"You know your country is dying when you have to make a distinction between what is moral and ethical and what is legal." - John De Armond
Traditionally - at least long after D-Day - we have had a tendency to be suspicious of those who we often referred to as our "French Allies".
Cultural differences and politics have often been the cause of the rift between the two countries.
Many Americans seem to make an adjustment to their thinking only when the "New Beaujolais" hits our wine stores and our favorite local French restaurant.
For those of you who favor a non-alcohol consumption stance you are still free to abhor anything French.
In our last blog we addressed the ADHD diagnosis and a difference in treatment conclusions by France and our own country.
As you can assume from the comments above, many folks - particularly those who mistakedly won't even consume french fries or french toast in order to demonstrate their enmity - a difference in our medical approach to treating ADHD is no more of a surprise than the perceived difference in morality for the two countries.
In reading Dr. Marilyn Wedge's article in a recent "Psychology Today" I was struck by another cultural difference that she believes is contributing to the smaller percentage of ADHD diagnoses in France. It is that which pertains to the way we administer discipline to our children.
Warning: For anybody who has taken the time to study statistical conclusions it would be apparent the difference in the numbers of diagnosed ADHD cases may simply be based upon the way the numbers are compiled and what it takes in France to qualify your kid as ADHD.
Wedge reports a couple of distinctions in France. I was most impressed by the dietary rules in the two countries - and no - it doesn't have anything to do with possibly serving wine to French kids with their meals.
It is much more basic. Wedge bases many of her conclusions on the observations of therapist Pamela Druckerman in her recent book, "Bringing Up Bebe."
Druckerman has determined "French children are generally better behaved than their American counterparts. "Whoa. That's a mouthful all by itself - but, it gets better." (depending on your point of view).
It also raises a question or two. Like, not having read the book, we have to be curious to determine at what age many of these "well behaved' children go through the Jekyl/Hyde transformation, grow into adults, and perceive all of us as Ugly Americans.
It is said by the authors that the behavioral differences of the children in the two countries are due to the varying child raising approaches.
The French allegedly provide their children with a firm "cadre" (frame or structure) particularly - but not limited to - how it has application to the consumption of snacks by the kids.
"Children are not allowed, for example, to snack whenever they want. Meal times are at four specific times of the day. French children (reportedly) learn to wait patiently for their meals, rather than eating snack foods whenever they feel like it."
Furthermore. "French parents let their babies "cry it out" if they are not sleeping through the night by the age of 'four months'.
Despite this observation, Druckerman suggests that French parents love their children every bit as much as we do.
She offers as proof that they give them piano lessons, take them to sports practice, and encourage them to make the most of their talents. (that seems to have worked well for the French born San Antonio Spurs Tony Parker.)
But, Druckerman believes the key to the way the French raise their kids is that they have an entirely different philosphy as to discipline: "Consistently enforced limits, in the French view, make children feel safe and secure. Clear limits, they believe, actually make a child feel happier and safer - something that is congruent with my own experience as both a therapist and a parent."
Druckerman, concludes: "French parents believe that hearing the word 'no' rescues children from 'the tyranny of their own desires. And spanking, when used judiciously, is not considered child abuse in France."
(If any of my children are reading this, be assured your Mom and I did not spend any time in France, although it may appear so. We decided to pitch the Dr. Spock manual - but did agree with him that the "one size fits all approach" in child raising was wrong.)
Why do the two therapists believe the French child raising techniques work?
They are convinced that "French children do not need medications to control their behavior because they learn self-control early in their lives.
They add, "This is because they grow up in families in which the rules are well understood and a clear family hierarchy is firmly in place."
And the crusher: "Parents are firmly in charge of their kids - instead of the American family style - in which the situation is all too often vice versa."
The therapists (author's) conclusions as to proper therapeutic approaches are definitely more Gestalt oriented than our softer Rogerian approach - which often allows the patient/client to determine when they are cured."
My experience has been there is a reason for many types of therapeutic approaches and techniques for child raising. Each patient/client is different - as are their kids.
