As a longtime teacher in LAUSD, I had tenure and belonged to the union. I saw up close and personal the pros and cons of teacher tenure. George Will, conservative writer for the Wall Street Journal and a frequent guest on the Sunday morning talk shows, recently wrote about tenure. It brought up some issues I had not thought about in years.
There are many positive reasons for teachers to have tenure. It protects teachers from being fired for personal, political, or other non- work related reasons. Often there is a conflict between teacher and administrator, and without tenure, principals could easily fire teachers with different points of view. Tenure also prohibits school districts from firing experienced, more expensive teachers, to hire less experienced and less expensive teachers. Tenure helps guarantee innovation in teaching. Without the protection of tenure, teachers may feel pressured to use the same lesson plans and teach directly to tests. Tenure allows teachers to advocate on behalf of students and disagree openly with school and district administrators.
On the other side, there are many negatives to granting tenure. It creates complacency and removes incentives for teachers to put in more than the minimum effort. Tenure makes it difficult to remove underperforming teachers because the process is wrought with legal wrangling and extremely expensive. Tenure does not grant academic freedom. There is so much emphasis on standardized testing.
I taught elementary school in North Hollywood. We had a fourth grade teacher who was found passed out, drunk, on several occasions during the school day. She had been a teacher for more than 20 years. Steps were taken to remove her from the classroom. This took over one year, due to protection by the union and their lawyers. Finally, there were able to remove her from the classroom and stuck her in the library, where she could be monitored by other adults. As far as I know, she continued to receive her salary and was still there when I left teaching.
In New York, they have "rubber rooms." These are rooms where approximately 600 tenured teachers accused of incompetence and wrongdoing, received their full salaries to sit in a sparse room and do nothing. The school district could not dismiss them due to tenure. It takes over $250,000 to remove a tenured teacher.
I had a friend in Los Angeles who had been teaching for over 35 years. She hated it, but needed the money so continued to teach. She sat at her desk each day and did little in the way of teaching. She did not prepare lessons, grade papers, or teach much of anything. This is a crime to do to a young boy or girl. Children unlucky enough to be placed in her class have a wasted year of school. Tenure keeps incompetent teachers in the classroom, with no way of getting rid of them. Let's keep our best teachers in the classroom, and remove those that do not measure up. In private industry, incompetent employees would be let go. Why not the same in teaching?
Friday, July 29, 2016
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Neglect Of Single Women In India
In the poorest region of India, the drought-hit Marathwada, there is an unusually
high number of single women. Some were widowed after their farmer husbands committed suicide because of debt, others were abandoned because they didn't produce a son, while some were left behind when their husbands left to search for work. With no financial support, the women and children are usually thrown out of the house by their in-laws, denied ownership of the land they worked on and any compensation from the government. They are taunted and harassed by communities who believe a woman is nothing without a man.
Single women are the most vulnerable category in India. They are neglected by the government, by society, even by their own family. Every day is a struggle for them- to a get a home, get land and even identity cards, which are in the name of the father or husband. They are faced with constant humiliations.
In India, a patriarchal society, only 13% of farm land is owned by women. When it comes to the lower caste Dalit, women who are single, it is even lower. Many single women in India are widows. They receive a monthly pension of about $7.40 a month. Divorced or never married women are ineligible for most welfare benefits.
New social protection has been unveiled for single women, including finding safe and affordable housing. There have instilled policies aimed to strengthen the social infrastructure for single women and improved their overall condition. Charities in Osmanabad are helping single women to get government issued identity cards that entitle them to subsidised food rations, to apply for bank loans, and to lay claim to property. Hopefully these new policies will improve the lives for all women, especially single women. No woman should be forced into marriage as many are. This policy may take years to change, but in the mean time single women need an opportunity to live a full life without fear and humiliation.
high number of single women. Some were widowed after their farmer husbands committed suicide because of debt, others were abandoned because they didn't produce a son, while some were left behind when their husbands left to search for work. With no financial support, the women and children are usually thrown out of the house by their in-laws, denied ownership of the land they worked on and any compensation from the government. They are taunted and harassed by communities who believe a woman is nothing without a man.
Single women are the most vulnerable category in India. They are neglected by the government, by society, even by their own family. Every day is a struggle for them- to a get a home, get land and even identity cards, which are in the name of the father or husband. They are faced with constant humiliations.
