How Safe Is Your School?

Following the aftermath of the mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school, parents nationwide are nervous about the potential risk of a similar incident in their local schools.  In recent years, schools have implemented security and police officers into their school system to deter threats, but are they enough?

The key to school safety is not in the number of individuals providing security, but rather the process of providing security, such as metal detectors, locked doors, restricted access, and other methods.

If you were to go to your child's school today, what access restrictions would you face?  Would you walk through metal detectors at the main entrance?  Would you be able to walk unnoticed from the unlocked doors to your child's classroom?  Would there be a security officer at the door to meet you and direct you to the main office to sign in?

Having worked as a school security officer in the past, I can say it is vital for every school to have someone continuously monitor any unlocked doors into the school, and have only one access into the building (preferably the front entrance).  Also, every school should conduct lock-down drills at least twice during the school year to allow all children and staff an opportunity to discuss and learn proper procedures in case of an actual emergency.

The school I worked at did not allow me to monitor the unlocked main doors during the school day.  Anyone could walk into the school building unnoticed, walk up to the Administration window, and rapidly shoot several staff members within seconds.  To me, this is a disaster waiting to happen.  Tighter security measures are needed to make this school safer.

Is your school safe?

....Just a Thought......

Marriage Laws

I am not one who cares to share political views publicly on Facebook very often, but this year there is one issue that has been making headlines in Minnesota for months.  On November 6, 2012, Minnesotans will be asked to vote on a Minnesota Constitutional Amendment regarding Marriage.  The amendment is in regards to whether the State shall recognize only the union of one man and one woman in marriage.  The proposed amendment reads as follows:

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CHAPTER 88--S.F.No. 1308

An act

proposing an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution; adding a section
to article XIII; recognizing marriage as only a union between one man and one
woman.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

    Section 1. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROPOSED.
An amendment to the Minnesota Constitution is proposed to the people. If the
amendment is adopted, a section shall be added to article XIII, to read:
Sec. 13. Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a
marriage in Minnesota.

    Sec. 2. SUBMISSION TO VOTERS.
(a) The proposed amendment must be submitted to the people at the 2012 general
election. The question submitted must be:
"Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide that only a union of one
man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota?

		Yes .....
		No ..... "

(b) The title required under Minnesota Statutes, section 204D.15, subdivision 1,
for the question submitted to the people under paragraph (a) shall be "Recognition of
Marriage Solely Between One Man and One Woman."
Filed with the Secretary of State May 25, 2011

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/?id=88&doctype=Chapter&year=2011&type=0

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 As to how I intend to vote on this ballot, I am not going to divulge my decision.  What I do want to share with you is my opinion of the ballot itself.  I have always been a very strong supporter of the U.S. Constitution, and feel the ballot is a violation against the "Separation of Church and State" phrase within the U.S. Bill of Rights First Amendment.  As you know, the text of the Amendment reads "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."  If you go back and read the first part, it says, "...or protecting the free exercise thereof..."   Although the U.S. Constitution is in regards to Congress, I do believe the "Separation of Church and State" refers to the separation between religion as a whole and individual states.  In other words, Minnesota (and other states) violate this clause when they propose and/or pass legislative issues related to church and/or religion.  I believe Marriage is a sacred act that is passed down through centuries as a religious act, and is an issue that should not be legislated by our state or national government.

I would like to close by sharing part of a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote to a Baptist group in Massachusetts in 1802.  He very eloquently shared his views on what is now known as the "Separation of Church and State" clause:

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"Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church & State. [Congress thus inhibited from acts respecting religion, and the Executive authorised only to execute their acts, I have refrained from prescribing even those occasional performances of devotion, practiced indeed by the Executive of another nation as the legal head of its church, but subject here, as religious exercises only to the voluntary regulations and discipline of each respective sect.] Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties."

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......Just a Thought.........

