The Umpqua Shooting

My heart goes out to everyone at Umpqua Community College. Never in my worst Nightmares did I ever think that working in education would be a dangerous endeavor, but, now, far too often, the senseless violence that permeates this country invades our schools as well.

I guess the key question is: What can be done to stop horrific events like this from happening again? Unfortunately, the answer is more than likely nothing. Not because an answer doesn't exist, but because of our incessant need to politicize everything. Instead of recognizing the problem and working together to find a workable solution, all sides dig in their heels, blame others and refuse to modify their stances one iota.

I have always believed that the best solutions to problems are what can be termed, "third alternatives". Not one sides or the other's, but the solution that comes from working together to solve a problem. Not just to support one side over the other.

Over the year's, I have come to the realization that many of our most polarizing political issues can not be dealt with effectively in the political arena. My sincere hope is that we can take these issues out of the hands of politicians and find ways to make this world a safer, better place to live for all.

Only Me (Again)!!!

Time for another installment of : Only Me.

Recently, I was grocery shopping at a store near me and I unwittingly caused quite an incident. I was minding my own business, walking down the main aisle, looking for Toothpaste, when I heard a small scream. My eyes quickly followed the sound of distress. I was just able to see a basket of items cascading to the floor and an obviously flustered woman sitting on the floor about two feet in front of me. Thinking she slipped on a spill or an errant cat toy that had fallen from a nearby display, I stopped to see if I could help her. She said no and got up on her own. As she was rising, she said that I scared her. The tone of her voice made it clear that she was blaming me. She said she didn't hear footsteps and told me I should have made some noise to let her know I was coming. I tried to laugh it off, by saying, "I don't make footsteps".

I didn't think much of this until I remembered a recent comment by my girlfriend who said that she noticed some people, "jumped" out of the way when I crossed their path. Like they were scared of me. I guess this phenomenon is more common than I thought! It just doesn't usually end up with shampoo bottles and Tampons strewn across the floor. I guess I'll chalk it up to fear of the unknown, different or unfamiliar. I just have to start developing a wheelchair that makes footstep noises!

Opinions on the Packer Draft!

2014 Packers Draft

1 Ha Ha Clinton-Dix S Alabama
Immediate starter. Will have a huge impact on improving the Packers dismal defense.

2  Davante Adams WR Fresno State
I believe Adams steps in as the number three receiver from day 1.

3 Khyri Thornton DT Southern Miss.
A reach for round 3, but my guess is that the Packers knew another team was zeroing in on Khyri. If the Packers can get him to work consistently, he can be an important part of the DL rotation. 

3 Richard Rodgers TE California
A WR listed as a TE. I think the Packers are looking for a TE they can Split from the line and stretch the middle of the field to give Lacy more room to rumble. I think they've found that in Rodgers. Plus, I can't wait for the call..."Rodgers to Rodgers...Touchdown Packers"!

4 Carl Bradford LB Arizona State
One scout described Bradford by saying, "He plays like his hair's on fire!" I want men like that on my defense! Played a hybrid "Devilbacker" position at ASU. I think, eventually, the Packers will use him in the same way.

5 Corey Linsley C Ohio State
Versatile, smart, quality lineman who has a real shot at starting in 2014. More because of the Packers painting themselves into a corner by not resigning Evan Dietrich-Smith than anything else.

5 Jared Abbrederis WR Wisconsin
A poor mans' Jordy Nelson. Even though The Packers made Wisconsinites happy by drafting their first Badger since Bill Ferrario in 2001, he will battle Myles White and fellow draft pick, Jeff Janis for a roster spot. 

6 Demetri Goodson CB Baylor
A former Gonzaga Basketball player with outstanding physical tools. His lack of Football experience probably makes him a practice squad candidate this year.

7 Jeff Janis WR Saginaw Valley
An amazing workout athlete who may surprise and make the Packers keep six Wide Receivers, but the odds are against him due to the low level of competition he has faced. A definite practice squad candidate.


I really like this draft. Met needs and got more athletic at key positions. Even though I trust Thompson and the Packer draft track record, I think Thornton was a reach in the 3rd and I question the need to draft 3 wide receivers. 

