not consumed by greed, personal gain and ambition, they want things to better as a whole, not just for themselves.
Yes.
Democrats are the compassionate, creative, communicators working toward social evolution, all the things that seem to scare republicans.
Wouldn't you like to be one too?
Join us !
Americans are celebrating Independence Day today at home and abroad, It is a day to celebrate the Independence America won from England, much the same as India celebrates next month on the fifteenth. Yet for me Independence Day is not July 4th, it is January fifteenth for that is the day George Bush, Dick Cheney and all of their lap dogs leave office. Eight years of Hell my country and the world has suffered from these con artists, liars, arrogant and self indulgent distortions of leadership.
Read More »
Read More »I would get mad, call friends names, loved ones too, and sometimes people who weren't friends or loved ones, even worse names.
Here were some of my favorites.
Nim Rod
Twit
Numbskull
Bonehead
Dweeb
Zorch
Dufus
Dingleberry
Idiot
Moron
Schitzoid
Zombolina
Dractus
Dimbulb
Barnacle
Numbnut
Leech
Creepizoid
umm.... it's been a pretty long time since I have called anyone anything, decades... perhaps I missed a few.
LOL
Here were some of my favorites.
Nim Rod
Twit
Numbskull
Bonehead
Dweeb
Zorch
Dufus
Dingleberry
Idiot
Moron
Schitzoid
Zombolina
Dractus
Dimbulb
Barnacle
Numbnut
Leech
Creepizoid
umm.... it's been a pretty long time since I have called anyone anything, decades... perhaps I missed a few.
LOL
I will be very busy tomorrow, which is why I am writing this tonight, the eve of the 4th of July.
As we celebrate the 4th of July, what with our bbqs, hot dogs, hamburgers, flag cakes, and fireworks, it is time we reflect on the 232nd anniversary of our nation's birth.
We have spent the past 232 years trying to live up to our goals and ideals outlined in our Declaration Of Independence and in our Constitution. Yes, time will bring about change, which our foremothers and forefathers predicted and our Constitution has changed to the times in which they lived. But, we live in a time where the average American doesn't know the Constitution from their own, where we let the leader of the free world distract us with celebrity addictions and war while gradually taking away our freedoms one by one. The freedoms we never got from Great Britain. Is it time now to say " give me liberty or give me death!?" And that is just the frosting on the layer cake of our nation's problems.
We are dependent on so many of other countries resources that we are barely independent as an economic power anymore. We are dependent on a biased media that seeks to quell those brave and courageous enough to challenge the status quo to call them on it and actually be a journalist. There is a reason why independent press is silenced and not taken seriously in this country. We are dependent on technology to get things done for us so we can sit back with our iPods and DVD players rather than make simple natural human contact. We are dependent on the people we elect to do what we ask them, even though those we easily elect are easily bought by corporations who are dependent on the elect dumping their constituency for the sake of big business and the corporation's demands.
Well, no more.
I am an American citizen who believes the Constitution should be followed judiciously as if our forefathers and foremothers would have wanted it followed. I believe that I have the right to say whatever I want to say without restriction, to believe in whatever metaphysical higher being I may or may not believe in as religious choice and that the government should have no say in regards to that freedom, to assemble with and associate with whomever I please, to have the right to a fair trial if put on court, and to bare arms( so long as they are safety locked and I know I am psychologically healthy enough to own a gun). I know I am forgetting a couple of the Bill Of Rights, but you get my picture. I believe that we have three branches in this democracy and that each branch should check and balance each other always, no matter who leads.
Because I believe in these freedoms, I officially declare my independence from foreign and domestic oil companies who do nothing but pollute the air I breathe and hurt my economy with high prices for my modes of transportation. In doing so, I will do my own thing and will only buy and drive a car that is completely environmentally friendly. I officially declare my independence from mainstream news media sources, and only get my news from newspapers and independent, unbiased press. I officially declare my independence from technology as an addiction, as today's technology is, and will conserve my resources respectively, use the computer and it's makings as tools only and that every time I no longer am in use of it, to put it in a mode that will not emit dangerous gases into my atmosphere. I declare my independence from dependency that just because I voted for someone, they will get it done mentality and actually take part in the doing so so that it DOES get done. I can only hope that the people I elect with declare their own independence from corporations that seek to dismiss the constituent.
