Points to Ponder September 7th, Republican Debate

As most debates go, people tend to argue that whoever their favorite candidate happens to be is also the clear winner of the debate. Polling data may show favorable and unfavorable movement in the target audience. Still, these arguments can be fun for pundits and political junkies but of little value until voters cast their ballots. The information of most value in the latest GOP debate was brought to light afterward during the liberal MSNBC post event coverage. Rachael Maddow, Chris Matthews and Al Sharpton all began licking their chops at the idea of exploiting Rick Perry's comment (It's a Ponzi scheme) regarding Social Security. Scaring Seniors into thinking that Republicans will cut off their monthly checks has been an effective weapon for Democrats in the past. Look for more little old ladies being pushed over cliffs and under busses in Democrat campaign commercials. Another tactic to look for in the future is what I call the flat earth/global warming assumption. Leading men of Science once claimed the earth is flat and thinking otherwise was a crime. The left believes, and demands and that all people believe that global warming is man-made and is caused predominately by American Capitalism and consumption. When other countries pollute their skies in order to out compete American businesses it's not really pollution. That they call it global progress and wealth redistribution. Candidates who do not take the 'let the left define the science' point of view will be portrayed as feeble minded and in the pocket of anyone with a smokestack. Lastly, we come to the final liberal mind altering tactic. Each of the candidates proposed measures that would help the economy and job creation in particular. In general, they included tax cuts, fiscal control and easing burdensome federal regulations. However, as much as any right thinking American knows these measures will work to restore American industry and family security, the liberal MSNBC hosts insist on telling the audience that none of the candidates offered any substanitive plans for job creation. They did so to purposely leave their audience disatified with all the candidates. In short, left wing journalist have their marching orders for 2012 and it comes in the form of deception.

IS THIS REAL? The US and Afghan government is negotiating with the TALIBAN!

Can you believe that the Obama administration has authorized talks (ie consessions)with the Taliban? It is apparently true. This is the same Taliban that banned girls from school, brought back the burka and assisted Bin Ladin in the killing of Americans on 911. This is the same group that finances terrorism via the sale of opium on the black market. I would like to know why we are giving in to them rather than eleiminating them. Your comments are appreciated.

What if schools taught what people need?

Ask any HVAC repair company, plumming contractor, electrical contractor or computer repair and maintenace firm owner and they will tell you the same thing. Despite the recession, they can't hire enough trained people to handle all the business they could get. Why? Young people are being taught myriads of things they will never use or need, but little in the way of practical and important information. Many non-college oriented vocations have been shamed by the academics. Therefore, these programs have been forced out of secondary education. Gone from many schools are the auto shops, hair salons, metal and wood shops and printing presses. The back- to- basics movement is partially responsible for the demise. College prep or nothing programs have also made vocations suffer. Today, schools try to force hands-on oriented students to "sit-down, shut-up, don't talk and pick the best answer 'till you graduate!" One of the best kept secrets in America is that an electrician can make as much as a pediatrician. However, the academics feels one should be ashamed of that based on the years and levels of schooling differential. The true shame is on all the advisors and academics only advocates who shamed these children out of what might have been a happier and better life.

When will the schools "get it" when it comes to teaching foreign languages?

It is well known that children learn a second language best around the third grade. Their brain development is more receptive to new language retention at this time. As a result, it has been shown that children in other countries are more likely to retain this knowldge if taught at this stage of life. Unfortunately, in the Unite States, the majority of students are introduced to new languages in late middle school or early high school. This is why many of us have had 2 or 3 years of a language and little or no retention let alone fluency. In short, it means the time was wasted. What would it take to shift the teaching of languages to mid-elementary school? Would all these high school teachers be willing to change?

What's with the heavy bookbag?

My son is in the 11th grade. I used to complain to his school about him not getting textbooks. This year he was put in GT and AP classes. The GT and AP kids get textbooks while the general classes do not (Maybe they need books too?)One unintended consequence of finally getting books to take home -- my son's backpack weighs about 45 pounds. Modern textbooks are thick, use heavy gloss papers and massive pictures have replaced extensive text. Schools pay a fortune for these books too. They run $50 to $200 each and average at $100. That's a lot of money for a lot of pictures. Should school districts demand more reasonable and effective books?