Why Is This OK???

I am an unabashed foodie! I love food. I love going to restaurants and I love trying new dishes. Because of this love, I read tons of restaurant reviews so that I can find new and interesting places to go to. I even plan my vacations around food. For many year's,  there would be no mention of the accessibility of the establishment. Today it is much more common to see accessibility addressed in the article. This is a step in the right direction and I applaud the writer's who take the time to include this information in their work.

Here is where my question comes in. It is 2014 and I still see many reviews where the answer to the accessibility question is a resounding ...NO! Why is this OK? I understand that The Americans with Disabilities Act as many exceptions and loopholes that allow places of business to operate without actually being accessible. These include the size of the business, number of employees, historical impact of the building and even the cost of the renovations themselves. All these exceptions aside, what this comes down to is a basic case of discrimination. A business choosing not to serve people with disabilities, whatever the reason, simply boils down to discrimination.

Imagine a restaurant refusing to serve any other group. Would that be acceptable? Obviously not! A Steakhouse not serving Asians. A Sushi Bar not serving women. A Tapas place refusing to seat Black people. None of these would fly in the face of public opinion. I also doubt that these policies would be allowed to continue for very long. A restaurant that chooses to be inaccessible, faces very little public criticism and is usually allowed to continue this policy indefinitely.

Along the same line, would newspapers publish a review of a restaurant that refused to serve Black people? Not only would they refuse to do this, but they would probably write an expose' of the situation that would put the place out of business.

We don't have the power to change the ADA, but Newspapers, Magazines and Websites like yelp.com could help the situation by refusing to publish reviews of restaurants that are not accessible to people with disabilities. Lets see if it ever happens.

No More Promises!!!

A myriad of health and other problems have kept me from writing for awhile. I am not going to make any promises about how often I am going to write...To Much Pressure!!! Besides, it seems that every time I do, something bad happens.  No more tempting fate. I am just going to write when the spirit hits me.

Long Time Gone!!!

For many reasons... I have been gone for a looooonnnnnggggg time! I am back and better than ever with a new goal of at least one post per week. How long can I keep it going? Check in often and find out.

Back By (Semi) Popular Demand!

I have been persuaded by several friends to re-enter the blogosphere. I am going to start by giving my quick opinion on a few topics that have come up since my last post.

PENN STATE
I feel bad for the players, but really, there was no other choice but to penalize the football team. If there ever was a Textbook example of "Lack of Institutional Control" this was it. I was actually surprised the NCAA wasn't tougher on them.

THE ELECTION
This Presidential election is a quandary for me. In 2008 I enthusiastically supported Obama and was eagerly awaiting a strong liberal voice that would stand up to the Republican Party and lead us into a new age of opportunity for all.  What I got was a leader who at times seemed afraid to stand up to the obstructionist right wing leadership of the Republican Party. Obama could actually have learned a lesson from his predecessor. Did I actually just say that??? Yep! I mean Bush used the "mandate from the people" thing when he actually lost the popular vote! Obama should've used the same argument to push his agenda more forcefully!

If there ever was a time that the Republicans could have stolen my vote this was the year, but what do they offer me? An out of touch millionaire corporate raider who dismantled American companies and shipped jobs overseas. Worse than that, his economic policies are nothing more than retreads of the old trickle down policies that were proven ineffective and unfair in the past. His social policies would take the country back to the 1950's. I find it hilarious that a Party that is so against Government regulation of business and the Economy, is so gung ho about the Government regulating women's uterus's and who free citizen's can marry.

 SIKH TEMPLE SHOOTING
It is almost surreal to think that such a senseless act of violence could take place so close to home. My heart goes out to the Sikh community. My only hope is that somehow this tragedy will teach us the value of acceptance and respect of different cultures.

Political Ramblings on a Day Off!

I have decided that I am much more liberal, left, subversive, radical, socialist or, as one friend put it "crazy", than I ever thought. I just can't stand where our country is right now. The Ultra Conservative, rich, intolerant, bigoted, faux christian robber barons that have seized control of this country have done a masterful job of convincing the masses to vehemently support policies that are designed to oppress them and fill the pockets of the few instead of benefiting the many. I know that sounds Socialist to some, but for a moment, let's take a look at the definition of the words Socialism, Communism and Capitalism:

Socialism

A theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole.

