I used to think that only paranoid crack-pots and cranks called the FBI to report “suspicious activities.” You know, like during the red-scare, folks with too much time on their hands and not enough to worry about would spy on their neighbors and turn them in as “godless Commies.”
But today I think that it’s really not a bad idea to keep track of anything you think is suspicious and report it to the Feds. Let me tell you why.
The FBI’s number One investigative priority is drugs. Counter-terrorism/National Foreign Intelligence is number three.
According to Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) website, Methamphetamine remains the principal drug of concern in Iowa. Iowa also serves as a funnel for transporting Meth to the eastern United States via Interstate 80. The FBI says that I- 29 and I- 35 also are also an important part of north-south transportation for drug traffickers.
Schools are sort of miniature worlds of their own. You remember how there were people who always seemed to get away with stuff. They’d throw a big kegger on the weekend or beat someone up or vandalize the principal’s house, and then at school they’d brag and laugh about it to their friends, but no one would ever turn them in or the school would never be able to get their hands on any hard evidence so there was nothing that the teachers or principal could do about it.
If someone did say something, they’d get beat up, or at least ostracized. If the school tried to take action, the perpetrators would deny knowing anything about it, maybe their parents would even defend them. It drove you crazy didn’t it? Especially if as soon as you’d step out of line you’d get nailed and have to serve all kinds of detention time.
That’s what’s happening with meth in Western Iowa. We’re quick to make the Mexican immigrants the scapegoats. But after living, and working with so many Hispanics over the years between growing up in Arizona and teaching in California I want to tell you that for the most part Mexicans value family, faith, tradition, and honest hard work. It would be a crime to blame all of our areas drug problems on the growing Latino population.
Granted, a lot of drugs are brought up from Mexico, Miami and L.A., but not all of them. And those are kids in gangs or organized mafias. No, there’s too much of it. It’s like my friend who taught at a Lutheran School in Arkansas used to tell me. “The Liquor Stores have drive-through windows down here and there aren’t enough Lutherans and Catholics down here to sneeze on, so some of the Baptists MUST be cheating.”
Money and drug dependence can suck anyone in. I’m just a transplant so I don’t really know anything about anything, but I’ve heard too many rumors and complaints from too many people about white people transporting, dealing and distributing for it to just be rumor.
I’m not pointing any fingers or giving any specifics for several reasons. For one thing, I’m not 60 Minutes doing an expose here, I’m just a guy who writes a column in a local paper for a hobby. You can’t loge allegations if you haven’t done the investigating to provide any evidence. For another, I am a devout coward and drug users, drug dealers, gangs, and corrupt officials all have the same habit of doing things that the rest of us would never even consider to reporters and judges who try to get in their way.
Amphetamines or “uppers” show up in many prescription drugs, like allergy antihistamines, diet pills, and things like Redilin, which is used to treat Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity disorders. Some of the ingredients from these medicines are used to make methamphetamines. But so are things like anhydrous ammonia. You’d have to be crazy to put that in your body, right?
Exactly right. Users occasionally experience chemically induced schizophrenia, and psychosis. At first, low doses may increase athletic performance, increase energy, but it will also cause increased irritability, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, and panic. High doses can induce a psychosis marked by confusion, irritability, fear, paranoia, hallucinations, increased aggressiveness and antisocial behaviors. Crazy.
If you thought drunk driving was a problem, or that kids are more likely to have sex when they’re on pot, you don’t want to mess with someone cranked up on Meth. They believe they’re Superman.
In other words, if making it, getting it or using it don’t put you and the people around you in enough danger, your behavior while you’re on the stuff will. That’s not to say that it couldn’t kill you itself. Users may occasionally experience brain damage, kidney, liver and lung failure, heart disease. Long-time, continued use can lead to death due to a sudden organ failure, heart attack, or stroke.
If you have a problem or suspect someone you love does, you’ve got to get help. Try calling Jackson Recovery in Denison at 712-263-5065 or in Mapleton at 712-882-9011.
Why do we have such a problem with meth in rural Iowa? Probably because we’re so remote. Dealers and producers have lots of places to hide where no one will notice them. I’d like to think that our local law enforcement is oblivious or their resources are just stretched to thin. That’s why I’m writing this column, because I believe we need outside help. It’s time to call in the Feds.
So what are we supposed to do? I once knew someone who told me that they were being sexually harassed but they were afraid that if they reported it, “the powers that be” wouldn’t be able to do anything about it, it would be he said- she said. So I told her what administrators and counselors tell me, Keep a record of incidents so that you can establish a pattern. Then, if you think that one level of authority can’t or won’t do anything about it, go over their heads, straight to the top.
We can protect our community by keeping watch. In small towns like this almost everybody knows everybody’s business anyway. Just keep track of what you notice on a piece of paper or a notebook. After a month or so, report what you’ve observed and why you think it’s suspicious to the FBI or the DEA or both.
In Crawford and Monona Counties call the DEA’s Sioux City 712-255-9128, Or call the FBI’s office in Sioux City on 6th Street at (712) 258-1920. If you live in Harrison and Shelby Counties call the Omaha DEA Office at 402-965-3600 or the FBI at 402/493-8688.
What else can we do? Some may say I’m a Jesus freak, and others will cynically think that this idea is useless, but I think we should pray. Imagine if everyone who read this column would stop for a minute and ask God to break up the drug rings that have made Western Iowa a clearing house for meth. Surely God would hear us.
The Australian author of dozens of Christian devotional books, Sidlow Baxter once said, “Men may spurn our appeals and they might reject our message; they may even oppose our argument and hate us personally, but they’re powerless against our prayers.”
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Friday, May 21, 2004
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
I always like to tell my former cheerleaders who the new squad is. Here they are:
Heather Lawson (class of 2008), Moe Clemon (2005), Rena Hayden ('08), Randi Stephens ('05), Rosmary Wacheldorf ('05), and our 'token rookie,' Aleigh Beam ('05) and don't forget Mascot Brett Malone ('07)
While you're my student or athelete at a public school I always want to respect the separation of church and state, and now that you've graduated I still don't want to force my faith on you, so if you're not a Christian, just ignore the rest of this email. The rest of you know how important my faith is to me. It's kind of become a tradition that I ask my former cheerleaders to pray for me and my current squad.
Please pray for us. You know, this will be my 12th year coaching. Heather has cheered on JrHi for 2 yrs, Rena for one, Rosie & Moe have each cheered for a year already and I think that next year will be Randi's 4th! Consequently, I need to do a lot of things different to keep everyone motivated. So PLEASE pray that God will make me a better coach and that we can work more on cheers, routines, stunts, and spirit-related stuff and not just technique and chants.
Pray that the upperclassmen will not only accept the freshmen, but "adopt" them and mentor them and care about them.
