An American Educator's Review on Gaza

     After recently viewing the movie Tears of Gaza http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCbNfyBJ3Os I felt compelled to comment on it.  As I stated over on my Facebook page, it is with the solemn realization and sadness of the unnecessary plight of these people in which they have had to endure for a generation. This is the case with all peoples who have been and are are oppressed and discriminated against.  Not only the Palestinians of this tiny piece of land but also referencing all of history and the suffering and inhumane treatment and exploitation of any people for their religious beliefs and their differences.

      I want all people who take the time to view the movie which is very graphic, and ultimately read my response, that I am not taking sides necessarily, yet no one in their right mind or of and conscience can morally concur of the unjustified action(s) of one nation going unchecked and dismissed by the international community (United Nations included) of a supposed reputable government.  There unleashing and use of United States provided military equipment, as well as the use of munitions in which have been outlawed by international military law for years provided for the bloodshed and violence upon these oppressed people simply in response and out of retaliation for the equally unjust and terrorist aggression of a few.

     This story, like all stories written and unwritten throughout history, exemplifies how the larger picture and the power and authority exercised by those who have the ability to wage war and death upon others, impacts and effects the nameless and the innocent!  Ultimately, as depicted in the film, the toll and aftermath befalls the people with no role, no authority and no power other than to try and live in safety and security with the opportunity to be self sufficient, content and happy.  Nameless millions throughout are the ones who have to suffer ongoing fear, grief and sadly horrific consequences... 

     These people our NOT world leaders, presidents, prime ministers or generals.  Those who make the decisions and carry out the wanton and utter disregard for human life have little ability and willingness to exercise compassion for others, tolerance for other's differences, respect for each peoples desire just to exist.  Yet, WE put them in these positions to lead and protect us?  We are equally at fault and are to be blamed for allowing such insanity to occur and condone.  I loathe at my own unwillingness and incapability of being more proactive and acting to do more unlike truly great people such Rachel Corrie http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachel_Corrie .  We ourselves, instead of finding ways to build bridges and solidarity and mutual respect among all peoples sit silently or opine as to our agreement or disagreement with one side or another. 

     Both sides in this particular issue have suffered immensely through their well documented histories at the hands of others, let alone between themselves.  Those who know their history realize the complexity of the differences between the two peoples.  Consequently, the resulting and ongoing violence.  With this said still,when will human beings learn that human greed for power and the material is the root of all of our evils?

Making Sense of 9/11-PART TWO

     One of the highest quality reads I have gandered at in years!  As one critic stated it is of "Pulitzer Prize" calibre and consideration.  http://www.truth-out.org/decade-after-911-we-are-what-we-loathe/1315836650 

     I think most educated people worldwide who know and understand thoroughly their history would agree without reservation.  The author eloquently states what is and has been on many people's minds for a long time, yet simply did not know how to put it into words.

     This leads me to reinforce and lay claim to my prior argument that knowledge and education is in fact power.  Unfortunately, knowledge and power that is achieved,  historically it has been documented to be abused.   Dating back to man's earliest existence, it  has too many times been misplaced and abused in mankind's greed and quest for fortune.  The self interests of man permeates, like a diseased cancer, their sound common sense and thinking.  A famous person once said, "the pen is mightier than the sword".  If this is the case, this article needs to put into the hands of people with power, to be READ.

     One might call me a pacifist, which is fine. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.  One might call me anti-republican, and this is fine.  I am independent in my political views, and not one to argue with another over religion as I believe in God as well.

     The bottom line, even as a Marine, is that bloodshed and death through war is incredulous.  I absolutely abhore the notion of what history continues to tell us and repeat of itself.  Not at all a cynical person by nature, but the facts are that the world continues to swirl into a deeper and deeper black hole.   In the end, other than laying claim to some prize, whether materially or idealogically, it accomplishes nothing in the very end.  On the contrary, the continuing pain and suffering of the masses throughout the world...

    Machiavelli's principles reference power continue to influence and keep its grip on world leaders in the 21st century.  Self interests, along with special interests, continue to prevail and sway public opinion upon the masses of those who do not even understand or can define the terms nationalism or zionism.  Who really are the Filistines, and for that matter who really cares?

     Godspeed to all who have given their lives for their fellow man and not necessarily for something else.  Their selfless sacrifices to what they believed was right regardless of what their leaders thought and did, and whether they were militarily or politically motivated, are the truest of demonstration of compassion and humanity.

    We all really are just pawns in what is becoming increasingly more troublesome in the chess game of life, no? 

    

Making Sense of 9/11

     In response to an article from an Arab in the middle east, http://www.commongroundnews.org/article.php?id=30323&lan=en&sp=0
I felt compelled to chime in on the topic.  I appreciated the article and its objectivity.  I asked a follower on Twitter, what is there to make sense of?  She replied, read the article.  So, here is my take on the tragic event of ten years ago.

     Watching the event unfold from the confines of my high school history classroom in Charlotte, to think otherwise than a tragic airline mishap to trying to explain to a class of approximately twenty five World History students aged 14-19, it is difficult to convey to them in a few mere words, and place into context, the unfolding of thousands of years of history.

