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Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012 | 2:01 a.m.
Another view?
View more of the Las Vegas Sun's opinion section:
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This election has shown the continuing trend in American politics to do away with the “melting pot” of America.
We saw ad after ad target specific groups of people in an attempt to persuade them to vote as a whole and not give individual thought to a given issue. Two of the more blatant examples covered immigration and support for Israel.
I am reminded of two terms from chemistry that often are confused: “compound” and “mixture.”
A compound is a substance that is made up of two or more chemical elements that are bonded together in such a fashion that a chemical process is needed to separate them. A mixture, on the other hand, is a physical mixing of two or more substances that can be isolated again by a simple mechanical means such as using a magnet to pull bits of iron from a recycling bin.
The American melting pot should produce a compound from all the people who live and come here. We should be bonded by the love of the ideals presented by our Declaration of Independence and embodied in our Bill of Rights. Instead, our politicians, our elected leaders, treat us as a simple mixture that can be broken apart at will when it comes election time by simple pandering.
We cannot expect to build a strong society going forward by using bricks made of mud and straw (a simple mixture) instead of chemically bonded concrete.
Obama = compound
Romney - mixture of whatever it takes to get elected
Strangely Romney lost because he did NOT MICRO-TARGET the Hispanic vote and he did NOT PANDER to Hispanics with an temporary EO dream act
As president Obama promised citizenship for 12 million illegals
As president Obama promised free abortions and pills and cell phones and and and
Excellent observation and letter Mr. Bacon.
A note to Future:
Romney's comment about illegals was only part of his problem. The GOP agenda in general was tainted and pissed off many other groups, especially women.
This being Veteran's Day, I want to point out that although there is immense pride and inter-service rivalry between the military branches it's "all hands on deck!" when it is time to get the job done without regard to who is doing it. No one who has served will claim there is perfect harmony between the branches, but there is a very tight unity in purpose.
We need to elect representatives who have that same attitude toward serving the American public. And the American public should recall those words spoken by JFK some fifty years ago: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."
We do not need representatives of particular groups. We need representatives of the American people, no matter what gender, skin color, ethnic background, sexual preference or church (or lack thereof) someone belongs to.
I was speaking with someone just tonight who referred to America as a "salad bowl" where each group brings its own flavor. I disagree with this, I say we must be a melting pot, a crucible if you will, where each individual contributes to the total strength of the resulting alloy by taking responsibility for their part.
It is by being responsible citizens that each of us can achieve and ensure that we all have the maximum individual liberty.
By the way, this old swab jockey sends a belated Happy Birthday to all the jarheads. Semper Fi!
Mr. Bacon:
I have a better subject for you: Integrated Science. Physics and chemistry combined. The two sciences work in tandem not separately. Dr. Morris Lerner, conceived the subject, a two year HS course, and taught it for many years.
CarmineD
One's identity is one's strength. It is not necessary to lose one's identity to make a nation strong. To lose one's identity weakens one's resolve.
An excellent chef, expertly blends each ingredient allowing each distinct flavor to add to the pleasure of eating a great salad.
A salad where all ingredients are made to taste the same will not taste good.
A great salad is akin to an orchestra where each instrument brings forth its own distinct sound sometimes on its own, at other times in tune with the others, at the behest of an expert's wand, making music that awakens feelings to soar with eagles.
It takes true leadership - a skill to craft a vision and communicate that vision effectively by painting a compelling picture of what the future would look like. A true leader dispenses a single lens by which to gaze at that vision and shepherds each individual strength to achieve it.
Ahhhh. If only, if only.
In other words, social engineering does not work.
We can instead use individual resolve to achieve what it is we want to achieve by making people realize we all want the same things, albeit in varying degrees.
There is no need to denigrate the President. More people believe in him than the other. That is that. Negative comments may make one feel justified, but it's poison and breeds ill-will.
Change has a greater chance of taking root if those who are to make them are involved in crafting them.
We elected people to represent us. We can only hope they do.
