There was quite alot going on in Geauga County yesterday. Much to our dismay, there was a shooting that took place in Chardon High School, which is about 10 miles from my own town, heading south on Rt. 44. People all around the country now know the name of this small, quiet town, on a hill - loved by so many...and that of the young man having done the shooting, T.J. Lane. Being my one day off in the week, I listened to the story on t.v., all day, as it was unfolding. It was mentioned at least once, that bullying may have played a part in the poor decision made by this young man. I hope that they are wrong, but more and more, this seems to be the catalyst for bullied victims to either escape from the severe rejection it causes, by taking their own lives, or finding - both revenge and a way to let the world know what they were enduring by shooting the perpetrators. Many times they will kill themselves, also. If this were the situation with T.J. - he did not choose to do this, but quietly turned himself in. One policeman was all that it took to handcuff him and lead him to the patrol car. It really makes you wonder...I'm jussayin' he went from being a madman with a gun, to someone calm and controlled enough to 'go quietly' without incident. Soon we will know what was going on in his mind, we will know the intricacies of this tragic incident, but until then - it does bring up this topic once more.
Far too many schools do not have a bullying plan in place. I don't know if Chardon High School did or not. It's obvious that they had practiced how to handle such a situation, such as the one that happened. They did quite an exemplary job, all agree...and even have their own heroes - two teachers who ran T.J. out of the school, dodging bullets as they did. A high five to them, for sure, thank you, thank you, thank you! However, I'm jussayin' if this town thought that the chances of this happening were high enough to practice what to do if it had - you would think that they would also be using metal detectors to keep anyone from bringing a gun into school...so that the 'possible shooting' that they were practicing for - would never have been able to take place!
Too many times, bullying incidents, even when reported, leave those in charge dealing with the confusing 'he said, she said' issues that come up. Unfortunately, many times those being bullied eventually lose their tempers and start throwing verbal arrows back (or worse) at the perpetrators making it harder for the authority person to discern which came first, the chicken or the egg! It gives the perpetrator of the bullying the ability to announce that they had been 'cussed out' (by the very one they had been bullying)...act all innocent, and successfully deflect any focus from themselves. Mentor High School, right here in Lake County, has also had to finally deal with the very saddening, and uncomfortable outcomes of bullying, that were not stopped in time. Numerous suicides were the sickening outcome of it all, leaving families and hearts broken forever. I was very impressed to hear that LaMuth Middle School has the kids come together often, (if I've got it right,) and discuss bullying, communication, civility, and more. Kudos to them and to Mentor High, if they are.
I would like to challenge those who haven't watched the kids shows, these day...Disney and all the rest. It's truly amazing just how much bullying and incivility goes on in the story lines. I won't allow my granddaughter to watch most of them, when she visits. We watch shows like, The Little People, a Cake Baking show, Funniest Home Videos, Nature shows...Say Yes to the Dress. I'm Jussayin' - I just can't tolerate shows with teenagers - where you're nobody unless you can sing, dance or are in a band! They all have kids in cliques, and 'nerdy' kids who aren't...and everyone talks as sarcastically to one another as they can - continuously. I remind my granddaughter that in real life - there's NO laugh track behind you when you talk to one another that way! It's wrong - and that's that. I always remind her of that radical idea introduced by Jesus, himself: "Do to others, the same way that you would want them to do to you"...not before they do it unto you. Imagine if all lived according to this principle...no wonder it is called: The Golden Rule.
