When Will It End?

I just wanted to take a moment to ask anyone who reads this blog to take a look at my friend's posting. Specifically, his posting of November 29, 2005.

http://abdurmalik.blogspot.com/

Most of you have never been to the town he speaks of, but it is about 15 miles northeast of Sacramento, California. It is an area that used to be kind of sleepy, but is now becoming a bedroom community for Sacramento and the Bay Area, and prices for homes are shooting up as they are elsewhere in our area. With all of that, it still has a small town feel and most would describe the town as friendly. Yet, the incident that he describes shows that we have a long way to go.

There is something that people of all races need to remember: we are all human beings. I don't say that expecting people to say "duh" in response. But obviously, there are still some "people" out there who think that one race is superior to another. That is a load of garbage. Face it...white women can have babies with black men and vice versa. That goes for other races as well. Scientifically, we are the same species. The only thing that differentiates the races is the human tendency to think one above another. That is not physical; it is psychological. And it is ridiculous. Even the Bible notes that all races come from one. Anyone who, in our day and age, can make mindless, racist, vile and violent comments like the two idiots in Loomis did had better hope that they never need a black man to come to their aid someday. What will they do? Turn down the help? I am proud of my friend, Abdur, for keeping his temper under control. I also know that if anyone, of any race, needed help, Abdur would be the first one there. He has done it in the past, and he always will.

I don't feel the need to apologize for the two "men" who made the comments. Or those who insulted his mother on other occasions. Frankly, I consider them beneath contempt. After all these years, there are still some pillowcase wearing imbeciles who haven't learned. What a shame. They miss out on knowing some truly great people.

By the way...my brother-in-law is black...and he is one great guy.

Giving Thanks...

Here it is, the day that the world calls "Thanksgiving". All in all, however, is it really necessary to have such a holiday? One day a year for giving thanks seems almost hypocritical if one believes in God. Why? In the Bible, we are reminded over and over about the importance of giving thanks. It is not meant to be something done once a year, but regularly; daily; often. A family I know is not religious. The woman of the house thinks she believes in God, but does not practice any form of religion. Yet, on Thanksgiving, their family prays before dinner. Once a year, they pray. Is that really giving thanks?

People ask me if I celebrate Thanksgiving. My reply is, invariably, that every day is thanksgiving for me. I don't have a large turkey dinner, watch football, or have friends and family over. Football and turkey is done occasionally, but friends and family are gathered many times a year; not just once. Every day is thanksgiving because every day I think about the blessings that my family and I have received and I give thanks several times a day. How can any living being who believes in God do any less?

In reality, all Thanksgiving has become is a day for gorging (an act expressly frowned upon in the Scriptures), for arguing with family members, and for perusing the ads for "Black Friday" so that people can pay homage to the gods that they truly worship: the almighty dollar and the god of materialism.

Sorry for my negativity, but facts are facts. Now excuse me, while I go read a bit and prepare to avoid every single department and toy store there is tomorrow.

Random Rant on Art

I'm in the process of reading a book for my English class entitled "Beloved" by Toni Morrison. I don't want to insult anyone who loves this book, especially since it was made into a movie and won a Pulitzer Prize. However, I'm finding it very difficult to enjoy this book. Subject matter aside, the writing style of this author feels disjointed and difficult to follow. In fact, I just get tired reading it.

So what's my point? My point is that the art illuminati seem to feel that anything that is different is good. Some of the modern art that I've seen looks as though the artist shoved paint up his nose and sneezed onto the canvas. But since it is different, it is "magnificent, unique, innovative", etc., etc., etc. Sorry, folks. That isn't art. Don't tell me that a splash of paint on canvas compares to a Monet. I'm not buying. That's why I'm ranting about writing styles. Just because something is strange and disjointed doesn't make it deep or artistic. Frankly, I find more enjoyment delving into a book when I can be drawn along with the story, not when I have to fight like a salmon swimming upstream...and then at the end of the stream is a bear.

