New York City public education

"Last year, 16 percent of kids in grades three, four and five passed the state math exam — well below the 41 percent citywide average; 19 percent passed the English exam, compared to 40 percent citywide. The 2016 exams had fewer questions and gave students unlimited time to finish."

The above is taken from a New York Post  article about one elementary school.  What is striking, demoralizing so, are the cited city wide averages of 41 percent for math and 40 percent for English state exam scores.  Focus on those numbers for a moment.

In New York City, the averages for math and English are 41% and 40% respectively.  How, we must ask, can students succeed in the light of those scores?  How are they being prepared to succeed as citizens in our nation?  This, in a city dominated by Democrats, with some of the highest per student spending on education in the nation.  According to the US Census figures from 2013, New York City public schools spent the second most amount per student ($20,331) in the nation.  Only Boston ($20,502) spent more.

How do the people of New York stand by and accept such an abysmal and inexcusable situation?  Would they accept only 40% of the subways working on any given day?  Would they accept only 41% of the trash being collected?  Would they accept only 40% of calls for the fire department being answered?  Would they accept only 41% of the streets being cleaned?

For all of that, the average numbers cited for passing the state math and English exams are stunningly low.

Leaves one speechless! 

One picture

This one picture speaks to the bond of Marine Corps camaraderie.

Semper Fidelis

Mother nature is real

We stood in our kitchen, sipping coffee and looking west, enjoying the view out to the ocean.  Soon the view was obscured by an incoming band of weather.  Slowly and steadily the view was overtaken by the low hanging clouds.  Really low hanging.

The surface of the water, buildings, trees, streetlights, and landmarks were swallowed as the weather front crawled inexorably from east to west.  Obviously we were soon to be inundated.  Just as that thought crossed my mind, a flash with accompanying thunder emanated from the rolling mist, announcing the arrival.

The first light drops of rain hit the surface of the pool.  Slight, shallow dimples.  As the mist enveloped our home, with the rising wind, the drops became heavier and heavier, soon growing to torrential size.  Trees were swaying.  The drumming sound of heavy drops beating on the deck and patio.

Warm and dry, standing in our kitchen drinking our coffee, taking in the scene, I couldn't help but think of mother nature.  

Perhaps she knew of the thought, because another, brighter  flash and much louder thunder lit up and rocked the house, as the storm cell passed over, pushed by the strengthening wind.

From beginning to end, it was probably not more than 5-to-10 minutes.  Where streets, decks, and patios were dry, they now are soaked.  Flowing down the hill's streets, the sudden infusion of water is following nature's course to lower levels.

As across the nation men and women speak and write in hyperbole, with loose attention to facts, communicating emotion based opinion, complaining about this and that, firing accusations and unfounded assertions.  Politicians.  Elected officials.  Members of the media.  Spokespersons.  Pundits.  Athletes. 

Having the choice of listening and reading their tripe or watching mother nature, it's no contest.  

Another cup of coffee.  Another look west, in anticipation of the next band of weather gathering out there on the horizon.  Another flash, another roll of thunder.  

That is real.

(By the way, I also look forward to sunny skies and dry roads, so the motorcycle can come out of the garage.) 

 

Freedom at work

The protests across the nation today illustrated freedom at work.  It is something we should celebrate, even if disagreeing with the messages and purposes. 

Some observations for consideration.

In many places around the world, such protests would not be allowed, or would be rejected violently.

In some places around the world, women are treated essentially as property of their husbands.  At best, as second class citizens.

In some places around the world, females have been denied education.

In some places around the world, women have been stoned to death.

So, while America is imperfect, at least our freedoms are at work.  We can speak our minds.  We can join together in peaceful protest.  We can pursue education.  We can work.  We can vote.

Some questions, in view of the numbers that turned out across our country.

Wonder how many of the protestors voted?  Of those who voted, wonder how many voted for Clinton?  

Finally, with the passion and intensity displayed today, where was Clinton?    

An outrageous affront

Today's announcement that President Obama commuted the sentence of Private Manning is an outrageous affront to all those serving or who have served honorably in the Armed Forces.  Manning is a criminal, found guilty and sentenced by a court martial.  The full sentence should be served.

