MikeSpeaksOut!

We Did It, Matthew!

 

It's hard to believe that Matthew Shepard was murdered more than 10 years ago--just for being gay.  It's even harder to believe that it took more than 11 years to get a Hate Crimes Bill signed into law!  The first bill was introduced just months before Matthew's murder.

In a ten year period from 1997 to 2007, 77,000 hate crimes were reported to the FBI.  15% of those were based on sexual orientation. Yet, it took more than 11 years to revise laws.  Really?

For years, Matthew's mother, Judy, fought to create change.  The bill was put up for consideration by the late Senator Edward Kennedy of MA.  I know he is looking down from heaven...along with Matthew....celebrating that this young person's life was not in vain.

This bill provided a major overhaul to existing legislation.  For more information, see this entry

Thank you, President Obama for keeping a promise.  We haven't had that in a President in a little while.

WE DID IT, MATTHEW!  I hope you are now at peace.

STOP THE HATE!

MikeSpeaks Out!: Teacher / Parent Protest

 

In the midst of trying to perform in a musical (Oklahoma! at the Lake Worth Playhouse) I have been embroiled (great word) in utter chaos and stupidity at school.

This year, oru new $180,000 / year plus Chief Academic Officer, who himself only taught four years in a classroom, decided that he would create a new curriculum system, a new testing system, teams to visit schools to monitor teacher efforts -- all in a matter of 2 weeks time....and implement EVERY new initiative at once.  Sounds Great! What?

Teachers are to follow a pacing chart that is more akin to riding a bicycle with no seat through a burning forest with a blind psychotic clown......no sense!  I literally have had to teach lessons that used to take a week or so in a matter of minutes.  We are totally talking breadth of teaching NOT depth of teaching.  During that same period, I have seen students (including the special education students I am in charge of) completely shut down.  Not surprisingly, I have seen teachers do the same.  I have actually witnessed a few cry at school -- which does not surprise me, because I have as well.  With a "Capacity Team" that loves to visit your classroom and observe what you are doing -- they love it most when they can come the last 10 minutes of a school day on a Friday to see if you are still teaching -- and who are intersted more in telling you what you are not doing rather than how you could make things better....my school has become a pressure cooker.

I won't even discussed the mandatory tests every couple of weeks that have been paired with a need to have "data chats" with students, keep a student portfolio, create a word wall, put up lesson information in a "black board configuration" so students know where to find the same info in every class...and know it to the depth and extent that we have to have statements on our boards...."I will"...."We will"....and "You Will".

This year alone..in just over 10 weeks of school, I have taken 5 sick days -- which is uNHEARD OF! 

SO...I DID SOMETHING!

The FaceBook Group, Testing is not Teaching has done a great job at organizing parents...AND...educators around the absurdity of the changes.  This group is a prime example of HOW Facebook and Microblogging have revolutionized grass roots movements!  When our Superintendant woudl announce a press conference on the matter, they would post info on the page....shortly thereafter...the press conference was cancelled.  They were able to get over 1200 parents and teachers to do what we have been trying to do for years -- stand up for a common cause!  We stood out in front of the school board offices ... waved our signs....and made some noise.  The COOLEST part was when the firetruck and firemen went by and honked their horns and waved at us...the know a few things about standing up for your rights.  The theme was "Scarey Pumpkin"....the group sends students, parents, and teachers into schools each Friday wearing Orange shirts as a sign of solidarity.  People carved pumpkins with sad faces on them and left them at the School Board entrance...I wore my Orange proudly the next day!

We got media coverage...and there was even a hellicopter covering the event!  IN the end..more than 100 people spoke at the school board meeting that night -- it lasted from 6pm until after midnight.  The next day, the Superintendant called the principals in for an "emergency meeting".  He announced he would give them control of their schools.....UNFORTUNATELY, my Principal is chosing to make NO changes. She has made it very clear that our input is not necessary...nor is it wanted.

