Straight Talk

I was working with my daughter tonight … eight (8) years old.

Her teacher had asked that she ‘tell her more’ about two terms that are frequently used in weaving … warp and weft.

My daughter has been working with two of my elderly neighbors and had been working with a friend of mine (who is deeply involved with such things … visit her website) … The bottom line … My daughter has been working with weaving.

Her teacher made a challenge for understanding and hopefully my daughter will show her what she has learned.

As much of an internet ‘junkie’ that I am … we first used a set of encyclopedias that was recently gifted to my daughter by a good friend, Kathy Lauretano.  God bless you Kathy!

We then expanded on what we learned there by supplementing it with the internet.

By the end of the lesson, my daughter had a full understanding of the terms, not to mention a solid understanding of the terms horizontal and vertical.

Here is an example of how the old and the new can work ‘hand-in-hand’ to create total knowledge.

My daughter is learning that both ‘book’ and ‘net’ knowledge can combine to learn literally everything.

I say this because our Schools have decided to abandon the ‘old ways’ and replace them with the ‘new ways’.  Unfortunately, most of them don’t really understand the ‘new ways’.

POINT:  We must embrace the future … however … we must NOT abandon the past.  It may come back to haunt us!

At a recent North Canaan Board of Education meeting, a concerned citizen voiced displeasure with the schools ‘technology’ program and its results (Article from the Lakeville Journal).  She also expressed displeasure with the Douglas Library website and the Town of North Canaan website.

We will discuss the websites in a future post as well as address them on our weekly program.

The lady also questioned if the School was taking advantage of free software.

The answer from the School’s Principal, Rosemary Keilty, was that they found free software to be lacking.  She found the purchased software to be ‘much better’.

I take issue with that statement.

My own experience has shown me that the Open Office suite is equal to, if not better than the Microsoft Office suite.

I use many types of free software.  One of my favorites is the virtual printer, PrimoPDF, which can print any file to the PDF format.  The PDF can then be distributed and read by anyone using the FREE Adobe Reader software.

I will not endeavor to talk about all of the FREE software available in the realms of cyberspace, but I assure you it is wide and varied.

The use of such software in our Schools and Government systems could save us THOUSANDS of dollars each year.  We would save the ‘front end’ costs and no longer have to pay for expensive upgrades.

We would also be breaking free from the strangle hold that Microsoft seems to have on us in the software market.  This might actually cause them to respond when we complain about shortcomings in their software. (BTW … Microsoft is working on an upgrade to Office 2007 – Office 2010, now in Beta)

I would also mention that most of my knowledge of software comes from ‘hands on’ use.  I was never formally trained in any of the software that I use.  When I need advice, I refer to the help files (provided with the software) or I visit live software forums and interface with others to get the answers I need.

Technology seems so baffling to both Schools and Government organizations.  They believe that throwing our tax dollars into software, training sessions, consultants, and any other place they can find, is the answer to overcoming their problem.

As it is with English, Mathematics, Science, and so on … there are basic functions and rules that apply to all software operations.  Once we have taught those basics, we are ready to challenge our students by giving them assignments which make them work to reach the conclusion.  They must learn to problem solve by making mistakes along the way.  They learn to use the help resources that are available to them through the very machine they are working with.  Just think about all of the skills that are used and developed in this type of ‘teaching’ lesson.

Considering that software is always evolving, is it not reasonable to assume that we should not simply teach them how to use a particular piece of software in one set way?  Do we not fail our children when we keep ’spoon feeding’ them rather than challenging them?

One final thought … Maybe (just maybe) it is the people in charge who are holding back our children due to their own inability to use the skills needed in order to keep up with our ever-changing world.

I see today that the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has defaulted on its debt interest payments (see Hartford Courant article).  As you all know they are the owners of Foxwoods Casino.

You may ask … What does this have to do with local politics?

Let us think about all of this ‘Grant’ talk that is happening in this corner of the State.

While many are applauding the wisdom of the leadership (in various Towns), do any of these folks understand what is happening here?

Instead of taking care of our local problems by planning and proper budgeting, we are obtaining grants to fill the holes.  Most of this grant money is borrowed money, which is a debt we are passing on to our children and even our grandchildren.

These grants are not ‘real’ until the actual money is in the bank. They can be terminated before they are actually issued should the ‘grantor’ encounter financial problems.

This brings me back to the Mashantucket default … What does this mean for State revenue (where some of these grants come from)?

Who will ‘bail out’ this ‘Nation’?  They are sporting a $500 million dollar debt (in this case) and according to the report billions more.

