In my local paper today, there was an article about 10 people in my city who are not going to pay their income taxes this year to protest the war. To this end, 10 other people in my city are donating their income tax refunds to both our local library system and a fund to help those who aren't paying their taxes pay their fines and penalties.
Essentially, they are trying to make a statement that they aren't happy that their tax dollars are going to a war they don't support while education continues to see cuts. They're trying to have a say in how their money is spent.
While this is likely to cost these people a whole bunch of money and possibly some criminal charges, I have to say that I'm intrigued.
I doubt that 10 people from Port Huron, MI will "make a difference" in this way, but I'm left wondering if it's being done on a grander scale and my paper just isn't reporting it. Is this something that's being done across the nation? Has anyone heard about this?
I'm guessing that the people who aren't paying their taxes live relatively comfortably or they wouldn't be doing this. Just a guess. Somehow, it seems counterproductive to the cause to set up a fund to pay penalties.
Anyhow, back to my homework...
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
A Crack
I'm chronologically challenged presently. So tired. So very, very tired.
There simply isn't enough time to get it all done. I've been trying to get ahead in my schoolwork as this Saturday is THE Saturday and I have to take my MTTC.
Friday, two of my school friends and I are headed to Flint, where the test is being held, to study all day/night, go forth and test.
I am so worried about these tests. Not in a "test anxiety" sense, but in a "my self-esteem will seriously deteriorate if I don't pass" sense. Test anxiety has never been an issue for me, I'm good at taking tests.
Strangely, my worst case scenario involves actually passing after walking out of there thinking to myself that I only definitively knew the answers to 15 questions. If I pass under those circumstances, it does not mean that I possess the minimum knowledge required to teach that subject area or that I'm "highly qualified" under NCLB. It only means I can take a test. That's sort-of not good enough for me.
I'm on the verge of tears even considering that scenario. Seriously, I'm that tired.
I'm not worried about the English test. It's that blasted history test that's giving me trouble. I feel like a complete idiot.
I will feel even worse if I don't pass when I look at some people who are teachers right now that can barely figure out where to put apostrophes knowing that they passed.
And knowing I've put so much work into preparing for this thing. I'm confident that I've put more work into it than any of my classmates.
But they sort of have me on that whole "I actually paid attention in high school" thing.
I can't wait for this week to be over. Then, I'm gonna need a spa vacation. Just one day, though, 'cause I'll get bored.
Wah.
There simply isn't enough time to get it all done. I've been trying to get ahead in my schoolwork as this Saturday is THE Saturday and I have to take my MTTC.
Friday, two of my school friends and I are headed to Flint, where the test is being held, to study all day/night, go forth and test.
I am so worried about these tests. Not in a "test anxiety" sense, but in a "my self-esteem will seriously deteriorate if I don't pass" sense. Test anxiety has never been an issue for me, I'm good at taking tests.
Strangely, my worst case scenario involves actually passing after walking out of there thinking to myself that I only definitively knew the answers to 15 questions. If I pass under those circumstances, it does not mean that I possess the minimum knowledge required to teach that subject area or that I'm "highly qualified" under NCLB. It only means I can take a test. That's sort-of not good enough for me.
I'm on the verge of tears even considering that scenario. Seriously, I'm that tired.
I'm not worried about the English test. It's that blasted history test that's giving me trouble. I feel like a complete idiot.
I will feel even worse if I don't pass when I look at some people who are teachers right now that can barely figure out where to put apostrophes knowing that they passed.
And knowing I've put so much work into preparing for this thing. I'm confident that I've put more work into it than any of my classmates.
But they sort of have me on that whole "I actually paid attention in high school" thing.
I can't wait for this week to be over. Then, I'm gonna need a spa vacation. Just one day, though, 'cause I'll get bored.
Wah.
Monday, April 2, 2007
The Downside
First day back to school. Always nice to be back. Typically, when I get out as late as I did tonight (9:40), my mom or Todd keep the kids overnight and take Jenna to school so that they aren't up so late waiting for me to take them home and get them to bed.
Tonight, however, was different.
Todd's sister and my three nieces are in from the other side of the state as the kids are on spring break. So, my mother-in-law wanted the kids this evening so the all of the kids could spend time together. She couldn't keep my kids overnight as there isn't room. Which is fine, as it's a special situation.
I went to pick them up after school and it was a rush situation as it was already late and my kids had to get home to bed since Jenna has school in the a.m.
My sister-in-law (the one that's visiting) and I never clicked. We get along, per se, but we don't particularly "get" each other and have never really enjoyed one another's company. I get along famously with her husband as well as Todd's other siblings and their respective spouses. Just not her. Nothing ever happened between us, we just didn't click from day one 14 long years ago.
They don't come often. This is the first time they have been here since before Todd and I officially announced that we were divorcing last August.
In the past, I would go visit when I could so I could see the girls and socialize with the in-laws. I can't do that anymore.
