We Voted!

Today was the big day! We got up early and put on our best dud's. I even donned my cowboy hat, boots, and lucky belt buckle.

The first pic is of our local polling place. I know, I know...you are thinking I must live in Beverly Hills or some place equally as affluent, but you would be wrong. Just because I live in the middle of Redneck Estates doesn't mean that we play things down. In fact, some thought the fancy facility might take away from the event at hand; it was decided that we should just leave the antenna standing and go ahead and allow the voter's to use the executive parking facility. I think it just added to the grand event taking place.

If you look close, you can see an elder gent in the white whip (car) and a dog in the white pickup truck wondering who I was and why was I taking their picture. I was fortunate to have gotten that shot. As we were pulling away, I could see security swarming in the rear view mirror.

This pic of the princess is my 6-yr. old Katie. She was excited because I let her drive down our driveway. Actually she steered as I held her on my lap, but to her, she was the pilot. I wish though that she would quit sticking her tongue out every time the camera comes out.

Was a big day indeed...

Go Vote

When it comes to politics and my country...some call me a zealot, and other people call me a patriot. I think I'm just a little bit of both.

Now if you ask me what my honest opinion of the whole voting issue is, I would have to say I'm not so confident in the whole process. Does my vote REALLY matter...probably not. But, I can say that it does entitle me to participate in the process and allows me the right to gripe.

When I speak to people who open with a complaint of the government I always ask if they voted. If not, then I don't value their opinion. Why should I listen to someone who won't even take the time to do something as simple as voting.

The truth is that the electoral college makes our pick for us and I'm not about to even try to explain the whole process.

On the other hand, when it comes to policy, the President actually has little power. He/she is the leader, but is heavily managed by the other two branches of government; judicial & legislative.

Now we don't have much power over the judicial, but the legislative is a whole other story. If you really want to make a difference, then get on the phone to your legislator's. Tell them how you feel and don't be shy about reminding them that it is "they" who represent "you".

The president has the power to veto anything that congress might throw his/her way, but only once. If our legislator's follow our call and push something back through, then the President is trumped.

While I do have a definite opinion of who our leader's should be, I will accept whomever we get and intend to use my right of petition to our legislator's to ensure that I have a small touch on the steering wheel.

I implore you to get out and vote; grab your right to gripe about whatever you want. Also get proactive and do a quick study on who you want to represent you to your state and federal government(s). Either way, you WILL be governed and if you choose to have no part in it, then do you really have any right to be upset with anything the government does.

The passive citizen soon becomes a slave to the government. The proactive citizen encourages freedom.

It's time to decide who you are...I choose to be the patriotic zealot

August of 2006? Long Time...

I can't believe how much time has passed since my last post. Here's a quick rundown of what all has been going on.

Legal Illegal:

Well, I still feel the same as I did when I originally posted my views.

• I think that one nation deserves one language.
• My tax burden continues to grow and the illegal alien is part of that equation

Since the original posting, I have become involved in promtion's and have found that if I were hispanic, I could earn 30% more income due to having the profile and language that would attract that population.

With that said, I still believe that as a Christian, I am called to welcome and help any law biding alien to assimilate into this nation; not talking about erasing heritage, but more about gaining the ability to function as a citizen of the U.S.

A Letter To My Congressional Representative....:

The only response I received was from Mark Martin who sent me a letter explaining how busy he was and how excited my letter made him. After all the "nice" stuff, he told me to be tolerant.

Ebay is dying...:

Well, maybe not. It seems to still be thriving and making someone money. I do know that it has become very difficult for the small time seller to make it worth their time.

Selling Out and Moving On...:

We did sell our house and bought a much larger home in Oklahoma. The new home was/is in need of many repairs/upgrades. I am currently taking care of the repair/remodel as money become free (free money? talk about an oxymoron).