The USA is more "separated" then ever before, in my opinion. Not segregated - separated. It's "divide and conquer." Everything now has to be hyphenated - be it women eshewing tradition when marrying to race, ethnicity, religion and country of origin. African-American, Mexican-American, Polish-American, Jewish-American, Catholic-American, Native-American, Mrs. Smith-Jones, Mr. Jones-Smith. Bah, humbug! Little wonder the divide among us grows. The blame lies with pollsters, the media and, of course, conniving politicians and their slimy handlers. On the one hand, leftists cry, "Do your thing!" while "Political correctness" runs amok and everybody seems to be "offended" by something or someone. Too fricking bad! And, yes, we ourselves have to share the blame by going along with the nonsense. Resist it and we'll all be better off as just plain "Americans!"
I think both political parties err in ignoring the wisdom and political clout of German-Irish beer drinkers. :-)
The "Melting Pot" has only ever existed as a flag waving phrase, and not a reality, or even a realistic goal. Altho Whites, Hispanics and Asians do rather commonly intermarry, it is still a bit unusual for Blacks and Whites to follow the example of our Halfrican American President's parents.
Religious splits used to be huge, it was thought JFK had no chance being a Catholic, but he squeaked by, no one thought much of it when a Jewish man stood for VP and we didn't hear any serious flak when a Mormon ran for president. I think we can assume that religious flavor (except Muslim) has lost the power it once had to divide us, perhaps because most religions are gradually losing their hold on the population. For those of us in the 21st Century is seems that people are more so slaves to their political party than to their church denomination.
It is very rare for ones among us to move across the aisle in terms of gender.
It is perfectly reasonable for politicians as well as business marketers to target messages of interest to people who share a commonality. I think a better metaphor than the academic ones put forward would be making a great beef stew. One does not pound the meat, vegies and potatos together into one mush, instead you cut these elements into nice mouthsized pieces, put them in the broth at measured times, and come out with a wonderful union of separately identifiable flavors.
Let's enjoy the stew pot, not try the impossible task of melting it into mush.
O.D.Nelson
41 says "I think both political parties err in ignoring the wisdom and political clout of German-Irish beer drinkers. :-)"
Well Obama did have a beer in the Rose Garden. Doesn't that count
"...our politicians, our elected leaders, treat us as a simple mixture that can be broken apart at will when it comes election time by simple pandering."
Bacon -- welcome to the herd. And why shouldn't they treat us the way you suggested? It works. This last election is proof again whoever puts on the best show wins.
"In other words, social engineering does not work."
ASadTeacher -- assuming you're a teacher in our public schools, that's some statement. "Social engineering" is what those schools do more than educate.
"...we didn't hear any serious flak when a Mormon ran for president. I think we can assume that religious flavor (except Muslim) has lost the power it once had to divide us, perhaps because most religions are gradually losing their hold on the population."
ODNelson -- good post, though I disagree on your point about religious influence losing its power. My view is Romney's run was by design. Compared to the religious fanatics he competed with before his nomination -- the ones dedicated to ruling America by biblical principles -- he was a moderate. We'll be hearing from them again, constantly.
So long as We the people act like livestock we deserve to be treated like livestock!
"Mark my word, if and when these preachers get control of the [Republican] party, and they're sure trying to do so, it's going to be a terrible damn problem. Frankly, these people frighten me. Politics and governing demand compromise. But these Christians believe they are acting in the name of God, so they can't and won't compromise. I know, I've tried to deal with them." -- Barry Goldwater in John Dean's "Conservatives Without Conscience" November 1994
Totally off topic but since it is veterans day and just for veterans day:
Recon Platoon, A Co.
501st Infantry/2nd Airborne Battlegroup
82nd Airborne Division
"Geronimo!"
"Those devils in baggy pants!"
I served.
Today I will be the Irish half of the German-Irish beer drinkers Mr. Weber. Cheers all!
Oh yes, Killer. I am a teacher and proud to be one. In addition to reading, writing, and computing, I teach the children to think, respect authority, responsibility, and resilience.
Teachers do not legislate whom to marry, birth control, or what to believe. Those you teach at home. We already have a full plate of the Core Curriculum Standards. Science and social studies take the back burner. Social engineering belongs to the powers-that-be.