I'm sure that Toni Morrison's book is moving, touching, emotional, and deep. The subject matter is tense and harsh. But I don't need someone telling me how there is significance here and symbolism there. I don't mind working to see an author's point. I just don't want to have the feeling that I went on the "teacup ride" at Disneyland and someone spun the thing too fast. I want to get the point. I want to feel what the author is trying to make me feel. If the subject is harsh, I want to feel the harshness of it all. But I don't want someone telling me that a writing style is magnificent just because it is different.

Different is good, but paint from someone's nose is just colorful mucous.

France on Fire

I love France. I have been there several times. My wife is French. Her family lives in France. There is something very special about France, and I particularly love Paris. I say these things to preface my following remarks about the situation in that country.

The outbreak of violence in France is horrible, disgusting, criminal...and predictable. France has long claimed to be the land of "liberty, equality, fraternity" and human rights. That all looks good on the surface. But how many who have visited Paris have gone beyond the tourist attractions? How many have looked at the social powderkeg that has existed for years?

There are thousands and thousands of immigrants in France. They largely come from northern Africa and the Middle East. The majority are quite poor. Unemployment for that group sits at around 25%. I have seen families of 10 or more people living in a one room apartment, and many of them are there illegally. Some squat in condemned buildings. Others live in the most run-down and filthy places that one can imagine. To make a long story short, these immigrants are desperate. Does that make the rampages that are going on right now acceptable? Absolutely not. First of all, the electrocution of the young boys was not the fault of the French police force. These kids got nervous when they saw the policemen and they ran. They ran straight into an electric substation. Brilliant. It's a tragedy, for sure. But it is no excuse for the riots that are taking place.

If you want to look at the people who are causing the riots, look to the second-generation immigrants who have French citizenship. These are young people. They are organized. They were just looking for an excuse to cause trouble. Why? Perhaps they are aligned with radical Muslim groups. These groups have been active in France for years, especially groups from Algeria. Perhaps they are just bored and looking for trouble. Perhaps they are looking for ways to loot. In any case, they have made themselves criminals. They are attacking innocent people and destroying property at random. Criminals.

Let me tell you a story. My sister-in-law has friends in a very poor part of her town in France. It is a suburb of Paris. As she enters the main lobby, there are young men dealing drugs, and 4 and 5 year olds out playing in the street...at 10 p.m. No parents nearby. No supervision. You wonder why these young people are out of control? Look to the parents. Yes, the same type of parents that are accusing the Police and the government of killing their kids at that power station. You know what folks? Take responsibility for your own kids and quit blaming everyone else for your poor efforts. Sure, there are kids whose parents do everything right and they still revolt. But in the case of these two kids, quit blaming the cops! Quit burning the cities as if that will help.

What is going to happen next? Are the French legislators going to say, "There, there" and throw more taxes at the problem? Probably. But I guarantee that the first thing that's going to happen is that the army is going to be called out to stifle these riots. And if the army doesn't work...watch out. The French still have a group called the Foreign Legion. These Legionnaires are not the nicest folks in the world, and they would have no qualms about doing some damage to the rioters.

Before the French government will try to help these immigrants, the violence will need to stop. But before any plans will work, parents need to take responsibility for their children, and the children need to take responsibility for their own actions. In fact, if everyone took responsibility for their own actions, we wouldn't have some of the problems that we do today. Simple, isn't it? And it's a wish that won't come true with humans being the way that they are: imperfect and selfish.

Registering for Spring

As I sit here waiting for my college registration hour to arrive, I find myself wishing that certain degrees carried a bit more import with employers. For example, if a person gets an Associates' Degree in Design Drafting, he or she could probably get an entry-level or slightly higher level job as a drafter with an engineering firm. That makes sense. That's what they went to school to learn. But what about those who find enjoyment in a more liberal arts-type education? There are certainly Associates' Degrees available in the Liberal Arts field. But it is noted in my college catalog that this degree is for those who are seeking their Bachelor's Degree in the same field. The AA degree does absolutely nothing to make a person marketable. He can't teach with an AA degree. There are very few employers who list the ability to analyze Shakespeare as a job requirement. And so, the student proceeds to a university to get a four-year degree in liberal arts. That degree qualifies the student...to get a certificate. Then, with that certificate, the student can...teach liberal arts.

