I should begin with the email that I ignored from the Obama Administration, which announced their pick for the Supreme Court Judge that will replace Justice David Souter yesterday. I was at work, I apologize. I figured, I am likely going to see it all over the six o’clock news so after work, I’ll check it out on my G1, as a pre-emptive means of gaining some background information on the decision prior to getting the full out analysis that every news station would provide as soon as I turned on the television.
Well, I worked late, and totally forgot to do that – I was stuck in 1984. Again. That’s another entry though.
I turned on the television and saw a clip of a relatively short woman next to the tall and lanky president when it occurred to me that – ohmygod – is she – what’s her last name?!
Sotomayor.
Sonia Sotomayor is President Barack Obama’s nominee for the open seat on the Supreme Court. I don’t claim to be well-versed in the vetting process or even those who currently should also be considered, but from a strategic point of view, President Barack Obama is brilliant. Applaud, Democrats of Congress, because ultimately, if you trust this man and the decision that he’s just made, you will see that the implications rest wholly in your favor.
I don’t know much about Sonia Sotomayor beyond the fact that she is a woman with an interesting judicial record, and a self-made latina woman. It would seem that Americans are open to trusting other Americans who weren’t born with a silver spoon in their mouths, and I can dig it. A friend of mine recently asked me why I felt the need to go to law school before going into public policy, because, after all, a lot of people are likely to believe that I'm credible and genuine BECAUSE I am not a lawyer. It was an interesting consideration, and a point worth making. This was a bold, revolutionary move by President Obama, who has proven again that we have to trust him and the ultimate decision that he makes. This strategic choice is a great addendum to his already stellar political repertoire in the four months that he’s been in office, and it is certainly going to ruffle some feathers of the Republican Party going forward. The Republicans have been courting the rapidly growing Hispanic population mostly because they translate to a large number of votes. The results of this tug-o-war will present itself during some crucial congressional elections next year. I have a hunch, though, that Obama may have scored heavily this time. Why? Simply put, a protest on behalf of the Republican Party could create some immediate backlash, further breaking lingering allegiances between the Republicans and the Hispanic population.
Some pundits are saying that everyone will closely monitor Sotomayor’s ultimate decision on the firefighter examination issue that is currently taking place in Connecticut. In sum, someone got the idea that since a large number of black firefighters are unable to pass the exam, and therefore unable to become firefighters, the test should be abolished.
It’s possible that much later in life, when I’m running some sort of campaign, someone will likely use the following statement against me, but I think this is the most senseless thing I’ve ever heard. The repercussions only add to the problem, not solve them. There will be dissonance between black and white firefighters, perhaps a lack in confidence by members of the community in these firefighters. Would we water down an examination for doctors, who are also in the business of saving lives? No. It appears to be a no-brainer to me, so I am perplexed by the scrutiny here. Some say that if this law passes, that it will demonstrate reverse discrimination. I’m not really sure what that means, but if I had to provide a conjecture, I’d say that it means that NOT having a test means the law is discriminating against whites in some capacity. I don’t agree with that, but I do think it is unfair. I think it's an issue of legitimizing a quota, which is also kind of a bad idea in this case.
I think a quick and dirty, and much more efficient way of solving this problem, is not by revising the test. If the test is fair and reflects the required knowledge and capabilities required to be a firefighter in Connecticut, then the issue must have something to do with the difference between those who take the exam and pass, and those who do not. What is a consistent weakness among potential firefighters who fail the exam? Does this correlate to the number of men and women who are unable to pass the exam? How will Connecticut help these men and women pass the exam with flying colors, become qualified, assist them and edify them professionally?
I’m not terribly concerned about the way in which law makers will handle this. I think the issue is easy to solve, and that perhaps it means spending more money, but we can’t dumb down a test to save lives, and this shouldn’t be a decision factor in deciding whether or not Sotomayor ultimately makes the cut.
If it does, then perhaps I’m unclear on the co-existence of civil rights and common sense.
Oh and P.S. – Arlen Specter isn’t so enthused about Sotomayor's nomination. Maybe he’ll make his own mistake and prove unworthy of the Democrats’ vote.
