Blog #8

In Jason’s blog, “Arizona…Really?” shared some interesting views that I definitely agree with. I do believe that the new Arizona law is a legalized form of “racial profiling” and in no way do I support such harassment but in all honesty, I must say, “about time” some other ethnic groups begin to feel the pain that African Americans have been feeling for ages. African Americans, particularly males have been charged with the crime that we call, “Driving While Black.” Jason stated, “Look, there’s a person with brown skin, let’s see if he is legal?” Well our culture gets, “Look, there’s a black guy, let’s stop him just for the hell of it.”

Jason makes a strong point of asking if our economy will survive long. That’s a good though provoking question. In all honesty, even though I am African American, any type of service that I need; car repairs, yard maintenance, home repairs, moving services, I look for Hispanics to do the job. I never know whether they are illegal or not and don’t ask. I know that I will get outstanding service at a reasonable price. I do know that illegal immigrants do a lot of jobs that we don’t want to do so in to personally answer your question; I think that there would be a difference without the services of illegal immigrants. But, something does need to be done about border patrol.

One thing that has always baffled me is the ability to properly secure the borders. What private deal did President Bush and the President of Mexico make behind closed doors; some sort of kick back for allowing passage of illegal immigrants? I truly believe that if the government really wanted to do something about the issue, they would. I’m not talking about this crazy law either.

Jason stated that he doesn’t think that Texas will make the same mistake. Well, I found out about this law because I heard bits and pieces on the news that Texas is actually considering it. After hearing what the news said, I goggled up Arizona to see what this new fuss was all about. I was amazed when I read about it.

In conclusion, I definitely do not agree with the new law and understand the views expressed in Jason’s blog, but to you, Jason, all I can say is, don’t be surprised to find that Texas may one day be on the band wagon.

Chantell

Are Enough Texans Insured?

Texas currently ranks 46th among the 50 states in regards to health care. In an article titled, "Texas health care ranked 46th in nation", Karen Davis stated, "There's no justification for any state to be far below the best state." In comparison to Massachusetts, which has a 92.8 percent of its working adults having health insurance, Texas has just 68.5 percent. This means that one in four Texans are uninsured.

Regardless of whether or not this is an issue personally, I say, "don't take this issue lightly". Some may have insurance through their job, parents, personal health insurance plans, been approved for government assistance such as Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), or are currently in perfect health, thus, simply do not care. As life is filled with challenges and ups and downs, many may find themselves in that number; uninsured or underinsured. What happens if one is diagnosed with a terminal illness and incur astronomical medical and hospital bills as so many Texans currently find themselves? Will the savings account or 401K Retirement cover it all or better yet, is there a 401K at all? Will family members have to begin a “Save My Life” fundraising campaign?

After several unsuccessful attempts by previous administrations, in March 2010 the health care reform proposed by the Obama administration has finally passed by the House at a vote of 219 to 212 and the Senate at 220- 211. Although there has been much debate by both parties regarding what should be included in the bill, there being too much “governmental control, etc.” I feel that the passing of this bill is the step in the right direction, especially for Texas. The Center for Public Policy Priorities, an agency that represent the low to moderate income households of Texas, stated, "Because Texas ranks first in the percentage of uninsured, Texas stands to gain the most from national health care reform."

As with any bill that passes, there will always be those that do not agree or will be left out, but overall, this bill will provide coverage for many citizens that never would have had a chance at coverage at all. I feel that everyone who is a citizen of Texas deserves to have healthcare coverage. People should have the peace of mind that if they get sick; they have affordable healthcare coverage that will entitle them to receive the care they need. I believe that everyone should get actively involved and familiarize themselves with the issues of health care reform because this topic affects us all directly or indirectly.