Are you starting to see a pattern? Our society has become so oriented towards profits and business and technology that we are losing an appreciation for a part of our human experience that makes us well-rounded. Students are forced to take classes in majors which don't interest them because the classes that do interest them won't get them a job. Can you tell where I'm going with this? Here I am, looking at the list of Associates' Degrees available from my local Community College, and there isn't a single one of them that I want to pursue. Oh sure, I would like to go for liberal arts, but to what end? What good would it do me? Yes, I would probably enjoy the classes and gain an appreciation for a wide range of subjects. Let me just take my degree and fill out my application for McDonalds, thank you very much. This goes back to my previous rant on teachers and requirements, as well. Just in case you didn't catch that.

So I sit here, wondering what I will do. To tell the truth, I just don't know. All that I am sure about is that I am going to take my French classes so I can have the benefit of learning another language. At least that will do me some good in my daily life. (Don't ask...it's a long story.) But after that? What's the point of continuing my college? I'm already in a job that I hate. Should I get a degree to work in another job that I'll hate? No...that would be a waste. I think I'll just stick with French and writing and see if I can parlay that into something better. If not, well... would you like frites with your burger?

Teachers

My son has been dealing with the difficulties of high school. Lately it seems as though his homework is overwhelming. That isn't surprising, as he is taking some very tough classes. But that did get me thinking about the disparity in homework between different instructors teaching the same course.

Please don't get me wrong. I admire teachers greatly and I think that they are overstressed, underpaid, and underprotected. However, I do think that some teachers use homework as a substitute for good teaching. They ramble on in class, hoping that students pick up some information, but then expect them to do the bulk of their learning by copying paragraphs and doing exercise after exercise. There are benefits to homework, and studying is a necessity. But shouldn't the better part of the teaching be done within the classroom, where the teachers can see the results? I wonder if it is just a form of surrender by certain teachers who have given up hope of seeing progress in their students or by those who are just tired of the job.

That brings me to the second part of my rant: certification. Granted, we want qualified teachers giving instruction to students. Certification gives states the ability to ensure themselves that teachers meet some minimum standards. Yet, I have seen a number of teachers who have their certification who don't seem qualified to teach a dog to sit! The problem lies in a system that forces teachers into a mold and a pattern of teaching that is unimaginative and stifling.

I am not a teacher. At this stage in my life I would love to try my hand at the job. The monkey wrench in the works is the fact that I do not have a bachelor's degree. With my current job and family situation, there is no way I can even find the time to go back to school to get the degree. I have been told over and over again that I could be a teacher, that I should be a teacher, and that I would be a good teacher. My obstacle lies within a little piece of paper. Frankly, I believe that I have the skills to teach. I have the desire to teach. But I am, according to all the laws of the land, unqualified to teach. I wonder if there might be a better way.

Until that day, I'll keep helping my son through his homework and trying to get my A.S. degree in some subject or another. I'll also keep wondering what would have happened if I had been allowed to teach or had found the time to get my degree. I blame myself first and foremost, but I still wonder if this system isn't broken.

You Can't Have It Both Ways

I was just thinking about the debates that are raging through our public school systems these days. And as I thought about it, I wondered if things aren't getting to the point where our kids are going to suffer. What am I talking about...?

There is this big debate going on as to the teaching of "intelligent design" along side evolution. Now frankly, I am not a believer in evolution, although I used to me. I would be very content if textbooks just stated that evolution is a hypothesis, as there is no way to prove it to be factual by experimentation (which is the basis for scientific reasoning). They could say that there are other hypotheses as well, including intelligent design, creation, etc.