In India, a patriarchal society, only 13% of farm land is owned by women. When it comes to the lower caste Dalit, women who are single, it is even lower. Many single women in India are widows. They receive a monthly pension of about $7.40 a month. Divorced or never married women are ineligible for most welfare benefits.
New social protection has been unveiled for single women, including finding safe and affordable housing. There have instilled policies aimed to strengthen the social infrastructure for single women and improved their overall condition. Charities in Osmanabad are helping single women to get government issued identity cards that entitle them to subsidised food rations, to apply for bank loans, and to lay claim to property. Hopefully these new policies will improve the lives for all women, especially single women. No woman should be forced into marriage as many are. This policy may take years to change, but in the mean time single women need an opportunity to live a full life without fear and humiliation.
Monday, July 25, 2016
Creamsicle Pudding Cake
Ron was in a cooking mood a few days ago, so I bought the ingredients for a recipe I saw in the paper that I thought he would like. It's a pudding cake; pudding on the bottom, moist cake on the top. It was a recipe by Sara Moulton, one of my favorite chefs. She used to have a show on PBS in the days when cooking shows actually taught you HOW to cook. Every recipe would teach you a technique. Sara was wonderful. She was also the food editor for Gourmet magazine for many years. I hadn't seen her in years, but when I saw this recipe, I had to try it. Ron, my dessert maker, was originally going to make the cake, but something kept coming up that prevented him from doing so. So, one night I just made it. We loved it, and I think you will too.
Creamsicle Pudding Cake
4 T. unsalted butter, plus more for greasing pan
1 c. fresh orange juice plus 2 T. finely grated orange zest
1/4c. water
Creamsicle Pudding Cake
4 T. unsalted butter, plus more for greasing pan
1 c. fresh orange juice plus 2 T. finely grated orange zest
1/4c. water
1/2c. cream ( I used half and half)
1T. fresh lemon juice
Scraped seed from 1 1/2 vanilla beans or 1 1/2 T. vanilla bean paste(I just used vanilla extract
1 c. all purpose flour
1/2 c. sugar (I would use a little more next time).
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
vanilla ice cream, for serving
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 8 inch square baking dish with a little melted butter. (I sprayed it with Pam). Combine orange juice and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil.
Meanwhile, whisk orange zest, cream, melted butter, lemon juice and vanilla bean in a small bowl. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Add the orange zest mixture and stir until batter is just incorporated. It will be very thick. Transfer to baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula. Pour boiling liquid over the top of the batter. Bake for 27-35 minutes, until cake has a crisp, golden surface and the pudding sauce on the bottom is bubbling.
Spoon warm pudding cake into each dish. Top each portion with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Eat and enjoy. Be sure to let the pudding cake cool for about 15 minutes before serving.
1T. fresh lemon juice
Scraped seed from 1 1/2 vanilla beans or 1 1/2 T. vanilla bean paste(I just used vanilla extract
1 c. all purpose flour
1/2 c. sugar (I would use a little more next time).
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
vanilla ice cream, for serving
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 8 inch square baking dish with a little melted butter. (I sprayed it with Pam). Combine orange juice and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil.
Meanwhile, whisk orange zest, cream, melted butter, lemon juice and vanilla bean in a small bowl. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Add the orange zest mixture and stir until batter is just incorporated. It will be very thick. Transfer to baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula. Pour boiling liquid over the top of the batter. Bake for 27-35 minutes, until cake has a crisp, golden surface and the pudding sauce on the bottom is bubbling.
Spoon warm pudding cake into each dish. Top each portion with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Eat and enjoy. Be sure to let the pudding cake cool for about 15 minutes before serving.
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
The Swiss Hand Shake
There's a centuries old tradition in Swiss schools that is being challenged by immigrants recently. The tradition is that students shake hands with their teacher at the beginning and end of each day. It's a sign of respect. Recently two Muslim boys, ages 14 and 15, who refused to shake hands with their female teacher because of religious beliefs, took the case to court. Initially the court ruled for the boys, but there was such an uproar by the people of Switzerland that the boys were granted an exemption from hand shaking because of their beliefs, that the decision was overturned and it was decided that the boys would have to adhere to the traditions of Switzerland. This was more than a quarrel over hand shakes. It was fight over whether the Swiss would be masters in their own house or whether they would be forced to yield, by the granting of special treatment, to the Islamic view of the proper relations between the sexes. It's a small battle but significant, between the Muslim immigrants and the indigenous Swiss.