My own granddaughter has experienced ongoing bullying at two schools that she has attended. Both have NO no-bullying policies in place. Parents bring it up, with very little help found. There is rampant sexual, verbal abuse that the young girls have to put up with - that should never be tolerated. Not only that, but inappropriate 'touching' that has actually been planned by the boys, on certain days of the week! I for one think that sending our girls to all girls schools sound like a wonderful idea! The only problem with that is - with all of the sexual abuse that has gone on in the Catholic Church, Boys Clubs, and many other places we once considered safe - you just can't help wondering if you would be sending your little girl into some ridiculous situation where some person in authority may have chosen that setting specifically to be around a lot of little girls - for their own perverted reasons. I'm Jussayin'...what a crazy world we are living in today! What's a caring parent, grandparent, or caregiver to do? Everything these days keeps bringing us back to prayer. When things are just out of your control - you have to personally leave those you love, in His care, everyday and every night. It's the only way to get any sleep! Somehow I think you know what I mean! We are, after all, in this together. You and yours be safe - hear me?
Monday, February 27, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
Thinking About Changing Political Parties?
Many years ago now, I remember my mother deciding that she would not be voting Democrat any longer. She and her family had ALWAYS voted democrat, as did my father's. My maternal grandfather
was Irish, and fought hard to get unions going, many times getting in fist fights and risking his life. The Irish experienced much discrimination, and all workers needed to unite to address abuses of different types. At that time, having a body of some sort, to arbitrate between the workers and business owners was clearly needed for a plethora of reasons which most politicians on either side of the aisle wouldn't argue today. Unfortunately, the public sector unions of today, are causing our states to be looking at possible bankruptcy, refusing to give even a little on their benefits! I think, even my scrappy grandpa, if alive today, wouldn't be comfortable with the dramatic power (especially politically) that they have gained. I will discuss more on this issue in future blogs. Regarding my mother's decision to change parties, I remember asking her what had caused her to make such a drastic decision. She said to me, "I have not left the democratic party dear, the democratic party left me." Her and my father, both decided to vote for Ronald Reagan. Being of age to vote, I also voted for Ronald Reagan, though I didn't know that much about politics at the time. She said he was positive, decisive, and inspirational! When he spoke they felt hope for our country, and confident in him. Due to that, and certain social and religious reasons, from that point on my family always voted Republican. There were some things that we didn't always agree with, but in most instances, we just felt more at peace in our hearts, and safer with the Reagan/Republican type of message.
The Republicans were (and are) always strong on national defense, believing that we are safest when we have a very strong military. Reagan taught well on the difference between capitalism and socialism, and why the first - not the latter, was the only way for America to go. It is the only system that would allow for, and encourage all to pursue personal happiness, and assure us of a strong country, economically. My family also relates better with a party that is more vocal about gun rights, and religious freedoms. My family never even owned gun, but had we chosen to, we would have wanted those running our country to respect our right to own one. I've heard some repeats of Reagan's speeches on the radio, lately. (It would really be worth the effort to google some of them, and listen to them afresh, at this time when our country is going through all that she is.) He may not be alive, but with today's technology, his speeches could help to unite us all as AMERICANS, again! He had a good handle on the enemy within and without, and what to do about both! Some memories stay with you forever. As a young adult, I remember hearing about "The Rainbow Coalition" and another term we had not heard up until that time; "The NEW Democrat." Everything this New Democrat party espoused, sounded as if they were for the 'little guy'...for 'the workers'...for the 'middle class'...and for 'minorities' (who could argue with that?) Hey, I'm jussayin' we weren't wealthy by any stretch of the imagination either...but for some reason, deep down in our gut, we just felt that they and their message was disingenuous, somehow. Those NEW Democrats just weren't passing the smell test, for us.
