Child abuse is a deadly epidemic. Some people are naive to the words child abuse. Those same people believe abuse only happens in poverty stricken homes and to uneducated people, but the truth is abuse does not discriminate. It happens in the best of homes by both men and women, regardless of race, color or sexual orientation.
It becomes very disappointing day after day to pick up a newspaper or turn on the television and see the dramatic increase in child abuse headlines, but what really disturbs and angers me, as a parent and as a advocate, is not one of these media sources provides a solution to families, victims or survivors. The mere thought of education and awareness to prevent child abuse has never crossed their minds, and if it had, it too, went unspoken.
It's hard to rationalize, but there are 309,198,229 people in the United States and 6,818,849,423 people in the world, and statistics show 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be molested by the age of 18. Currently there are 60 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse, every 10 seconds a child is abused in the United States and today, 5 children will die from abuse or neglect.
How can we as a society fail your, my and our children, and continue to empower abusers and pedophiles? How can we allow these monsters to succeed, and rob our children of their childhoods, youths and innocence?
I am pleased to write to you about a wonderful organization I am proud to represent, Dreamcatchers for Abused Children. Dreamcatchers is a 501 (c) 3 Michigan based non-profit child abuse and neglect awareness organization, dedicated to educating the public on the signs, symptoms, statics, intervention, prevention to assist victims and survivors in locating the proper resources to help achieve and enable a full recovery. This amazing organization was founded by best selling child abuse author and expert Sandra Dawn Potter in February 2007.
I strongly believe in this organization and the knowledge it can provide to be in the best interest of men, women and children around the globe.
Dreamcatchers for Abused Children has enjoyed a significant growth within the last two years. Last year, Dreamcatchers provided services and resources to the community reaching over 35,000 members; an outstanding record of achievement. Dreamcatchers staff has doubled in an effort to effectively administer new campaigns, as well as manage the organization's growing responsibilities.
Over the last three years I have worked one on one with abused children and their families. From experience, I know the only way to fight child abuse is to expose the truth and secrets pedophiles use to lure innocent children into their deceitful web. The public needs to know how manipulative and cruel abusers can be, how to fight back, and how to survive. Education and knowledge is power, and the sole key to prevention of child abuse.
Over the last two years our organization has proven the effectiveness of leadership, development and advocacy. Our organization has helped demonstrate that community outreach programs make an impact on victims, survivors and their families.
Dreamcatchers is seeking to expand our successful campaigns to provide educational materials to give families, victims and survivors information about child abuse & neglect, treatment for recovery, coping skills, family and peer support, prevention, communication skills, empowerment, and the power of advocacy.
The need for awareness education cannot be overstated. Dreamcatchers for Abused Children is a national role model, in hopes of building a bright future and a better quality of life by creating advocacy and empowering children.
Sincerely,
Donna Kshir
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Preserving Our Freedom to Worship:
I want to thank all the men and woman, past and present, who have proudly served our country and made it what it is today. God bless each and everyone of you and may God keep you safe.
It has long been a tradition to commemorate Veteran’s Day on November 11, the anniversary of the end of World War I. By celebrating Veteran’s Day, it pays tribute to our ancestors who have un-selfishly fought, struggled and lost their lives to give us the freedom and rights as we American’s have, as well as what makes America stand out as the best country on earth.
On Saturday, when I picked up my copy of the Lock Haven Express and read Mr. Clarence Blessard Jr.’s letter to Mr. Donald Willis of the Keystone Central School District, my heart was deeply saddened.
Mr. Blessard’s letter to Mr. Willis was a result of notification that the invocation and benediction was to be eliminated from the Veteran’s Day program at Bucktail Area Junior/Senior High School. It had been eliminated under the threat of eliminating the program completely, if they were included.
How can you deny any one the right to speak openly and freely about God or anything else they believe in. For those of you who do not know or understand it is called the first amendment; it allows you freedom of speech, press, assembly and religion.
It allows us the right to express ourselves openly and freely without discrimination or judgement. Freedom of religion is considered a fundamental of human rights. How can anyone prohibit freedom of religion, when that is what our country was built on.
Remember the pledge of allegiance... "One nation under God" or how about the Declaration of Independence... "Endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights."
"The first amendment is one of the nations fundamental normative and cultural symbols. It reflects vital attributes of the American character and is the cornerstone of the nations liberty.
"The first amendment is known and cherished by virtually all citizens, who comprehend its essence even if they may not be able to recite its precise phrasing."
I strongly believe we live in a time where we need God the most. Open your eyes and take a look around, look at our country’s current situation. I’m not just speaking of America’s finest serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Look at our country’s crime rate, the prison systems are not full of innocent people.
