#297 Making America Great Again #7: Presidential Candidates Must Pass 8th-Grade EOY Exams

10 Sunday Jun 2018

Posted by Jordan Abel in Common Sense Policies, Education Issues, Gov't Policy, Lessons of Revolution, Societal Issues

Readers: this blog is set in the future (sometime after the year 2020). Each entry assumes there has been a 5th revolution in the US — the Revenge Revolution. More about the Revenge Revolution and author, Entry #1. List and general description of entries to date.

Note: most entries are formatted as conversations. Characters appear in a number of entries, with many entries building on previous conversations. Profile of characters (see link at top of page). You’ll catch on quickly. Thanks for your time and interest…and comments.

Scene: Jordan’s office, Washington, DC. Conversation began Entry #289.

Greenie: “When we were talking about using the rules of golf as a guide to personal and professional behavior, I was reminded how little Trump followed the rules of golf…and then asked myself, ‘Did he really know the rules?’…and, ‘What else didn’t he know?'”

JC: “Know about what? He played a lot of golf so he must have known some rules. You have something else in mind?”

Greenie: “Yes. Did Trump even know what most any 8th grader knows.”

JC: “Don’t make me laugh? Not know what an 8th grader know? Still not sure what you’re talking about.”

Greenie: “Remember when Trump held that so-called ‘Patriotic Ceremony” after the Super-Bowl champs Philadelphia Eagles refused to go to the White House?”

JC: “Oh, you mean the ceremony when the Marine Corps Band played ‘God Bless America’ and it was clear to the world that Trump did not know the words?”

Greenie: “Some patriot, huh? Bone-spur and all.”

JC: “Now I think I see where you’re headed. What about Trump implying…or at least asking…if Canada burned down the White House in 1812? No that was the British. Gee, Donald, in case you didn’t know Canada has been a long-time friendly neighbor. Canada is north of the continental US, except for one area near Detroit, and a major trading partner until you tried to ruin the relationship.”

Greenie: “How long was the list of stuff he didn’t know that virtually every 8th-grader would know?”

JC: “Like the Department of Justice is supposed to enforce the laws made by Congress and not be the personal defense attorney for the president’s wrong doing?”

Turtleneck Jordan: “So, Greenie, exactly what are you proposing?”

Greenie: “I’m embarrassed the idea sounds so…well, so imbecilic. But an idea for Making America Great Again is to make sure the presidential candidates…no, make that all candidates for Federal office and all Cabinet nominees…can pass the end-of-year exams given to 8th graders.”

JC: “Exams given to 8th graders? That sounds absurd…but a good idea. How do we test for stuff like knowing the words to ‘God Bless America’?”

Student Exam Greenie: “I don’t know how we’d test for some things but by forcing candidates for Federal office and Cabinet nominees to take 8th-grade end-of-year exams, you can assume that those who pass at least paid some attention to teachers along the way. And anyone who failed…”

JC: “…Such as the Donald, who very likely would have failed?”

Greenie: “Yes, like the Donald and some of his merry band of munchkins, would be ineligible to run or hold office.”

Jordan: “You really think we should propose something so basic – passing an 8th-grade exam?”

JC: “I’m with Greenie. Before Trump became president, anyone who made such a proposal would have been sent off to the funny farm. But now the idea seems reasonable.”

Jordan: “How do we frame the idea so it does not seem so, as you said Greenie, imbecilic?”

Greenie: “Why not be straightforward? No reason to sugarcoat. I think we give some examples of basic information that Trump and the Cabinet members did not know. There are lots of examples where it looked as if they hadn’t graduated from 8th grade and/or should have been wearing dunce caps. It was embarrassing for the country.”

Jordan: “Now that we’ve had the Revenge Revolution, is putting forth passing the 8th-grade exam idea opening old wounds with the Trumpsters? I know most of the Trumpsters lost and we have many new members of Congress but the idea seems a bit petty.”

Greenie: “I hear you and point well taken. I also know, as a country, we can’t ignore the lessons of history. The idea of passing a test given to 8th graders might get ignored. However, I think we should at least put the idea on the table and generate some discussion.”

JC: “What about testing candidates for Federal office, at least presidential candidates, for mental stability and maybe a test for early stage Alzheimer’s? Throw in Cabinet members as well.”

Jordan: “That idea will be more controversial and more complicated to get implemented. Might be worth discussing more…but let’s take a break first.”

(Continued)

#294: Making America Great Again #4, Ban Charter Schools…and Busing.

19 Saturday May 2018

Posted by Jordan Abel in Benefits of Revolution, Common Sense Policies, Education Issues, Possible Solutions, Societal Issues

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Scene: Jordan’s office, Washington, DC. Conversation began Entry #289.

Greenie: “Before the break, I said I thought at first Jordan’s idea of reinstating conscription was stupid. Then I came around and supported it.”

JC: “And…?

Greenie: “Well, here’s an idea that you guys might think falls in the category of stupid. I think we should ban charter schools.”

JC: “What’s your logic? Something wrong with charter schools?”

Jordan: “Supporters claim charter schools are more effective than public schools at educating students. So what’s wrong with their argument?”

Greenie: “My view is charter schools are band-aides, not solutions. Charter schools are an excuse to divert money from public schools to the private sector. Or even worse, charter schools are part of a plan toward eliminating public schools altogether. But charter schools don’t solve any real problems.”

JC: “Not that I disagree with you but why do you think charter schools are a band-aide?”

Greenie: “Because charter schools address symptoms and not causes. Let’s not be naïve, a certain percentage of public schools have real problems. And those problems need to be fixed.”