Political Follies

Ah, you can definitely tell it is a Presidential Election year.  No matter where you look, you see political ads plastered all over the media, including Facebook.  I am finding it difficult to go on my page and not see articles, images and wall posts related to Obama and Romney.  Now, I understand everyone has opinions about either candidate, but I am finding the postings to be largely opposed to Obama and the Obamacare issue.  Granted, Obama is President, but really.....is it necessary for people to be so hateful and biased of him?  After all, he was elected by the majority of popular votes, as well as electoral votes.  Also, he has had to deal with issues passed on to him from previous presidents.  I personally find it unfair for so many people to slam someone who has tried to better our nation, and being blamed for congressional acts and bills that he had no control over.  Also, it should be mentioned that he still holds a strong presence in public polls throughout the country, giving Romney a run for his money.  Maybe if people would take time to actually review all of the good things Obama has done the past four years, they wouldn't be so biased and prejudiced of our current President.  Time for everyone to take a step back and take a deep breath.  We all live and share the same country.  Let's show more respect for the man representing our country for a few more months.  If the majority do not approve of his administrative duties and skills, the election results will reveal a new president.  Until then, Barack Obama is still our President.

......Just a Thought.

Pursue Your Education!

Speaking from the heart of a professional student, I would like to encourage all high school graduates to seriously consider their future right now.  What do you want to achieve in life?  What are your goals in five years?  In ten years?  Or 20 years from now?  Are you ready to succeed in a career with only a high school diploma?  With the knowledge and education you received in high school, will you be able to reach your dreams without college?

Now is the time to consider your future, and try to focus on what type of career in want in life.  It is true that individuals in today's society may jump around in various careers in their lifetime, quite different than previous generations.  But now is the time to take that first step towards achieving your dreams and goals by enrolling in a college or training school.  Whether you pursue a short certificate program at a local community college, or seek a two-year or four-year degree, your future will be determined by your sincere desire to pursue more knowledge to provide yourself and a future family a more stable life in society.  Many companies or businesses now require at least two years of college education, with many more larger corporations requiring at least four years or more.

So now the choice is yours.  Are you ready to take that first step towards a successful career?  Colleges are waiting for you.  Be successful.  Reach your goals.  Fulfill your dreams.  Be educated.

........Just a Thought......

Diversity

"There is not a black America and white American and Latino America and Asian America - there's the United States of America."  Do you know who made that quote?  It was during the 2004 Democratic National Convention, by our current President, Barack Obama.

No truer words could have been said, nor could I have said it any better.  All 50 states of our nation are occupied by Americans of almost every nationality across the globe.  In fact, a few states already have a higher ratio of minorities than white Americans.  Our nation has become a "melting pot" of ethnicity and cross-cultural adversities.

Before one starts to base prejudicial thoughts or racial profiling, first consider a few facts.  First, our continent's predecessors arrived here by crossing a land barrier between Asia and North America tens of thousands of years ago.  These early inhabitants began their long journey from prehistoric Mesopotamia and North Africa.  Second, if we all were to trace our ancestry back far enough, we would see we are natives of what is now the Mid East.  And third, our more recent Ancestors arrived to this New World from every continent.  We now inhabit the most diversified nation in the world.

Obama's statement eight years ago still sets the stage for millions of Americans, striving to live and work in an environment of diversity.  One such workplace I am quite familiar with is IBM, here in Rochester, MN.  This world-renowned company stresses the importance of diversity, and has no racial bias when it comes to hiring.  Through Manpower Temps and other contractors, employees from all cultures work in harmony through teamwork.  I have yet to see any discrimination amongst my fellow peers or managers.  The company ranks at the top of my list of companies to work for.  If only other businesses and corporations would follow in IBM's footsteps and allow cultural diversity to flow free throughout our nation.

Indeed, President Obama's 2004 speech signifies the truth that we are a nation of many ethnic groups.  Fifty states of cultural diversity - a nation of many faces.

.......Just a Thought......

Letters to my 3 Dads

Letter to my Foster Dad:

Wow, I can't believe it has been 45 years since I last lived at your house.  I was really young back then, wasn't I?  I don't remember much of my toddler years, but do recall a few special moments, like when I had my own pet calf.  Remember when you used to crack the bull whip to scare us kids down at the barn?  Or when I would ride along when you and the boys would be out baling.  MaryLou and Janice remind me how sad you were the day I had to leave to go live with my new adoptive parents.  But remember how happy you and mom were when I came to your 50th Anniversary, and I stood at the front of the church to tell my story of living there for seven years?  Those were some very special years for me, which I will never forget.  Thank you for taking care of me while I was in your home.