I think it is a sin we can not pray or express our love of God at a Veteran’s day program, but people who do not believe in God or any other religious belief can express their opinions. Where do you draw the line, by giving in and allowing them their beliefs and sweeping mine under the rug? What you are doing is a breach of my first amendment rights.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise there of."
As with anything else, if you do not agree with a situation, eliminate yourself from it. For those attending the Veteran’s day program at Bucktail Area High School and who did not wish to take part in the prayer, remove yourself from the situation, but don’t take your beliefs and values and put them on everyone else.
During this time, we have so many men and women all over the world in harms way, we need to get our priorities straight and in order and realize prayer is important in and outside the classroom. How can we properly honor these brave men and women, who fought and are still fighting to preserve our rights, one of the most important being freedom to worship.
If we keep pushing God into the background and out of our lives, the time will come when we will not have the freedom or maybe he will no longer choose to answer our calls.
It has long been a tradition to commemorate Veteran’s Day on November 11, the anniversary of the end of World War I. By celebrating Veteran’s Day, it pays tribute to our ancestors who have un-selfishly fought, struggled and lost their lives to give us the freedom and rights as we American’s have, as well as what makes America stand out as the best country on earth.
On Saturday, when I picked up my copy of the Lock Haven Express and read Mr. Clarence Blessard Jr.’s letter to Mr. Donald Willis of the Keystone Central School District, my heart was deeply saddened.
Mr. Blessard’s letter to Mr. Willis was a result of notification that the invocation and benediction was to be eliminated from the Veteran’s Day program at Bucktail Area Junior/Senior High School. It had been eliminated under the threat of eliminating the program completely, if they were included.
How can you deny any one the right to speak openly and freely about God or anything else they believe in. For those of you who do not know or understand it is called the first amendment; it allows you freedom of speech, press, assembly and religion.
It allows us the right to express ourselves openly and freely without discrimination or judgement. Freedom of religion is considered a fundamental of human rights. How can anyone prohibit freedom of religion, when that is what our country was built on.
Remember the pledge of allegiance... "One nation under God" or how about the Declaration of Independence... "Endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights."
"The first amendment is one of the nations fundamental normative and cultural symbols. It reflects vital attributes of the American character and is the cornerstone of the nations liberty.
"The first amendment is known and cherished by virtually all citizens, who comprehend its essence even if they may not be able to recite its precise phrasing."
I strongly believe we live in a time where we need God the most. Open your eyes and take a look around, look at our country’s current situation. I’m not just speaking of America’s finest serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Look at our country’s crime rate, the prison systems are not full of innocent people.
I think it is a sin we can not pray or express our love of God at a Veteran’s day program, but people who do not believe in God or any other religious belief can express their opinions. Where do you draw the line, by giving in and allowing them their beliefs and sweeping mine under the rug? What you are doing is a breach of my first amendment rights.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise there of."
As with anything else, if you do not agree with a situation, eliminate yourself from it. For those attending the Veteran’s day program at Bucktail Area High School and who did not wish to take part in the prayer, remove yourself from the situation, but don’t take your beliefs and values and put them on everyone else.
During this time, we have so many men and women all over the world in harms way, we need to get our priorities straight and in order and realize prayer is important in and outside the classroom. How can we properly honor these brave men and women, who fought and are still fighting to preserve our rights, one of the most important being freedom to worship.
If we keep pushing God into the background and out of our lives, the time will come when we will not have the freedom or maybe he will no longer choose to answer our calls.
Pennsylvania Primary:
As the Pennsylvania Primary grows near on Tuesday, Pennsylvania finally steps into the lime-light as voters will finally have their say on who they think should be the next president of the United States.
This election has been anything but pretty. The candidates have been working overtime on finding fault with their opponents. There has been a lot of mud throwing and attacking of one’s character, that the candidates are forgetting about the real issues... the American people, their needs and what is best for our country.
I think as the candidates run for the presidency they make a lot of promises, but once they are elected into office their promises are easily broken and almost immediately forgotten.
There has been so much judgement and talk about race, age, gender and religion, it seems to over ride the real issues, health care, border patrol, rebuilding the economy, education and the high gas prices.
As we elect government officials into office, we have to remember they are no longer like the average American. They no longer have to struggle or pinch pennies. If they feel their pockets are being pressed, they have the opportunity to vote for their own pay-hike . Which really upsets me.
When was the last time, you were allowed to vote to increase your weekly pay? With all the jobs I’ve had over the years, I have never had the privilege to raise my wage and I bet you never did either. Yet, government officials do it all the time.
They forget or they just don’t care, we have men and women struggling to raise families on minimum wage, when a loaf of bread, a gallon of milk or gas, cost one half of what they are making an hour.
How can these men and women afford to feed their families, let alone put clothes on their kids backs, afford healthcare and drive back and forth to work on a daily basis. In my opinion, it’s impossible and we need a president who is going to look after and care for these families.