Okay? Man, your thinking cost you the election. Isn't it time to reassess? You better start now. 2014 is around the corner.
Nancy,
You or someone with your exact name from Las Vegas wrote this in the Examiner:
We, as teachers, do not have any say when it comes to fashioning education policies. We are literally at the mercy of those above us. However, we have the power on how we implement those policies. As teachers, we have the responsibility toward ourselves, our students, our society, and our earth. Any and all decisions we make every day affect all that immensely -- whether we admit it or not, whether we know it or not. Effects are not immediate, but manifest themselves way into the future, long after we leave this world.
It is therefore vital that we are cognizant of our philosophies, our beliefs, and our principles. These are the underpinnings of the daily decisions that we make -- big and small -- and their effects leave a mark in our students. These children become the future and what they believe, what they learn, and what principles they develop influence their daily decisions. These decisions affect society and the world. There lies your immense power. We MUST use it carefully and wisely."
Question for you Nancy. Isn't this teacher in a very subtle way suggesting the teacher's belief system can influence students and, if so, where does a teacher draw the line in imparting their beliefs?
http://www.examiner.com/article/a-messag...
It is one thing for a merchant to use targeted advertising, it is quite another for those running for office to deliberately try to pick us apart into isolated components. That goes against the grain of what makes this country great.
Political strategies that do this are tearing at the fabric holds us together and provides a unity of purpose.
Re:
Did you understand the phrase - We must use it carefully? That is the crux of the article.
Regardless of governmental influences on political correctness, there are still universal truths of what is right or wrong. A good teacher provides many sides of each situation and allows the student to think/decide for himself. A good teacher never allows his or her personal biases to influence student beliefs. That is why the article recommends awareness of one's belief system as vital to ensure filters when teaching.
Are there teachers who do not have filters? Of course?
But teaching respect, responsibility, and resilience and analytical thinking allows students to develop independent thought. That, the culture at home, and societal influences make up the child's total learning landscape.
I would suggest that you remove your personal biases when you read my posts and try to understand its intent. Perhaps you will understand it better.
As I said earlier, teachers show students various approaches and choices. It is NOT social engineering. Legislating who to marry, having children or not, or what beliefs to have IS.
Thank you.
Nancy...
Great post!
Nancy wrote "A good teacher never allows his or her personal biases to influence student beliefs. That is why the article recommends awareness of one's belief system as vital to ensure filters when teaching."
But Nancy, you wrote in the article "It is therefore vital that we are cognizant of our philosophies, our beliefs, and our principles. These are the underpinnings of the daily decisions that we make -- big and small -- and their effects leave a mark in our students. These children become the future and what they believe, what they learn, and what principles they develop influence their daily decisions. These decisions affect society and the world. There lies your immense power".
This paragraph is clearly outlining the powerful influence teachers have in influencing a child's beliefs, principles and decision-making. You even glorify this position of influence stating "these decisions affect society and the world. There lies your immense power".
Your article's premise was about the power of influence teachers can have in influencing children's beliefs, principles and decision-making. Your article's premise was not about restricting influence, it was promoting it. You started the article with this point "We, as teachers, do not have any say when it comes to fashioning education policies. We are literally at the mercy of those above us. However, we have the power on how we implement those policies. As teachers, we have the responsibility toward ourselves, our students, our society, and our earth". This point clearly suggests you would be willing to implement policies as you see fit within the paradigm of your belief system perhaps at the expense of making a policy from your superiors effective. If you're willing to buck your superiors then how would a parent know you're not trying to buck them by influencing their children based on your own political belief system? Essentially, in your article, you glorify and relish the power of influence in implementing policies from your superiors rendering their policies effective or potentially ineffective. You also glorify your position to influence students beliefs, principles and decision-making. No parent would know where a teacher draws the line in spreading their personal belief system to their children. When you write an article that hints at bucking your superiors and influencing children with your "philosophies,beliefs, and principles" it would certainly cause concern among parents.
Freeman re: Nancy
What are you doing now, stalking democratic leaning commentators?
When I read Nancy's piece I had been somewhat swayed by your remarks, then I cleared the dose of the Republican disease you spread and reread it.
