The one thing I love about Saturday mornings is the opportunity to sit on my deck with a cup of coffee and the newspaper. Ever since I remember I have gotten the Asbury Park Press delivered to my home. When I was a kid, I actually delivered the Press for a while, but I also delivered the Red Bank Register too. That paper has disappeared like so many other news tabloids. I remember going house to house collecting the money and of course receiving a tip for my services. I would deliver the paper everyday and only when I was lucky did my Mom or Dad take me when the weather was poor. Today someone who I have never met speeds down my street and throws the newspaper out their car window. It's like a phantom going through the neighborhood.
With the birth of the Internet, many people feel that it is a waste of money and time to get a newspaper delivered to their front door. I guess I am a bit old-fashioned because I have always had a paper delivered to my house. When I was in the marines I would have newspaper anxiety due to the inability to receive one. Hard to get a paper being on a ship or even a foxhole!
Each weekend, I get both the Asbury Park Press and the New York Times. Reading these papers each morning especially on the weekend is therapeutic. Half my deck is bursting with sunlight while the other half lies in the shadows. If I read both papers all the way through, the sun always sneaks up on me and I then have to either move or get a pair of sunglasses.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't read the entire paper, only the sections that interest me. First I always read the local paper. Depending on if the Mets, Nets or Giants won the night before I always read the Sports section first (if they lose I read that section last...I guess I don't want to repeat the horror.) I like to see if my friends who are high school coaches won their games and of course I check out Point Pleasant Boro's teams since I live in town and my oldest daughter ran X-Country for them.
Then I usually read the front section and see what is happening in the world. I'm always looking out for interesting articles I can use in class. I usually just rip them out then look them up online so I can get a good copy. I also enjoy reading the classified to see if there are anything I can buy. I think someones junk is another's treasure, but don't tell my wife that, she thinks everything is trash if you don't buy it from a store. I actually bought a dining room set from the classified and also bought my Labrador retriever, Magnum who is still with us at the age of 12. I then turn to the opinion/Op Ed pages. I enjoy reading the various commentary from America's pundits. Many of these opinion pieces are also often used in my classroom for discussion purposes. After I'm done with the paper, my wife sometimes picks up the paper and sees holes throughout!
Then I turn to the New York Times. I usually don't agree with what is stated in their paper, but they have taught me alot about the world. Their opinion pages do irk me, but it's good to hear the opposite point of view. It will either change my opinion about a subject or reinforce my beliefs. Then of course I read the book section to see what historical books are being published and of course I check out the Travel section. I read about all the wonderful places that I will one day go and see.
By mid morning, I have read two papers and drank at least 2 cups of coffee. I have been reading newspapers since I was a kid and now I encourage my daughters to read the paper with me. They aren't as enthusiast as I would want them to be, but they humor me by checking out the comics.
Since 2006, more than 160 newspapers have close their doors. Each year thousands of newspaper industry jobs have been lost. Major newspapers like the 146 year year old Seattle Post-Intelligencer and the Rocky Mountain Times of Denver have ceased operations with many other newspapers fighting major financial loses. Is my Asbury Park Press or the New York Times next?
My weekend reading ritual is in jeopardy and I don't know when that last weekend will be. I hope they can hang on and I can continue my weekend mornings buried in newspapers.
I'm sure that time will come, but hopefully it will be when I am old and feeble. The thing that really bothers me is that many of my students will never be able to experience a sunny Saturday morning buried in a newspaper. I guess the newspaper will go as did the milkman.
Is this progress or death of a institution that has helped me grow up?
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
New Jersey did it now why can't the Federal Government?
Living in New Jersey and also being a teacher I have recently felt no love from my fellow citizens. Actually, when I tell people that I am a teacher I almost feel guilty or they look down on me like I'm some sort of criminal. I truly love being a high school history teacher, but the political environment has painted a target on all our backs. Now I realize how the Taliban fighters feel hunkered down in their caves when United States Marines are vigorously hunting them down!
The governor has now signed into law ordering the teachers and other public sector workers that they must pay more to their pension and for some public employees 35% of their health care. I'm not mad that I have to pay more. I realize that I, along with my fellow teachers, must help shoulder the burden to help our State get out our this financial debacle.
How did we get into this financial mess is an easy question to answer. Over the last 20 years, both Republican and Democratic governors have refused to pay into the pension system that they promised us thus ignored the immediate deficit problem. As they negligently refused to pay into the system, our State had been had been in an economic boom. Think of your lives since the early 90s...we all for the most part "lived high on the hog" (another family quote that I don't understand.) We went on vacations, bought high priced vehicles, invested our money in the stock market where many of us did very well, and we also bought for ourselves and our children every new electronic device know to man. We have to keep up with the Jones don't we? We also kept expanding the square footage of our homes, by rolling over our houses so we can buy a bigger ones. They even had TV reality shows that demonstrated people doing this called: Roll This House. On this show a person would buy a house at a low price, fix it up and by the time you did the renovations the house is now worth 40,000 more thus a profit for you and your family. We all know that the housing market came to a halt, but many of these house buyers are now stuck with a house that is worth less than they paid for it. It is also possible due to this greed they can't afford their house.
Now while this was happening I did not begrudge them. I saw my sisters all buy bigger houses then mine and I was happy for them. When many people were drastically improving their quality of life so was I. I was getting raises too, but not at the same magnitude. While some were expanding their wealth by the tens of thousands I regularly received on the average 1,500 to maybe 2,500 dollars a year. Don't get me wrong I also over spent like most Americans, but not to the same degree. I have a modest ranch which still needs work and my vacations were usually no frills. Give me a beach and I'm happy.
Well while the vast majority of people in our State was living fruitful lives they now with this economic downturn are struggling. Well the government needs a scapegoat so they chose public employees emphasizing teachers. The governor, as do I, knew that something had to be done...so my family and 500,000 other public employees took the hit.