Weather:

Talk about a switch! We went from a drought to almost flood status over the winter. We had rain, ice, snow, sleet, Thunder-Sleet, and a blizzard. We have finally been released from the burn bans and are caught up on rain. We have also had record cold and record heating bills. It has finally started to warm up and they are now talking about a possibility of thunderstorms toward the latter part of the week.

That's all for now...more later.

Do Right-to-Be Right...

A Letter To My Congressional Representative....

I am curious about the “North American Free Trade Agreement” (NAFTA). We were told that it would enhance economic growth and stability across North America. Is this happening?

I have seen relocations of American plants to Mexico as our fellow citizens have paid the price to support those to the south. I single out Mexico and President Vicente Fox primarily because he is encouraging his constituents to break into America illegally.

I have to beg, why are we seeing so many Mexican nationals (and Latino’s) illegally entering our country looking for work and better living conditions? Why are we also not holding Vicente Fox accountable for ensuring an equitable economy and opportunity for "all" his constituents? We do have a very strong vested interest in Mexico and it would seem that the direction that the money flows, is into the hands that already hold it.

I also believe that we should no longer call the Hispanic’s on an exodus from Mexico, illegal aliens. Rather we should consider them to be nothing short than refugees fleeing from a hungry and cannibalistic political machine.

I also beg why we even tolerate any relations with Vicente Fox and his government when his own policy on illegal aliens on his southern border is harsh and inhumane?

I realize that money plays a very big role in our own policy (China), but we have sold our moral and humanitarian soul to the lowest bidder it would seem. We never should have opened trade with China, and we should put the brakes on Mexico.

Once again, I ask, why are we receiving so many Mexican refugees?

Thank you for your kind attention and reply.

Most sincerely,

G. Redneck

Legal Illegal?

You know what? I am getting tired of all this illegal alien stuff and have come to some conclusions.

Defending the Illegal-Alien (Hispanics):

• They have very little opportunity to afford their families such luxuries as housing, clothing and food.


• They are coming to the U.S. in hopes of realizing a better future.


• They come here for better health care


• They come here for better jobs


• They come here for better education


• They come here to birth their children so “they” will be American citizens.

Charging the Illegal-Alien:

• The lack of opportunity for the Mexican National is due solely to a corrupt government.


• They are trying to realize a better future by breaking the law and strong-arming their host.


• They are taking advantage of a health care system that is being paid for by taxing legal citizens against their will.


• They are not taking jobs that American’s do not want; they are taking new positions as they are created.


• They are being educated on the tax burden of legitimate citizens


• Does the U.S. Constitution really support this?

Many would claim that this issue is one of a lack of charity on the part of those who want the immigration issue defined and enforced. This is not the case. Charity has nothing to do with taking from the funds of one in order to give to the lack of another. Charity is about giving from the heart, and not having something unwillingly taken.

Another big part of immigration, at least historically is the whole melting-pot idea. Foreign agents would migrate to this country in hopes of being a part of a bigger and better idea. A nation without color or prejudice that consisted of the many parts being melted into one entity, a nation of one, which is what the United States is. It is this mixing of cultures that has seasoned this nation to such a fashion that it’s savor is unique unto all the world.

In this concoction, one common ingredient is found in every success story. It is one of pride, hope, and connection. These people were moving to America to become American’s! To achieve this, they did all they could to become what they desired. They assimilated themselves into the land of opportunity. They did not expect this new world that change for them, but rather, they changed in order to be a part of it. They “wanted” to be American’s, not foreigners living in a land that catered to them, but part of the land. They asked little more than the legal opportunity to contribute and simply to be a part.

This new wave of “illegal” immigration has a whole different tone about it. The rights of legal citizens are being demanded without the “lawful right” to them. There is very little assimilation taking place among this group as they have managed to have “their” national language supported and encouraged by big business and marketing. It would seem that we are trading our nationality for a buck.

We are being criticized internationally and by the liberal thinkers for our isolationist attitude about our sovereignty, yet those casting stones are not willing to give what they themselves ask. What other nation is known as the melting pot? What other nation is willing to give the social support the U.S. is now giving to illegal aliens?