Communism

A system of social organization in which all economic and social activity is controlled by a totalitarian state dominated by a single and self-perpetuating political party.

Capitalism

an economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations, especially as contrasted to cooperatively or state-owned means of wealth.

Of these three definitions I find the least troubling to be that of Socialism. I also feel that it fits in best with the basic beliefs that all men are created equal and that we should provide for the weakest most downtrodden of our brothers.

In my view, Communism and Capitalism (at least our current corruption of it in the US) are actually much more closely compared than people would like to admit. At least Communism admits that all economic activity is controlled by Politicians. In the US, the most Capitalist of all societies, all social and economic decisions are controlled by politicians and the Corporations and Billionaires that control them through power of the Almighty Dollar. This is illustrated by the fact that the richest 400 individuals in America now control more wealth than a full 50 per cent of our population! How can a gross inequity like this come about, or be allowed to perpetuate itself? Worse yet, the"powers that be", have convinced us that this ok, even desirable! In a truly just society, this would not be allowed to happen.

The most astonishing aspect of this is that most of those in power in our country profess to be extremely religious, yet avarice (greed) is considered one of the Seven Deadly Sins. In my opinion, greed is one of driving forces behind the whole philosophy of Capitalism.

I know I have rambled on a bit here, but I encourage all of you to think outside the box, question everything and never just accept what they try to shove down your throat!

Only Me (Or Someone Like Me)!

Yesterday, two things happened to me that could only happen to me. First, I was waiting for the DON'T WALK Signal to change so I could cross the street when the turning car stopped in THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION, honked their horn at me and motioned for me to cross. I pointed at the signal and waved them through, because I was following the Signals and more importantly, just because he stopped doesn't mean the other cars are stopping too! He was creating a very dangerous situation! As the driver finally went by me he gave me the finger! All I can figure is that the driver was freaked out by my wheelchair. Since he flipped me off, I am not going to give the possibility he was just trying to be nice much consideration. A tip for driver's out there...people who use wheelchairs can handle crossing a street!

Situation 2: On the way home from my walk a car pulled over, the driver got out, ran up to me and asked me if I needed help. I waved her off and kept going. I know I am not as fast as I was in my racing days, But come on. I wonder if non wheelchair users out for a walk on a beautiful day, ever have drivers pull over and ask them if they need help?A friend of mine had a great comeback for me to use the next time this happens. She said to say, "My Mom told me not to talk to strangers!"

I think both of these situations come from something called "spread of disability". The idea that if a person has one disability, they must have other things wrong with them too. Both of these people assumed that since I used a wheelchair I couldn't handle a simple everyday task like walking home or crossing a street. I am closing in on 50 and have been dealing with incidents like this my whole life. I just hope that in the near future, other people who use wheelchairs won't need to anymore!

The End of the World...Ok, Maybe Not!

Happy No Rapture Day!!!!

As far as I can tell, the world did not end yesterday. Harold Camping was wrong again. That makes him 0 for 2 the sport of Apocalypse predicting. Hardly Hall of Fame numbers. Seriously, I am glad he was wrong, but it does make me wonder why people are so enamored by End of the World prophets like this crazy old loon. Are they all just crazy like him? Are their lives so hopeless that this is only thing they can find that gives them purpose? Or is it something else?

Whatever the reason, I hope his followers can regroup and use their energies to make the world we have a better place for all. Maybe this day can be used to encourage everyone to remember what a precious thing life is and that we should use our time and energy to make a positive impact on those around us! I know this is a little "touchy, feely" for some, but hey, the end of the World only comes once. We just don't know when.

Mother's Day

As I sit here at my local Starbucks, sipping on my Iced Mocha and downing a Sausage and Egg Sandwich, I am wishing I could be with my 91 year old mother on this special day. I am not a fan of most of the "Day's" we celebrate in America. Most of them (Boss's, Secretary's, Sweetest, etc.) are just excuses for Corporate America to make more money. Mother's are the one group of people who truly deserve special recognition.

