one more reason for a sea of glass...

I haven't posted in a while - its been a busy month! But this one is cause for a 'rant'...

Fox News columnist George Russell today published an article noting that the oil producing countries, who are benefiting greatly from the rising cost of oil, have donated what amounts no almost NOTHING to the World Food Program (click here for the article). Go read the article for the stats - but it is startling realization.

I believe there are two points to be made:

#1 - This is the "peaceful religion of Islam?" Perhaps you would not connect Islam with this situation, but in fact these countries are "theocracies" - run by religious rulers. These people could care less about their man - only about fellow Muslims (maybe - lots of Muslims are staving in many countries that the World Food Program helps). The US - on the other hand, is the LARGEST donor above ALL other countries. And everyone hates us.

#2 - It is inexcusable that we send $400B a year in revenue to countries that do not gift a hoot about anyone except themselves.

I say it's high time someone remind them that we have the worlds greatest military force just a few clicks away.

just my thought for the day.

Bumps and bruises...

So the "wallflower" issue has died down a bit here. The school is going to 'review' the situation, but from the sounds of it, the board is probably going to do nothing, things will go on as previous. Perhaps not enough people surrounded the school with axes and pitchforks. A few emails were sent.

To be honest, I was flabbergasted by the response of those who did speak up. The local news WWAY put the story on their web site, and there were a huge number of comments - 130 and counting - of which there was overwhelming support for the teacher and the book. The few people who posted comments in support of the parents (including myself) were ridiculed. I think that perhaps the level of anti-psychotic drugs in our drinking water may be higher than originally reported. People are crazy. I remember when we lived in San Francisco, and some of the 'socially progressive' things that were happening there. My wife and I came to the conclusion that "we can't raise our kids here", so we high-tailed it back to NC.

So it's off to the next event - this morning I was in my first major accident in a long time. Driving my daughter to school, a high-school kid took a left in front of me - BAM! It was scary, as the kids was driving a little mitzubishi and I'm in my big-ol-southern-boy-truck (BOSBT). Thankfully no injuries. dah - I forgot to take a picture of my truck post-accident. Would have at least made the post a bit more graphic. So know my BOSBT truck is in the shop, and I get to deal with the insurance company and convince them that I really need a pickup truck rental. I mean, how can I fit our dirt-bikes into a Ford Focus?

So anyway, I guess this post is mostly bloviating - no real rants or raves - BORING. So I'll go. Besides, American Idol is on. We'll change the world...tomorrow.

PC

Follow up - Perks of a Wallflower...

Hey all - so I sent a letter to the principle of the school, and copied the New Hanover County schools superintendent. Probably opening a can of worms, but hey, sometimes worms are OK.

Here is the letter (just in case you wanted to send one too! the emails are listed in the prior post)
---------------------

Dear Mr. McAdams,

Recently a friend of mine contacted me regarding his son and your school, whereas his son was instructed to read as part of an assignment in his English class a book entitled, “Perks of Being a Wallflower”. I am sure that you are familiar with this situation. My friend found the content of this book to be offensive to his family’s moral values, and he was very upset that his son was given this book without any parental consent.

While I do not have a child in your school, I fell that as a leader in the community, and also a citizen and taxpayer of New Hanover County, it is my duty to present my position with regards to this matter.

First, I believe that it is highly inappropriate for minor students to be given material that is at best questionable, at worst obscene, by school officials without some type of parental input and consent. Some parents may be fine with this book, while others may have great reservations due to its objectionable content. Parents should be given the option as to whether their children are exposed to this type of literature. Parents of minor children have a right to know what is being promoted to their children, especially if the material may violate the moral standards of the family

Second, I believe that the parents should have the option of choosing another piece of literary work for this student if they find the assignment questionable.

I realize that some will argue that obscenity is a matter of ‘personal opinion’. When challenged about the content of the book, the teacher told my friend "that's your opinion". Granted. But whose opinion should take precedence? My friend, who has parental responsibility for his children, or the school? I believe that we are in scary times when a school system can make the determination for our children as to what is "acceptable" or not.

Some might argue that this is a matter of free speech. No one would argue the freedom of the author to write and submit his book for publishing. No one would argue the right of the publisher to print and sell the book. We are all free to read, or not to read, this book. However it goes beyond free speech when a student is instructed to read the book, or be penalized with a poor grade.

I respect your position as principle, yet I ask that in this case that you help find a solution that is best for ALL of the students, including parents and students who hold to conservative moral values.