However, this is the first time I have heard that a firm disciplinary approach can beget a positive medical consequence by reducing the explosion of ADHD diagnoses in this country.
Interesting conclusion.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013
NOT MY KIDS!
It is a tradition - handed down through the ages - for parents to declare: "Our kids are the good ones."
It is also a tradition for those generations who preceded these same parents down the parenting highway to be critical as to how the following generations are raising their kids.
Currently, the terms "helicopter parents" - "narcissistic" - "over protective" - "neglectful" etc are often used by so-called experts to describe today's parents.
One problem causing disagreement among these experts has to do with kids and health issues.
The problem is finding out why we appear to have so many more children in this country who are diagnosed with ADHD than are found in other developed nations.
You may recall ADHD. It's the condition allegedly responsibile for the extremely overactive physical displays and tantrums demonstrated - by our grandkids - that often sends us grandparents to the local bar after a suddenly shortened visit to our kids.
The big question is how we treat the condition in this country. Are we doing all we can do?
Should we conclude that ADHD is a biological-neurological disorder that - while not being cured - can be masked with the use of psycho-stimulant medications such Ritalin and Adderall - and that's really all we can do for now?
I don't mean to startle anyone who is a parent of ADHD kids but the answer to that question may be found in - of all places - France. This is according to family therapist Marilyn Wedge Ph.D, as reported in Psychology Today.
Apparently France has a much lower number of diagnosed ADHD kids. It is said this is partially because French child psychiatrists view ADHD as a biological disorder that has psycho-social and situational causes, and, of course, some also suggest: partially because "it's France."
I'm not so sure about the last conclusion regardless of the cultural differences in the two countries.
The French do not rely on our increasingly criticized DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual). It seems our medical folks recently decided to add - not subtract - a number of anomalies - which, of course, can also be treated with prescriptions; but which we of my generation referred to as "kids being kids." - or in psychology friendly terms - "normal childhood behavior."
While definitely not possessing either the "authority" or "medical creds" of mental health experts in this county - I, as an observant parent and grandparent, have both studied and taught the therapy approach to changing behavior. That was a long time ago.
What is current in my thinking, however, is why we're so stuck on "curing" every perceived ailment for our kids by shoving a pill in their mouth.
As much as I question "the prescription approach" I'm quick to admit that therapy is not always the answer either. But, neither do I believe it should be ignored in appropriate circumstances.
I believe life is a continuom along which we often keep swinging from one extreme to the other during our lifetime based upon a variety of mostly environmental influences. Thus, I'm seriously questioning what others and myself are seeing regarding the current methodology approach for treating ADHD.
Simply put, "Are we treating our kids emotional problems with drugs and failing to adequately explore other possibilities that may have had positive results in the past?"
When doctors appeared to have more time to seriously examine and question their patients - as opposed to today's trend of "Wham Bam - Thank You Maam" and then frantically running from room to room and patient to patient because they overbooked - are our medical practioners doing us a disservice?
It just seems to me that the old fashioned approach of taking the time to talk to their patients was often responsible for developing a rapport between doctor and patient that was often curative all by itself.
Similarly, your responsibility as a therapist is to determine causation and arrive at an appropriate treatment regimen for emotional problems by asking meaningful questions and listening carefully to the answers.
"It ain't gonna happen over night". It takes time to develop the required trust - but, when it works it usually has long lasting results. It takes a while to effectively peel an onion.
I'm as much concered about the growing "medical - pharmaceutical complex" as Ike was worried about the "industrial-military complex" and it's consequences back in his day.
Sure, it could also be because I hate sitting in the doctor's waiting rooms with my fellow seniors - proudly wearing our aging monogrammed golf shirts, shorts, and low cuts while we watch all those young, well dressed and beautifully coiffured drug sales people being ushered into the doctors office ahead of us in order to allow them to ply their trade.
I'm sure if I took up a collection in the waiting room from other impatient seniors, we too could come up with enough cash to buy donuts for the employees.
But, I'm sure my thinking goes much deeper than that feeble attempt at humor.
