The Family Research Council has done it again! I am a Christian who likes to listen to Christian Radio for music, sermons, Bible studies and talk shows. However, when I hear such things as what the FRC babbled recently, I have to change the channel before I change my faith to Buddhist! They called President Obama the first gay president! Now I don't believe there is anything wrong with being gay...president or otherwise, but it was meant as a slam, divisive rhetoric, and an inflamitory rallying cry!
With the Conservative Republican groups (like the TEA party movement), stirring up America on issues which the Republican congress, just a few years ago, took as their cause select, and idiots like Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, and Sean Hannity preaching hate, predjudice and vitriol every day, how can America survive! Our nation is built on compromise, reason, negotiations and unity (E Pluribus Unum). These people divide us and make us feel that they have done the research for us so we don't have to think.
The polarization that we are seeing has been developing since 9/11 at least. The Democrats are not guiltless, but the Republicans certainly shoulder the largest share of the blame. They took as their ammunition to unseat the Democratic majority and president any and everything they could find to work on a wedge to uproot calmness, civility and good sense. We can't run America without taxes, and yet the Republican leadership has sung a song of tax cuts until our national debt has made us a beggar to Communist China! At the end of the Clinton Adm, we not only had a surplus in the national debt, but the economy was soaring! Yes, we had a war to fight (don't get me started) and wars are expensive. However, if you go back in the history of all this you find that the planning, intel, strategy, and all the rest involved were all piss poor and not worthy of this great nation. The Republicans (who created a monster) kept the rhetoric going on what a good thing we were doing and any criticism is treasonous and kills the troup morale.
I am fed up with those who tear down America and this president. He has not even been in office for half his term and already gain sayers are plotting his political demise. Is this predjudice against Blacks? It might well be asked. Perhaps we need a Hyde Park to debate and slander our leaders, rather than spread the evil which exists in the hearts of some of our citizens by means of the media.
Please, Be Calm, and Carry On!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
"Are you so sure?"
I have a very good friend on Twitter who makes a lot of noise about not believing in God. The other day he was saying things that did not honor God and in fact bordered on the blasphemous. After hearing him say stuff like this over the period when we have been talking, I decided to respond. I asked him if he was so sure that God did not exist. Now, I have not been quiet about my feelings, beliefs, or faith and so he should know what side of this fence I stand on. I was only inquiring as to whether he was sitting on that fence or completely on the other side from me. He responded with: “Are you so sure he DOES?” I took that as a direct challenge and I replied: “I have more evidence that HE exists than that YOU do.” That should have been a profound statement but I am not sure he understood or felt its entire import.
I have read his posts and sent him “DM”s for several months now. I have learned about his likes and dislikes, his personality and have sent him posts to which he has replied. Not only that but I have asked him, anonymously, the most personal of questions on a site where that is the game and have read his responses to those and the many many others he has responded to coming from others. I have come to accept him, really like him, and appreciate and respect him. I know he has faults, but so do I and everyone else I know. I really enjoy him. Though he is young, he sports as many mature traits and opinions as he does immature ones (said in the technical sense and not in the disparaging sense). All this being said you might say I know him pretty well…..yet I know God better.
I have been in contact with my friend for several months as I said and I am more than sure that he exists, yet I know even better than that that God exists. Although my friend has talked to me, answered questions and given my advice from time to time, his statements and advice do not carry that spiritual witness of absolute authority and power to my soul as does the ones that come from God.
I could go on and on in ways that I know God exists, but I have made my point or perhaps have made enough of one that I might go on. I will not claim to be a special person nor deserving of praise. I have been accused of being prideful, stubborn, and over opinionated….I stand guilty as charged. Some say I am always so sure that I am right and I have to be right, always. Again, I will admit to that.
I was raised to stand proud and solid in what I knew was right. I was raised to believe that our family was a beacon of right and truth, integrity and example. I cannot testify I have always been that. I love my fellow men, brothers and sisters. I am honored and humbled to serve my God as much as I can. I will also admit that on so many occasions I have strayed from the straight and narrow path. I enjoy a lot of worldly pleasures and am a too willing participant with others of like mind. My temptations are many, some serious, some minor and I love all of them. I am working on improving but insist on going at my own pace.
