CIVICS 101 3rd GRADE

We are worried about "the cow" when it is all about the "Ice Cream".
The most eye-opening civics lesson I ever had was while teaching third grade this year. The Presidential election was heating up, and some of the children showed an interest.

I decided we would have an election for a class president. We would choose our nominees. They would make a campaign speech and the class would vote. To simplify the process, candidates were nominated by other class members. We discussed what kinds of characteristics these students should have. We got many nominations and from those, Jamie and Olivia were picked to run for the top spot. The class had done a great job in their selectio ns. Both candidates were good kids. I thought Jamie might have an advantage because he got lots of parental support. I had never seen Olivia's mother. The day a rrived when they were to make their speeches. Jamie went first. He had specific ideas about how to make our class a better place. He ended by promising to do his very best. Everyone applauded. He sat down and Olivia came to the podium. Her speech was concise. She said, "If you will vote for me, I will give you ice cream." She sat down. The class went wild. "Yes! Yes! We want ice cream."She surely would say more... She did not have to. A discussion followed. How did she plan to pay for the ice cream? She wasn't sure. Would her parents buy it or would the class pay for it. She didn't know. The class really didn't care. All they were thinking about was ice cream. Jamie was forgotten. Olivia won by a landslide.

Every time Barack Obama opens his mouth, he offers ice cream, Fifty two percent of the people react like nine year olds. They want ice cream. The other forty eight percent know they're going to have to feed the cow AND clean up the mess.

(From a teacher in the Nashville area; shared with me by a friend.)

"More boos than balls"

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=86743

The following is my response to the article found at the link above:

Amen and Amen! I praise Ann for the steadfastness to stand for what she knows is right and for the courage to share the truth with others. I pray the Obama Presidency will usher in a new leader in just four years as Carter's Presidency ushered in the Reagan era. This country needs a leader that will not embrace or condone behaviors exhibited at this week's Inauguration. Behaviors such as blatant racism, disrespect for both the exiting President and his family, disrespect for Pastor Warren, and disrespect for our country. Not only does Obama embrace and condone such behaviors, he participates and contributes the same damaging attitude. All the while, he preaches unity and tolerance. The atmosphere at the 2009 US Presidential Inauguration was that of division and hatred. Until we are able to open the eyes of the next generation, until we are able to open the eyes of the left wing liberals, until we are able to unite as conservatives and make our presence known and heard, we will continue on this current path and our foundation as a nation will continue to crumble. May the Lord be with us and help us through the next four years and the many years to follow. My only peace of mind comes from my faith and for that I am grateful beyond words. I pray God works in President Obama's heart as well as in the hearts of others that so obviously hate God and anyone who aligns themselves with God.

Breath Turns Into Vapor

Though another year has come and gone
And all are older still
I thank God for His many blessings
Yet still long to know His will.

Each grain of sand falls just as before
Though the space is narrow
Honestly, I feel a great deal less
Than the ever-eyed sparrow.

As age envelopes my mind and body
Life's memories begin to taper
Strivings and plans matter not
As breath turns into vapor.

~ L. Bell (2009)

Auld Lang Syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We'll take a cup o' kindness yet For auld lang syne
We twa hae run aboot the braesAnd pou'd the gowans fine; we've wander'd mony a weary footSin' auld lang syne
We two hae paidled i' the burn,Frae mornin' sun till dine; But seas between us braid hae roar'd Sin' auld lang syne
And here's a hand, my trusty friend, And gie's a hand o' thine; We'll take a cup o' kindness yet For auld lang syne
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We'll take a cup o' kindness yet For auld lang syne.

~ Robert Burns (c. 1700's)