The French prefer to ignore our physically induced ADHD theories and instead treat the underlying psycho-social and 'situational issues' that may be the contributing factor for children.
It simply means that the approach in France is not so much to assume the problem is in a child's brain but that it possibly could be due to nutritional causes as well as the child's social context. They treat the symptoms with psychotherapy or family counseling.
They also examine the possible presence of foods with artifical colors, certain preservatives and or/allergens as a causation of ADHD. They are aware, as are clinicians in this country, that dietary interventions - including for ADHD kids - can sometimes help address the childs problems.
They also look at parenting styles for child rearing, particularly as it has to do with discipline that is consistent - no matter how inconvenient it may be for the parents to administer. To obtain that information takes time.
So, what's the answer? Would you rather have some psychologist or psychiatrist examining your child rearing skills and what kind of trauma you and your spouse might be causing to your children's growth - or simply give the kids a couple of pills and you all go back to sleep?
"Hey, my Johnny is a Good Kid - as long as he takes his meds."
---------------------------------------------------
More in a later blog on child rearing differences in the two countries - and NO - I don't want to move to France.
I just want to understand why we're so dependent on drugs in this country and also apparently so afraid to look at another country's approach in raising both of our country's most important asset -our kids.
It is also a tradition for those generations who preceded these same parents down the parenting highway to be critical as to how the following generations are raising their kids.
Currently, the terms "helicopter parents" - "narcissistic" - "over protective" - "neglectful" etc are often used by so-called experts to describe today's parents.
One problem causing disagreement among these experts has to do with kids and health issues.
The problem is finding out why we appear to have so many more children in this country who are diagnosed with ADHD than are found in other developed nations.
You may recall ADHD. It's the condition allegedly responsibile for the extremely overactive physical displays and tantrums demonstrated - by our grandkids - that often sends us grandparents to the local bar after a suddenly shortened visit to our kids.
The big question is how we treat the condition in this country. Are we doing all we can do?
Should we conclude that ADHD is a biological-neurological disorder that - while not being cured - can be masked with the use of psycho-stimulant medications such Ritalin and Adderall - and that's really all we can do for now?
I don't mean to startle anyone who is a parent of ADHD kids but the answer to that question may be found in - of all places - France. This is according to family therapist Marilyn Wedge Ph.D, as reported in Psychology Today.
Apparently France has a much lower number of diagnosed ADHD kids. It is said this is partially because French child psychiatrists view ADHD as a biological disorder that has psycho-social and situational causes, and, of course, some also suggest: partially because "it's France."
I'm not so sure about the last conclusion regardless of the cultural differences in the two countries.
The French do not rely on our increasingly criticized DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual). It seems our medical folks recently decided to add - not subtract - a number of anomalies - which, of course, can also be treated with prescriptions; but which we of my generation referred to as "kids being kids." - or in psychology friendly terms - "normal childhood behavior."
While definitely not possessing either the "authority" or "medical creds" of mental health experts in this county - I, as an observant parent and grandparent, have both studied and taught the therapy approach to changing behavior. That was a long time ago.
What is current in my thinking, however, is why we're so stuck on "curing" every perceived ailment for our kids by shoving a pill in their mouth.
As much as I question "the prescription approach" I'm quick to admit that therapy is not always the answer either. But, neither do I believe it should be ignored in appropriate circumstances.
I believe life is a continuom along which we often keep swinging from one extreme to the other during our lifetime based upon a variety of mostly environmental influences. Thus, I'm seriously questioning what others and myself are seeing regarding the current methodology approach for treating ADHD.
Simply put, "Are we treating our kids emotional problems with drugs and failing to adequately explore other possibilities that may have had positive results in the past?"
When doctors appeared to have more time to seriously examine and question their patients - as opposed to today's trend of "Wham Bam - Thank You Maam" and then frantically running from room to room and patient to patient because they overbooked - are our medical practioners doing us a disservice?
It just seems to me that the old fashioned approach of taking the time to talk to their patients was often responsible for developing a rapport between doctor and patient that was often curative all by itself.
