Troublesome Times Are Here.

What a difference a little time can make.

My last post found me opining the struggles of living through the challenges put forth by nature.

Now, I am here pondering the future as it seems to have taken a turn onto a path that resembles little I know as an American.

We get a new President who promises no taxes....guess what? They're on the way!
We are promised that our troops will come home...seems that they are just being moved north.
Our President promises a recovering economy...Never looked worse in my lifetime.
Our President apologizes to the world for little more than the fact that America exists...North Korea Threatens to nuke Hawaii.
Iran in the making of a civil war.
The government takes over General Motors....now Government Motors
Time to tax healthcare....socialism is on the way!
Unemployment rates are running rampantly across this great nation.
And now....Billy Mayes dies.

Billy Mays, a person most people can't stand, yet someone who with little more than excitement in his voice, built a fortune for his family and those lucky enough to have employed him. A front-man, a con-man, a snake-oil salesman...yes a salesman. Someone that most people love to hate. There's always a frown of bad comment when speaking of such a person. Almost like he's some sort of magician putting people in a trance to buy his wares.

What was his magic? Did he vex people....maybe had some potion...called upon the spirit's....no. He had a vibrant and enthusiastic voice, a twinkle in his eye, and a smile that any weary person would welcome.

Billy Mays, I will admit...I will surely miss him.

I Concede

It would seem that many people I know haven't heard that the Presidential election has ended.

I am speaking directly to most (not all) democrat leaning people in my life. Barak Hussein Obama has been elected to be the next president of the United States of America!

You are now free to give it a rest. I do not need to hear about how bad McCain & Palin are, and how they will lead the nation to doom.

While I will openly admit that I did vote on a large part (not all...gasp) a republican ticket; I actually voted for a few democrats on the state level. As I've always maintained, I AM AN INDEPENDENT! The reason I voted the way I did was based on a lack of a better choice. If I had my way Dean would be our new president.

So, based on your new information, I concede the election to the democratic ticket. You will now have all control of our government. You no longer have to bash McCain or Palin as neither of them is any threat to the well being of our nation. Quit beating a dead horse already.

One thing to remember...if Barak Hussein Obama, Joe Biden, Congress, and the YMCA proves to make a better nation, I will thank you for your wisdom. On the other hand, anything that goes badly I will also look in your direction for making a bad decision. It's all on your shoulders now and I will highly encourage you to accept the responsibility in kind. Good or bad...you own it now..

I do hope for a much better future.

I'm Going Native!

We, and I assume many of you, watched the election results roll in tonight with much excitement and anxiety. As is always the case, the electoral votes waxed for one candidate and waned for the other. I voted the waning ticket and I was disappointed. But, I've got a new President-Elect, and being an American, I am obliged to accept him as such. I'll get in line.

A couple of things really stuck out tonight to me.

First, Sen. McCain gave one of the most bipartisan and gracious concession speeches I have ever heard. He didn't go on about anything but acceptance of OUR choice. He urged us to support his opponent and congratulated him in his win. No bitterness and no anger. What I saw tonight was a true gentleman and an honorable statesman.

I do fear we made the wrong choice, and that is my birthright as an American to hold this opinion. I pray that President-Elect Obama proves to be a wise and righteous leader. If he doesn't be the President we need, I know where the fault will lie. Squarely on the shoulder's of George W. Bush.

Think about it.

• Iraq....George W. Bush.
• Flopping economy....George W. Bush
• Hurricane Katrina....George W. Bush (he should have diverted that nasty storm)
• Iraq....George W. Bush
• Everyone in the world hates us....George W. Bush
• High gas prices....George W. Bush
• Fuel pump went out on my van....George W. Bush
• Global warming....George W. Bush
• My chainsaw quit running....George W. Bush
• Iraq....George W. Bush
• I caught Type II diabetes....George W. Bush
• Someone in the military got killed....George W. Bush (no disrespect meant...serious)
• Wal-Mart ran out of bell pepper's....George W. Bush

If something (anything) went wrong in the last eight year's, it was George's work. Talk about one seriously powerful dude.