So I am no fanatic and no goodie two shoes. I do not go around with a sign saying “Repent, for the Kingdom is at hand!” I believe what I believe and am comfortable in my own skin. I allow all men the same privilege, but sometimes I do question the logic and thinking of some. I believe quite strongly that I know the truth (the way things really are and the way they have been and always will be), but I don’t go around pushing that in others faces. I like to converse and discuss things of philosophy and of faith and invite one and all to test me on that. I may be shy and humble, but I hide it whenever a good question comes along. Comments and questions are always welcome.
I have read his posts and sent him “DM”s for several months now. I have learned about his likes and dislikes, his personality and have sent him posts to which he has replied. Not only that but I have asked him, anonymously, the most personal of questions on a site where that is the game and have read his responses to those and the many many others he has responded to coming from others. I have come to accept him, really like him, and appreciate and respect him. I know he has faults, but so do I and everyone else I know. I really enjoy him. Though he is young, he sports as many mature traits and opinions as he does immature ones (said in the technical sense and not in the disparaging sense). All this being said you might say I know him pretty well…..yet I know God better.
I have been in contact with my friend for several months as I said and I am more than sure that he exists, yet I know even better than that that God exists. Although my friend has talked to me, answered questions and given my advice from time to time, his statements and advice do not carry that spiritual witness of absolute authority and power to my soul as does the ones that come from God.
I could go on and on in ways that I know God exists, but I have made my point or perhaps have made enough of one that I might go on. I will not claim to be a special person nor deserving of praise. I have been accused of being prideful, stubborn, and over opinionated….I stand guilty as charged. Some say I am always so sure that I am right and I have to be right, always. Again, I will admit to that.
I was raised to stand proud and solid in what I knew was right. I was raised to believe that our family was a beacon of right and truth, integrity and example. I cannot testify I have always been that. I love my fellow men, brothers and sisters. I am honored and humbled to serve my God as much as I can. I will also admit that on so many occasions I have strayed from the straight and narrow path. I enjoy a lot of worldly pleasures and am a too willing participant with others of like mind. My temptations are many, some serious, some minor and I love all of them. I am working on improving but insist on going at my own pace.
So I am no fanatic and no goodie two shoes. I do not go around with a sign saying “Repent, for the Kingdom is at hand!” I believe what I believe and am comfortable in my own skin. I allow all men the same privilege, but sometimes I do question the logic and thinking of some. I believe quite strongly that I know the truth (the way things really are and the way they have been and always will be), but I don’t go around pushing that in others faces. I like to converse and discuss things of philosophy and of faith and invite one and all to test me on that. I may be shy and humble, but I hide it whenever a good question comes along. Comments and questions are always welcome.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Should Teachers Be Online With Their Studens?
The question was asked today: "Should teachers be online with their students?" I have somewhat to say on that subject. The answer: "It depends on the teacher and somewhat on the students." Teachers have been getting some undesireable press, of late, concerning sexual misconduct with their students. The number of these incidents is alarming, but understandable. If a teacher, counselor, physician, or lawyer is to have influence (be believable and motivational) there has to be present a personal and positive bond and relationship. In this age of "E-" everything, it is almost impossible to exist in this society without embracing and partaking of the technology.
Being online with students can be a very positive part of that relationship and very helpful to the educational environment, or it can be the disaster we too often see in the headlines today. Teachers often find their students online in chatrooms or social networking sites. In that casual environment they can lose the official status and demeanor and become a friend. That in some cases leads to an emotional and even romantic bond which can turn sexual all too easily. Teachers have hormones just like teenagers and can be attracted to a pretty face, a great body, or a winning personality. Students are likewise likely to be attracted to teachers in the same way. For me it is completely understandable.
However, I have someone on Twitter I consider a great friend. His name is Jeff Swift He teaches at BYU and uses Twitter, and I believe Facebook, to enhance his classes and further his relationships. He is a great teacher....the best I have ever encountered. He is a person and teacher to be honored, admired and emulated not immolated as some teachers I have known should be. He is not alone in using internet resources in the classroom. I believe he returned from a conference not long ago on that subject. He is joined by a host of modern and enlighted instructors. He uses Twitter to make assignments, to discuss lessons and to comment on things his students say. He also asks for help from others using Twitter to evaluate resources or look for ones he needs. I can't see him ever getting into trouble as others in his profession have done. The differece?