Similarly, your responsibility as a therapist is to determine causation and arrive at an appropriate treatment regimen for emotional problems by asking meaningful questions and listening carefully to the answers.
"It ain't gonna happen over night". It takes time to develop the required trust - but, when it works it usually has long lasting results. It takes a while to effectively peel an onion.
I'm as much concered about the growing "medical - pharmaceutical complex" as Ike was worried about the "industrial-military complex" and it's consequences back in his day.
Sure, it could also be because I hate sitting in the doctor's waiting rooms with my fellow seniors - proudly wearing our aging monogrammed golf shirts, shorts, and low cuts while we watch all those young, well dressed and beautifully coiffured drug sales people being ushered into the doctors office ahead of us in order to allow them to ply their trade.
I'm sure if I took up a collection in the waiting room from other impatient seniors, we too could come up with enough cash to buy donuts for the employees.
But, I'm sure my thinking goes much deeper than that feeble attempt at humor.
The French prefer to ignore our physically induced ADHD theories and instead treat the underlying psycho-social and 'situational issues' that may be the contributing factor for children.
It simply means that the approach in France is not so much to assume the problem is in a child's brain but that it possibly could be due to nutritional causes as well as the child's social context. They treat the symptoms with psychotherapy or family counseling.
They also examine the possible presence of foods with artifical colors, certain preservatives and or/allergens as a causation of ADHD. They are aware, as are clinicians in this country, that dietary interventions - including for ADHD kids - can sometimes help address the childs problems.
They also look at parenting styles for child rearing, particularly as it has to do with discipline that is consistent - no matter how inconvenient it may be for the parents to administer. To obtain that information takes time.
So, what's the answer? Would you rather have some psychologist or psychiatrist examining your child rearing skills and what kind of trauma you and your spouse might be causing to your children's growth - or simply give the kids a couple of pills and you all go back to sleep?
"Hey, my Johnny is a Good Kid - as long as he takes his meds."
---------------------------------------------------
More in a later blog on child rearing differences in the two countries - and NO - I don't want to move to France.
I just want to understand why we're so dependent on drugs in this country and also apparently so afraid to look at another country's approach in raising both of our country's most important asset -our kids.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
IN THE NEWS
As indicated previously, one of my favorite items in the USA Today is in the first section and is entitled "STATE BY STATE.".
It's a full page - covers all 50 states and the District of Columbia - and provides a birdseye view of what is going on in your favorite states.
Here are some of the recent highlights:
Pennsylvania, Morrisville - A youth baseball league may have to call off games Saturday because two groups on either side of the gun control debate plan to hold opposing rallies in a community park that's also home to the baseball diamonds, Morrisville Little League president Dan O'Connell said Monday.
(Hey, you got to have your priorities. Just as long as some fool doesn't show up with a cross or a religious statue.)
Georgia, Atlanta - Republican Governor Nathan Deal on Monday signed a law that prohibits lobbyists from spending more than $75 at a time while seeking to influence Georgia officials. The legislation takes effect January 1.
(The advance warning to the Georgia officials should be appreciated and won't impact the free 2013 Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations to which some of the officials may look forward. When the law takes effect it could also be a health benefit. If you've ever been to a restaurant in the Buckhead section of Atlanta you will know that $75 will probably buy only soup and a small salad.)
Kansas, Topeka - The state Supreme Court is looking for divorced parents who have paid or received child support to serve on an advisory panel. The group will recommend changes in the guidelines that judges use to determine how much one parent must pay a former spouse.
(To all you NHL fans in Kansas who can't get game tickets for your favorite team - and really miss the fights that break out regularly: Those interested in attending the meetings of the advisory panel will obviously find it to be a tough ticket also. You may want to contact Ticket-Tron or your favorite booking agency ASAP. The meeting date for the alternate in-depth discussion of "sheep support" payments in this rural state has already sold out.)
New York, New York - The Bronx's Van Cordlandt Park re-opened it's 10 cricket fields after a three year $13 million renovation.)