The Swiss feel that at the smallest and seemingly inconsequential levels, Muslims are challenging laws and customs. Each victory or defeat will determine whether Muslims will truly integrate into a Western society or instead, refashion that society to meet Muslim requirements. The rest of the Western world is also facing similar kinds of law suits. In France and the U.S., Muslims have gone to court over the right to wear head scarfs or burkas in the workplace, at school, and having their DMV picture taken. It's easy to see both sides of the issue. Most countries want Muslims to assimilate into society, but at the same time keep their traditions. Who is right? I have a feeling this is a topic we will not all agree on.
The Swiss feel that at the smallest and seemingly inconsequential levels, Muslims are challenging laws and customs. Each victory or defeat will determine whether Muslims will truly integrate into a Western society or instead, refashion that society to meet Muslim requirements. The rest of the Western world is also facing similar kinds of law suits. In France and the U.S., Muslims have gone to court over the right to wear head scarfs or burkas in the workplace, at school, and having their DMV picture taken. It's easy to see both sides of the issue. Most countries want Muslims to assimilate into society, but at the same time keep their traditions. Who is right? I have a feeling this is a topic we will not all agree on.
Monday, July 18, 2016
Farmer and the Seahorse
I've passed this restaurant numerous times over the past year, but it wasn't until Jean got a few of us together for lunch that I actually ate there. It's directly across from Torrey Pines Lodge in Torrey Pines. We had some trouble finding it, as you enter from a small street and have to know where you're going. There used to be a big sign on Torrey Pines Road on the building near the restaurant, but that has been removed. We finally found it, thanks to Google Maps, and what a great find it was.
They draw a big lunch crowd from the numerous biotech companies in the area, plus Scripps Green. Make a reservation well in advance. During the summer months, the expansive patio is the place to be. We, however, not knowing the restaurant, made an inside reservation, and the six of us sat at large farm table for8-10 people. Our waitress, Stevie, was wonderful. She described the dishes, made recommendations, and refilled drinks promptly. The architecture is contemporary, using lots of wood. They have a private room for small parties (10-12), carved out of an old Airstream. I want to have a party there. They also have large banquet rooms, and they were having a medical lunch for 150 people the day we were there.
The food is typical Brian Malarky food. Delicious. They are open for breakfast, lunch and happy hour, and brunch on the weekends. We were there for lunch. My crab cake sandwich with a side salad for $14 was delicious. Regina had short ribs with potatoes and veggies. Debbie and Jan had the lobster risotto, which they loved. Other lunch items included a shrimp louie salad, fish tacos, fish and chips, lasagna of the day (it was butternut squash lasagna the day we were there), numerous salads and lots of great side dishes. We tried the baby beets (served warm) with goat cheese. Absolutely delicious, and prices are very moderate.
If you're in the area, try this new Brian Malarky restaurant, Farmer and the Seahorse. They are adding a really upscale coffee bar soon. From the pictures, it looks fantastic. The only negative was a rather long wait for our food, but we were with good friends, and it didn't really matter. However, it was on the slow side. Next time you're in Torrey Pines for a golf game or a medical appointment, plan it around meal time. You're going to love this place.
They draw a big lunch crowd from the numerous biotech companies in the area, plus Scripps Green. Make a reservation well in advance. During the summer months, the expansive patio is the place to be. We, however, not knowing the restaurant, made an inside reservation, and the six of us sat at large farm table for8-10 people. Our waitress, Stevie, was wonderful. She described the dishes, made recommendations, and refilled drinks promptly. The architecture is contemporary, using lots of wood. They have a private room for small parties (10-12), carved out of an old Airstream. I want to have a party there. They also have large banquet rooms, and they were having a medical lunch for 150 people the day we were there.
The food is typical Brian Malarky food. Delicious. They are open for breakfast, lunch and happy hour, and brunch on the weekends. We were there for lunch. My crab cake sandwich with a side salad for $14 was delicious. Regina had short ribs with potatoes and veggies. Debbie and Jan had the lobster risotto, which they loved. Other lunch items included a shrimp louie salad, fish tacos, fish and chips, lasagna of the day (it was butternut squash lasagna the day we were there), numerous salads and lots of great side dishes. We tried the baby beets (served warm) with goat cheese. Absolutely delicious, and prices are very moderate.