I actually voted for the governor because I saw the economic difficulty we were in so I assumed he would cut across the board, but he targeted mostly middle class families. After a few days, I have come to the realization that we will all be okay. No matter what happened in Trenton, I was still going to teach my butt off to some of the greatest kids in the State!
Okay New Jersey has tried to trim the deficit and I hope they can get the State moving again, but what about the Federal Government? Almost14.3Trillion dollars in Debt? Can they pull off a Chris Christie and severely cut the budget and work towards deficit reduction or is it wishful thinking that our electors will do the right thing?
The answer is in the language that is being thrown about. The President conducted a news conference today and it was the same old rhetoric: Class Warfare
Rich vs. Poor
Us vs. Them
For the record a quote by the President: "If we do not have revenues, that means there are a bunch of kids out there who do not have college scholarships..."[It] might compromise the National Weather Services. It means we might not be funding critical medical research. It means food inspection might be compromised. I've said to Republican leaders, 'You go talk to your constituents and ask them, "Are you willing to compromise your kids' safety so some corporate-jet owner can get a tax break?"
No matter what your politics, this type of rhetoric doesn't solve problems. They will have to compromise as Governor Christie did....but will both parties put aside their partisan bickering or is it even too late...14.3 Trillion and counting is a hole that maybe this great country won't be able get out of!
The governor has now signed into law ordering the teachers and other public sector workers that they must pay more to their pension and for some public employees 35% of their health care. I'm not mad that I have to pay more. I realize that I, along with my fellow teachers, must help shoulder the burden to help our State get out our this financial debacle.
How did we get into this financial mess is an easy question to answer. Over the last 20 years, both Republican and Democratic governors have refused to pay into the pension system that they promised us thus ignored the immediate deficit problem. As they negligently refused to pay into the system, our State had been had been in an economic boom. Think of your lives since the early 90s...we all for the most part "lived high on the hog" (another family quote that I don't understand.) We went on vacations, bought high priced vehicles, invested our money in the stock market where many of us did very well, and we also bought for ourselves and our children every new electronic device know to man. We have to keep up with the Jones don't we? We also kept expanding the square footage of our homes, by rolling over our houses so we can buy a bigger ones. They even had TV reality shows that demonstrated people doing this called: Roll This House. On this show a person would buy a house at a low price, fix it up and by the time you did the renovations the house is now worth 40,000 more thus a profit for you and your family. We all know that the housing market came to a halt, but many of these house buyers are now stuck with a house that is worth less than they paid for it. It is also possible due to this greed they can't afford their house.
Now while this was happening I did not begrudge them. I saw my sisters all buy bigger houses then mine and I was happy for them. When many people were drastically improving their quality of life so was I. I was getting raises too, but not at the same magnitude. While some were expanding their wealth by the tens of thousands I regularly received on the average 1,500 to maybe 2,500 dollars a year. Don't get me wrong I also over spent like most Americans, but not to the same degree. I have a modest ranch which still needs work and my vacations were usually no frills. Give me a beach and I'm happy.
Well while the vast majority of people in our State was living fruitful lives they now with this economic downturn are struggling. Well the government needs a scapegoat so they chose public employees emphasizing teachers. The governor, as do I, knew that something had to be done...so my family and 500,000 other public employees took the hit.
I actually voted for the governor because I saw the economic difficulty we were in so I assumed he would cut across the board, but he targeted mostly middle class families. After a few days, I have come to the realization that we will all be okay. No matter what happened in Trenton, I was still going to teach my butt off to some of the greatest kids in the State!
Okay New Jersey has tried to trim the deficit and I hope they can get the State moving again, but what about the Federal Government? Almost14.3Trillion dollars in Debt? Can they pull off a Chris Christie and severely cut the budget and work towards deficit reduction or is it wishful thinking that our electors will do the right thing?
The answer is in the language that is being thrown about. The President conducted a news conference today and it was the same old rhetoric: Class Warfare
Rich vs. Poor
Us vs. Them
For the record a quote by the President: "If we do not have revenues, that means there are a bunch of kids out there who do not have college scholarships..."[It] might compromise the National Weather Services. It means we might not be funding critical medical research. It means food inspection might be compromised. I've said to Republican leaders, 'You go talk to your constituents and ask them, "Are you willing to compromise your kids' safety so some corporate-jet owner can get a tax break?"
No matter what your politics, this type of rhetoric doesn't solve problems. They will have to compromise as Governor Christie did....but will both parties put aside their partisan bickering or is it even too late...14.3 Trillion and counting is a hole that maybe this great country won't be able get out of!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
My daughter.."you are 15...no way!"
Even though the school year is over and a new one is right around the corner, my days have been quite busy. Alexandra (we call her Ally because she actually hates her name) my youngest who is 11 years old is attending a basketball camp and I have to get her there by 9:00 A.M. Samantha (her friends call her Sam, but I love the name Samantha) has been working at a McDonald's and being only 15 years old always needs a ride (of course there and back.) I will have to temporarily stop typing this entry because Samantha is going to the Point Pleasant boardwalk with her friends. Its not far since we live in town so it isn't a difficult assignment for me. Envisioning my daughter gallivanting down the boardwalk seems almost surreal to me. Just a few years ago, I remember her gallivanting through the playground asking me to push her on the "big girl swings."
Before she gets out of the car tonight, I will tell her to be careful. What dangers are on the boardwalk? Well I used to go look for girls on the boardwalk (never being too successful!) Are there other young people looking to influence my daughter and her friends? Drugs? Alcohol? Can I even say kissing? Ughhh!
Hold on Sam is screaming that she will be late...
