Joanne Senyk’s article, "Un-American Activity", discusses liberty, freedom, and voting".  In her interesting article Senyk wonders about the intent of more restrictive voter registration legislation, comments on the attitudes of President Obama and conservative fundamentalist Brian Fischer, and relates the 2010 census results to a growingly diverse America.

           

              Senyk begins with a thought provoking quote, “Free people, remember this maxim: We may acquire liberty, but it is never recovered if it is once lost.”  Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778).  Segueing from the quote into her article’s premise of diminishing freedom and the right to vote helped capture my attention. 

           

              I found her analysis of the proposed voter registration laws in line with my own views.  It is hard to imagine a more restrictive voting process increasing the turnout at the polls.  Americans need to exercise their right to vote and anything that may restrict that right should not be allowed.

            According to Ms. Senyk the 2010 census shows an increasingly diverse nation.  To ensure the diversity is protected she promotes improved education of citizens on the importance of their vote.  Promoting the rights of individuals is up to each citizen, they must exercise their right to vote and encourage others to educate themselves and vote as well. 

Senyk moves on to quote the president and Brian Fischer of the American Family Association.  She doubts the president’s follow through on his proclamation of religious freedom, citing increased scrutiny of Muslim activities inside the U.S. including Congressional hearings, demonstrations, and attacks on mosques.  Moving on to Mr. Fischer, who believes the Constitutional right to religious freedom was intended only for Christians.  While the framers of the Constitution may have written the Constitution intent on preserving their own rights, interpretation of the document over the years has solidified the First Amendment to cover all religions.  As I read her commentary and concern over the attitude of Americans I was reminded of a great story I read.  "2 Muslims travel 13,000 miles across America, find an embracing nation" I highly recommend reading this story as a reaffirmation of the openness, tolerance, and greatness of Americans.

HELP WANTED! Leadership opportunity

Job Description:
-  Eliminate the United States spending deficit
-  Save the U.S. before it is too late.

Must have:
-  Dynamic leadership skills
-  Charismatic personality
-  Ability to convince everyone in Congress to back off their party's philosophy
-  Common sense

-  Please contact the American people  if you meet all the qualifications.

               Many of the American people in need don't even realize their country is at risk.  The policy of deficit spending can potentially ruin America.  It is too bad that in our great United States there does not seem to be someone who meets the qualifications to lead us away from the deficit monster.  This leader would have to be an amazing personality who could convince Conservatives to raise taxes and convince Liberals to slash funding to entitlement programs.  Drastic steps are needed to save the United States from becoming too deeply indebted.   Our government is operating this fiscal year on a $1.1 trillion deficit  (Washington Post)  They are spending over $1 trillion more than they are bringing in.  These numbers are so huge it is hard to comprehend.  Think of the United States as one of your friends who has a job making $26,000 a year.  Picture that person spending $37,000 in that year.  Does not seem like a sustainable lifestyle for one person does it?  You would tell your friend to try and earn more and spend less.  Sound advice, but Congress and the politicians won't heed good advice.  The United States government continues to operate on a deficit and borrows more money each year.  The U.S. has to borrow money in the form of Treasury Bonds it sells to individuals and other governments.  The U.S. receives cash for the bonds and promises to pay the debt back plus interest.  (Think about your friend from above running up their credit card and then getting a new one each year).

            China operates its government on a surplus.  They save money each year and invest it.  One of the largest investments from the Chinese government is U.S. Treasury bonds.  We are paying the Chinese government to finance the U.S. deficit.  This is an unacceptable situation and must stop. As of February 2011 China owns $1.154 trillion in U.S. Treasury bonds. (Treasury.gov) We owe the Chinese over a trillion dollars and are paying interest on it right now.  We owe the Japanese $890 billion, the British $295 billion.  Last fiscal year the United States paid just under $414 billion in interest payments owed on debt.  $413,954,825,362.17 to be exact  (Treasurydirect.gov).   That is an incredible amout of money, and that is just the interest payment.

            Payment.  If things do not change soon the creditors could come calling at America's door.  If that happens who do you think Uncle Sam is going to turn to for cash?  You.  So if you know someone who fits the job description send them to Washington!

Commentary on Lily Streiff's No Child Left Behind Article

                A controversial and much ridiculed subject in schools across America today is the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).  As a largely under-funded mandate laid down by the federal government NCLB has placed more demands on a strained educational system without providing sufficient funds to implement it properly.  In her article commenting on NCLB (Government According to Lily)  Lily Streiff makes some important observations on the positives and shortfalls of the program. 

                Ms. Streiff likes the premise behind the program and I agree with her.  It is hard to argue that something intended to improve the education of children is not worthwhile.  The program’s intent is to improve the American education system by increasing the standards for students and teachers.  More qualified teachers should be able to create an environment where students can thrive.  Thriving students should learn and understand more.  To show growth of students and the effectiveness of teaching there needs to be something to measure.  Standardized testing of subjects gives the government something to measure to ensure the program is working.  This is supposed to create greater accountability.

                Greater progress through accountability sounds great but Ms. Streiff makes a great point, “Because of the standardized tests, teachers focus so much on the subjects on the test the students miss out on other aspects of learning and are forced to put all their efforts on a single test.”  Too much emphasis and importance is placed on the tests and it affects the whole school system.  There is no motivation for a teacher to dive deep into a subject that interests their students if they are punished for student performance on a test that does not include such detail.  Students are deprived of deep, enriching lessons that create greater interest and engagement simply because it won’t be tested. 

            While well intentioned, NCLB is not adequately funded to achieve goals that are themselves flawed.  No Child Left Behind has unfortunately created an atmosphere and philosophy that may leave all our children behind.