Today, I'm a bit more savvy in politics, though I like to keep an open mind and keep learning. That's what keeps it fun and challenging to participate in everyday! I think it's become pretty obvious just who those New Democrats really were, way back then. I believe what we were seeing was the Progressive, Socialist, far left side of the Democrat party, beginning to take it over. In light of the man who now holds the presidency today...(a whole new kind of president for America, ideologically speaking,) I believe that our instincts and suspicions back then, are now confirmed. I can't say that I have ever heard a President encourage and foster the division of our country quite like this President does. He said he wanted to bring us together, but all I've heard over the last 3 years and more has been pitting the parties against one another, now the poor against the rich...and his 'racial verbiage' seems to be encouraging division there too. It's obvious today, that the far left side of that party is now fully running the show! In order to do this they need to use every needy/minority group in the country to their own ends. Promising a better life for them all, but not really leading anyone to a better place. Just more and more of our electorate becoming dependent on the government for so much of what they need. This is dangerous for them - and for our nation. I can't help but think that so many of the liberal leaders just want to; keep themselves in the lime light, make themselves seem relevant and stay wealthy! It pays them well, in so many ways, to keep those divisions wide! Has America EVER been considered a socialist nation? Not! And we don't want to go that way now, either! I consider those who espouse this way to run our country as: The enemy within! Many would eventually like to see the world run with one central government system...and they unfortunately TRUST the U.N. far too much. There is no place for a sovereign and strong United States of America in a scenario such as that! The weaker America becomes, the day of one world central government, is hastened.
In our present economic situation, any American President who would refuse to let us work with Canada on this pipeline opportunity, bringing thousands of jobs, and helping us to become more energy dependent, deserves to have even those who considered themselves as faithful democrats for years, to rethink their loyalty this coming election. I think it's time to get smart and stop believing what your party is saying - and start only believing what they are doing, (or in that case, what they are refusing to do!) To let them give it to China, is a crime against every American! It's time to yield to that discomforting feeling down in your gut. Many have changed parties. You wouldn't be the first, or the last. Pray for discernment. Our country, unfortunately, has become far too divided. Even Jesus Christ said that, "A house divided cannot stand!" Therefore, ANYONE holding the highest seats in our country - that of the Presidency, his administration, the Congress and Senate - who are advocating and fostering all these divisions and espousing a Socialist message, earns the 'disingenuous' accusation (at the least) when they claim to be looking out for the good of our country! I'm jussayin! Our country is called: The UNITED States of America! What part of that is hard to understand? The 'plan' of the socialist/marxist agenda, is to weaken our military, divide us, then to cause/encourage chaos, (heh-hum...occupy Wallstreet?) and eventually to bankrupt our country! (I'm seeing all this and more, aren't you?)...all the while smiling and acting as if they would never think of doing such a thing! We are living in scary times, people. We need to trust that 'still small voice' within. I heard the Song: "If We Every Needed You" (God) by Casting Crowns, the other day on the radio. It fully got my attention, and is SO true.
(You could most likely find it on Youtube.)
was Irish, and fought hard to get unions going, many times getting in fist fights and risking his life. The Irish experienced much discrimination, and all workers needed to unite to address abuses of different types. At that time, having a body of some sort, to arbitrate between the workers and business owners was clearly needed for a plethora of reasons which most politicians on either side of the aisle wouldn't argue today. Unfortunately, the public sector unions of today, are causing our states to be looking at possible bankruptcy, refusing to give even a little on their benefits! I think, even my scrappy grandpa, if alive today, wouldn't be comfortable with the dramatic power (especially politically) that they have gained. I will discuss more on this issue in future blogs. Regarding my mother's decision to change parties, I remember asking her what had caused her to make such a drastic decision. She said to me, "I have not left the democratic party dear, the democratic party left me." Her and my father, both decided to vote for Ronald Reagan. Being of age to vote, I also voted for Ronald Reagan, though I didn't know that much about politics at the time. She said he was positive, decisive, and inspirational! When he spoke they felt hope for our country, and confident in him. Due to that, and certain social and religious reasons, from that point on my family always voted Republican. There were some things that we didn't always agree with, but in most instances, we just felt more at peace in our hearts, and safer with the Reagan/Republican type of message.