(More than 1000 of the neighboring sleep-deprived local residents immediately signed a protest petition claiming the noise from the crickets is deafening.)
Finally - my personal favorite.
West Virginia, Morgantown - The city is offering an amnesty program for anyone who returns a stolen street sign. The program runs through May 1 and the signs can be brought back without fear of punishment or fines.
(Great idea. It also cleans up the dorm rooms of the frat houses at WVU. The problem is in trying to give the already misguided thieves directions as to how to get to the place where they can return the stolen signs.)
Have a good one.
It's a full page - covers all 50 states and the District of Columbia - and provides a birdseye view of what is going on in your favorite states.
Here are some of the recent highlights:
Pennsylvania, Morrisville - A youth baseball league may have to call off games Saturday because two groups on either side of the gun control debate plan to hold opposing rallies in a community park that's also home to the baseball diamonds, Morrisville Little League president Dan O'Connell said Monday.
(Hey, you got to have your priorities. Just as long as some fool doesn't show up with a cross or a religious statue.)
Georgia, Atlanta - Republican Governor Nathan Deal on Monday signed a law that prohibits lobbyists from spending more than $75 at a time while seeking to influence Georgia officials. The legislation takes effect January 1.
(The advance warning to the Georgia officials should be appreciated and won't impact the free 2013 Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations to which some of the officials may look forward. When the law takes effect it could also be a health benefit. If you've ever been to a restaurant in the Buckhead section of Atlanta you will know that $75 will probably buy only soup and a small salad.)
Kansas, Topeka - The state Supreme Court is looking for divorced parents who have paid or received child support to serve on an advisory panel. The group will recommend changes in the guidelines that judges use to determine how much one parent must pay a former spouse.
(To all you NHL fans in Kansas who can't get game tickets for your favorite team - and really miss the fights that break out regularly: Those interested in attending the meetings of the advisory panel will obviously find it to be a tough ticket also. You may want to contact Ticket-Tron or your favorite booking agency ASAP. The meeting date for the alternate in-depth discussion of "sheep support" payments in this rural state has already sold out.)
New York, New York - The Bronx's Van Cordlandt Park re-opened it's 10 cricket fields after a three year $13 million renovation.)
(More than 1000 of the neighboring sleep-deprived local residents immediately signed a protest petition claiming the noise from the crickets is deafening.)
Finally - my personal favorite.
West Virginia, Morgantown - The city is offering an amnesty program for anyone who returns a stolen street sign. The program runs through May 1 and the signs can be brought back without fear of punishment or fines.
(Great idea. It also cleans up the dorm rooms of the frat houses at WVU. The problem is in trying to give the already misguided thieves directions as to how to get to the place where they can return the stolen signs.)
Have a good one.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
CONVICTION
I had the occasion to meet a guy who claimed he had been married for almost 50 years. Admirably, I said to him, "Congratulations! You must have married a true gem."
He replied, "Actually it was just the opposite. I knew early on I was wedded to a real shrew.
"The only reason I went through with the marriage was that I simply didn't have the courage to face up to her parents and the Preacher and admit I was drunk out of my mind when I proposed to her".
I immediately thought of a little ditty sung by "Somethin' Smith and the Redheads" in 1955 - but continued to press on.
"Okay then. But, later on, assuming you had sobered up, were any of your reasons for sticking it out one of the "Big Four" guys like to talk about?
He appeared to be puzzled by the question.
I repeated: "Why did you stay married? Was it because she was rich - a great cook - fantastic in bed - or possibly because her dad owned a string of liquor stores?"
He shook his head and replied sadly: "None of the above. Actually, it was the contour sheets."
"Huh?, I replied in an incredulous voice I almost didn't recognize as my own.
He paused, then shook his head even more vigorously before clarifying his previous response.
"Everytime I dared to picture myself as a single man I couldn't possibly imagine how I was going to learn to fold the damn things by myself !"
You got to admire a guy with that kind of conviction.
And, admittedly, the guy who just told you this story ought to be convicted as well.
Have a good one.
