Thursday, December 23, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Profiles in Courage
John F. Kennedy took a leave of absence from the Senate in 1954 to recover from back surgery, it gave him the opportunity to study the topic of political courage. The project resulted in the publication of Profiles in Courage, which focuses on the careers of eight Senators whom Kennedy felt had shown great courage under enormous pressure from their parties and their constituents. His own battles with physical pain and his experiences in World War II as a PT boat commander also gave him inspiration. His own story in "PT 109" is a study in war time atrocities and incredible courage. Profiles in Courage, which Kennedy dedicated to his wife Jacqueline Kennedy, received the Pulitzer Prize for history in 1957. I may not agree with all of his choices, Kennedy's reasoning is true to his values.
The subjects of Profiles in Courage are:
John Quincy Adams
Daniel Webster
Thomas Hart Benton
Sam Houston
Edmund G. Ross
Lucius Lamar
George Norris
Robert A. Taft.
In the preface to Profiles in Courage, Senator Kennedy discusses the “problems of political courage in the face of constituent pressures, and the light shed on those problems by the lives of past statesmen.’’
He describes the three types of pressure faced by senators as:
pressure to be liked
pressure to be re-elected, and
pressure of the constituency and interest groups.
John F. Kennedy explains that the book is about his admiration of the courage shown by elected leaders in the face of adverse factions like their electorates, popular opinion and political action committees that pull these elected men in different directions. He writes: “This is a book about that most admirable of human virtues – courage. ‘Grace under pressure,’ Ernest Hemingway defined it.” Other often quoted excerpts from President Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book include:
“The true democracy, living and growing and inspiring, puts its faith in the people – faith that the people will not simply elect men who will represent their views ably and faithfully, but also elect men who will exercise their conscientious judgment – faith that the people will not condemn those whose devotion to principle leads them to unpopular courses, but will reward courage, respect honor and ultimately recognize right.”
“In a democracy, every citizen, regardless of his interest in politics, “holds office”; every one of us is in a position of responsibility; and, in the final analysis, the kind of government we get depends upon how we fulfill those responsibilities. We, the people, are the boss, and we will get the kind of political leadership, be it good or bad, that we demand and deserve.”
“Without belittling the courage with which men have died, we should not forget those acts of courage with which men have lived.”
“A man does what he must – in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures – and that is the basis of all human morality.”
“In whatever arena of life one may meet the challenge of courage, whatever may be the sacrifices he faces if he follows his conscience – the loss of his friends, his fortune, his contentment, even the esteem of his fellow men – each man must decide for himself the course he will follow. The stories of past courage can define that ingredient – they can teach, they can offer hope, they can provide inspiration. But they cannot supply courage itself. For this each man must look into his own soul.”
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Robert F. Kennedy Links - A comprehensive resource for locating information about RFK on the net.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2009
Deflation - American Style
In economics, deflation is a decrease in the general price level of goods and services.[1] Deflation occurs when the inflation rate falls below zero percent, resulting in an increase in the real value of money – a negative inflation rate. This should not be confused with disinflation, a slow-down in the inflation rate (i.e. when the inflation decreases, but still remains positive).[2]Inflation reduces the real value of money over time, conversely, deflation increases the real value of money. Money refers to the functional currency (mostly unstable monetary unit of account) in a national or regional economy.
Currently, mainstream economists generally believe that deflation is a problem in a modern economy because of the danger of a deflationary spiral.[3] Deflation is also linked with recessions and with the Great Depression. Additionally, deflation also prevents monetary policy from stabilizing the economy because of a mechanism called the liquidity trap. However, historically not all episodes of deflation correspond with periods of poor economic growth,[4] while there are many examples of how strong rise in CPI immediately precedes or accompanies an economic downturn, such as Great Depression, the 1970-80's, and the 2008 economic crash. I fear that in spite of the purposeful rhetoric, the worst is yet to come.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Underprivileged kids in Colton go shopping
Underprivileged kids in Colton go shopping
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Rob McMillan
More: Bio, E-mail, Recent Stories, News Team
COLTON, Calif. (KABC) -- Generous donations made a special day of shopping possible for underprivileged children in the Colton area.
The call came just after 9 a.m. Tuesday. Police and firefighters responded to the Colton Walmart store with lights and sirens. The call was not for a fire, but rather, for a shopping spree. Each Colton firefighter paired up with an underprivileged child from the area. Each was given a crisp $100 bill, which came from donations made throughout the community.
"This is what Christmas is all about," said one firefighter.
The lists had much more on them than just toys. Some of the children chose sweaters, socks and shoes. Bradley Valentine, 9, added socks and batteries to his cart. He said his father wanted him to take the time to buy what he wanted for Christmas.
"Because we ain't really going to get nothing for Christmas, so he said I got to spend it on me," said Valentine.
The Colton Fire Department has been making Christmas come true for underprivileged children for more than 15 years, and it's become more and more difficult as the economy's gone downhill.
