Posts tagged rant

State of the Union – My Take

Jan25
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

I am not one for writing about political matters, as it is one of those hot topics that is normally best left to the political experts. I am just your average US citizen. I like to think that I am informed, but I know that I am not as informed as I should be. I watched President Obama’s State of the Union address last night. The President laid out how he wanted to address the topics that we all think are important. I am not going to debate what  each point was or where I stand on it… I have my views and they are mine. Not going to share them. You have your opinions as well… Those are not the point of this post… The point is going to be my observation of what I heard and saw during the address to the nation.

When I heard – most Americans feel that Washington is broken. Well, that is my opinion. I don’t care which side of the liberal or conservative beliefs you are on… The fact is Washington is broken. There is no what that anyone is going to get anything really done in the current way Washington is working today. When the President was talking to the very simplest ideas of how things could be better. We all got to see that many stood and applauded and others sat and did nothing. There were a lot of examples of this. For me, I wanted to know where my Congressional folks were sitting and to see if they were in support or just sitting idly on their soft spot.  Why? Would let me know if my elected officials were doing the job that “I” want them to do. I was someone sickened by the way the display of the Congress is showing support for making America better.

How I am going to make it better? Well, that is a tough one – as I am only one person. I believe that actions have to start somewhere. I believe that I need to do something on my part to make where I live a better place. I owe it to my kids, grand kids and the future that comes. Back to my question, how am I going to make it better!

  • I have to first educate myself better on the overall reality of what I hear. I know that there is more ways to report out statistics and facts can get shifted a bit. I need to understand reality. I need to know more! Time to be an informed voter…
  • Understand how my elected representatives are doing with their voices and voting on those important topics. I need to see who is doing what, by their actions.  Asking the all important question, “are they acting on my behalf or their own?”
  • When it is time to vote… VOTE. The only way my actions are going to be heard is by voting. Doing my homework on the candidates, their past actions, promises that they make (and have kept) and the stance on “my beliefs”. I am only one vote, but if we all get out their and do our part, then change can happen.
  • Get involved… Spend time meeting with or corresponding with your elected officials. Time for them to hear my voice… If I think they are doing a good job on something – let them know. If I think they are off base – let them know (with options).

I hope to never witness a sight like I saw last night. When we see the party lines being drawn in a State of the Union address. Has this been going on forever? Yes, but it is time to stop. The President used an analogy to the US soldiers and how they must work together to accomplish their mission – or it will fail and people could get killed. He was trying to call out each branch of government on this. We are at a crisis level on almost everything – it is time to really work together to insure that America is the best it can be.

So, I am putting on notice to all of my elected officials: I am going to learn more, review your performance and let you know my thoughts. You want to stay working for me – you better be doing what is in my best interest (I am just like every other 98% of America).

Step up or get out of the way…

Photo: Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

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Observation: Generations Are Different

Nov22
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

This week is Thanksgiving. For me, it is time to spend with family and friends. As part of preparations for Thanksgiving, my wife started the self-cleaning setting on the oven. The smell of that working, just drove me out of the house. So, I went to my usual spots that offer free wifi by the house (Starbucks and Basha’s). I had plenty of time to sit and observe people. I enjoy people watching!

Today was an outstanding day for it. At the local Starbucks there were lines both in the drive thru and inside. I just sat and watch the interaction around me. Since the lines were not going down (more people just kept coming in), I went to a different area of the shopping center, Basha Grocery. Another place that was pretty full in the sitting area. I pulled up a spot on the counter and observed there. What I was watching was the different generations and how they go about their morning routine.

Inside Starbucks, they were pretty full with generation X and Y folks. A few boomers were in the house, but very few. Watching the folks interact definitely demonstrates the difference within the generation. Most of the X’ers were busy discussing with each other how long the lines were, how much they were looking forward to Thanksgiving and how bad the economy and the political leadership was doing. There were a few of them busy working away on their laptops. I noticed email mostly.  The Y’s were busy too, they did not share many words with anyone. They were busy using their smart phones to stay on top of things. In fact, one mother said to her daughter, “will you put that thing down, all you ever do is use that thing 24×7.” The reply back was pretty good, “well, you are communicating with your friends and so am I – they are just not here.”