He replied, "Actually it was just the opposite. I knew early on I was wedded to a real shrew.
"The only reason I went through with the marriage was that I simply didn't have the courage to face up to her parents and the Preacher and admit I was drunk out of my mind when I proposed to her".
I immediately thought of a little ditty sung by "Somethin' Smith and the Redheads" in 1955 - but continued to press on.
"Okay then. But, later on, assuming you had sobered up, were any of your reasons for sticking it out one of the "Big Four" guys like to talk about?
He appeared to be puzzled by the question.
I repeated: "Why did you stay married? Was it because she was rich - a great cook - fantastic in bed - or possibly because her dad owned a string of liquor stores?"
He shook his head and replied sadly: "None of the above. Actually, it was the contour sheets."
"Huh?, I replied in an incredulous voice I almost didn't recognize as my own.
He paused, then shook his head even more vigorously before clarifying his previous response.
"Everytime I dared to picture myself as a single man I couldn't possibly imagine how I was going to learn to fold the damn things by myself !"
You got to admire a guy with that kind of conviction.
And, admittedly, the guy who just told you this story ought to be convicted as well.
Have a good one.
Monday, May 6, 2013
OUT OF STEP!
Maybe it IS just me. Maybe the anger I'm feeling these days is nothing more than my frustration with growing older and a tendency to concentrate too much on what I can no longer do - as opposed to what I still can do at my age.
Maybe I need to spend more time being thankful for those blessings God has given me despite the fact I didn't always deserve them.
Maybe my anger is just due to a feeling of a lack of power to make an impact on others, not including those folks of course who may take the time to read these sad supplications via my blog and walk away so much better educated and impressed.
Maybe it's because I get so frustrated with what I read or see in the media that it has me desperately examining whether or why it appears I am the only one who is out of step.
Maybe some time I'll sit down and examine all of the above, but for now I'd rather just remain P.O.'d, tell you why that is, and then what I believe should take place in "Barry's Perfect World" if I were in charge.
It's not that we don't have enough "nut cases" running around shooting people, making bombs and/or bomb threats for which we respond in knee jerk fashion by taking away the personal liberties of the remaining 300 million people who reside in this country and may not be mentally disturbed.
I looked in the bathroom mirror this morning after reading today's paper and pronounced to nobody in particular, "That's it, by God. We'll put drones out there over every major city, wipe out crime via our surveillance superiority and finally be safe once again. Let's get that crime and violence out of Chicago and transfer it to Peoria".
"Oh, it's already there? Well then, what about lesser known habitats in Illinois like the towns of Bloomington and Normal? Surely, they could use more crime like tipping cows that is unfortunately presently away from the invasive intrusion of drones.
How about we chase the fruitcakes as far away from Chicago as to Witchita, Kansas ?"( population: 368,224)
The Wichita school board is scheduled to meet today to consider a request from Superintendent John Allison for the district to spend $3 million to improve a school security system. The proposal calls for the installation of high-definition cameras, computers, keyless entry- doors, a revamped dispatch center and more to provide a centralized surveillance system to monitor more than 100 schools and other sites." (salaries not included, of course)
Okay, that apparently will make the Wichita schools "foolproof ". Those damned "troubled" teen age armed and dangerous idiots will just have to make a trip to Topeka to carry out their demon driven and mind boggling shootings.
Actually, if they lack the transportation capacity to do so, or perhaps are not allowed to drive, they can just go on Facebook and set something up in Topeka with a similarly deranged cousin or friend.
And, by the way, does anybody have any idea what you could do with $3 million in Wichita to improve the education of their kids?"(that is besides enhancing the possibility the Superintendent may someday be the next Secretary of Education for all of Kansas.)
Folks, the simple truth is that we simply do not have enough money in this country to arm our schools and protect every school child - no matter the admirable protective intent to save young lives everywhere.
However, we do admit that the installation of high-definition cameras may reduce the instances of cheating on exams by Wichita kids. I mean, only if Wichita educators really believe they have a problem in that area, of course.