I believe a change is coming. A positive change, something that will better our country and our world, but, I will no longer wait for this change to happen nor depend on others for that change to happen while I lay back and do nothing. I am going to take part in it as much as I can to make this positive change happen.
Happy Fourth Of July!
As we celebrate the 4th of July, what with our bbqs, hot dogs, hamburgers, flag cakes, and fireworks, it is time we reflect on the 232nd anniversary of our nation's birth.
We have spent the past 232 years trying to live up to our goals and ideals outlined in our Declaration Of Independence and in our Constitution. Yes, time will bring about change, which our foremothers and forefathers predicted and our Constitution has changed to the times in which they lived. But, we live in a time where the average American doesn't know the Constitution from their own, where we let the leader of the free world distract us with celebrity addictions and war while gradually taking away our freedoms one by one. The freedoms we never got from Great Britain. Is it time now to say " give me liberty or give me death!?" And that is just the frosting on the layer cake of our nation's problems.
We are dependent on so many of other countries resources that we are barely independent as an economic power anymore. We are dependent on a biased media that seeks to quell those brave and courageous enough to challenge the status quo to call them on it and actually be a journalist. There is a reason why independent press is silenced and not taken seriously in this country. We are dependent on technology to get things done for us so we can sit back with our iPods and DVD players rather than make simple natural human contact. We are dependent on the people we elect to do what we ask them, even though those we easily elect are easily bought by corporations who are dependent on the elect dumping their constituency for the sake of big business and the corporation's demands.
Well, no more.
I am an American citizen who believes the Constitution should be followed judiciously as if our forefathers and foremothers would have wanted it followed. I believe that I have the right to say whatever I want to say without restriction, to believe in whatever metaphysical higher being I may or may not believe in as religious choice and that the government should have no say in regards to that freedom, to assemble with and associate with whomever I please, to have the right to a fair trial if put on court, and to bare arms( so long as they are safety locked and I know I am psychologically healthy enough to own a gun). I know I am forgetting a couple of the Bill Of Rights, but you get my picture. I believe that we have three branches in this democracy and that each branch should check and balance each other always, no matter who leads.
Because I believe in these freedoms, I officially declare my independence from foreign and domestic oil companies who do nothing but pollute the air I breathe and hurt my economy with high prices for my modes of transportation. In doing so, I will do my own thing and will only buy and drive a car that is completely environmentally friendly. I officially declare my independence from mainstream news media sources, and only get my news from newspapers and independent, unbiased press. I officially declare my independence from technology as an addiction, as today's technology is, and will conserve my resources respectively, use the computer and it's makings as tools only and that every time I no longer am in use of it, to put it in a mode that will not emit dangerous gases into my atmosphere. I declare my independence from dependency that just because I voted for someone, they will get it done mentality and actually take part in the doing so so that it DOES get done. I can only hope that the people I elect with declare their own independence from corporations that seek to dismiss the constituent.
I believe a change is coming. A positive change, something that will better our country and our world, but, I will no longer wait for this change to happen nor depend on others for that change to happen while I lay back and do nothing. I am going to take part in it as much as I can to make this positive change happen.
Happy Fourth Of July!
Okay, everybody I need your help. I am going to formally write an online petition regarding gas prices and developing alternative fuels, and I plan to email and follow up by calling up key Democratic leaders, but in order to do so I need your help on a couple things.
I can do a good sum of considerable research, but I would like to make the facts appear as objective as possible regarding gas prices from the 13 colonies across America to the West Coast. Gas is in between $3.50 - $4.00 around where I live, but I don't know where or not that is the average price for Ohio or not. How much does gas cost where you live?
Also, I would like to hear how rising gas prices have affected your daily lives. For me, growing up with rising gas prices prevented me from learning how to drive because I didn't want to pay for gas or pollute the environment any longer. Also, because of gas being $4.00, I have been socializing less, and I need to socialize as every human being needs to do for the sake of our health. That is just one example. How has rising gas prices impacted your daily lives?
Also, another plan I have on research on my part is to investigate the state of alternative fuel development in this country compared to other countries where alternative fuels are prominent in the country's bloodline. But, any objective facts given to me as well as their sources( same thing goes for gas prices regarding sources) would be greatly appreciated.
One more thing, I plan on contacting and communicating with a few members of Congress that I know can help, but again, any suggestions you can give me to help us in the long run would be greatly appreciated.