As former president Bill Clinton reminded Pennsylvania voters on Sunday, it’s all up to Pennsylvanian’s as this election all comes down to their votes.
Many American’s feel we should not have a woman or a black president, but I have to ask why? In my opinion, it all boils down to change.
I personally don’t care about one’s race, age, religion or gender. All I care about is, who is going to be a better leader for our country and steer us in the right direction of helping what matters the most, the American people and their needs.
The last thing this country needs is another four years with a president that’s fighting the wrong agenda and not doing what he was elected to do... help the American people and find an appropriate solution to solve our country’s problems.
The next president’s first agenda needs to bring America’s finest home from Iraq and Afghanistan. We need to concentrate less on foreign affairs and concentrate more on taking care of the American people and their needs.
I’m not suggesting in any way, shape or form we run from terrorism. If someone invades your country, fight terrorism and defend yourself, but we need to stop answering so many 911 calls to help foreign countries.
We have our own problems.
We need to find a way to end poverty, violence and hunger. We have men, women, children and American veteran’s who are homeless. Over half of the United States does not have health coverage.
We need to focus on rebuilding the economy. At some point, the government needs to realize the low and middle class suffer the most and put an end to pointless spending. If they don’t, where will that leave future generations? They will never learn to be independent or become more prosperous. The continuous cycle of debt will never end.
There has to be a way to develop an alternative source of fuel that is both safe and affordable, so the government is not begging oil companies over seas to continue our oil supply.
With the cost of living so high, the price of college tuition is through the roof. Every child deserves a good education, college should be acceptable and affordable to everyone. Your families income should not determine if you go to college or not.
There needs to be a way to solve illegal immigration, and not by giving them drivers licenses.
America stands for land of the free and home of the brave, yet we are a judgmental country. We need allow and understand change, so people can live openly and freely. People need to realize just because you do not agree with something, doesn’t make it wrong.
We have to accept laws that allow freedom of choice so all people can live their lives openly and freely without judgement or persecution. Whether it be choice of gun control, abortion or same sex marriages it is there choice, not yours.
Most importantly, we need a president that will not take their role for granted, not for one single second. One who will understand, their main concern is the American people and they represent and work for them 100% of the time.
When I cast my vote on Tuesday, I will be voting for the candidate I feel has the solution to solve our country’s problems and do their best for the American people.
This election has been anything but pretty. The candidates have been working overtime on finding fault with their opponents. There has been a lot of mud throwing and attacking of one’s character, that the candidates are forgetting about the real issues... the American people, their needs and what is best for our country.
I think as the candidates run for the presidency they make a lot of promises, but once they are elected into office their promises are easily broken and almost immediately forgotten.
There has been so much judgement and talk about race, age, gender and religion, it seems to over ride the real issues, health care, border patrol, rebuilding the economy, education and the high gas prices.
As we elect government officials into office, we have to remember they are no longer like the average American. They no longer have to struggle or pinch pennies. If they feel their pockets are being pressed, they have the opportunity to vote for their own pay-hike . Which really upsets me.
When was the last time, you were allowed to vote to increase your weekly pay? With all the jobs I’ve had over the years, I have never had the privilege to raise my wage and I bet you never did either. Yet, government officials do it all the time.
They forget or they just don’t care, we have men and women struggling to raise families on minimum wage, when a loaf of bread, a gallon of milk or gas, cost one half of what they are making an hour.
How can these men and women afford to feed their families, let alone put clothes on their kids backs, afford healthcare and drive back and forth to work on a daily basis. In my opinion, it’s impossible and we need a president who is going to look after and care for these families.
As former president Bill Clinton reminded Pennsylvania voters on Sunday, it’s all up to Pennsylvanian’s as this election all comes down to their votes.
Many American’s feel we should not have a woman or a black president, but I have to ask why? In my opinion, it all boils down to change.
I personally don’t care about one’s race, age, religion or gender. All I care about is, who is going to be a better leader for our country and steer us in the right direction of helping what matters the most, the American people and their needs.
The last thing this country needs is another four years with a president that’s fighting the wrong agenda and not doing what he was elected to do... help the American people and find an appropriate solution to solve our country’s problems.
The next president’s first agenda needs to bring America’s finest home from Iraq and Afghanistan. We need to concentrate less on foreign affairs and concentrate more on taking care of the American people and their needs.
I’m not suggesting in any way, shape or form we run from terrorism. If someone invades your country, fight terrorism and defend yourself, but we need to stop answering so many 911 calls to help foreign countries.
We have our own problems.
We need to find a way to end poverty, violence and hunger. We have men, women, children and American veteran’s who are homeless. Over half of the United States does not have health coverage.
