At what point did America decide that ignorance was patriotic and intelligence was elitist? Cliff and I were having a conversation about Socialism. Now, both Cliff and I are closet Socialists. Or, more accurately, we think the ideal system would be a mixture of Capitalism and Socialism. I have two degrees and work the evivalent of full time, but I don't get any health insurance unles I pay for it completely myself. I know many people who don't have any health insurance because they don't get it through their jobs and they can't afford it themselves. If America is so great, then why can't most Americans afford to get sick here?
But that conversation got us talking about another aspect of Socialism: education. In our country, it seems that more and more, higher education is becoming a wealthy man's playground. Money seems to be the determining factor if a person is going to get a higher education than simply graduating high school. And if you can't afford to go to college, what is even the point of doing well in high school? As long as college is too expensive for most people to attend, the message of the unimportance of education is further spread. the United States is one of the lowest countries educationally. Compared to most European and Asian students (and people in general), Americans are morons.
It is almost as if to be uneducated in America is a sign of patriotism. Bill Clinton: elitist. Al Gore: elitist. John Kerry: elitist. Barack Obama: elitist. What do all these men who have been called elitist have in common ogther than being democrats? They are all well-educated, and that was truned into a negative when they were each running for president. Now why on Earth would we want a well-educated President of the United States? After all, the last 8 years have shown us how great an ignorant asshole can be as commander and chief! I don't want a leader, at any level, who I can sit down in the backyard and have barbeque with. I want someone who impresses me and is a hell of a lot smarter than me. When did education and intelligence become bad? When did it become the bane of America? California schools are faultering, they don't have enough money, so the solution is to have them go to school a few days LESS!?! Well, way to go government. We are raising a new generation of the lowest common denominator, but by God, they'll be patriotic!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Burning the Flag
In my English 302 class we have been discussing the issue of whether burning the American flag sholuld be made illegal or if it is protected under the first amendment: freedom of speech. It has been interesting to hear and read my students' opinions on this topic. When we discussed the topic as a class, many students were initially hesitant to take a stand on one side or the other. Eventually, everyone had to choose a side (literally, as they had to move to one side of the classroom or the other). We then had a debate but the two sides had to argue for the opposing viewpoint. It was a really entertaining class. Then I read their response papers on the topic and I read a lot of other interesting views on the subject. More students felt it should be illegal than that it should be considered free speech.
So, I am going to relfect on my opinion on this topic, if you don't mind. I do think that burning the flag should be protected by the frst amendment. It is a non-violent (to people) way to protest and make a statement, and while it can't be considered literal speech, I think it should (and is, according to the Supreme Court) be considered symbolic speech, as it makes a statement and communicates a message.
One students argued that any American who burns the flag must hate America because the flag represents America. I completely disagree with that. Burning the flag is generally done to protest a particular decision or behavior of the American government (when it is done by Americans - I am not discussing when people from other countries burn our flag). You can disagree with the government and criticize the bahavior of our country while still loving our country. Many people think Michael Moore hates America because he creates documentaries that criticize it. Yet, he has said time and time again that he loves America but thinks it can be better and deserves to be better.
Another argument from several students is that people in the military, throughout history, have fought and died for the flag. I disagree with that too. They have fought and died to keep American free and protect our rights and freedoms. Therefore, by taking away rights, isn't that disrespecting the people who have fought for our country? My grandfather fought in World War II, but when Vietnam happened, he encouraged my dad and my uncle to protest because he disagreed with the war and America's role in it. Flag burning was a common form of protest during the Vietnam era.
So, I open up this debate to anyone reading this: what do you think?
So, I am going to relfect on my opinion on this topic, if you don't mind. I do think that burning the flag should be protected by the frst amendment. It is a non-violent (to people) way to protest and make a statement, and while it can't be considered literal speech, I think it should (and is, according to the Supreme Court) be considered symbolic speech, as it makes a statement and communicates a message.