 

It all comes down to Chairs, Chicken Wings, and "Mr. T"... etc.

fddd

As I spent the summer looking forward to my 17th year of teaching..YES...17...i looked forward to getting back to what would be an AWESOME year.  I was slated to teach inclusion Integrated Science and Inclusion Biology!  Inclusion is where a special education teacher (me) goes into a classroom with a regular education teacher and supports the learning of all students.  Further, I thought i would be with my really good friend, Pam.  She and I had taught the previous two years together and really had developed a close relationship -- and a rhythm together when we taught that would rival most gymnasts!

THEN...WHAMMO!  I get a text (while i was driving through SC).  "All your classes have been changed..you are not teaching with Pam..more info later".  I was so stunned I had to pull over and call the sender. THAT MOMENT was CHICKEN CHANGE (I don't know what that means -- but my mom used to say it) compared to what has happened since.

IN GOOD NEWS...I spent two weeks with my parents at our cabin in north Georgia....had a great time!  

NOW ON WITH THE SHOW!  

Since I have returned i learned that we would teach from a pre-set calendar, be required to use pre-set lessons (they say it's optional -- but I wasn't raised in a barn) and people who were supposed to be helpful -- aren't.  SO...for brevity..becasue i plan on blogging later about cool things....here goes...

CHAIRS:  We were told that we could not sit down during our class.  This has become a very interesting idea since we were: (1) forced into a 90 minute block; (2) forced to teach 1 extra period a day; and (3) ARE HUMAN.  In the words of "those above"  "Walk like the shark around the room...in and out the rows...like a shark".  Ummm... Okay...when you get out of your office...I'm out of the chair for the few minutes I can be in it.  A teacher was reprimanded for sitting down while she was doing a computer simulation for her students ... on the computer...what...should she hover?

CHICKEN WINGS:  Thank goodness for "9th and 10th hours" (we have a new forced block schedule...1, 3, 5, 7 or 2, 4, 6, 8)....OKAY..that's code for HAPPY HOUR!!  I have never seen the local watering hole (which serves GREAT chicken wings so crowded every Friday....We all have 'cards" which earn us points for each purchase.  Happy hour is from 4 to 7 and if you order the big mug instead of two smaller (for the 2-4-1) you actually get 2 oz more beer..the waiter told us that!

MR. T.:  I feel like some of the people who are supposed to help us feel that they are "Mr. T."...they try to catch us doing wrong at all times.....you know "I pity the fool who isn't ______________ (fill in the blank).

ETC:  Five teachers were "involuntarily transferred" to other schools.....no notice....no nothing.  They were told "you are not needed here..you need to go elsewhere" (I paraphrase).  While I know that most of these individuals probably will do better elsewhere.  i leave you with my FB/Twitter post:  "It's okay to do the right thing...just do it the right way...especially when dealing with people's livelihood!

I would love to tell the story of the "Chair Rebellion" .. but that is still in progress!

The Ups and Downs of a Busy Week!

What a difference a week can make!  This time last week I was sitting at a friend's house in West Hollywood (CA) after spending a wonderful day at LA Pride -- replete with a 2 1/2 hour parade!  LA is stunningly beautiful!  It was great to spend time there (after having a 2 hour layover and then spending 3 hours on the tarmac in Philadelphia -- what a nightmare! Jen and I spent time both in LA and in Palm Springs -- blogs about that to follow.

I got to see Gavin Newsom again in the Pride Parade....he's running for the Governor of California.  Very personable -- and he has some great green ideas!

The mountains surrounding Palm Springs are beautiful -- especially at Sunset!

AND THEN I GOT A CALL......

I was having such a fun time in LA. It was all turned upside down when I found out that a friend of mine -- and co-director of the camp for deaf and H/H kids that I volunteer at committed suicide.  Bonna, the other co-director called me at 3 a.m. EST time -- I knew something was wrong when she texted me so late and told me that she wanted to talk to me and couldn't do it over text..When I called her, I could hear it in her voice.  She started "Are you alone?  Are you driving?  I have something I need to tell you.  I will NEVER understand why John did what he did.  I spent the better part of two days in shock. I would spend time posting on FaceBook and sending private message to both camp counselor friends and campers -- I have dealt with the loss of a child before -- we lost a camper two years ago in a tragic car accident...but I have never had to explain the death of an adult -- at their own hands.  I hope to never do it again.