Ha, this entire event solves a lot of issues at hand for the next congressional election! Thanks again, Mr. President!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Now Hiring Democrats!
Here’s an interesting twist: after serving five terms as a Republican Senator for Pennsylvania, Senator Arlen Specter has decided, about a week ago, to join the Democratic Party. He flat out stated that his reasons are “political”. Specter’s primary reason for aligning with the new kids in charge is mostly because he will face some tough competition during the primary election for the Republican ticket. Additionally, he’s voted in alignment with the Democrats, at least from what I’ve researched, since the beginning of the Obama Administration.
Eh… I don’t know about this guy.
On the one hand, I want to give him a break. People change, even people who are significantly older and arguably set in their ways. I’m not saying this is true of Senator Specter, but that it’s a consideration that I had. I was a bit skeptical about his sudden change in policy. But perhaps it isn’t he that is changing, rather it is the Republican Party that has changed, a change that doesn’t sit well with him. Or perhaps there is the “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” philosophy. And I suppose if we were normally talking about quantity, it would matter, but from a qualitative standpoint, I would think that immediately deciding to vote for Arlen Specter in 2010 as a representative of the Democratic Party is a rookie move. He has already displayed his lack of loyalty for the sake of his job. He has already told the Democrats that just because he’s a Democrat, doesn’t mean he will always vote with the Democrats. That is not to say that this is wrong, however, the implications are not exactly specified and to me, that makes me a bit uncomfortable. It could mean, for instance, that he could be a Democrat and vote for things that we DO NOT want. Additionally, his seniority has diminished the competition in the primary election. Think about all of the candidates that wanted to run against Senator Specter, or even Tom Ridge, with the prospect of actually beating him? Now that President Obama has embraced him with open arms, I wonder if the Democrats will display a break in loyalty as well, by arguing this decision? Pretty ironic. Hm. Who is to say, even, that this is the master plan? To create a divide among Democrats in one of the most consistently crucial swing states in electoral votes? “Hm” again. Only time will tell.
Eh… I don’t know about this guy.
On the one hand, I want to give him a break. People change, even people who are significantly older and arguably set in their ways. I’m not saying this is true of Senator Specter, but that it’s a consideration that I had. I was a bit skeptical about his sudden change in policy. But perhaps it isn’t he that is changing, rather it is the Republican Party that has changed, a change that doesn’t sit well with him. Or perhaps there is the “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” philosophy. And I suppose if we were normally talking about quantity, it would matter, but from a qualitative standpoint, I would think that immediately deciding to vote for Arlen Specter in 2010 as a representative of the Democratic Party is a rookie move. He has already displayed his lack of loyalty for the sake of his job. He has already told the Democrats that just because he’s a Democrat, doesn’t mean he will always vote with the Democrats. That is not to say that this is wrong, however, the implications are not exactly specified and to me, that makes me a bit uncomfortable. It could mean, for instance, that he could be a Democrat and vote for things that we DO NOT want. Additionally, his seniority has diminished the competition in the primary election. Think about all of the candidates that wanted to run against Senator Specter, or even Tom Ridge, with the prospect of actually beating him? Now that President Obama has embraced him with open arms, I wonder if the Democrats will display a break in loyalty as well, by arguing this decision? Pretty ironic. Hm. Who is to say, even, that this is the master plan? To create a divide among Democrats in one of the most consistently crucial swing states in electoral votes? “Hm” again. Only time will tell.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
I'm Getting Into Trouble in D.C.
The Crazy Thing About It Is…
I was just going to this event to see what this alumnae organization would be about and how I could also learn some great tips on how to mobilize my community and get behind a cause, make my legislators and representatives more accountable. I not only walked out feeling empowered, but also a member of a coalition that evolved out of a group exercise.
You gotta love Deltas.