One students argued that any American who burns the flag must hate America because the flag represents America. I completely disagree with that. Burning the flag is generally done to protest a particular decision or behavior of the American government (when it is done by Americans - I am not discussing when people from other countries burn our flag). You can disagree with the government and criticize the bahavior of our country while still loving our country. Many people think Michael Moore hates America because he creates documentaries that criticize it. Yet, he has said time and time again that he loves America but thinks it can be better and deserves to be better.
Another argument from several students is that people in the military, throughout history, have fought and died for the flag. I disagree with that too. They have fought and died to keep American free and protect our rights and freedoms. Therefore, by taking away rights, isn't that disrespecting the people who have fought for our country? My grandfather fought in World War II, but when Vietnam happened, he encouraged my dad and my uncle to protest because he disagreed with the war and America's role in it. Flag burning was a common form of protest during the Vietnam era.
So, I open up this debate to anyone reading this: what do you think?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
And these are college students!
I am teaching a class this semester up in El Dorado Hills. In this class there is a student that has something wrong with him, possibly both physical and mental. He talks a lot in class, quite loudly, and sometimes interrupting. However, his comments are intelligent and well thought out and it is clear he is listening to what people are saying (even if he does tend to interrupt). Despite the fact that this is a college class, I have students that will snicker and make little comments to each other when he speaks. Is this high school? It's so frustrating and pathetic to me. I have had this happen before in a class (though, not this bad), and it is always in Folsom Lake College or the El Dorado Center - never in Modesto. Why is that, I wonder? Anyway, today I wrote the following e-mail to my class (excluding the said student):
Dear English 300 Class,
I am disappointed that I have to send out this e-mail, and it will not apply to some of you, but I felt it needed to be said. There is a student in our class named Steven who talks a lot in class, and I notice that many of you laugh and make fun of him while he is speaking. This is completely unacceptable behavior. To those of you doing this, I don't know if it makes you feel superior to make fun of someone else, but that bahavior should have been left back in high school and middle school. If you do not think you can manage to behave as an adult, then I suggest you find yourself a different English 300 class. You will find, in life, that at some point people will stop feeling bad for the person you make fun of and start feeling bad for you because you are the lesser person. I have never had to lecture any of my college classes on mature behavior, and sincerely hope I won't have to do it again. If you continue to behave this way in class and I call you out on it, you will be asked to leave and you will not be welcome back - I will drop you from my class. This is the warning.
Sincerely,
Jenny Lang
Folsom Lake College
Two students have responded to the e-mail by apologizing, and I at least apporeciate that they recognize their own behavior and will mend it. But I have some students, a couple girls in particular, who, I have a feeling, were bitches in high school and they are deciding that works for them. The student being made fun of participates a lot in class while the students who are making fun don't participate at all. Typical. Anyway, I am frustrated and fully intend on kicking students out if it comes down to it. This is why I didn't want to make more money and teach high school - behavior issues! Don't bring this shit to my classroom...I'll knock yo' ass out!
Dear English 300 Class,
I am disappointed that I have to send out this e-mail, and it will not apply to some of you, but I felt it needed to be said. There is a student in our class named Steven who talks a lot in class, and I notice that many of you laugh and make fun of him while he is speaking. This is completely unacceptable behavior. To those of you doing this, I don't know if it makes you feel superior to make fun of someone else, but that bahavior should have been left back in high school and middle school. If you do not think you can manage to behave as an adult, then I suggest you find yourself a different English 300 class. You will find, in life, that at some point people will stop feeling bad for the person you make fun of and start feeling bad for you because you are the lesser person. I have never had to lecture any of my college classes on mature behavior, and sincerely hope I won't have to do it again. If you continue to behave this way in class and I call you out on it, you will be asked to leave and you will not be welcome back - I will drop you from my class. This is the warning.
Sincerely,
Jenny Lang
Folsom Lake College
Two students have responded to the e-mail by apologizing, and I at least apporeciate that they recognize their own behavior and will mend it. But I have some students, a couple girls in particular, who, I have a feeling, were bitches in high school and they are deciding that works for them. The student being made fun of participates a lot in class while the students who are making fun don't participate at all. Typical. Anyway, I am frustrated and fully intend on kicking students out if it comes down to it. This is why I didn't want to make more money and teach high school - behavior issues! Don't bring this shit to my classroom...I'll knock yo' ass out!