I now feel that the values Nancy speaks of are American values and the sooner people like you exit the stage of Americana the faster our country will heal in every aspect of life.
The whole premise of this letter to the editor is a lie. There is one party that had a large tent, looking to include Women, Gays, Hispanics, Christians, Veterans, Asians, Jews, everyone.
The other side wanted to exclude peoples voices from being recognized as legitimate. Sure they will allow contributions from gays (The humorously named "Log Cabin Republicans"), but this is another false equivalency narrative by the semi informed, or low information voters in America.
One side has to dispel myths (birtherism, jeeps in China) and the other side creates new myths (Obama's ring proves he is a SECRET MUSLIM).
If I didn't like the author of this piece I would let his false equivalency stand, but I want him to become a better commentator cause he loves the spotlight so much ;)
I got so emotional from this story I am breaking from my usual 98% of the time when I read ALL comments b4 responding ; Jim, you had me 100% at ur original letter to editor ; I disagreed w ur salad response, and, Nancy to the rescue explained why.(BTW, Jim, this is ur Deist buddy, & Nancy, this is "why don't u listen to Joe Lamy & move buddy)
compounded, YES--BUT, we are ALL MADE & CREATED EQUAL YET OF DIFFERENT COMPOUNDS! This is "the salad/music argument " of the discussion. I have a few friends that cook w sooooo much hot sauce or red pepper the taste of what the food is is lost. Jamaican "jerk " meats are so hot, if u closed your eyes and were fed mouth sized bites u wouldn't know if shrimp or chicken was in your mouth.
Nancy eloquently explained this. The items should meld beautifully, yet retain their own flavor (natural characteristics, culture) .
I have an Art Minor, and wrote a paper on Edgard Varese's composition "Ameriques"...I recall it was written early 1920's, while Varese lived on the Lower East Side of NY. Often, the music sounds like a cacophony of noise-- it was the TRUE REPRESENTATION of what he heard each day-- the melting pot of new people, mixing "ancient ways " w Industrialization.
The mode of early America was to "assimilate w pride & conviction " to "act as one ", or as my young niece once framed, "same of the same"--WE ARE NOT!! THIS IS THE UNIQUENESS OF AMERICA! We who ALL but The Natives came from somewhere else, LOOKING FOR THE freedom of binds MOST OTHER COUNTRIES keep. None came w plans to "take over America & switch it to THEIR way"(unless we want to discuss barbaric Christian Albanians & Serbians that will attempt a civil war here); I tutored 2 children, 11 & 15 whose Dominican dentist mother gave them a charge card so they could buy ANY book they wanted online. Long after she had originally hired me to tutor just the younger son, she kept me employed as "their paid mentor/friend"-- she wanted them to TRULY GRASP this land she had struggled so hard to move to, as a skilled dentist from The Dominican Republic, and what it REALLY meant to live in a country where ALL ARE CREATED EQUAL, and WITH FREE SPEECH.
I was very busy w family problems these last few days, so forgive me, FROM THE DEPTHS OF MY WAR HATING SOUL, for wishing you all a belated (never can say the word "Happy " in front of the wish) Thoughtful & I Thank You Veteran's Day.
Thanks Jeff, Tee Hee, and GMAG: Thanks.
The message I sent to my fellow teachers was plain (or so I thought): Yes they HAVE the power. That is why I urged them to be aware of their beliefs because they underpin their daily decisions. Awareness of those beliefs triggers the appropriate filters required when delivering lessons.
As I said many times, our frames of references influence our perceptions. That is why Mr. Freeman has difficulties understanding any of our posts.
Oh well, I suppose this forum provides entertainment, if nothing else.
Nancy wrote "The message I sent to my fellow teachers was plain (or so I thought): Yes they HAVE the power. That is why I urged them to be aware of their beliefs because they underpin their daily decisions. Awareness of those beliefs triggers the appropriate filters required when delivering lessons."