Given the circumstances of the nature of my visit tonight (go in, fetch kids, get out), I'm not sure what I expected. But my sister-in-law was neither welcoming nor unwelcoming and I'm sure I wasn't either warm or cold. We're pretty apathetic with each other.
I haven't seen my nieces since last July and they weren't excited to see me as they have been in the past. The little one (she's three) wouldn't even look at me. This can, of course, be expected. It was past bedtime all around and children can be rather unpredictable with their affection when they haven't seen someone in nine months.
Compounded with the fact, however, that my sister-in-law and I aren't exactly best buds, it really sucked. The hugs were forced and I left feeling incredibly heavy.
It's difficult because the biggest downside to the divorce is the family that I'm losing. His other sister (no children) and his mom are here and I feel confident that I will always have a high comfort level with them. But the others, which include Todd's brother, aforementioned sister, spouses, and five children are on the other side of the state. I don't see them. My relationship with the children will continue to deteriorate until I'm just "Jenna and Alex's mom."
It's a loss for me.
Strangely, I don't feel like it's going to be quite that bad with my brother-in-law because I get along with him and his wife so much better. We actually have things to say to each other and have fun with one another. For some reason, that reassures me.
It shouldn't be about my relationship with my in-laws as much as with my nieces and nephew. Yet, it is an undeniable factor.
Tonight, however, was different.
Todd's sister and my three nieces are in from the other side of the state as the kids are on spring break. So, my mother-in-law wanted the kids this evening so the all of the kids could spend time together. She couldn't keep my kids overnight as there isn't room. Which is fine, as it's a special situation.
I went to pick them up after school and it was a rush situation as it was already late and my kids had to get home to bed since Jenna has school in the a.m.
My sister-in-law (the one that's visiting) and I never clicked. We get along, per se, but we don't particularly "get" each other and have never really enjoyed one another's company. I get along famously with her husband as well as Todd's other siblings and their respective spouses. Just not her. Nothing ever happened between us, we just didn't click from day one 14 long years ago.
They don't come often. This is the first time they have been here since before Todd and I officially announced that we were divorcing last August.
In the past, I would go visit when I could so I could see the girls and socialize with the in-laws. I can't do that anymore.
Given the circumstances of the nature of my visit tonight (go in, fetch kids, get out), I'm not sure what I expected. But my sister-in-law was neither welcoming nor unwelcoming and I'm sure I wasn't either warm or cold. We're pretty apathetic with each other.
I haven't seen my nieces since last July and they weren't excited to see me as they have been in the past. The little one (she's three) wouldn't even look at me. This can, of course, be expected. It was past bedtime all around and children can be rather unpredictable with their affection when they haven't seen someone in nine months.
Compounded with the fact, however, that my sister-in-law and I aren't exactly best buds, it really sucked. The hugs were forced and I left feeling incredibly heavy.
It's difficult because the biggest downside to the divorce is the family that I'm losing. His other sister (no children) and his mom are here and I feel confident that I will always have a high comfort level with them. But the others, which include Todd's brother, aforementioned sister, spouses, and five children are on the other side of the state. I don't see them. My relationship with the children will continue to deteriorate until I'm just "Jenna and Alex's mom."
It's a loss for me.
Strangely, I don't feel like it's going to be quite that bad with my brother-in-law because I get along with him and his wife so much better. We actually have things to say to each other and have fun with one another. For some reason, that reassures me.
It shouldn't be about my relationship with my in-laws as much as with my nieces and nephew. Yet, it is an undeniable factor.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
I'm a Proud Momma Tonight
Last summer, I became convinced upon rereading To Kill a Mockingbird for a book group that it would be a good book to read with my daughter. As far as racism goes, I don't believe that any fiction (that I've read) achieves its purpose as superbly and eloquently as TKAM.
After rereading it for the first time since high school, I decided that high school was perhaps too late to try to have an effect on an adolescent's opinion toward others based on race. I decided to read it with my daughter now.
We didn't start until about two months ago and only read a few pages a night and only on nights that I'm not at school and the kids aren't with their dad. I told her that she could only read it with me because I wanted to be able to explain things (the "n" word, the rape, slavery, etc.) if she had questions. I had decided that my purpose was to tackle the race issues and not so much the rape and I only plan to give her an age appropriate explanation when we get to that part and only if she asks. I'm hoping that Atticus' explanation to Scout suits Jenna as well.
So, we're about a third of the way through right now. At the beginning, I thought maybe we should abandon it because the diction is perhaps too challenging and she seemed bored at times. But, lately, she's becoming very interested and complains heartily when it's time to put it away for the night.
Tonight, she told me that she sometimes wants "so bad" to pick it up and read it herself but she knows that it's something I want to read with her.
I was so damned proud. Of myself for trusting my instinct that this would be a good book for her. Of her for being so much more than me but still having this one, specific quality that is so undeniably me and knowing that we connect beyond the obvious.
I know, I know, it seems little. To me, though, this is what it's all about.
After rereading it for the first time since high school, I decided that high school was perhaps too late to try to have an effect on an adolescent's opinion toward others based on race. I decided to read it with my daughter now.