John at camp interpreting .... during better times.  Rest in Peace, JTB.

MOVING FORWARD AND UPWARD.....

Wednesday Jen and I flew back from LA.  At first we were bumped...and they told us we would have to catch the 11:30 PM red eye to Newark (they are telling me this at 11 a.m. on WednesdaY) and then fly out early Thursday AM....I had a little "chit chat" with the boarding agent...needless to say, we got a flight...it was uneventful -- and unlike USeless Air...they gave us food...I now know why airlines are going out of business.

THEN CAME STONEWALL!  

I am Treasurer of the Board of Trustees of the 5th largest Gay and Lesbian Community Center in the US.  Each year we celebrate the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 with the "Stonewall Ball" at the BEAUTIFUL Harriet Theater at CityPlace.  This year we scaled back the ball in favor of encouraging people to eat out in the city and then join us for a dance -- it was  a HUGE success!  We were lucky to have ELAINE NOBLE the first openly-gay elected official in the US as our guest!  We also added several other events (a cocktail reception in Palm Beach, a night out in West Palm Beach, a screening of an Independent film we created, a meeting between Elaine and the Youth Group members -- where they made presentations and sang, an awards ceremony at a local B and B -- a day at the beach (in Lake Worth -- there's now a "Gay Beach" section of LW Beach...and a tea dance reception at the Cottage (which I am going to later.  We were also blessed to have Bruce Sutka -- an International Designer help us with our decorations....pictures to follow.

The "Group" at Stonewall Ball...the theme was "Black and White"

SO....AS YOU CAN SEE, it's been a busy week....I need a vacation from my vacation!  No work at my night job this week....I think I will focus on cleaning my house!

More later.....

Hello Summer Vacation and Blog....I have missed you! and "Cool Cat Teacher" Blog!

Next Wednesday night at 9 PM CST I hope to be seeing this sign..BEAUTIFUL LAX!!!  I am traveling with my friend JenJen to LAX for our 2nd trip to West Hollywood Pride!  We're staying with Rick and we will also be traveling to Palm Springs for a few days at Rick's house -- I love the desert!  

This has been a long, trying year!  Between the stress of "high stakes" testing to what seems like the constant adding of things on top of normal teaching load, I have been BEYOND stressed!

This past week was especially difficult  It seems that administrators care nothing about the humans they have working for them and everything about the bottom line -- test scores.  Several GREAT teachers chose to leave my school in an effort of find "less stressful pastures".  It seems that working at an "A" school is much more appealing than working at a (most likely) a "D" school.  Mark my words....school grading and No Child Left Behind will lead to the next great "Flight" from urban schools -- good teachers will leave in order to work at higher rated schools that require less of teachers......I PROMISE to write about that soon.

Thank you to the "Cool Cat Teacher Blog" (@coolcatteacher on Twitter) for giving me some GREAT suggestions on how to start my summer of recovery!

I promise to blog more often -- one of my promises to myself for this summer!

YOU CAN TWEET ME AT @mikespeaksout

STOP BULLYING!

Pleasae take a few moments to watch this video 

CNN reports that a elementary school student killed himself as a result to being bullied.  

As a teacher, this story is heartbreaking! Many years ago, the school district

in which I worked started a program called "Silence Hurts". Eventually, the

program fadedaway. This year, I was very proud that our GSA (Gay-Straight

Alliance) on campus approached me and asked if I would designatemy classroom

as a "Safe Space"....a place where any student could come if they needed an

adult tolisten. If you are a young person reading this post and you are being

bullied or just need someoneto talk to ... find that person! Whether it be a 

teacher, a friend, clergy, a police officer, ora parent. TALK.