Friday, January 23, 2009
So Cool!
Obama is already the man! On top of him giving a great speech at the inauguration (and, yes, I realize he has speech writers), but he has already made to major changes that lead to our better place in the world.
Change One: Closing Gitmo
It is amazing to me that for so long, torturing people was a completely acceptable thing to do in the eyes of our government. How did we just sit idly by and allow it to continue? Well, in all fairness to the majority of us, there is little that we can do when our government decides to torture people. But you know what we can do? We can vote, and we did. We chose a President that would say,"torture is bad!" Go figure!
Change Two:Reversing Bush's Abortion-Funds Policy
There are groups around the world who are doing everything they can to help the less-fortunate on our planet. In particular, they are helping women and families in third world countries, and sometimes that help requires these organizations to perform abortions or, in the least, provide information on options. Bush cut all funding for groups who recognize obortion as an option, regardless of the other good they do. You know, a lot of people who condemn abortion are quick to share their opinions but rarely do I see them providing financial support for all the women out there who abortion is the best option for. If you aren't going to help, then don't stop organizations who do.Obama has reversed these policies and has started the process of funding organizations doing volunteer work around the world. He, himself, doesn't like abortion, but he is a smart man and recognizes that the ideal world that so many Americans live in often doesn't even exist outside our borders.
It's only been a couple days and I am so excited for what is to come. Our country might, once again, become a place I can be proud to be from. It seems like I have been ashamed for so long (8 years to be exact), so I, and we, are due!
Change One: Closing Gitmo
It is amazing to me that for so long, torturing people was a completely acceptable thing to do in the eyes of our government. How did we just sit idly by and allow it to continue? Well, in all fairness to the majority of us, there is little that we can do when our government decides to torture people. But you know what we can do? We can vote, and we did. We chose a President that would say,"torture is bad!" Go figure!
Change Two:Reversing Bush's Abortion-Funds Policy
There are groups around the world who are doing everything they can to help the less-fortunate on our planet. In particular, they are helping women and families in third world countries, and sometimes that help requires these organizations to perform abortions or, in the least, provide information on options. Bush cut all funding for groups who recognize obortion as an option, regardless of the other good they do. You know, a lot of people who condemn abortion are quick to share their opinions but rarely do I see them providing financial support for all the women out there who abortion is the best option for. If you aren't going to help, then don't stop organizations who do.Obama has reversed these policies and has started the process of funding organizations doing volunteer work around the world. He, himself, doesn't like abortion, but he is a smart man and recognizes that the ideal world that so many Americans live in often doesn't even exist outside our borders.
It's only been a couple days and I am so excited for what is to come. Our country might, once again, become a place I can be proud to be from. It seems like I have been ashamed for so long (8 years to be exact), so I, and we, are due!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Mind Your Own Business
I get frustrated easily, and I am the first to admit it. And perhaps what I get most frustrated about is people who won't mind their own business. Now I'm not talking about a nosey neighbor next door. I am thinking about how people get upset and want to ruin things for other people that don't have anything to do with them. Of course, the best recent example is people who voted against gay marriage - it doesn't affect them, but they are determined to ruin and destroy the right for those it does affect. Don't worry, I'm not writing another blog about proposition 8, but I needed an example.
The issue that got me thinking about this topic was one I saw highlighted on Yahoo just now. The new issue bugging me is that some atheists are sueing to stop the use of "so help me God" in Obama's inaugural oath. I would probably be considered an atheist myself. I don't believe in God and I don't like organized religion. However, I have no problem with other people believing in God or following a religion (I do have a problem with them imposing their beliefs on others, but that's a different blog). So, my point? I think it is stupid for people to sue because of Obama's oath, or any words in any speech. How could "so help me God" possibly hurt them? How does it affect them at all? I'm an atheist and I don't care. They're words! They mean something to Obama; they mean something to other people; so who cares, let them be said. Now if saying the words suddenly makes America a wholly Christian nation, then I would strongly join the protest. But they're words, and making such a big deal about something that doesn't affect them makes them just as bad as the "Yes on 8" people (I guarantee the atheists weren't the ones voting "Yes" on that one!).