Pray for Moe, she's also next year's yearbook editor and she's looking into foreign exchange programs to Ghana in West Africa, for Rosie who'll be traveling all this summer, and for Randi. As you know, for 10 of the last 11 years I haven't had "Captains," but lets face it, she is the default "defacto-captain," due to her experience. Pray that she handles the mantle of leadership well. Pray that it doesn't go to her head, but instead she'll be a servant-leader. Pray that she doesn't become a target of the student body because she is so outgoing and extroverted. Pray that she will be a good teacher and "assistant coach," for me working with the other girls on squad as well as our JrHi squad. That she & I would get along together and work well as a team. And just pray that she can handle the stress.
Of course, please pray that they're all healthy, safe and injury free durring the upcoming season, and please, please pray that they will get along and work together as a unit, that they'll grow close as sisters and that together they'll set examples of sportsmanship and raise the level of school spirit and pride at Boyer Valley and encourage a positive climate of enthusiasm and optimism in Moorhead, Soldier, Dunlap, Dow City, Arian and the whole conference.
In fact, would you just pray for each of them the "B.L.E.S.S." prayer? Pray for their Body, Labor, Emotional, Social, & Spiritual blessings. Here's a prayer I wrote for our Church's baccalaureate service"
"To bless is to hallow or consecrate by religious rite
To hallow or consecrate is to pronounce holy, We ask God to set you apart for His purposes, so that God can use you as His instrument.
To bless to ask God’s divine care for someone, so Let we pray.
Lord, grant Terry and Ivy prosperity and happiness.
Lord, grant them health, protection, and strength
Lord, grant them work, income, and security
Lord, grant them joy, peace, and hope
Lord, in due time, grant them love, marriage, family, and Christian friends
Lord, continue to grant them grant them Your salvation, faith, and grace.
In Jesus' name,
Amen."
Thank you,
COACH
Heather Lawson (class of 2008), Moe Clemon (2005), Rena Hayden ('08), Randi Stephens ('05), Rosmary Wacheldorf ('05), and our 'token rookie,' Aleigh Beam ('05) and don't forget Mascot Brett Malone ('07)
While you're my student or athelete at a public school I always want to respect the separation of church and state, and now that you've graduated I still don't want to force my faith on you, so if you're not a Christian, just ignore the rest of this email. The rest of you know how important my faith is to me. It's kind of become a tradition that I ask my former cheerleaders to pray for me and my current squad.
Please pray for us. You know, this will be my 12th year coaching. Heather has cheered on JrHi for 2 yrs, Rena for one, Rosie & Moe have each cheered for a year already and I think that next year will be Randi's 4th! Consequently, I need to do a lot of things different to keep everyone motivated. So PLEASE pray that God will make me a better coach and that we can work more on cheers, routines, stunts, and spirit-related stuff and not just technique and chants.
Pray that the upperclassmen will not only accept the freshmen, but "adopt" them and mentor them and care about them.
Pray for Moe, she's also next year's yearbook editor and she's looking into foreign exchange programs to Ghana in West Africa, for Rosie who'll be traveling all this summer, and for Randi. As you know, for 10 of the last 11 years I haven't had "Captains," but lets face it, she is the default "defacto-captain," due to her experience. Pray that she handles the mantle of leadership well. Pray that it doesn't go to her head, but instead she'll be a servant-leader. Pray that she doesn't become a target of the student body because she is so outgoing and extroverted. Pray that she will be a good teacher and "assistant coach," for me working with the other girls on squad as well as our JrHi squad. That she & I would get along together and work well as a team. And just pray that she can handle the stress.
Of course, please pray that they're all healthy, safe and injury free durring the upcoming season, and please, please pray that they will get along and work together as a unit, that they'll grow close as sisters and that together they'll set examples of sportsmanship and raise the level of school spirit and pride at Boyer Valley and encourage a positive climate of enthusiasm and optimism in Moorhead, Soldier, Dunlap, Dow City, Arian and the whole conference.
In fact, would you just pray for each of them the "B.L.E.S.S." prayer? Pray for their Body, Labor, Emotional, Social, & Spiritual blessings. Here's a prayer I wrote for our Church's baccalaureate service"
"To bless is to hallow or consecrate by religious rite
To hallow or consecrate is to pronounce holy, We ask God to set you apart for His purposes, so that God can use you as His instrument.
To bless to ask God’s divine care for someone, so Let we pray.
Lord, grant Terry and Ivy prosperity and happiness.
Lord, grant them health, protection, and strength
Lord, grant them work, income, and security
Lord, grant them joy, peace, and hope
Lord, in due time, grant them love, marriage, family, and Christian friends
Lord, continue to grant them grant them Your salvation, faith, and grace.
In Jesus' name,
Amen."
Thank you,
COACH
Friday, May 14, 2004
KRT Wire | 05/13/2004 | Berg's father demands answers from Bush
"Nicholas Berg died for the sins of George Bush and Donald Rumsfeld." ~Mike Berg, Nicholas Berg's father.
"Nicholas Berg died for the sins of George Bush and Donald Rumsfeld." ~Mike Berg, Nicholas Berg's father.
Angels Cried
By Rosemary Wacheldorf
I’m so lost without you
My days go long with sorry and pain
I lost a friend so true
Without you I may go insane
Missing you by day
Mourning by night
Dreaming in any way
To make all this right
Will we ever meet again?
I can only hope we do
Everyday is now full of sin
The angels cried ‘cause they knew
All the pain we all have inside
It was raining as if God was sad
It rained as soon as I cried
Now the days are going bad
It’s as if your face is on a shirt
I see you more when I dream
We’ll always be thinking of you, Kirk
By Rosemary Wacheldorf
I’m so lost without you
My days go long with sorry and pain
I lost a friend so true
Without you I may go insane
Missing you by day
Mourning by night
Dreaming in any way
To make all this right
Will we ever meet again?
I can only hope we do
Everyday is now full of sin
The angels cried ‘cause they knew
All the pain we all have inside
It was raining as if God was sad
It rained as soon as I cried
Now the days are going bad
It’s as if your face is on a shirt
I see you more when I dream
We’ll always be thinking of you, Kirk
TheOmahaChannel.com - News - One Teen Dead After Head-On Crash: "One Teen Dead After Head-On Crash
Dunlap Is Mourning Student's Loss"
This is KETV ABC &'s coverage
Dunlap Is Mourning Student's Loss"
This is KETV ABC &'s coverage
Fatal Accident Devastates Dunlap, Iowa
This is the web coverage of FOX 42 KPTM Omaha's coverage on Kirk and the boys
This is the web coverage of FOX 42 KPTM Omaha's coverage on Kirk and the boys
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Accident site outside Dunlap, Iowa, popular for hills
This is a link to the Omaha World Herald Story about Kirk Sturgill
Here's another poem by a student
You walk down the hallway
By Aaron Riester
You walk down the hallway
And hear the people cry
You see the sadness everywhere
As tears fall from each eye
To lose one that was loved
To have to let him go
Strikes such feelings and emotions
That one should never have to know
And you want nothing more
Than to have him back with you
You’d rather swim in memories
Than face what’s really true
Wounds will eventually heal
Though a scar may still remain
Remember that where he is now
He can feel no pain
So let his memories bring you joy
Let the stories raise a laugh
Because forever will we think about
The good times that were had
This is a link to the Omaha World Herald Story about Kirk Sturgill
Here's another poem by a student
You walk down the hallway
By Aaron Riester
You walk down the hallway
And hear the people cry
You see the sadness everywhere
As tears fall from each eye
To lose one that was loved
To have to let him go
Strikes such feelings and emotions
That one should never have to know
And you want nothing more
Than to have him back with you
You’d rather swim in memories
Than face what’s really true
Wounds will eventually heal
Though a scar may still remain
Remember that where he is now
He can feel no pain
So let his memories bring you joy
Let the stories raise a laugh
Because forever will we think about
The good times that were had
What must God think of us?