If you're in the area, try this new Brian Malarky restaurant, Farmer and the Seahorse. They are adding a really upscale coffee bar soon. From the pictures, it looks fantastic. The only negative was a rather long wait for our food, but we were with good friends, and it didn't really matter. However, it was on the slow side. Next time you're in Torrey Pines for a golf game or a medical appointment, plan it around meal time. You're going to love this place.
Friday, July 15, 2016
More Restaurant Openings: Del Mar Area
Thanks to Linda, a long time resident of Del Mar and long time friend of mine, I have several new restaurants to tell you about in the Del Mar area. Personally, I would avoid most of them until the racing season is over, as Del Mar is a mob scene from June-Labor Day. Mediterranean menus must be the new "in " thing, as most of these restaurants have a Mediterranean theme
Beesalt Balcony is located above PrepKitchen on Camino Del Mar. It has a lot of Mediterranean dishes, so if you like that, and want to eat healthy, try Beesalt Balcony. Tasting Room is also a new spot in Del Mar. I could not find a menu on their website, so I can't tell you about the menu. I think they have wine and beer in addition to small plates and lite meals. The Curious Fork has probably been around for a while, but I just discovered it. It is a cooking school, kitchen store, and cafe. They offer lots of cooking classes, in addition to a nice cafe serving breakfast and lunch. Traditional breakfast items like ham and eggs are on the menu. Lunch includes several salads, and a number of healthy wraps and sandwiches. Sounds very nice. Crudo is opening in Carmel Valley within the next few weeks. It's the latest restaurant from the man that started Fig and Olive, so I'm guessing it's great. I will review it after racing season. Finally, Cedar Grill in Carmel Valley is another restaurant with a Mediterranean menu. I love the food. Hummus, dolmas, spanikopita, lots of salads and shwarma. Give it a try.
If you know if new restaurants that have opened or will be opening soon in your area, let me know so I can get the word out to readers of this blog. I love trying new restaurants. Who knows when you're going to discover you new favorite place to eat? Maybe one of these restaurants will become your new favorite.
Beesalt Balcony is located above PrepKitchen on Camino Del Mar. It has a lot of Mediterranean dishes, so if you like that, and want to eat healthy, try Beesalt Balcony. Tasting Room is also a new spot in Del Mar. I could not find a menu on their website, so I can't tell you about the menu. I think they have wine and beer in addition to small plates and lite meals. The Curious Fork has probably been around for a while, but I just discovered it. It is a cooking school, kitchen store, and cafe. They offer lots of cooking classes, in addition to a nice cafe serving breakfast and lunch. Traditional breakfast items like ham and eggs are on the menu. Lunch includes several salads, and a number of healthy wraps and sandwiches. Sounds very nice. Crudo is opening in Carmel Valley within the next few weeks. It's the latest restaurant from the man that started Fig and Olive, so I'm guessing it's great. I will review it after racing season. Finally, Cedar Grill in Carmel Valley is another restaurant with a Mediterranean menu. I love the food. Hummus, dolmas, spanikopita, lots of salads and shwarma. Give it a try.
If you know if new restaurants that have opened or will be opening soon in your area, let me know so I can get the word out to readers of this blog. I love trying new restaurants. Who knows when you're going to discover you new favorite place to eat? Maybe one of these restaurants will become your new favorite.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
A Look At The Libertarians
With the major political parties in such turmoil this election year, my discussion group decided to take a look at the Libertarian Party. We'd all heard about libertarians, thought we knew something about them, and so decided to look a little deeper. I went to their web site, pulled up their platform statement, and learned all about their principles. Here they are for you. Decide for yourself whether you like this approach to government or not.
Libertarians believe that all individuals are soverign over their own lives and no one is forced to sacrifice his or her values for the benefit of others. Respect for individual rights is the essential precondition for a free and prosperous world. Force and fraud must be banished from human relationships. All individuals have the right to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others to live how they choose. Below are just some examples of how libertarian thinking defines personal liberty, economic liberty and national defense.
Individuals own their bodies and have rights over them that other individuals may not violate. They believe that government should be kept out of the matter of abortion, leaving the question to each person for their conscientious consideration. Libertarians support full freedom of expression and oppose government censorship. They believe the only legitimate use of force is in defense of individual rights- life, liberty and justly acquired property-against aggression. Libertarians favor free market trading and free market banking, with unrestricted competition with unrestricted competition on. As for the labor market, they believe bargaining should be free of government interference. Regarding education, Libertarians would restore authority to parents to determine the education of their children. They feel retirement planning is the responsibility of the individual, not the government. They would get rid of Social Security. Libertarians would support the maintenance of a small army. This would not be a priority over maintaining the civil liberties of our citizens. Our foreign policy should see peace.