The goal I have in mind is to actually get something done regarding lowering gas prices and strongly developing alternative fuels. I am very well aware that the oil companies will try to provide roadblocks for this effort to happen strongly and successfully. But, it will be worth the effort if enough people sign on and sign the eventual petition.
I know that gas companies as slick as an oil spill run off on a seal when it comes to any progress in the area of developing alternative fuel so they could keep us oil-addicted dependents. Well, the gas prices are too high and we as citizens of this great country can no longer take it anymore, but, WE CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT, it's the American way.
I also know that Bush thinks we can lower gas prices by un-banning offshore oil drilling. Anyone with a brain can see that that will make matters worse since we have a heavy export market regarding oil from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and other areas of the Middle East, gas can only increase because the more oil, the more price influx. Our offshore oil drilling will only make the Middle East providers more competitive in their efforts. And we all know Bush would rather give in to the oil companies than give in to his own constituency, so that's another failed plan to go on the Bush legacy list.
All in all, I would really appreciate your help on the matter because I think if we get enough people, we can lower gas prices and begin our strong development of alternative fuels.
I can do a good sum of considerable research, but I would like to make the facts appear as objective as possible regarding gas prices from the 13 colonies across America to the West Coast. Gas is in between $3.50 - $4.00 around where I live, but I don't know where or not that is the average price for Ohio or not. How much does gas cost where you live?
Also, I would like to hear how rising gas prices have affected your daily lives. For me, growing up with rising gas prices prevented me from learning how to drive because I didn't want to pay for gas or pollute the environment any longer. Also, because of gas being $4.00, I have been socializing less, and I need to socialize as every human being needs to do for the sake of our health. That is just one example. How has rising gas prices impacted your daily lives?
Also, another plan I have on research on my part is to investigate the state of alternative fuel development in this country compared to other countries where alternative fuels are prominent in the country's bloodline. But, any objective facts given to me as well as their sources( same thing goes for gas prices regarding sources) would be greatly appreciated.
One more thing, I plan on contacting and communicating with a few members of Congress that I know can help, but again, any suggestions you can give me to help us in the long run would be greatly appreciated.
The goal I have in mind is to actually get something done regarding lowering gas prices and strongly developing alternative fuels. I am very well aware that the oil companies will try to provide roadblocks for this effort to happen strongly and successfully. But, it will be worth the effort if enough people sign on and sign the eventual petition.
I know that gas companies as slick as an oil spill run off on a seal when it comes to any progress in the area of developing alternative fuel so they could keep us oil-addicted dependents. Well, the gas prices are too high and we as citizens of this great country can no longer take it anymore, but, WE CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT, it's the American way.
I also know that Bush thinks we can lower gas prices by un-banning offshore oil drilling. Anyone with a brain can see that that will make matters worse since we have a heavy export market regarding oil from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and other areas of the Middle East, gas can only increase because the more oil, the more price influx. Our offshore oil drilling will only make the Middle East providers more competitive in their efforts. And we all know Bush would rather give in to the oil companies than give in to his own constituency, so that's another failed plan to go on the Bush legacy list.
All in all, I would really appreciate your help on the matter because I think if we get enough people, we can lower gas prices and begin our strong development of alternative fuels.
Okay, everybody I need your help. I am going to formally write an online petition regarding gas prices and developing alternative fuels, and I plan to email and follow up by calling up key Democratic leaders, but in order to do so I need your help on a couple things.
I can do a good sum of considerable research, but I would like to make the facts appear as objective as possible regarding gas prices from the 13 colonies across America to the West Coast. Gas is in between $3.50 - $4.00 around where I live, but I don't know where or not that is the average price for Ohio or not. How much does gas cost where you live?
Also, I would like to hear how rising gas prices have affected your daily lives. For me, growing up with rising gas prices prevented me from learning how to drive because I didn't want to pay for gas or pollute the environment any longer. Also, because of gas being $4.00, I have been socializing less, and I need to socialize as every human being needs to do for the sake of our health. That is just one example. How has rising gas prices impacted your daily lives?
Also, another plan I have on research on my part is to investigate the state of alternative fuel development in this country compared to other countries where alternative fuels are prominent in the country's bloodline. But, any objective facts given to me as well as their sources( same thing goes for gas prices regarding sources) would be greatly appreciated.
One more thing, I plan on contacting and communicating with a few members of Congress that I know can help, but again, any suggestions you can give me to help us in the long run would be greatly appreciated.