We didn't start until about two months ago and only read a few pages a night and only on nights that I'm not at school and the kids aren't with their dad. I told her that she could only read it with me because I wanted to be able to explain things (the "n" word, the rape, slavery, etc.) if she had questions. I had decided that my purpose was to tackle the race issues and not so much the rape and I only plan to give her an age appropriate explanation when we get to that part and only if she asks. I'm hoping that Atticus' explanation to Scout suits Jenna as well.
So, we're about a third of the way through right now. At the beginning, I thought maybe we should abandon it because the diction is perhaps too challenging and she seemed bored at times. But, lately, she's becoming very interested and complains heartily when it's time to put it away for the night.
Tonight, she told me that she sometimes wants "so bad" to pick it up and read it herself but she knows that it's something I want to read with her.
I was so damned proud. Of myself for trusting my instinct that this would be a good book for her. Of her for being so much more than me but still having this one, specific quality that is so undeniably me and knowing that we connect beyond the obvious.
I know, I know, it seems little. To me, though, this is what it's all about.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Truth By Subpoena!
This is something I wanted to touch on this morning but I've been very pressed for time all day. Now I'm tired and probably won't be able to express my point (if I even have one) effectively, but I feel the need to get it out.
I was listening to Drew and Mike this morning when I took Jenna to school. They were discussing this whole U.S. attorney situation and how yesterday it was announced that President Bush would allow key members of his staff to be interviewed by Congress.
Today on J's blog, he made a comment to me that he felt that Congress was moving in the right direction. This is evidenced in many ways and, in this case, by their insistence that allowing simple interviews is not enough, they want to actually subpoena these key members of the administration to testify before the judicial commitee.
Drew and Mike were making the point that what they really want is to get at Karl Rove. But what would it matter? Do they expect him to tell the truth?
At the time, what they were saying made me laugh as almost everything on the program does. Upon reflection, I got a bit irritated.
After all, it's true. Testifying under oath does not put the fear of God into anyone anymore. I'm not saying it should, I don't even believe in God. The point is, how can an oath assure us of anything (especially with all of the shit that's happened over the past few years)? All it really does is remind the person testifying that if they lie, and they get caught, they face charges.
It's the whole tree falling in the forest, no one's around, does it make a sound thing.
If Karl Rove (or anyone else) were to testify, what version of the truth would we really get? The only thing we're sure to get is that which evidence exists to corroborate. Effectively, if he tells a lie, but no one of consequence can or will refute it, is it a lie?
I'm certainly feeling cynical about this issue today. I'm glad that something is being done and that it's becoming clear that accountability can't be dodged. I'm just frustrated that things like this keep surfacing. What on Earth is going on?
As far as the actual issue at hand, the firing of the U.S. attorneys, any idiot on the street could have handled it better and differently and the whole thing would've never seen the light of day. There's nothing illegal about the actual action. But because of the way it was done, we now get to watch the whole thing get aired and be further sickened by the bullshit that goes on.
And we have to wonder if we'll even get the truth. Although the chances of that are probably better than I think given that these idiots continue to send "classified" emails actually expecting that no one will ever find out. Christ
I was listening to Drew and Mike this morning when I took Jenna to school. They were discussing this whole U.S. attorney situation and how yesterday it was announced that President Bush would allow key members of his staff to be interviewed by Congress.
Today on J's blog, he made a comment to me that he felt that Congress was moving in the right direction. This is evidenced in many ways and, in this case, by their insistence that allowing simple interviews is not enough, they want to actually subpoena these key members of the administration to testify before the judicial commitee.
Drew and Mike were making the point that what they really want is to get at Karl Rove. But what would it matter? Do they expect him to tell the truth?
At the time, what they were saying made me laugh as almost everything on the program does. Upon reflection, I got a bit irritated.
After all, it's true. Testifying under oath does not put the fear of God into anyone anymore. I'm not saying it should, I don't even believe in God. The point is, how can an oath assure us of anything (especially with all of the shit that's happened over the past few years)? All it really does is remind the person testifying that if they lie, and they get caught, they face charges.
It's the whole tree falling in the forest, no one's around, does it make a sound thing.
If Karl Rove (or anyone else) were to testify, what version of the truth would we really get? The only thing we're sure to get is that which evidence exists to corroborate. Effectively, if he tells a lie, but no one of consequence can or will refute it, is it a lie?
I'm certainly feeling cynical about this issue today. I'm glad that something is being done and that it's becoming clear that accountability can't be dodged. I'm just frustrated that things like this keep surfacing. What on Earth is going on?
As far as the actual issue at hand, the firing of the U.S. attorneys, any idiot on the street could have handled it better and differently and the whole thing would've never seen the light of day. There's nothing illegal about the actual action. But because of the way it was done, we now get to watch the whole thing get aired and be further sickened by the bullshit that goes on.
And we have to wonder if we'll even get the truth. Although the chances of that are probably better than I think given that these idiots continue to send "classified" emails actually expecting that no one will ever find out. Christ
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