When I was in Basha’s, the crowd was definitely different. The folks that hang out there in the morning are mostly baby boomers. They were drinking their Starbucks and having donuts. They spent most of their time talking with whoever passed by. Many of them were sitting by themselves and were just reading the paper or sitting in silence until someone walked by. It was definitely a gathering place for them. Their conversations were centered on health, family and worries about social security.

When you are out and about, take some time to just observe people. Look at the difference of folks, like age, and how they interact differently. This will help you interact better with them. When I was in Basha’s, I said hello a lot. I needed to be prepared to have discussions with folks that I just did not know. We talked about everything and anything. In Starbucks, it was bit different. For most of the folks, they just looked at me and moved on with their morning routine. For the some of the Y’s, they would see my laptop and smart phone, and would stop to say hi. I just needed to have some of their “toys” to seem to fit in.

Communicating with the different generations is sometimes difficult. When I was with the boomers (my peeps), they settled to hear a bit but their stories were really good. The generation X folks, they were the one group that did not open up. They pretty much kept to themselves. For the generation Y folks, they opened up pretty easy (once they saw my toys) and we had some really good technology discussions. They focused on what I use, what they use and were open to trying new things. Overall, it was a great morning!

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Leaders Needed Now!

Sep22
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

I wrote a blog post in a past life (companies internal blog) in 2006 that was focused on the “Good ol’ Days.” I wrote it because we all have memories and perceptions of the past. Usually for the better. I bet if I stop and ask 100 people about their perceptions of the past – over 95 would have a very positive outlook on the past. Hence the good ol’ days. Is it because we like to remember only the good stuff in those memories? Were they really better times back then? Maybe it is a bit of both.  I want to focus this post on leadership. When you think about leadership, think about a leader in your mind. Who is it? Do they come from a time that is part of the “good ol’ days?” I hate to write a political based post, but with the examples of past and today – it is very too easy to say the past is far better than today. I am hard pressed to really call out any one great example of our political leadership for the positive.  Is that strange? Maybe today’s leaders need more time to do there stuff. Maybe it is because I am much harder on today’s leaders?

You stop and think about that for a moment. Do you have a leader that steps the forefront, one that you say – that is a leader? Anyone today? All of what I would call great leaders are in the past (John Kennedy, Ronald Reagan). Look at the mess that we are in, our economy, lack of jobs, attempted recovery that has cost billions, debt and the list goes on. Looking at a recent Gallop poll shows the lack of confidence in our so-called leaders. We elected them. Congress is running at 15% approval rating. Our President is bouncing in the 40′s for an approval rating (usually goes up after one of his well prepared and delivered speeches). Why is everything so low?

  • Look at the list of issues that are going on all at the same time. Economy, lack of jobs, failed attempts at reform, debt and lack of pulling together to get the job done. Maybe this is too much? I don’t remember this much going on back in the good ol’ days. Again, maybe I can only remember the best of times. Having too much on the plate definitely causes a lack of focus. So, maybe pick a couple of issues, fix them completely (not argue about it). I do remember that whatever was going on in the past, we did what was necessary and got through it. Are we going to get through it – now? Of course, but it is going to be extremely painful. We need real leadership to make that happen. Since we elected the last group, and the confidence level is at 15% – time for some huge changes. Time for us to act.. We need folks that will act!
  • Observing leaders actions are something that are very telling. When you really look at the leaders of our country, you see folks that are worried about how we perceive them. I know I stated the Gallup poll results, I bet our political leadership looks at approval ratings. Worried more about how we see them, rather than the actions that they do. Leadership is not about worrying about how your followers think about you as a leader. It is about the vision, goals and the leaders actions – that is why we follow. Stop worrying about what everything is thinking about you. Get out and get it done… Stop working against each other and get together for what is needed for this country. Enough already.
  • People are just sick and tired of reading and watching the news. Today, we get instant information. That comes with good and bad. I like it, when stuff is out for public consumption. Don’t hide anything. The downside is we usually don’t get much good news. The facts sometimes are not fully disclosed until it is too late. If we are tired of what we see and hear – we show it in the confidence level that our political leaders are getting today.
  • This one maybe a slap in the face, but maybe some of those folks best days are behind them. Their best work was years ago.. Time for a change!