We need to focus on rebuilding the economy. At some point, the government needs to realize the low and middle class suffer the most and put an end to pointless spending. If they don’t, where will that leave future generations? They will never learn to be independent or become more prosperous. The continuous cycle of debt will never end.
There has to be a way to develop an alternative source of fuel that is both safe and affordable, so the government is not begging oil companies over seas to continue our oil supply.
With the cost of living so high, the price of college tuition is through the roof. Every child deserves a good education, college should be acceptable and affordable to everyone. Your families income should not determine if you go to college or not.
There needs to be a way to solve illegal immigration, and not by giving them drivers licenses.
America stands for land of the free and home of the brave, yet we are a judgmental country. We need allow and understand change, so people can live openly and freely. People need to realize just because you do not agree with something, doesn’t make it wrong.
We have to accept laws that allow freedom of choice so all people can live their lives openly and freely without judgement or persecution. Whether it be choice of gun control, abortion or same sex marriages it is there choice, not yours.
Most importantly, we need a president that will not take their role for granted, not for one single second. One who will understand, their main concern is the American people and they represent and work for them 100% of the time.
When I cast my vote on Tuesday, I will be voting for the candidate I feel has the solution to solve our country’s problems and do their best for the American people.
If I were president:
With the race to the White House at full speed, it made me start thinking what I would do if I were president of the United States of America. I see the president’s position as one of the most influential and powerful public figures in the world.
I think as the candidates run for the presidency they make a lot of promises, but once they are elected into office their promises are easily broken and forgotten.
I see a lot of men and women taking advantage of their positions as they spend tax payers money on their own personal pleasures. After breaking the law, they are allowed to decide when they want to resign from their position, but only after making attempts to get a reduced sentence or plea deal.
If the average Joe was accused of money laundering at his place of employment, he or she would be immediately prosecuted, there would be no and’s, if’s or but’s about it, your butt would be behind bars. Regardless of your position of power, you should be held accountable for your crimes there should be no special privileges.
To make a difference, we need to make a change.
The first thing I would do as president is bring America’s finest home from Iraq and Afghanistan. I think there has been too much blood-shed and too many precious lives lost. For each soldier that loses their life in war, I see it as a loss to our country. To claim victory, we need to save our own and bring our soldiers home.
I thank God everyday for the fine, brave men and women who serve our country and protect our freedoms and rights, but I think we need to concentrate less on foreign affairs and concentrate more on taking care of the American people. I feel if someone invades your country, fight terrorism and defend yourself, but we need to stop helping countries that don’t want to help themselves.
We American’s have enough problems in our own country, that we need to worry about. We have to find a way to end poverty, violence, hunger and the other million problems that we American’s face on a daily basis.
We have men, women, children and American veteran’s who have proudly served our country living on the streets, who are homeless. We have men and women struggling to raise families on minimum wage, when a loaf of bread, a gallon of milk or gas cost one half of what they are making an hour.
Over half of the United States does not have health coverage and can not afford to purchase private coverage. With the cost of living so high, how can they afford to shell out four to five hundred dollars a month for healthcare coverage, it’s impossible.
American’s who work on a daily basis are refused health coverage because they make too much money, but people who break the law and are in jail or in prison receive free dental and medical treatment, at the taxpayers expense.
We need to rebuild our economy, by focusing on the low and middle class. In my opinion, they suffer the most. I would put and end to non-sense and pointless spending. I would create a flat tax so the low and middle class people are not carrying the whole burden. In hopes that future generations can become more independent and prosperous and finally put an end the continous cycle of debt.
I would go back to the Ronald Reagan days of office, and make the competive and greedy oil companies drop the price, so the American people can afford to buy gas and oil. I would require a program that would develop an alternative source of fuel and require vehicles to run by and use a clean, affordable energy source. By creating these programs, it would create jobs for the American people.
I feel every child deserves a good education, it is the foundation of their youth. I would set aside special funding for education. College would be acceptable and affordable to everyone.
As president, I would apologize to other races who have experienced, been hurt or effected by racial tension. I would re-educate the American people, so future generations would never experience what past generations have. If we recognize our differences and mistakes, by carrying a torch of freedom in a colorless society, what a remarkable society we would live in.
I would put an end to illegal immigration. I would build an impassable fence that would make the Great Wall of China look like it was made out of building blocks. I would also increase the number of military personal at our borders and use more military resources at government offices and for airport security.
I would recognize that half of the American people oppose to what the other half think are important and major issues, such as gun control, abortion, same sex marriages and terrorism. Unless we want to segregate this country, we need to have and accept laws that allow freedom of choice so all people can live their lives openly and freely without judgement or persecution.
Most importantly, I would not take my role as president for granted for one single second. I would not forget for one single second that my main concern is the American people and I represent and work for them 100% of the time.