Many Libertarian ideas sound good to me, but when you examine them a little deeper, it is hard to figure out how a country of 350 million people could run efficiently without taxes, social security, traditional schools, voluntary health care, and no help for elderly. Go to their web page if you find this interesting, as I did.
Libertarians believe that all individuals are soverign over their own lives and no one is forced to sacrifice his or her values for the benefit of others. Respect for individual rights is the essential precondition for a free and prosperous world. Force and fraud must be banished from human relationships. All individuals have the right to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others to live how they choose. Below are just some examples of how libertarian thinking defines personal liberty, economic liberty and national defense.
Individuals own their bodies and have rights over them that other individuals may not violate. They believe that government should be kept out of the matter of abortion, leaving the question to each person for their conscientious consideration. Libertarians support full freedom of expression and oppose government censorship. They believe the only legitimate use of force is in defense of individual rights- life, liberty and justly acquired property-against aggression. Libertarians favor free market trading and free market banking, with unrestricted competition with unrestricted competition on. As for the labor market, they believe bargaining should be free of government interference. Regarding education, Libertarians would restore authority to parents to determine the education of their children. They feel retirement planning is the responsibility of the individual, not the government. They would get rid of Social Security. Libertarians would support the maintenance of a small army. This would not be a priority over maintaining the civil liberties of our citizens. Our foreign policy should see peace.
Many Libertarian ideas sound good to me, but when you examine them a little deeper, it is hard to figure out how a country of 350 million people could run efficiently without taxes, social security, traditional schools, voluntary health care, and no help for elderly. Go to their web page if you find this interesting, as I did.
Monday, July 11, 2016
Things I Wish I'd Know When I Was Younger
I feel that the older I get, the more I realize how much I don't know. Yet, with my kids, it's just the opposite. When I was younger and the kids were very young, they thought us grownups knew nothing. Now, they are constantly saying things to me like, "How did you know that?" They think I'm smart! Seriously though, there are so many things that I realize now that I didn't give any thought to years ago. It's not that I know more facts, more information, just know more about what's really important. Here are a few things that I realize now are important.
1. Spend time with people you love. I no longer spend time with people I don't even like. Life is too short.
2. Don't complain. It's a waste of time and no one wants to hear it.
3. Exercise daily. This doesn't necessarily mean a killer workout at the gym, but just a 20 minute walk in your neighborhood. Do something. This is something you can control, so take charge and move.
4. Take more risks. No, I'm not talking about bungee jumping or rock climbing, but small risks. Maybe go after a new job, try to land a client you didn't think you could get, make friends with someone you new.
5. Learn every day. This is something I figured out about 15 years ago, and is my favorite motto to live by. Not only does it keep you mentally alert, but it makes you interesting, it opens you up to new ideas.
6. Don't worry about what people think. Do what you think is right without worrying about other people's judgements. Why do we even care what others think?
7. Be nice. It doesn't cost any more to be nice than not to be. The old saying, "You catch more bees with honey," is so true. Have you ever tried to be really nice to someone that doesn't like you? They don't know how to handle it.
8. Don't judge. This is so difficult not to do, but so important to keep from doing.
9. Don't take yourself too seriously. Lighten up a little
10. Think about others. Be mindful of what's going on in the lives of others, and consider that in the way you treat them. If you're angry at the poor service a waitress is giving you, realize she may have sick kids at home and her mind may be elsewhere. It's not all about you.
Life is a journey. We don't know how long it's going to last. To enjoy life to it's fullest we need appreciate what we've got and strive to make it a healthy, happy and useful life. I've found that some of these 10 statements keep me happy, healthy and wise.
1. Spend time with people you love. I no longer spend time with people I don't even like. Life is too short.
2. Don't complain. It's a waste of time and no one wants to hear it.
3. Exercise daily. This doesn't necessarily mean a killer workout at the gym, but just a 20 minute walk in your neighborhood. Do something. This is something you can control, so take charge and move.
4. Take more risks. No, I'm not talking about bungee jumping or rock climbing, but small risks. Maybe go after a new job, try to land a client you didn't think you could get, make friends with someone you new.