Jordan: “You’re saying that charter schools don’t fix the problems. Why not? Aren’t students better off moving from public schools to charter schools?”

Greenie: “Some students, probably, but not all. What about the kids who don’t go to charter schools and remain in public schools? Many are worse off than before the other kids left…plus there’s less funding for the public schools because taxpayers must fund the charter schools.”

Bag of Money JC: “We need to get more specific about the issues. Besides we know that merely throwing money at schools does not necessarily make schools better.”

Greenie: “You want specifics? Start with quality of teachers. I know we all grew up in a different era – some probably liken it to the Stone Age by today’s standards. But think about the quality of teachers we had from first grade through high school…and especially high school.”

Diagramed Sentence JC: “I agree that many were top-notch, especially those teaching math and English. To think we were so motivated we used to diagram sentences for fun!”

Jordan: “Why do you think the teachers were so good?”

Greenie: “Party because women had fewer career opportunities than today.”

JC: “True, but we had some great male teachers as well.”

Black School Teacher Jordan: “What about teacher pay?”

Greenie: “Much better proportionately than pay today but still less money than the private sector.”

JC: “What about respect? In an earlier era, teachers seemed to be respected by almost everyone…including politicians.”

Jordan: “Good point. I really get frustrated with some politicians in North Carolina. Republicans have let teacher pay lag behind the rate of inflation. What’s even worse, when teachers marched on Raleigh recently for higher pay and more support for students, a long-term, high-profile Republican called them thugs.”

JC: “Nice, huh? Calling your teachers thugs. What an a-hole.”

Greenie: “See why I said charter schools were a band-aide? Charter schools do nothing to address some of the fundamental problems of public education.”

Why Jordan: “OK, I’ll be the bad guy. Why do we need free public education? What percent of the public thinks education should be privately provided and not publicly provided…forget who pays for it?”

JC: “That kind of question makes my head hurt. Jordan, you know as well as I that what made this country great was not a bunch of open land, not a bunch of resources…not even a great constitution. None of those mattered unless you had one thing…”

Greenie: “…an educated populous. And how did the US populous become educated? Not just an education for the elite but an education for everyone, including immigrants, many of whom arrived here illiterate. They were educated through a free public education.”

Jordan: “So your premise is until the country sets a goal of free, quality public education for everyone…and then begins to make that happen again…we’ll not make real progress toward making America great again. Right?”

Greenie: “You got it. Allowing charter schools avoids forcing society toward restoring free, quality public education for all.”

School Bus No JC: “While we’re throwing out ideas about education, what about banning busing? Busing seems like a waste of time and money.”

Greenie: “Busing is a waste. I agree the goal should be to eliminate almost all busing.”

Jordan: “Ok, what’s the first step in making this plan work?”

Greenie: “Simple. Commitment. If people commit to free, quality, public education for all, then the problem is more than half solved. With such a commitment, all the other issues can start to be addressed rationally.”

JC: “What about support from politicians?”

fife-drum%201 Greenie: “Tell me how a politician is going to campaign against free, quality public education for all? That type campaign, especially in this post-Revenge Revolution environment would be suicide.”

Jordan: “Greenie, I really like your idea. Simple and easy to understand.”

JC: “You got my vote too. And now I’m the one who needs a break.”

(Continued)

#291 Quit Whining, Already. How Do We Turn Around This Ship?

22 Sunday Apr 2018

Posted by Jordan Abel in Common Sense Policies, Education Issues, Innovative Thinking: Ideas and Products, Lessons of Revolution, Possible Solutions, Societal Issues

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Scene: Jordan’s office, Washington, DC. Conversation began Entry #289.

JC: “I agree that Paul Ryan could have set an example of leadership for generations to come. But, what did he do?”

bully-clip-art Greenie: “He retired from the House. I guess you call it retired if not seeking in November 2018 qualifies as retiring.”

JC: “Whatever you want to call it, he bailed out. Seems like Ryan ran away from the bully Trump. Not what you call a good example for future generations, and not what you call a good ending to your political career.”

Jordan: “Enough of Ryan and McConnell. I’ve got an idea.”

Greenie: “You’ve got an idea? JC, did you hear that? Jordan has an idea.”

Jordan: “Why do I hang out with you guys? Such abuse.”

JC: “C’mon, you love it. Now what’s the idea?”

Jordan: “Looking in the rearview mirror and analyzing the past with a critical eye is important, but as we’ve talked about before, it’s hard to drive very fast by always looking in the rearview mirror.”

JC: “Tell that to some of the cable news talking heads. A lot of them can’t stop driving fast and looking backwards at the same time.”

Greenie: “Let’s keep in mind the past does provide some guidance to the future. You do agree with that, don’t you, Jordan?”

Jordan: “Very much so. And that’s the foundation for the idea. I think we should provide to the post-Revenge Revolution members of Congress a list of suggestions.”

JC: “What kind of suggestions?”

Jordan: “For lack of a better phrase, because I hate to say it, credible suggestions for really how to make America great again.”

Greenie: “I agree with the idea, but please, we need a different slogan. I mean, we don’t need to reincarnate the Donald.”

JC: “You guys serious? What makes us qualified to suggest anything to Congress? Granted none of us is the dullest crayon in the box but what gives us special insight?”

Turtleneck Jordan: “For one, Greenie’s articles about the Revenge Revolution. We might have more understanding about the causes of the Revenge Revolution than anyone in Congress, especially incoming members or staffers.”

Greenie: “I vote, yes, let’s make a list of suggestions. If nothing else making the list will be cathartic…and will make us seem smarter at parties.”

Jordan: “JC, you, in?”

JC: “OK. How do you want to start?”