I think as the candidates run for the presidency they make a lot of promises, but once they are elected into office their promises are easily broken and forgotten.
I see a lot of men and women taking advantage of their positions as they spend tax payers money on their own personal pleasures. After breaking the law, they are allowed to decide when they want to resign from their position, but only after making attempts to get a reduced sentence or plea deal.
If the average Joe was accused of money laundering at his place of employment, he or she would be immediately prosecuted, there would be no and’s, if’s or but’s about it, your butt would be behind bars. Regardless of your position of power, you should be held accountable for your crimes there should be no special privileges.
To make a difference, we need to make a change.
The first thing I would do as president is bring America’s finest home from Iraq and Afghanistan. I think there has been too much blood-shed and too many precious lives lost. For each soldier that loses their life in war, I see it as a loss to our country. To claim victory, we need to save our own and bring our soldiers home.
I thank God everyday for the fine, brave men and women who serve our country and protect our freedoms and rights, but I think we need to concentrate less on foreign affairs and concentrate more on taking care of the American people. I feel if someone invades your country, fight terrorism and defend yourself, but we need to stop helping countries that don’t want to help themselves.
We American’s have enough problems in our own country, that we need to worry about. We have to find a way to end poverty, violence, hunger and the other million problems that we American’s face on a daily basis.
We have men, women, children and American veteran’s who have proudly served our country living on the streets, who are homeless. We have men and women struggling to raise families on minimum wage, when a loaf of bread, a gallon of milk or gas cost one half of what they are making an hour.
Over half of the United States does not have health coverage and can not afford to purchase private coverage. With the cost of living so high, how can they afford to shell out four to five hundred dollars a month for healthcare coverage, it’s impossible.
American’s who work on a daily basis are refused health coverage because they make too much money, but people who break the law and are in jail or in prison receive free dental and medical treatment, at the taxpayers expense.
We need to rebuild our economy, by focusing on the low and middle class. In my opinion, they suffer the most. I would put and end to non-sense and pointless spending. I would create a flat tax so the low and middle class people are not carrying the whole burden. In hopes that future generations can become more independent and prosperous and finally put an end the continous cycle of debt.
I would go back to the Ronald Reagan days of office, and make the competive and greedy oil companies drop the price, so the American people can afford to buy gas and oil. I would require a program that would develop an alternative source of fuel and require vehicles to run by and use a clean, affordable energy source. By creating these programs, it would create jobs for the American people.
I feel every child deserves a good education, it is the foundation of their youth. I would set aside special funding for education. College would be acceptable and affordable to everyone.
As president, I would apologize to other races who have experienced, been hurt or effected by racial tension. I would re-educate the American people, so future generations would never experience what past generations have. If we recognize our differences and mistakes, by carrying a torch of freedom in a colorless society, what a remarkable society we would live in.
I would put an end to illegal immigration. I would build an impassable fence that would make the Great Wall of China look like it was made out of building blocks. I would also increase the number of military personal at our borders and use more military resources at government offices and for airport security.
I would recognize that half of the American people oppose to what the other half think are important and major issues, such as gun control, abortion, same sex marriages and terrorism. Unless we want to segregate this country, we need to have and accept laws that allow freedom of choice so all people can live their lives openly and freely without judgement or persecution.
Most importantly, I would not take my role as president for granted for one single second. I would not forget for one single second that my main concern is the American people and I represent and work for them 100% of the time.
Should Teachers Bare Arms:
The debate is on once again, should teachers be able to carry guns to school for protection? Following the recent shooting in a Cleveland Ohio middle school, some teachers are asking to carry concealed weapons to school for protection.
They are afraid of finding themselves in another situation such as the ones that occurred in Lancaster County, Columbine High or Virginia Tech. These teachers, primarily claiming it’s their right according to the second amendment, "the right to keep and bare arms."
Several states have suggested a bill that would allow teachers to carry guns, but taking it one step further is Republican’s David Agema from Grand Rapids, Michigan and Frank Lasee from Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Ageme and Lasee suggest introducing a bill as early as next year, that would allow teachers and other school employees to carry concealed weapons on school property. The bill in question, specifies only teachers and other staff members that previously owned firearms and had received extensive weapons training, would be permitted to carry guns.
Each teacher and staff member would also have to be pre-approved by the school principal. Many parents, as well as educators are unhappy with Ageme and Lasee’s proposal, claiming there are reason’s schools are made gun free zones.
In my opinion, this bill is full of potential hazzards. As a parent my question is what if the teacher or staff member misses, is my child the backstop? What about teachers who want to play Dirty Harry? We all have had that one teacher that is quick tempered and thinks he or she is in charge. In the heat of the moment he or she doesn’t think, they react.