I don't want my daughters to grow up! I want them to remain elementary school age or younger. I know what you are saying...I'm a paranoid Dad. I love my daughters more than life itself and I do worry about them....But should I?
My wife and I raised them with morals and faith and we only hope that our repetitive words are ingrained in their brains. My Mother would always tell me when I had a dilemma: "Let go and let God." I hope God is telling those young boys how to act when confronting my daughter.
I have to learn to let go and I think I am doing a decent job of it. I was thinking about building cages for my daughters, but then DYFS would intervene. I guess I do have confidence in her since I let her go to places such as the boardwalk and the movies with her friends. I know there are many parents out there that worry like me so if I can indulge you with a few life lessons on raising a teenage daughter.
1. If I don't approve of the way she looks before she goes out, I send her back to her room to start over.
2. I try not to let her play me and my wife against each other.
3. There will be days where nothing I say to her is right. That's okay. I tell myself I'm the adult. I say what I feel needs to be said.
4. I have faced it...boys are now indispensable to her!
5. I must understand that it's possible for a girl who has everything to be miserable sometimes. I realize I can't fix all her problems.
This is just scratching the surface, but I need to stay ahead of them. The days of holding her hand in mine and rolling on the beds with them are over, but I can't wait til the next stage....Womanhood!
I will survive it and may even win if there is such a thing. Hey if I can endure Marine Corps Boot Camp, I can outwit two teenagers. My father had three daughters and he is still comparatively sane.
...I hope she has fun on the boardwalk tonight.
Before she gets out of the car tonight, I will tell her to be careful. What dangers are on the boardwalk? Well I used to go look for girls on the boardwalk (never being too successful!) Are there other young people looking to influence my daughter and her friends? Drugs? Alcohol? Can I even say kissing? Ughhh!
Hold on Sam is screaming that she will be late...
I don't want my daughters to grow up! I want them to remain elementary school age or younger. I know what you are saying...I'm a paranoid Dad. I love my daughters more than life itself and I do worry about them....But should I?
My wife and I raised them with morals and faith and we only hope that our repetitive words are ingrained in their brains. My Mother would always tell me when I had a dilemma: "Let go and let God." I hope God is telling those young boys how to act when confronting my daughter.
I have to learn to let go and I think I am doing a decent job of it. I was thinking about building cages for my daughters, but then DYFS would intervene. I guess I do have confidence in her since I let her go to places such as the boardwalk and the movies with her friends. I know there are many parents out there that worry like me so if I can indulge you with a few life lessons on raising a teenage daughter.
1. If I don't approve of the way she looks before she goes out, I send her back to her room to start over.
2. I try not to let her play me and my wife against each other.
3. There will be days where nothing I say to her is right. That's okay. I tell myself I'm the adult. I say what I feel needs to be said.
4. I have faced it...boys are now indispensable to her!
5. I must understand that it's possible for a girl who has everything to be miserable sometimes. I realize I can't fix all her problems.
This is just scratching the surface, but I need to stay ahead of them. The days of holding her hand in mine and rolling on the beds with them are over, but I can't wait til the next stage....Womanhood!
I will survive it and may even win if there is such a thing. Hey if I can endure Marine Corps Boot Camp, I can outwit two teenagers. My father had three daughters and he is still comparatively sane.
...I hope she has fun on the boardwalk tonight.
Monday, June 27, 2011
I'm Back!!!
I would like to thank those who missed my blog over the last few months. I have been busy living life like all of you. Daughter needs to get to basketball, the boat needed me to pour money into it and I had to endure coaching another lacrosse season where we didn't smell .500.
WAIT! Maybe that is why there are so many problems in the world. We are all consumed with our gloomy lives. Don't get me wrong I love my life, but shouldn't I be worried with the world's problems? I always tell my students that they need to challenge themselves by helping solve the world's multitude of issues, but instead of writing on my blog trying to ignite a peaceful revolution, I sit on my computer and play Texas Hold em in between picking up my daughters from their friend's houses. Am I a hypocrite or am I just a good parent who can't involve myself in the world's puzzle?
I'll leave that up to you but since I left you, many major events have occurred that have or could impact our futures.
1. Tsunami (nuclear fallout)
2. Libya and the supposed "Arab Spring"
3. Economy (jobs, debt, deficit)
4. Tornadoes!
I guess as I venture into the world of blogging I will attempt to dissect these events and of course the ones I can't think of right now. I will also share my life with you and maybe we can also try to make sense of it...want to play psychologist with Lassen's life?
Let me just give an abbreviated view of the above topics to wet your whistle as my father used to say...
Tsunami....sad but the real question is the safety concerns of nuclear energy and do we need to reevaluate United States' nuclear policy or continue to build reactors due to lack of other alternative energies?
Libya...is it our responsibility to confront evil or should we just let them win their own revolutions? Syria is killing their citizens in the 100s so why don't we intervene there?
Economy...where do I start! A huge deficit and a budget that can't be balanced! Jobs? Where? Where?
Tornadoes...Maybe Al Gore was right with the global warming idea.
I hope this wets your whistle...thanks for the quote Dad even though it doesn't make sense.
WAIT! Maybe that is why there are so many problems in the world. We are all consumed with our gloomy lives. Don't get me wrong I love my life, but shouldn't I be worried with the world's problems? I always tell my students that they need to challenge themselves by helping solve the world's multitude of issues, but instead of writing on my blog trying to ignite a peaceful revolution, I sit on my computer and play Texas Hold em in between picking up my daughters from their friend's houses. Am I a hypocrite or am I just a good parent who can't involve myself in the world's puzzle?
I'll leave that up to you but since I left you, many major events have occurred that have or could impact our futures.