The goal I have in mind is to actually get something done regarding lowering gas prices and strongly developing alternative fuels. I am very well aware that the oil companies will try to provide roadblocks for this effort to happen strongly and successfully. But, it will be worth the effort if enough people sign on and sign the eventual petition.
I know that gas companies as slick as an oil spill run off on a seal when it comes to any progress in the area of developing alternative fuel so they could keep us oil-addicted dependents. Well, the gas prices are too high and we as citizens of this great country can no longer take it anymore, but, WE CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT, it's the American way.
I also know that Bush thinks we can lower gas prices by un-banning offshore oil drilling. Anyone with a brain can see that that will make matters worse since we have a heavy export market regarding oil from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and other areas of the Middle East, gas can only increase because the more oil, the more price influx. Our offshore oil drilling will only make the Middle East providers more competitive in their efforts. And we all know Bush would rather give in to the oil companies than give in to his own constituency, so that's another failed plan to go on the Bush legacy list.
All in all, I would really appreciate your help on the matter because I think if we get enough people, we can lower gas prices and begin our strong development of alternative fuels.
I can do a good sum of considerable research, but I would like to make the facts appear as objective as possible regarding gas prices from the 13 colonies across America to the West Coast. Gas is in between $3.50 - $4.00 around where I live, but I don't know where or not that is the average price for Ohio or not. How much does gas cost where you live?
Also, I would like to hear how rising gas prices have affected your daily lives. For me, growing up with rising gas prices prevented me from learning how to drive because I didn't want to pay for gas or pollute the environment any longer. Also, because of gas being $4.00, I have been socializing less, and I need to socialize as every human being needs to do for the sake of our health. That is just one example. How has rising gas prices impacted your daily lives?
Also, another plan I have on research on my part is to investigate the state of alternative fuel development in this country compared to other countries where alternative fuels are prominent in the country's bloodline. But, any objective facts given to me as well as their sources( same thing goes for gas prices regarding sources) would be greatly appreciated.
One more thing, I plan on contacting and communicating with a few members of Congress that I know can help, but again, any suggestions you can give me to help us in the long run would be greatly appreciated.
The goal I have in mind is to actually get something done regarding lowering gas prices and strongly developing alternative fuels. I am very well aware that the oil companies will try to provide roadblocks for this effort to happen strongly and successfully. But, it will be worth the effort if enough people sign on and sign the eventual petition.
I know that gas companies as slick as an oil spill run off on a seal when it comes to any progress in the area of developing alternative fuel so they could keep us oil-addicted dependents. Well, the gas prices are too high and we as citizens of this great country can no longer take it anymore, but, WE CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT, it's the American way.
I also know that Bush thinks we can lower gas prices by un-banning offshore oil drilling. Anyone with a brain can see that that will make matters worse since we have a heavy export market regarding oil from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and other areas of the Middle East, gas can only increase because the more oil, the more price influx. Our offshore oil drilling will only make the Middle East providers more competitive in their efforts. And we all know Bush would rather give in to the oil companies than give in to his own constituency, so that's another failed plan to go on the Bush legacy list.
All in all, I would really appreciate your help on the matter because I think if we get enough people, we can lower gas prices and begin our strong development of alternative fuels.
Thanks to all the Joplin for Hillary supporters and volunteers. We love you and Hillary loves you. The primary season is over. And, as Hillary said in suspending her campaign, "This isn't the party I planned, but I sure like the company."
Please join our Obama and other Democratic friends as we gear up for the fall campaign. We stand ready to put a Democrat back in the White House and that Democrat is Barack Obama. Joplin for Hillary is part of a united Democratic Party with a fresh burst of life and and a general election to win. Can we do it? YES, WE CAN!
Please sign up to volunteer, donate, and follow the campaign with us.
www.barackobama.com
Lee McDaniel
Moderator
Joplin for Hillary
The End of an Error!--------------------------------
OBAMA: Santa Cruz County, AZ is a group of like minded supporters who believe that it is essential to elect Barack OBAMA the next President of these United States of America. Barack OBAMA will lead this country back to prosperity, our hopes will become realities, and America will once again be a respected neighbor and a beacon for freedom. Gender, race, and religion will be replaced with Nature, peace and opportunity. America will be respected worldwide for the ideals it represents and lives by rather than bending and breaking the principles this country was founded on.