With apologies to Lee Greenwood.
If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom…
Well- at least for white, upper-middle class, Christian men who were born citizens of the United States and have a Anglo sounding surname.
And I’m SAD to be an American…
when we treat our prisoners like animals and make them pose as if engaged in perverted acts.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave my rights to me…
but somebody, I don’t know if it’s the independent contractors in charge of the military prisons or Military Intelligence officers or some Pentagon brass or Bush administration officials or just the low-level personnel – but SOMEBODY has pretty well spat all over the honor of the veterans who’ve fought before them by doing these vile, heinous things. What were they thinking? Obviously they weren’t.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today…
And I can’t get past the fact that this administration lied to us to make us think that Saddam Hussein had something to do with September 11 when he didn’t and that the War on Iraq is the same thing as the War on Terror and it isn’t. I don’t think we needed to defend ourselves against Iraq. Will somebody please stand up next to me and defend America against the irresponsible, reckless policies of this inept President?
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land, God bless the U.S.A.
But how could you blame Him for not blessing us when Americans can do such FOUL and BRUTAL things to other human beings? Is it any wonder that some of our young soldiers thought that this was funny when Pornography is a $10 billion-a-year industry in the United States? No wonder the Muslim world thinks that the supposedly “Christian” West is so decadent and self-indulgent, and perverse.
From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee,
across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea,
From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA,
Well, there…
0ught to be deep shame guilt in every American heart for this fiasco. I don’t care how horribly Saddam Hussein’s regime treated any of their victims- there’s no excuse for this, none. We are supposed to be the moral leaders in the world. But instead we are seen as selfish, spoiled, sexually sick, and totally insensitive.
What has happened to the Woodrow Wilson’s 14 points after WWI? What happened to the United States that was responsible for the recovery of whole continents and promoted Democracy, Dignity and Human Rights after WWII? The United States that helped to found and led the United Nations for decades? Who sent thousands of men and women to help underdeveloped countries through the Peace Corps?
First of all, we “preemptively” attacked a third world country without provocation- who’s done that in the history of the world? Napoleon? Hitler? Stalin? Not America--- And now, we treat our captives like this? How has this made us safer? Don’t you think Muslims will have even more rage and hatred for us?
and it’s time to stand and say:
Enough!
God FORGIVE the U.S.A.
If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom…
Well- at least for white, upper-middle class, Christian men who were born citizens of the United States and have a Anglo sounding surname.
And I’m SAD to be an American…
when we treat our prisoners like animals and make them pose as if engaged in perverted acts.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave my rights to me…
but somebody, I don’t know if it’s the independent contractors in charge of the military prisons or Military Intelligence officers or some Pentagon brass or Bush administration officials or just the low-level personnel – but SOMEBODY has pretty well spat all over the honor of the veterans who’ve fought before them by doing these vile, heinous things. What were they thinking? Obviously they weren’t.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today…
And I can’t get past the fact that this administration lied to us to make us think that Saddam Hussein had something to do with September 11 when he didn’t and that the War on Iraq is the same thing as the War on Terror and it isn’t. I don’t think we needed to defend ourselves against Iraq. Will somebody please stand up next to me and defend America against the irresponsible, reckless policies of this inept President?
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land, God bless the U.S.A.
But how could you blame Him for not blessing us when Americans can do such FOUL and BRUTAL things to other human beings? Is it any wonder that some of our young soldiers thought that this was funny when Pornography is a $10 billion-a-year industry in the United States? No wonder the Muslim world thinks that the supposedly “Christian” West is so decadent and self-indulgent, and perverse.
From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee,
across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea,
From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA,
Well, there…
0ught to be deep shame guilt in every American heart for this fiasco. I don’t care how horribly Saddam Hussein’s regime treated any of their victims- there’s no excuse for this, none. We are supposed to be the moral leaders in the world. But instead we are seen as selfish, spoiled, sexually sick, and totally insensitive.
What has happened to the Woodrow Wilson’s 14 points after WWI? What happened to the United States that was responsible for the recovery of whole continents and promoted Democracy, Dignity and Human Rights after WWII? The United States that helped to found and led the United Nations for decades? Who sent thousands of men and women to help underdeveloped countries through the Peace Corps?
First of all, we “preemptively” attacked a third world country without provocation- who’s done that in the history of the world? Napoleon? Hitler? Stalin? Not America--- And now, we treat our captives like this? How has this made us safer? Don’t you think Muslims will have even more rage and hatred for us?
and it’s time to stand and say:
Enough!
God FORGIVE the U.S.A.
Must have touched a nerve
Charter Oak-Ute NEWSpaper Column for Thursday, May 20, 2004
"This administration cannot be trusted to govern if it cannot be counted on to think and, having thought, to have second thoughts." ~Conservative columnist George F. Will
“Oh,” Bethany worried “You’re gonna get burned on this one” she said, looking at me over the NEWSpaper after reading last week’s column.
“What do you mean? Was it a little strong” I asked.
“I mean, you’re gonna get what the Dixie Chicks got!”
I am worried. I can’t stand having people angry with. It made me a little uncomfortable that that column was placed right next to the story and picture of the Kuhlmahn Sisters receiving an award from the National Guard.
I love the Kuhlman Sisters, I admire their work and support inspired by their father’s service.
And I am proud of the men and women in our Nation’s service. Please know that I feel pathos and compassion on the American guards, not hate.
I still believe in supporting our troops, I would NEVER advocate spitting on GIs or calling them names like “baby killer.” There are over 150,000 American troops serving in Iraq , and so far as we know only 7 or 8 prison guards responsible for the atrocious acts of torture.
Those 150,000 men and women are responsible for countless acts of kindness to the majority of Iraqis and they’re representing America and our ideals well. Unfortunately life is about perception. Psychologists suggest that it takes 10 positive comments to overcome one negative one. So those few bad apples have made a helluva mess for us to try to overcome.
Did you hear Rush Limbaugh excuse the abuse as little more than a fraternity prank? What if Americans were treated that way? Any one victim is now traumatized for life. Limbaugh said that it was no worse than any of the hazing pledges would have to go through to enter the “Skull and Bone” society at Yale.
THAT horrified me. Is THAT what fraternities are like? How would Rush Limbaugh know? Is he the kind of bully who’d abuse underclassmen in dehumanizing ways when they’d come out for football? Remember that both President Bush and Candidate Kerry were members of Skull and Bones.
Congress has now reviewed nearly 1,800 pictures and several videos. There is speculation that someone may have planned on making a pornographic film out of the footage.