Back on point, the second thing that stuck out was the African American vote. While scanning the different network's, one comment made by many African Americans was one of pride for an African American being president. It would seem that for many, it was the man's race that was up for election, and not the man himself. Not all, but many insinuated that this was the case. If this is right, we may be in big trouble. I honestly do pray that Barak surrounds himself with truly wise people and is man enough to listen.

Likewise, I know that many "white" people wouldn't vote for Barak due to the fact that he is not fully white. This is just as bad. Vote for the RIGHT American...whomever they may be. Here we are in the 21st century and race/gender still plays such a role. Look at who they are and what they have done in life, then vote. What is wrong with us?

Now, based on what I've seen, I have decided to claim my heritage to advantage. I've been pondering going into public service and now believe it to be the right direction to move toward. Unlike Barak Obama, I'm not half white, but more along the lines of one quarter white. The rest of my blood runs Native (Cherokee). That's right! I can lay a large claim to what most of you white people who through inheritance, have stolen from my inheritance. Therefore, I am not among the majority and I believe it due time for me to finally advance my particular ethnic brethren.

Until tonight, I have honestly held a race neutral view of myself and my fellow citizens. We were all simply American. I have to blame this on my father; a fine and honorable man he was. I remember once asking him why he wouldn't even try to assure our name on the Indian role. He explained that while he was proud of our heritage, that it was the United States of America that held his military service. He also explained that he wanted no advantage over any of his neighbors. We were simply Americans. Honestly, are we not all native Americans?

I've also been disturbed by the many interview's I've seen on the news in recent weeks. There has seemed to be a directive to get out and see what the African American thinks...almost to exclusion. What about what I think? Are we living in such an unenlightened time that a Native American could not hold an opinion on their potential President? Does my blood make me unworthy while the blood of another is more worthy? Lord, let me be wrong and let us all have enough integrity to pray for our new leader's.

The future (2012),

President G. Redneck (remember my name)

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

Presidential Debate

Well, we watched the presidential debates last night and think there was a definite winner. McCain asked many tough question's of brama (Mix of Barak & Obama) and I really wasn't impressed with the answer's.

I'm sorry, but I am not one who forgets the past, and the past association's of Obama with the sort he has, does make a difference to me. It shows poor judgement. This "I was only 8 yrs. old" answer doesn't cut it with me. Brama's association's become relevant in the fact that the association's took place in his late 20's to the present. The more I've investigated, the more disturbed I become with the prospect of this man becoming our president.

I must say that when McCain addressed brama as "Senator Government," he hit the nail on the head! It seems that the democrats in this election are about nothing but big government.

Also, the lower taxes on 95% of the "middle class" is a farce. While it does bother me sometimes when I see how big business gets all the breaks, I also know that if they are taxed they will simply either relocate elsewhere in the world or just pass the increase on to the consumer. Some might call it inflation and that's all that the brama administration would be doing...increasing inflation.

On the other hand, while the tax break would be good, if business goes elsewhere, then everyone will lose their "middle class" status and move into poverty. Hmm...lower taxes & no job or job & same tax rate? I think I'd rather have the job and maintain my present status.

No thanks Senator Government! My choice is to try to maintain my nose above the water line. At least it is a survivable situation.

What's your take?

If you want to be right...DO RIGHT!

Follow the Money

After watching the Presidential debate on NBC tonight, I've come to some conclusions

I truly expected Brokaw to throw some wrenches at McCain, which he didn't. I say this because I am so tired of seeing the mainstream media opine away for Obama. It's almost like they've found their saviour. Something to consider?

Tonight though was much different. Brokaw and McCain seemed to get along swimmingly while Obama had some trouble staying with the agreed upon format.

One thing that caught my attention amongst all the mud being tossed. McCain threw a very deliberate and accusatory line at Obama that I truly expected to hear some big time banter about. Obama got aggressive over the taxes, but not this particular pitch.

The issue came about when McCain directly accused Obama of being the second largest recipient of money from Freddie & Fannie. That's right. The very couple who placed us into this big economic blunder we now find ourselves in. What did Obama do in his recant? Nothing but try to say that he tried to warn of the coming upset (Actually the record shows that it was McCain who sounded the bell, not Obama). There was absolutely NO mention or denial of the accusation.

