Attack of the Mindnumbed Educators

Harlingen, Texas, February 27, 2006:  Have those who are charged with the education of our children all been infected with some mind-numbing virus?  To read reports coming in from schools around the country that would appear to be the case.

According to a February 24, 2006 report filed by KWWL-TV in Waterloo, Iowa, “Two students have been suspended from East High School for writing a leaflet that claims Black History Month and the establishment of the NAACP are racist.”

On February 20 there was an Associated Press report that a 12-year-old girl is fighting charges filed by school officials that she committed battery on another student when he was hit in the face by a ball she kicked during a game of Dodge Ball.  Five other students who were charged with the same offense accepted probation.

A Boston Globe story in its February 9 edition reports school officials charged a first grade student with sexual harassment and placed him on suspension after he inadvertently placed two fingers inside the waistband of a female student’s pants during playground activities.

In recent years such unexplainable actions by teachers and elected school officials have grown from an occasional act frustrating parents to almost constant topics of commentary and media reports. There have even been some serious reports that decades of political correctness, feminism and overprotection of children have created educators so mind numbed they are acting contrary to the well-being of our children.

Third grade students at Allis Elementary School in Madison, Wisconsin were directed by their teacher to write and mail letters to the government insisting that they halt the war in Iraq.

In Everett, Washington the school district cancelled the high school production of the play “When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder?” The play, which is set in a diner, features a chubby waitress, a busty drifter, a disabled gas station owner and a delusional veteran.  The school board said the characters were degrading and demeaning and sent a message not everyone would understand.

In St. Petersburg, Florida they are ending the tradition of “Show and Tell” because teachers want to avoid creating self-esteem problems for children who donÍt bring interesting items.

In Portland, Oregon they are not reading the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn because it is insensitive and Black students are uncomfortable reading the Mark Twain classic.

In East Providence, Rhode Island the school district policy expressly forbids teasing, emotional abuse and harmful gossip. Decorations specific to any winter holiday are banned from public schools in Yonkers, New York and in Boulder, Colorado school officials denied the formation of a Bible club as not related to curriculum, while at the same time allowing a Gay/Straight Alliance club as being part of the health education curriculum.

Across the country those charged with the mental and physical development of our children are banning such traditional games as Tag, Hide & Seek, Dodge ball, and Red Rover.  The justification for these actions to remove dangerous play for the schoolyard is not to avoid physical injuries, but because the games could be harmful to some children’s self esteem.  Some children are the last to be picked for teams.  Other children are not athletically inclined.  Those running our schools don’t want these children to suffer hurt feelings.  Thus, all students are restricted from many traditional games and contests.

What is astounding to behold is… the over protection, amateur psychology and political correctness of many educators, according to Doctor William C. Douglas of Real Health News, is actually destroying the self-esteem of children their actions claim to be protecting.  “I’m also wondering”, he says, “Do these same teachers blame their own failings in life on the emotional scars of having been beaned with a red rubber ball during third grade recess?”

The doctor also tells his readers, “Look, nobody said it was fair, but it’s a harsh reality of life that we learn many of the most important lessons the hard way. And some of them come at the hands of enemies in the schoolyard and that’s also where we learn to function as part of a team, how to fit into a group or how to develop self-reliance when we don’t fit in. No teacher in the world can teach children these lessons.… but, they can prevent our kids from learning them until it’s too late.”

The organization Focus on the Family is very concerned about the growing trend of overprotection being displayed throughout America’s school systems.  They warn that the desire to carefully guard our children is often extended to schools when compulsive parents demand more “protection” for their children.

The end result is often very questio’s growth and development.  Certain risks must be tolerated if a child is to progress.  He will never learn to walk if he is not allowed to fall in the process”, says the family group.

There is a growing body of evidence that indicates there has been a drastic decline in children’s unsupervised outside play.  Media reports of injury, death, child abduction and pedophilia fill publications, radio and television, creating paranoia about children’s vulnerability.  This anxiety on the part of some parents and many educators is a prevailing thought, even though the reality is children have never been safer at any time in our history.

The world of children has never been well understood by adults.  Though adult-child relationships are essential for development and education, they can never provide children with the practical or personal experiences they need for growth and maturity. 