I have written about my Mother before, but as she gets older and her memory fades, I find myself reminiscing about our life and the life lessons she taught me without even trying. Both Mom and Dad treated me just like my Brothers and Sisters. Even though I was disabled, I was held to the same expectations as anyone else. This was most evident in my education. My Mother fought many battles with the Appleton Public School District and others in order to assure that I (and other students with disabilities) would have equal access to a quality education. We tend to take many things for granted in this world and assume that things have always been the way they are. When we do that, we forget the Trailblazers that fought the battles that helped change the Status Quo. I am proud to say my Mother was one of those Trailblazers.

One memorable example happened during my Junior year in High School. I was selected by my School to represent them at Badger Boy's State, a leadership experience sponsored by the American Legion. Soon after I was nominated, we were informed that I would not be allowed to participate because the facilities at Ripon College were not wheelchair accessible. My Mother was dumbfounded that an activity sponsored by an organization that represented many people with disabilities would not accept people with disabilities. That idea seems like common sense today, but at the time many people thought my Mom was being unreasonable by fighting the "Powers that be." She eventually won the fight and I was allowed to participate. It was a wonderful experience and I still use much of what I learned there. I also received many accolades for being the first wheelchair user to attend, but none of it would have been possible without the behind the scene efforts of my Mom!

So, on this special day set aside to honor Mother's everywhere, take a moment to remember the things your Mother has done to help shape the person you are today, and if you are a Mother remember, sometimes it's the unseen things that have the biggest effect on your children.

My Rant!!!

Will people ever realize that the whole..." My taxes pay your salary" argument is a red herring that the richest people in America have used to pit us against each other? The truth of the matter is that we all pay taxes for services that society has decided are the responsibility of Government. When I applied for this job, it was open to anyone who met the qualifications.

In reality, we all pay each other's salary. Go to any store and buy anything. Part of that purchase went to pay the employees in that store. Buy a car...you just paid part of the salesperson's salary. So when I take part of my salary and pay my rent, or buy a loaf of bread, or take a trip I am paying part of someone's salary too!

We are paying Almost $4.00 for a gallon of gas. Part of that goes to pay a Billionaire's Salary. Why do we not turn our anger towards that injustice? Have we been brainwashed to the point that we don't see where the real blame should be laid?

So, please...I beg of you, drop the "I pay your salary" argument from your list!

Living in a Sad State

For as long as I can remember, I idolized teachers and people who worked in schools. My dad was a teacher. My Mom was a "Vending Machine Lady" in the lunchroom at our High School. As a matter of fact, most of my family worked in education. I thought trying to educate people and help them reach their goals was an honorable, respectable profession. Being a teacher is all I ever remember wanting to be. I tutored classmates, volunteered with the rec department, basically did everything I could to help people learn. I did all of this even though I was constantly being told that a person with my disability couldn't be a teacher! I never let that stop me because I knew in my heart it was what I was meant to do.

After College I continued to fight the good fight. I applied for over 200 jobs before I was hired by Milwaukee Area Technical College 2 1/2 years later. I have been here for 25 years and I love what I do. I love the people I work with and I love our students. I also freely admit that I am paid very well for what I do. I am not ashamed of that. I was brought up to believe that you should find a career that you love, that you are good at and also pays well. I have succeeded at all three of those. I am proud of that!

With the current political climate in Wisconsin, that is probably a dangerous statement to make. Our Governor, Scott Walker, has decided to single out educators and other public service workers as the cause of our great states current (debatable) budget crisis. Even though the vast majority of workers in these groups fall into the middle class, Walker and the Propaganda Machine that is the Republican Party has convinced people that we are greedy, selfish money grubbing slobs.

The funny thing is that there really are very few money saving items in this legislation. Most of it centers around limiting workers rights, ending collective bargaining and basically killing Unions. If collective bargaining is ended, the only negotiable item would be salary and even that would have a cap. If Administrations no longer need to offer insurance how long before they stop offering the option altogether?