I sent a copy of last week’s column to my former Pastor in California.
“What must God think of us?” was the headline.
”God must think we are poor miserable sinners; knowing we are only deserving of His wrath and judgment, yet forgives us through the blood and sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ” wrote back Rev. Martin Brauer.
He reminded me that God probably is not tolerant of those who want to destroy His children. I know that’s how I’d feel about anyone who would try to harm my children.
I haven’t read the Koran, although I’ve heard people claim that Muhammad calls for followers to kill every infidel. I have read the Bible a few times and Jesus tells Christians to “love thy neighbor, and pray for those who persecute you.”
I am appalled that Americans have treated our prisoners as poorly as their former dictator would’ve. I would hope that every American is too. Yet I do apologize to readers who feel like I went too far or who feel that last weeks column was somehow unpatriotic.
Saddam Hussein ran and hid, terrified in a hole because he knew that what he had done was wrong. Thank God we live in a country where we are shining light on our wrong doings, we want to get to the bottom of it and dig it out. So that we can move on and hopefully prevent it from getting worse or happening again.
We are society that allows open and honest criticism and debate.
Even as divided as we are and as passionately as we hold our opinions, we can continue to work together, in spite of our differences. Pastor Marty assured me that even though he and I are on different sides of the fence on many issues, “absolutely no chance of a wedge coming between us,” he told me.
What must God think of us?
”God must think that all those who are proud to be Americans have the God-given right to BE proud living in a country whose foundation was built on the laws of Christ and whose freedom stems from the freedom Jesus, Himself, has given us from the curse and power of sin in our lives,” said Pastor Marty.
I mostly agree, though as a History Major I know that there are plenty of “Christians” who are good at misinterpreting and misapplying God’s Word and His laws. And Free Masons and Deists who’ve pretended to be Christian over the course of our 200+ years. Which is why it’s important to know the difference between Church and State. The America system is a great blessing, but it’s still a human and fallible institution. God may use us, but that doesn’t make us somehow perfect and give us a right to become arrogant.
I also agree with Pastor Marty that the most important thing we can do as Americans is to pray.
Rev. Marty Brauer’s prayer is this "Father in heaven: We pray You to continue to uphold our President and his administration as they continue to strive to do Your will. Grant them Your wisdom and Your protection as they continue to stand strong in the face of political attacks and the arrows of Satan. In Jesus' Name. Amen...so shall it be!”
And I’d add, God bless and protect our troops, forgive us and help us when we err, and let our differences and diversity continue to be our strength
I’d also add Irving Berlin’s famous prayer, God Bless America, Land that I love. Stand beside her, and guide her Thru the night with a light from above.
"This administration cannot be trusted to govern if it cannot be counted on to think and, having thought, to have second thoughts." ~Conservative columnist George F. Will
“Oh,” Bethany worried “You’re gonna get burned on this one” she said, looking at me over the NEWSpaper after reading last week’s column.
“What do you mean? Was it a little strong” I asked.
“I mean, you’re gonna get what the Dixie Chicks got!”
I am worried. I can’t stand having people angry with. It made me a little uncomfortable that that column was placed right next to the story and picture of the Kuhlmahn Sisters receiving an award from the National Guard.
I love the Kuhlman Sisters, I admire their work and support inspired by their father’s service.
And I am proud of the men and women in our Nation’s service. Please know that I feel pathos and compassion on the American guards, not hate.
I still believe in supporting our troops, I would NEVER advocate spitting on GIs or calling them names like “baby killer.” There are over 150,000 American troops serving in Iraq , and so far as we know only 7 or 8 prison guards responsible for the atrocious acts of torture.
Those 150,000 men and women are responsible for countless acts of kindness to the majority of Iraqis and they’re representing America and our ideals well. Unfortunately life is about perception. Psychologists suggest that it takes 10 positive comments to overcome one negative one. So those few bad apples have made a helluva mess for us to try to overcome.
Did you hear Rush Limbaugh excuse the abuse as little more than a fraternity prank? What if Americans were treated that way? Any one victim is now traumatized for life. Limbaugh said that it was no worse than any of the hazing pledges would have to go through to enter the “Skull and Bone” society at Yale.
THAT horrified me. Is THAT what fraternities are like? How would Rush Limbaugh know? Is he the kind of bully who’d abuse underclassmen in dehumanizing ways when they’d come out for football? Remember that both President Bush and Candidate Kerry were members of Skull and Bones.
Congress has now reviewed nearly 1,800 pictures and several videos. There is speculation that someone may have planned on making a pornographic film out of the footage.
I sent a copy of last week’s column to my former Pastor in California.
“What must God think of us?” was the headline.
”God must think we are poor miserable sinners; knowing we are only deserving of His wrath and judgment, yet forgives us through the blood and sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ” wrote back Rev. Martin Brauer.
He reminded me that God probably is not tolerant of those who want to destroy His children. I know that’s how I’d feel about anyone who would try to harm my children.
I haven’t read the Koran, although I’ve heard people claim that Muhammad calls for followers to kill every infidel. I have read the Bible a few times and Jesus tells Christians to “love thy neighbor, and pray for those who persecute you.”
I am appalled that Americans have treated our prisoners as poorly as their former dictator would’ve. I would hope that every American is too. Yet I do apologize to readers who feel like I went too far or who feel that last weeks column was somehow unpatriotic.
Saddam Hussein ran and hid, terrified in a hole because he knew that what he had done was wrong. Thank God we live in a country where we are shining light on our wrong doings, we want to get to the bottom of it and dig it out. So that we can move on and hopefully prevent it from getting worse or happening again.
We are society that allows open and honest criticism and debate.
Even as divided as we are and as passionately as we hold our opinions, we can continue to work together, in spite of our differences. Pastor Marty assured me that even though he and I are on different sides of the fence on many issues, “absolutely no chance of a wedge coming between us,” he told me.
What must God think of us?
”God must think that all those who are proud to be Americans have the God-given right to BE proud living in a country whose foundation was built on the laws of Christ and whose freedom stems from the freedom Jesus, Himself, has given us from the curse and power of sin in our lives,” said Pastor Marty.
I mostly agree, though as a History Major I know that there are plenty of “Christians” who are good at misinterpreting and misapplying God’s Word and His laws. And Free Masons and Deists who’ve pretended to be Christian over the course of our 200+ years. Which is why it’s important to know the difference between Church and State. The America system is a great blessing, but it’s still a human and fallible institution. God may use us, but that doesn’t make us somehow perfect and give us a right to become arrogant.
I also agree with Pastor Marty that the most important thing we can do as Americans is to pray.
Rev. Marty Brauer’s prayer is this "Father in heaven: We pray You to continue to uphold our President and his administration as they continue to strive to do Your will. Grant them Your wisdom and Your protection as they continue to stand strong in the face of political attacks and the arrows of Satan. In Jesus' Name. Amen...so shall it be!”
And I’d add, God bless and protect our troops, forgive us and help us when we err, and let our differences and diversity continue to be our strength
I’d also add Irving Berlin’s famous prayer, God Bless America, Land that I love. Stand beside her, and guide her Thru the night with a light from above.