It is outrageous this Commander-in-Chief takes such action, clearly and forever breaking faith with our men and women in uniform.  By his action, Obama clearly and unequivocally shows his disdain for the members of the military, their honor, their service, their sacrifice, and the oath they took upon entering our military.

Make no mistake, this action was socially motivated.  No legal or military purpose is served by commuting the sentence of a former soldier who deliberately stole classified information and provided it to unauthorized others.  In other times it is conceivable Manning could have received the death sentence.  Of course, in other times, other Presidents of the United States admired and revered the Armed Forces.

It is particularly galling, given that this week we laid to rest Major Griffiths, U. S. Army at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.  He died while a POW during the Korean war and his remains were just recently identified.  Posthumously awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and POW medals, Major Griffiths represents all the best of our Armed Forces.  Obama's action today effectively denigrates and insults Major Griffith's service and sacrifice.

When neither a Private (Manning) or General (Cartwright) are held fully accountable for their illegal actions, because of the decision of the president of the United States, something is sorely amiss in our nation.  

Shame on you, President Obama.

20 January 2017 Update  

Though Obama's action re Manning remains an outrageous affront, at least Bergdahl will have to face the military trial for his actions.





         

Belittling the office

Much of the media is devoting time and ink to reports of elected officials and entertainers boycotting the upcoming inauguration.  Boycott as a verb,  according to Dictionary.com,  is defined as follows:

1.  to combine in abstaining from, or preventing dealings with, as a means of intimidation or coercion:

2.  to abstain from buying or using:

 

That entertainers choose not to attend the inauguration is totally inconsequential.  However, elected officials, who would otherwise attend, choosing not to attend, belittle the office into which the people have voted them.  This is no time for attempted intimidation or coercion.  Instead of celebrating the peaceful transition from one president to the next, an important cornerstone of our democracy, these elected officials are petulantly acting in a manner inconsistent with this same democracy.  Thus they belittle the office they hold.

 

A staunch supporter of the freedom of speech, I understand an individual's consuming desire to express his or her displeasure or support.  But sometimes the manner, place, and timing in which this expression is offered must be taken into account.  A sitting federal senator or representative can always take to the floor of Congress to express his/her views in opposition or support of the current administration and president.  We may not agree with with they say, but they have the right to say it.  That is democracy in action.

 

But to childishly claim they are boycotting the inauguration serves to demean the positions they hold.  As elected leaders of our nation, they must set positive examples by their actions.  Principled disagreement with the administration, coherently articulated at an appropriate time and place, exemplifies democracy in action.  A whining claim of boycotting the inauguration does not.

 

Rather than belittling their office, these individuals could take the moral high ground by stating their are attending the inauguration to visibly demonstrate their unyielding support for the peaceful transition of power characteristic in a free democracy, even when they vehemently disagree with the incoming president.     

A hero's funeral

On this cool January morning in San Diego, under overcast clouds and in a persistent drizzle, they came together.  One by one, they gathered, seeking some shelter under an awning or umbrella.  On a normal day, the majority would be riding their motorcycles.  Due to today's inclement weather, about half came in their vehicles, with the other half braving the weather.  What, one might ask, would possess them to come out in such weather?

The grizzled veterans, clean shaven citizens, men and women alike staged outside the mortuary as members of the Patriot Guard Riders mission supporting the funeral for Major Jack Griffiths, POW/KIA, U S Army.  Major Griffiths fought in World War II and died a POW during the Korean War.  

Most wore jackets or vests adorned with patches depicting military units, the branches of the Armed Forces, patriotic phrases, and the American flag.  Army, Navy, Marine Corps.  From junior enlisted to senior officers, they gathered to honor a fallen comrade.

At the specific invitation of Major Griffith's family, including his son who last saw his father as a two years old, the Patriot Guard Riders were honored and proud to be present, even in such adverse weather.

Standing in the rain, holding American flags aloft or presenting crisp hand salutes, these patriots stood in two lines during the dignified transfer of the coffin into the hearse.  The riders then escorted the hearse and family to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.  There, the U. S. Army awaited and provided full military honors.  Further, Major Griffith's son accepted the posthumous Silver Star, Purple Heart, and POW Medal from the Army representatives.