Is this someone you or the school district wants or trusts to have a gun in their hands? A teacher’s over-reaction to a student, could lead to more violence in the classroom. In Ohio, news reports stated that the metal detectors were not set up or in any position of being used. Taxpayers pay thousands of dollars each year towards education. These taxes are used between our schools, whether it is to make repairs, buy much needed supplies and books or to provide security equipment.
The intent is to educate each student and prepare them for life, but it also to protect students and more importantly keep them safe. As in Ohio, what good is a metal detector doing to protect faculty and students, if it is not being used and it lays on the floor in the corner at the school.
As I have heard time and time again, it takes too long for each student to walk through the medal detectors. As for security cameras in the schools, they either don’t have them turned on or they don’t properly function. In the event they are used, you can only see a particular part of the hallway, missing out on events that are taking place due to blind spots.
As a parent, it’s all about safety for kids, I don’t consider this bill a good thing. I think we need to take more measures, but by taking the responsibility of adding more trained security officers, taking the extra time and using metal detectors and re-positioning cameras for better angles and views. I feel these suggestions are better than allowing teacher to take the law into their own hands. What do you think about teachers and other staff members carrying concealed weapons?
Again, I had an over-whelming response with this article from parents, students and even with area teachers. To date, there has been no further talk about teachers carrying weapons at our local elementary, middle or high schools. I thank God, because there is no way in this world I would trust or put my child’s life in the hands of a teacher, staff member or cafeteria worker. No disrespect towards any of them, but they are not trained to carry and use weapons, they are trained to be educators.
They are afraid of finding themselves in another situation such as the ones that occurred in Lancaster County, Columbine High or Virginia Tech. These teachers, primarily claiming it’s their right according to the second amendment, "the right to keep and bare arms."
Several states have suggested a bill that would allow teachers to carry guns, but taking it one step further is Republican’s David Agema from Grand Rapids, Michigan and Frank Lasee from Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Ageme and Lasee suggest introducing a bill as early as next year, that would allow teachers and other school employees to carry concealed weapons on school property. The bill in question, specifies only teachers and other staff members that previously owned firearms and had received extensive weapons training, would be permitted to carry guns.
Each teacher and staff member would also have to be pre-approved by the school principal. Many parents, as well as educators are unhappy with Ageme and Lasee’s proposal, claiming there are reason’s schools are made gun free zones.
In my opinion, this bill is full of potential hazzards. As a parent my question is what if the teacher or staff member misses, is my child the backstop? What about teachers who want to play Dirty Harry? We all have had that one teacher that is quick tempered and thinks he or she is in charge. In the heat of the moment he or she doesn’t think, they react.
Is this someone you or the school district wants or trusts to have a gun in their hands? A teacher’s over-reaction to a student, could lead to more violence in the classroom. In Ohio, news reports stated that the metal detectors were not set up or in any position of being used. Taxpayers pay thousands of dollars each year towards education. These taxes are used between our schools, whether it is to make repairs, buy much needed supplies and books or to provide security equipment.
The intent is to educate each student and prepare them for life, but it also to protect students and more importantly keep them safe. As in Ohio, what good is a metal detector doing to protect faculty and students, if it is not being used and it lays on the floor in the corner at the school.
As I have heard time and time again, it takes too long for each student to walk through the medal detectors. As for security cameras in the schools, they either don’t have them turned on or they don’t properly function. In the event they are used, you can only see a particular part of the hallway, missing out on events that are taking place due to blind spots.
As a parent, it’s all about safety for kids, I don’t consider this bill a good thing. I think we need to take more measures, but by taking the responsibility of adding more trained security officers, taking the extra time and using metal detectors and re-positioning cameras for better angles and views. I feel these suggestions are better than allowing teacher to take the law into their own hands. What do you think about teachers and other staff members carrying concealed weapons?
Again, I had an over-whelming response with this article from parents, students and even with area teachers. To date, there has been no further talk about teachers carrying weapons at our local elementary, middle or high schools. I thank God, because there is no way in this world I would trust or put my child’s life in the hands of a teacher, staff member or cafeteria worker. No disrespect towards any of them, but they are not trained to carry and use weapons, they are trained to be educators.
Forever a Friend:
Last Wednesday morning after I drove my daughter to school, I returned home. I did my morning chores and sat down in my rocking chair to drink a cup of tea and read my Tuesday evening edition of The Record.
As I skimmed over the front page, I was immediately drawn to fellow Record writer Chris Shaull’s real life story. As I began reading the article, I found myself unable to put it down.
I had a childhood friend who I grew up with, went to school with, and honestly considered family. For a brief period of time after we were both married, we were neighbors, our kids even played together.
After five years of marriage and too many problems to handle, she and her husband were divorced. My friend and her daughters moved away. Afterwards, I didn’t get to see her as often as I would have liked. Sometimes months at a time would go by, but even with distance between us, we somehow always managed to remain close.