Change is a comin'

It seems that the best way to keep your mind off of things is to keep yourself perpetually busy.  Well, maybe it's time for some reflection.  When things aren't working....you need to fix them.  Or, at minimum, get assistance fixing them.  Full speed ahead!

I Love you MBP!

Okay...so my posts have been a little "ranty" lately. In my defense, that is kinda what I created this blog for. As an outlet for whatever was on my mind at that moment

So...I am going a little "light" this morning. I was "blessed" to receive anew MacBook Pro yesterday at a workshop for whdich I am a trainer. You see, I meet with teachers about once a month through this project "Project SMaRT to train them on macs and how to integrate technology in the classroom (Vodcasts, PodCasts, ComicLife, etc.)

Our program leader is retiring.  She pulled me aside at the end of the meeting and asked me if I would be willing to take her computer -- which is much cooler than the mac I have.  She told me "this is not instead of your computer....I want you to have this--you are tough on computers...but I know that is only because you use them."   I was very honored.  I have known her since I was a 9th grader 20 something years ago in her 9th grade class.

I had a good day yesterday.  Sometimes they don't happen too often.  I love you MacBook Pro!  Love you, Teresa!

Real or Real Awful? Katelyn vs. JD....DON'T BLOW YOUR CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

First, I have to applaud the Real World for their continued effort to support LGBT people. Whether it be Pedro Zamora (RW Miami), Chris (Chicago), or Danny....my personal favorite (RW New Orelans).  With that being said, I am rather dismayed at this season of the Real World "Real World Brooklyn.  Really dismayed

Pictured above is Katelyn, a transgendered M-F Woman.  While I aplaud MTV for including a a trans person, I question either (1) the editing or (2) the pesron herself.  She is either being portrayed as or is the biggest B#tch that MTV has ever had on its series.  If I were to use three words to describe her on the series, they would be:  angry, mean, and clueless.  Angry because even when asked to do simple chores.....like "help with cleaning up her messes" she makes it seem like such a huge issue...often with attitude that does not portray her in the best of light.  I am catching up on past episodes today an dher "I move at my own pace (in cleaning) and if you don't like it....you can kiss my a#s"  Really?  Such crassness from a lady? Call me old fashioned, but this "street thug persona" does nothing to portray her in good light.  She is always arguing....fighting (thus, angry)....sweety, the entire world is not after you!  Trust me.  As for mean....well....if you are going to forward a movement, you shoud at least support your LGBT bretheren in the House....JD

 I actually like JD.  I think he is logical and tries to verbally work things out.  I think, though, that he has been met with resistance from his female roommates.  I think, in the end, he will be the person who moves forward the LGBT message on the Real World.  His character -- albeit argumentative at times -- is passionate and really seems to want to make a difference. I would hope that both Katelyn and JD end up being stellar models for LGBT youth -- let's face it....the kids are watching. 

This brings me back to Danny...he is in a close race with Pedro as my favorite character.  Why? Well, he was HUMAN....everyone could identify with this young man ... with the boyfriend in the army who had to hold a secret...he made us question "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"  Like Pedro (who finally made many Americans face the brutal agony surrounding HIV/AIDS) , he would continue to forward the LGBT movement.  I guess in the end, I am not asking Katelyn to be a flag barer for the movement.  I would ask, though, that she not provide material for a false impression of the transgendered community.  Like it or not, she is one of the first visible indivuals in the movement.  As of this moment, she has let that movement down.

Beaten Down...

I made a resolution to myself this year (I am not sure if you are supposed to tell your resolution...but what the h#ll) that I would speak about myself using only positive terms.  I would, for lack of a better explanation, "Practice What I Preach".  I am not sure what happened, but I am sure of this much.  Being positive these days seems to be hard.  I tried to send an email to a group that I am on the governing body of and was summarily thanked and reprimanded at the same time.  BEFORE YOU START GUESSING WHICH GROUP THIS IS....I ASK THAT YOU DON'T.  The point of this rant is just for me to get some words out.