"The families are hurting, and the donations are hurting, so we can't help the families. It just snowballs and so we're trying our best to raise funds," said firefighter Tom Debellis.
Get more Inland Empire News »
Underprivileged kids in Colton go shopping
Underprivileged kids in Colton go shopping
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Rob McMillan
More: Bio, E-mail, Recent Stories, News Team
COLTON, Calif. (KABC) -- Generous donations made a special day of shopping possible for underprivileged children in the Colton area.
The call came just after 9 a.m. Tuesday. Police and firefighters responded to the Colton Walmart store with lights and sirens. The call was not for a fire, but rather, for a shopping spree. Each Colton firefighter paired up with an underprivileged child from the area. Each was given a crisp $100 bill, which came from donations made throughout the community.
"This is what Christmas is all about," said one firefighter.
The lists had much more on them than just toys. Some of the children chose sweaters, socks and shoes. Bradley Valentine, 9, added socks and batteries to his cart. He said his father wanted him to take the time to buy what he wanted for Christmas.
"Because we ain't really going to get nothing for Christmas, so he said I got to spend it on me," said Valentine.
The Colton Fire Department has been making Christmas come true for underprivileged children for more than 15 years, and it's become more and more difficult as the economy's gone downhill.
"The families are hurting, and the donations are hurting, so we can't help the families. It just snowballs and so we're trying our best to raise funds," said firefighter Tom Debellis.
Get more Inland Empire News »
Underprivileged kids in Colton go shopping
Underprivileged kids in Colton go shopping
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Rob McMillan
More: Bio, E-mail, Recent Stories, News Team
COLTON, Calif. (KABC) -- Generous donations made a special day of shopping possible for underprivileged children in the Colton area.
The call came just after 9 a.m. Tuesday. Police and firefighters responded to the Colton Walmart store with lights and sirens. The call was not for a fire, but rather, for a shopping spree. Each Colton firefighter paired up with an underprivileged child from the area. Each was given a crisp $100 bill, which came from donations made throughout the community.
"This is what Christmas is all about," said one firefighter.
The lists had much more on them than just toys. Some of the children chose sweaters, socks and shoes. Bradley Valentine, 9, added socks and batteries to his cart. He said his father wanted him to take the time to buy what he wanted for Christmas.
"Because we ain't really going to get nothing for Christmas, so he said I got to spend it on me," said Valentine.
The Colton Fire Department has been making Christmas come true for underprivileged children for more than 15 years, and it's become more and more difficult as the economy's gone downhill.
"The families are hurting, and the donations are hurting, so we can't help the families. It just snowballs and so we're trying our best to raise funds," said firefighter Tom Debellis.
Get more Inland Empire News »
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Riverside Christian School Superintendent Resigns
Riverside Christian School Superintendent Resigns
Friday, December 10, 2010
ABC7 Eyewitness News HD covering Los Angeles and Southern California. (KABC Photo)
RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- A Riverside school superintendent resigned after questions were raised about an alleged act of sexual misconduct in his past.
Dr. Richard Odegaard resigned Thursday night after just six months as the superintendent of Riverside Christian Schools.
Parents in the district went public with their concerns over a scandal in Odegaard's past, saying the school board had refused to meet with them. They say they learned through a private investigator that Odegaard had admitted to an act of sexual misconduct with a student 34 years ago.
In 2006, Odegaard resigned from another school over similar allegations, which investigators determined to be unfounded.
(Copyright ©2010 KABC-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
riverside county, school, sex crimes, inland empire news
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Wednesday, December 1, 2010
14 Palm Desert students busted in drug sting
Thursday, December 16, 2010
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KABC) -- Riverside County Sheriff's deputies cracked down on suspected drug dealing at Palm Desert High School Thursday. Undercover officers were on campus during the investigation and say some students were dealing in everything from cocaine to prescription drugs. It happened at Palm Desert High School in the Coachella Valley. More than a dozen teens were busted.
Every day, second period at Palm Desert High School starts promptly at 8:48 a.m. But Thursday, something different was planned. Shortly after the bell rang, Riverside County Sheriff's deputies stormed onto campus to arrest more than a dozen students suspected of buying and selling drugs on campus.Student Tanner Rahier was at his desk when several classmates were busted.
"It was kind of weird, they just came in and asked for a few students, and then handcuffed them and they said 'these students won't be returning, they're getting arrested,' and that was that," said Rahier.
A total of 14 kids were arrested. Search warrants were also served at many of their homes, where deputies said they seized all kinds of drugs, including marijuana, Ecstasy and cocaine.
A sheriff's spokesperson told Eyewitness News he hasn't seen an operation like this in Riverside County in more than 20 years.
"I think it sends a message throughout the community that we're not going to tolerate any type of illegal narcotic activity on a school campus, and that people should be aware of that," said Riverside County Sheriff's Sgt. Joe Borja.