1. Tsunami (nuclear fallout)
2. Libya and the supposed "Arab Spring"
3. Economy (jobs, debt, deficit)
4. Tornadoes!
I guess as I venture into the world of blogging I will attempt to dissect these events and of course the ones I can't think of right now. I will also share my life with you and maybe we can also try to make sense of it...want to play psychologist with Lassen's life?
Let me just give an abbreviated view of the above topics to wet your whistle as my father used to say...
Tsunami....sad but the real question is the safety concerns of nuclear energy and do we need to reevaluate United States' nuclear policy or continue to build reactors due to lack of other alternative energies?
Libya...is it our responsibility to confront evil or should we just let them win their own revolutions? Syria is killing their citizens in the 100s so why don't we intervene there?
Economy...where do I start! A huge deficit and a budget that can't be balanced! Jobs? Where? Where?
Tornadoes...Maybe Al Gore was right with the global warming idea.
I hope this wets your whistle...thanks for the quote Dad even though it doesn't make sense.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Congratulations to All Egyptians! NO WORRIES RIGHT?
Some statistics to ponder:
In July of last year, the University of Maryland commissioned Zogby to poll the people of Egypt. Here are a few of their findings:
In July of last year, the University of Maryland commissioned Zogby to poll the people of Egypt. Here are a few of their findings:
- 85% of Egyptians hold an unfavorable attitude toward the U.S.
- 87% of Egyptians have no confidence in the U.S.
- 92% of Egyptians believe the U.S. is one of two nations that is the greatest threat to them (the other nation the Egyptian people hate is Israel)
- 52% of Egyptians hold an unfavorable opinion of American people
- 65% of Egyptians believe that Islamic clergy must play a greater role in the Egyptian political system
- 79% percent of Egyptians believe that it would be positive if Iran is able to acquire nuclear weapons
Monday, February 7, 2011
My Yearly Observation
I may be getting observed tomorrow. I know I'm a good teacher, but I still get a bit nervous. Why I don't really know. I guess anything can come up in a lesson. A kid becomes belligerent...fire drill...the observer looking for a teaching technique I don't use.
I'm sure it will be okay...they usually are. I'm going to conduct a Cuban Missile Crisis Simulation. Students will get into groups of 6 and become a member of Ex-Comm (this committee was created for the sole purpose of finding a way out of the Cuban Missile Crisis.) Students will play JFK, RFK, Robert McNamara and other individuals who were pivotal during this world event.
We will go step-by-step through the 13 days and the groups will answer questions such as: What if the ships don't stop? and Should we make a deal by exchanging the Jupiter missiles in Turkey for those in Cuba. I will use some YouTube clips and of course President Kennedy's speech to the Nation.
I will pull out all the bells and whistles and throw in a worthy closure to get a smile out of the observer. It is a great feeling when the lesson is over. Its like being in the Olympics and finishing the race! Its a natural high!
The central question that must be answered is if this observation tells my district that I am a highly qualified teacher. I would say no. I feel that school district should observe you for an entire week to see how you tie everything together. From the Brainstorming of the topic to the final assessment. I know a week-long observation would never happen. Administrators have enough trouble getting in one observation for tenured teachers like myself.
So as I head off to bed, I am feeling the anxiety of tomorrow's lesson. I'm glad I feel this anxiety because it must mean I still care! I love being a teacher!
I'm sure it will be okay...they usually are. I'm going to conduct a Cuban Missile Crisis Simulation. Students will get into groups of 6 and become a member of Ex-Comm (this committee was created for the sole purpose of finding a way out of the Cuban Missile Crisis.) Students will play JFK, RFK, Robert McNamara and other individuals who were pivotal during this world event.
We will go step-by-step through the 13 days and the groups will answer questions such as: What if the ships don't stop? and Should we make a deal by exchanging the Jupiter missiles in Turkey for those in Cuba. I will use some YouTube clips and of course President Kennedy's speech to the Nation.
I will pull out all the bells and whistles and throw in a worthy closure to get a smile out of the observer. It is a great feeling when the lesson is over. Its like being in the Olympics and finishing the race! Its a natural high!
The central question that must be answered is if this observation tells my district that I am a highly qualified teacher. I would say no. I feel that school district should observe you for an entire week to see how you tie everything together. From the Brainstorming of the topic to the final assessment. I know a week-long observation would never happen. Administrators have enough trouble getting in one observation for tenured teachers like myself.
So as I head off to bed, I am feeling the anxiety of tomorrow's lesson. I'm glad I feel this anxiety because it must mean I still care! I love being a teacher!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
The Economy can't get better with Stupid People!
I went to the gym today to possible sign up my family and I left mad! This company is either ignorant on how to deal with customers or the owner is independently wealth.
First, my wife is already a member and she is allowed to bring in family members for one free workout. After that, you have to pay 10 dollars. She had already paid 10 dollars for my oldest daughter on their last visit. She didn't realize that she could bring her in for free. The manager proceeded to argue with me over 10 dollars. He had to go through his computer to find out if we actually paid. He said, "I'm sure you aren't lieing to me, but I have to check." As he searched, I told him that I would possibly be signing up my entire family. He continued to argue over the question if my wife had indeed paid 10 dollars....STOP! I am in the position to pay 150 dollars every month and he is fighting over 10 dollars? I thought...are you kidding me!!
Well he finally found proof that my wife did pay the 10 dollars. Then as I handed in my free one-time pass to check out the gym, he asked if I had my driver's license. I proceeded to tell him that my wife drove us to the gym and that my license was at home. He then had the nerve to tell me that I could not work out without showing a license!! I am standing there with my wife and kids. My wife was already a paying member. Why do I need to show him my driver's license?!
If I was the manager and I saw a family of four in their workout clothes walk through the door I would bend over backwards to accommodate them. I wouldn't worry about 10 dollars when it is possible I could be gaining 4 gym memberships for 150 dollars a month! I would not of worried about the father not having a driver's license either!