Even though the Unions have agreed to the monetary parts of the legislation, Walker and his cronies refuse to have any type of dialogue on this topic. This is nothing more than a vindictive attack on his opponents. The people who this hurts come almost exclusively from groups who voted against him. Walker justifies this behavior by using the tired old Republican standard red herring argument of a mandate from the people. In reality, he won with 52% of the vote. I hardly think 2% qualifies as a mandate.

Wisconsin's State Motto is perfectly concise and positive: Forward! My fear is that with Walker, The Republican Party and their Millionaire Donor's Club in charge, our new Motto will be: Backward!

Skype!

I Skyped for the first time this weekend! I made a video call to Rita, the teacher of my EdTech class. I actually was quite impressed with the quality of the call. The only problem was that my voice would drop every so often. this probably due the quality of the built in microphone on my laptop and not Skype itself.

Next week I take Skyping to a new level when I attempt to Skype with my class from Las Vegas! I guess what happens in Vegas won't stay in Vegas!

Google, Google, Google

I am not sure why but I have always had a little prejudice against Google. i feel the same way about Microsoft. It might be the conspiracy theorist in me, but I just don't trust them! That being said, I must admit that this class has opened my eyes at least a little to the value of the applications that Google offers. I think that GoogleDocs is a very effective tool for collaborating on a project. GoogleEarth is just cool (and a little creepy).

A Vision of Students Today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=dGCJ46vyR9o

I watched this clip and was struck by a few things. the interesting thing to me is that most of the items that caught my eye had more to do with the educational process and the atmosphere in the classroom than the uses of technology or social media. The first statement that shocked me was that only 18% of teachers know their students names. If this is true, it is a real shame. Another statement was that only 26% of classroom material is relevant to students lives. I believe that this is probably more a case of the students not seeing the relevancy when it is really there. It is our job as educators to help students make the connection between the material and their lives.

I'm Baaaack!

After a long time away I am returning to the Blogosphere! I am enrolled in a class with fellow educators at MATC where we will be learning about Social Media and ways to incorporate them into the classroom. Enjoy the ride with me!

A Story From My Mom

Sorry I've been away so long, but I just got too busy. I will need to learn to budget my time to include this new technological aspect of my life.

Every Sunday, I call my 89 year old mom. We talk about everything from her day to day activities, to the Packers to her take on politics. We also spend a lot of the time reminiscing. Last week she reminded me of a story I thought I'd share with you.

When I was in Third Grade, I would get out of my wheelchair at recess and play football with my friends. At that age, I was pretty good, too! I was low to the ground and stronger than most of the other kids, so I was usually one of the first picks. One day the Principal stopped me and told me I couldn't play anymore because I might get hurt. I went home and told my Mom and Dad. A few days later, I was back making tackles like a two foot tall Ray Nitschke. Turns out that my mom went to the school and talked to the principal. When he told her he was just worried that I might get hurt, she pointed out that anyone can get hurt playing football and that if I wasn't allowed to play then no one should. I think what might have finally changed his mind was when my mom pointed out that if I did get hurt it wouldn't be that big a deal since I already used a wheelchair. He probably thought she was crazy! I completely understand her thinking. Why should I not do something I love because of what "might" happen. This is a lesson I learned early in life and continue to carry with me today.

Video

Okay, see if you can watch this video and not get teary eyed!
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/10/mental-health-2.html

It features one of my favorite songs! I want it played at my funeral. Hopefully, many years from now.

Michael Vick

I just read that Michael Vick has been conditionally reinstated to the NFL. He is eligible to sign with any team, participate in training camp and could be able to play in regular season games as early as week six. I am not surprised by this, just a bit disappointed. I was hoping that Commissioner Goodell would have the stones to ban him for the year. Go play in the UFL, CFL or Arena League for a year, prove that you've changed and we'll reinstate you next year. I keep reading people who say that he has the "right" to play in the NFL. No one has a right to play in the NFL. It is a privilege that should be earned and maintained. I just hope that the owners in the league are smart enough to realize that signing Vick will lead to a public relations nightmare. No matter how talented someone is, sometimes they just aren't worth the headaches. For those of you wondering I would treat Leonard Little, Donte Stallworth and Adam "Pacman" Jones the same way!