Perhaps the adage "No good deed goes unpunished" IS true.  The intention of my email was to be positive.  The response was:  (1)  Great News!; (2)  Umm...Maybe someone else should be doing this? ?? ; (3) I know you are tired...don't take this personally and (4) "Oh, and by the way....(to paraphrase) perhaps you should run your ideas through me because I have been receiving complaints about the emails that 'people' have been sending out" 

Perhaps with the onset of the information age, people are indeed overwhelmed.  I am a member of a small group of individuals in an organization.  Many of us have known each other for years.  I DO take things personally.

I am so unbelievably overwhelmed.  I am trying to (please say it will happen) finish my dissertation proposal.....fulfill promises given to do technology training (that was poorly planned on topics that are neither useful or that I give a flying f*ck about), pan a presentation for a major conference (my choice..but I've been presenting for 11 years)....it should be easy, maintain a day job as a teacher...THAT HAS BECOME SO STRESSFUL DUE TO NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND that words escape me, tutor students for my school on Saturdays (after being guilted into it.because I "do a good job"), teach a night job two nights a week and train teachers 1 Saturday a month...which I also love....along with other committments that require an AWESOME calendar.

I do not expect special considerations.  I do expect people to at least approach me personally to address issues...and temper that approach with the fact that they know I always want to make everyone else look good....in that is joy.

I realized Monday morning when I knew I had two meetings scheduled AT THE SAME TIME...in two different locations by two different people who BOTH expected I would be there...that it was going to be a long week.  But this week is the rule....not the exception.  I have officially made my best friend extremely mad at me because I have no time to see her....maybe one day she'll understand.

A Week of Intrigue!

At the urging of a friend who shall go nameless (Sharon), I am posting to my blog.  It seems that FaceBook (according to my friends) has turned into an obsession for me.  BTW....If you are on FaceBook...look me up.  It's off the chain.  AND LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT MY FACEBOOK EXEPRIENCE....First, I have truly been against getting a FB (that's what we call it) account.  But, at the urging of a wise man, I decided to jump in.  It seems that .....EVERYONE IS DOING IT!  Through FB, I have met friends that I have lost, been invited to events (I may even go to Christmas services at a church for which a former high school friend is Pastor).  I got invited to go see the movie "Milk" (see below).  I love looking at the photos -- and have even started sharing some photos.  Compass (see below) also has a page -- you can see our photos ... COOL.  NOW...I know what you are saying.....ADDICTION!  NO...NO ADDICTION!  Just because I spent days trying to figure out how to get the FB app to work on my iPhone...and even woke up in the middle of the night when the answer came to me in my sleep (the password was too long -- you can't have long passwords if you want your iPhone app to work)  Just because I was almost late to work the other day when I was trying to post photos on FB -- that was coincidence!

I am in AWE of the audacity of some people.  No, I am not the only person to write about this man.  BUT Mr. Madoff and his story have been nothing short of INCREDIBLE.  It is hard to believe that one man can literally take down THOUSANDS of people, destroy their financial futures, ruin foundations that support children and schools in need.....and really portray him self as an innocent person.  Locally, the local community is devastated.  The Picower Foundation, a huge supporter of schools and medical research will close its doors!  Eilie Weisel, famous holocaust survivor and novelist (Night, Dawn, etc.) also was deceived!  Shame on your Mr. Madoff!  May you rot in hell.....in a foreign country with a lack of air conditioning and clean water in their jails.

I was invited (through FaceBook) to go see the new movie, "Milk".  YOU MUST SEE THIS MOVIE!  I am NOT a huge Sean Penn fan.  But, honestly, if he doesn't win an Academy Award...he will have been robbed.  I knew the ending (read Milk's bio).  I still wept at the end.  The movie is true to the story -- showing the good parts and the bad parts.  Many famous people worked with and for Milk.  Including the founder of the NAMES Project (AIDS Quilt).....Oh....and the cool part is that there are a lot of other really good actors in it -- including James Broland and that kid from High School Musical (Sharpay's Brother).......COOL.