Response to Kelya's Blog #5

In Kelya’s Blog #5, she shares that the standardized testing, Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test, should be re-evaluated. She shared a prime example of why changes should be made by giving sharing of a friend that moved to America from Russia her senior year. Despite the fact that she learned a new language in one year and was taking upper-level math classes, she was not “qualified” to graduate based on Texas Education Agency (TEA) standards. Not only do I agree with Kelya’s viewpoint about re-evaluating the standards but during their evaluation, the TAKS test should be discontinued all together. Not only do students have to pass the TAKS test, they are also still required to take “benchmark” tests throughout the year to see how they are progressing. It seems that school has changed from a pure learning environment, to an environment in which the curriculum is geared towards passing the TAKS tests. Whatever happened to learning your ABC’s, 1,2,3’s, shapes and colors in kindergarten. Now, in order for a child to halfway be successful, not only do they need to already know these basics, they better be able to read, write and comprehend the material. My mother retired as a high school counselor for Angleton ISD (outside of Houston). She used to say how said it was when students would come in to officially “drop out” because they were unable to pass the TAKS tests. When she’d inquire about what they planned to do, they’d say, “I don’t know but I know I can’t graduate so I’m withdrawing.” What kind of future will that child have? What will they be able to do without a high school diploma? As I shared in my blog, “Are all Texas students college bound?” explains further that all children are not college bound and are only interested in simply graduating. According to TEA, that will not be possible. Kelya is absolutely correct; the standardized testing should not only be re-evaluated but eliminated.

Are all Texas children college bound?

Do you believe that EVERY child that plays on a baseball team is going to be an All-STAR player? What if there was a requirement of each coach that stated, “Each child that plays on your team must be an All-STAR player? What do you think the response will be? Similar to this scenario, there is currently the expectation of the State Board of Education that all children should be college bound; therefore, they have changed the graduation requirements for high school students.
The current dropout rate for the state of Texas is currently 40% according to an article, “Most-ever districts, academically unacceptable attributes to the high dropout rate.” Why do you suppose that is? I’ll tell you why. The educational system headed by Texas Education Agency (TEA) has increased graudation requirements on all students that attend high school. They require that all students graduate under the recommended or distinguished plan. The minimum plan has been modified and students need special permission to graduate under this plan. What does that all that me? It means that all students are required to have four years of History, English, Math and Science. The math courses include Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. The Science courses include a Chemistry class which you must have taken Algebra II to prior to. The vocational classes such as auto mechanics and cosmetology have been filled with academic pre-college classes.
After you have taken those required classes, it is mandated that each student pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test which includes History, Math, Science and English. Upon completion of all these requirements, if a child is interested in going to college and they are not in the 10% of their graduating class, they are required to take a college placement test. Now, I ask you, are all students of the state of Texas- College Bound? Think of some of your friends or people you knew in high school, were they all college bound?
There are kids that are dealing with everyday issues in life; drugs, gangs, teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, the stress of the economy, and mental disabilities. Do you think all those children are all college bound? It is a good idea to say, “Yes, they are if they work hard.” But, the fact is that some, just want to graduate so they can get a job to help out their family, themselves or the children they have produced.
Ok, you may say, well they can just go and get their GED. True, but the GED tests have gotten harder. Before you can even take the GED, there are certain courses you have to have taken in high school in order to qualify to take the GED.
There has been much take in the political arena about lowering the high school dropout rate. My question is how? What is the plan? The people making these asinine rules are those whose children are in private schools, or have private tutors to help them succeed. Then, if they still just, “can’t fit the bill,” they already have positions for them in their own corporations, networking within their jobs, or they work for the family business. If all else fails, they can live off the family inheritance.
What do I think: talk to the people who are on the front line; teachers, counselors, principals and the students themselves and see what they have to say. The “people” in charge would be out for a rude awakening. Being from a family of educators; a principal, counselor, high school teacher, and special education teacher, I understand the struggles first hand; I hear the issues all the time; “There is too much responsibility placed on the teacher to ensure that children learn what they simply are unable to. Some of these children can’t do all this. Well, we’ve lost another one. He’s not coming back next year.”
I believe the requirements that have placed on these children need to be changed. The minimum plan that was in place for students that are not college bound needs to be brought back so that all children, regardless of their academic abilities will have the chance to graduate with pride. They should not have to have special permission and all these stipulations to graduate. I feel they should allow the students to take the minimum required classes and reincorporate vocational classes (which have been cut due to budget issues) for a specific skill to succeed at their ability level. Unfortunately, every child simply is not college material.
An article in the Houston Chronicle, “Chavez students work to catch up during Break,” mentions the additional steps schools are taking to assist children to reach these requirements. These steps are to be commended. I still say, this would not be in place had these strict requirements not been in place in the first place. The people on these boards making these laws need to get off their high horse, get a reality check and understand and address the needs of everyday people. I do feel that all children of Texas should be educated, but not under the current system we have in place. I agree with the words of Red McCombs, a business man from San Antonio. He cites “the state's high dropout rate, in particular, is an indication that the system is broken,……”