We have all seen our Nation’s Capitol and hundreds of municipalities marched on by a nation of illegal alien’s while carrying the flag of a foreign nation; A foreign nation who is encouraging the breech of our borders. A nation who’s military and police forces, which are present, that encourage this illegal activity against the United States, and is demanding this allowance diplomatically. Would this not be considered an attack in any other part of the world? Where are the diplomatic sanctions?

Why are they coming here? Work! I have to ask, as I watch another local manufacturer relocate to Mexico, what happened to NAFTA? Was it not supposed to fix this problem? It would seem that it has failed. We were told that enhanced trade would benefit all the participants. It would seem that the only beneficiaries have been big business. We hear nothing of major wage increases in Mexico, but we still are seeing industry run for the border! If NAFTA worked, the excuse of work would be no issue.

As I’ve watched our appointed representatives battle this issue amongst themselves, I have become disgusted. I must beg of them, whom are you representing? Is it the illegal alien? Did they elect you to office? Maybe it is big business that wants the dollar of the illegal alien. Have you sold your representation of me for a buck? It would certainly seem that it is not I nor my fellow citizens. If it were, there would be no debate. Read the law. Enforce the law. And lastly, hear my voice! Believe me, if you don’t, I will get someone else to listen.

Getting School Right

Defending the public school parents….yes that’s right! Me, a Homeschooling parent standing up for the rights of public school participants.

I was talking to my brother yesterday and schooling came up. He started telling me about all the cost of sending your kids to public school. They are required to have “branded” supplies, the top of the line crayons, scissors & such. They are required to bring enough candy for the whole class on a particular day, and the list goes on and on. If they choose to participate in sports, band, or some other activity, the parents have to dole out a pretty good amount of money.

Ok, now here’s my take on how public school works (or should work). First off I see it as Socialistic in structure and little more than a public welfare program, which by definition, it is. In this, and once again by my reasoning (flawed as it may be), a degree of equality should be experienced. All children should have equal access to all programs offered.

The way it is though, is very different. If ones parents can afford an instrument (either purchase or rent), can afford the extra supplies needed for sports, the cost of day trips and such, then their kids can participate in the “elective” classes. Through these classes, the children are trained in a special course, often go to extra practices or get outside tutorship, and if they show some advanced talent, become eligible and are offered specialized scholarships. To those kids who make the grade, I say good for them! Run with it.

Looking through the other lens, I see a great problem with this system. Remember our school systems are based on a specific philosophy. A philosophy that states: “It takes a village” to ensure that “no child is left behind.” My view would be one that all members of a particular village had equal opportunity to ALL activities, which is not the case. Not all families have the time or resources to see their children participate in any of the non-curriculum driven class of their choosing. Some families quite simply cannot afford the extra trips, clothing, instruments, equipment, or time required for their kids to be part of these programs. Some kids have much needed jobs, or have to help with the care of their younger siblings while the parents are at work, or a whole plethora of valid reasons that disallow their ability to be included in these programs.

In this, I would have to turn on myself and ask if it is fair to cause the children afforded the opportunity for advancement to forsake it because all are not able to pay the price required. I would have to say no. Would I want my child to give up something I can afford in order to ensure they have no advantage over another child whose parents cannot afford that same opportunity? I think not! I want all the advantages I can get for my children, as I am sure, all parents do.

I could simply stand on the old adage that states, “Life is not fair.” I could accept that mentality if the public school program was one that depended on participant support, but this is not the case. If we live in America then we are paying for the public schools through our taxes, thus we all own and support them without choice, and in this, we all should have equal opportunity for our children to fully participate in any program of their choice.

I once had a boss who would never entertain anyone bring him a problem. His response was always the same; “don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions.” In this attitude I have some thoughts on how to make a public funded institution fully accessible for all paying (taxed) participants.

• All school supplies would be provided at the expense of the school district.