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Thank you for your continued prayers for Boyer Valley.
Could you also pray for the following students- they were members of the Volunteer Fire/EMT Departments that were 'first responders on the scene.' There's a 'debriefing' for the VFD in Dunlap tonight at the fire hall.
Tony Kline, Tyler Ettleman, Curtis Reed, and Crystal & Neiko Deemer.
Viewing Friday, Prayer service Friday Night, Funeral Saturday for Kirk Sturgill at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Dunlap
Baccalaureate tonight and BVHS Graduation this Sunday
Thanks again,
In Christ, Ted
Could you also pray for the following students- they were members of the Volunteer Fire/EMT Departments that were 'first responders on the scene.' There's a 'debriefing' for the VFD in Dunlap tonight at the fire hall.
Tony Kline, Tyler Ettleman, Curtis Reed, and Crystal & Neiko Deemer.
Viewing Friday, Prayer service Friday Night, Funeral Saturday for Kirk Sturgill at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Dunlap
Baccalaureate tonight and BVHS Graduation this Sunday
Thanks again,
In Christ, Ted
Forever Near
by Alicia Block
Even though I’m gone,
Know my soul is here.
I’ll be in your hearts,
Forever Near.
Even though I’m gone,
Know I’m there.
I’m the wind that’s blowing,
Through your hair.
I’m the sun that shines
Upon you all day.
I’m the beautiful flowers
Blooming in May.
I’m the tear that falls
From your cheek.
I’m the reason why
You cannot speak.
But most of all
What I’ll be,
Is the beautiful angel
You cannot see.
I know you miss me,
I miss you too,
I’ll be in Heaven,
Waiting for you.
I’ll watch over you,
Each and every day
I know in my heart
You’ll be okay
So when you miss me
Know I’m still here,
I’ll be in your hearts
Forever near.
by Alicia Block
Even though I’m gone,
Know my soul is here.
I’ll be in your hearts,
Forever Near.
Even though I’m gone,
Know I’m there.
I’m the wind that’s blowing,
Through your hair.
I’m the sun that shines
Upon you all day.
I’m the beautiful flowers
Blooming in May.
I’m the tear that falls
From your cheek.
I’m the reason why
You cannot speak.
But most of all
What I’ll be,
Is the beautiful angel
You cannot see.
I know you miss me,
I miss you too,
I’ll be in Heaven,
Waiting for you.
I’ll watch over you,
Each and every day
I know in my heart
You’ll be okay
So when you miss me
Know I’m still here,
I’ll be in your hearts
Forever near.
In Loving Memory
By Tylor Wilke
We will miss your graceful smile.
We will miss seeing you in the aisle.
You were great, and nice to us.
Now that you are gone we are crushed.
You were like a brother to many.
Your fond memories there are plenty.
Your being gone is a stun.
You were loved by everyone.
Except for the few.
Who didn’t know you.
Now that you are gone.
Your brains and your brawn.
We will not forget.
Kirk Sturgill, just a kid.
By Tylor Wilke
We will miss your graceful smile.
We will miss seeing you in the aisle.
You were great, and nice to us.
Now that you are gone we are crushed.
You were like a brother to many.
Your fond memories there are plenty.
Your being gone is a stun.
You were loved by everyone.
Except for the few.
Who didn’t know you.
Now that you are gone.
Your brains and your brawn.
We will not forget.
Kirk Sturgill, just a kid.
The tragedy on Seven Hills Road (or Ghost Road)
I spent all morning working on a memorial page for the yearbook. Lots of kids watched and a few brought in candids that they'd had of Kirk. So, I guess my worry about what to say & do worked it's self out.
It is pretty heavy here.
Here's the official press release:
"At approximately 4:00 yesterday afternoon on dirt road east of town, five students were in a two car accident; Cody Malone, Doug Nichols, Michael Nemitz, Tim Murphy and Kirk Sturgill. Emergency staff worked to stabilize, the students. Three students were life flighted to various hospitals, Crawford County Memorial, UNMC in Omaha, and Mercy Hospital in Sioux City. The nature of Kirk’s internal injuries were severe and sadly, he died last evening. Tim is in Denison and is expected to be released today. Doug and Cody are at UNMC. Cody is anticipated to be released today, also. Mike originally went to Denison hospital and might be transferred to Omaha today for facial surgery.
We are still waiting to hear about funeral arrangements, but you will be updated when we have more information. The crisis team will be at the school to support the students, teachers, and community.
Other facts if students ask:
Senior Tim Murphy- cuts and abrasions
Freshman Mike Nemitz- broke bone below his eye
Freshmen Cody Malone- Broken bone
Sophomore Doug Nichols-Facial injuries
Freshman Kirk Sturgill —torn aorta"
I have been told this morning that Tim is in the best shape and that he and Cody will probably be released today. Doug and Mike will need reconstructive surgery for facial inguries, Doug has a shattered lower jaw. They're discouraging visitors and will probably wait to tell him about Kirk because Doctors don't want too much anxiety/chemical activity/whatever for his brain.
That's all I know at this time. There's lots of talk about when the memorial service and funeral will be. The Sturgills are members at St. Patrick's here in Dunlap. Word is going around that it will be here at school because the Church is too small.
Thank you for your support.
I spent all morning working on a memorial page for the yearbook. Lots of kids watched and a few brought in candids that they'd had of Kirk. So, I guess my worry about what to say & do worked it's self out.
It is pretty heavy here.
Here's the official press release:
"At approximately 4:00 yesterday afternoon on dirt road east of town, five students were in a two car accident; Cody Malone, Doug Nichols, Michael Nemitz, Tim Murphy and Kirk Sturgill. Emergency staff worked to stabilize, the students. Three students were life flighted to various hospitals, Crawford County Memorial, UNMC in Omaha, and Mercy Hospital in Sioux City. The nature of Kirk’s internal injuries were severe and sadly, he died last evening. Tim is in Denison and is expected to be released today. Doug and Cody are at UNMC. Cody is anticipated to be released today, also. Mike originally went to Denison hospital and might be transferred to Omaha today for facial surgery.
We are still waiting to hear about funeral arrangements, but you will be updated when we have more information. The crisis team will be at the school to support the students, teachers, and community.
Other facts if students ask:
Senior Tim Murphy- cuts and abrasions
Freshman Mike Nemitz- broke bone below his eye
Freshmen Cody Malone- Broken bone
Sophomore Doug Nichols-Facial injuries
Freshman Kirk Sturgill —torn aorta"
I have been told this morning that Tim is in the best shape and that he and Cody will probably be released today. Doug and Mike will need reconstructive surgery for facial inguries, Doug has a shattered lower jaw. They're discouraging visitors and will probably wait to tell him about Kirk because Doctors don't want too much anxiety/chemical activity/whatever for his brain.
That's all I know at this time. There's lots of talk about when the memorial service and funeral will be. The Sturgills are members at St. Patrick's here in Dunlap. Word is going around that it will be here at school because the Church is too small.
Thank you for your support.