It’s called PASS Our Kids – People Against Sub-par Standards for Our Kids. The organization has evolved as a result of the failing D.C. public school system. It has not only failed parents and teachers, but also the students, who are unable to graduate with the ability to compete. Talk about taking a bite out of urban policy. I can’t wait to dig in and find out what exactly is going on here. The test scores are low, the resources are not effective, and the curriculum is terribly flawed; members of the community believe that it is designed to pass a test – a test that these children can’t seem to pass anyway. And when they don’t, the teachers are fired. So we have a few issues within issues here. I think that by firing a teacher as a result of low test scores coerces them to teach only what is required to master the test. I also think that we reduce resources by firing the teacher, rather than providing or implementing special professional development programs so that they are able to address the needs of these children. Why strip them of the few resources they have left? If we take better care of the teachers, they can take better care of the children. I also think that by firing the teachers, the District of Columbia Public School System is saying that these teachers are to be held accountable , wholly accountable, when in fact the burden rests upon everyone in the community. Here are a few reasons, just off the top of my head, that could possibly be a factor:
1. Bullying – Children can be a bit cruel. Just the other day, my friend Katrine and I went to Color Me Mine, where a birthday party for a little girl was taking place. One of the girls who attended this little 8 person party was teased most of the time she was there. They asked her why she wears the same thing to every birthday party, why does she hug people all of the time, no one wants her to hug them, this birthday party would be better if you didn’t come back to the table. I mean these kids had to be about 8. The little girl took it without rebuttal, allowing them to pick on her. By the way, I hope she’s a genius or someone who becomes incredible, and I wonder what those little kids will say about her then. It was sad, me and Katrine thought, “Aw, (girl’s name) she could come and sit with us! We let everyone sit here.” Anyway the point is that children often do not want to go to school because they are being teased, or bullied. Both parties suffer the same consequence; they are so distracted by one another (the bully and the bullied) that they aren’t focused or in a comfortable environment where they can learn.
2. Parents – Sometimes the people that teachers have to fight against are the parents, who may not have the capacity to help their children, as they have limited education themselves, and sometimes these parents do not see their child’s homework or progress in school a priority. It’s a grand statement to make, so please understand that these are just conjectures or ideas that I think may contribute to the problem at hand. Who can help them? In impoverished neighborhoods where education is limited, so are jobs for the people who have this limited education with mouths to feed. So these parents may find that figuring out how to pay the rent or stretch the pay check for expenses may be a more demanding priority.
3. Administrative Politics – Lack of funds, or funds that are delegated by a method that continues to support the fortunate at the expense of the less fortunate. I know that in Philadelphia, which is where I originally come from, the schools with the most money always had the best of everything, and the schools that really needed improvement wouldn’t get MORE money because they were in need. In fact, they’d get less. The funds would continue to support and motivate those schools that were excelling. It’s almost as if the rich are getting richer while the poor gets poorer. It’s just like that, only in education.
These are three very interesting observations that are worth looking into, and I have only been here for 3 months. If anyone needs to get fired, perhaps it’s the mastermind behind this failing teaching strategy in the school system. I wonder if these people actually walked into these neighborhoods, sat in these classrooms, if for just one week, and see what these people have to live with each day. Children come to school with burdens from home, children with learning disabilities as a result of their parents’ drug abuse prior to their birth, or children with health problems, children whose expectations don’t really exceed beyond the street they live on, because no one has really shown them what is beyond it and how to get there. Some of them don’t even know that it’s there.
And quite honestly, I don’t think a silly test score can reveal these issues or aid those who need the help. I even heard that schools were being shut down as a result of failure to adhere to these test standards. It’s almost as if the system has given up on these children, and their communities. Education is a beacon of hope and light for kids, the best armor against what they will face when they leave the school yard or enter the work force, and for some, college. These kids cannot compete, and that, coupled with the fact that there is no official representative on the federal level to address these needs, plays a much larger role in the big picture here. In fact, I don’t know that the teachers are really the problem. Either way, PASS Our Kids will seek to have the D.C. community’s voices heard, present solutions and hold the district and the community responsible. It is a right to every citizen of this country to receive adequate education. And to think this is the nation’s capitol!