Throughout, the Patriot Guard Riders stood in the persistent mist, properly Presenting Arms during the rifle volley and playing of Taps.  In a final tribute, they presented a custom made plaque, signed by all, to Major Griffith's son.

Across our nation, Patriot Guard Riders are invited to support the funerals for soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who die on active duty, and honorably discharged veterans.  At times, members of the Patriot Guard Riders are the only ones in attendance, standing in as family for their fallen comrades.

They seek no recognition.  They seek no funding.  They volunteer their time.  They honor our men and women in uniform.  Whether it be a sunny afternoon or a cool, damp, drizzling morning, they will "stand for those who stood for us."   

Local TV news story. 

FOOTNOTE:  Looking around during the funeral, one saw U. S. Army soldiers, the U. S. Navy Chaplain, representatives of veteran organizations, Patriot Guard Riders, and the family members and their friends.  But not one elected official.  Apparently no local, state, or federal elected official deemed worthy of their time the funeral for a soldier who died a POW in the Korean War.  Their absence speaks loudly and clearly to this veteran and retired Marine.      

Pundits, commentators, opinion writers, et al

Almost certainly 2016 will be known as a year, if not the year, in which pundits, commentators, opinion writers, et al were proven wrong as a group.  In a way, that is totally unsurprising, because they are never held accountable for their words.

Stating one's opinions, including forecasts, is essential in exercising free speech.  Equally essential is being able to do so without being accountable.  Other than possibly losing viewership or readership, leading to loss of reputation, expressing one's opinion carries with it little real world accountability.  And this totally differs from the words and actions of those about whom the pundits, commentators, opinion writers, et al ply their trade.  

Stated differently, it is very easy to criticize when your actions have no actual consequences.  And so it should be.  Free speech, whether accurate or offensive, is absolutely crucial to our country.  If pundits, commentators, opinion writers, et al were actually held accountable, it would be stifling.  

Just consider the ramifications.  Were the social activist/commentator held accountable for his/her mistakes or offensive commentary, it is most likely end their time on radio or television.  Just think of all the shows that would be cancelled on MSNBC, Fox, ABC, CBS, and the like.  Likewise for Twitter, Facebook, etc. 

All the so-called news offerings would see a drastic reduction, which would not reflect positively on free speech. 

So while the pundits, commentators, opinion writers, et al offer their views without fear of true accountability, much to the aggravation of those upon whom the pundits, commentators, opinion writers, et al write and speak, it is absolutely essential they be able to do so in a free society that values free speech.

As 2016 draws to a close

As 2016 draws to a close, family was always number one, including getting together and visits for  Christmas, birthdays, and vacations.  Kids, kids of kids, mother, brother, in-laws, and all. 

But life on two wheels was another major element in the year, providing excitement, riding with fellow veterans, and the annual road trip with my best friend Nick.  This year we road to the Hollister Independence Day Rally.

Some of the time in the saddle was spent supporting our active duty military and veterans with the Patriot Guard Riders.  Riding with fellow veterans, we are determined that our men and women in uniform and veterans will not be forgotten.

Some missions provided honors for either the fallen or a veteran.

 

Other missions joined the joyous celebrations in welcoming home Marines and sailors from deployments. 

On some days it was just the joy of being out on the bike, enjoying the quintessential American biker lifestyle, made easier by living in southern California with its great weather.  But whatever the reason for throwing a leg over the saddle, uppermost is the pride of being an American...an American veteran...a Marine.
 

Looking forward to more miles and smiles in 2017.

 

Far from the maddening crowd

It is great to be away from the maddening crowd.

Away from southern California on travel, it so refreshing to be among folks -- regular folks -- just working to make a living and enjoy their lives.  Folks who smile and share a bit of humor with strangers during breakfast.  Folks who talk about enjoying the great outdoors.  Folks enjoying a more pedestrian pace of life.

Yeah, the weather in southern California is certainly enjoyable.  But the cost of living, frenetic pace of life, expanses of pavement, and incessant crowds are not missed even a little bit.

It may be purely illusory, but the folks encountered during this period of travel seem more genuine.  They seem more concerned with one another.  They seem calmer.  They seem happier.  All in all, it seems a much friendlier environment.

