2 + 2 = It Was the Worst of Times

    I want you all to look something that I think came from a grade school (first grade?) text book of some sort...

    You know I am no educator.  That would be hilarious and horrifying. 

    I call your attention to two items.  "Math drawings" and "make true number sentences."  ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!?!  Sorry...saw a bright light there for a second.

    Has it come to this?  Have we abandoned all semblance of common sense?  Have our children become so unable to absorb information that we need to twist and contort and massage all data that is presented to them so that little Johnny doesn't get overwhelmed?  

    I'm an old head, there's no denying it these days.  And I don't like going to the "back in my day" well too often.  But in this instance it's completely on point.  If I would have suggested anything even akin to a true number sentence to Mr. Adams back at BCS, I would have been laughed out of the classroom, by him and my classmates.  I can't even believe I've written the phrase "number sentence" twice now.  I need to wash my hands.

    I understand this is probably part of some holistic teaching structure that is better for the children's psyche.  Or a branch of the whole new math craze that my boys had to deal with through their time in school.  And I'm sure on some level it could, possibly, with the perfect curriculum, on a breezy afternoon, work better than good ole fashion "here is math...learn."  But it just feels pandering to the kids.  Hell, it feels pandering to me and I only had to copy and paste the picture.

    You know that I feel like the world is bowing down all too much to the precious little tykes these days.  Not enough life lessons being learned in any way that'll stick.  And feels like this is just another in a long line.  What's wrong with ;just presenting the info we have and having little Sally absorb it directly?  God forbid she gets confused and have to ask a question or two.  Or maybe even have to work a bit harder to understand a lesson.  

    I don't necessarily want it to be harder than needed for our kids to learn.  But this is just on small part of an overall whole that contribute to the wussification of America.  But I suppose if it's going to happen, might as well start them on the road to weakness as early as possible. 

Tired of the Lesser of Two Evils

When did the change happen?  When did the men we have chosen to lead this great nation (and I do think it’s still great) become guys just looking to have the most powerful job in the world?  I want to have a president that I truly feel is in that spot because of a passion to move America forward, or a selfless calling to better the nation and its people.

Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt

Johnson, Bush, Bush, Trump

If you see no difference in the two lists above, please stop reading.  I can’t relate to you and you won’t want to hear what I have to say.

When the men in the first list were in power they used their position with an eye toward the future.  Not just their future, but of time they would never see.  Because there is a higher purpose to what they asked to be a part of.  Hell, wasn’t it Washington’s idea that the president shouldn’t have as much power that the position assumed?  Didn’t he put forth the idea that the president have limited time in office?  Ask yourself...Does Donald Trump think he has too much power? Did George Bush think he deserved more than two terms?

Even the people who we did NOT choose for public service over the last so many decades have not made voting a good experience.  Mitt Romney and Hilary Clinton?  Come on.

I’m sick of going into the voting booth with a heavy sigh.  It just doesn’t feel good.  I miss being able to actually feel some energy about the ascendency of a new president.  Has it become that difficult for someone to be in politics without seeing it as merely a powerful, high paying gig?  Have we become a people so devoid of selflessness, that anyone that would truly fit the bill is relegated to charity work or fundraising?  Don’t judge that last thought...I’m not denigrating those vocations at all, just making a point.

I suppose it’s just a pipe dream.  I suppose it’s merely a sign of the times.  But that doesn’t mean I have to accept it.  Call me an old soul...or maybe just straight up old.  But more and more I am just sick of voting for the lesser of two evils.  I want to look forward to the first Tuesday in November.  I want our leader to truly have the soul of the country at the heart of his public service motivation.

You want to Make America Great Again? Try putting someone who gives a damn on the ballot.