Maybe it is me, but I see today’s political leaders as not leaders. Like I wrote earlier, I did not want this to be focused on the political aspects only. Principle’s of leadership apply and it is time for some much needed leadership in political office.  So, what can you do?

  • Get educated in politics. Don’t just sit back and look at the candidates when it is an election year. Stay aware of what is happening real time. Understand what is going on with the hot topics of the day (well, pick the ones that are really important, there are way too many).  What actions are happening. Who is really making a difference, if any.
  • Action is what is important now. So, when you hear words – wait for actions. No actions, then they failed. I don’t have any political aspirations, but if you do and action is your middle name… Go forth.
  • Let your leadership know your “true” feelings. Since they are worried about how we perceive them. Write to them, tell them exactly is on your mind. They were voted in to act on your behave. Time to stop all the party positioning and let’s roll up the sleeves and get to making stuff happening.
  • Rethink your past votes. Look at their performance today (not their past re Watching what some of the voters did in Arizona with recalling a failing leader. I was pretty excited to see that folks are taking control. It is costly, but probably not as costly as leaving them in.

Look when you are out in the world.. And you see a lack of leadership in the organization you are working in – you have choices. You chose to follow particular leaders. With our political system, that is hard, but not impossible. We need to step up and take control. Our future and the future of our kids, depends on it.

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Labor Day – Thoughts

Sep05
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

Does anyone really know what Labor Day is all about? When it became a national holiday? What does it really mean to you? I did a little research to find out that this holiday was a rush job through Congress to get recognized. It took a whole 6 days to get done. I guess back then, Congress did not debate and hold up everything. Getting back to Labor Day, it became a national holiday 1894 when following some deaths of workers during the Pullman Strike when President Cleveland reconciled with the labor movement.

I was thinking back over the years to some of the other things I have heard.

  • We celebrate it as an end of summer.
  • How about this one? Labor Day is the last day of the year for women to fashionably wear white.
  • Kicks off football.. September usually is the start of the NFL and NCAA football.
  • When I was growing up. Labor Day was really the start of a new school year. There are still locations that wait to around Labor Day to start up..

I like to think of Labor Day is a day to celebrate for the working men and women. With way too many folks not working these days, puts a damper on Labor Day. Maybe I will have to look at this holiday as some of the off the wall ones above. Or hopefully, Congress and the President will look back on when in 1894 Congress was able to act quickly and make a decision. Only 6 days… We need action now more than ever… We need more jobs! Not the call for more jobs, but actually jobs. How about it folks?

 

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Sorry, Well Sort of

Aug31
2011 6 Comments Written by Steve

As some of you will remember, I posted my thoughts after I was interviewed a few weeks back. Well, I got a response.  That particular position was not for me… Not something that anyone ever wants to hear. We all like to think that we are the perfect candidate for any position that we apply for. I know that is not true, I completely understand. What was disturbing to me is how this particular communication was done. There was no phone call! Email was used. Not a personal email from the hiring manager or anyone. An automated system generated form email response. The ones that politely say we regret to inform you that you have not been selected. Pretty personal stuff, right?

I have interviewed well over a thousand or so folks in my 28+ years as a manager. If I talked to anyone, I owed them a personal phone call to communicate my decision. I fully understand that this is a time consuming process of reaching out and communicating your decision. If you were good enough to make it through the screening process and interviewed twice – you should at least get a call. Why not? Afraid of the potential conflict or an awkward situation? Any adult would feel disappointed in not being selected. We all want to feel that we really were the right person for the job. Fact is, we were not. Someone was selected over you. It happens… I for one, am not one to take it personal. I would like to get some feedback. Only fair?