These supplies would be bought wholesale (the Wal-Mart way) in bulk and distributed from a supply depot on the school grounds. The teacher would be required to give any student a voucher verifying that the student actually needs it. This approach would allow for all students to be equally equipped in their actual academic school needs.

• No formal participation in competitive school activities (sports, music, etc.) played against other school teams, until the junior and senior years based upon academic achievement in the prior four years of study.

This one would really be a tough one on many people, especially the parents! In this, I would beg one to question the reason for school in the first place. I would say it is to better equip them to engage the world with the most advantage as possible. In this, reading, writing, mathematics, the languages, and history should be the basis, and nothing else. All other activities should be intramural in nature until the 11th grade. They should be arranged in a course nature. They should be more for exploration than grade, with the focus of finding one’s natural talents. Then after the child has explored their options they can then choose their course for the last two years in school, with entrance based solely upon academic performance. None of this coach leaning on teachers to bump a grade so a kid can be on the team because the coach would have no prior knowledge of the child until they are eligible for participation. If you flunk you junior classes, you are out, and likewise if you have to repeat your senior year, you are out. Only two years.
In terms of reducing cost, the uniforms/equipment needed for participation would be more uniform in only being needed for a more specific age range, as well as, having a fewer number of students to outfit. Along with this would be the realization of savings in reducing the need for so many coaches/directors etc... These savings could then go into paying for travel expenses and such without having to burden the family with added cost.
Also, these limitations would be a good incentive for students aspiring wanting to be involved in such activities. This might be a good way to raise our academic standing internationally.

• Limit all school activity to school time.

All practices, performance, or any other activity would need to be performed during the normal school day. This would allow children with other familial responsibilities to equally participate in any or all activities they were academically qualified for.

• Have teacher pay based on performance as set by the local school board.

While I have to agree that many good teachers are underpaid, I have to point my finger at the fact that many bad teachers ore overpaid. If we would set a pay scale based on performance it would inspire many to be better teachers while weeding out the bad ones. I am sorry to say that many of our teachers have chosen their field more for a reason of a default last option rather than anything else. Being somewhat involved with the collegiate industry, I see many students who really shouldn’t be in college, being directed into elementary education for reason of not being able to excel in other disciplines. I think this is wrong! Our teachers should be the top level of college graduates…not the leftovers. For those teachers who are true scholars, I do feel bad and would not want to live in the trap that their passion has placed them in. Some people are teachers and should never be anything else. To these people, I have to apologize for such a pathetic system of compensation for them.
Along these lines, I would also advise that the community take the school systems they are paying for back. Get the government and NEA (National Education Association) out of their schools. The NEA does little more than serve their own agenda, while collecting dues from teacher members who receive little compensation. They are more politically motivated than educationally inspired, and they have no place in our schools.
In regards to teacher pay, I think by letting the local districts set their own scale, they will be making the decision on how much they want for their community as well as their children. If a district decides to pay well, they will attract a larger pool of teachers to choose from, thus allowing the best to rise to the top. This will also be cause for allowing more revenues through existing taxes, by attracting people concerned with their children’s education. In turn this will have children who are better educated, being graduated into our community, which will result in attracting more “brainy” rather than “brawny” industries to that community. In the end, a more stable economic base would be realized. Life would be better for all.
I found out that our local superintendent of our small school makes over 150k while the teachers earn around 30k. While I agree with added responsibility being rewarded with added pay, there should not be such a great degree of separation. If the “higher-ups” were paid in the same manner as the teachers, I think we would see a vast improvement in our public education system. We are paying these guy’s how much money to graduate our children into a world when they can’t read? It’s not the kid’s at fault here…it goes something like this. Student-teacher-superintendent, and it should be more along the lines of student-parent-teacher-superintendent. We as parents need to be demanding our superintendent’s hire a teacher who can get the job done, and one way to insure this is to pay him well for doing a good job, and likewise, pay him poorly for doing a poor job.