I wonder how often a legislator looks out the window of the metro train when coming from their safe suburban homes in Maryland and Virginia. I wonder if they see the same things that these residents have to see when they wake up every morning and live through it, as opposed to riding through it to go to work each day. Hmm…
I was just going to this event to see what this alumnae organization would be about and how I could also learn some great tips on how to mobilize my community and get behind a cause, make my legislators and representatives more accountable. I not only walked out feeling empowered, but also a member of a coalition that evolved out of a group exercise.
You gotta love Deltas.
It’s called PASS Our Kids – People Against Sub-par Standards for Our Kids. The organization has evolved as a result of the failing D.C. public school system. It has not only failed parents and teachers, but also the students, who are unable to graduate with the ability to compete. Talk about taking a bite out of urban policy. I can’t wait to dig in and find out what exactly is going on here. The test scores are low, the resources are not effective, and the curriculum is terribly flawed; members of the community believe that it is designed to pass a test – a test that these children can’t seem to pass anyway. And when they don’t, the teachers are fired. So we have a few issues within issues here. I think that by firing a teacher as a result of low test scores coerces them to teach only what is required to master the test. I also think that we reduce resources by firing the teacher, rather than providing or implementing special professional development programs so that they are able to address the needs of these children. Why strip them of the few resources they have left? If we take better care of the teachers, they can take better care of the children. I also think that by firing the teachers, the District of Columbia Public School System is saying that these teachers are to be held accountable , wholly accountable, when in fact the burden rests upon everyone in the community. Here are a few reasons, just off the top of my head, that could possibly be a factor:
1. Bullying – Children can be a bit cruel. Just the other day, my friend Katrine and I went to Color Me Mine, where a birthday party for a little girl was taking place. One of the girls who attended this little 8 person party was teased most of the time she was there. They asked her why she wears the same thing to every birthday party, why does she hug people all of the time, no one wants her to hug them, this birthday party would be better if you didn’t come back to the table. I mean these kids had to be about 8. The little girl took it without rebuttal, allowing them to pick on her. By the way, I hope she’s a genius or someone who becomes incredible, and I wonder what those little kids will say about her then. It was sad, me and Katrine thought, “Aw, (girl’s name) she could come and sit with us! We let everyone sit here.” Anyway the point is that children often do not want to go to school because they are being teased, or bullied. Both parties suffer the same consequence; they are so distracted by one another (the bully and the bullied) that they aren’t focused or in a comfortable environment where they can learn.
2. Parents – Sometimes the people that teachers have to fight against are the parents, who may not have the capacity to help their children, as they have limited education themselves, and sometimes these parents do not see their child’s homework or progress in school a priority. It’s a grand statement to make, so please understand that these are just conjectures or ideas that I think may contribute to the problem at hand. Who can help them? In impoverished neighborhoods where education is limited, so are jobs for the people who have this limited education with mouths to feed. So these parents may find that figuring out how to pay the rent or stretch the pay check for expenses may be a more demanding priority.
3. Administrative Politics – Lack of funds, or funds that are delegated by a method that continues to support the fortunate at the expense of the less fortunate. I know that in Philadelphia, which is where I originally come from, the schools with the most money always had the best of everything, and the schools that really needed improvement wouldn’t get MORE money because they were in need. In fact, they’d get less. The funds would continue to support and motivate those schools that were excelling. It’s almost as if the rich are getting richer while the poor gets poorer. It’s just like that, only in education.
These are three very interesting observations that are worth looking into, and I have only been here for 3 months. If anyone needs to get fired, perhaps it’s the mastermind behind this failing teaching strategy in the school system. I wonder if these people actually walked into these neighborhoods, sat in these classrooms, if for just one week, and see what these people have to live with each day. Children come to school with burdens from home, children with learning disabilities as a result of their parents’ drug abuse prior to their birth, or children with health problems, children whose expectations don’t really exceed beyond the street they live on, because no one has really shown them what is beyond it and how to get there. Some of them don’t even know that it’s there.
