Deseret News: www.deseretnews.com/article/700114966/Utah-online-....html
This is a good move by Utah. Not only does it increase the flexibility and opportunity a student has in course availability but also puts accountability measures in place so that the classes are beneficial as well as on par with in-class courses in regards to requirements. This is truly a story about a state putting their students first rather than staying with the status-quo that hasn't in the past and doesn't work now.
http://chum.ly/n/73300a
Friday, March 4, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
More Irrational Behavior From Some of Idaho's Educators. Thankfully This Group Doesn't Speak for All of Them.
Here is more irrational behavior from some of those educating our teachers here in Idaho and their Democratic supporters. This is a screen shot from a second Twitter account who wanted to follow me (one of several created by an individual or individuals who call themselves "slutbot"). Not only is it childish but also offensive. This is another example of emotional personal attacks and denigration rather that civil dialogue and counter-proposals. Thank heavens this group doesn't speak for all teachers. One interesting thing about this is that "slutbot" was very active during the 2010 election cycle so I would assume that this group not only includes some educators but also liberal democrats who have no proposals, answers to problems, or ideas of their own and instead use childish attacks to amuse themselves. All this does is make them part of the problem not the solution. Sad. Really sad.
On a second note, the IEA is also now attacking a student for creating a Facebook page in support of "Students Come First." And all this time I thought that the educational system was about teaching the students critical and higher level thinking. Apparently for some in the educational industry (and teacher's union for that manner) that only applies to approved issues and points of view besides showing that they may be lacking this skill as well or at least unwilling to use it.
http://chum.ly/n/72c768
On a second note, the IEA is also now attacking a student for creating a Facebook page in support of "Students Come First." And all this time I thought that the educational system was about teaching the students critical and higher level thinking. Apparently for some in the educational industry (and teacher's union for that manner) that only applies to approved issues and points of view besides showing that they may be lacking this skill as well or at least unwilling to use it.
http://chum.ly/n/72c768
Judge Declares Idaho's Open Primary Unconstitutional
www.spokesman.com/blogs/boise/2011/mar/02/idahos-o...ional
Here is a win for the right of association. Mormons shouldn't be required to allow non-Mormons to determine who can and can't be their next leader is, neither should Catholics or any other religious organization. Boise shouldn't be allowed to determine who Caldwell or Nampa's mayors or who sits on their city councils nor should University of Oregon fans have any say in deciding the starting lineup for BSU. It should be the same for political party determination of candidates. All the primary elections are about is an intra-party contest to see who will represent that party in the general election. Therefore if an individual does not want to associate themselves with a specific party, they should have no say in who that party's candidate will be. These "unaffiliated" or independent voters can choose the best candidate in the general election like it was intended.
http://chum.ly/n/72c11c
Here is a win for the right of association. Mormons shouldn't be required to allow non-Mormons to determine who can and can't be their next leader is, neither should Catholics or any other religious organization. Boise shouldn't be allowed to determine who Caldwell or Nampa's mayors or who sits on their city councils nor should University of Oregon fans have any say in deciding the starting lineup for BSU. It should be the same for political party determination of candidates. All the primary elections are about is an intra-party contest to see who will represent that party in the general election. Therefore if an individual does not want to associate themselves with a specific party, they should have no say in who that party's candidate will be. These "unaffiliated" or independent voters can choose the best candidate in the general election like it was intended.
http://chum.ly/n/72c11c
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Idaho Statesman's View on the Nullification Vote in the Idaho Senate Committee on State Affairs
Our View: Doing the right thing, not the easy thing www.idahostatesman.com/2011/03/02/1547997/doing-th....html
While I disagree with their opinion, there are two good points to the editorial.
First, the fact that some gave the Statesman ammo to paint the entire group as "ugly" after the vote is saddening. Those that go that direction do a disservice and great harm to this issue. Passion over an issue is good as long as it is channeled correctly. Some of the comments I heard at the hearing were better left to be said in private among similar thinking individuals. Save the anger and frustration for the ballot box and election time. You can let it be known that you are angry and frustrated about how a legislator voted but do it in a respectful and rational way. Taking out that frustration and anger in a disrespectful and irrational manner on legislators only cause them to dig their heels in and oppose your position harder. Just think of how you feel when someone gets in your face over something, you only resist harder.