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
Please pray for Boyer Valley High School in Dunlap Iowa. Five of our students were involved in a fatal car accident this afternoon. A Senior, a Sophomore, and three Freshmen. Two boys are in critical condition, one, a Freshman died of a severed aorta.
Lord Jesus,
Please be with the family of this boy
Please be with his classmates and schoolmates
Grant them comfort and strength
use this occasion to bring unity and intimacy
where there is confusion and pain, bring peace and comfort.
Please be with the other four boys
protect them, heal them and restore them
where there is agony, bring calm
Please be with their families too, hold them up and support them
be with their doctors and nurses, guide their efforts, bless their work
Please be with the Counselors, Administrators, Teachers, Coaches and support staff
Please be with the area Clergy
Guide them with your Holy Spirit and use them as your instruments during this difficult time.
By your blood and in your precious name, Amen
"and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God's children, since they are children of the resurrection." ~Luke 20:36
Lord Jesus,
Please be with the family of this boy
Please be with his classmates and schoolmates
Grant them comfort and strength
use this occasion to bring unity and intimacy
where there is confusion and pain, bring peace and comfort.
Please be with the other four boys
protect them, heal them and restore them
where there is agony, bring calm
Please be with their families too, hold them up and support them
be with their doctors and nurses, guide their efforts, bless their work
Please be with the Counselors, Administrators, Teachers, Coaches and support staff
Please be with the area Clergy
Guide them with your Holy Spirit and use them as your instruments during this difficult time.
By your blood and in your precious name, Amen
"and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God's children, since they are children of the resurrection." ~Luke 20:36
Sojourners: Christians for Justice and Peace
Not all Christians are Right-Wingers- here is a website that prooves it
Not all Christians are Right-Wingers- here is a website that prooves it
God must think we are poor miserable sinners;
From: Pastor Marty Brauer
Friday, May 7, 2004 8:33 PM
God must think we are poor miserable sinners; knowing we are only
deserving of His wrath and judgment, yet forgives us through the blood
and sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.
God must think that in spite of the sin dwelling within each and every
one of us that those who trust in His Son as their Savior are forgiven
and given the gift of eternal life in a place where there is no more
sorrow, no more tears, no more terror, no more torture.
God must think that those whose aim and ambition in life is to destroy
God's children, like the enemies of His children long ago, are to be
sought out and destroyed.
God must think that those who take a stand against the ungodly, in
spite of their sinful flesh causing them to err in judgment, are to be
lifted up by His righteous right hand for the strength and power to
persevere throughout this life to life everlasting.
God must think that those who He's placed in authority over His people
are to be respected and trusted in the face of lies and deceit by
those whose political bias has skewed their reason and thinking.
God must think that those who attempt to undermine His authority by
undermining those He's placed in authority are simply not trusting in
God's providential power and rule from heaven above.
God must think that all those who are proud to be Americans have the
God-given right to BE proud living in a country whose foundation was
built on the laws of Christ and whose freedom stems from the freedom
Jesus, Himself, has given us from the curse and power of sin in our
lives.
And finally, what we all must think, is that in spite of our political
leanings, the venom we allow to seep and spew from our tongues, the
opinions we so freely give without experiencing first-hand the harsh
realities of war, what an awesome God we have in whom to place our
trust.
Dear Father in heaven: We pray You to continue to uphold our
president and his administration as they continue to strive to do Your
will. Grant them Your wisdom and Your protection as they continue to
stand strong in the face of political attacks and the arrows of
satan. In Jesus' Name. Amen...so shall it be!
From: Pastor Marty Brauer
Friday, May 7, 2004 8:33 PM
God must think we are poor miserable sinners; knowing we are only
deserving of His wrath and judgment, yet forgives us through the blood
and sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.
God must think that in spite of the sin dwelling within each and every
one of us that those who trust in His Son as their Savior are forgiven
and given the gift of eternal life in a place where there is no more
sorrow, no more tears, no more terror, no more torture.
God must think that those whose aim and ambition in life is to destroy
God's children, like the enemies of His children long ago, are to be
sought out and destroyed.
God must think that those who take a stand against the ungodly, in
spite of their sinful flesh causing them to err in judgment, are to be
lifted up by His righteous right hand for the strength and power to
persevere throughout this life to life everlasting.
God must think that those who He's placed in authority over His people
are to be respected and trusted in the face of lies and deceit by
those whose political bias has skewed their reason and thinking.
God must think that those who attempt to undermine His authority by
undermining those He's placed in authority are simply not trusting in
God's providential power and rule from heaven above.
God must think that all those who are proud to be Americans have the
God-given right to BE proud living in a country whose foundation was
built on the laws of Christ and whose freedom stems from the freedom
Jesus, Himself, has given us from the curse and power of sin in our
lives.
And finally, what we all must think, is that in spite of our political
leanings, the venom we allow to seep and spew from our tongues, the
opinions we so freely give without experiencing first-hand the harsh
realities of war, what an awesome God we have in whom to place our
trust.
Dear Father in heaven: We pray You to continue to uphold our
president and his administration as they continue to strive to do Your
will. Grant them Your wisdom and Your protection as they continue to
stand strong in the face of political attacks and the arrows of
satan. In Jesus' Name. Amen...so shall it be!
And I am chief among poor miserable sinners,
Wow, thank you for your thoughtful, if gently admonishing response
to the column I sent you.
But did you hear Rush Limbaugh blow it off as little more than a
fraternity prank? Please know that I feel pathos and compassion on the American
guards, not venom. I still believe in supporting our troops, I’m not going
to EVER advocate spitting on GIs or calling them names like “baby killer.”
But don’t we bear collective responsibility as a people?
I know that God had His reasons for allowing Bush to become
President, but then He must have for Clinton too, right? Romans 13 gets pretty
complicated when we’re in a “representative democracy,” doesn’t it? Who is the King? The man or the office? The people or the Constitution.
One of my big concerns is the whole eschatological thing, the false doctrines that Reagan and perhaps now Bush subscribe to- it’s like
they want to speed up the second coming (or some kind of millennium), as if
they could.
I struggled with how to finish that column, I thought about calling
for resignations- I truly thought a better ending would have been a call
to prayer. I wonder how Lincoln felt about Grant’s being a “butcher”
and Sherman’s psychological warfare- no wonder he was so depressed all
the time.
The worst part of wars and partisan politics is that they divide
friends, Countrymen, brothers and families. I hope that as strongly as I felt
about things in that column does not place a wedge between us. I consider
you a mentor and a blessing in my life. These are two verses that I use to
remind me not to let politics become an idolatry for me.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name
of the LORD our God. ~Ps20:7
It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who
fears God will avoid all extremes~ Ecclesiastes 7:18
Check out my column from Thursday, March 18, 2004
"Advancing historic principles and ideals"
After a Church Council
meeting one of our Elders was talking to our Pastor about “Slimy Liberals.”
That threw me, I thought he obviously didn’t know how I vote in November.
No doubt many Liberals are slimy, but there are surely plenty of slimy conservatives too.