Board of Education- When Does It Stop?

Donna Howard, Texas House of Representatives, author of, “Howard: We need to put a stop to Board of Education’s shenanigans,” states that “we should depoliticize our state board by taking partisan politics out of the mix. The last resort would be to abolish the board altogether.” I totally agree!

Howard is expressing her opinion to all citizens of Texas regarding the current debate about the State Board of Education (SBOE) deciding whether or not social studies should be taught as a liberal or conservative curriculum.

First of all, the current drop out rate for the stat of Texas is currently 40% according to an article, “Most-ever districts, academically unacceptable attributes to the high dropout rate”. This is due mainly to the state mandated Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) tests enacted by Texas Education Agency (TEA), that require students to pass examinations in History, Math, Science and English. Needless to say, some students are unable to pass all areas and therefore either, do not graduate or simply drop out. This in itself is clearly evident that there is a MAJOR problem with the public school system as it stands.

Now, to further complicate things, the SBOE is taking away the standard curriculum of exploration of the various countries, understanding longitude and latitude, 50 states and capitals, etc. to……this is what I think you should learn about social studies……….think liberally or think conservatively. A child’s political views are learned from parents, their environment and experiences. As an adult, that child has the freedom to decide which way they want to continue. A governmental system should not be able to influence a young impressionable mind to…..”think a certain way.” I would say that is unconstitutional!! I’m sure if I took the time, I’d be able to find a constitution that supports this statement and argue my point just as politicians do!!!! 

Howard shared how the SBOE was constructed. It was first created in the 1866 Constitution, which included the governor, comptroller and elected superintendent of public education. During the course of years, the members have changed but the purpose has remained the same. The purpose was to oversee the school fund and general management. I see no where in that statement that they can input politics into that responsibility.

Howard goes on to support her opinion with expressing the fact that, “Our current SBOE has no requirements for fiscal or investment expertise, and yet it manages a multibillion-dollar fund that helps finance our public schools.” I found this to be very interesting with the current cut-backs on funding for public schools including lay offs, oversized classrooms, understaffing due to low pay, and removing vocational and extra-curricula activities. Aha!!! That may be the one of the many reasons the system is broken. Yet, they want to “flex their muscles to say what should be contained in the curriculum. My question, “Who is manning the fence?

In my opinion, I feel that Howard is credible in her views due to the inside information she is able to receive from her current position as House of Representative. Being from a family of educators where I am able to hear first hand the “issues” on how the “big wigs” are making decisions for the public school system(the little people), Essentially, they have no idea the negative impact many of the decisions they have on many citizens; or, they may, and just don’t care. “It’s as though they say, my children get ours, so you must get yours. “ It was refreshing to read my sentiments from someone who just may be able to do something about this turmoil!