When making that call, which I have always done.. I would do the following:

  • Communicate my decision. “I am calling to inform you that you were not selected for my current open position. I am sorry to say. I would like to share some of my thoughts on the interview and your qualifications for the opening.” I would then go onto communicate the impressions that were shared in the interviews.
  • Be honest. Sharing your impressions and the impressions of the interview team can be tricky. If they are not experienced enough to get the job, tell them what they potentially needed to work on. I know, some folks are going to come out and probably be defensive on this, but the interview plainly did not demonstrate that the experience was there. Maybe doing a better job in sharing that experience will help in the future.
  • Ask for questions. Ask the candidate if they have any questions. Be honest with your answers to the questions.

Maybe it is the sign of the times – Automated Messages. It is bad enough that we get them when we submit for a job, wait around and never hear back. Once you have interviewed, we now have people involved. Especially if you have made it to the short list. Two separate interviews by two levels of the organization. Getting personal, I think.

Me being me, I found an email from someone within the company and sent them an email, to see if maybe the two folks that I interviewed with could provide some feedback. It has been a long time since I was on the other end of interviewing. Maybe my passion was really a bit much. Maybe this or maybe that. I am not really sure.

UPDATE: Over a week has gone by and nothing back in email from my request. I will probably never know really “why”. 

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Watch Out, A Question Could Be …

Jun01
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve
Question mark

Image via Wikipedia

Ever have one of those projects or work assignments that just don’t make sense? How about the project that just keeps on going and going (like the Energizer Bunny)? Have you ever had a what was thought to be a question, turn into a full scale project or in depth analysis? Over the years, I have too many of these to count! It is amazing how many I can remember like they were yesterday. Those particular projects or work assignments just pop to the forefront of my mind. I got a question the other day, “why does it happen sometimes and not other times?” Great question! Really got me looking back for an answer. I started looking at the basics of why and how those projects were started. There were many reasons but when I strip back to just the one’s that went nowhere or really were costly with no real return. I come out with a simple answer – they pretty much all started like this. Someone high up asks, “Have we looked at XYZ?” or “Could we use XYZ?” or “What would it cost to do XYZ?” Great questions that get passed down leader to leader to the ones doing the work. Think back to the experiment in elementary school about a simple sentence that is said to one and passed through the rest of the class. Do you remember the last one saying what he heard? Well, that exercise lives on when we are adults. That simple question turns into a full blown analysis that requires more understanding, trials, support, negotiations and then an ROI.

This example is not real, but I bet many folks could relate something that they have had to work on to this example. CEO comes from a trade show where he/she was a guest speaker. Ran into something that trade show that looked interesting and thought maybe this could be something for his/her company. Upon returning, asks CIO, “has your team looked at this software?” Could be a competitive hammer over our current software (if not better). CIO at the time does not know, so fires off an email to the VP of engineering. VP to Director and then Director to Product Line Manager – you get the drill. By the time it gets to PLM – we have a fully sanctioned project. With extremely tight timelines and lots of “important” eyes are watching.

We should all have questions that need some level of understanding. Leaders have to have answers to questions. The important point to remember is your question just for basic understanding or do you really want an in depth analysis? What level of cycles are you going to let your people work on something? Does other work that is already being performed get disrupted by answering a question. Well, those simple points sometimes are not reviewed or positioned properly.

Lots of people are engaged on this now “important” project. Work is getting done and information is starting to be gathered. Reviews up the chain are happening and more in depth questions come popping out. Of course, what was the original intent of the question is not reviewed. Project is almost completed and a larger report out is made to VP and CIO. Plenty of work done, some more still needed if we want to move forward… CIO discusses with CEO. CEO says, “Wow, lots of work went into this. Why? I only asked have we looked at it, could we use it and should we use it?”

