Is That You Mom?

So I am off to the airport for another volunteer midnight to 6am shift (that's 0600 where I am going) with an organization that supports our troops. I have almost recovered from the last one...not the time, but a moment of absurdity. While a young marine and I waited for either airport police or someone with an escort badge to get him through security, we were allowed to watch an episode of the theater of the absurd. A woman (?) wearing a burka, showing only her eyes appeared at the security checkpoint, flashed a drivers license and was let in.

I guess the TSA recognized her eyes? Her distinctive black burka? My husband the Constitutional law practicing landscaper, often quotes the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution to government auditors, licensing bureau, innocent bystanders. Here I was wanting to do the same. I have been patted down for wearing a full skirt...how does this lady (?)...I mean really how would you know? get through security without a second, or for that matter, a first look?

My marine was very good natured about having to empty his pockets, have his ID checked multiple times, but he did make the best quote ever. When asked by me how in the world could they recognize her as the lady on the license. He smilingly said, "you want to throw a flag on that play?"

Yes I did. And for my husband I say,"I want equal protection against being searched or for that matter recognized."

The Congressional Black Caucus -- Really?

In the August 2011 issue of Ebony magazine there is acknowledgement of the Congressional Black Caucus’ (CBC) 40th Anniversary. Technically, these events are sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, a non-profit, non-partisan (pause for laughter here) organization that was founded in 1976. In fairness the CBCF does leadership training and scholarship programs in addition to sponsoring the social event of the year in Washington, D.C. I once had a job that made me attend the CBCF’s annual meeting and Gala because they thought it was a perk for Black employees. For those of use who have conservative values it was painful, but I did learned two things there:

• It is the Democrat Black Caucus – those who were Republican were not welcome in the Caucus
• It is a wonderful advertisement for term limits

Of the founding members of the Black Caucus, two are still in Congress. The Black Caucus was originally founded in January 1968 as a Democrat Select Committee, and renamed in February 1971 by a motion by Charles Rangel (still there). Even Wikipedia only cites a moment of silence for Michael Jackson’s passing as major accomplishments. Interestingly, each member represents a district or city that continues to send Democrats to Congress despite the fact that the success and achievement continue to elude them. My memories of Black Caucus weekend include:

• Senator John Kerry telling an audience that “when I am elected President, you will not have to come through the back door of the White House like you have to now.” Did Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice know about this?

• Senator Tom Daschle asking the audience after introducing all the members of the Black Caucus. “Would they (Republicans) let you do what we’ve (Democrats) let you do?” Why how very white of them to let these individuals work for election to Congress.

Perhaps J.C. Watts said it best when he refused to join the CBC citing its members as “race baiting poverty pimps.”

Where is the CBC’s focus on stopping the over-taxation of Americans, job creation in the private sector, encouraging Black entrepreneurs through tax cuts, achievement in schools, and success without government subsidies? Where is the call for recognition of those who have achieved greatness in this country in both parties, such as Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, J.C. Watts, Alan Keyes, etc. When will they stand up for the values of Black families like life, the open practice of religion, including Christianity, and family values?

I can’t help, but think that a truly effective CBC would celebrate the election of a Black president and its 40th Anniversary by acknowledging that its time of division and race-baiting has come and gone.

Our Kids Don't know History?

A couple of weeks ago the Wall Street Journal ran an article entitled,”Students Stumble Again on the Basics.” The article lamented our children’s lack of literacy in Social Science or History. According to this article, only 20% of 4th Graders, 17% of 8th Graders and 12% of 12th Graders are considered proficient or advanced in understanding history skills according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress. The test revealed that U.S. schoolchildren have made little progress since 2006 in their understanding of key historical themes, including the basic principles of democracy and America's role in the world.

Interestingly, the teachers feel that this deficiency is due to the need to focus on reading and math for the No Child Left Behind tests and standards. Surprisingly in my day we managed to learn math, reading and social studies. While the teachers seem to feel that NCLB is taking too much time, they still find time to teach “my two moms”, “my two dads”, “Betty wears a Burka” or “Felipe is illegal”. Or hours of curriculum about the environment and the evils of fossil fuels.
I took a little visit to the curriculum for the highest income school district in our area – Council Rock Bucks County. The Council Rock curriculum does not teach United States history until 5th Grade. From 1st to 4th Grade the children learn – about what it means to be a citizen using books with titles like “About My World” and “Neighborhoods Near and Far”. This curriculum, while interesting are based on Time Magazine for Kids – need I say anything about Time Magazine for adults? Do you really want these people teaching their values to your children? The magazine that has brought us both Global Cooling and Global Warming within 30 years as irrefutable science?

The bottom line is that we have time for our children to learn our history, how we fit and have changed the modern world while also learning to read and do math. We need to allow the social engineering to remain outside of the school and focus on learning academic skills.

Let’s not have another year of our children failing at history and social studies.