Sincerely,

Clay Ritter
Sr Pastor - Calvary Chapel of Wilmington
2831 Carolina Beach Rd
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 791-1858 (office)

Should this book be banned? Perks...

A friend called me today in a real 'state'. It appears that his 15 yr old son had been given a mandatory reading assignment in his English class at Ashleigh High School: The Perks of Being a Wallflower. According to my friend, the book was a fictional account of a teen, and full of drugs, sex, homosexuality, bestiality, rape, masturbation, and foul language to boot.

So, being a good pastor, I did a little research on the book. My friend was right. The book, while a fictional account in "dairy" format, does expose the reader to wide range of inappropriate and offensive behavior. Stuff I certainly would not want my teen reading about.

Seems this is not the first time that this book has caused an uproar. Several schools have banned it, much to the chagrin of the social-progressive wing. As well, many people have defended it as "real", a "good book", and "on par with Catcher in the Rye". Lots of comments that "this is the reality of life, life is not always perfect, kids are going to experiment and try things", etc, etc, etc.

Since I have not read the book in it's entirety (I have read some excerpts from a web site review, which is available below), I cannot pass judgment on the literary place this book should have. I can, however make one point that I feel is worthy.

Until our kids are grown adults, we are their parents. We get to decide what they read and watch. It is our parental right, and our lawful duty. If we were to endanger my kids, the authorities could intervene. If we were to expose them to obscene material, we would be deemed unfit parents. If we give them alcohol, we are contributing the delinquency of a minor. All true in our society today.

So, why is it that the school can decide to disseminate obscene material to a child without parental permission? Some argue that obscenity is a matter of personal opinion. When challenged about the content of the book, the teacher told my friend "that's your opinion". Granted.

But whose opinion should take precedence? My friend, who has parental responsibility for his children, or the school? We are in scary times when the school system can make the determination for our children as to what is "acceptable" or not.

Some might argue that this is a matter of free speech. That argument is a diversion. No one would argue the freedom of the author to write and submit his book for publishing. No one would argue the right of the publisher to print and sell the book. We are all free to read, or not to read. Except if you are a minor student in Christy McCoy's English class at Ashleigh High School. Then you must read the book, or be penalized with a poor grade.

Some might argue "kids are exposed to this stuff, they have to learn sometime". Thing is, I believe it is our role as parent to discuss these sensitive matters with our children, so that our morals and values can be presented (whatever your morals and values are...). Having them read about these topics, without parental knowledge and input, and then discussing the book in class, sets the precedent that the teach is now the teacher of morals values.

Here is my take. These are OUR SCHOOLS. Our tax dollars pay for the buildings, the electricity, the books, and the salaries of the staff. These people work for US, the people who live in this community. We as parents and taxpayers have a right, a DUTY, to speak out of the school system is not performing in a way that is best for our community, and our children. Too many people think "what can I do", and go back to their cable TV. People, SPEAK UP! I say that we the people can let our voices be known.

At a MINIMUM, the school should notify the parent of books and class curriculum that might be deemed objectionable, and offer a parental consent. The student should be able to 'opt out' of any books or class content that is objectionable. Without penalty.

At best, they NHCS should be able to find class reading material that does not teach kids about things that are clearly the responsibility of the parents.

If you agree that this book should not be forced upon minor students, then I advise you to contact the school, and also the New Hanover board of education. Names and emails are listed below. A flood of emails and calls CAN change things. Let your voice be heard.

If you could care less, well... American Idol is on this week.

Summary of the book and excerpts (WARNING - some explicit language)

James McAdams -
Ashleigh principal: jmcadams@nhcs.k12.nc.us

Christy McCoy
Ashleigh English teacher: cmccoy@nhcs.k12.nc.us

Donald Hayes
New Hanover Schools Chairman: dhayes@bellsouth.net

Jeanette Nichols
New Hanover County Schools Vice Chairman: nichols4schools@bellsouth.net

Dale Pelsey-Becton
New Hanover County Schools Asst Superintentant Instruction: dpelseyb@nhcs.net

Emma Jackson
New Hanover County Schools Instruction: EJackson@nhcs.net

Obama-rama

College Park, Maryland - You can see it in their flushed-face smiles and hear it in their screams. They say the phenomenon is difficult to describe, but once they experience it they tell their friends, sisters, mothers and daughters, and they come back for more if they can."He's very charismatic. It was a 'you-had-to-be-there' kind of experience," said Lolita Breckenridge, 37, after hearing Democratic White House hopeful Barack Obama address a packed rally at the University of Maryland on Monday. (News24.com)

So goes the wind that is sweeping through the democratic primaries as Hill-Billy's lead diminishes and Obama-rama's sun rises. The masses are mesmerized. "He's the new JFK" is the whisper.