How to avoid these useless exercises in the future, as the leader you need to:

  • Be clear in your question. What is the intent? What are you trying to learn, do or make happen? A simple question can turn into much more than you intended.
  • Set a timeline that fits your level of need in the question. If it is just a simple answer, then give it a short timeline. Don’t give an a deadline of enough time that much more can get done than needed. If you ask your leader for a timeline to get the answer back – listen for understanding of your question. If that lower level leader is asking for too much time – than the likelihood that they will be doing more than necessary is a sure thing.
  • Recognize that sometimes “no” is a good thing. Do you really need an answer? Putting your organization into a get an answer, maybe a waste of their time. You should survey that before you ask. I don’t know how many of those projects, I heard – “that is much more information than I asked for.” Damn, did I just waste my time?

If you are assigned one of these projects or work assignments.. It is easy to just go off and do. Many times the questions you need to ask, will help define what really is needed. I have learned not to assume that the leaders above you had the answers. They maybe telling you their understanding of the question. Going to the direct source maybe hard, but in the long run – it could pay off.

 

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What is High School for?

May06
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

I found a great blog post from Seth Godin.. It was his “What is High School for?” Simple and powerful statements. Something needs to change. When I recently was hiring new employees – there has been a big change in the quality level. Below is that list..

• How to focus intently on a problem until it’s solved.
• The benefit of postponing short-term satisfaction in exchange for long-term success.
• How to read critically.
• The power of being able to lead groups of peers without receiving clear delegated authority.
• An understanding of the extraordinary power of the scientific method, in just about any situation or endeavor.
• How to persuasively present ideas in multiple forms, especially in writing and before a group.
• Project management. Self-management and the management of ideas, projects and people.
• Personal finance. Understanding the truth about money and debt and leverage.
• An insatiable desire (and the ability) to learn more. Forever.
• Most of all, the self-reliance that comes from understanding that relentless hard work can be applied to solve problems worth solving.

I’m pretty sure that we can all agree on those.. When I think back to my days of high school (that is a ways back), not all were covered, but many were. The ones that I took to heart were life long learning, scientific method, leading peers, relentless hard work and solving problems with focus. I would also like to challenge parents to instill some of these as well. I would like to add just a couple…

• Keeping sports and arts for mind and body improvements. Taking care of yourself. Also adding competition and drive for excellence…
• Help find that inner passion. What will fuel you to be great?

Anything you want to add? Or subtract?

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Is Hockey Gone in Arizona?

Apr22
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve
Phoenix Coyotes

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What a stupid question to be asking? As a life-long fan of the NHL and hockey in general, I just can not believe that this maybe the reality for the place I live.  I have been involved in hockey in Arizona for many years. As a adult league player, coach (youth, travel and high school), referee and HS board member. I have been to many professional games in the state (IHL and NHL), youth games (too many to count), college club games and junior games. I am a fan!

There is one thing for sure, those that follow hockey are a family. The “hockey family” is hurting right now. I don’t want to see the Phoenix Coyotes move! I now completely know how the Winnepeg folks felt when the very same team moved to Phoenix. It is very tough. The players have done an amazing job with helping make hockey a success in Arizona. For the past two years, they have had to be in the center of not knowing what is going on. But, they still kept working hard and doing the best that they can. Rumors of staying, relocating, staying, going. They are people and no one needs to be put through that.

So what gives? From a life-long fan of the sport. From a person that gets up extremely early to take his kids to practice. From a person that played well after midnight. From a coach that has had the pleasure of meeting thousands of players, parents and other coaches. I would like to say that politics, strikes again. Let’s look at some stuff:

  • Past ownership needed their own building for hockey.. No doubt! America West Arena was designed for basketball and not hockey. Going to the game was difficult for certain seats. Scottsdale location fails.. Hum, political?
  • Glendale steps up and wins the location of the stadium. Of course, the owner at the time was a developer of much of the site. Hum… Glendale for those that don’t know metro-Phoenix – is on the West side. The stadium is off of the freeway system. Die hard fans – make the drive. Winning “new” fans when you have to drive a bunch is difficult.
  • Goldwater Institute has been actively stating that the sale of the team to the new ownership is breaking some of the gift rules of the state. Seems that some of the work that Glendale officials have proposed for the sale – have the hairs on the back of some of the Goldwater folks neck standing up. Is that political?