Greenie: “Why not have a brainstorming session? You know, just blurt out ideas and write them down. We can sort the list later.”

Number List (Following is the list from the brainstorming session about how to really make America great again. Over the coming blog entries, a number of these ideas will be discussed in more detail.)

True leadership starts at the top.
Congress needs to work as a unit and with independence from the Executive Branch. Not everyone in Congress will agree, nor should they agree, on every issue but Congress must function separately from the Executive Branch.
Relationship building is critical. Presidents and administrations that reach out, listen and act for the good of the people are far more effective.
Re-establish the independence of the judicial system. The White House and Congress need to respect the system, the law and quit trying to influence cases.
Public’s confidence and other countries’ confidence in the White House will take several administrations to rebuild – probably 15-20 years.
Adults with demonstrated skills should be selected as cabinet members.
Time devoted in teaching civics needs to increase in grammar, middle and high schools.
Conscription should be reinstituted. An alternative to military service would be a civilian corps.
Widespread infrastructure programs need to be initiated – think WPA approach.
Increase research and development sponsored by Federal government, with particular emphasis on pure research.
Reinstitute environmental and financial regulations…judiciously. Companies and industries have proved repeatedly an in ability to manage themselves.
Increase tax rates across all quintiles with the highest rate increases on upper incomes. Use part of revenue to fund infrastructure and part to help offset the negative long-term effects of Trump tax cut.
Make all elections for Federal office publicly funded with no private contributions. allowed.

Jordan: “OK, let’s take a break. When we get back, we can clarify the wording of some of the ideas, maybe add a few others. We also can start digging a little deeper on these ideas.”

(Continued)

#282 Seeking Clarity from Chaos (Part 1)

17 Saturday Feb 2018

Posted by Jordan Abel in Back Asswards Thinking, Causes of the Revolution, Education Issues, Societal Issues

≈ 1 Comment

Commentary: This week’s entry is a bit different — a personal dialogue. No characters. No scenes in coffee shops or in the office. Just personal dialogue.

What can anyone say to help clarify the chaos we’re living in? While nothing seems appropriate or triuly meaningful, let me provide some perspective on a couple of issues.

I skipped an entry last week to work on two proposals: (i) help improve air quality by reducing emissions from aircraft; (ii) complete development of a remarkably simple micro-utility system that can help provide clean water and electricity to people worldwide. I had drafted comments about Trump’s stupid idea to have a military parade down Pennsylvania Avenue but decided the comments were far less important than the proposals that could offer society some potential benefit.

abraham_lincoln_clip_art_15515 Then came the week of February 12, 2018. The week started with some people celebrating the birth of a truly great president…Abraham Lincoln. The rest of the week, however, was mind-numbing blur of events…at least mind-numbing by pre-Trump standards.

The least mind-numbing was that Trump paid…excuse me, Trump’s lawyer paid an adult film star $130,000 to keep quiet about an affair with the Donald. Just stop and think about the lawyer’s admission. The to-be president had an affair with a porn star. The affair started just after the current First Lady gave birth. OK, so it’s not the first time a president has stepped out on his wife…but stepped out with a well-known a porn star? I mean really. The Donald must have been seeking professional advice about sex that also included frequent practice sessions.

And why did the lawyer claim that he paid the porn star out of his own pocket with no reimbursement from Trump? C’mon, such bologna. The lawyer probably squawked because the Donald didn’t pay him back.

Rosenstein The week ended with indictments of 13 Russians and a couple of Russian-run companies for meddling in the 2016 elections. So when the indictments were announced, how did the White House respond? Praise for the Justice Department? Condemnation of Russian interference in the elections? Nope. Only a claim there was no collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russians since the indictments indicated the meddling started before Trump formally declared his candidacy.

If the White House only were staffed with people who had graduated from eight grade rather than just kindergarten. Did anyone in the White House with half a brain listen to what Rob Rosenstein said? The indictment was specific to a certain segment of Russian interference in the elections. There was a strong implication in Rosenstein’s remarks of other indictments to come and those indictments would include a different set of characters.

Gallows The Donald and his incompetents club are not close to being off the hook. Truth is Mueller didn’t exonerate Trump but tightened the noose a notch or two.

Either event – porn star or the indictments – could have toppled an administration in “normal” times. But life in Washington and America after Trump – aka, AT – is anything but normal. (And the new “not-normal”-normal is why the country is headed for its fifth revolution, the Revenge Revolution.)

What’s most disappointing in the AT era is not the behavior of the Donald. Anyone mildly familiar with his past knew he was boorish, childish and incredibly insecure…although maybe not to the extremes of today. To understand Trump, all one had to do was visit Trump Tower on 5th Avenue. A perfect reflection of his personality.

So what’s most disappointing then is the behavior of Republicans in Congress. And if you’re a hard-core Republican reading this, please no attempted counters that the Democrats are at fault. Pal, Republicans control the House, Senate and the White House. What more do you want? Yet, the Republicans seem clueless…and have stopped thinking. Did Trump suck out your brains so you can no longer think…and then take your morals along with the brains?

The lack of brains and morals was vividly displayed this week following the killing of 17 students and teachers in Broward County, FL. Look, I know the president is supposed to try to console the nation in times of such tragedies. That’s not going to happen with the Donald.

So the job falls to those next in the line of succession. Starting with the first in line, VP Mike Pence. Did I miss something or did Pence seem to find some place to hide after his gigantic diplomatic faux pas at the Olympics. Hey, Mike, if you can shake hands and support some real a-hole dictators elsewhere in the world, you can at least shake hands with the sister of a guy who has nuclear weapons and might be willing to use them on his neighbors and the US. In case you don’t know it, talking to an enemy doesn’t cause people to die. War is ugly and costly.