In short, our public school system is broken and the method of repair that throws money on them is not working. We need to get involved and decide what WE want for OUR children and the schools WE are paying for! We need to stand up and take responsibility for our children. Right now our schools have left scholarship as they have moved into an industry. It is up to us, but we do need to remember one thing…WE ARE NOT GETTING WHAT WE HAVE PAID FOR!

Makes me want to homeschool my kids….Wait! I do…maybe I am yelling out on your behalf?

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is...

This is my response to a pro-public school essay.

"Put your money where your mouth is"

I can usually go for that...but not in this case. I am putting "MY" money where my mouth is and where it is not.

I am a property owner and as such, am forced through taxes to pay for the public school. I also home school my children, as do many in my area for the lack of good "quality" public education being available. We do not want our children to do well in a school system that is falling in ranks as compared to the rest of the world. When talking about "fitting" in with the community in terms of education...no thanks! I want my children to excel, not only on the local or national level, but also on the international level. No trying to fit in here...leaders never fit in, they are ahead of the crowd.

Here in Arkansas, nationally we rank very poorly, and if I am not mistaken, I heard mention somewhere of Georgia...I think Georgia is ranked lower than we are. Quality teachers were also mentioned, and I do have to agree, there are many fine teachers, but the sad truth is that they are far outnumbered by teachers who can barely be called literate in their own right.

Someone mentioned “sex-ed,” well it works very well. Not until it became required teaching did our school system quickly rise to national status. Yes, we had the highest teen pregnancy rate per capita in the nation. By removing the stigma of sex and becoming able to openly speak of it, we have also encouraged exploration of it and thus encouraged the very state we said we were hoping to educate ourselves beyond.

Being able to gain access to college? You might want to take a look at which children are top ranked (GPA) at the collegiate level. You might also find it interesting that the "college" level instructors are about as disgusted as anyone else opposing the condition of public schools. The state educated children, for the most part, simply are not ready for college, and this is where teaching college freshmen becomes frustrating at all the backtracking required in order to progress. Colleges are now actively recruiting "home schooled" children in an attempt to raise our position internationally. The welfare schools are failing and to defend the institution seems a little like trying to put a fire out with gasoline...a lose-lose situation.

Concerning the whole issue of evolution. I say teach them everything, along with the holes in all the theories and beliefs. This singular issue needs to be decided at a personal level (familial) by the heads of the families, and not by anyone else. No matter how one looks at it, it requires faith. In fact, I believe in evolution and teach it to my children. A simple look at the differing species, and changes within a species requires a thinking person to acknowledge it. But, it is not the answer for the beginning. There’s only one reasonable original cause for being that make any sense.

Children being sent into the public schools as an ambassador for Christ, I don't believe in it myself. We are to be teaching and equipping our children for adulthood, not sending them out into a battlefield. I tend to think it could be for other reasons.

Financially, it is the most cost effective way to educate our children. Who would pass up such a good welfare program? We have allowed our society to get in such a pitiful state that it requires not only one, but both parents to work in order to “almost” get by…if at all. If you’re a single parent, then you are pretty much without a paddle. Also, many parents of this generation simply have not been taught how to parent. They cannot handle their children and find the state school as an easy way out. If you are remotely involved with the state schools, you cannot deny that many parents rely on them in essence, to be the parent. I know many people who rejoice when the summer break ends. They can’t wait to get “their” time back. Well, they sure had the time to make the kids, and now they are an imposition?

I agree with the “OP”. We should not waste our time trying to point fingers at the school. It should be obvious that they are failing, and we are the ones financing it. What we need to do is take a good hard look at ourselves. Decide what we want for our children, and then decide how to best be a parent. Ask yourself, is the state welfare school really the best we can do for our children? I say, get off welfare if you are able, and if you aren’t, then pray constantly.

Enough ranting…I said my nine cents worth and will settle down. Just my opinion and you are most welcome to holler back! This is a very good discussion indeed.

God bless