I was asked a simple question by a very small person (kid) – “What is going to happen to the stadium now?” I did not have an answer – other than they will have to find another tenant. Maybe more concerts or something like that. 

Next questions was probably the one that got me the most, “What about all the people that work there? Will they lose their jobs?”  Definitely will be a problem for many folks. Arizona economics will be impacted. Now, that is a political hot potato. Don’t we want to keep people working? Don’t we want the other teams fans coming to Arizona to spend their money? I just that is not important.

I may sound like I am on a soapbox. I really would like to see the Phoenix Coyotes stay. I really would like the ownership situation to get settled. I want the players to not go through anymore of this turmoil. I want the team to move forward and continue to build on the success of the past two seasons. Maybe this it too much to ask for.

How about this? Hey Goldwater Institute – TIME TO MOVE ONTO SOMETHING ELSE! You did your due diligence, but move to something more pressing… If you are a political watchdog – then what about all the other stuff that our state government folks are proposing – focus on some really meaningful, please.

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Drivers – Older Better?

Apr08
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

Ever get a speeding ticket? Had a traffic violation? Anything that made you take a defensive driving course. Well, I have and it was just completed this week. So, this one is fresh in my mind. I took mine – on line… It is a wonderful thing to sit down and complete this course in your own home, without having to attend a weekend session. Not that attending a weekend session is a bad thing. It is the weekend and you have to see other people…. They are wondering what you did to have to go to class (and you are probably thinking the same thing). Enough about that, this post really is about something that I think is important – when and how to insure that senior drivers should hang up their driver license? It is an interesting question.. Statistics show that new teenage drivers and senior (over 55) drivers are the major cause of accidents. Not shocking, but definitely shows that if we did not let the new teen drivers get experience – they would not get better at driving. What about the senior drivers that should stop – do you just not let them work through it?

As we get older stuff happens.

  • Our eye sight gets worse. I guess I was lucky, I did not need reading glasses till I was older than 50. Driving at night becomes more difficult – in fact, I bet if you drove around a senior community, most cars parked. Vision definitely gets impaired, but is correctable to some degree.
  • Injuries and body parts failing. I have already had one hip replacement. Good thing it has not really effected my range of motion, but it can. I see many senior folks, riding around in scooters to help them get around. Then I see them get into the driver side of their cars… Hum? If you can not walk without assistance, how are you going to work the pedals (gas and brake).
  • Medications.. I can say that my intake of meds is higher than at any point in my life (and it will probably get worse). Ever read the label of that come with the meds… Should you drive? I think they call that driving while impaired.
  • Reflexes.. I know for me – my reflexes are still good, but not like when I was in my 20′s or 30′s. When do I know when the reflexes have started to fail me?
  • Judgement.. As we get older we like to think we know more and are a better drivers. Hell, we have 30, 40, 50 years of driving under our belt. We have seen everything (as long as the eyesight is still good)!

There probably are more, but I think you get the point. There are many things that will happen over time.. When they all add up (or maybe just one of them) causes driving a vehicle to be dangerous for themselves and others – it is time to take the license away. Who does it?

  • DMV – well, they probably could put in a written, eye test and driver test again.. Much like we had when we first got our license. At what age do you make that call? 55? 65? 70? 80? I can hear the age discrimination claims a flying.
  • Doctors – Interesting.. They either have worked on your body, prescribed medications or know your full mental or physical capacity. Should they alert the DMV? At the very least have that conversation with their patient. Which they probably do…
  • Family members – for sure! Now that is an interesting conversation. Mom or Dad, we have been noticing that you are having an extremely difficult time getting around. We are concerned about your safety when you are in the car. I really think it is time for you to sell the car and turn in your driver’s license. I can just hear what my father would have said…
  • Driver them-self – probably should happen. Just a difficult thing to say and do. Losing your independence and freedom to come and go as you please.

