It didn't start with Va Tech
Current mood: frustrated
Category: News and Politics

A Myspace friend is puzzled that Va Tech shootings have dominated news networks, and divided the nation on gun control.  But the story is not just about Va Tech. 

Parents are legitimately concerned about the safety of their kids.  They have a right to demand their schoolchildren be protected. 

Va Tech is not an isolated incident.  Here are the school shootings in North America the past ten years:

Oct, 1997 – Pearl High School, Hattiesburg, MS – 2 dead, 7 wounded

Mar, 1998 – Westside Middle School, Jonesboro, AR – 5 dead, 10 wounded

May, 1998 – Thurston High School, Springfield, OR – 4 dead, 25 wounded

April, 1999 – Columbine High School, Littleton, CO – 13 dead, 23 wounded

April, 1999 – W.R. Myers High School, Taber, Alberta – 1 dead, 1 wounded

May, 1999 – Heritage High school, Conyers, GA – 6 wounded

Nov, 1999 – Deming Middle School, Deming, NM – 1 dead

Mar, 2000 – Buell Elementary School, Mount Morris Township – 1 dead

Mar, 2001 – Santana High School, Santee, CA – 2 dead, 13 wounded

Apr, 2003 – John McDonogh High School, New Orleans, LA – 1 dead, 3 wounded

Apr, 2003 – Red Lion Area Middle School, Red Lion, PA – 2 dead

Sep, 2003 – Rocori High School, Cold Springs, MN -  2 dead

Mar, 2005 – Red Lake High School, Red Lake, MN – 9 dead, 15 wounded

Nov, 2005 – Campbell County High School, Jacksboro, TN – 1 dead, 2 wounded

Sep, 2006 – Dawson College, Montreal, Canada – 1 dead, 12 wounded

Sep, 2006 – Platte Canyon High School, Bailey, CO – 2 dead

Sep, 2006 – Weston School, Cazanovia, WI – 1 dead

Oct, 2006 – West Nickel Mines Amish School, Nickel Mines, PA – 5 dead, 5 wounded

Apr, 2007 – Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA – 33 dead, 15 wounded

Gun control is a passionate issue for our nation.   19 school shootings in 10 years have made parents realize their kids are not safe.  I don't expect this story to go away.

6:57 AM - 16 Comments - 12 Kudos - Add Comment

Imus and Freedom of Speech
Current mood: discontent
Category: News and Politics

The blogosphere was filled the past week with claims that freedom of speech is under attack.  The firing of Don Imus was said to be one more curtailment of that freedom.

As everyone knows, CBS fired Don Imus for calling the Rugers women's basketball players "nappy headed ho's" and "jigaboos".   MSNBC earlier had cancelled its broadcast of Imus' show.  Bloggers and blog commenters immediately decried the loss of freedom of speech.  Here  are examples from blogs about the Imus firing:

"When did we become the nation of, 'You offended me and you shall pay?'  I thought our freedom of speech was protected."

"We as American's only have the right to free speech based on the color of our skin."

"Will ditching Imus in the Morning do anything to make the world a better place? Or this is just another example of our First Amendment right being hacked away? "

"The first amendment clearly outlines our god-given right to free speech. And with free speech, some people are going to be offended."

 

Does the general public really understand "freedom of speech"?  Do they understand what the constitution protects?  Based on what I've read in blogs, I don't think so.

Virginia attorney Doug Mataconis explains the legal meaning of freedom of speech:

"Freedom of Speech, as a Constitutional issue, only means that you have the right to say what you want without the government punishing you, and even then there are things you can't say. Libel and slander laws are not barred by the First Amendment. Neither are laws against defamation."

The Constitution's First Amendment protects our speech from the government … and only from the government.

The constitution does not protect Don Imus from being fired when his words harm the reputation or threaten the profits of his employers.  The constitution also does not protect Don Imus from being prosecuted in criminal court, or sued in civil court, for slander and defamation.

Is Don Imus a victim whose freedom of speech was denied?  Certainly not.  Is Don Imus guilty of defamation?  Not legally, as he enjoys presumption of innocence.

It may be prudent for those who speak in public and those who author blogs to acquaint themselves with the true meaning of freedom of speech.