She was the kind of person that would do anything for you. She would take from herself to give to someone else in need, she would even give you the shirt off her back. She honestly had a heart of gold.
After she moved to Michigan I had no idea what she had got herself into. I later heard from her friends and family that said she got in with the wrong crowd and picked up a few bad habits. She went from one bad relationship to the next and eventually her girls were taken away and sent to live with family.
I always said we were on the same road, our lives just took us in different directions, but the path to our hearts never changed our friendship or love for each other.
Unlike Chris, she didn’t escape, she lost her life. After she died I kept asking why... why something like this could happen to such a good person. It has taken me a long time to get over her death. For the longest time, I didn’t know how to begin to put the pieces back together after losing someone who has been such a big part of my life.
When someone in your life dies, your life stops. But I learned life for others go on and people keep living. I have always looked at life and death, as everyone has a time to live and everyone has a time to die. I feel it is somehow timed or planned by God, that God doesn’t give you anything in your life you can’t handle. The attitude that everything happens for a reason and to never look back.
Today as I look at my own kids, I can’t begin to imagine what her family went through with her death. Since, I have begun to re-think my theory of life and death. I see things a bit differently and a bit more clearly.
I know firsthand that a tragedy can unite people, test our faith in God and make us stronger to survive an unimaginable loss. The key is to hold on to the power of faith in God, as well as a loving and supportive family.
As I skimmed over the front page, I was immediately drawn to fellow Record writer Chris Shaull’s real life story. As I began reading the article, I found myself unable to put it down.
I had a childhood friend who I grew up with, went to school with, and honestly considered family. For a brief period of time after we were both married, we were neighbors, our kids even played together.
After five years of marriage and too many problems to handle, she and her husband were divorced. My friend and her daughters moved away. Afterwards, I didn’t get to see her as often as I would have liked. Sometimes months at a time would go by, but even with distance between us, we somehow always managed to remain close.
She was the kind of person that would do anything for you. She would take from herself to give to someone else in need, she would even give you the shirt off her back. She honestly had a heart of gold.
After she moved to Michigan I had no idea what she had got herself into. I later heard from her friends and family that said she got in with the wrong crowd and picked up a few bad habits. She went from one bad relationship to the next and eventually her girls were taken away and sent to live with family.
I always said we were on the same road, our lives just took us in different directions, but the path to our hearts never changed our friendship or love for each other.
Unlike Chris, she didn’t escape, she lost her life. After she died I kept asking why... why something like this could happen to such a good person. It has taken me a long time to get over her death. For the longest time, I didn’t know how to begin to put the pieces back together after losing someone who has been such a big part of my life.
When someone in your life dies, your life stops. But I learned life for others go on and people keep living. I have always looked at life and death, as everyone has a time to live and everyone has a time to die. I feel it is somehow timed or planned by God, that God doesn’t give you anything in your life you can’t handle. The attitude that everything happens for a reason and to never look back.
Today as I look at my own kids, I can’t begin to imagine what her family went through with her death. Since, I have begun to re-think my theory of life and death. I see things a bit differently and a bit more clearly.
I know firsthand that a tragedy can unite people, test our faith in God and make us stronger to survive an unimaginable loss. The key is to hold on to the power of faith in God, as well as a loving and supportive family.
Rick Pitino Apologizes:
Success is a choice... Those words came straight from the horse’s mouth. The horse in this case being Louisville coach Rick Pitino. He selected that particular title for his motivational book.
It is quite obvious; Pitino ignored his own good word when the married, father of five had a little tryst with Karen Cunagin Sypher in a Louisville restaurant. Now their little romp in the dark has come to light and his employer, the University of Louisville, is once again in the news for all the wrong reasons.
It has been stated, Pitino is a victim since Karen Cunagin Sypher's allegedly attempted to extort $10 million.
Maybe instead of labeling Pitino, as a victim. Maybe he should be labeled as something else. The former Louisville coach?
Yes! I believe Pitino should resign. Instead of thinking of himself, maybe he should spare his family and the university any further embarrassment and humiliation.
He could also save himself from the embarrassment of being questioned by parents, who will wonder if they really have enough faith and trust in him to care for their young, impressionable sons. This is same man, who according to reports claim handed over $3,000 to Sypher for an abortion or as it has been stated "health insurance."
Some may feel sorry for Pitino and believe his scandal is just another case of a married man feeling strained in his marriage, who is looking for a little comfort and action on the side, but in my opinion, these people are missing the bigger picture.
Although Pitino did not do anything illegal, let's not forget about the other college coaches who have been in the same position and fired for bad behavior that brought shame and embarrassment to their respective universities.