The sheriff's department said the operation was quick and quiet, and that all 14 students were taken out of class and arrested within 10 minutes.
"It was very low-key. They knew who they were looking for, they escorted the suspects out of class, no disruption to school activities, no disruption to the campus at all," said Jeff Kaye, director of public safety for the Desert Sands Unified School District.
Whatever students were supposed to be taught Thursday morning, they instead got a lesson in what can happen if you're caught buying or selling drugs on campus.
"Just made them realize it's a stupid idea. If they do it, they're going to get caught," said Rahier.
(Copyright ©2010 KABC-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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The Art of SETTING LIMITS, Its not as easy as it looks.
Art of Setting Limits Setting limits is one of the most powerful tools that professionals have to promote positive behavior change for their clients, students, residents, patients, etc. Knowing there are limits on their behavior helps the individuals in your charge to feel safe. It also helps them learn to make appropriate choices.
There are many ways to go about setting limits, but staff members who use these techniques must keep three things in mind:
Setting a limit is not the same as issuing an ultimatum.
Limits aren’t threats—If you don’t attend group, your weekend privileges will be suspended.
Limits offer choices with consequences—If you attend group and follow the other steps in your plan, you’ll be able to attend all of the special activities this weekend. If you don’t attend group, then you’ll have to stay behind. It’s your decision.
The purpose of limits is to teach, not to punish.
Through limits, people begin to understand that their actions, positive or negative, result in predictable consequences. By giving such choices and consequences, staff members provide a structure for good decision making.
Setting limits is more about listening than talking.
Taking the time to really listen to those in your charge will help you better understand their thoughts and feelings. By listening, you will learn more about what’s important to them, and that will help you set more meaningful limits.
Download The Art of Setting Limits
SYSTEMATIC USE OF CHILD LABOR
CHILD DOMESTIC HELP
by Amanda Kloer
Published February 21, 2010 @ 09:00AM PT
category: Child Labor
Wanted: Domestic worker. Must be willing to cook, clean, work with garbage, and do all other chores as assigned. No contract available, payment based on employer's mood or current financial situation. No days off. Violence, rape, and sexual harassment may be part of the job.
Would you take that job? No way. But for thousands of child domestic workers in Indonesia, this ad doesn't just describe their job, it describes their life.
A recent CARE International survey of over 200 child domestic workers in Indonesia found that 90% of them didn't have a contract with their employer, and thus no way to legally guarantee them a fair wage (or any wage at all) for their work. 65% of them had never had a day off in their whole employment, and 12% had experienced violence. Child domestic workers remain one of the most vulnerable populations to human trafficking and exploitation. And while work and life may look a little grim for the kids who answered CARE's survey, it's likely that the most abused and exploited domestic workers didn't even have the opportunity to take the survey.
In part, child domestic workers have it so much harder than adults because the people who hire children are more likely looking for someone easy to exploit. Think about it -- if you wanted to hire a domestic worker, wouldn't you choose an adult with a stronger body and more life experience to lift and haul and cook than a kid? If you could get them both for the same price, of course you would. But what if the kid was cheaper, free even, because you knew she wouldn't try and leave if you stopped paying her. Or even if you threatened her with death.
Congress Aims to Improve Laws for Runaway, Prostituted Kids
by Amanda Kloercategories: Child Prostitution, Pimping
Published February 20, 2010 @ 09:00AM PT
The prospects for healthcare reform may be chillier than DC weather, but Democrats in the House and Senate are turning their attention to another warmer but still significant national issue: the increasing number of runaway and throwaway youth who are being forced into prostitution. In response to the growing concerns that desperate, runaway teens will be forced into prostitution in a sluggish economy, Congress is pushing several bills to improve how runaway kids are tracked by the police, fund crucial social services, and prevent teens from being caught in sex trafficking. Here's the gist of what the new legislation is trying to accomplish:Shelter: Lack of shelter is one of the biggest vulnerabilities of runaway and homeless youth. Pimps will often use an offer of shelter as an entree to a relationship with a child or a straight up trade for sex. In the past couple years, at least 10 states have made legislative efforts to increase the number of shelters, extend shelter options, and change state reporting requirements so that youth shelters have enough time to win trust and provide services before they need to report the runaways to the police. Much of the new federal legislation would make similar increases in the availability and flexibility of shelter options.
Police Reporting: Right now, police are supposed to enter all missing persons into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database within two hours of receiving the case. In reality, that reporting doesn't always get done, making it almost impossible for law enforcement to search for missing kids across districts. This hole is a big problem in finding child prostitution victims and their pimps, since pimps will often transport girls from state to state. The new bill would strengthen reporting requirements, as well as facilitate communication between the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the National Runaway Switchboard
We Must Never Forget These Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen and Women
Nor the Fool Politicians that used so many American GIs' lives as fodder for the fight over an english noun - "Communism"