I may be in error in some points and others may be open questions
that you’d either agree or disagree with, but I think you’ll “get it,” so, I’m
sorry this email has gotten so long, but I hope you’ll print it out and
find time to read it.
In Christ,
Ted
Thanks for your thoughtful response to mine, Ted.
From: Pastor Marty Brauer
Sent : Monday, May 10, 2004 7:12 PM
First things first: absolutely no chance of a wedge coming between us.
Forgive me if I sounded partisan in my response to you. Though I
generally vote the Republican ticket (primarily because of four
issues: abortion, homosexuality, freedom OF religion, redistribution
of wealth), I ALWAYS struggle with the "whole" package.
I do appreciate and respect your stance on why you consider yourself a
democrat. Unfortunately, both sides, in their attempts to demonize
each other, have stooped so low as to question how anyone could be a
Democrat, yet consider themself to be a Christian (my dad and Rush),
or how anyone could be a Republican, yet consider themself also to be
a Christian (my uncle Hank and Hilary C.)
AND...while I respect your position on the heinous torture and
humiliation tactics used on the Iraqui prisoners, I do NOT believe
this is indicative of an evil administration with the impeachment of
the president due consequence. If Clinton were still in office, I do
believe I would have responded similarly to your letter.
Oops, just got an emergency phone call...I'll finish this later.
Blessings
pastor marty
Wow, thank you for your thoughtful, if gently admonishing response
to the column I sent you.
But did you hear Rush Limbaugh blow it off as little more than a
fraternity prank? Please know that I feel pathos and compassion on the American
guards, not venom. I still believe in supporting our troops, I’m not going
to EVER advocate spitting on GIs or calling them names like “baby killer.”
But don’t we bear collective responsibility as a people?
I know that God had His reasons for allowing Bush to become
President, but then He must have for Clinton too, right? Romans 13 gets pretty
complicated when we’re in a “representative democracy,” doesn’t it? Who is the King? The man or the office? The people or the Constitution.
One of my big concerns is the whole eschatological thing, the false doctrines that Reagan and perhaps now Bush subscribe to- it’s like
they want to speed up the second coming (or some kind of millennium), as if
they could.
I struggled with how to finish that column, I thought about calling
for resignations- I truly thought a better ending would have been a call
to prayer. I wonder how Lincoln felt about Grant’s being a “butcher”
and Sherman’s psychological warfare- no wonder he was so depressed all
the time.
The worst part of wars and partisan politics is that they divide
friends, Countrymen, brothers and families. I hope that as strongly as I felt
about things in that column does not place a wedge between us. I consider
you a mentor and a blessing in my life. These are two verses that I use to
remind me not to let politics become an idolatry for me.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name
of the LORD our God. ~Ps20:7
It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who
fears God will avoid all extremes~ Ecclesiastes 7:18
Check out my column from Thursday, March 18, 2004
"Advancing historic principles and ideals"
After a Church Council
meeting one of our Elders was talking to our Pastor about “Slimy Liberals.”
That threw me, I thought he obviously didn’t know how I vote in November.
No doubt many Liberals are slimy, but there are surely plenty of slimy conservatives too.
I may be in error in some points and others may be open questions
that you’d either agree or disagree with, but I think you’ll “get it,” so, I’m
sorry this email has gotten so long, but I hope you’ll print it out and
find time to read it.
In Christ,
Ted
Thanks for your thoughtful response to mine, Ted.
From: Pastor Marty Brauer
Sent : Monday, May 10, 2004 7:12 PM
First things first: absolutely no chance of a wedge coming between us.
Forgive me if I sounded partisan in my response to you. Though I
generally vote the Republican ticket (primarily because of four
issues: abortion, homosexuality, freedom OF religion, redistribution
of wealth), I ALWAYS struggle with the "whole" package.
I do appreciate and respect your stance on why you consider yourself a
democrat. Unfortunately, both sides, in their attempts to demonize
each other, have stooped so low as to question how anyone could be a
Democrat, yet consider themself to be a Christian (my dad and Rush),
or how anyone could be a Republican, yet consider themself also to be
a Christian (my uncle Hank and Hilary C.)
AND...while I respect your position on the heinous torture and
humiliation tactics used on the Iraqui prisoners, I do NOT believe
this is indicative of an evil administration with the impeachment of
the president due consequence. If Clinton were still in office, I do
believe I would have responded similarly to your letter.
Oops, just got an emergency phone call...I'll finish this later.
Blessings
pastor marty
Centrist America
Part of the problem in American politics today is that we tend to demonize people on the opposite side of the spectrum. Here's a website for those of us in the middle.
My favorite (living) Republicans; John McCain, George Will, & Clarence Hoffman
My favorite (dead) Republicans; Abe Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, & Barry Goldwater
Part of the problem in American politics today is that we tend to demonize people on the opposite side of the spectrum. Here's a website for those of us in the middle.
My favorite (living) Republicans; John McCain, George Will, & Clarence Hoffman
My favorite (dead) Republicans; Abe Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, & Barry Goldwater
Thursday, May 06, 2004
Leaving your kids behind
It certainly sounds idealistic. No one can argue that public schools should make every effort to help EVERY student, but did you know that only 6% of the costs to implement No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is supposed to come from the federal government?
Thanks to Bush’s tax cuts, deficits, and pre-emptive war in Iraq, they’re not even coming through with that 6%.
Two of the goals of NCLB is accountability and choice. In a perfect world, these goals also sound like idealistic, but run through a Washington-speak decoder they sound more like deregulation, privatization, and free-market competition. These goals may not even sound all that odious except that we’re not talking about sprockets or gizmos, cogs, or “information systems.” We’re not talking about investment portfolios. We’re talking about children.
Republican proponents of NCLB claim that schools need to be held more responsible for results the same way the business world operates. Carrots and sticks, fines and bonuses, performance reviews. There are several problems with that, besides that I went into teaching to help kids, rather than have to compete in the dog-eat-dog, survival-of-the-fittest world of business.
One problem is what performance are you reviewing? It seems like tests are supposed to measure student performance, but a student can be incredibly intelligent, creative and hard working and yet be a miserable test taker. It’s like when you have something wrong with your car, so you take it into a mechanic, but the car doesn’t malfunction for the mechanic, so they can’t find a problem. Other kids are unmotivated, stubborn, insubordinate, and totally disinterested in school, but for whatever reason, they perform outstanding on tests.
I realize and agree that the basics are vital, but you can’t reduce all learning to only math, science and reading. Some students may be brilliantly intelligent in some areas, but have very little aptitude for others. Some kids have do have Linguistic intelligence ("word smart"), or have Logical-mathematical intelligence ("number/reasoning smart"), but others excel in Visual-Spatial intelligence, Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence, or Musical intelligence. NCLB tests don’t evaluate P.E., Art, Speech/Drama, or Music performance.
Most exciting of all, but most difficult to assess are those kids with Interpersonal intelligence ("people smart"), and Intrapersonal intelligence ("self smart"). Maybe it’s because my wife is a guidance counselor, but these are areas which many children desperately need instruction.