Read More »
Read More »The lawmakers who thought No Child Left Behind, (NCLB) was a good idea were elitists who never cared about the underprivileged children who needed more funding for education. Guess who? The Bush administration has done it's level best to promote private education, and ruin public education. Believe me, they have already come dangerously close to their initial goal. They have now left millions of children, nation wide, far, far behind.
Due to the teach to the test model of NCLB, teachers have to assign books that are on the required tests. It is a limitation not without it's educational sacrifice.
Funding is awarded to schools that excel, and schools in need are deprived.
The reward and punishment system adopted as the accepted method of class/school control, destroys character and robs the student of their intrinsic motivation. It is very sad to see our public school systems systematically destroyed because of ruse and manipulative ploy to promote private education for the affluent and remove public education for the needy.
We need to get rid of NCLB, all together. We do not need Bush's destructive legacy lingering on after the White House is Blue. Naturally, I like Obama's plan to pay teachers more, but we care about the kids who are not getting their needs met due to the destructive nature of NCLB.
Schools that test high, get money stay open, schools that need the most money and help, close, where do those students go?
They overcrowd existing schools. The system is a cancer, it cannot be changed or helped. NCLB must be eradicated, like the cancer it is, so that learning can once again be the priority, not testing for money.
McCain says he will keep NCLB but make changes. Obama needs to differ from McCain on this issue to a more progressive degree and take a real stance against this destructive manipulation of America's Public School system.
If Obama promised to remove NCLB and replace it with a more comprehensive and compassionate system of true learning assessment, the American Federation of Teachers would be totally supportive. Obama would also gain more solidarity from other core groups as well, more of the women's vote, more of the working class whose children attend public schools, more of the elderly vote who prioritize education and youth even more their own well being.
Speaking out against NCLB will liberate and bring real change from the bondage Bush has imposed on our public school system with his "No Child Left Behind" ruse. Please write to Obama and ask him to reconsider his thinking on NCLB, and ask him to take a different stance, a much different stance than McCain!
Due to the teach to the test model of NCLB, teachers have to assign books that are on the required tests. It is a limitation not without it's educational sacrifice.
Funding is awarded to schools that excel, and schools in need are deprived.
The reward and punishment system adopted as the accepted method of class/school control, destroys character and robs the student of their intrinsic motivation. It is very sad to see our public school systems systematically destroyed because of ruse and manipulative ploy to promote private education for the affluent and remove public education for the needy.
We need to get rid of NCLB, all together. We do not need Bush's destructive legacy lingering on after the White House is Blue. Naturally, I like Obama's plan to pay teachers more, but we care about the kids who are not getting their needs met due to the destructive nature of NCLB.
Schools that test high, get money stay open, schools that need the most money and help, close, where do those students go?
They overcrowd existing schools. The system is a cancer, it cannot be changed or helped. NCLB must be eradicated, like the cancer it is, so that learning can once again be the priority, not testing for money.
McCain says he will keep NCLB but make changes. Obama needs to differ from McCain on this issue to a more progressive degree and take a real stance against this destructive manipulation of America's Public School system.
If Obama promised to remove NCLB and replace it with a more comprehensive and compassionate system of true learning assessment, the American Federation of Teachers would be totally supportive. Obama would also gain more solidarity from other core groups as well, more of the women's vote, more of the working class whose children attend public schools, more of the elderly vote who prioritize education and youth even more their own well being.
Speaking out against NCLB will liberate and bring real change from the bondage Bush has imposed on our public school system with his "No Child Left Behind" ruse. Please write to Obama and ask him to reconsider his thinking on NCLB, and ask him to take a different stance, a much different stance than McCain!
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/17/opinion/17herbert.html?th&emc=th
Reading this op-ed article in the NYTimes today, I couldn't help but think why this issue is avoided, especially in the election cycle.
Our troops do this country a great service by volunteering for the military, and since they give the best of themselves to protect our freedoms while we practice those freedoms, when they come back from their tours of duty, shouldn't they get the best of care?
Not saying that our troops don't deserve universal health care more than we do, because it should be equal for both the civilian and the soldier. But, the gratitude shouldn't stop after the paper-taper parade, it should continue.
What perplexes me is how the mass media and some of the politicians try so hard to avoid this issue, as well as other important issues, like people with the 9/11 illness.