So there's my frustration for the night. Just thought I would share.
The issue that got me thinking about this topic was one I saw highlighted on Yahoo just now. The new issue bugging me is that some atheists are sueing to stop the use of "so help me God" in Obama's inaugural oath. I would probably be considered an atheist myself. I don't believe in God and I don't like organized religion. However, I have no problem with other people believing in God or following a religion (I do have a problem with them imposing their beliefs on others, but that's a different blog). So, my point? I think it is stupid for people to sue because of Obama's oath, or any words in any speech. How could "so help me God" possibly hurt them? How does it affect them at all? I'm an atheist and I don't care. They're words! They mean something to Obama; they mean something to other people; so who cares, let them be said. Now if saying the words suddenly makes America a wholly Christian nation, then I would strongly join the protest. But they're words, and making such a big deal about something that doesn't affect them makes them just as bad as the "Yes on 8" people (I guarantee the atheists weren't the ones voting "Yes" on that one!).
So there's my frustration for the night. Just thought I would share.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
How the Other Half Eat
For many years, the city of San Francisco has had an event called "Dine About Town" in which all their fanciest restaurants offer a $30 per person 3-course meal. While you may think $30 per person seems a lot, these are restaurants where the salads after run $18 and the entrees merely start at $30. Well, apparently, last year Sacramento started a similar event called "Dine Downtown." Unfortunately, it didn't get much publicity, so it kinda flopped. However, this year they tried to get the word out a little more and Cliff discovered the details online. Many of the priciest restaurants in the Downtown Sacramento area offered $30 3-course meals. The event started on January 10th and will end this Saturday.
So, Cliff and I were happy to take advantage of such an opportunity. We watch a lot of cooking shows and have grown to appreciate the art of cuisine. We decided to eat at the Firehouse for two reasons: 1) I have always wanted to go there and 2) Kevin works there. The evening began a few days prior by Kevin getting us a much-desired reservation (they have been really busy) for a nice booth and the best waiter in the house. The place was lovely, but it paled in comparison to our delicious meal. We both began with the chef's gift of an amuse bousch of cold califlower soup with white truffle oil. An amuse bousch is an "amusing bite" to tempt your taste buds. Tempt it did and the wonderful meal began. To begin with, the bread was excellent - particularly the garlic asiago cheese one! We both ordered the wild mushroom and fennel soup, which was really yummy. Then Cliff ordered the filet mignon kabob over garlic mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, and chimichurri sauce. He loved it and the meat was cooked perfectly. I had the prosciutto wrapped scallops with pear chutney utop walnut-fennel rissotto croquets and steamed veggies. It also had a delicious sauce, but what it was escapes me. Oh - before the entree arrived, we were treated to a lemon-cucumber sorbet to cleanse the palet. It was so frickin' good! Finally, for dessert I enjoyed the black forest tort with raspberry sauce and Cliff had the chocolate decadence cake.
We used our piggy bank money to pay for the bulk of the meal, and it was totally worth it. I know that for some people, spending a lot of money on a single meal doesn't sound appealing, but there is just something so soul satisfying about a really quality meal. Especially since we had 3-courses but didn't feel stuffed because they serve the correct portions of things. We are now looking over the menus of the other restaurants participating in "Dine Downtown" so we can hit one more place on Friday night. Then, we'll just have to wait until next year...
So, Cliff and I were happy to take advantage of such an opportunity. We watch a lot of cooking shows and have grown to appreciate the art of cuisine. We decided to eat at the Firehouse for two reasons: 1) I have always wanted to go there and 2) Kevin works there. The evening began a few days prior by Kevin getting us a much-desired reservation (they have been really busy) for a nice booth and the best waiter in the house. The place was lovely, but it paled in comparison to our delicious meal. We both began with the chef's gift of an amuse bousch of cold califlower soup with white truffle oil. An amuse bousch is an "amusing bite" to tempt your taste buds. Tempt it did and the wonderful meal began. To begin with, the bread was excellent - particularly the garlic asiago cheese one! We both ordered the wild mushroom and fennel soup, which was really yummy. Then Cliff ordered the filet mignon kabob over garlic mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, and chimichurri sauce. He loved it and the meat was cooked perfectly. I had the prosciutto wrapped scallops with pear chutney utop walnut-fennel rissotto croquets and steamed veggies. It also had a delicious sauce, but what it was escapes me. Oh - before the entree arrived, we were treated to a lemon-cucumber sorbet to cleanse the palet. It was so frickin' good! Finally, for dessert I enjoyed the black forest tort with raspberry sauce and Cliff had the chocolate decadence cake.