6:43 AM - 13 Comments - 10 Kudos - Add Comment

Don Imus is fired
Current mood: satisfied
Category: News and Politics

MSNBC was totally justified in removing Don Imus's program from their daily lineup.  Some words can be excused.  Some can be apologized for.  But when a powerful man publicly attacks college kids - he called these fine young Rutgers athletes "Nappy headed ho's" - he should be held accountable.

Some have defended Imus by pointing out that Hip Hop rappers use the same terms in their music.  First, let's be clear about one thing.  All Hip Hop music is NOT composed of violent and degrading lyrics.  My new friend Keysquared (aka "Morning but still mourning") is introducing me to a world of poetry and music I didn't know about.  But more about that in another post.

Imus's words differ from some admittedly poor Hip Hop lyrics in important ways:

- Imus directly insulted specific individuals, the members of the Rutgers women's basketball team;

- though Imus's show includes entertainment, it is in fact a serious political program, where leading government leaders speak to the people they serve;

- Imus had a national audience, and was considered a very powerful political figure.

I believe the music industry needs to clean up Hip Hop music.  I believe the consumers of gangsta rap need to recognize the harm they do to their own self esteem by "approving" violent and degrading lyrics.  But that doesn't excuse for one second what Don Imus and his producer have done to the defenseless young women of the Rutgers basketball team.

Those of you who have teenage daughters, please ask yourself this:  Would you want Don Imus fired if he called your daughter something as insulting as the terms he used - on national television and radio - to describe these fine young girls?  Of course you would.

We should all thank MSNBC for doing the right thing, and hope that CBS Radio will do so as well.

1:28 AM - 7 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

Doctors and nurses deserve respect
Current mood: frustrated
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers

My sweet wife Joanna just got home from work at the hospital.  She told me about one more case where a patient cursed at a hospital employee.  An anethesiologist was making a routine pre-surgery visit to a patient.  The purpose of this consultation is:

-  to confirm the type surgery the patient is toi have, a means of ensuring no paperwork mistakes have been made;

- to ensure the patient hasn't consumed anything, as vomiting during an operation could result in death;

- to confirm one more time that there is nothing in the patients medical history that needs to be considered when the anethesiologist decides which drugs to administer; and

-  to make the patient and his family as comfortable as possible about the operation tha is about to occur.

This patient today was irate that the anethesiologist was asking the same questions a nurse had asked an hour earlier.  He could not understand that this physician was just looking out for the patient's welfare, and, by the way, performing exactly the duties required by law and by good medical practice.

Why do patients have to be jerks?  I have heard many stories from my wife over the past 30 years about rude and arrogant patients and their families.

Does the general public not understand how devoted the doctors and nurses are to caring for their patients?  I have both physicians and nurses in my family.  I have friends who are physicians and nurses.  I know that these are the most conscientious group of workers on the face of the earth.  Why do they get such grief from the very people they work so hard to help?

I am certain one or two of you can cite examples of doctors or nurses you've encountered who seemed to be uncaring.  Here's one fact I do know:  my wife has assisted in over 25,000 operations in her 30 year career.  Only one patient has died in that time.  Even though the death was not the fault of any medical professional, it still bothers my wife today, decades after it happened.  And how could it not?

9:08 PM - 16 Comments - 12 Kudos - Add Comment

I received an alien implant
Current mood: shocked
Category: Life

Friends, I am certain that aliens implanted a control device in my body this morning.  At the crack of dawn I was whisked off to a strange building.  Several beings in blue masks, hats, and unisex outfits took control of me for several hours, and God only knows what they did!   Here's what I remember:

1. I was forced to disrobe and lie on a tiny platform, with visible restraints nearby to remind me who was in control.
2. Human-like beings probed and measured me, and then injected me with some strange fluid that made me drowsy and compliant.
3. I was wheeled off to the laboratory full of complex alien equipment and placed under bright lights.
4. A team of those blue-garbed aliens quickly put me to sleep.
5. When I awakened, I discovered to my horror that my lower abdomen had been sliced open and sewn back together.

My wife claims that I simply had a mesh implanted to keep my guts from falling out.  But I'm now suspicious.  The lower abdomen must surely be the most sensitive part of the human body.  Where better to implant a control device?