First he is strong and focused on his task as a teacher. He knows who he is and is not distracted that way by his students. Second, he is married to a wonderful and supportive wife and family. He doesn't have to look elsewhere for excitement or appreciation. Third, he is devoted to his faith and has a firm relationship with his God and the principles set down that form his religious beliefs. In my conversations with him and my reading of his posts, he leaves no doubt that all of this is true.
He is not a monk, nor recluse from society. He is involved in politics and educational topics. Sometimes I fear he is too open in some of his involvments but those are his own and do not involve students.
A teacher is like a second parent and must maintain that relaltionship of authority and a stable role model. He must not drop the role and labels he has when dealing with students. If he does he loses some of the respect and honor he needs to stand at the head of the class and direct and shape the minds and lives of his students. Jeff is such a man. He not only teaches, I believe he also makes his students better for having known him. I count him among my most honored friends. Jeff can and does use the internet effectively. Teachers like him can and should be online with their students. Teachers of less vision and strength of character should avoid the internet for contact. I've said my piece and I stand by it.
I know Jeff will critque my blog here and he is welcome to do that. He will undoubtedly say as a persuasive essay I was short on examples and too much on testimonials. I saw each error I made and decided to just role with it and see what grade I would get. LOL I wish I had had the opportunity of his classes when I attended BYU, but I don't know if Jeff was even born when I was there in my freshman year of 1979. All his students are blessed to have him and know him. I am sure they know that.
Any comments anyone has are welcome and hoped for
Being online with students can be a very positive part of that relationship and very helpful to the educational environment, or it can be the disaster we too often see in the headlines today. Teachers often find their students online in chatrooms or social networking sites. In that casual environment they can lose the official status and demeanor and become a friend. That in some cases leads to an emotional and even romantic bond which can turn sexual all too easily. Teachers have hormones just like teenagers and can be attracted to a pretty face, a great body, or a winning personality. Students are likewise likely to be attracted to teachers in the same way. For me it is completely understandable.
However, I have someone on Twitter I consider a great friend. His name is Jeff Swift He teaches at BYU and uses Twitter, and I believe Facebook, to enhance his classes and further his relationships. He is a great teacher....the best I have ever encountered. He is a person and teacher to be honored, admired and emulated not immolated as some teachers I have known should be. He is not alone in using internet resources in the classroom. I believe he returned from a conference not long ago on that subject. He is joined by a host of modern and enlighted instructors. He uses Twitter to make assignments, to discuss lessons and to comment on things his students say. He also asks for help from others using Twitter to evaluate resources or look for ones he needs. I can't see him ever getting into trouble as others in his profession have done. The differece?
First he is strong and focused on his task as a teacher. He knows who he is and is not distracted that way by his students. Second, he is married to a wonderful and supportive wife and family. He doesn't have to look elsewhere for excitement or appreciation. Third, he is devoted to his faith and has a firm relationship with his God and the principles set down that form his religious beliefs. In my conversations with him and my reading of his posts, he leaves no doubt that all of this is true.
He is not a monk, nor recluse from society. He is involved in politics and educational topics. Sometimes I fear he is too open in some of his involvments but those are his own and do not involve students.
A teacher is like a second parent and must maintain that relaltionship of authority and a stable role model. He must not drop the role and labels he has when dealing with students. If he does he loses some of the respect and honor he needs to stand at the head of the class and direct and shape the minds and lives of his students. Jeff is such a man. He not only teaches, I believe he also makes his students better for having known him. I count him among my most honored friends. Jeff can and does use the internet effectively. Teachers like him can and should be online with their students. Teachers of less vision and strength of character should avoid the internet for contact. I've said my piece and I stand by it.
I know Jeff will critque my blog here and he is welcome to do that. He will undoubtedly say as a persuasive essay I was short on examples and too much on testimonials. I saw each error I made and decided to just role with it and see what grade I would get. LOL I wish I had had the opportunity of his classes when I attended BYU, but I don't know if Jeff was even born when I was there in my freshman year of 1979. All his students are blessed to have him and know him. I am sure they know that.
Any comments anyone has are welcome and hoped for
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