TOPIC: Election 2006

<br />My daughter's "family" consisted of a diverse group of loving, caring people.  As a single mother, with my father who disloaned me, a sister that never saw my daughter until she was 8 years old and my daughter's father ...em..... sowing his oats,  I can say with out a doubt, that we managed to give her a unique up-bringing.  I worried nearly consently if I was doing the right things in raising her.  Now 31, my daughter is someone I am very proud of.  She is everything a parent woud wish for - well adjusted, smart and a very responsible person.<br /><br />Families are what you make.<br /><br />*gets off soap-box* <br />

<br /><br />I think Fern turned out so good mainly because of Warren!  :angel12:  <br /><br />He has kept my alignment out of the "Evil" category for about 25 years now.  <Damn...has it been that long since we first tackled the Forgotten City...?><br /><br />Of course, he has also kept it out of the "Lawful" zone as well...hee hee<br /><br />Seriously, Warren is an incredible guy...and an awesome influence to us all.

There's no doubt that Warren brings the best out of us all. 

<br /><br /><br />Families are what you make.<br /><br />

<br />This is what I'm trying to say!!

'Families: Because no one else would willing deal with your crap'<br /><br />Heck, I should make one of those inspirational posters out of that.

I have to agree with the notion that History and geography has been pushed aside in our schools.  I recall History being very boring in high school; it was taught by the football coach.  I think he wanted to just coach football, but in order to get the job, he had to teach history too.  His lack of enthusiasm showed.  It wasn't until I got to college that I realized how interesting history was.  I was so interested, in fact, that I became a history major.  <br /><br />I try to respect other people's views, but sometimes in frustration I say, "My views are more valid than yours.  At least mine are based on some knowledge and facts."  How can some people have valid opinions on the present geo-political situation in the world if they know nothing of the past and why things are the way they are?  <br /><br />My issues with the education system run deep:<br /><br />1.  Simply throwing more money at education will not solve the problem.  We have steadily increased spending every year and now spend more per student than ever.  It's time for a different approach.<br /><br />2.  There needs to be discipline in the schools.  Kids can do anything they want, and they know it.  Part of the problem here is parents that "protect" their kids no matter what.  It seems many parents perceive disciplinary action against their child as a direct assault on their parenting skills.  <br /><br />3.  Teachers need to be better educated.  Statistics show teachers tend to be average students in college, with the high achievers presumably seeking out more lucrative jobs.  Standards should be high for teachers.  In addition, they should actually study in college what they will be teaching.  I looked into getting certified to teach while in college, but I would have had to drop History as my major and become an "Education" major.  I think it is a mistake to spend so much time teaching how to teach rather than teaching the actual material.  <br /><br />4.  Money for school districts should not be based on property taxes.  This creates an inherent disadvantage to schools in low income areas.  <br /><br />Ugh, I could go on forever!