So, what can be done?  Most importantly we need to reject the “group think” that says our children are more vulnerable because of today’s complex world.  Above all, everyone must understand...and must make sure those who educate our children are also aware of one very important
truth...personal expression of ideas along with activities, personal accomplishments and achievements are the tools which allow everyone grow and rise even beyond their childhood expectations.  Parents must also demand that the attacks by Mindnumbed Educators on these objectives cease.

Political Celebrities...Do They Matter?

Harlingen, Texas, February 18, 2006:  There was an article in the February 17 edition of AskMen.com. that could stir some strong debate. It is titled “Hollytics:  From Hollywood To Politics”.  The article addresses the role of celebrities in today’s divided political world.  It is writer Jake Brennan’s contention that when celebrities take a political position, it has more weight than if other citizens or public figures present the same issue.

“Let’s not be naive here”, he says. “When it comes to being heard, some citizens are more equal than others. Editorials criticize public policy every day to no particular fanfare, but when Sean Penn spouts off about George W. Bush’s Iraq policies in a full page letter in the Washington Post, the entertainment world - and, in turn, a very large public - takes notice.”

But, is this observation correct?  A strong argument can be made that what any actor, Rock Star or “B” Grade Movie Queen has to pronounce on any political issue has little impact on how people perceive that particular topic.

There hasn’t been any significant examination or even an abundance of polling on Hollywood political involvement, but two attempts to explore the subject are worth mentioning.  They are dated polls sponsored by CNN and Fox News.

A CNN poll in 2004 pointed out that only 24% of the American public was interested in hearing what celebrities have to say on political issues, particularly the war.  A large majority, 68%, indicated they would like those from Hollywood to keep their opinions to themselves. The most important finding, however, was that 87% of the people in America claim no celebrities can change their minds or positions on the war.

A Fox News poll conducted in 2003 is even more revealing.  It claims that only 5% of the public pays much attention to what celebrities have to say related to politics.  It further indicates that 79% of the population says celebrity activists have little or no impact on their votes.

Even with those public response indicators available there still seems to be an increase in political commentary by the Hollywood figures of both the right and left of the political spectrum.

Actor Gary Sinise, who currently stars in the CBS Television series CSI New York, had his opinion featured in a NewsMax.com article on February 14, written by James Hirsen. In the article Sinise is quoted as saying “The U.S. media present a completely opposite view of what is really happening in Iraq, highlighting the negative and ignoring the positive.”

In the NewsMax article Sinise speaks of his trips to Iraq and the high morale he observes among the troops.  He has seen them, not only in combat situations, but doing important work in hospitals and schools.  He talks about Americans pulling Iraqis from under bombed trucks and delivering lamps to peoples homes.

He also reports how he spoke to a journalist and asked the writer about the media coverage saying, “Why, if you’re going to be so aggressive with depicting American troops in a negative manner, why not be just as aggressive to show the heroism of our service members?” Sinise concludes his remarks saying the reporter paused and then he said, “Well, bad news sells.” That was the journalist’s only response.

When the military community was solicited concerning the Sinise story and celebrity activism, there seemed to be little interest in even commenting on the Hollywood involvement.  Of several hundred people contacted, only two offered any view on celebrity politics and both of those related to the Gay Sinise’ words of support for American troops.

Norm Hatch, a former Marine combat correspondent from Alexandria, Virginia says, “Gary Sinise aside, I am happy that because of his trips to Iraq he has become deeply involved in the welfare of the troops.  However, his attack on the national news gatherers, especially TV is not well thought out for a person in his position.  You may remember that all of the major anchorpersons made several week long trips to Iraq to investigate the progress in schools, infrastructure repair, maintenance and a myriad of other subjects all of which were put on the air, good or bad, in addition to the daily news.”

Hatch concludes his remarks noting “The real problem is that the networks a long time ago gave up making investigative documentaries in half hour and hour lengths, because the audiences had such short attention span.”

He feels the public switched to other television show and killed a very important learning tool.  “That is why, so called good coverage, of Iraq is not as much as many would like it to be.”

Greg Johnson, of State College, Pennsylvania summed up the whole debate for the military community in one paragraph.  “I continue to hold to my notion that our media celebrities too often mistake their fame for importance.  If I don’t care what Hanoi Jane thinks, why should I care about Mr. Sinise’s insight?  As a veteran I believe I have just as much right to have my opinion heard...but we all know that’s not going to happen.  I’m just as well informed, if not more so, than Hollywood prima donnas relative to making credible assessments on issues dealing with conflict or foreign policy.  But, the reality is no one cares.  Stick to the facts and we won’t be tortured listening to right or left wing propaganda being put out by people who making their living pretending to be somebody else.  Just what are their credentials for making such statements?  An objective press would allow us to form our own conclusions.  Unfortunately that is not the way it works anymore.  Journalists are not doing their jobs.  A long time ago journalism was a real profession.  Now it is nothing more than a stepchild to the entertainment world.  The public seems inclined to let others do the thinking for us.  How sad.  We can do better...and we must.”