Fart Speaker of the House Paul Ryan was talking out of his you-know-what, babbling incoherently about the usual Republican talking points – enforce the gun laws on the books, help the mentally ill and oh, yes, the Second Amendment is sacred. Oops, I almost forgot, we need to pray for the families of the people killed. While not next in line, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell repeated the meaningless drivel.

So, Republicans, where’s your spine…and your brains? Here’s how the real world works. Guns kill people. Understand? It’s not complicated. One more time – guns kill people.

AR-15 Guns are designed for one purpose…and one purpose only – to kill. What’s more, weapons designed for the military – AR-15-like weapons – are designed to kills lots of people quickly.

For those gun supporters who have never been in the military, I suggest you watch a demonstration of the fire power that can be laid down by weapons carried by soldiers in a light-infantry unit. The amount of firepower is breathtaking.

After you’ve been wowed by the demonstration, imagine yourself on the receiving end of all that firepower. Yes, imagine yourself trying to get away and survive or even return the fire. Let me tell you, if you’re up against anyone with a limited amount of military training in the light infantry, you don’t have a chance. And having a bunch of people around with concealed weapons will make little difference…and could make your chances of survival much worse.

The more concealed weapons with the public, the more the shooter will position himself like the shooter in Las Vegas – barricaded and protected against return fire. Argue all you want that more guns in the public’s hands actually save lives…but your arguments Airplane don’t hold water. As awful and frightful as this sounds…and it is…I could go to a gun show and buy weapons that allow me to shoot down a commercial airliner. What’s even worse, at most major airports I could position myself outside the perimeter of airport security and still be able to take down the airliner. Scary isn’t it.

So what’s the solution? (Continued)

#223 Rioters in Charlotte vs. Role Models (Part 5 of 6)

23 Sunday Oct 2016

Posted by Jordan Abel in Education Issues, Possible Solutions, Rebranding Black Community, Societal Issues

≈ 1 Comment

First-time readers, this blog is set in the future (sometime after the year 2020). Each entry assumes there has been a 5th revolution in the US — the Revenge Revolution. More about Revenge Revolution and author, Entry #1. List and general description of entries to date. Annual assessment whether Revolution plausible.

Note: most characters appear in a number of entries, with many entries building on previous conversations. Profile of characters. You’ll catch on quickly. Thanks for your time and interest…and comments.

Scene: Jordan’s office in Washington, DC. Conversation for this series starts Entry #219.

Jordan: “So you want to know the 3^rd person on the list of role models for the black community?”

Matt: “Do I know the person?”

Jordan: “Probably not. But the person has an impressive set of accomplishments.”

Matt: “Well, how’d you find out about him…or her?”

Jordan: “Obituary in the NY Times.”

Matt: “I must admit, the obits in The Times make for fascinating reading. Remarkable people, and many you’ve never heard of before. OK, tell me more.”

Jordan: “Like Rock Man, the guy’s family is from the south and poor. Also, like Rock Man he gets into college and graduates. In fact, all nine children in the family graduate from college.”

Matt: “Impressive. About what year did he graduate?”

Jordan: “Entered college in the early 1950’s, probably 1952. Graduates in about 1956 from South Carolina State, which is a historically black college.”

Matt: “Then what?”

Jordan: “Next gets a divinity degree from Harvard, then off to Columbia for masters in I think psychology. The icing on the cake is a PhD from Yale.”

Matt: “Oh, is that all? I mean, whadda say other than, wow? Did he go into politics after that?”

Jordan: “Got very involved in the Civil Rights Movement working with church-affiliated organizations in New York City. He was also appointed president of Benedict College, which is a Baptist college. After Benedict he worked for the Ford Foundation until appointed president of Tuskegee University in 1980 or 1981.”

Matt: “Tuskegee has come a long way in the last few decades. The school really transformed itself to a credible research university.”

Jordan: “The 3rd role model, Dr. Benjamin Payton, initiated most of those changes. He was president for about 30 years. Think he retired in 2010.” (Link to Dr. Payton’s obituary, 16-10-23-223-obit-dr-benjamin-payton)

Matt: “Dr. Payton is clearly a great role model for the black community. But all three people could role models for everyone.”

Jordan: “I agree and that’s one of the reasons they are on the list.”

Matt: “The selections are great…but one thing that I’ve got to ask about. The storyline for all three seems to be a college education. You and I both know that not everyone is cut out for college.”

Jordan: “I agree that education is a common component. I think the overriding, and more important component, is determination. Each one was determined not to let the system or stereotypes get in the way. Rock Man agreed to become Mr. Mom so his wife could become a corporate executive. Would you do that? Lonnie Johnson was an engineer at NASA, a bit unusual itself, and then became an entrepreneur – first inventing the super squirt gun, then working on an advanced battery. Dr. Payton gets as many degrees as you and I combined and then turned a frankly so-so historically black college into a credible research university. Each one of these people broke the mold.”

Matt: “Each one belongs on the list. One more question about the list. And you probably don’t want to hear the question. Why exclude athletes as role models?”

Jordan: “First, sports for the black community are ok if…and this is the big if that seems to get overlooked in the conversation…”

Matt: “…let me guess the ‘if.’ Sports are OK if the athlete also gets an education, right?”

Jordan: “Spot on. To be OK, the athlete’s degree can’t be in some half-baked major where no real jobs exist.”

Matt: “Your OK if the athlete has a degree in a credible subject.”

Jordan: “And then the athlete uses the degree after the NFL or NBA career…and ideally during their career.”

