tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post2078643163804459531..comments2024-03-28T02:36:55.037-04:00Comments on Brooklyn Arden: A Ramble: Ferguson, President Obama, Diverse Books, Time and SpaceCherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05972029478350879112noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-59516794729681538112014-10-03T00:26:42.118-04:002014-10-03T00:26:42.118-04:00I actually did Forensics in high school, and this ...I actually did Forensics in high school, and this was the first speech I ever performed! I love its truth, its rawness, and its audacity. He wasn't even in office yet when he gave this speech; he had everything to lose by speaking his mind--but he did anyway. And I so respect that. One of the most awe-inspiring and unexpectedly hopeful speeches I've ever heard and had the pleasure of performing. And if I'm being honest, I miss the pre-presidential Obama. The one who dared to be truthful in the wake of everyone who was putting on their political facades. I hope with all my heart he doesn't let Ferguson go unsung.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-78243674691749270652014-08-20T16:07:19.754-04:002014-08-20T16:07:19.754-04:00Cheryl,
As a former teacher in a public school, I ...Cheryl,<br />As a former teacher in a public school, I can tell you that all the programs and money in the world can be there, but if the parents do not value education the kids won't either. I spent hours calling parents whose kids would not do homework or listen in class to be told things like "don't bother me when I am work. When they are at school, they are your problem." And then I had students whose parents were very recent immigrants, could not speak English- they were not affluent, had not had opportunites for education back in their home country and they were thrilled to have their kids in school. They insisted their children behave and do their work. Those kids succeeded with English as a second language. It is not an issue of money spent or not spent or past histories. It is an issue of whether the parent (and yes, there was often only one) cares to make their child accountable for the great opportunity of free public education, free school books, free bus rides and breakfast and lunch that they are given through the taxing of other people.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-30883325179028130392014-08-17T09:28:40.795-04:002014-08-17T09:28:40.795-04:00This has given me a lot to think about this mornin...This has given me a lot to think about this morning. The Coates article is brilliant. I also followed the link to your talk, and then jumped to the Nancy Larrick essay. Thank you for writing and speaking about these issues and for recommending excellent additional reading. Megan Morrisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03248113660811295965noreply@blogger.com