5. Learn every day. This is something I figured out about 15 years ago, and is my favorite motto to live by. Not only does it keep you mentally alert, but it makes you interesting, it opens you up to new ideas.
6. Don't worry about what people think. Do what you think is right without worrying about other people's judgements. Why do we even care what others think?
7. Be nice. It doesn't cost any more to be nice than not to be. The old saying, "You catch more bees with honey," is so true. Have you ever tried to be really nice to someone that doesn't like you? They don't know how to handle it.
8. Don't judge. This is so difficult not to do, but so important to keep from doing.
9. Don't take yourself too seriously. Lighten up a little
10. Think about others. Be mindful of what's going on in the lives of others, and consider that in the way you treat them. If you're angry at the poor service a waitress is giving you, realize she may have sick kids at home and her mind may be elsewhere. It's not all about you.
Life is a journey. We don't know how long it's going to last. To enjoy life to it's fullest we need appreciate what we've got and strive to make it a healthy, happy and useful life. I've found that some of these 10 statements keep me happy, healthy and wise.
Friday, July 8, 2016
Keeping America Safe
There have been numerous terrorist attacks around the world in the past year, and each time they occur we want to know why more isn't done to prevent this. Some politicians say we have to get "tougher." I'm not sure what that means. International organizations are working to combat Isis and other terrorist organizations. It is a daunting task. In the mean time, I have a few words to say about this.
Terrorism is horrific. It puts us on edge, afraid, and suspicious of people that look different than us. The fact of the matter is that not many people are killed worldwide by terrorism. Think about guns, and the fact that 30 people are killed each day in our country alone, from gun violence. What is congress doing about this? Nothing! They say gun violence, like terrorism, is a terrible thing, and want to pray for the victims and their family. No, no, no. Don't pray, DO SOMETHING! Gun violence, unlike global terrorism, is something we can actually do something about. Terrorism is out of the hands of the common citizen. We have to rely on national security. Guns, however, could be controlled and not issued to those that are mentally ill or on the no fly list. We're up in arms about terrorism, but something that we could do something about, gun violence, we do nothing.
Drunk driving kills 9,967 people in the U.S. in 2015. Again, this is something we could do something about. We may not be able to stop it completely, but through tougher laws, we could reduce it. Did you know that 3 women die every day in America from domestic violence? That doesn't even consider the hundreds that are abused and live! Again, this is a terrible thing and something we could do more to prevent.
I am in no way minimizing the problem of international terrorism, but I am saying that other violent acts, like gun violence, domestic violence, and drunk driving, kill thousands in the U.S. every year. Why aren't we doing more to prevent these acts? We know we can, but we refuse. Is the NRA so powerful that congress members will do anything to keep an A rating with them, even at the expense of not following their heart? It's sad, and as far as I'm concerned, any member of congress who refuses to even discuss gun violence and take a vote on minimum changes, should be voted out of office.
Terrorism is horrific. It puts us on edge, afraid, and suspicious of people that look different than us. The fact of the matter is that not many people are killed worldwide by terrorism. Think about guns, and the fact that 30 people are killed each day in our country alone, from gun violence. What is congress doing about this? Nothing! They say gun violence, like terrorism, is a terrible thing, and want to pray for the victims and their family. No, no, no. Don't pray, DO SOMETHING! Gun violence, unlike global terrorism, is something we can actually do something about. Terrorism is out of the hands of the common citizen. We have to rely on national security. Guns, however, could be controlled and not issued to those that are mentally ill or on the no fly list. We're up in arms about terrorism, but something that we could do something about, gun violence, we do nothing.
Drunk driving kills 9,967 people in the U.S. in 2015. Again, this is something we could do something about. We may not be able to stop it completely, but through tougher laws, we could reduce it. Did you know that 3 women die every day in America from domestic violence? That doesn't even consider the hundreds that are abused and live! Again, this is a terrible thing and something we could do more to prevent.
I am in no way minimizing the problem of international terrorism, but I am saying that other violent acts, like gun violence, domestic violence, and drunk driving, kill thousands in the U.S. every year. Why aren't we doing more to prevent these acts? We know we can, but we refuse. Is the NRA so powerful that congress members will do anything to keep an A rating with them, even at the expense of not following their heart? It's sad, and as far as I'm concerned, any member of congress who refuses to even discuss gun violence and take a vote on minimum changes, should be voted out of office.