This is something that the teachers need to learn over the reform proposals put forth by Superintendent Luna. Rein in the emotional and irrational outbursts (especially the ones who are acting out publicly) and engage in civil dialogue and when dealing privately with someone who supports the proposals. It would take them a lot further on the issue and possibly open an avenue to improving the proposals rather than face an all or nothing proposition. All this type of behavior is doing is driving public perception and opinion away and entrenching their opponents deeper to the point that no one will be willing to negotiate and compromise on this issue like was originally intended by the Founders. And some of those who are railing on the teachers for their behavior have acted the same way over issues they hold dear, so it is not just a one sided problem.
Second, is that the Statesman is right about the bill being nothing more than symbolic. Passing the bill will really not do anything major in changing or removing the onerous Obamacare. However, if enough states make the same symbolic gesture then MAYBE those in D.C. will actually start listening to the states and voters when they say something. There are times when joint resolutions coming out of the states are not enough and there needs to be a middle ground to getting the attention of the Federal Government outside of public disobedience and civil strife which can lead to nothing good in the end (just look at Egypt, Palestine, and Libya).
Overall, while I have issues with the logic behind many of the points of the Statesman's editorial piece, there were some good points to take away from it and at least one lesson to be learned.
http://chum.ly/n/7258b2
While I disagree with their opinion, there are two good points to the editorial.
First, the fact that some gave the Statesman ammo to paint the entire group as "ugly" after the vote is saddening. Those that go that direction do a disservice and great harm to this issue. Passion over an issue is good as long as it is channeled correctly. Some of the comments I heard at the hearing were better left to be said in private among similar thinking individuals. Save the anger and frustration for the ballot box and election time. You can let it be known that you are angry and frustrated about how a legislator voted but do it in a respectful and rational way. Taking out that frustration and anger in a disrespectful and irrational manner on legislators only cause them to dig their heels in and oppose your position harder. Just think of how you feel when someone gets in your face over something, you only resist harder.
This is something that the teachers need to learn over the reform proposals put forth by Superintendent Luna. Rein in the emotional and irrational outbursts (especially the ones who are acting out publicly) and engage in civil dialogue and when dealing privately with someone who supports the proposals. It would take them a lot further on the issue and possibly open an avenue to improving the proposals rather than face an all or nothing proposition. All this type of behavior is doing is driving public perception and opinion away and entrenching their opponents deeper to the point that no one will be willing to negotiate and compromise on this issue like was originally intended by the Founders. And some of those who are railing on the teachers for their behavior have acted the same way over issues they hold dear, so it is not just a one sided problem.
Second, is that the Statesman is right about the bill being nothing more than symbolic. Passing the bill will really not do anything major in changing or removing the onerous Obamacare. However, if enough states make the same symbolic gesture then MAYBE those in D.C. will actually start listening to the states and voters when they say something. There are times when joint resolutions coming out of the states are not enough and there needs to be a middle ground to getting the attention of the Federal Government outside of public disobedience and civil strife which can lead to nothing good in the end (just look at Egypt, Palestine, and Libya).
Overall, while I have issues with the logic behind many of the points of the Statesman's editorial piece, there were some good points to take away from it and at least one lesson to be learned.
http://chum.ly/n/7258b2
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Here is a great, yet simple, discussion of capitalism and the need for uninhibited free enterprise.
I, Pencil | Foundation for Economic Education: fee.org/library/books/i-pencil-2
http://chum.ly/n/722ace
http://chum.ly/n/722ace
Pocatello Navy recruiter offered fake notes to help students to protest Luna's plan « www.idahoreporter.comwww.idahoreporter.comwww.idahoreporter.comwww.idahoreporter.comwww.idahoreporter.com
www.idahoreporter.com/2011/pocatello-navy-recruite...-plan
This guy had better hope the Navy doesn't throw the book at him. He could lose his position, rank, and pay for being involved in a political issue using his position as a Navy recruiter. This is a BIG no no.
http://chum.ly/n/7225c7
This guy had better hope the Navy doesn't throw the book at him. He could lose his position, rank, and pay for being involved in a political issue using his position as a Navy recruiter. This is a BIG no no.
http://chum.ly/n/7225c7
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)