Is there anyone among us who will not admit that they did something crazy as a kid? Something that, if their involved Mom & Dad (kids had them back then), had even a clue as to what we were up to would have resulted in us having a rearend we couldn't comfortably sit on for a week.
But, you know, it's amazing how much this simple parental approach cut down on the number of second time offenders we had in my home town.
Well, you see we DON'T have that recourse anymore. It's called corporal punishment and our educators, psychologists, and talk hosts like Steve Wilkos are convinced that spanking can scar the human psyche for years and falls under the heading of cruel and inhuman punishment.
Perhaps that's why I'm writing blogs like this now that my rear end has healed.
A final thought - this time in that grand old metropolis of Woonsocket, Rhode Island (population: 41,186) where the police force there has uncovered an unfortunate situation that is taking place.
It seems they have been forced to arrest four students in connection with a recent string of bomb threats at Woonsocket High School.
Police said Khalil Oliver, 18 and three juveniles are facing one count each of making a bomb threat and conspiracy. The juveniles are a 16-year-old boy and 15-year-old and 14-year-old girls.
My first reaction when reading this news so early in the morning was:
"Does Woonsocket have a public square? Are there enough talented men and women capable of erecting four wooden stocks in that square for the purpose of inserting these mischievous truants and engaging the viewing pleasure of the entire population of Woonsocket or whomever might decide to come and visit?
Would there be enough lumber left over to nail 2 feet by 4 feet pictures of their parents on a large board overhead of the structure from which the collective head, hands and feet of their misguided kids are now protruding?
Finally, are there some generous farmers thereabouts who would give up feeding a small portion of their (only if extremely soft) overripe fruits and vegetables to their livestock and donate them to the rest of the populace for the sole purpose of a a dollar a throw hurling accuracy contest.
The profits, of which, obviously should go to the enlightened members of local school boards, the PTA, and the Police Benevolence Fund..
Admittedly, spanking would be a less convoluted recourse - if not forbidden.
Or, as an afterthought, (and displaying much more wisdom and compassion on my part), perhaps the good citizens of Woonsocket could just wait until their kids no longer make bombthreats - but actual bombs instead.
If neither proposition is found to be appealing I'm willing to bet it would take one helluva lot less than the 3 million bucks the people of Wichita are contemplating for the gentle folks in Woonsocket to have those same craftsmen and women simply build a barbed wire fence around the Woonsocket schools and strip search the students, the faculty, and school administrators each morning.
Can you imagine what punishment it would be for the school kids to actually carry those school books and packed lunches by hand versus storing them in their now recently forbidden backpacks? Now, THAT is cruel and inhuman!
Of course, all of that was just my "first thought" this morning.
See, like I said, obviously I'm THE ONE who is out of step.
Maybe I need to spend more time being thankful for those blessings God has given me despite the fact I didn't always deserve them.
Maybe my anger is just due to a feeling of a lack of power to make an impact on others, not including those folks of course who may take the time to read these sad supplications via my blog and walk away so much better educated and impressed.
Maybe it's because I get so frustrated with what I read or see in the media that it has me desperately examining whether or why it appears I am the only one who is out of step.
Maybe some time I'll sit down and examine all of the above, but for now I'd rather just remain P.O.'d, tell you why that is, and then what I believe should take place in "Barry's Perfect World" if I were in charge.
It's not that we don't have enough "nut cases" running around shooting people, making bombs and/or bomb threats for which we respond in knee jerk fashion by taking away the personal liberties of the remaining 300 million people who reside in this country and may not be mentally disturbed.
I looked in the bathroom mirror this morning after reading today's paper and pronounced to nobody in particular, "That's it, by God. We'll put drones out there over every major city, wipe out crime via our surveillance superiority and finally be safe once again. Let's get that crime and violence out of Chicago and transfer it to Peoria".
"Oh, it's already there? Well then, what about lesser known habitats in Illinois like the towns of Bloomington and Normal? Surely, they could use more crime like tipping cows that is unfortunately presently away from the invasive intrusion of drones.