And quite honestly, I don’t think a silly test score can reveal these issues or aid those who need the help. I even heard that schools were being shut down as a result of failure to adhere to these test standards. It’s almost as if the system has given up on these children, and their communities. Education is a beacon of hope and light for kids, the best armor against what they will face when they leave the school yard or enter the work force, and for some, college. These kids cannot compete, and that, coupled with the fact that there is no official representative on the federal level to address these needs, plays a much larger role in the big picture here. In fact, I don’t know that the teachers are really the problem. Either way, PASS Our Kids will seek to have the D.C. community’s voices heard, present solutions and hold the district and the community responsible. It is a right to every citizen of this country to receive adequate education. And to think this is the nation’s capitol!
I wonder how often a legislator looks out the window of the metro train when coming from their safe suburban homes in Maryland and Virginia. I wonder if they see the same things that these residents have to see when they wake up every morning and live through it, as opposed to riding through it to go to work each day. Hmm…
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Quick Piece
I'm writing mostly because it has been revealed that I'm not the only one that knows this blog exists. That, and I haven't written in about a month.
I thought being a teenager was tumultuous but coming into your own as you actually begin to approach your mid twenties presents its own set of issues. Perhaps I am just speaking for myself, but I suppose I was foolish enough to think that I'd have it all figured out by now.
A few years ago I had a five year plan, and in five years, I'd be lucky to know what I want to be when I grow up. I forget what kind of crisis this actually is, but there is a name and a few self help books on it (compliments of a one Ms. Jessica Borno, who brought it to my attention upon graduation). This stupid crisis just won't leave me alone.
I could go on forever about my complete utter confusion and lack of internal content, but I imagine that this isn't new to anyone whose been in this exact position before. Besides, I've already exhausted the issue with my boyfriend's ex girlfriend yesterday.
See what I mean?
When you get to be about this age, I suppose, or at least for me, you begin to compromise. A great deal of ideas and feelings fall into a grey area, all complex, all difficult to separate. Sometimes I find myself entangled in a bunch of things, simply to keep up with everyone else. It sounds as if this doesn't relate to my previous thought, but it does.
In real life, maintaining unusual relationships seem to make sense. For one reason or other, people will do just about anything to feel connected. I say that because it seems as though we're thrusted into our twenties, and the world looks a lot different than it did before, each of us on our own island. And with that comes uncertainties, a lack of confidence in convictions, second guessing oneself, a lack of trust, and extraordinary circumstances that bring people to a place they never imagined, both figuretively and physically.
It isn't all gloom and doom. It's just a round about way of saying that nothing seems to be surprising, nor simple anymore.
But I can dig it. It's just an observation.
I thought being a teenager was tumultuous but coming into your own as you actually begin to approach your mid twenties presents its own set of issues. Perhaps I am just speaking for myself, but I suppose I was foolish enough to think that I'd have it all figured out by now.
A few years ago I had a five year plan, and in five years, I'd be lucky to know what I want to be when I grow up. I forget what kind of crisis this actually is, but there is a name and a few self help books on it (compliments of a one Ms. Jessica Borno, who brought it to my attention upon graduation). This stupid crisis just won't leave me alone.
I could go on forever about my complete utter confusion and lack of internal content, but I imagine that this isn't new to anyone whose been in this exact position before. Besides, I've already exhausted the issue with my boyfriend's ex girlfriend yesterday.
See what I mean?
When you get to be about this age, I suppose, or at least for me, you begin to compromise. A great deal of ideas and feelings fall into a grey area, all complex, all difficult to separate. Sometimes I find myself entangled in a bunch of things, simply to keep up with everyone else. It sounds as if this doesn't relate to my previous thought, but it does.
In real life, maintaining unusual relationships seem to make sense. For one reason or other, people will do just about anything to feel connected. I say that because it seems as though we're thrusted into our twenties, and the world looks a lot different than it did before, each of us on our own island. And with that comes uncertainties, a lack of confidence in convictions, second guessing oneself, a lack of trust, and extraordinary circumstances that bring people to a place they never imagined, both figuretively and physically.
It isn't all gloom and doom. It's just a round about way of saying that nothing seems to be surprising, nor simple anymore.
But I can dig it. It's just an observation.
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