Letter to my Adoptive Dad:

Where do I start?  You and mom were definitely loving, caring parents, but I always seemed to have a much stronger bond to you.  While there was such a large age gap between us, you seemed to know how to relate to me, and would always take time to spend father-son bonding time with me.  I will never forget all the times we spent together, teaching me how to drive, and how to shoot guns safely.  You were always there to comfort me when mom would be angry with me.  I missed you a lot when you passed away.  I know you and mom expected me to take over the farm when you were gone, but yet, you seemed to know in your heart that I wanted to choose a different path in my life.  For that, I will always be grateful of you.  Thank you for being a part of my life as my dad.

Letter to my Biological Dad:

Writing you is perhaps the hardest thing I have done in a long time.  We never met, and I know very little of you.  Remember when I located you through a friend of mine, and you wished I hadn't found you?  I had a hard time accepting your response and was heartbroken for several years.  But I still hope to learn more about you and what your life on earth was like.  No matter the results of my search, I will always love you because you are my dad.  And because we have Finley blood, we are strong fighters.  I proved that after birth, and am still fighting to be a man of good morals and character.  Because of you, I will continue to live life to the fullest, and cherish all past memories.  Thank you, dad, for giving me life.  Perhaps one day we will eventually meet in Paradise.

Modern Ghost Towns

Having lived around rural small town communities all my life, I have always had a vigilant eye on the dwindling decline of family-owned small businesses.  No matter where you go, you see vacant business buildings wasting away on main streets, sometimes several in a row, turning entire city blocks into blighted eyesores.

Fifty years ago you could shop door-to-door for hours, walking down block after block, finding everything from fresh bakery goods to major home appliances.  I remember when most small towns had department stores, several cafes, grocery stores, and even antique shops.  Today, you are lucky to find a single bakery shop or a car dealership anywhere in the entire town.  More likely than not, you will find corporate retailers or wholesale stores that have monopolized business in the community, nearly wiping out the family store owners.

Where has our society gone wrong?  Has the development of economic prosperity changed that much, that it has replaced small businesses with the "Big Box" giants?  How is it that companies, such as Wal-Mart, can walk into any small town's City Hall and claim to have a plan to "revitalize" the community with more taxes and jobs?  What has happened to our "Small Town" values?

When I Grow Up

When I grow up, I want to be a policeman.  Remember those days?  When we were little tikes, running around the house, tearing up every room, always dreaming about what we wanted to be when we grew up?

Well, I did want to be a policeman.  I used to watch all the cop shows when I was young, dreaming I would be an FBI agent someday.  Sad to say, I never made it to that level.  Perhaps being 52 and suffering from arthritis has put a damper o my dream, but at least I gave it a shot.

Having failed at one goal does not mean I have not achieved other dreams.  They say perseverance is critical to achievements.  I would have to agree.  I have always had lots of ideas and ambitions, only to have one after another knocked down over time.  Yet, I keep coming up with new ideas, hoping I will one day become successful in something.

Oh well.  As I always say, "Life goes on".  Maybe when I grow up, I will be a successful writer........

I can boldly say I am proud to be an American, a citizen of a free country.  But have you ever taken the time to reflect on all that has transpired over the past 236 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed?

Consider the trials and tribulations our young nation went through prior to independence from England.   Remember the brave families of the "Mayflower" Clipper that sailed the  Atlantic and land at Plymouth Bay?  Or, how about the Spanish explorers that first built Colonial Williamsburg?  Do you think they came to this New World to seek freedom from monarchy and persecution?

Our Founding Fathers were men who came to America to seek a new life for themselves, their families, and their offspring that followed.  Designing our Constitution was not an easy task.  Many years of planning, drafting, and redrafting the new laws caused many debates and arguments between the Colony's leaders, finally settling on the foundation of our nation, followed by the Bill of Rights.

Without the loyalty of our forefathers to forge a new nation under a new government, we would not be free citizens.  We have come a long ways since 1776.  Indeed, I am proud to say I am a Patriotic American.  Are you?

.....Just a Thought.

While thinking about Juvenile Justice at work, I couldn't but wonder what the best solution to dealing with bullies in school would be.  So many questions automatically pop up, complicating solutions further.  What constitutes labeling a person as a bully?  How do you distinguish the difference between bullying and harassing, or are they the same in certain situations?  How does one quantify a satisfactory punishment or base various degrees of bullying?