How about we chase the fruitcakes as far away from Chicago as to Witchita, Kansas ?"( population: 368,224)
The Wichita school board is scheduled to meet today to consider a request from Superintendent John Allison for the district to spend $3 million to improve a school security system. The proposal calls for the installation of high-definition cameras, computers, keyless entry- doors, a revamped dispatch center and more to provide a centralized surveillance system to monitor more than 100 schools and other sites." (salaries not included, of course)
Okay, that apparently will make the Wichita schools "foolproof ". Those damned "troubled" teen age armed and dangerous idiots will just have to make a trip to Topeka to carry out their demon driven and mind boggling shootings.
Actually, if they lack the transportation capacity to do so, or perhaps are not allowed to drive, they can just go on Facebook and set something up in Topeka with a similarly deranged cousin or friend.
And, by the way, does anybody have any idea what you could do with $3 million in Wichita to improve the education of their kids?"(that is besides enhancing the possibility the Superintendent may someday be the next Secretary of Education for all of Kansas.)
Folks, the simple truth is that we simply do not have enough money in this country to arm our schools and protect every school child - no matter the admirable protective intent to save young lives everywhere.
However, we do admit that the installation of high-definition cameras may reduce the instances of cheating on exams by Wichita kids. I mean, only if Wichita educators really believe they have a problem in that area, of course.
Is there anyone among us who will not admit that they did something crazy as a kid? Something that, if their involved Mom & Dad (kids had them back then), had even a clue as to what we were up to would have resulted in us having a rearend we couldn't comfortably sit on for a week.
But, you know, it's amazing how much this simple parental approach cut down on the number of second time offenders we had in my home town.
Well, you see we DON'T have that recourse anymore. It's called corporal punishment and our educators, psychologists, and talk hosts like Steve Wilkos are convinced that spanking can scar the human psyche for years and falls under the heading of cruel and inhuman punishment.
Perhaps that's why I'm writing blogs like this now that my rear end has healed.
A final thought - this time in that grand old metropolis of Woonsocket, Rhode Island (population: 41,186) where the police force there has uncovered an unfortunate situation that is taking place.
It seems they have been forced to arrest four students in connection with a recent string of bomb threats at Woonsocket High School.
Police said Khalil Oliver, 18 and three juveniles are facing one count each of making a bomb threat and conspiracy. The juveniles are a 16-year-old boy and 15-year-old and 14-year-old girls.
My first reaction when reading this news so early in the morning was:
"Does Woonsocket have a public square? Are there enough talented men and women capable of erecting four wooden stocks in that square for the purpose of inserting these mischievous truants and engaging the viewing pleasure of the entire population of Woonsocket or whomever might decide to come and visit?
Would there be enough lumber left over to nail 2 feet by 4 feet pictures of their parents on a large board overhead of the structure from which the collective head, hands and feet of their misguided kids are now protruding?
Finally, are there some generous farmers thereabouts who would give up feeding a small portion of their (only if extremely soft) overripe fruits and vegetables to their livestock and donate them to the rest of the populace for the sole purpose of a a dollar a throw hurling accuracy contest.
The profits, of which, obviously should go to the enlightened members of local school boards, the PTA, and the Police Benevolence Fund..
Admittedly, spanking would be a less convoluted recourse - if not forbidden.
Or, as an afterthought, (and displaying much more wisdom and compassion on my part), perhaps the good citizens of Woonsocket could just wait until their kids no longer make bombthreats - but actual bombs instead.
If neither proposition is found to be appealing I'm willing to bet it would take one helluva lot less than the 3 million bucks the people of Wichita are contemplating for the gentle folks in Woonsocket to have those same craftsmen and women simply build a barbed wire fence around the Woonsocket schools and strip search the students, the faculty, and school administrators each morning.
Can you imagine what punishment it would be for the school kids to actually carry those school books and packed lunches by hand versus storing them in their now recently forbidden backpacks? Now, THAT is cruel and inhuman!
Of course, all of that was just my "first thought" this morning.
See, like I said, obviously I'm THE ONE who is out of step.
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