We used our piggy bank money to pay for the bulk of the meal, and it was totally worth it. I know that for some people, spending a lot of money on a single meal doesn't sound appealing, but there is just something so soul satisfying about a really quality meal. Especially since we had 3-courses but didn't feel stuffed because they serve the correct portions of things. We are now looking over the menus of the other restaurants participating in "Dine Downtown" so we can hit one more place on Friday night. Then, we'll just have to wait until next year...
Monday, January 5, 2009
A New Teaching Experience
Generally, every semester I teach two classes at Modesto Junior College and two classes at Folsom Lake College. However, for the first time, due to state budget cuts (for when givernment cuts budgets, education is always the first to go), the Los Rios Community College School District has lost many classes and Folsom could only offer me one class. That has made me very nervaous, as I just bought a house and need money for a honeymoon. However, recently there has been a change.
A full-time staff member is having open-heart surgery, so he will not be able to teach his classes this semester. Therefore, his class is being divied out to adjunct substitutes. So they are still, essentially, his classes, but they will be taught by other teachers. I was offered one of these classes and jumped at it for the hours and money. However, as he had already planned for the semester, he had already developed a syllabus and has is books for the purchase at the book store. So I must use his syllabus and texts.
Here is where my concern lies: one of his texts is a book he wrote about the gay rights debate. Now, as everyone who knows me at all knows, I have very strong opinions about gay rights. Go figure, but I feel tht since they are humans and Americans, they should get the same rights as humans and Americans. Wild, isn't it! But my concern lies in bringing this topic in the classroom. Absolutely, I believe that college is a place for differing opinions and providing students an oportunity to discuss and learn others sides to consider, but this is a really (especially now) sensitive subject, and I don't want to create an environment in the classroom where any students feel uncomfortable. What if I have gay students? What if I have fundamentalist Christian students? What if I have obnoxious frat boys who think the word "fag" is funny? I've certainly had students in the past who believe that all Muslims are terrorists and have said so in front of the entire class. What might a horrible person say about gay rights in this class? My other concern regards my ability to teach without bias. The book, I've been told, details bother sides of the debate, but how do I discuss both sides without judgement? How do I pretend to respect a student who discriminates? When my student called all Muslims terrorists, I called him a racist in front of the whole class (I know, I know, it's not technically racism). I am just really nervous about it. Maybe it will be great and we'll have interesting discussions and I'm making a big deal out of nothing. I will keep you updated as the semester proceeds.
A full-time staff member is having open-heart surgery, so he will not be able to teach his classes this semester. Therefore, his class is being divied out to adjunct substitutes. So they are still, essentially, his classes, but they will be taught by other teachers. I was offered one of these classes and jumped at it for the hours and money. However, as he had already planned for the semester, he had already developed a syllabus and has is books for the purchase at the book store. So I must use his syllabus and texts.