Well to sum this up, this gym lost my business and hence lost 150 dollars a month! No wonder the economy stinks. If I owned that business, that idiot would be fired in a second! To run a business, you have to work well with the public. You have to work with the customer especially in a sluggish economy.
What did this business lose today? The 150 dollars was for 24 month contract so to do some math : 150 X 24 months = 3,600 dollars!!! Why is this gym losing this money?
Because of 10 dollars and a driver's license!
First, my wife is already a member and she is allowed to bring in family members for one free workout. After that, you have to pay 10 dollars. She had already paid 10 dollars for my oldest daughter on their last visit. She didn't realize that she could bring her in for free. The manager proceeded to argue with me over 10 dollars. He had to go through his computer to find out if we actually paid. He said, "I'm sure you aren't lieing to me, but I have to check." As he searched, I told him that I would possibly be signing up my entire family. He continued to argue over the question if my wife had indeed paid 10 dollars....STOP! I am in the position to pay 150 dollars every month and he is fighting over 10 dollars? I thought...are you kidding me!!
Well he finally found proof that my wife did pay the 10 dollars. Then as I handed in my free one-time pass to check out the gym, he asked if I had my driver's license. I proceeded to tell him that my wife drove us to the gym and that my license was at home. He then had the nerve to tell me that I could not work out without showing a license!! I am standing there with my wife and kids. My wife was already a paying member. Why do I need to show him my driver's license?!
If I was the manager and I saw a family of four in their workout clothes walk through the door I would bend over backwards to accommodate them. I wouldn't worry about 10 dollars when it is possible I could be gaining 4 gym memberships for 150 dollars a month! I would not of worried about the father not having a driver's license either!
Well to sum this up, this gym lost my business and hence lost 150 dollars a month! No wonder the economy stinks. If I owned that business, that idiot would be fired in a second! To run a business, you have to work well with the public. You have to work with the customer especially in a sluggish economy.
What did this business lose today? The 150 dollars was for 24 month contract so to do some math : 150 X 24 months = 3,600 dollars!!! Why is this gym losing this money?
Because of 10 dollars and a driver's license!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Turning Our Back on a Friend?
Egypt is still in turmoil, but I believe the Obama Administration has made a horrible foreign policy decision. In the early days of this unrest, President Obama called for Mubarek to step down He was very critical of this long-time ally.
In the last couple of days he has backed off his rhetoric and has softened his stance. Telling Mubarek to "listen to the Egyptian people" is a more tempered statement. No matter what you think of Mubarek or if he should step down or not, he is still a trusted ally in both the War on Terror and a partner in Middle East stability. Mubarek has let down the Egyptian people, but did not let down the United States. He has stood with with us for many years and how do we repay this friendship? We pull the rug out from under him!
Our alliance with Egypt can be traced to the Cold War. I feel many don't understand that the remnants of the Cold War is still with us as seen with our alliance with Egypt. If we have an alliance and friendship with this leader why would be turn our backs on him? If Mubarek's government falls it falls, but the president should not be pushing him off the cliff!
How does this decision hurt our foreign policy? As we see, many of the Arab countries are worried about the events in Egypt. They worry that the citizens within their countries may take a cue from the Egyptians. Seeing how Mr. Obama sold out Mubarek, how can the Jordanian or Saudi Kings trust us? If we turn our backs on Egypt why not turn our backs on them too? Didn't Mr. Obama go to Cairo University and tell the Muslim world that we are partners in peace? He spoke a good game, but didn't follow through.
We have nurtured these alliances for years and now they can quickly fall into the hands of extremists. I love democracy but should be be selling our friend down the road? Especially ones we give 1.3 billion dollars to each year! Don't worry Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan...we have your back!
In the last couple of days he has backed off his rhetoric and has softened his stance. Telling Mubarek to "listen to the Egyptian people" is a more tempered statement. No matter what you think of Mubarek or if he should step down or not, he is still a trusted ally in both the War on Terror and a partner in Middle East stability. Mubarek has let down the Egyptian people, but did not let down the United States. He has stood with with us for many years and how do we repay this friendship? We pull the rug out from under him!
Our alliance with Egypt can be traced to the Cold War. I feel many don't understand that the remnants of the Cold War is still with us as seen with our alliance with Egypt. If we have an alliance and friendship with this leader why would be turn our backs on him? If Mubarek's government falls it falls, but the president should not be pushing him off the cliff!
How does this decision hurt our foreign policy? As we see, many of the Arab countries are worried about the events in Egypt. They worry that the citizens within their countries may take a cue from the Egyptians. Seeing how Mr. Obama sold out Mubarek, how can the Jordanian or Saudi Kings trust us? If we turn our backs on Egypt why not turn our backs on them too? Didn't Mr. Obama go to Cairo University and tell the Muslim world that we are partners in peace? He spoke a good game, but didn't follow through.
We have nurtured these alliances for years and now they can quickly fall into the hands of extremists. I love democracy but should be be selling our friend down the road? Especially ones we give 1.3 billion dollars to each year! Don't worry Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan...we have your back!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Will The Egyptian Army Save the Day??!!
The next few days are going should let us all know the ramifications of this historical event. I truly believe that it will come down to the Egyptian Army. Who are they loyal to and will they grab power if they don't like what government comes in to rule?
The Egyptian Army is the biggest army in the Arab World. They have every an array of sophiscated weapons systems along with a a highly effective Air Force with America's F-16 fighter as its mainstay in the skies. The army is kind of like a quasi-corporation. They make up almost 1/3 of Egypt's economy. The Army owes land, building and even Hotels. Knowing this, they have a vested interest in what kind of Egypt comes out of this tragedy.