The thing that gets me is that right alongside this is the argument about the pledge of allegience, wherein one side wants "under God" taken out and the other side wants it left in. This is a sore point with me, as various commentators and sociological experts have stated that, in fact, the pledge of allegience is a form of worship to the flag. Those who want "under God" left in are still worshipping a piece of cloth with their mouth, while saying they believe in a Creator on the other side. Either way, this is a form of indoctrination for the kids. Some will say that the kids don't have to say the pledge and that's fine. However, all you have to do is look at the way these kids who don't say the pledge are ostracized by the teachers and the other children to see that it is a difficult thing to do. People want to create a more "inclusive" society for all races and beliefs, but isn't the pledge divisive in that way?

Then there are those who say that people are being patriotic by saying the pledge, and those that don't say it don't love their country. Be real, folks. Would a spy or terrorist have any qualms about saying a pledge in public? Of course not. They would say it, do their dirty work, and laugh that all they had to do was to say some "pledge" to move suspicion away from them. No, the pledge is not a standard for loyalty.

When all is said and done, our kids are being dragged into the middle of a bunch of incredibly selfish people who want things their way and don't want to hear alternatives. Let's keep our eye on the ball everyone. You want what's best for our kids? Improve our schools. Give the kids textbooks and safe environments. Give our kids families who have dinner together instead of running off in a million different directions to soccer practice, dance practice, cheerleading, etc., etc. ad infinitum, ad nauseum. Quit using the kids to further your own agendas and make a name for yourselves. Put their needs, their safety, their emotional well-being, and their futures first.

Five Bucks a Gallon?

As hurricane Rita nears Texas, I have read rumors that gas prices could hit five dollars a gallon. This is due to the fact that there are so many refineries in that area. Five per gallon is high, no doubt. Europeans are probably wondering what we are whining about, because they have been dealing with prices that high for years now. Still, Americans will continue to shell out the dollars to feed their Hummers and Armadas and such because they "have the right" to drive huge vehicles.

Did you ever notice how people avoid changing because they "have the right" to do as they please? Isn't that just a lame excuse for destructive behavior? Think about it. We may have the right to do a number of things, but does that make it right to do so? We have the right to use all the gasoline that we want, to throw out as much garbage as we want, to use as much electricity as we want....but is that what is best? Frankly, most people aren't going to change their ways until they are forced to by regulations or shortages, or until they see the results first hand.

I'm no liberal. I have no political affiliation whatsoever. I do look at facts, though. And the facts show that people are ruining this earth. Just look around. Look at the landfills. Look at the rainforests. Shoot, just walk down the street. And yet...people don't or won't change their habits. Maybe gas lines and five dollars a gallon isn't such a bad thing. Maybe some SUVs will see the scrap heap. Maybe mass transit will gain a foothold in places it hasn't before. And maybe...just maybe...people will stop thinking they have the right to be selfish.

Kids Today...

I was talking to my son the other day. He's a Junior in High School. As we spoke, I thought back to my time in high school. Oh sure, we had problems. It was 1982, and we dealt with things like drug use and alcohol use and such.

We like to tell our kids about how things were tougher "in our day". But as I compared my world back then with his world now, I realize that, in general, we didn't have it tougher. Granted, we didn't have all of the conveniences that are abundant today. We didn't have CD players or cell phones. But really...if you look back on your high school days if you were, say, pre-1985...you may be surprised.

Our kids are dealing with incredible pressures from schools to "be a success". In the eyes of the school, that means going on to a grand college or university and getting a high degree so that you can be a doctor or a lawyer or such. When I say incredible pressure, I mean it. These kids hear it several times a day in my son's high school. Add to that the fact that drug use is everywhere, pressure to be sexually active is everywhere, bad language, bullying and abuse is everywhere....incredible.

Frankly, I wonder what would happen if every kid became a doctor or a lawyer. Who's going to fix the plumbing? Who will build houses? Who will work in the dirty jobs?

So I ask you parents....are you pushing too hard to have a doctor or a lawyer in the family? Encourage your kid to do what he or she enjoys! Too many of us are stuck in jobs we hate, rather than doing what we want to do. Let your child thrive in their field of interest. Plumbers earn good money too!