Any representative from a university should have enough respect for themselves, the students, players and the university they represent to maintain some moral values. I feel it is their responsibility. It doesn't really matter if Pitino was truthful and admitted the relationship. What really matters is, he is looked upon as one of Louisville's most influential employees and a face of the university. I strongly believe he had a responsibility to the students, players and the university to conduct himself in a decent and respectful manner.
On a table? In a restaurant? With an assistant coach lurking nearby? Do you call these actions having morals or values? Pitino may not be a professor at the university, but regardless what one thinks he is an educator. Regardless how you look at it, he makes an impression on young men who come to play basketball at Louisville.
How can parents trust him after reading in the newspaper he cheated on his wife and had a sexual relationship with a woman he hardly knew? How can theses same parents not question Pitino's values, morals or plain common sense? How can he teach discipline to his players, when even he can't exhibit self control and discipline himself? As a parent, I would have a lot of questions.
I understand that there have been men far more powerful than Pitino that have had extra martial affairs, from Bill Clinton and Elliot Spitzer to Kobe Bryant. But I strongly believe it is part of your job to set an exsample to others who look up to you, respect you and the position you hold.
The sad part is I don't see Louisville doing a thing to Pitino for his actions. If I were university president Dr. James Ramsey I would enforce the morals clause in Pitino's contract, and terminate him. No questions asked!
Pitino's national championship is all he needs to assure he gets out of this sticky situation. If he was an average coach or a normal university employee, he would have been fired already, but do to his name, title and position, he will not be affected. But what is that teaching others in society? The fact that; because of who you are or what job title you hold, you can avoid prosecution of just about any indecent act or crime.
The fact remains, regardless how many indiscretions one has, how many indecent acts one commits or how low, down and dirty one plays, the one who is in power rules, and morals, respect and decency all get thrown out the window.
It is quite obvious; Pitino ignored his own good word when the married, father of five had a little tryst with Karen Cunagin Sypher in a Louisville restaurant. Now their little romp in the dark has come to light and his employer, the University of Louisville, is once again in the news for all the wrong reasons.
It has been stated, Pitino is a victim since Karen Cunagin Sypher's allegedly attempted to extort $10 million.
Maybe instead of labeling Pitino, as a victim. Maybe he should be labeled as something else. The former Louisville coach?
Yes! I believe Pitino should resign. Instead of thinking of himself, maybe he should spare his family and the university any further embarrassment and humiliation.
He could also save himself from the embarrassment of being questioned by parents, who will wonder if they really have enough faith and trust in him to care for their young, impressionable sons. This is same man, who according to reports claim handed over $3,000 to Sypher for an abortion or as it has been stated "health insurance."
Some may feel sorry for Pitino and believe his scandal is just another case of a married man feeling strained in his marriage, who is looking for a little comfort and action on the side, but in my opinion, these people are missing the bigger picture.
Although Pitino did not do anything illegal, let's not forget about the other college coaches who have been in the same position and fired for bad behavior that brought shame and embarrassment to their respective universities.
Any representative from a university should have enough respect for themselves, the students, players and the university they represent to maintain some moral values. I feel it is their responsibility. It doesn't really matter if Pitino was truthful and admitted the relationship. What really matters is, he is looked upon as one of Louisville's most influential employees and a face of the university. I strongly believe he had a responsibility to the students, players and the university to conduct himself in a decent and respectful manner.
On a table? In a restaurant? With an assistant coach lurking nearby? Do you call these actions having morals or values? Pitino may not be a professor at the university, but regardless what one thinks he is an educator. Regardless how you look at it, he makes an impression on young men who come to play basketball at Louisville.
How can parents trust him after reading in the newspaper he cheated on his wife and had a sexual relationship with a woman he hardly knew? How can theses same parents not question Pitino's values, morals or plain common sense? How can he teach discipline to his players, when even he can't exhibit self control and discipline himself? As a parent, I would have a lot of questions.
I understand that there have been men far more powerful than Pitino that have had extra martial affairs, from Bill Clinton and Elliot Spitzer to Kobe Bryant. But I strongly believe it is part of your job to set an exsample to others who look up to you, respect you and the position you hold.
The sad part is I don't see Louisville doing a thing to Pitino for his actions. If I were university president Dr. James Ramsey I would enforce the morals clause in Pitino's contract, and terminate him. No questions asked!
Pitino's national championship is all he needs to assure he gets out of this sticky situation. If he was an average coach or a normal university employee, he would have been fired already, but do to his name, title and position, he will not be affected. But what is that teaching others in society? The fact that; because of who you are or what job title you hold, you can avoid prosecution of just about any indecent act or crime.
The fact remains, regardless how many indiscretions one has, how many indecent acts one commits or how low, down and dirty one plays, the one who is in power rules, and morals, respect and decency all get thrown out the window.
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