Many of the leading generals and other high ranking officers grew out of the Abdul Nasser Military mold (Nasser was the Egypt's president during the Suez Crisis in 1956 and helped created the military partnership with the United States.) Today it is generalized that the younger officers may have connections or at least are sympathetic to the Muslim Brotherhood. As stated in earlier posting the birthplace of the Muslim Brotherhood was Egypt. This group which has spread throughout the Middle East vows to replace secular governments with Imans who follow Shariah Law which is based on the laws of the Koran.
The Egyptian Army is the biggest army in the Arab World. They have every an array of sophiscated weapons systems along with a a highly effective Air Force with America's F-16 fighter as its mainstay in the skies. The army is kind of like a quasi-corporation. They make up almost 1/3 of Egypt's economy. The Army owes land, building and even Hotels. Knowing this, they have a vested interest in what kind of Egypt comes out of this tragedy.
Many of the leading generals and other high ranking officers grew out of the Abdul Nasser Military mold (Nasser was the Egypt's president during the Suez Crisis in 1956 and helped created the military partnership with the United States.) Today it is generalized that the younger officers may have connections or at least are sympathetic to the Muslim Brotherhood. As stated in earlier posting the birthplace of the Muslim Brotherhood was Egypt. This group which has spread throughout the Middle East vows to replace secular governments with Imans who follow Shariah Law which is based on the laws of the Koran.
The Offical Motto of the Brotherhood is
“Allah is our objective.
The Prophet is our leader.
Qur'an is our law.
Jihad is our way.
Dying in the way of Allah is our highest hope.”
The Prophet is our leader.
Qur'an is our law.
Jihad is our way.
Dying in the way of Allah is our highest hope.”
I will let my readers decipher the meaning and motivations of this motto.
With the possibility of an unfriendly government in Egypt, the United State's position in the world would be compromised. Without the use of the Suez Canal would hurt the United State's able to fight terrorists in both Iraq an Afghanistan and other hot spots around the world. Additionally, we will lose the ability to flyover the country of Egypt to conduct military operations.
Will the Army save the day for the Egyptian people? Will they be able to steer the clear of Islamic Extremism? I think they will stabilize Egypt and the crisis will be over, but can we all be sure? Only time will tell.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Are the Dominoes Falling?
As the Egyptian problems continue, it is evident that the entire Middle East is fearful of the idea that a "domino effect" could occur. Tunisia was the first domino and now Egypt is tittering on total collapse. King Abdullah of Jordan has basically fired his cabinet and the President of Yemen has already stated that he will end his reign. There are also stirrings in Algeria, but I'm sure every country in the region is watching closely.
These leaders are trying to push the dominoes the other way. They are trying to put out the flames of possible chaos. They may success, but the embers will simmer for a long time and they all must be proactive when listening to the demands of their people.
For those who are over 40, you remember when the dominoes fell with the collapse of the Berlin Wall. That was a great day for democracy to shine and we were certain that we would see free elections in those nations that suffered behind the Iron Curtain. Most of those nations who lamented under the Communist system for over 40 years, have prospered and many of them are even a part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO.)
If we look at all the countries in the Middle East prior to 9/11 we will see that almost every nation has some form of dictatorship. From right to left on the map: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria.
Since 9/11, Afghanistan and Iraq are still fighting for their democracy and that is still to be determined, but in the other countries it is business as usual. Strong leaders who hold all the power. Now with Egypt erupting, these same leaders are watching for the dominoes!
Should we, as a democracy, be overjoyed at these events taking place in Egypt? On the surface. we watch in anticipation for one of the great nations of the world to banish a dictatorship and embrace liberty and freedom. All the news outlets are saying the same thing. Glorifying the Egyptian people and feeling their hopes and dreams for their future.
If the dominoes do fall, what kinds of governments will take the place of what has fallen? How much more clout will Iran have? A nuclear Iran will also have the leverage to dictate. Will extremists rule?
Yes, we should applaud the might of the Egyptian people but what type of government will take its place and what other countries will be effected is a question that must still be answered.
The answer to this question may tilt the power balance in the region and create more problems. The future holds many questions. Additionally, we will see if moderate Islam prevails or the religion is hijacked by extremists?
What we hope for may in turn be what we also dread.
These leaders are trying to push the dominoes the other way. They are trying to put out the flames of possible chaos. They may success, but the embers will simmer for a long time and they all must be proactive when listening to the demands of their people.
For those who are over 40, you remember when the dominoes fell with the collapse of the Berlin Wall. That was a great day for democracy to shine and we were certain that we would see free elections in those nations that suffered behind the Iron Curtain. Most of those nations who lamented under the Communist system for over 40 years, have prospered and many of them are even a part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO.)
If we look at all the countries in the Middle East prior to 9/11 we will see that almost every nation has some form of dictatorship. From right to left on the map: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria.
Since 9/11, Afghanistan and Iraq are still fighting for their democracy and that is still to be determined, but in the other countries it is business as usual. Strong leaders who hold all the power. Now with Egypt erupting, these same leaders are watching for the dominoes!
Should we, as a democracy, be overjoyed at these events taking place in Egypt? On the surface. we watch in anticipation for one of the great nations of the world to banish a dictatorship and embrace liberty and freedom. All the news outlets are saying the same thing. Glorifying the Egyptian people and feeling their hopes and dreams for their future.
If the dominoes do fall, what kinds of governments will take the place of what has fallen? How much more clout will Iran have? A nuclear Iran will also have the leverage to dictate. Will extremists rule?
Yes, we should applaud the might of the Egyptian people but what type of government will take its place and what other countries will be effected is a question that must still be answered.
The answer to this question may tilt the power balance in the region and create more problems. The future holds many questions. Additionally, we will see if moderate Islam prevails or the religion is hijacked by extremists?
What we hope for may in turn be what we also dread.
Why don't I have school today?
