So sick of politics... I want a crystal ball

I was extremely let down by both presedential candidates when they made their VP choices. It was disheartenting that our future president and chiefs on either side, Democrat or Republican could make such poor choices.

On the democratic side, a man who talks and talks with little action was chosen and on the other, a woman with little experience and knowledge about Washington.

What were they thinking?!?

I am afraid and frustrated, I don't even want to pick. I see pros for each presidential candidate, but the overall ticket on both sides is scary. Maybe Al Gore will be a write in ballot and elected anyway, or maybe Hilary will have a write-in campaign that will make a difference.

McCain brings a lot of experience, and unique experience that no individual even close to office has anymore. He lived through war, and being a prisoner of it brings a different kind of perspective and experience to the table. He has usually stuck to his guns and says what he thinks and above all, I think he usually does what he thinks is right and best for the common good not his own gain. That is why he didn't know how many houses he owns. McCain presents a unique opportunity for a "Stong" leader who yes, may be stubburn but can also ensure the US is not taken advantage of because of ideals when in reality the world is not ideal and may never be.

I am idealist. I get in arguments all the time with others becuase I think there is good in everyone. I get taken advantage of a lot because I believe in others. I am naive and inexperienced and becuase of this put myself and those around me at risk at times.

For many, Obama is the symbol of hope, and in ideal world with resources and all around support may do big things. However, American is strapped for cash, stretched thin across the globe, and as much as we help we are still viewed as an enemy and negligent. Hope, and the desire to help have the potential to do great things. But unchecked hope that is not grounded in reality has the potential to do harm. What is the saying, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

So I am confused and don't know what to do... provide an opportunity for an individual with lots of experience and who I think tries to make choices based on the good of all... or provide an opportunity to less experience and idealistic thinking in a realistic world?

I hate politics... I think I am going to abstain and just try to survive the next four years. I hate party lines. Really, I think the VP and the Presidential roles should be truly separate races. I think the public should have a say in who we want the person to be the runner up for president, when as so many have pointed out, they are just one heartbeat away from being president.

Education and Politics

I am so sick of politicians who come in and think they are going to "fix" education. Most of all, I am sick of people making it politician's jobs, and teacher's jobs to "fix" education. People, everyone, need to become more invested in the local school near where they live. I despise "open enrollment" so parents can just yank their kids and send them somewhere else. I despise vouchers. I despise the fact that instead of fighting for the things "your" kid needs and should get at the local school near where a person lives, they pick up and go to where it isn't any work to get that stuff.

It amazes me, it is interesting what message we are sending to kids. It should be easy to get what you want. If you don't like something, just leave. What about social responsibility? What about teaching children that you have to "fight" for things and work hard for them. It takes time, effort, money, and most of all persistence to succeed and make a difference.

I want Washington to butt out of education. There should be a baseline to quality education, yes so No Child Left Behind is good, but, not every child is going to learn the same way, at the same rate, and the same "things" regardless of how much regulation there is. What happened to America's desire for "individuals"?

Education, public education, is an opportunity to learn what you need to so that you can contribute to society in the most minimal way. Excelling, and even learning depends on the child, the parents, the community, and society. Instead of working to improve "their" school, people go to where there aren't any problems. I think that is unacceptable! There is a reason "states" retained the right to govern education. The federal level is too big and doesn't address the issues.

The local level is where teachers can be held accountable, when parents know them and know what they are doing in the class. When administrators can actually have more time to deal with their school rather than the bureaucrats. I am just sick of it. Leave education alone. Stop changing everything. Provide money for resources, and I mean PHYSICAL resources, books, computers, classrooms, equipments, sports programs... instead of on committees, administrators, textbook companies who make money from creating "testing" materials from the government, schools, and parents. Put that money back in the classroom so students can learn to love learning again.

What were we doing when we were at the "top" of the list. We were tailoring education and allowing students the opportunity to learn what was being taught. The more you "force" someone, the less they are going to continue.

Washington, stop it! Leave education alone... stop having people 1,000s of miles away making decisions for students, teachers, communities they know nothing about! Education and American IS NOT a one size fits all kind of place.

Depressing vs. Selfish

Yesterday I received an email titled "Voted the best email of the year." Well, it was a depressing email. It shows how thankful we should be for all the things we have in our privileged lives living in an "advanced" nation. Things like running water, enough food, cars, clothes, shoes, etc. There were depressing pictures of emaciated children in the streets and plastic 2L bottles tied with bits of cloth for shoes.

Well, I know I have it easy. I know I have it better than most, and I am thankful for that. But, I think it is okay for us to be sad at times too and feel like life sucks at times. Just because we have a lot too, doesn't mean we are happy all the time. In fact, I think it increases the overall likelihood that "Americans" will be dissatisfied because we do so much social comparison and our society is focused on who has more instead of having enough.

Well, I am just sad this week. I think it is okay that I am feeling depressed, just for a little while because you can try to be a good person, give back, be nice, respectful, etc and bad things will still happen. Now "bad" depends on perspective, but everyone gets tired of dealing with life sometimes and bad can be breaking a nail or getting in a car accident.

So, I feel bad about those individuals in life who's plight is worse than mine... but I should be able to feel bad sometimes too just because I need to.