And keep in mind, we’re not talking about sprockets or gizmos, cogs, or “information systems.” We’re not talking about investment portfolios. We’re talking about children. Children have bad days, they have quirks and idiosyncrasies. No test could ever be standardized enough to be truly accurate. There are just some things you can not measure fairly.
Kids also have needs. When those needs aren’t met, no matter how qualified or dedicated their teachers are, they won’t be able to learn well, let alone perform well on a standardized test.
Kids need physiological and nutritional needs. In other words, they need to eat decent. They need to feel safe and protected, accepted and loved. They need to feel value, feel needed, useful, and capable.
If and when most of those needs are met, they’ll need to feel like they can accomplish something and set reasonable goals and achieve them. They’ll need to be able to figure out who they are. There’s no way to standardize students. They aren’t computers or cars or cell phones. And if you can’t control all the variables, you can’t accurately access their learning.
Can any school manage to do all of that for every kid? How would you assess their performance if they could? What is the “bottom line” in education?
Certainly teachers, principals and superintendents should be held accountable, but so should the students themselves, and so should their parents for that matter. Does their time, love, and money get invested in their children? Are they helping and encouraging their child to learn?
NCLB provides hoops for schools to jump through, but doesn’t provide any of the resources to do so. NCLB places the emphasis of education on test-taking skills, not on thinking skills, learning skills, or subject content. NCLB stigmatizes schools who’s statistics don’t look good enough, which they may have little control over.
Schools and teachers can’t control the number of non-English speakers in their district. They can’t control the number of severely learning disabled or handicapped children in their district. They can’t control the poverty or drug use or broken homes in their district. They certainly can’t control the amount of time that parents spend with their children or how much children are read to. Yet if the test scores don’t show enough improvement in a district, teachers, administrators and schools may be seriously penalized.
Bush supporters would argue that parents should have the right to move their students to the best districts. That takes even more resources away from the schools who need to improve. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. It’s social Darwinism, survival of the fittest. So what happens? Schools need to be able to compete to stay alive, scruples and ethics are sacrificed. Corners get cut, numbers are fudged, rules are bent. Sounds like business, not school.
Capitalism is the best system for business (when it works), but surely the lessons of Enron, Worldcom and InCone should show us that competition may not always produce what’s best for the general public. Competition breeds antagonism and greed at the expense of cooperation and community.
Education issues often get eclipsed by “louder” things vying for our attention like the war, gay marriage, and abortion. But if Bush gets re-elected, someone has got to convince him that No Child Left Behind needs to be abandoned or seriously rethought. If NCLB is allowed to continue, every child will be left behind. All of America’s public schools will be worse off then they were before Bush tried to fix them.
Thanks to Bush’s tax cuts, deficits, and pre-emptive war in Iraq, they’re not even coming through with that 6%.
Two of the goals of NCLB is accountability and choice. In a perfect world, these goals also sound like idealistic, but run through a Washington-speak decoder they sound more like deregulation, privatization, and free-market competition. These goals may not even sound all that odious except that we’re not talking about sprockets or gizmos, cogs, or “information systems.” We’re not talking about investment portfolios. We’re talking about children.
Republican proponents of NCLB claim that schools need to be held more responsible for results the same way the business world operates. Carrots and sticks, fines and bonuses, performance reviews. There are several problems with that, besides that I went into teaching to help kids, rather than have to compete in the dog-eat-dog, survival-of-the-fittest world of business.
One problem is what performance are you reviewing? It seems like tests are supposed to measure student performance, but a student can be incredibly intelligent, creative and hard working and yet be a miserable test taker. It’s like when you have something wrong with your car, so you take it into a mechanic, but the car doesn’t malfunction for the mechanic, so they can’t find a problem. Other kids are unmotivated, stubborn, insubordinate, and totally disinterested in school, but for whatever reason, they perform outstanding on tests.
I realize and agree that the basics are vital, but you can’t reduce all learning to only math, science and reading. Some students may be brilliantly intelligent in some areas, but have very little aptitude for others. Some kids have do have Linguistic intelligence ("word smart"), or have Logical-mathematical intelligence ("number/reasoning smart"), but others excel in Visual-Spatial intelligence, Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence, or Musical intelligence. NCLB tests don’t evaluate P.E., Art, Speech/Drama, or Music performance.
Most exciting of all, but most difficult to assess are those kids with Interpersonal intelligence ("people smart"), and Intrapersonal intelligence ("self smart"). Maybe it’s because my wife is a guidance counselor, but these are areas which many children desperately need instruction.
And keep in mind, we’re not talking about sprockets or gizmos, cogs, or “information systems.” We’re not talking about investment portfolios. We’re talking about children. Children have bad days, they have quirks and idiosyncrasies. No test could ever be standardized enough to be truly accurate. There are just some things you can not measure fairly.
Kids also have needs. When those needs aren’t met, no matter how qualified or dedicated their teachers are, they won’t be able to learn well, let alone perform well on a standardized test.
Kids need physiological and nutritional needs. In other words, they need to eat decent. They need to feel safe and protected, accepted and loved. They need to feel value, feel needed, useful, and capable.
If and when most of those needs are met, they’ll need to feel like they can accomplish something and set reasonable goals and achieve them. They’ll need to be able to figure out who they are. There’s no way to standardize students. They aren’t computers or cars or cell phones. And if you can’t control all the variables, you can’t accurately access their learning.
Can any school manage to do all of that for every kid? How would you assess their performance if they could? What is the “bottom line” in education?
Certainly teachers, principals and superintendents should be held accountable, but so should the students themselves, and so should their parents for that matter. Does their time, love, and money get invested in their children? Are they helping and encouraging their child to learn?
NCLB provides hoops for schools to jump through, but doesn’t provide any of the resources to do so. NCLB places the emphasis of education on test-taking skills, not on thinking skills, learning skills, or subject content. NCLB stigmatizes schools who’s statistics don’t look good enough, which they may have little control over.
Schools and teachers can’t control the number of non-English speakers in their district. They can’t control the number of severely learning disabled or handicapped children in their district. They can’t control the poverty or drug use or broken homes in their district. They certainly can’t control the amount of time that parents spend with their children or how much children are read to. Yet if the test scores don’t show enough improvement in a district, teachers, administrators and schools may be seriously penalized.
Bush supporters would argue that parents should have the right to move their students to the best districts. That takes even more resources away from the schools who need to improve. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. It’s social Darwinism, survival of the fittest. So what happens? Schools need to be able to compete to stay alive, scruples and ethics are sacrificed. Corners get cut, numbers are fudged, rules are bent. Sounds like business, not school.
Capitalism is the best system for business (when it works), but surely the lessons of Enron, Worldcom and InCone should show us that competition may not always produce what’s best for the general public. Competition breeds antagonism and greed at the expense of cooperation and community.
Education issues often get eclipsed by “louder” things vying for our attention like the war, gay marriage, and abortion. But if Bush gets re-elected, someone has got to convince him that No Child Left Behind needs to be abandoned or seriously rethought. If NCLB is allowed to continue, every child will be left behind. All of America’s public schools will be worse off then they were before Bush tried to fix them.
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