Matt: “These days most athletes don’t work in the off-season…at least not at regular jobs”

Jordan: “I know. Think about this. What if athletes used their education in the off season to say, tutor kids? Tutoring kids not just in schools considered disadvantaged but all schools.”

Matt: “You mean like helping kids with reading, algebra, maybe even physics? What a pleasant change that would be.”

Jordan: “Imagine an NBA star coaching kids in English class and encouraging them to spend time studying rather than shooting hoops.”

Matt: “Interesting idea.”

Jordan: “And here’s my guess. Having a black NBA star spending just a few days tutoring kids in higher-achieving schools would do wonders to help begin to change the image of the black community among many whites.”

Matt: “If I heard you right, the NBA star should spend most of the time in disadvantaged schools but some time in other schools, right?”

Jordan: “Simple idea, huh?”

Matt: “Very simple…and could be very effective. Now, we need to end this conversation. I need to get to start writing articles for Greenie about how the riots in Charlotte…and elsewhere…contributed to the Revenge Revolution. I also think that even more important is having some articles that present practical ideas on how groups and communities can move ahead.”

Jordan: “Matt, these should be great stories for Charlotte…and a lot of communities. In the articles, please remind readers that progress can be made much faster by driving looking through the windshield and not trying to drive looking through the rearview mirror.”

Matt: “Jordan, as always, time together has been a pleasure. OK if I call back with questions?”

Jordan: “Of course. Matt, enjoyed it. Take care.” (End of this series)

#211 The Blame Game – Starting to Bridge the Gap (Part 3)

31 Sunday Jul 2016

Posted by Jordan Abel in Education Issues, Possible Solutions, Societal Issues

≈ 1 Comment

Scene: Rock Man calling Bill O’Reilly’s office. (Part 1 of conversation begins Entry 209)

O’Reilly’s Assistant: Mr. O’Reilly’s office. May I help you?”

Rock Man: “My name is Rock Man. I was referred to Mr. O’Reilly by…”

O’Reilly’s Assistant: “…Oh, yes, Rock Man, we’ve been expecting your call.”

Rock Man: “Really? How’d you know I was going to call?”

O’Reilly’s Assistant: “Gelly…in Jordan Abel’s office…called me and gave me a heads up. She and I have been friends for years. We went to high school together.”

Rock Man: “She never mentioned that…or maybe I was so shocked about the idea of calling Mr. O’Reilly I didn’t hear her. Is Mr. O’Reilly available to talk?”

O’Reilly’s Assistant: “Yes. FYI, he prefers you call him Bill. He’s also been briefed on why you’re calling. I’ll put him through.”

O’Reilly: “Bill O’Reilly here. Is this Rock Man?”

Rock Man: “Yes. Nice to meet you. If you have a few minutes I’d like to discuss your talking points about starting a conversation with the black community.”

O’Reilly: “I’d love to talk. I assume you’re talking about the list I published a few years ago?”

Rock Man: “Yes, from 2016 I think.”

O’Reilly: “Even after the Revenge Revolution, there seems to be a huge gap between say what seems important to the Black Lives Matter movement and what many in the white community think is important. However, before we start discussing the list of question, could you run through your background, please? I’ve heard some but I’d like to hear more from you.”

Rock Man: “Grew up in eastern North Carolina, one of 8 children. Parents were tenant cotton farmers. Parents had very limited education – maybe through 8^th grade but I don’t really know.”

O’Reilly: “Did I understand correctly that all the children graduated from college – I mean all 8 of you graduated?”

Rock Man: “Yes. Several earned graduate degrees.”

O’Reilly: “Amazing…and very impressive. My apologies for asking, but you are black, right?”

Rock Man: “Yes, and no apologies necessary.”

O’Reilly: “And you went to college where?”

Rock Man: “Started out at Johnson C. Smith in Charlotte…”

O’Reilly: “…Smith is a historically black college?”

Rock Man: “…yes. My junior year I transferred to University of North Carolina-Charlotte because the curriculum was more rigorous.”

O’Reilly: “Then what?”

Rock Man: “After graduating I opened a rock climbing gym in Charlotte. At the time I think I was the only black guy in the country that owned a climbing gym.”

O’Reilly: “Ah, that answers my question of why the name Rock Man. Married?”

Rock Man: “Yes, wife’s an executive with a large international company.”

O’Reilly: “Kids?”

Rock Man: “Two – daughter and son. Both accelerated programs. Our daughter has her heart set on Yale or Harvard.”

O’Reilly: “Wow, what a background. You and your wife are true role models.”

Rock Man: “You sound like Jordan Abel. You know Jordan?”

O’Reilly: “We’ve met a couple of times and had a few drinks together. So now you have at least two people in Washington citing you as a role model. I really am impressed.”

Rock Man: “Thanks. Now, what about your background?

O’Reilly: “Nothing as impressive as yours. I’m just a commentator.”

Rock Man: “Speaking of commentators, do you know why the aristocratic father potato would not let the aristocratic daughter potato marry Bill O’Reilly?”

O’Reilly: “I give. Why?”

Rock Man: “Because he was just a common tator.”

O’Reilly: “You got me there Rock Man. That was bad.”

Rock Man: “OK, whadda say we get started on your list of questions for the black community?”

O’Reilly: “We’ll get to the list but I’ve got an idea on how we approach it. Based on what I know about you and our conversation so far, I think our discussion about the list will be productive and interesting to a lot of people. We also have an opportunity to demonstrate how two people with likely polar opposite views on a number of issues can have a civilized and meaningful conversation. I think you need to come on the show.”

Rock Man: “Huh? Me on your TV show?”

O’Reilly: “Why not?”

Rock Man: “What about a rehearsal? We could sort of practice now.”