There is no perfect solution to this problem. I just know that this problem is getting worse every year. As the population is living longer. Maybe a combination of all of the above should happen. Doctors need to be upfront and communicate to the patient and their families (enough of patient only information). When it comes to driving in a car – everyone can be a danger to themselves and others. Families need to have that difficult discussion and realize that their lives are going to change. For me, I had to drive my kids around before they were old enough to drive. I guess I will have to drive my family around when they get too old to drive themselves.

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Az Government – Where To Begin…

Mar19
2011 2 Comments Written by Steve

I have written only a few posts that really get me fired, but up not in a good way… This one is one of those that I really have had to craft very carefully. I am a very long standing Republican and have been normally a supporter of what the party stands for and most of their actions, but no longer. I have been struggling with the party for sometime now. I am completely fed up with the Republican party. There are two reasons that just have sent me over the edge. Immigration reform legislation introduced has shown a side that I do not want to be associated with. Flat out wrong for even thinking  this stuff. I have had a long standing argument about cutting education and now I have to say that all but one Republican voted to cut more cuts in education from the Republican governor’s proposed budget. I believe now is the time for some real change…

Do those Republicans have kids in Arizona public schools? Maybe some of them have grand-kids – are they in Arizona public schools? Do they really think that cutting education in Arizona is a good move? Have they read how well (or not well) the students in Arizona do in comparison with other states? We may not be dead last, but with continued cuts we can be guaranteed to get closer. What were they thinking? What are they thinking? Do we have to continue to see party affiliation be the death of true change?

Here is a thought? You want to cut education’s budget, fine how about cutting the salary of the newly elected Republicans to their political seats? How about the new Education Superintendent take a leadership role, much like other business leaders in times of crisis? Take a salary of $1 until things turn around. Let’s add all of the state elected “leadership” take a $1 salary until they turn around the budget..

Why continue to cut education? Simple answer – they all know we will not let bad things happen to our kids or grand kids. We will do whatever we must to make sure that they are taken care of. School District’s and cities will have no choice but to put up bond proposals or increase to taxes to help offset the funding cuts. Hell, it has been happening for quite some time. It will continue if the state does not get their collective act together. Here is what it looks to me – the federal government has failed to really make anything done in education work.. They love to pass it to the state’s to handle… Now the state of Arizona is failing to make anything done in education to work… So, let’s pass it to the school districts, cities and their communities to make it happen. What next?

  • Pass it onto the teachers?  Well, my wife the teacher gets paid less per hour than minimum wage. She uses that salary to help fund her classroom. I doubt we can squeeze more there.
  • Pass it onto the parents? I mean, 100% home schooling with no help or oversight by the state. Have one administrative person send out all testing necessary. The total cost will be close to nothing.. Stop and think for a minute what you envision the future to look like.
  • Make public school pay per instruction? Wait, that is almost like private school. What I mean is no funding for any school (public, private or charter) from any of the state’s funds. Many countries have close to that situation – how well is it working?
  • Get smart and really refund education? Tough task and one that needs to happen. Are our leaders today capable of handling that? I truly doubt it.. They have yet to demonstrate any real ability to change anything.

Anyone else fired up? Anyone else really sick and tired of what is happening? I have some actions that I am going to do..

  1. Changing my party affiliation to independent.. I can not continue to say I am a Republican – when I do not support the party…
  2. I will continue to be active in education (site council, volunteer in classroom).. I plan on getting more active – by attempting to get myself more involved where I can make some changes… School board, city council and maybe state government. It is time to really make change – I am sick and tired of hearing it and not seeing it..

How about you?

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