I hope that with new leadership and this election, that we can acknowledge these issues and do everything we can to fix it for the betterment of our troops.
Reading this op-ed article in the NYTimes today, I couldn't help but think why this issue is avoided, especially in the election cycle.
Our troops do this country a great service by volunteering for the military, and since they give the best of themselves to protect our freedoms while we practice those freedoms, when they come back from their tours of duty, shouldn't they get the best of care?
Not saying that our troops don't deserve universal health care more than we do, because it should be equal for both the civilian and the soldier. But, the gratitude shouldn't stop after the paper-taper parade, it should continue.
What perplexes me is how the mass media and some of the politicians try so hard to avoid this issue, as well as other important issues, like people with the 9/11 illness.
I hope that with new leadership and this election, that we can acknowledge these issues and do everything we can to fix it for the betterment of our troops.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/15/opinion/15rich.html?th&emc=th
So, I'm reading this Frank Rich op-ed piece about why Hillary Clinton supporters who are disappointed at the nomination results culminating from the last primary are going for McCain. And, though Rich offers insights, I can't help but ask.
Why McCain? Seriously, why McCain?
We know as Democrats why McCain isn't the best option because he is as status-quo as country music when faced with a progressive innovation. We know that he would just prolong our nation's suffering rather than fix the problems we know we have to face.
I knew when the nomination was reached I would have difficulty adjusting to Obama, and I am still not 100% adjusted, but I do know that when November rolls around, it'll be Barack Obama and John McCain on the ballot and given the choice, I would not choose McCain. I'd rather have Barack Obama as president just to keep McCain from getting the office. And, if McCain gets the office, I'll be left with three options : 1) Kill myself( which I never plan to do) 2) Emigrate along with Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins or 3) Get used to it while my nation that I love sinks further down into this depressing spiral.
So, why McCain?
I hate to ask this question, mostly because I know how black-and-white it is, but, is it because he is white? G-d, I'd never thought I'd seriously ask myself that question without biting my tongue first. Because if that's the case, then , people, you might as well just camp out at a local country club filled with social regressives who don't allow anyone of any particular diversity into and onto the premises. This country's problems won't be solved by a guy who says yes to everything Bush has said and done.
Of course, maybe the root of this jump has nothing to do with McCain and just plain disappointment that our preferred candidate didn't get the nomination, which is fair and valid feeling to have. Trust me, it's hard to get over, especially when you were rooting for the underdog( who Clinton was). Like I said, it is a difficult transition. I know your feelings are hurt, I know your passions been put out, but do we really want to stab ourselves in the back by voting for McCain? Seriously!
So, by all means, why McCain?
So, I'm reading this Frank Rich op-ed piece about why Hillary Clinton supporters who are disappointed at the nomination results culminating from the last primary are going for McCain. And, though Rich offers insights, I can't help but ask.
Why McCain? Seriously, why McCain?
We know as Democrats why McCain isn't the best option because he is as status-quo as country music when faced with a progressive innovation. We know that he would just prolong our nation's suffering rather than fix the problems we know we have to face.
I knew when the nomination was reached I would have difficulty adjusting to Obama, and I am still not 100% adjusted, but I do know that when November rolls around, it'll be Barack Obama and John McCain on the ballot and given the choice, I would not choose McCain. I'd rather have Barack Obama as president just to keep McCain from getting the office. And, if McCain gets the office, I'll be left with three options : 1) Kill myself( which I never plan to do) 2) Emigrate along with Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins or 3) Get used to it while my nation that I love sinks further down into this depressing spiral.
So, why McCain?
I hate to ask this question, mostly because I know how black-and-white it is, but, is it because he is white? G-d, I'd never thought I'd seriously ask myself that question without biting my tongue first. Because if that's the case, then , people, you might as well just camp out at a local country club filled with social regressives who don't allow anyone of any particular diversity into and onto the premises. This country's problems won't be solved by a guy who says yes to everything Bush has said and done.
Of course, maybe the root of this jump has nothing to do with McCain and just plain disappointment that our preferred candidate didn't get the nomination, which is fair and valid feeling to have. Trust me, it's hard to get over, especially when you were rooting for the underdog( who Clinton was). Like I said, it is a difficult transition. I know your feelings are hurt, I know your passions been put out, but do we really want to stab ourselves in the back by voting for McCain? Seriously!
So, by all means, why McCain?