     The sole human mind in all its complexity and dynamic as the earth's greatest computer compared to the insanity and inhumanity it is capable of is the ultimate of all oxymoron's or contradictions.  Essentially, human beings are slightly more complex than all living things possessing the earth.  When posed with the adrenaline of having to fight or flight, animal instincts prevail and in the end ultimately demoralize our intellectual and emotional superiority.  We are forced,  like all living animals, to act or respond in a way to survive.
 
     Contemplate the minds and thoughts of those who committed the terrorism, regardless of their ethnicity or religion. Their intellect, creativity and ingenuity in pulling off such a horrific display and lack of compassion and humanity.  To attempt to make sense of these few individuals is infinitely useless.  The actions and reasons for such as did the victims behave and react at the time of the tragedy and afterwards is additionally profound. To the rest of us who witnessed this infamous tragedy we cannot begin to fathom the thought processes of the mind.

     As for the aftermath, in which is more of the focus in my mind reference to the aforementioned article,  regardless of your ethnicity, faith or religious affiliation this tragic and horrific event will, as does all of history, be just that. It will go into the history books.  With this said, generations and generations of bigotry, prejudice, religious indifference, and lack of tolerance and mutual respect will be written and dictated from opposing points and sides of view, I suppose?

     A couple of closing points, I hope that intelligent people can agree upon; millions of ignorant people who have no appreciation or understanding of past history and its context, is the reason there is so much bloodshed, violence, and hatred and killing throughout history, present and the future ahead, is because we ALL simply fail to feel the pain and suffering of others.  Finally, the one constant and or key in which supersedes all is the power of education and knowledge in realizing that sweeping generalizations should never be made based upon the actions of a few or one.  The masses of those who are ignorant will continue to spark and fester the divide that exists between east and west, while compassionate, sensible and knowledgeable people of the earth will continue working to bring us ALL together.

     Godspeed to all who suffered a loss of a loved one on 9-11-2001.  

Technology Doubters Take Note

Just  as I have known and suspected for years now, not only is digital learning increasing ten fold yet it actually is turning out to be more cost effective.   As supply and demand continues to drive down  prices, schools, districts and business wanting to be at the forefront of effective and efficient operations and learning by implementing 21st century tools within their organizations, are the ones achieving results and being productive.  By no means am I suggesting that the computer will ever replace teachers (the human factor) but it is very difficult to argue with the details and statistics in this infographic.  This is a must see!

http://www.knewton.com/digital-education/  

Anyone wanting to chime in on these statistics or graphic?  Your insights, knowledge and thoughts are always welcome and appreciated...

Similar gesture to share?

I cannot even begin to imagine a salary of six figures.  Certainly not in public education.  With this said, it is fairly common knowledge that many in or at the administrative level do in fact make in excess of 100k.  I suppose it is very well deserved and earned, yet the deplorable pay that exists today for those starting out in the profession just validates the theory that education continues to no longer be valued or held to the esteem that it may have in the past.

 

Surely, along with those who agree with me, there are equally as many who disagree.  I think most people would dismiss the notion of pay and salary as it is more important to have job satisfaction and love what you do.  I concur.  However, realistically people do have to make a living, and there was a time in our country when hard work and a college degree would provide for a comfortable life.  This is not the case any longer in the America of haves and have nots. 

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/31/california-superintendent-gives-800000-in-salary-back-to-schools/

Larry Powell is a true hero indeed. I must say the article made me appreciate his journey and thus gave me overwhelming feelings of humility and pride in the actions that he took regarding my profession!  Just think how much better off our country and world would be if ALL the people who have been blessed with this financially fortuity would give more of what they had gained?  He bluntly yet eloquently put things in perspective in two ways;  first, by acknowledging how much money or material worth is enough?  Secondly, and in the way I envisioned my career to progress and unfold, he credited all the other people who contributed toward his success on his pathway through life.  This, along with his motivation, perseverance and willingness to reach and grow to his potential are fundamental to gaining success.  For him to have to battle and  despite the presence of a debilitating disease he was afflicted with at such a young age should be an inspiration to all.

His story should be just another small example of the potential of the human spirit.

Social Networking does work!

I am having success on Twitter! After a week of spending a couple hours or so on Twitter nightly, I have developed several new contacts, networks and leads. I met an individual there who was able to put my better half in touch with a long lost friend over half way around the world. They met one another just today after not having seen or spoken to one another in almost 30 years. Fascinating isn't it? The results ultimately are yet to be realized but it certainly is not hurting. I have also created a readers list of other bloggers (three to this point).

I came across another individual who put me onto an application through my Linked In account in which has a user interface with the ability to make your resume a visual presentation versus just text.  It is called vizualize.me/   I encourage those that come across my Blog here at  bill.horniak.blogspot.com/ or Website at www.youthcoachinginfo.com  my CV/resume to join in, as there will be many more posts of interest, as well as controversy, regarding a myriad of issues and topics in which I am knowledgeable, passionate and outspoken about.  Till then good reading and "follow me."