I don't have school...WHY? Is it because it is unsafe to drive? Is it because the school districts around the State are just being caution? I think it is more than that. When I was a kid you only had snow days if it actually snowed more than 6 inches. Icy roads just told you to take it easy and maybe wake up a bit earlier. I want to go to work and I can't!
Did you ever think it was because every American is afraid to get sued? All we do now is sue each other. We sue just to sue...it's becoming almost patriotic to sue someone. Can there ever be an accident or a mishap? If someone falls on the ice should they be able to sue for a large monetary amount?
Lawsuits have permeated into our society like locusts on a wheat field. Many people jump at the chance to sue, in order to get the easy money settlement. Don't get me wrong, if someone has been wronged or injured due to negligence they should be compensated due to lost wages, quality of life, etc.
I got this off an attorney's website:
In order to recover in most slip and fall cases, the injured party must prove that:
When I beat up Tony D. in 3rd grade I'm glad his parents didn't sue me and my family. When I was pushed through a wall at a party, I'm glad they didn't sue either. When I smashed my 1968 Buick Skylark Convertible into the side of a lady, I'm glad she didn't sue. How might my life had changed?
Accidents happen but there has to be limits. Look at our heathcare system....doctors are being sued all the time. Their insurance premiums have gone through the roof. When an individual sues a store or a company who pays for it? We do...the companies push these costs onto the consumer. Congress needs to put limits on lawsuits. It is important to our economy!
I know I am ranting, but years ago I would be in school today discussing George Washingtons' Farewell Address, the homefront during WW1 or continuing the debate on human trafficking. I am here thinking about why I'm not in school.
Well at least I get to be home in a quiet house...kids and the wife are doing their thing.
Did you ever think it was because every American is afraid to get sued? All we do now is sue each other. We sue just to sue...it's becoming almost patriotic to sue someone. Can there ever be an accident or a mishap? If someone falls on the ice should they be able to sue for a large monetary amount?
Lawsuits have permeated into our society like locusts on a wheat field. Many people jump at the chance to sue, in order to get the easy money settlement. Don't get me wrong, if someone has been wronged or injured due to negligence they should be compensated due to lost wages, quality of life, etc.
I got this off an attorney's website:
In order to recover in most slip and fall cases, the injured party must prove that:
- A dangerous condition existed
- The property owner knew or should have known about the condition
- The property owner did nothing to remedy the dangerous condition
When I beat up Tony D. in 3rd grade I'm glad his parents didn't sue me and my family. When I was pushed through a wall at a party, I'm glad they didn't sue either. When I smashed my 1968 Buick Skylark Convertible into the side of a lady, I'm glad she didn't sue. How might my life had changed?
Accidents happen but there has to be limits. Look at our heathcare system....doctors are being sued all the time. Their insurance premiums have gone through the roof. When an individual sues a store or a company who pays for it? We do...the companies push these costs onto the consumer. Congress needs to put limits on lawsuits. It is important to our economy!
I know I am ranting, but years ago I would be in school today discussing George Washingtons' Farewell Address, the homefront during WW1 or continuing the debate on human trafficking. I am here thinking about why I'm not in school.
Well at least I get to be home in a quiet house...kids and the wife are doing their thing.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Which Devil does the United States want?
It seems that only in the last few hours the reign of Hosni Mubarek, the autocratic leader of the people of Egypt will be stepping down in September. President Obama also recently stated that there should be "free and fair elections."
First do we the United States want Mubarek to leave office? He has been a reliable ally who has stabilized a peace in the region along with supporting the United States on our War Against Terror. We also know that he is a dictator whose human rights record is dismal. Additionally, his policies has created economic chaos. One must say why is Lassen supporting a dictator?
I am not...I deplore those who siphon the rights of others, but what will the future hold for the over 80 million Egyptians?
Will they exchange one devil for another? We know this devil but what about the other devil?
There is a group in Egypt called the Islamic Brotherhood. Many believe this is an extremist group, but are they? Today one of their leaders stated that the people "should be prepared for war with Israel" and also stated that the Suez Canal should be closed. Are we prepared for 4 or 5 dollar per gallon gas? They want to create an Islamic State which would be based on the Koran. Similar to the government in Saudi Arabia. Does the secular country of Egypt ready for such a change? Would this change create extremists who hate America? Many questions need to be still answered.
The United States is in a precarious position when it comes to Egypt. We want democracy to prosper, but we also want stability. What if a government takes control of Egypt that has great disdain for America? Over the years we have sold Egypt Billions of dollars in military weapons and equipment. Does that mean they could use weapons made in America against us?
The Egyptian people seem jubilant on knowing that Mubarek will be leaving office in the near future.
But are they ready to exchange a Devil they know for a Devil they don not know?
First do we the United States want Mubarek to leave office? He has been a reliable ally who has stabilized a peace in the region along with supporting the United States on our War Against Terror. We also know that he is a dictator whose human rights record is dismal. Additionally, his policies has created economic chaos. One must say why is Lassen supporting a dictator?
I am not...I deplore those who siphon the rights of others, but what will the future hold for the over 80 million Egyptians?
Will they exchange one devil for another? We know this devil but what about the other devil?
There is a group in Egypt called the Islamic Brotherhood. Many believe this is an extremist group, but are they? Today one of their leaders stated that the people "should be prepared for war with Israel" and also stated that the Suez Canal should be closed. Are we prepared for 4 or 5 dollar per gallon gas? They want to create an Islamic State which would be based on the Koran. Similar to the government in Saudi Arabia. Does the secular country of Egypt ready for such a change? Would this change create extremists who hate America? Many questions need to be still answered.
The United States is in a precarious position when it comes to Egypt. We want democracy to prosper, but we also want stability. What if a government takes control of Egypt that has great disdain for America? Over the years we have sold Egypt Billions of dollars in military weapons and equipment. Does that mean they could use weapons made in America against us?