Was it aliens who assaulted me this morning?  Agents of Big Brother?  A strange cult that goes by the cryptic initials "HCA"?   Those same initials appear on my wife's paychecks, so I'm now certain she is part of the control implant conspiracy.  

At least I can report that I am safe and sound back in my own bed tonight.   I'm feeling a little soreness right now from the area of the implant, so perhaps Big Brother is dissatisfied with this blog post.  Please know that THEY cannot control this Texas Cajun!

P.S. My only other operation happened when I was 7 years old.  Can you imagine how frightening this strange experience must be for a child?

6:53 AM - 22 Comments - 18 Kudos - Add Comment

Troop welcome at DFW (repost for new readers)
Current mood: jubilant
Category: News and Politics

Over 150 U.S. soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan arrive each day at DFW airport. These soldiers are just beginning their two week R&R, a well-deserved rest after six months in war zones. As they emerge from international customs, on their way to family or to connecting flights home, the soldiers are greeted by hundreds of cheering and thankful Americans. VFW members shake every soldier's hand, cub scout packs hold hand-painted signs, church groups wave flags, and nearly everyone in the building sheds tears. This is the soldiers' first glimpse of home, and it's a moment they will surely never forget.

I've welcomed troops at least twenty times over the past two years. I get choked up at the scenes I witness with each arrival. A private from Kansas leans on me as she breaks down and sobs, totally overwhelmed by the emotional release of wartime stress. Young mothers hold out to fathers the tiny babies born while they served their nation halfway around the world. Older mothers scream and cry as their uniformed sons emerge tall and erect at the door of the walkway

It is difficult to put into words the pure joy this simple welcoming act has brought to soldiers and civilians alike. For a brief thirty minutes every day, all come together in rejoicing the return of our heroes.

6:22 AM - 3 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Throwing down the steno pad, seizing the presidency
Current mood: optimistic
Category: News and Politics

Does anyone remember when the term "male chauvinist" became popular?  I didn't understand what it meant until my fellow engineering students showed me in 1970.

Engineering at McNeese State was a male club 37 years ago.  I think the two hundred engineering majors included only three females. 

I was just a young freshman when students formed McNeese's Society of Chemical Engineers.  It was obvious who the leaders were, and I was anxious to see the group elect officers.  But those leaders deferred the election for two monthly meetings, arguing that an important member was not present.  

Finally, at the third meeting, the turnout was larger, and the election proceeded.  The second officer chosen was secretary, which the male chauvinists running the show had already determined would be Ann Lamendola.  Ann was, of course, the first and only female chemical engineering major at McNeese.  The chauvinist leaders were all smiles as Ann was elected unanimously.  The new president quickly turned over to her a notebook and a pen, and directed her to start taking notes.  Everyone laughed, and Ann managed to reply with a half-smile.

Did it bother Ms. Lamendola to have the secretary role thrust on her?  I don't know, but I do know I was embarrassed for her.  My fellow engineers were making a clear statement – that women should be note-takers and not leaders.

I was drafted into the military a short time later.  Working nearly full time, I couldn't complete the tough engineering hours required to keep a student deferment.  So I left college at just about the time the women's liberation movement was finally taking hold in the conservative South.

When I returned to McNeese State three years later, I was pleased to discover the campus was much less defined by gender.  Women then made up 15 percent of the engineering student body, a ten-fold increase.  Even more impressive, the president of one of the engineering professional organizations was a women.  Clearly, women's roles had changed.

Women today may still feel that a glass ceiling prevents their advancement at some companies.  But I'm in awe of the changes I've seen in my adult life, which started for me with the liberation of the engineering student body at McNeese Student University.

4:56 AM - 3 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Big Red interviews me
Category: Life

I hope you learn about me from my answers to Big Red's excellent questions.  Feel free to ask any other questions.  If anyone wishes me to interview them, just send an "Interview Me" note.

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1. I looked at your charcoal drawings and they are AWESOME. Do you have any artist who inspires you?

My favorite artist is the Navajo R.C. Gorman.  The Native American women he paints seem so quietly proud – a sharp contrast to the violent or downtrodden depictions of Native Americans done by white artists.  The spirit of Gorman's work is best expressed in the title of his stunning art book and autobiography: "The Radiance of My People".

