Much may be made of what seems like permanent material when a stonecutter takes his tools and begins to work. The stonecutter aiming to break off a piece of a larger stone block hits the stone time and time again with his mallet and chisel. A final blow is struck and the stone breaks. The stonecutter knows the final blow was not the one that broke the stone. It was instead the accumulation of patient effort and many blows that led to the final changing of the stone. So it is with a nation trying to restore itself in the name of liberty and justice for all.
Many steps must be taken to insure the proper outcome. Some are already in progress with the administration's order to close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay. Detainees are humans who deserve the same rights and privileges as any other human being. Under our system of laws a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If we are to restore our lost standing in the eyes of the world we must begin to give the detainees the same access to trial we ask for ourselves. Those declared innocent must have their freedom restored. Those found guilty of crimes may serve their appropriate punishment under our laws.
If we are to become again a nation of laws rather than a nation of rules put forth by people ignoring the law we have much work to do. President Obama has already reversed many of the executive orders left in place by the last administration. Rules promulgated without adequate public notice are being reviewed and changed as the days continue to pass by. Like the stonecutter working at his task, the administration continues to strike one blow at a time in the name of justice and liberty.
We, the people, are the ones who will in the end be served best of all by a return to our founding principles. We must continue to be patient, but we need not allow these days to be the best we will enjoy. There is always a better nation right around the corner so long as we keep pushing for change and for real improvement.
Peace.
Quote of the week:
Violence is an admission that one's ideals and goals cannot prevail on their own merits. ~ Edward M. Kennedy
Millions in America were focused on the future. Billions, worldwide, anxiously awaited change. On January 20, 2009, the Presidential Inauguration was broadcast hither and yon. Barely a television, radio, computer monitor, or big screen was turned off. Most all tuned in to see Barack Obama take the Oath of Office. Nary a one were as moved as they were on that occasion.
Even several Republicans said they were excited. For countless, it seemed a light was turned on. Finally, the American people, our allies, and those who are often characterized as adversaries, had hope. We, collectively, believe it was possible to walk through the din that had been our doom and envision an Earth united.
The world was wowed with thoughts of what would be, as were many Constitutional scholars, concerned citizens, and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. Yet, there remained a persistent thought; our potential would not be fully realized. Several understood, as Senator Whitehouse so solemnly expressed in a speech presented on the Senate floor, a day after the festivities, As We Look Forward We Must Also Look Back. Few had an opportunity to see or hear an oration that was perhaps as honest and historic as the Presidents.
The Courts and Congress have come to believe there is reason for fear. Enemies are everywhere. Those who wish to do us harm are in our homes. They talk to us on our telephones. Some sashay in through our computers. "Evil doers" are ubiquitous in the United States. Our open society places the public at risk. We, the people, must defend ourselves. Thus, the Supreme Court and Congress have given the government and us the means. The highest judicial body in the nation has made it possible for the common man to protect himself with a pistol; Legislators provided the President ethereal firearms. Indeed, individuals and the Commander-In-Chief were bequeathed more than either had asked for. In 2008, we have entered the Summer of Separation. In the United States we say, "Farewell to privacy. Hello to arms."
On Thursday, SB 286 passed with little opposition in the Florida Senate. Legislators who voted for the bill either don't understand the English language and literacy learning needs of the .25 million English language learners (ELLs) in Florida schools, or they simply don't care. In either case, if this bill passes in the House of Representatives and becomes law, it will result in our failure to prepare Florida teachers to meet ELLs' very real needs to learn to read in English and to succeed in school. Whether SB 286 has been motivated and propelled by ignorance or by negligence, it represents a giant step backwards for our students.
The fact is that Florida teachers of reading to ELLs need more ELL-specific professional development than some apparently think. I use the case of "Holly" to illustrate. Soon after SB 286 was introduced in the Senate, a reading teacher named Holly wrote in to one of Florida's major newspapers to assert that, based on her experience, teachers do not need special preparation to teach reading to ELLs. Holly stated that she had not pursued the ESOL professional development required by the state because, she explained, "If I had wanted to become an ESOL teacher, I would have done so."
Indeed, Holly claimed that she was "proud to be a reading teacher." Holly went on to report that last year she had been assigned to teach reading to two classes of Haitian students. In spite of the fact that these recent arrivals spoke "almost no English," Holly noted emphatically that she "was NOT teaching these students English. We focused on phonics."
This issue confuses me, entertains me, scares me, and fascinates me. I am thankful that the "letter of the law" was followed, a warrant was granted and that is good, particularly in light of recent revelations. I do think the principles that guide society are important. I prefer to believe that politicians are altruistic; when bribes are buying influence, I shutter. Nevertheless, I am conflicted. Having experienced an administration that routinely violates the law [thus far, 750 of them in fact], alters the Constitution, and hides behind privilege, I fear for what might be.
Representative William Jefferson, a Louisiana Congressman is under investigation. The charge is bribery. Apparently, serious allegations have been made. It is said that this prominent political leader was videotaped accepting $100,000 from an informant.
The case against Mr. Jefferson has been building for months. This week the court awarded a search-and-seizure warrant. Federal Bureau of Investigation examiners were sent out. Ninety thousand dollars in cold, hard, and ice-covered cash was found in the Congressman's home freezer. The suspect's computer was taken from his office. The money, while fascinating, has caused little clamor. The legality and constitutionality of a Congressional office search has brought much comment.
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