O’Reilly: “The show will be more effective with just the two of us talking…and no rehearsal. We’ll tape it so if there’s a major problem we can do some edits. However, I think the more spontaneity, the more credibility the conversation will have. How ‘bout it?”

Rock Man: “OK, but how soon?”

O’Reilly: “Ideally within the next week. I need to review my calendar and see what times are available. You have any restrictions on time?”

Rock Man: “During the day is better.”

O’Reilly: “Alright. We’ll get back. And thanks Rock Man. Looking forward to meeting in person.”

Rock Man: “Same here.”

(Continued)

#203 Reliving Archie Bunker (Part 4 of 4)

11 Saturday Jun 2016

Posted by Jordan Abel in Education Issues, Gov't Policy, Societal Issues

≈ Leave a comment

Scene: Coffee shop near Jordan’s office in Washington, DC. Jordan meeting with JC, a long-time friend. They have been discussing a range of topics about the causes of the Revenge Revolution, one of which was the polarization caused by various laws. A person at the next table interrupts them. Conversation starts entry #201. More about North Carolina law referenced, entry #200.

Jordan: “So, Jacko, you think the only people who really do something for this country are those pick up a rifle. You really believe that?”

Jacko: “Yep.”

Jordan: “What about the doctors and nurses who treated you…especially the medic who was in combat? Did they really do something for the country?”

Jacko: “Well, yes.”

Jordan: “What about the people who made your uniforms, ammunition, assembled the vehicles?”

Jacko: “Yes, I suppose so.”

Jordan: “What about policemen, firemen?”

Jacko: “Yes, yes.”

Jordan: ““Ever see the movie ‘Schindler’s List’?”

Jacko: “No, but I know what it’s about.”

Jordan: “Then what about people like Oskar Schindler and others who risked their lives to help someone they had no real connection to. How do you view them?”

Jacko: “Gutsy, real gutsy people. But I don’t know where you’re headed with these questions.”

Jordan: “If someone like Schindler were transgender, would you think any less of him or her for what they did?”

Jacko: “Never thought about it that way.”

Jordan: “Society cannot just discriminate arbitrarily or because the majority doesn’t like some group. At the same time society has to be reasonable making rules and laws.”

Jacko: “I’ll grant you that we can’t just pick groups to discriminate against. But what about the bathroom issue? To me that’s the most important issue when we talk about those people.”

JC: “Those people meaning transgenders?”

Jacko: “OK, transgenders.”

JC: “Jacko, are you concerned about women dressed as men peeing in the men’s room?”

Jacko: “I’m more concerned for having men in women’s restrooms…and locker rooms.”

JC: “Are you a woman?”

Jacko: “Well, no.”

JC: “Then why not let women decide who can pee in the women’s room. I get tired of men claiming to have the best interest of women in mind when men haven’t a clue what it’s like to be a woman.”

Jordan: “See, Jacko, I told you she was Miss Diplomatic.”

JC: “You don’t have a clue either, Jordan. Would you guys quit pandering me and the women in your lives? Women face all kinds of safety issues around men. Women start getting leered at and harassed as teenagers…and I’m not sure it ever stops.”

Jordan: “Are you complaining about being a woman?”

JC: “No I’m very happy being a woman. I’m just saying women face a different set of issues than men.”

Jacko: “But we’re just looking out for women’s safety.”

JC: “In my most diplomatic way, why don’t you guys please let women decide women’s issues? We don’t need your help, thank you.”

Jordan: “Well, what about men in women’s restrooms and locker rooms?”

JC: “Look, I’m not naïve. Some jerk will probably put on a dress and claim to be a trans. But life is filled with trade-offs…and more so for women than men.”

Jordan: “So, you’re OK with transgender men in women’s restrooms and locker rooms?”

JC: “For now, yes. Earlier in this conversation we talked about the Department of Education directive. Middle school and high-school transgender boys can’t just arbitrarily go into women’s restrooms and locker rooms. The school has to be notified first and some agreement worked out.”

Jordan: “True, and most of the angst about men in women’s locker rooms seems to be directed at kids past puberty.”

JC: “From what I’ve read and seen, most trans-men are gentle souls. Think about it. Why would a guy want to dress like a woman, knowing he’ll be harassed and abused in an all-male restroom or locker room? Seems to me we should at least acknowledge that transgenders are gutsy people. You might not agree with them but they are gutsy.”

Jacko: “Alright. I don’t like it but I’ll agree that transgenders are gutsy. And I’ll agree to let women take the lead on this issue.”

JC: “Am I hearing things OK?”

Jacko: “Yes you are. As a Republican I’m in favor of smaller government and less regulation. Maybe the Republicans should practice what they preach. Let’s get government out of restrooms…”

JC: “…and bedrooms.”

Jordan: “Well, at least we reached some agreement. Jacko, thank you for stopping. I enjoyed the conversation.”

JC: “Me, too. And, Jacko, I won’t accuse you of being Archie Bunker anymore.”

Jacko: “Don’t go too far, JC. Archie’s one of my idols.”

#202 Reliving Archie Bunker (Part 3)

04 Saturday Jun 2016

Posted by Jordan Abel in Education Issues, Societal Issues

≈ Leave a comment

JC: “OK, I feel better. You guys were talking about some guys in high school being too embarrassed to take showers. I’m missing the point.”

Jordan: “My point is in my youth some teenage boys were great at humiliating other teenage boys. Some boys were so humiliated they would not undress in front of other boys.”

Jacko: “I’d really forgotten about that. For some kids it didn’t matter whether another guy or gal was in the room, they were too embarrassed to undress.”