Just Caring For Eddie

Harlingen, Texas, February 10, 2006:  If there is any area of news coverage where media bias exists, it is the seemingly universal ignoring of the human face of war by the mainstream press.

Those labeled as “traditional” broadcast outlets and print publications have consistently offered the public a laundry list of bombs, bodies and devastation, but have seldom reported little more than the numbers.  It is rare indeed when a person or group are examined as living, breathing participants in what is perhaps the most horrifying and uncivilized of endeavors.… war.

To bring the reality of the conflict in Iraq into focus, one must turn to what is rapidly being referred to as “the new media”.  In more precise language it is the combined efforts of talk radio and the electronic publications of the Internet that reach the heart and the hurt of what is happening to the men and women of our armed forces.

A prime example of this would be when reporting about those who have been wounded in action.  Traditional publications seldom report on wounded Americans.  If they do, the items are short and usually limited to numbers or totals.  Those wishing to learn more must search out websites on the Internet or tune in the commentators of talk radio.  A Google or Yahoo search will
give you more than 1,400,000 hits on information about Americans wounded in Iraq.

The topic can best be examined using the heart- wrenching story of Marine Sergeant Eddie Ryan.  On April 13, 2005 this young Marine was manning a rooftop position along with other members of his sniper platoon.  Not much was happening until that first shot and a bullet pierced his brain.  It was quickly followed by a second shot that smashed into his jaw.  The enemy had not even pulled the trigger that day.  Ryan had been the mistaken target of friendly fire. But, this is not really a story of a devastating wound, but instead it is one of faith and prayer.

Eddie Ryan died that day.  There was not a breath of life in him when teammate Sergeant Karl Schaeffer started CPR.  He continued forcing air into Ryan and applying the life saving technique until the young Marine was again breathing on his own.

When Eddie was in condition to be moved, he was flown to Germany.  He was sustained by a variety of life support systems and given little chance of survival.  His parents were flown in to be by his side. Doctors told them that even if he did remain alive there was no way he would ever remember his family or anything about himself. All his father, Chris could do was remain by his side for hours on end and pray to God for his life.

Eddie never left them.  When he was stable enough, he was air evacuated to Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland.  At the time doctors said it was so he could be close to family and friends at the end. Everyone’s prayers continued.  WABC’s Mark Levin who asked all his listeners to pray for Eddie heard the family had asked for a network of prayer and informed his audience.  Sean Hannity reported the story on his radio program.  The hometown community and the church offered prayers. They were all answered far beyond anyone’s expectations.

Ryan’s friend and team leader is CJ Quinlan was still in Iraq, but asked his wife to keep checking on the wounded Marine and report back.  It was a difficult for Lisa to walk into that hospital room and see a close family friend lying in such a state, but she continued coming and reporting on those visits to those still fighting the war.

One day another Marine returned from Iraq and Lisa Quinlan took him to see Eddie. “I brought Sergeant Taylor White to the room that day and when Eddie saw him he smiled.” He recognized Taylor White… his first reaction to seeing a friend.

Progress continued and six weeks after being shot Eddie started to move his head.  Next he was transferred from Bethesda to a military rehabilitation hospital in Richmond, Virginia.  Shortly after arriving he looked at his mother and uttered his first word..."Mom”.  The very next day His father Chris was bending down and saying, “I love you”, when the Marine responded, “I love you too, Dad.” At that moment they knew he was aware of his family.

The Marine’s recall was proven again when CJ Quinlan returned from Iraq and walked into the room.  Eddie looked at him and said “Papa Bear” which was CJ’s nickname.

Today, Eddie Ryan has gained weight, can talk haltingly, and has full use of his left arm and limited use of the right arm.  He can sit up in his wheelchair and has managed to stand with assistance, but is still unable to walk.  Eddie has full memory and recalls the events of his childhood and later years.  He has a sense of humor and his sister makes him laugh frequently.  He is starting to speak in complete sentences.