Nancy, the theme of your article was teacher power & influence with your "philosophies,beliefs, and principles". The theme was not restraint. The other theme was teachers have "the power on how we implement those policies. As teachers, we have the responsibility toward ourselves, our students, our society, and our earth". Clearly, you're message is teachers can blunt or water down the effect of any policy passed on by superiors. This was after you wrote "We, as teachers, do not have any say when it comes to fashioning education policies. We are literally at the mercy of those above us". If you rebel against superiors then what restrains a teacher from influencing students politically?
Ok, picking up from finks' post, & beyond to the end..my point proven..fink comes from the assimilation school, while we bring in Irish, Catholic, German Muslim beer drinkers. We have OD Nelson who is gunna make me have to do a search on the REAL ratios of "mixed couples "...
Refnv..yeah..whyyyyy don't u get off Nancy's coattail? She wrote proliferating words about the power a teacher holds to mold a young mind to dissect the truth of the world in front of them,while upholding her oath as a PS teacher to not bring into the class her personal views, not answer predetermined "off limit "questions (Teach, I'm pregnant; should I get an abortion?),while also agreeing to not physically or emotionally harm her students. You couldn't qualify a day as even a substitute, cos u live in, as Longtimevegan calls it--The Bubble--sticking to and preaching YOUR WAY as if it was THE ONLY WAY; go read "A Wrinkle In Time " by Madeline L'Engle..u have been taken over by IT.
To those that argue this chemistry, hyphenation story, if for my Master's I would have had to write a thesis vs taking a comprehensive test, it was going to be on the state of "American Men " who in the 20TH century, w my exotic look/appearance, upon first meeting me--business, social or even the cab driver studying me in his rearview mirror, ask, "where are u from?" "The Bronx" "No, WHERE are you FROM?" "The BRONX" "No, where is YOUR FAMILY FROM?" "The Bronx." Ok, where are YOUR GRANDPARENTS FROM?" "I don't know; whenever we'd ask that they were so into assimilating they'd tell us 'America ', or lie some country names different decades."
Why were men asking me this question? Even tho fink poo-poos it, and Jim wants to compound us, as Jeff garner in another story adds a surname to Nancy's to blatantly racebait, most men upon meeting me & being excited about my appearance, have to quickly decide am I marriage material to bring home to mama, or of some other race/ethnicity /culture, therefore "only " making me f@$kable in their "assimilated NOT" American mind.
I wrote this while refnv was adding his last post above my above one..in other words, I was typing in think free office since my 1st post, and wrote my response above w the last post being jefffromvegas at 7:42
Ref..u have MORW ELOQUENTLY stuck ur foot in ur mouth as I explained the constraints PS teachers SWEAR to uphold
tehehe,
It's too bad Nancy's article was about power and influence over our children's philosophies,beliefs, and principles right after writing "We are literally at the mercy of those above us. However, we have the power on how we implement those policies. As teachers, we have the responsibility toward ourselves, our students, our society, and our earth".
Nancy's message had a rebellious tone to it, not one of being in accord with leadership guidelines and policies. It makes a reader wonder how far a teacher will go in influencing their children politically.
For od nelson..we can quote what we want I guess; my man is Jamaican from a Chinese/Mongol mother and a Black Jamaican/Scottish white father ..I chose to slant to my own mind ( no one is perfect!) and quote this part I like: ".. d] During this time there was a significant increase in marriages between Caucasians and African Americans, maintaining that African Americans are most likely to marry Caucasians over other groups. . [citation needed].."
Anyone curious about US "mixing" can go read the whole wiki : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interracial...
T
Refnv..u PROVE me & Longtimevegan s point-- ur stuck in ur (conspiracy) Bubble mode; to THINK and ACT are 359 degrees apart, and Nancy eloquently addressed the issue which I further broke down into babyfood.
Public Schol DOESNT happen in The/a Bubble; parents sit it, aides are often there, observers are often there, and if you don't know how an influenced child sounds (as from one NOT being taught Core Curriculum, it sounds like when My Godson disagrees w his grandparents and enunciates the capital letters in my name.."MMMMy GGGGGGodmother saidddd..."
No ref, PS teachers "stick to the books "(pun intended) so they can bring home their net $38.T for their PhD, teaching the Mayflower assimilated core curriculum.
please try to digest before rewording or requestioning, thx.