Jordan: “What about the other extreme in the boy’s locker room. If you were a transgender dressed as a guy but had female genitalia, would you want to undress in front of a bunch of horny teenagers?”

JC: “I can tell you right now, even a hooker wouldn’t want to be in a locker room with a bunch of teenage boys.”

Jordan: “Jacko, see, she’s always the diplomat.”

Jacko: “Turn the situation around. What about a guy in the women’s locker room? That seems more dangerous.”

Jordan: “Dangerous for whom?”

Jacko: “The girls. What if the guy is 6’4” and 230 pounds?”

JC: “You think that 6’4” guy is going to put on a dress and no one will notice? C’mon, let’s be reasonable.”

Jacko: “For me, men in the women’s locker room is the real issue.”

JC: “If people actually read the directive from Department of Education, parents of transgender students needed to notify the school first. The directive did not allow men to claim arbitrarily to be a woman and therefore enter women’s locker rooms or women’s restrooms…and vice versa.”

Jacko: “But what if men do enter women’s locker rooms…or restrooms?”

Jordan: “There is nothing now preventing men from entering women’s locker rooms and restrooms…except a few laws. The ordinance in Charlotte and the Department of Education directive did not give men a right to molest women.”

Jacko: “But these drag queens…”

JC: “Jacko, please. Transgenders.”

Jacko: “OK, they’re not drag queens. The transgenders. I mean how many are there? We seem to be letting a small group trump the rights of the majority. I thought majority ruled.”

Jordan: “I admit there probably aren’t many transgender students.”

Jacko: “See, you agree. Majority rules. Why let the tail wag the dog?”

JC: “Another Archie Bunkerism.”

Jacko: “I’ll ignore that comment.”

Jordan: “OK, let’s use your logic and apply it to other situations.”

Jacko: “Like what?”

Jordan: “You a veteran?”

Jacko: “Yep and proud of it.”

Jordan: “Were you drafted?”

Jacko: “No, volunteered.”

Jordan: “Were you injured while on active duty?”

Jacko: “Yes, that’s why I limp a bit. Where you going with this?”

Jordan: “What percent of the population do you think enters the military?”

Jacko: “A lot smaller than it used to be. Maybe 1 in 20 right now, maybe less.”

Jordan: “Call it 1 in 20, or 5.0%. How many people who enter the military end up with injuries that cause some disability…like your limp?”

Jacko: “I’ll say 1 in 10, but that’s probably high.”

Jordan: “Alright, do you think disabled veterans should get some sort of special treatment?”

Jacko: “Of course. We’re a special group.”

Jordan: “Let’s see if I get this right. You volunteered for something. No one forced you. You got injured…and now you want special treatment. Oh, yes, the whole group you belong to is less than ½ of 1% of the population – probably about the same as transgenders.”

Jacko: “Buddy, I don’t like your attitude. You must be some kind of screaming liberal. Vets deserve special treatment. We’re real Americans.”

JC: “Jacko, relax. I think you are missing the point. No one is saying your time in service was not important. But what I’m hearing you say is one very small group is more important and deserves more rights than another very small group.”

Jacko: “But those cross dressers…transgenders have never done anything for this country.”

Jordan: “What do you think real Americans do for this country?”

Jacko: “Picking up a rifle.”

Jordan: “Now I need a break.”

#201 Reliving Archie Bunker (Part 2)

29 Sunday May 2016

Posted by Jordan Abel in Education Issues, Societal Issues

≈ 2 Comments

Scene: Coffee shop near Jordan’s office in Washington, DC. Jordan meeting with JC, a long-time friend. They have been discussing a range of topics about the causes of the Revenge Revolution, one of which was the polarization caused by various laws. More about North Carolina law referenced, entry #200.

Person Sitting at Next Table: “Excuse me. I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. And, you know what? You’re dead wrong.”

JC: “And you are?”

Person: “My name is Jack O’Brien. Most people call me Jacko.”

JC: “Was that Jacko or Wacko?”

Jordan: “Careful, JC.”

Jacko: “Trying to be funny, lady? I think you and your buddy here are wackos. You got it all wrong.”

JC: “OK, Jacko, what’s ‘it’ and what do we have wrong?”

Jacko: “That bill in North Carolina that protects people from those predators. Why can’t you support it? Seems like common sense to me.”

JC: “What predators?”

Jacko: “Those cross dressers, the gays. All those BLT’s or whatever they call ‘em.”

JC: “Do you mean LGBT’s?”

Jacko: “I guess so. What does BLT stand for again?”

JC: “It’s LGBT and it stands for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender.”

Jacko: “What’s wrong with those folks? They’re all weird. I stay away from those people.”

Jordan: “Jacko, you know anyone who’s gay or transgender?”

Jacko: “Just one as far as I know. My nephew claims to be gay but I don’t believe him.”

JC: “You don’t believe him or you don’t want to believe him?”

Jacko: “He just shouldn’t be like that.”

JC: “Like what?”

Jacko: “Like claiming he’s in love with some other guy. I don’t get it.”

Jordan: “This conversation is beginning to remind me of an old Archie Bunker show.”

Jacko: “Whadda mean? I liked Archie Bunker.”

Jordan: “OK, you liked Archie Bunker. Do you like your nephew?”

Jacko: “He was a good kid until he said he was…was gay.”

JC: “And what changed about him when he said he was gay? Did he look different? Did he act different?”

Jacko: “Nothing else changed. I guess he’s the same person he was before.”

Jordan: “Now, let’s suppose he said rather than being gay he wanted to become a woman?”

JC: “Yeah, he said that all his life he felt as if he was a woman inside a man’s body. How would you react then?”

Jacko: “I don’t know. That all seems so goofy to me. I don’t get it.”