Eddie’s father took months off from work to be by his side.  Angie, his mother, quit her job to remain near the wounded Marine and his sister, Felicia, took time off from college to be with her brother.

This is a story that has been told and retold by website, e-zines and email.  Few mentions of Sergeant Eddie Ryan appear in the mainstream media.

One such mention, however, must be credited to a caring publication. On January 23, 2006 there was a story in The Times Herald-Record, which serves New York’s Hudson Valley and the Catskills.  It tells of Eddie Ryan’s battle to recover from his wounds.  It reports on how the family’s main concern is that Eddie’s release from the hospital is only weeks away and he will be unable to function in their small home.

According to the Times Herald-Record, “...the hallway to Eddie’s bedroom is too narrow for him and the wheelchair.  The main bathroom in his family’s 1,300 square foot ranch-style home can’t accommodate him, either.  The living room can’t hold Eddie, his mother Angela, his dad and sister Felicia at the same time, Chris Ryan says.”

Handicapped assessable renovations, including an addition to the home will carry a price tag of almost $100,000. It is a cost far beyond the family’s reach. Eddie is only eligible for $10,000 in government assistance. But, the faith of the entire family remains strong. Their prayers for help are being answered too.  People are coming to the aid of Eddie and his family in a variety of ways.

Americans are reaching out.  Barry Fixler, a jewelry storeowner and former Marine is running a special event through Valentine’s Day.  All proceeds from his jewelry sales will be donated to the wounded serviceman’s rehabilitation.  Fixler learned about Eddie’s condition from his wife, Linda, who is one of the Marine’s nurses.

Eddie Ryan’s story is being carried on a website donated by A&E Advertising and Web Design.  The company has also made arrangements for people to donate to Eddie Ryan’s rehabilitation at www.helpeddieryan.com

Marine sniper buddies have joined together and are offering a special rifle in a fund raising drawing that is dedicated to Eddie. Those wishing to purchase a ticket can write to Sniper’s Hide at [email]fgalli@intelexltd.com

Chris Ryan is looking into every possible option to assist his son.  He is comforted by the public response the family has already received.  But, he also noted there are almost 10,000 wounded service personnel who can never return to active duty.  “Things have got to change”, he says, “not just for Eddie, but also for all these kids giving their lives and their blood for their country.  They are not getting taken care of.”

Just When Is A Cartoon Offensive?

Harlingen, Texas, February 3, 2006:  The Tom Toles political cartoon depicting a soldier as a quadruple amputee appeared in the Washington Post on January 29.  Since that day, less than a week ago, there has been a continuing drumbeat by the media defending their right to place such hurtful and denigrating political commentary in print.

Strong objections have also been registered from readers, advertisers and the general public, but it has not altered the Washington Post position.  There was even a strongly worded letter from General Peter Pace, Chairman Of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the members of that body. 

In the letter, which was printed by the newspaper less any apology for the cartoon, General Pace says, “Using the likeness of a service member who has lost his arms and legs in war as the central theme of a cartoon is beyond tasteless.” The general also says, “Those who visit with wounded veterans in local hospitals have found lives profoundly changed by pain and loss.  They have also found brave men and women with a sense of purpose and selfless commitment that causes truly battle-hardened warriors to pause.”

The cartoon and the words of General Pace have circulated through the military community with jet-like speed.  Also being strongly commented upon by active duty military, reserves, National Guard personnel, veterans, military retirees and their families are the self-serving defenses of the cartoon offered by the American media.

Though the media elite may shrug off the feelings of the military community, a new and equally offensive version of that Tom Toles cartoon may have greater impact. It may also provide those so-called “First Amendment Defenders” with a much-needed taste of reality.  Circulating across the Internet and being passed on again and again by the warrior class is a side-by-side version of the cartoon.  In the first frame is the drawing as created by Tom Toles.  To the right of it is a second version of the cartoon.  In this frame a member of the media, so identified by an ABC logo, replaces the wounded soldier.The person re-editing the cartoon has mistakenly used the name Woodward in place of the wounded reporter Woodruff.  The words of the Rumsfeld character have been changed to read “You’ve really racked up quite a bill for your grandstanding stunt.”

There is additional text added to the two drawings.  In the original depiction is says, “The Press didn’t seem to think that this cartoon is offensive.” In the recreation it reads, “I’m betting they wouldn’t like this one.” For the military community...that just about says it all.