Oh, and Nancy, please, walk a flowered path
@->-> @->->
tehehe,
The words in Nancy's article spoke volumes. We can't control the policies but we sure can affect the effectiveness of those policies by how we implement the policies.
"We, as teachers, do not have any say when it comes to fashioning education policies. We are literally at the mercy of those above us. However, we have the power on how we implement those policies. As teachers, we have the responsibility toward ourselves, our students, our society, and our earth. Any and all decisions we make every day affect all that immensely -- whether we admit it or not, whether we know it or not. Effects are not immediate, but manifest themselves way into the future, long after we leave this world."
Pt1
"In other words, social engineering does not work."
ASadTeacher -- assuming you're a teacher in our public schools, that's some statement. "Social engineering" is what those schools do more than educate."killerb
"Oh yes, Killer. I am a teacher and proud to be one.
In addition to reading, writing, and computing,
I teach the children *to think,
*respect authority,
* responsibility,
* and resilience.
Teachers *do not legislate *whom to marry, birth control,
* or what to believe.
Those you teach at home.
We already have a full plate of the Core Curriculum Standards.
Science and social studies take the back burner.
Social engineering belongs to the powers-that-be."Nancy
"Re:
Did you understand the phrase - ** must use it carefully? **That is the crux of the article.**
Regardless of *
governmental influences on political correctness,*
there are still universal truths of what is right or wrong.*
A good teacher provides
*many sides of each situation*
* and allows the student to think/decide for himself. *
A good teacher
**never allows his or her personal biases to influence student beliefs.**
That is why the article recommends awareness of one's belief system *
as vital to ensure *
*filters *when *teaching.
Are there teachers who do not have filters? Of course?(I, tehehe, add, just as those that hit or rape students ..bad folk walk thru ALL FIELDS..NY DOCTOR CAUGHT W PEN CAMERA UPSKIRTING WOMEN; NYC COP RAPED TEACHER ON WAY TO HER 1st DAY TEACHING)
But teaching respect, responsibility, and resilience and
* analytical thinking allows students
* to develop independent thought. *
That,
the culture at home,
and societal influences
make up the child's total learning landscape.
I would suggest that you remove your personal biases when you read my posts and try to understand its intent. Perhaps you will understand it better.
As I said earlier,
*teachers show students various approaches and choices. *
It is NOT social engineering.*
Legislating who to marry, having children or not, or what beliefs to have IS.
Thank you."Nancy
"..No ref, PS teachers "stick to the books "(pun intended) so they can bring home their net $38.T for their PhD, teaching the Mayflower assimilated core curriculum. please try to digest before rewording or requestioning, thx." Me, tehehe
Pt2
When I, as a counselor w a master's degree in Counseling & Development, and a Post Master's Certificate in Family Counseling, from the educational Dept of my university had to decide would I stay on my path of "independent living skills provider, in not-for-profits" w no real benefits, I decided at not yet 40 I didn't need the benefits and tenure 20 years in public school would / could afford me; as the grandchild of Deist grandparents, activists, innovators(my grandfather provided colonics, acupuncture, chiropractics & ultra violet treatment for (not defined until the 80's) , seasonal affect disorder, from the '20s until he passed away '59.) Their friends were inovators, like erich fromm, otto rank, George Bernard Shaw, georgia o'keefe, alfred adler, rollo may, albert ellis, houdini, margaret sanger, albert einstein, Carl jung & Lucy Burns. NO WAY could I teach in a public school constricted to the rules i eschew which Nancy so humbly protects!
Mom, at 27, in 1927, had an abortion. She and Pop believed in the original concept of "free love ", and lived together, unmarried, until Pop FORCED her to marry him as her family disowned her and he couldn't accept that future for her. May the Nancy's of the world always stand tall, while us REAL REBELS refnv fears cheer them on so loudly they may one day all change their names to 'happy teachers'.
Quite a much to say as a headline. Sure leaders don't like at all those necessary needs to be changed, read more think less, find an old reliable mug under your hands. Nothing can be closer to givin up than seeing a new day. Old movie is better than a new movie.
Comfort is what we need, put it in your couldron.