First Blacks' Importance To History Making

Leonard Pitts Jr., of the Miami Herald, wrote a commentary in the Austin American Statesman, entitled, “Pitts: First Blacks carry the weight of history on their shoulders,” in honor of Black History month. He shared his opinion about the proper attitude that blacks must carry when being the first to do anything. He shared that Jack Roosevelt Robinson, known as Jackie Robinson, had to endure extreme prejudices from his teammates as well as others during the 1930s and ‘40s so that other blacks that followed him would have an opportunity in the sports arena. He went on to share the importance of such people as Diahann Carroll and Billl Cosby and their roles as being the “pioneers” for blacks on television. He shared the negative impacts that come from the brash, outspoken, against the cuff “first blacks,” such as boxer, Jack Johnson.
Leonard Pitts stated, “Blacks bear the burden not only of their own destiny, but also that of every other African American who hopes to follow. First Blacks must represent.” He said all this to say that he is pleased with the way that President Barack Obama has presented himself to the public as, “The First African American President,” despite the obvious disrespect that he has received from fellow congressmen, such as Rep. Joe Wilson calling him a liar during a presidential address and Rep. Lynn Westmoreland calling President Obama “uppity”; which by the way is all centered around racism. Now, as of Sunday, March 21, 2010, President Obama has made a historical accomplishment for this country by getting a long overdue healthcare bill approved but our own Attorney General Greg Abbott and Governor Rick Perry, have filed a lawsuit; saying the bill is violating Texans constitutional rights; which is all a political game, in my opinion, centered around racism. However, despite, the continued opposition Obama faces, he never forgets what his responsibilities and duties are to all the citizens of America. Pitts says of Obama, “…he seems to have made the decision, like other First Blacks before him, he must govern himself closely..else there will never be a Second Black to follow him.”
It was interesting to read the comments on this blog after reading this article. All I can say is that those opinions posed are centered around ignorance, unless you are one; black; two, walked in that person’s shoes, you can never imagine the impact your role may be on a personal and public level. I say this from personal experience. I not only am black but I have what is considered to other “deficiencies”, I am a female and a single parent. According to various studies, I am stereotyped to be uneducated; poverty stricken, on welfare and my children are destined for the penitentiary. However, I have been afforded the opportunity to be the first black African American female to be hired in two positions that were/are predominately dominated by whites; both male and female. I too, have had to set an example and dispel the stereotypes and to set them at ease that; “some black people are ok and safe.”. By my setting the standard, other blacks, both male and female have been hired behind me in similar positions.
After reading Pitts commentary, I am in total agreement of having the understanding of the importance of just what being “The First Black” to do anything truly means. It’s as though the spotlight is on that one person and he/she can make or break the opportunity for other blacks that follow. Pitts stated, “To be a First Black, then, is to carry every other black, always in consciousness.”

Joe Stack- Hero or Murderer?

On Thursday, February 18, 2010, a 53 year old man by the name of Joseph Andrew Stack III, flew his plane into the Echelon 1 Building which housed the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) office. Joseph Andrew Stack III, referred to as Joe Stack, was described by his neighbors and friends as, "a quiet fellow, and kept to himself" (Texas Observer). He was also a member of a local band. So, what makes a 53 year old husband, father, and friend who is described as being basically a low-key guy, fly his plane into a building to kill others as well as himself?

According to his text that he posted on his web site prior to his suicide, he stated, "If you're reading this, you're no doubt asking yourself, "Why did this have to happen?" He goes on to describe his difficulties, experiences and opinion of the government and how it operates. He concludes with, "I choose not to keep looking over my shoulder at "big brother" while he strips my carcass...." (Austin American Statesman)Despite his difficulties, I ask, is it right for him to take other innocent lives along with him?

His daughter, Samantha Bell, considers her father her hero. She stated if her father was a hero, in an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America": "Yes. Because now maybe people will listen." My question is this, "What is it that people will listen to?" What they are hearing is a disgrunt disturbed man, who was in financial troubles with the IRS, crashed his plane into an IRS building killing and injurying other innocent human beings. I strongly believe that is nothing for people to "listen to."

Bob Moser, author of "Joe the Terrorist," stated, "Stack appears to have been a frustrated middle-American with a tragic screw loose.....And his death, no matter his twisted intentions, won't change it one whit."

I personally would have to disagree with what his daughter stated. The actions taken by Joe Stack will not change the way that the government operates. The only thing that people will "listen to" are the heartache, terror, financial strains, shock and disbelieve that his actions have caused.

The fact remains, there will continue to be frustrated people who owe the IRS and are unhappy with the way the government is run. The fact remains that despite his acts, the IRS will not change their laws or practices. If you owe, you must pay. His actions in my opinion, do not make him a hero; they make him a murderer.