Monday, July 4, 2016
Whatever You Call It, PTSD Needs To Be Dealt With
I listened to an Osher lecture on PTSD recently, and learned a lot. What I came away with was that we are not doing nearly enough to help soldiers returning from combat who have suffered PTSD. At least we no longer consider those suffering from PTSD to have a personal weakness, as was so often thought in the past. We need to get treatment for returning veterans as soon as possible, and this has been a problem.
Exposure to traumatic experiences has always been a part of the human condition. Attacks by saber tooth tigers or twenty-first century terrorists have likely led to similar psychological responses in survivors. Over the course of history, there have been at least 80 names for what we now call Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Earlier names, most of which referred to combat trauma, included Shell Shock, Battle Fatigue, Irritable Heart, Nostalgia, Soldier's Heart, and Combat Stress Reaction. Up until1980, trauma from war was not treated as a psychological condition, but one of weakness. Soldiers who complained during WW1, were often executed. During WW2 they were considered weak, and were sent to the front lines of battle. Up to half of WW2 military discharges were said to be the result of combat exhaustion. CSR was treated using proximity, immediacy and expectancy principles. The sufferers were expected to make a complete recovery with rest, and would be returned to the battlefield.
It wasn't until 1952 that the American Psychiatric Association produced the first Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-1), which included gross stress reaction. In 1980, the APA added PTSD to DSM-111, which stemmed from research involving returning Vietnam vets, Holocaust survivors, sexual trauma victims and others. Links between the trauma of war and post-military civilian life were established.
Much has been done to help PTSD victims, but more needs to be done. Evidence of this is the extremely high rate of suicide by veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Common in many PTSD victims is the inability to talk about the events that created such trauma in their lives. Few Holocaust survivors want to relive the experience, and few veterans talk about their war experience. We need to get trauma victims the help they need without delay.
Exposure to traumatic experiences has always been a part of the human condition. Attacks by saber tooth tigers or twenty-first century terrorists have likely led to similar psychological responses in survivors. Over the course of history, there have been at least 80 names for what we now call Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Earlier names, most of which referred to combat trauma, included Shell Shock, Battle Fatigue, Irritable Heart, Nostalgia, Soldier's Heart, and Combat Stress Reaction. Up until1980, trauma from war was not treated as a psychological condition, but one of weakness. Soldiers who complained during WW1, were often executed. During WW2 they were considered weak, and were sent to the front lines of battle. Up to half of WW2 military discharges were said to be the result of combat exhaustion. CSR was treated using proximity, immediacy and expectancy principles. The sufferers were expected to make a complete recovery with rest, and would be returned to the battlefield.
It wasn't until 1952 that the American Psychiatric Association produced the first Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-1), which included gross stress reaction. In 1980, the APA added PTSD to DSM-111, which stemmed from research involving returning Vietnam vets, Holocaust survivors, sexual trauma victims and others. Links between the trauma of war and post-military civilian life were established.
Much has been done to help PTSD victims, but more needs to be done. Evidence of this is the extremely high rate of suicide by veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Common in many PTSD victims is the inability to talk about the events that created such trauma in their lives. Few Holocaust survivors want to relive the experience, and few veterans talk about their war experience. We need to get trauma victims the help they need without delay.
Friday, July 1, 2016
Craftsmanship Museum in Carlsbad
It's a non profit organization, so there is no charge for admission. Everything in the museum has been donated by some of the finest craftsman in the country. Planes, trains, automobiles, bicycles, and ships are all represented. The replicas are all miniatures, and all have working parts. The museum is really geared for adults or teens, and especially of interest to those who enjoy building model cars or ships or working with engines.
The docents come from all walks of life, but all are enthusiastic about the museum and have a wealth of knowledge. There are no organized tours, but there are always several docents who will take you around and give you your own private tour. At 10, 12, and 2 each day the machine shop holds about a 30 demonstration. They will explain a lot about engines and gears, which I found very interesting. That's something I knew little about, and since my visit to the Craftsmanship Museum I now know a little bit more.
Shop, which used to be a class all boys, and a few girls took in high school, has disappeared. Sadly the only way people learn about engines and machine shop stuff is by taking a trade school class after high school, or apprenticing with a master. The men (yes, all the projects in the museum were done by men) whose crafts are displayed in the museum come from all walks of life. They all share a common passion for working with their hands and making replicas of trucks, cars, planes and the like. They don't care how long it takes. They have patience and skill, and their beautiful crafts are the final product.
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