All too soon it will be time to fly back to southern California.

Before then, it is uplifting to be away from the maddening crowd.

The Christmas season

The Christmas season is rapidly approaching.  For small children, it is a wondrous time of expectation.  For Christians, it is an important religious period.  For (all too) many it is a time of excessive consumerism.  For families, it is a time of looking forward to gatherings.  For some families, however, it is an unfulfilled time.

Military families across our great nation experience the Christmas season from a vastly different perspective than the majority of citizens.  With less than one-half of one percent of our nation serving in uniform, it is not surprising that most do not think of the servicemen and women who spend Christmas away from loved ones.

It may be the family of the soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine deployed overseas or forward deployed on one of our Navy's ships.  It may be the family of the soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine who is just unable to travel home, be it due to finances, duty assignments, or other causes beyond his or her control.

America should offer their prayers for these soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and their families during this Christmas season.

Most importantly, we need to offer our prayers for the surviving military families of warriors lost this year: Captain Frederick, Captain Kuss, Staff Sergeant Cardin, Chief Petty Officer Finan, and Major Norton. 

Let loose the dogs of therapy

Let loose the dogs of therapy

Reading and listening to the reactions across the country since the election is, if nothing else, an interesting and somewhat entertaining exercise. There is certainly rich fodder for articles and posts in the overreactions in some quarters, most notably the left. Strident calls for this and that permeate the reactions, like demands for electors to change their votes to Clinton. Perhaps nowhere else is reaction more absurd and downright silly than on college and university campuses. Let loose the dogs of therapy I say. Fill the crying rooms to the maximum. Provide huggers at every building entrance and exit. Open the gates for protests. Cancel classes and exams. Build entire safe space buildings instead of football stadiums.  

For the most part, conservatives tolerantly stand aside and watch, stifling the urge to rant and rail at the ridiculous. Why? Because conservatives are, by nature, tolerant.

Central to the conservative approach to life is tolerance. As long as others obey the laws, all laws, and respect others, conservatives are tolerant of their personal decisions, actions, and views. Conservatives may not agree with those decisions, actions, and views, but normally remain tolerant of them. It is when others demand conservatives accept, agree with, and even actively support decisions, actions, and views with which they disagree that the fat is in the fire, as the saying goes.

Ironically, in the aftermath of the election liberals and progressives continue demonstrating their lack of tolerance, a hallmark to their approach to life.  Dogmatic statements abound, underscoring the liberal/progressive stance. Intolerance abounds, as they make claim after claim, demand change after change, and attempt to repudiate the election results. So be it. 

But there are times when conservatives must react as liberals cross a bright and shining line.  One such crossing occurred at Amherst College when first the American flag was lowered inappropriately by the campus administration to half-staff after the election.  Then a student took down the flag and burned it.  Then the administration put a flag up, again at half-staff.  Then, in a final insult, decided not to fly the American flag at all.  Such action requires a reaction.

The reaction occurred over the weekend when hundreds of veterans and others protested at the college by bringing and waving hundreds of American flags.

Amherst College President Lash should be ashamed of the message he sends.  He should be fired for insinuating all forms of hate to the American flag, under which millions of men and women have served.  The federal government should immediately place a hold on all federal funding awarded the school (except individual student federal financial aid) until the flag is once again flown at full staff.

If he wants to provide therapy dogs, hugs, crying rooms, safe spaces, and the like, so be it.  I disagree, but will tolerate his actions.

But do not expect me to tolerate the disrespect he shows our American flag.

Giving to their community

As the nation digests the election results, life goes on.  The sun came up on the morning of 9 November and each day since.

One of those days was Saturday 12 November, characteristically sunny and warm in San Diego.  A large group of bikers, many of them veterans, didn't take advantage of the day to go to the beach, play golf, watch college football on TV, or simply laze around the house.  They set out to give back to their community and more.

After breakfast at the El Cajon Harley Davidson dealership, they rode in four groups to the Miramar National Cemetery, where they stopped to honor those laid to rest there.

Their next stop was the Marine Corps Reserve Center & Headquarters of the 4th Tank Battalion, where the bikers dropped off the hundreds of toys they had collected for the Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Program.  A small dent in the overall goal of 58,000 toys for children in the San Diego region, but a dent nonetheless.