Jordan: “I’m sure there are things about you that seem goofy to him.”

Jacko: “OK, so he wants to become a woman. But does that give him the right to go in the women’s restroom? Or, even worse, into the women’s locker room?”

JC: “Wanna know what I think?”

Jacko: “Tell me what’s your name again?”

JC: “Never told you. I’m JC and he’s Jordan.”

Jacko: “OK, JC, what do you think?”

JC: “I think there’s no simple solution. Both sides have some valid points. A lot of life is not black and white, but gray. And a lot of laws are gray.”

Jacko: “Laws are pretty clear to me.”

JC: “Some laws are clear. Other laws include such phrases as ‘reasonable man…or reasonable person.’ So let’s take the bathroom and locker room situation and see what’s reasonable.”

Jacko: “I’ll tell you what’s reasonable. I don’t want some pervert guy dressed as a woman in the restroom with my granddaughter.”

JC: “I agree. But go to your comment about common sense. Parents should not let younger children be alone in public restrooms, period.”

Jordan: “Let me chime in. There are laws already on the books to prosecute child molesters.”

Jacko: “Those laws don’t stop molesters.”

Jordan: “I agree and that’s my point. Now, think about some high-profile cases of child molestation from just a few years ago. But these cases were not against children of the opposite sex…but molestation of the same sex. The coach at Penn State…forgot his name…”

Jacko: “…Jerry Sandusky…”

Jordan: “Sandusky, right. How many young men did he molest? And then there was Dennis Hastert. He was a wrestling coach in high school, then ran for Congress and a few years later became Speaker of the House. How many boys did he molest?”

Jacko: “What about men in women’s locker rooms?”

Jordan: “Do you recall locker rooms in high school? Might be different today but I doubt it.”

Jacko: “I remember those days. Several guys I knew were embarrassed to take showers in front of other guys. Some even skipped showers.”

JC: “Where is this conversation headed? Before you answer, I need a break. Excuse me, please.”

(Continued)

#193 North Carolina: First in Discrimination; Last in Education (Part #3 of Series)

09 Saturday Apr 2016

Posted by Jordan Abel in Back Asswards Thinking, Education Issues, Societal Issues

≈ Leave a comment

Scene: Jordan’s office in Washington. JC and Jordan continue conversation from #191.

JC: “You know it’s probably not fair to say North Carolina is last in education just because they refuse to pay teachers a decent wage.”

Jordan: “Whadda mean that’s not enough justification?”

JC: “Doesn’t NC have a decent university system. I mean University of North Carolina has good basketball teams.”

Jordan: “Have you ever wondered why the teams are so good?”

JC: “Good coaches and good academics, I guess.”

Jordan: “You can skip the good academics part. You might not remember but in say 2014-2016 there were numerous stories about how UNC allowed athletes to take non-existent classes…I should say classes that required no attendance. And then…surprise, surprise…the athletes all got very good grades in these vapor classes.”

JC: “But that was just for a year or two, right?”

Jordan: “Try much longer.”

JC: “Really? I didn’t hear any of that.”

Jordan: “The school tried to keep everything quiet…”

JC: “You mean cover it with tar…like the Tar Heels?”

Jordan: “Very good. How’d you know the name Tar Heels? Never mind. Anyway, the practice of allowing athletes to take no-show classes and have someone else write papers when necessary apparently goes back to the 1990’s, maybe longer.”

JC: “The coaches have must have known about the scam.”

Jordan: “The coaches claim they didn’t know.”

JC: “That’s the biggest crock I’ve ever heard. Let’s see, the coach recruits some kid who’s great at basketball but with no apparent academic skills.”

Jordan: “And when he starts to play college-level basketball he learns how to study…”

JC: “…and voila, he becomes proficient in algebra, English and whatever else he’s supposed to study. So under the leadership of this basketball coach, the kid’s IQ jumps 50-60 points and he turns into Albert Einstein.”

Jordan: “In all fairness, some of these kids are really street.”

JC: “I agree. But universities are not about how to become street smart. Universities are about becoming book smart and learning critical thinking. In all this fiasco, where were the coach’s ethics…and the university’s ethics?”

Jordan: “I hear from UNC grads that the program of no-show classes and inflated grades wasn’t so bad since many other schools have similar programs for athletes.”

JC: “First, I think that’s BS. Besides just because someone else does something unethical doesn’t mean its ok for you to do something unethical. I thought UNC was the pillar of ethical behavior. Isn’t the area around UNC the buckle in the Bible Belt?”

Jordan: “Yep.”

JC: “So for the UNC Bible belters, cheating is OK as long as you can get away with it. Then when you get caught, don’t take responsibility but try to blame someone else.”

Jordan: “That seems to be the formula.”

JC: “Maybe we should change the NC state slogan to: “First in Discrimination; Last in Education; Last in Ethics.”

usrevolution5

~ USA Headed for a 5th Revolution! Why?

Category Archives: Education Issues

#297 Making America Great Again #7: Presidential Candidates Must Pass 8th-Grade EOY Exams

#294: Making America Great Again #4, Ban Charter Schools…and Busing.

#291 Quit Whining, Already. How Do We Turn Around This Ship?

#282 Seeking Clarity from Chaos (Part 1)

#223 Rioters in Charlotte vs. Role Models (Part 5 of 6)

#211 The Blame Game – Starting to Bridge the Gap (Part 3)

#203 Reliving Archie Bunker (Part 4 of 4)

#202 Reliving Archie Bunker (Part 3)

#201 Reliving Archie Bunker (Part 2)

#193 North Carolina: First in Discrimination; Last in Education (Part #3 of Series)