IN OTHER NEWS.....Jen bought me some really cool VINTAGE LGBT Pins (the pins aren't gay...they just ...well, you get it).  My favorite is one that has the pink triangle with the words of Pastor Martin Niemoller's Poem that starts...."First they came for the socialists......."  (See the link)

COMPASS' New Facility is going to be AWESOME!  i posted pics on FB........Can't wait...can't wait....can't wait!  OH....follow the link ... you can purchase items that will be used to furnish our new center!  SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL NOT-FOR-PROFIT....Or for that matter, your "not so local" not-for-profit.

So there you go, Sharon......a POST.

Anti Tobaco

Took a picture if this human brain while watching a presentation against big tobacco. Very interesting.

Remembering Heroes...

As a supporter of human rights and civil liberties, I have been intrigued by what happens when people come to the "tipping point" (to quote the title of a famous book).  You know, that moment when they say....I am not going to take this anymore.  WHAT YOU ARE DOING IS WRONG!  Throughout history, each era has hit its share of heroes.  We remember those of the civil rights movement (King, Kennedy, Johnson); we remember Susan B. Anthony for the suffrage movement, Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War (in America)...the list goes on.... we remember all those individuals -- and groups of individuals that have made a difference.

I have spoken frequently on World War II on my blog -- and its implications to modern times.  I have discussed how gays and lesbians suffered, I have discussed my friends who were survivors of WWII.  Obviously, I have a great respect for the heroes that have supported and molded this country.

While I (personally) believe that America is engaged in what will be our next "Civil Rights Movement" for gay and lesbian rights, I would be remiss if I did not recognize the 90th anniversary of the end of World War I.  In America, we refer to it as Veteran's Day.  As the son of a step-mother and a father who both served in the US Army -- my dad was a paratrooper...HOW COOL....I always thought my dad was the coolest because he jumped out of airplanes...but I digress....I feel that Veteran's Day is an important event.  I was saddened that I had to attend school today (as a teacher).  ((Que the Rant)).  There was a time that we were off during Veteran's Day.  Heck, I remember a time in elementary school when they tried to hold school on Veteran's Day (due to Hurricane David) and my father REFUSED to let me go to school.  Refused!  That was of the 6 days EVER that I missed school from Kindergarten to Grade 12 (the other 5 were because I was hit by a truck on a moped....ouch).

So....I remember the Heroes of all wars today.  While Veteran's Day (I actually prefer to call it Armistice Day...like most of the World) recognizes that on the 11th Day...of the 11th Month...at the 11th Hour in 1917.....the "War to End All Wars" ended....we should celebrate all those who keep us free.

As a teacher....I cannot let this go without noting the historical significance of the end of World War I.  (1)  We (the allied forces) were very harsh on Germany at the end of WWI...many think that some demands on Germany were too harsh.....eventually, some speculate leading to the heightened nationalism in Germany that would lead to WWII; (2) We learned that War is costly, painful, and devastating; and (3) It would seem that a focus on a cause that the American pubic believes in has always been the key to American success.  It is my hope that President-Elect Barack Obama keep true to his mission to restore faith in both the United States and our military.  Our veterans and their families -- now more than ever deserve our support and respect. 

DO WHAT'S RIGHT...

God Bless our soldiers...past and present....and God Bless America!

For more info...see:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armistice_Day

Tempered Jubilation...

Amazing!  It was an interesting (a little less than) 2 years.  I am still amazed at how we elect our President -- but that is a totally different conversation.  I spent about 2 weeks trying to use the election as a "teachable moment".  I explained to my students how the electoral college worked, how it was set up to insure that "all voices were heard".  It took a WHOLE HECKUVA lot of time to explain how most of the map could be one color and yet the other color could win.  Thank goodness CNN had an interactive map online (replete with electoral college numbers and a way to try different scenarios).  