From all that took place in discussion tonight, I came away with the clear understanding that Obama was in bed with the very villian that has the world in such a tattered situation.

The man wouldn't even deny it....and in this...I accept it as truth. I am convinced that Obama is a large part of the cancer that now holds this country and to elect him to be our leader would be suicide.

I'm no lemming...

In order to be right...one MUST DO RIGHT!

Bang My Head Till It's Empty...

I've been having trouble posting here recently. Not like I have a strong track record, but now that I am back into my stride, I have plenty to say, just not stuff that aligns with this particular blog. Some active stuff happening on my, "Who Made Who" blog, but I can't seem to keep my political thoughts contained to it alone.

This blog is all about My family and our going's on, yet I want to jump on my soap box and start preaching.

What I've decided to do is this. I am going to go ahead and post some of my political observations amongst all else that is going on in my life. After all, I am a very political minded person and politics are part of what's going on in my life.

So get ready for some of my politically spiced stew.

Sarah Palin~

What I don't like:

• Her Hokey talk, winks, constant smile and never ending nod.
• ----I'll be honest here. Being a redneck, I am quite fluent in "hee-hawnik's". Not that I am proud of this attribute...it's who I am. Just ask anyone who knows me. I could be Cooter from the Duke's of Hazzard (serious).
• I grew very tired from her one speech that took place all over and up to her vice presidential debate.
• ----To be honest, I know that I couldn't do any better so I'll try to withhold judgement.
• I was not impressed with how she steered her answer's totally away from the question.
• ----On the other hand, she was honest in how she only spoke of what she knew. Is it six weeks now that she's been on the ticket. She's really doing an impressive job. The more time she puts in, the more she will know and be able to do.
• ----In her lack, she's also shown that she doesn't back down and can put up a good fight. I've done some research and found that she's been running a straight path.
• ----being a professional salesman I understand what she's doing. I have to be very careful in my representation of my product. I am hired to sell a product based on it's good points. At the same time I have to be VERY careful to keep my presentation honest and in the best interest of both my clientele and customer. Not always easy, but I can easily live with myself, which I believe she can also. When someone points out a lack in my product, I promote two advantages.
• I don't like that my family doesn't know her family on a personal level
• ----Oh well. Maybe some day that will change. Who knows?

What I do like:

• Her unwavering devotion to her family
• ----A very big thing with me. This is most of the reason I couldn't support the Clinton's. You just don't cheat on your family. Bill not only betrayed his wife, but also his child and extended family. He betrayed my family in being in such a position and lowering it to such a low moral basement. If a person cannot be trusted within his/her own household, how can they be trusted with a nation?
• Her professed Christian conviction.
• ----Fit's my family well. We have the same outlook and hopefully she will help us realize a nation that will remove the stigma that Christian's now feel in this nation.
• Her patriotic stance.
• ----Having family member's in the military in some form from every war and conflict from the American revolution all the way to Iraq, we cannot hold anything but a patriotic stance.
• Her hokey tenor and simple standard in speech.
• ----While I noted this as a dislike, I also see it as an approach that is not so polluted with the speech of the scholarly elitist nobility that even the simplest and most uncomplicated of us can easily understand what she's actually saying.
• Her obvious disapproval of the gay lifestyle and lack of support for "gay" rights.
• ----Now I'm showing my true color (yes my neck is red)! When I see a gay man talking funny or a woman dressing and behaving like a man, I do look at them. They are not fitting in what I know as normal, just like when I use a cane on a bad day or wear shorts that show my scars. I get many a stare. That's just how every person is made. You do or be something that doesn't fit the norm, people will notice and sometimes respond; and always react in some form.
• ----As far as "gay rights" or any other singled out right for a specified minority group, I don't agree with it. Until I get "special" rights for being a hee-haw speaking, hairy, gimped redneck, I will hold this stance. While I have native blood that could get me special rights in the Cherokee Nation (a nation within a nation? Does this make sense?), I don't get anything that any other plain and unremarkable citizen receives. I pay my full load of taxes and put in my fare share of work. As an American citizen, I reserve the rights of my federal and state constitution's. Nothing more and nothing less. After all, are we not all special and unique in our own world and should we not all live on a playing field with one singular horizon. Not one of us deserves any right that all of us are entitled to.
• She knows how to use and actually likes her gun's (right to bear arms)
• ----Some who read this might be shocked to know that I have four children and also have gun's in my home. Yes, that's right. This is my right as an American citizen. How can I do this? Not one of my children sees a gun as anything other that a tool of death. They fully understand that a gun is designed to kill. Nothing less. They all at an appropriate age ( one boy & three girl's) learn how to use them. They are taught to NEVER play with a gun. Even when playing at a neighbor's house with toy gun's (we really don't have any toy gun's other than the occasional squirt gun) they are told to not point them at each other. In the event that they might pick up a gun, they are taught to know how to use it and to never aim unless they are ready to kill. That is the sole purpose of a gun. Don't shoot to injure!
• ----What would constitute a reason to take up a gun in our household? To be honest, my gun's are solely for the occasional copperhead, rabid skunk or other animal that is threatening us or our animals. Basically protection from dangerous animal intruders.
• ----Rules for using the gun's in my house: Never fire without having clear sight at what you are shooting at. Always aim for the head as injuring a dangerous animal will most likely result in making the situation worse and sometimes even deadly. Never touch a gun unless you know how to properly load, handle, and when to remove the safety. Every person in this house knows that to take up a gun means to bring death. To be honest, other than target practice, our guns have not been fired in I don't know how many years.
• ----Attitude is everything in regards to guns. Gun's are not toys and we don't have toy's that are fashioned to resemble guns. Gun's represent death and are respected and feared as such. Not one time has any person in this house taken up a gun out of curiosity or play (my tattle-tale is the dust that gathers on the cases and a clean case would be a warning for me--I check for this quite regularly).
• She has a large family
• ----I have a large family. Part of my test for leadership goes like this. If I can feel comfortable trusting someone with my family, I can trust them with anything. I would have no problem letting my children have a sleep over at the Palin household.

There you have it. It should be clear where I stand on current politics. Now that I've flushed my brain, maybe I can post something about something else...anything else!

Let me know what you think. Appalled, shocked, surprised, support...want to beat me down? Go on and leave a comment.

Be right by DOING RIGHT!

Time For Some Reasonable Action

Nancy Pelosi…what a time to vent your partisan rhetoric! The country you are legislating is looking for you to show some leadership. Right now we really don’t care what party sign you carry, just do what we have elected and paid you to do! it is time for a little bit of selfless bipartisanship. Please…

While I do not blame the president as much as I do “our” elected legislator’s who are supposed to be working in our best interest. I blame all our elected officials. Where were they when all this money grabbing was going on?

I would love to see us all wake up and shake Capitol Hill to the rafter’s! Send a signal through replacing those who dance with the devil. It is not the right of any legislator to act in any behalf other than that of their constituents, and this being criminal in my mind, and at the least, should be reason for removal.

On the other end of the stick, I don’t necessarily think a bailout of Wall Street is the right move either. Why should I, or any of my national family pay for the greed of a few people? Let the free market loose and it will right itself.

While I am writing, I am listening to argument after argument about the republican’s rejecting the bailout. The truth is that ninety some democrat’s refused to carry the vote to pass the bailout. They didn’t even need a single republican vote. They are in the majority, yet they want to point fingers?

As far as the republicans and democrats who voted against this bailout, I say thank you for making us feel some fear. We need to know that we are not being represented in our federal government. This should have never happened, and hopefully we will see a change in attitude.

If the FBI will move in and find “all” those involved in this theft and get the ball moving to secure criminal trial, we will see justice and hope for what is right. This will give us the security to move on and be active in a stabilized market.

Had this predatory lending practice been committed by one of us non-important little guy’s, you had better believe we would have been buried below the prison.

That’s my rant for now.

For more of my thought's on this mess follow this link

http://whomadewho.blogspot.com/2008/09/bailout-its-my-faultand-yours.html

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?