The Egyptian people seem jubilant on knowing that Mubarek will be leaving office in the near future.
But are they ready to exchange a Devil they know for a Devil they don not know?
Monday, January 31, 2011
What is happening in the land of Pharoahs?!
There is so much information one would need to understand what is actually happening in the land of pyramids. "It's the economy stupid"....The majority of people in Egypt live on less than $2 a day! Food prices are extremely high and the unemployment rate very high. It is easily stated that the Egyptian people are unhappy with how their government is governing.
We here in the United States when we are unhappy with our government have a simple tool called an election. This past November, Americans were frustrated with the economy/unemployment and they didn't like the Obama policies in particular the Health Care Plan. Our democracy allowed us to release the Democratic stranglehold on the legislative/executive branches that the democrats held and they overwhelmingly voted a majority of Republicans into the House of Representatives...what does this have to do with Egypt? They don't have this tool.
Egypt for over 50 years has been a dictatorship. There are all types of dictatorships, but for the most part there isn't freedom of speech or assembly additionally, the government controls a majority of the media outlets. The Mubarek regime also has a firm control over the military which of course is the key to any successful dictator.
Hosni Mubarek assumed the role of autocratic leader in 1981. (He became leader after Anwar Sadat was assassinated by his own soldiers during a military parade. Mubarek was lucky he wasn't killed too http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hsY6DHvod0&feature=related
Since this tragic event, Mubarek has ruled with a iron fist. All elections are rigged and democracy is only a foreign idea for most Egyptians. With the world moving forward, this antiquated regime has continued to rule. Thousands of political prisoners have suffered in the country's prisons. Many of these prisons are known for their clever torture tactics which if described would make one cringe!
Now with facbook and other social networking sites, the people of Egypt have had enough! They are organized and rebelling because they want more from their their government.
The big questions for another day
1. Why is the United States closely watching? Is regime change good for the U.S?
2. Why are the other Middle Eastern countries also concerned? Domino effects?
3. How will this event change the balance of power in the region?
We here in the United States when we are unhappy with our government have a simple tool called an election. This past November, Americans were frustrated with the economy/unemployment and they didn't like the Obama policies in particular the Health Care Plan. Our democracy allowed us to release the Democratic stranglehold on the legislative/executive branches that the democrats held and they overwhelmingly voted a majority of Republicans into the House of Representatives...what does this have to do with Egypt? They don't have this tool.
Egypt for over 50 years has been a dictatorship. There are all types of dictatorships, but for the most part there isn't freedom of speech or assembly additionally, the government controls a majority of the media outlets. The Mubarek regime also has a firm control over the military which of course is the key to any successful dictator.
Hosni Mubarek assumed the role of autocratic leader in 1981. (He became leader after Anwar Sadat was assassinated by his own soldiers during a military parade. Mubarek was lucky he wasn't killed too http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hsY6DHvod0&feature=related
Since this tragic event, Mubarek has ruled with a iron fist. All elections are rigged and democracy is only a foreign idea for most Egyptians. With the world moving forward, this antiquated regime has continued to rule. Thousands of political prisoners have suffered in the country's prisons. Many of these prisons are known for their clever torture tactics which if described would make one cringe!
Now with facbook and other social networking sites, the people of Egypt have had enough! They are organized and rebelling because they want more from their their government.
The big questions for another day
1. Why is the United States closely watching? Is regime change good for the U.S?
2. Why are the other Middle Eastern countries also concerned? Domino effects?
3. How will this event change the balance of power in the region?
My New Blog
I am 48 years old and have the idea of starting a blog. Will anyone care? Will anyone take a peek? I guess you never know so here it goes...
A little about me: Son, husband, father, teacher, coach, former United States Marine...basically your average american.
I have been a social studies teacher for over 15 years. I teach in a wonderful school district on the edge of the Jersey Shore....No I don't know Snookie. The district I teach in has a mulititude of children whose families come from all corners of the earth!
These children have taught me more about the world than I have taught them! Being a teacher for many years, hundreds of these former students are out there trying to make sense of the world. I have joined the social networks and now keep in touch with many of them. They are now spread around the country, many are married or even divorced. They have every occupation you can imagine including serving in our armed forces.
The other day, many of these former students posted on my facebook page to find out what was happening in Egypt. It is an honor to know that these young men and women trust my knowledge of the world. How much do I know about the world? Well I'm not an expert in any area or have an expertise in any culture or religion, but I know enough to educate the average american.
With that being said, I decided to start a blog. It's just for fun and I don't take myself very seriously, but lets see how it goes.....I will give all of you more of my history as we move forward but Egypt will be my first topic.
Thanks for reading me and bringing me on to your computer screens....Guy
A little about me: Son, husband, father, teacher, coach, former United States Marine...basically your average american.
I have been a social studies teacher for over 15 years. I teach in a wonderful school district on the edge of the Jersey Shore....No I don't know Snookie. The district I teach in has a mulititude of children whose families come from all corners of the earth!
These children have taught me more about the world than I have taught them! Being a teacher for many years, hundreds of these former students are out there trying to make sense of the world. I have joined the social networks and now keep in touch with many of them. They are now spread around the country, many are married or even divorced. They have every occupation you can imagine including serving in our armed forces.
The other day, many of these former students posted on my facebook page to find out what was happening in Egypt. It is an honor to know that these young men and women trust my knowledge of the world. How much do I know about the world? Well I'm not an expert in any area or have an expertise in any culture or religion, but I know enough to educate the average american.
With that being said, I decided to start a blog. It's just for fun and I don't take myself very seriously, but lets see how it goes.....I will give all of you more of my history as we move forward but Egypt will be my first topic.
Thanks for reading me and bringing me on to your computer screens....Guy
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