Here is where my concern lies: one of his texts is a book he wrote about the gay rights debate. Now, as everyone who knows me at all knows, I have very strong opinions about gay rights. Go figure, but I feel tht since they are humans and Americans, they should get the same rights as humans and Americans. Wild, isn't it! But my concern lies in bringing this topic in the classroom. Absolutely, I believe that college is a place for differing opinions and providing students an oportunity to discuss and learn others sides to consider, but this is a really (especially now) sensitive subject, and I don't want to create an environment in the classroom where any students feel uncomfortable. What if I have gay students? What if I have fundamentalist Christian students? What if I have obnoxious frat boys who think the word "fag" is funny? I've certainly had students in the past who believe that all Muslims are terrorists and have said so in front of the entire class. What might a horrible person say about gay rights in this class? My other concern regards my ability to teach without bias. The book, I've been told, details bother sides of the debate, but how do I discuss both sides without judgement? How do I pretend to respect a student who discriminates? When my student called all Muslims terrorists, I called him a racist in front of the whole class (I know, I know, it's not technically racism). I am just really nervous about it. Maybe it will be great and we'll have interesting discussions and I'm making a big deal out of nothing. I will keep you updated as the semester proceeds.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Happy New Year
Whew, it's been a while since I last blogged. Just too busy with the holiday, I guess. As always, I had a great Christmas with my family. For the first time, Cliff's parents and grandma joined us for Christmas Eve dinner. It's so nice that our families get along so well. Cliff's family invited my parents for Thanksgiving, now they joined us for Christmas Eve, Cliff's mom and grandma have been to our book club before, both families have been over to work on our house (in particular, my dad and Cliff's mom, Chris, make quite a over-installing duo), etc. It's especially nice because in the past, the parents of my boyfriends have not been a good fit with my family. Now my parents can actually enjoy my significant other's parents. And even better than that, I will have in-laws I am happy to be around. I get along really well with Cliff's mom and grandma Ethelwyn especially. I like all the rest of them too, and they have really made me feel welcome.
I would say the one downside to Christmas was that my cousin Wendy and her kids couldn't spend it with us. They can for Christmas Eve dinner, but they had to leave afterwards. There's something missing when she doesn't spend the night like the rest of the family, and I know, inparticular, it makes Dee Dee, Brian, and Kevin very sad to not have her with us. Hopefully that will change in the future, but for now it was a bummer.
New Year's Eve was fine. I had a nice time with my parents and Cliff eating snacks and watching movies and then going out in the spa after the ball dropped. New year's Eve is a touchy holiday for me. In the past, it seems like whenever I would plan something that I thought would be fun, it would always fall apart at the last minute and be a major disappointment. So this year I didn't plan anything. That was good and bad. I had a nice evening, though I wouldn't have minded going out and doing something memorable. I wish I had gone to the ball drop in downtown Sacramento with Colby, JoAnn, Kerri, and such, but I didn't know they were going. And, actually, I have heard some horror stories from other people about all the mayhem that was going on down there. So, since I don't like the cold, maybe it was for the best. I was warm, well-fed, and watching the movie Eagle Eye, which was pretty darn good.
Who knows what 2009 will have in store for me. I have my wedding coming up, which I am very excited about. In some ways, I don't think 2008 could be beat, what with going to Italy, buying a house, and getting engaged, but in other ways, I hope 2009 is much better. Funny how that works out sometimes.
But for all of you reading this, I hope you had a great holiday season and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
I would say the one downside to Christmas was that my cousin Wendy and her kids couldn't spend it with us. They can for Christmas Eve dinner, but they had to leave afterwards. There's something missing when she doesn't spend the night like the rest of the family, and I know, inparticular, it makes Dee Dee, Brian, and Kevin very sad to not have her with us. Hopefully that will change in the future, but for now it was a bummer.
New Year's Eve was fine. I had a nice time with my parents and Cliff eating snacks and watching movies and then going out in the spa after the ball dropped. New year's Eve is a touchy holiday for me. In the past, it seems like whenever I would plan something that I thought would be fun, it would always fall apart at the last minute and be a major disappointment. So this year I didn't plan anything. That was good and bad. I had a nice evening, though I wouldn't have minded going out and doing something memorable. I wish I had gone to the ball drop in downtown Sacramento with Colby, JoAnn, Kerri, and such, but I didn't know they were going. And, actually, I have heard some horror stories from other people about all the mayhem that was going on down there. So, since I don't like the cold, maybe it was for the best. I was warm, well-fed, and watching the movie Eagle Eye, which was pretty darn good.
Who knows what 2009 will have in store for me. I have my wedding coming up, which I am very excited about. In some ways, I don't think 2008 could be beat, what with going to Italy, buying a house, and getting engaged, but in other ways, I hope 2009 is much better. Funny how that works out sometimes.
But for all of you reading this, I hope you had a great holiday season and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
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