Hey, I'm glad that people get excited about something other than the new American Idol season.

But does it sound a little creepy that people are getting all flushed about Obama, when there seems to be no real substance to his talks? What is he telling us he will do?

• Pull out of Iraq. Wonderful idea. God help the Iraqis, cause that country will collapse, and we'll be blamed.
• Shut down Guantanamo. Cool. Where you gonna send those men? I'll bet when they get back to whatever country they came from, they will pick up where they left off, peace-loving and productive members of society. Right. We'll see them again. And again, we'll be blamed.
• Health-care for everyone. You know, this is something that actually could be a very positive thing for all. Only one problem, we are so embedded in our current system, it would take a generation to change the mammoth US health care system, and after one or two terms of higher taxes, and the problems that come with government intervention of any sort, the American people will change their minds. Our citizens do not have the patience for an undertaking of this size. If it cant be done in one year - they're out.
  

Now I am not a cynic, but I tend to be a realist. Hope is good. Change can be good. But these guys, Obama being one of the top, promise things that they cannot deliver. But then, the point is never to actually deliver, but to get you to believe that they can deliver, and you vote for them. Once there, they'll give it a good try. But as soon as the pain starts (and there is ALWAYS pain involved in change), their polls will drop, and, well, you know the rest.

That's is one thing I respect about GWB - he makes a decision based on what he believes is best for the country, and then he sticks to it. At least he make decisions based on principles, not polls, and he stays with what he believes. That takes true courage and leadership.

On the other hand, perhaps what Americans really want is to "feel good". Our drug use (legal and illegal), alcohol, promiscuity, divorce rate, and spending habits would seem to prove my theory.

Retired Washington native Marty Lallis, 61, said "Every time I hear him speak I become more hopeful and more sure that he would be the best president we could have," she said. "He makes you feel like he's talking to you especially."

Wow. I feel better already.

Clay

FINALLY!

So the Senate finally passed the 'economic rescue package'. I suppose i should cheer, as now I'll get a check in the mail, the max amount I'm sure, since the Ritter clan has indeed "gone forth and multiplied" to the tune of four kids. I'll bet the check will cover one week of my daughters college tuition.

But what really irks me, (since this is my 'rant and rave' blog) is that the whole process turned into political posturing and vote buying. Yes, vote buying. Do we really think for one single second that the Dem's attempts to add "the elderly and disabled veterans" into the package was sparked by a sudden sensitivity to the economic plight of these two groups? Pal-leeeezzzzeeee.

OK, perhaps I am being a bit too hard on the 'elected ones'. Perhaps there is a true concern for the elderly and the disabled vets. Only, if that were the case, why is it suddenly so important? Like these poor people were going gangbusters a few months ago, and now all of a sudden the "recession" has taken their heating money. I suspect that the economic hardships were there before, but right now it would look really really good for someone to be able to say "look at our party, we took care of you... we really care."

Thanks for the check, or perhaps I should thank my kids, because they are the one's who will be footing the bill.

clay

How low will they go??

If you want an idea of what a Clinton white house will be like, just look at the news reports coming in daily with regard to how Bill and Hillary are working the 'smear machine'. These two are like a WWF Smackdown tag team, with Bill smearing and snapping, and Hillary trying to maintain a veneer of piousness as she accuses Obama of "wanting a fight".

I'm no Obama fan (although i would choose him over Hillary any day), but he has made a major blunder letting the Hill-Billy Smackdown posse (hey, i coined that!) draw him into the mud pit. He could have risen above it, but he let himself get suckered into the fray. Having Billy spit on you in public will do that, i suppose.

These people know no boundaries. They will do ANYTHING to gain power, and when they have it, they will destroy ANYONE who dares to get in the way of their agenda.

I personally believe that anyone who has defiled the office of the president, as Bill Clinton did, should not be allowed back into the office. Not even to visit. Especially not to live there. And mark my words, if Hillary is elected, he will be in the oval office like an Italian mother hovering the kitchen.

I'll go even further - i think that there is a chance that Hillary could nominate her husband as Vice President. We'll wait and see. Either way, she has already stated that he will be an "ambassador to the world" for the US.

So, look at his behavior, in office, and on the campaign trail. This is who we want? All the foreign dignitary's better hide their young aides, Bill's on the prowl.

my rant for today...