Are we not in the current mess (at least according to our brilliant leaders) because of excessive debt taken on by the American people?

If that is the case, why is the answer that the Government goes into excessive debt to save our sorry … well … you know the word?

When do people start using their brains and think about what is going on?

The only solution to the financial crisis in this country is good planning and budgeting.

Whether you believe it or not, the Big Picture translates all the way down to the Little Picture, our own small towns.

Responsible government is what we need.  Irresponsible government is what we have.

Some think that the irresponsible government only exists in Hartford or Washington.

Let us not forget … The tree grows from the roots … Irresponsible government starts at the local level.

Irresponsible government is the direct result of irresponsible … if not down right ignorant … voters at the local level.

When I examine the traffic on this blog, something strikes me as funny (not in the ha-ha sense).

There are many viewers, however, there is a certain lack of comment.

Is it because this blog is about local issues and does not always portray everything as happy and hollow?

Is it because you are fearful that someone may spot you and give you grief when they see you on the street in your town?

Is it because you are oblivious to the realities of the world that exist in your own backyard?

Whatever!

Since this is the only blog in the Northwest Corner of Connecticut that deals with local political issues, it seems that folks would like to use it as a place to have their opinion heard.

You don’t have to identify yourself … you can hide behind a mask if you feel so inclined …

Or … Is it you don’t really have anything to say about the politics (local) that you can have the most impact on?

Hmmmmm … Maybe someday the intelligent folks in Northwest Connecticut will realize they live in America

Land of the FREE and FREE SPEECH!

I spoke of an incident in North Canaan this week concerning campaigning in our public schools during the just concluded local elections.

There are confirmed reports of at least three children wearing tee shirts encouraging a vote for a candidate, as well as at least one posting of a flyer encouraging a vote for the same candidate.

The candidate, Nicole Blass, happens to be the President of the North Canaan Elementary PTO.

Email to the Principal (Rosemary Keilty) confirmed that the  tee shirts were being worn at school, however the Principal told me she was not aware of the campaign flyer (which I saw for myself) on the Community Bulletin board as you enter the building.

The Principal, when asked about policy concerning postings on this bulletin board, told me that she needed to approve any postings there.  She says that she was not aware of it being there and had not approved it.  The flyer was on the board as late as Friday (November 6, approximately 3:30 PM).  I would emphasize that this bulletin board is at the Main Entrance to the building.

Although I could not find any written policy that expressly prohibits the wearing of campaign tee shirts or prohibits the posting of campaign flyers, I must still ask the question …

Is this what we want in our public Elementary Schools?

Let us remember that Elementary School children are typically NOT voters.  Campaigning in the public school could only be aimed at influencing the parents.  Should we allow anyone to use this approach when campaigning for public office?

Another point to consider is that we set a precedent by allowing this to happened.  If you allow one to do it, you must allow all who follow.

The Principal of North Canaan Elementary confirmed that she did not ask for the removal of the tee shirts, which could imply an endorsement of campaigning in the public school.  I must say, however, that the Principal was very firm in her correspondence to me that she did not approve of such activity.  She also stated she would take this matter up with the PTO.

An email to the PTO President (and Candidate) has yet to be answered. (11/10/09)

This issue should be brought to the attention of the Board of Education.  I would hope that parents are concerned about ANY candidate using schools and school children to advance their political aspirations.

As much as I don’t care for all of the policies that we write these days, I think it is important that people take note of this particular situation.

One other note … The flyer that was posted in the building was in violation of Connecticut Election Law … It DID NOT contain a “paid for by” disclaimer, which is a requirement (CGS 9-621b (1)).

Unfortunately that inserts one more component into this situation …

If we are to allow this activity in the public school, should we not also demonstrate (as responsible adults) to these youngsters that we respect the law and abide by it?

Teach by example?

The election is over … The machine triumphed (at least at the polls)

However …

It is time to get back to work.

Straight Talk takes to the airwaves again on Sunday, November 8.  You can find us on CATV 6 (Comcast Cable), WHDD AM & FM (1020 & 91.9).  We are LIVE on Sunday morning, and rebroadcast on CATV during the week.  We will also be available in podcast at Robinhoodradio, as well as making the audio of the show available for download at the Straight Talk website. 

The Straight Talk website is under renovation.  It will remain available through this process.

Join us on-air or on this blog … Remember … We go LIVE on November 8 @ 8 AM!

Since I have become a candidate for public office, I am suspending activities with the Straight Talk site and blog.

Please come and visit us at www.flint2009.com

You will find our campaign blog there …

I will work to keep you posted.

Mike