Also, listen to your kids. Understand that the pressures they are facing are greater than what most of us faced. They are not adults yet. They need advice, they need encouragement, and they need a listening ear. Yes, they need limits too. Most of all...they need your time. Something they don't get during those hours they are asleep or in school. Nor do they get it when involved in myriads of after-school activities.

And start when they are young if you can. But even if they are already teens...just start.

You Might Find...You Get What You Need

I've never been a fan of the Rolling Stones. I think Mick Jagger belongs in some sort of rehab clinic along with Keith Richards. That isn't the point of this blog, thank goodness.

They have a song that contains the lyrics, "you can't always get what you want...but sometimes...you get what you need."

As I went through my young adult years, I believed that, even if I didn't like it. However, I still had trouble accepting it, because so many times I got exactly what I didn't need, even if it was usually my own fault. Now, however, I have seen this happen too many times to ignore it.

As an example, once (several years ago) I didn't get a job I was applying for. I felt angry...upset...etc. However, shortly after that, my current job came through with a raise. If I had been offered the other job, I would have paid more for insurance, had fewer days off, and, it turns out, gotten less money. You just never know how these things will work.

Yesterday it happened again. I was up for a position that I didn't get. But this time, I remembered past lessons. As I analyzed my situation, I realized that this was for the best. I have a lot on my plate right now between homework, family responsibilities and other responsibilities. A six month wait is actually what's best right now.

Funny how these things work Once you look at things calmly and from a more detached viewpoint. The problem arises when your emotions get in the way and you take offense at a perceived slight.

Guess that's all part of being an adult, eh?

The Human Tragedy Continues

The South hasn't seen such destruction since General Sherman went on his torching spree during the Civil War. As pictures continue to fill the screen, I have to wonder if this part of the country will ever truly recover.

I was looking over some political cartoons this morning at: http://cagle.msnbc.com/news/HurricaneKatrina/main.asp

The cartoons were divided between the hurricane itself, the oil companies price gouging, the human tragedy, and the resilience of the human spirit. Yet, as I flipped over to the news sites such as CNN and MSNBC, I wasn't reading about the resilience that people are showing. Instead, I read about looters, arsonists and fighting at the SuperDome, people taking shots at helicopters, and a general breakdown of order. I understand that people are desperate, but do they think that these actions are going to get them help any sooner? In one case, someone took a shot at an evacuation helicopter at the SuperDome and they stopped all flights. Brilliant move, Mr. NRA. Instead of helping, you created more misery. Then, at another helicopter landing site at a hospital, people with clubs were crowding the landing spot. The pilot was so fearful that he broke off the landing, leaving people standing there. Again...brilliant.

I'm sure that we will be reading stories about bravery and endurance over the days ahead. It's just very sad that some idiots out there are creating even more heartache for the victims.

Human Tragedy vs. Gas Prices

As I look at the latest pics from the South, I feel ridiculous worrying about gas hitting $4 a gallon. These folks have no cars to PUT gas into! They have no homes to return to and in some cases, they have lost family and friends. Four bucks a gallon? Big deal. I'll walk.

As for looters? Shame on you. In the midst of one of the biggest natural disasters this country has seen, you're stealing computers from Wal-Mart? I even read of a woman who had a bunch of laundry detergent she was stealing...and she doesn't even have a washing machine anymore. Tell me that human beings are growing closer to perfection due to evolution. Hah! I laugh in your face! This is just further proof that mankind is growing ever more imperfect as time goes by. Why aren't these looters spending their time trying to help their neighbor instead of stealing from their neighborhood? Why? Because they are interested in themselves, and noone else.

Perhaps that is one of the most glaring tragedies of all. In the face of heroic rescue efforts and people donating time and money to help those affected by this storm, there are still those people out there who show us the worst face of human beings.

I'll pay the $4 a gallon....and pray that we get our rain in manageable doses.

Crazy ... or Brave?