The Republicans were (and are) always strong on national defense, believing that we are safest when we have a very strong military. Reagan taught well on the difference between capitalism and socialism, and why the first - not the latter, was the only way for America to go. It is the only system that would allow for, and encourage all to pursue personal happiness, and assure us of a strong country, economically. My family also relates better with a party that is more vocal about gun rights, and religious freedoms. My family never even owned gun, but had we chosen to, we would have wanted those running our country to respect our right to own one. I've heard some repeats of Reagan's speeches on the radio, lately. (It would really be worth the effort to google some of them, and listen to them afresh, at this time when our country is going through all that she is.) He may not be alive, but with today's technology, his speeches could help to unite us all as AMERICANS, again! He had a good handle on the enemy within and without, and what to do about both! Some memories stay with you forever. As a young adult, I remember hearing about "The Rainbow Coalition" and another term we had not heard up until that time; "The NEW Democrat." Everything this New Democrat party espoused, sounded as if they were for the 'little guy'...for 'the workers'...for the 'middle class'...and for 'minorities' (who could argue with that?) Hey, I'm jussayin' we weren't wealthy by any stretch of the imagination either...but for some reason, deep down in our gut, we just felt that they and their message was disingenuous, somehow. Those NEW Democrats just weren't passing the smell test, for us.
Today, I'm a bit more savvy in politics, though I like to keep an open mind and keep learning. That's what keeps it fun and challenging to participate in everyday! I think it's become pretty obvious just who those New Democrats really were, way back then. I believe what we were seeing was the Progressive, Socialist, far left side of the Democrat party, beginning to take it over. In light of the man who now holds the presidency today...(a whole new kind of president for America, ideologically speaking,) I believe that our instincts and suspicions back then, are now confirmed. I can't say that I have ever heard a President encourage and foster the division of our country quite like this President does. He said he wanted to bring us together, but all I've heard over the last 3 years and more has been pitting the parties against one another, now the poor against the rich...and his 'racial verbiage' seems to be encouraging division there too. It's obvious today, that the far left side of that party is now fully running the show! In order to do this they need to use every needy/minority group in the country to their own ends. Promising a better life for them all, but not really leading anyone to a better place. Just more and more of our electorate becoming dependent on the government for so much of what they need. This is dangerous for them - and for our nation. I can't help but think that so many of the liberal leaders just want to; keep themselves in the lime light, make themselves seem relevant and stay wealthy! It pays them well, in so many ways, to keep those divisions wide! Has America EVER been considered a socialist nation? Not! And we don't want to go that way now, either! I consider those who espouse this way to run our country as: The enemy within! Many would eventually like to see the world run with one central government system...and they unfortunately TRUST the U.N. far too much. There is no place for a sovereign and strong United States of America in a scenario such as that! The weaker America becomes, the day of one world central government, is hastened.
In our present economic situation, any American President who would refuse to let us work with Canada on this pipeline opportunity, bringing thousands of jobs, and helping us to become more energy dependent, deserves to have even those who considered themselves as faithful democrats for years, to rethink their loyalty this coming election. I think it's time to get smart and stop believing what your party is saying - and start only believing what they are doing, (or in that case, what they are refusing to do!) To let them give it to China, is a crime against every American! It's time to yield to that discomforting feeling down in your gut. Many have changed parties. You wouldn't be the first, or the last. Pray for discernment. Our country, unfortunately, has become far too divided. Even Jesus Christ said that, "A house divided cannot stand!" Therefore, ANYONE holding the highest seats in our country - that of the Presidency, his administration, the Congress and Senate - who are advocating and fostering all these divisions and espousing a Socialist message, earns the 'disingenuous' accusation (at the least) when they claim to be looking out for the good of our country! I'm jussayin! Our country is called: The UNITED States of America! What part of that is hard to understand? The 'plan' of the socialist/marxist agenda, is to weaken our military, divide us, then to cause/encourage chaos, (heh-hum...occupy Wallstreet?) and eventually to bankrupt our country! (I'm seeing all this and more, aren't you?)...all the while smiling and acting as if they would never think of doing such a thing! We are living in scary times, people. We need to trust that 'still small voice' within. I heard the Song: "If We Every Needed You" (God) by Casting Crowns, the other day on the radio. It fully got my attention, and is SO true.
(You could most likely find it on Youtube.)
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