When BOB won (as I called him) .. I wept.  I tried to get Kerry AND Gore elected and was unsuccessful.  But BOB was different.  My happiness AND sadness was two-fold....explained further below.  I truly think that for the first time in 8 plus years we have an opportunity to get things right!  WE DO!

Indulge me a few moments more....afterall, this is MY blog.  If you (like I) are confused as to how this election process works...look at this map I extracted from the Washington Post!  It shows votes by county.  As a teacher, what is TOTALLY cool about this is that it totally amplifies how population by county (in any given state) can sway a vote!  Notice How President-Elect Obama won Florida by capturing Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Orange (Disney World) and Hillsborough (Tampa) Counties.  Look at how huge the LA voters ROCKED THE VOTE!

SEE MORE OF THESE MAPS HERE:  http://politicalmaps.org/maps-of-the-2008-us-presidential-election/

The LGBT Community Loss Major BATTLES this Election.....BUT THE WAR IS AHEAD!

Those for "Amendment 2" in Florida (this picture from the PRO2 site shows a lovely ((hired)) couple showing what marriage should be)  used deception to pass a bill that will forever INSCRIBE HATE into the Constitution of the Great State of Florida!  The so-called Gay Marriage Amendment in Florida has passed.  I do not wish to speak about it further at this moment.  It is enough to say that I am heart broken.  In Florida:  (1)  LGBT people can't adopt; (2) Can't marry (affirmed in 1997 and again by amendment to our constitution in 2008).

As I have mentioned before, the "3G" (Guns, God, and Gays) Policy has won....THE BATTLE...but...NOT THE WAR!

The LGBT community has lost ground in several states this cycle -- other than Florida, PROP 8 in California (another gay marriage amendment) also was confirmed....Adoption by gay couples was banned in yet another state.  As I have said...THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT IS NEITHER RELIGOUS...NOR RIGHT.

PERHAPS AMENDMENT 1 OF THE NEXT CYCLE SHOULD BE AN ANTI-DIVORCE AMENDMENT?  If marriage is so sacred ... we should prohibit divorce?  Sound far fetched?  Google "Covenant Marriage" in Louisiana.  With 50% of marriages ending in divorce.......well.......you figure it out.

Interestingly enough...in the major urban centers (Palm Beach, Broward, etc.) Amendment 2 was defeated.  

I have Tempered Jubilation.  The Honorable Barack Obama, Senator from Illinois will, on January 20, become MY..NO...OUR PRESIDENT.

  

My Wishes...VOTE FLORIDA!

Tomorrow Americans go to the polls to elect our next President.  What an honor we have of being a country in which the people have the precious right to elect its representatives.  For more than 230 years, Americans have had the honor of freedom and a participatory democracy.

At its heart, a participatory democracy (which is what we are) means that you must....well...participate.  We have suffered for 8 years (in my opinion and the opinion of more than 70% of all Americans) under an administration that fails to react to the needs of its people.  BUT IF YOU FAIL TO GO TO THE POLLS TOMORROW....you fail yourself.

My first wish is that Barack Obama will become the next President of the United States of America.

GAY MARRIAGE AND IS NOTHING MORE THAN A WEDGE ISSUE!  IT IS ILLEGAL IN MOST OF THE COUNTRY.  WITH THIS ECONOMY THE WAY IT IS....IS IT REALLY WORTH SPENDING TIME, MONEY AND EFFORT DISCUSSING IT?  THE REPUBLICAN PARTY WANTS TO DISTRACT YOU.  DON'T BE FOOLED BY "SHINY OBJECTS".

IF AMENDMENT 2 PASSES IT WILL BE THE FIRST TIME IN FLORIDA STATE HISTORY THAT WE HAVE WRITTEN DISCRIMINATION INTO OUR CONSTITUTION!!!!!!!!