As I watched the continuing coverage of Hurricane Katrina last evening, I was struck by the news reporters from the various networks, standing out in the middle of the storm reporting what it felt like. Frankly, I thought they were nuts, but I couldn't turn away. It was amazing to see the power of nature in that way.

Still, I had to wonder if it wasn't a touch of hypocrisy, them telling people to evacuate and get to safety while they were standing outside with a wind gauge telling us what the gusts were reading. You know, guys, that's what the National Weather Service is for. We really don't need you putting yourselves in harm's way just to see that the rain is blowing parallel to the ground. Thus, my guilty feeling over actually watching the broadcasts.

Later, one network (CNN) was talking to one of their reporters by phone and she was in tears, describing hearing the voices of people screaming for help and being passed by. She had lost her composure badly. At this point, she was no longer a "talking head", but a stressed woman with feelings for her fellow human beings. But what did the anchor say to her and to the public? He started defending reporters, saying how they weren't crazy but were dedicated people! Come on, pal! Stop defending your profession while this woman is losing it! (Unbelievable.)

Latest report shows New Orleans 80% underwater, and over 80 dead in just one town in Mississippi. And this guy's defending his profession. Shut up and report.

Oil woes

With the damage being caused by Katrina in the Gulf of Mexico, is anyone else changing their budgets to allow for higher fuel costs? Do it now, because prices are rising as I type.

Just think...if the oil companies hadn't been in league with auto manufacturers all these years, we might already be driving smaller, more fuel-efficient, or alternate fuel vehicles.

Greed is a terrible thing, isn't it?

Have fun at the pumps, folks. It won't be getting better anytime soon in this old system of things.

Classes Start Monday

Well, I just opened up the synopsis for my English class that starts Monday. What have I gotten myself into? I knew it would be literature, I knew it would be a lot of writing...I guess that seeing it all down on paper is just a shock to the system.

I guess the question that I'm asking myself is this: What is the point of this class? I'm 41 years old, I support a family...what good will a class on literature do me? I guess the pat answer is that it will make me a more "rounded" person. The reality probably is a bit different. It is society trying to keep the idea of fine literature, and the ANALYSIS of fine literature alive. With so much of the population turning to quick blurbs on the internet, snippets on television, and single word sentences, we may be losing that spark of creativity that God has granted to us. We have the capacity to expound on a variety of subjects, and share a wealth of emotions. Once we lose that, we lose a bit more of the connection between one person and another.

I suppose this class isn't so useless after all.

Hurricane Warning

A hurricane is on its way to New Orleans. I was watching the coverage of the evacuation and listening to the talking heads giving the predictions of doom. It's hard to imagine what a category 5 hurricane is like, especially since I have lived in California all of my life. To think that by tomorrow, the entire city of New Orleans could be under 20 feet of water is a very sobering thought. Add to that the possibility of the loss of human life, the destruction of oil refineries and rigs, the disease that could follow, and you have a full-fledged disaster in the making.

It seems like there are more and more disasters, both natural and man-made, every year. If you have any doubt about what it portends, check your Bible. These are truly the last days. There is hope, however, because the Scriptures tell us that all of the pain and suffering will not be for eternity. A paradise is around the corner.

As Katrina hits, though, all we can do is hope that people have taken every precaution and have placed more value on their lives than on things left behind. And to those idiots who stand there by the sea walls and let the 20 foot waves break over them...well...life is a gift, and you morons are treating it like a disposable diaper. Sorry if that sounds harsh or unfeeling. I just value life, and I think that anyone who plays with it like that needs a swift kick in the backside. Unfortunately for them, that kick may be fatal, because Katrina may be the one administering the boot.

Starting My Blog

You know...there are so many blogs out there. A lot of them deal with politics (which I need to avoid), and opinions (of which I have too many!)

So this blog will just be random thoughts and observations. Some of them will be mundane...others will be profound (yeah...right ). Still, I'll do my best.

That having been stated...I'll try to update this as I can. Don't expect perfection...there isn't anyone out there that can give it to you. Especially me!

Thus I say "Welcome" to you who dare to read this. Let's see how this goes.

Adam