Before returning to the Harley dealership for lunch, at the request of Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant Castillo, the bikers did a surprise slow ride by the home of the father of a fallen Marine.  By their action, the bikers were saying to this Gold Star family that the loss of their son and their sacrifice are not forgotten.

Unlike some who were protesting the election results in parts of the country, these bikers, veterans, and patriots came together for a purpose bigger than themselves, giving back to the community and a Gold Star parent.

Come Wednesday morning, one thing is certain

Come Wednesday morning, one thing is certain.

Half the country will be angry, disappointed, and genuinely concerned.

And what will that anger, disappointment, and genuine concern portend?

The divisiveness building over the past two presidential administrations will rise to extraordinary levels.  Arguably much, much worse than those fed by the machinations over the past nearly eight years.  

To study an ineffective Congress, one merely needs to look at how Senate Majority Leader Reid and Speaker of the House Pelosi colluded to deliberately withheld votes and changed long, honored procedures to ram through some bills, while intentionally letting contentious, though important bills lay dormant.  At a time the Democrats held both chambers, major problems (national debt, immigration, and tax reform to name a few) requiring Congressional action remained unaddressed.  Likewise, when Republicans held majorities in both chambers, Senate Majority Leader McConnell and Speakers of the House Boehner and Ryan did not force matters with the President by crafting and sending legislation to floors votes and eventually the President.  The floor votes and potential presidential vetoes would have irrefutably demonstrated to the electorate which party really supported the interests of the nation and which was obstructionist.  As a result, the Republican majorities in both chambers failed to take up the fight to rein in a lawless president and the nation suffered.

And what will the post election anger, disappointment, and genuine concern portend? 

Regardless of which candidate claims victory, it is unlikely there will a mandate voted into either or both chambers of Congress.  Majorities (if any) will remain relatively slim, with the Senate majority currently up for grabs.  So the ineffectiveness defining recent Congresses will continue.  If anything, due to the unprecedented nature of the 2016 election, even further retrenchment is highly likely.  Ideologues from both parties will fire off combative and conflicting statements of blame.  Unsubstantiated assertions and allegations will flood the media.  All the while, important matters (national debt, immigration, tax reform, national security, education) will get no better and may even become worse.

And half of the nation will continue to be angry, disappointed, and genuinely concerned. 

Once in office, the newly elected president may continue to unlawfully expand employment of executive orders as a form of governance.  Whether Congress or the courts will rein in  such lawlessness is doubtful based on recent history.  And with an eight member Supreme Court, contentious judicial nominations will become major illustrations of government dysfunction.

Legal challenges of all sorts will be levied, again, regardless of who claims victory.  Hearings, lawsuits, FOIA requests, etc. will proliferate.

All the while, half of the electorate will be angry, disappointed, and genuinely concerned.

Perhaps, just perhaps, a shift will occur because of this anger, disappointment, and concern.  Maybe some elected officials will look to the 2016 election and see that it as a wake up signal, regardless of political leanings.  It is possible the enough elected officials may wake up and recognize that they must tackle, by some form of of compromise, the serious matters facing our country.  One good start: instead of omnibus appropriation and spending bills, separate bills (as intended) will be legislated and sent to the president for signature.  Maybe enough elected officials will see the need to remove riders and amendments, so that basic matters can be addressed.  Maybe enough elected officials will recognize the time is right to once and for all tackle wasteful pork in the national budget.   Maybe, just maybe, the word compromise will enter the daily vocabulary.

If not, by then the entire electorate will be justifiably angry, disappointed, and genuinely concerned.  And that would portend a legitimate national crisis.     

        

National health care

For those advocating a "single payer" or national health care system to replace Obamacare, they should read this piece from the Washington Post about the Veterans Health Administration, the largest health care system in the nation.

Do we really want something so inefficient?

The Veterans Health Administration is a mature system, with hundreds of treatment locations around the nation, employing thousands of heath care personnel.  If, with all these resources, the government can not provide timely and quality care to a small percentage of the population, there is no reason whatsoever to believe the government will be able to provide timely and quality care to more than 300,000,000 citizens.

Big government is not the answer.