My next wish comes in the form of hoping that Florida voters realize what a farce amendment 2 is!  This veiled attempt at discrimination is being called the "Gay Marriage Amendment".  Keep in mind that (1) gay marriage is already forbidden in Florida and (2) if this passes ALL partnerships that are not marriages between a man and a woman will be null and void.  Hmmm.....Sounds okay, right?  Well, what about those older individuals who chose to get domestic partnerships rather than remary -- whether it be to save their pension or retirement income -- will be stripped of all rights given to them through domestic partnership registries throughout the state.  THIS INCLUDES the stripping of insurance offered by companies that offer DP coverage.

Read more at:  SayNo2.Com

Here is some political cartoon cometary on the topic.

AND THIS

Matthew Shepard ~ 10 Years Later

Can we ever forget the tragic events surrounding the life and death of Matthew Sheppard?  It seems ironic that we are truly discussing the issue of hate in America -- or are we?  10 years ago today, a young college student was brutally MURDERED and left to die.  It would be days of horror and agony before he would eventually succumb to the brutality he suffered.

I find it difficult and painful to watch the Laramie Project (to this day).  Tears stream down my face when I come to my opinion that very little has changed.  Dramatic?  I think not.  I walked down the hallway of my school (as a teacher) and heard a student (again) yell out to me (with his friends looking on) "Batti Boy"....TRANSLATION:  (from Jamaican) "Ass boy".  The impact and unspoken truth of this phrase is that it is used in Reggae songs and in Jamaica to a pejorative term.  If you call someone a Batti Boy in Jamaica....well...it may lead to their death!

Why did I mark inspirational on this post?  Well....I have the hope that things WILL change.  I have moved forward at my school on disciplining the student for harassment.  The District I work in in Florida is one of the few that has protection for (first) teachers, and (then) students based on sexual orientation.

While I am not completely satisfied with Senator Obama's position on LGBT rights...I will support him!  BUT UNDERSTAND THIS.....change starts with you.

I have attached a PDF file with info about Matthew Sheppard.  Rest in Peace Young Man.

Look down on us from heaven and know that we are trying to make things better.

Download matthew_shepard.pdf

Sarah Palin is just bad...bad...bad...!

Do yourself a favor....watch this video.

It is my personal mission to make sure McCain / Palin are not elected! They are bad.

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=184086&title=sarah-palin-gender-card

A Prayer to Saint Michael

Yes, even as a "recovering Catholic" I do have to put faith in something -- and that there is a divine reason and protection that covers all people.  As my brothers and sisters in New Orleans are again faced with fear and the unknown as Hurricane Gustav approaches, I keep them in my prayers.  I love "the NOLA" as I call it.  What a beautiful city.  It has beautiful people, a rich historic tradition, and is a "jewel of the south".  To Ron, my Student Government friends at Arch Bishop Rummel High School and all the citizens of NOLA....be safe.  I pray to St. Michael, My patron Saint.

"Saint Michael the Archangel,

defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -
by the Divine Power of God -
cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen."

For those who may be suffering, may St. Michael lead your way.  I light my candle tonight for you.

I pray too that our government will not (again) let you down.  God Speed.

PLEASE....PLEASE......PLEASE.....PLEASE.....PLEASE!

To my friends in the NOLA..I clasp my hands in prayer that you will be held safe during the threat of Gustav.  You are a beautiful city...replete with beautiful people.  Be safe.   May God bless you and keep you.  You are a crown jewel of the US.  Your brothers and sisters in South Florida know your fears. 

No Way. No How. No McCain!

First I was freaked out as to why the Internet was reporting about Senator Clinton's speech....and I wasn't hearing it.....and then I remembered that I had DVRd the speech....and was so 1 hour behind.

I have to tell you that I am (finally) optimistic about this election.  I first voted for Hillary....but when she stated "If you first voted for me...."  I was ready to do anything to insure that Obama is President.

We truly can not survive four more years of "Bush Light" (McCain)....

Hillary quoted Harriet Tubman and I cried. 

Rock on Obama.............I got your back!