These questions are only the tip of the iceberg for any individual responsible for handling school bullying issues.  while victims suffer the greatest from such undue treatment, one needs to also structure a program to help rehabilitate the suspects.  Are those who bully others past victims themselves?  If so, were they bullied in school at an earlier age, or victimized at home by parents or other siblings, or perhaps from multiple sources?  Where do we start the learning process?  Shouldn't parents be more responsible for the child?  What triggers a child to become a bully?  Even more compelling, what causes a child to become a victim to such abuse?

We need to seek answers to both sides of the issues in order to reach solutions.  What can you do to improve the issue?

Prayer of a Tormented Child

Lord, why do people always pick on me?  What did I ever do to deserve to be treated like this?  There are so many days I wish I was dead.  When I go to school, other kids slam me against the lockers, hurting my back.  When I walk in the halls, guys walk by and knock my books out of my arms.  If I try to get a drink from a water fountain, someone pushes my head down into the water.  When I am in study hall, people throw spit balls at me.  When walking anywhere, I am called bad names.

Why, Lord, can't I talk to my parents about how I feel?  It seems like they are never around, or are "always too busy" to listen to me.  When I try to talk to them, they say they don't have time, or if I do tell them what happened in school, they think I am making it up.  Why can't grown ups understand the pain I am going through?  Is it that hard to figure out I am not happy?  Who else can I talk to that will listen to me?  Why are you, Lord, the only person that finds time for me?

Last night I thought about suicide, Lord, as you already know.  But I am glad I took time to talk to You and listened to You in my heart.  I now realize that no matter how bad people treat me, life is too precious to waste at such a young age.  I have too much to live for.  I know from my experiences, I can try to make a difference to others experiencing the same problems as me.  I know I have other friends who are mistreated as bad as I am, and they need an extra shoulder to cry on.  I know it will be difficult to get through the next two years of high school if other kids continue to torment me, but I know with my faith in you, Lord, I will make it.

Thank you Lord for being there for me.  I now know I will be a survivor.  With Your help, I will be able to find a caring person to listen to me, and to help me get through this terrible ordeal.  Without faith in you, Lord, I know I would not be here today.  Thank you for loving me.  Amen.

The issue of  bullying has recently become a passion of mine.  I have experienced being bullied when I was in school, and I totally detest those who bully others.  For the past several months, I have monitored an individual on Facebook group sites that we considered to be a bully and a troll (one who seeks out others to take advantage of).  However, after the recent loss of a young teenage girl from the Kasson-Mantorville school district, I have decided it was time for me to step up my efforts to see what I can do to help others deal with bullying.

Bullying has been around for centuries.  In fact, during the nineteenth century, society did not look at bullying to be an issue.  Instead, parents were allowed to treat children as they wished, and schoolmasters were often considered to be ones that instigated bullying by the way they treated students.  So, as one can see, the idea of kids bullying other kids became a norm that went on for many years, even here in the United States.

Today, however, civil rights groups have brought the issue to the forefront of the Justice System, causing laws and policies to be passed to help protect the rights of individuals to not be bullied.  Yet, as we all are aware, these laws and policies appear to have no effect.  Many school districts fail to enforce their own policies against bullying, much less enforce teachers to take action against any students they see bullying others.  This is not to say all schools fail to train their staff.  Many schools have become very vigilant and have reduced bullying greatly.

As community groups continue to publicize the issue, more parents and students are learning how to cope or reduce bullying.  It is not an easy task, but we are making progress.  We all need to do our part to publicize the dangers of bullying - and cyberbullying - on a daily basis, and to help make a difference to our children.

Just a thought..........

Facebook Addiction

Ever wonder what it is about Facebook that makes you wake up in the middle of the night, and wonder, "did I harvest my crops?", or "I need to finish up something on CityVille."  I haven't reached that point yet, but I definitely have found myself glued to my computer screen for hours at a time when I used to play several Facebook games.  I have managed to cut my games down to one or two now, but for about a year, I found myself addicted to group sites.  I started a couple on my own, got interested in similar groups, and lo and behold, I ended up with almost 50 group sites, many which I never even went into for over a month!  I ended up dropping out of the majority of those groups, keeping only those I was actively involved with, or that I started myself.

It is easy to get into the different games and group sites on Facebook, but more difficult to quit.  Sometimes a person needs to take a vacation break from Facebook altogether to reflect on the importance of using it, and if there is no importance, to find something else more valuable to your time.....perhaps family, work, or school.  That is the point I have reached - study time vs. Facebook.  Which is more important to me?

Just a thought.