2. I'm a snob when it comes to what can be considered art.... are there any "famous" artists that piss you off? Some who's work you consider to be crap?

Robert Mapplethorpe's sacrilegious works definitely pissed me off – but I suppose that was his intent.  I think Thomas Kinkade's very popular art is crap, but who am I to judge?  His work seems to bring comfort to many.

3. This is a "stock" Big Red question..... In 10-20 songs, what would be the music that is the soundtrack to your life?

From my rebellious and political life in the 60's and early 70's, when blacks were gaining civil rights and my generation was protesting the Vietnam War:

"If I Had a Hammer" – Peter, Paul, and Mary and many others

"Blowin' in the Wind" – Bob Dylan, The Kingston Trio, and others

'For What It's Worth" – Buffalo Springfield

"Give Peace a Chance" – John Lennon

'Fortunate Son" – Creedence Clearwater Revival

My fun side provided balance to my seriousness, and still does today:

"Joy to the World" – Three Dog Night

"Let's Live for Today" – Grass Roots

"American Pie" – Don McLean

"Margaritaville" – Jimmy Buffet

I met Joanna and discovered love songs:

"Only You" – The Platters

"Rock Your Baby" – George McRae

"You Make Loving Fun" – Fleetwood Mac

"Three Times a Lady" – Lionel Richie

4. You and your wife have been together for a long, long time. Marriages now seem so disposable and casual. Any advice for people who desire to make it through the long haul?

Be very forgiving.  Humans are not perfect.  My wife and I have both hurt each other badly in our long marriage.  But we've worked through our mistakes because of our love.

Learn to give each other space.  We have friends and interests in common, but also allow each other independence as well.

5. Do you find the world to be a better or a more frightening place than, say, 30 years ago? What in your opinion have been changes for the better? The worst?

I grew up in the worst part of the cold war.  In elementary school we had exit-to-the-hallway drills designed to possibly save us from nuclear attack.  My town of Lake Charles, LA, was home to a Strategic Air Command base, with its daily launches of B-52 bombers, the main nuclear weapon force of that era.   For me, the world is nowhere near as frightening as it was in the 60's and 70's.

We created the Environmental Protection Agency in 1971.  U.S. air and water pollution have been sharply reduced since then, despite a 50% increase in the U.S. population.  We are passing on a much cleaner world than my generation inherited.

IMO, the worst change has been the curtailment of speech in the U.S.  Freedom of speech is so fundamental to what our nation stands for, that I am truly scared by what is happening.

5:46 AM - 17 Comments - 14 Kudos - Add Comment

Bullets of a liberated woman (repost for new readers)
Category: News and Politics

Sofie Herzog arrived at the frontier town of Brazosport, Texas, in 1893, and gave the locals much to talk about. In the first place, she was a physician – a FEMALE doctor. And she rode astride her horse, wearing a scandalous split skirt. If that were not enough, this outrageously liberated woman had the audacity to cut her hair short and wear a man's hat.

Doctor Sofie, as the citizens came to call her, appeared at first the opposite of the 19th century woman, but she was in other ways typical of her era. Like most American women, she was a devoted mother, raising seven children to adulthood. She was a loving wife until her husband died in 1893.

Seeking a change in widowhood, Sofie boldly abandoned comforts of New York City, and moved to a new life in the frontier West. She faced an uphill battle to gain confidence of the Texans she wished to treat. Brazosport was a rough town, and a female doctor just seemed out of place. But Doctor Sofie quickly won them over with her ability to heal.Many patients were victims of brawls and shootouts. Sofie's skillful removal of bullets gained her fame. Sofie had a necklace crafted that was sure to generate publicity. Twenty four bullets she had removed from men were linked with gold wire. Sofie wore it proudly, and the amusing tale of her necklace spread throughout Texas.

The St. Louis and Mexico railroad was being built through Texas, and Sofie's work increased. Construction accidents were common. A railway handcar driver often raced to the scene carrying Sofie, her dress billowing in the wind, her medical bag clutched at her side.Sofie applied to be chief surgeon of the railroad. Already doing the work, she wanted the full pay that was rightfully hers. Local railroaders hired her quickly. Railroad executives back in New York then discovered, to their chauvinistic horror, that Dr. Herzog was a woman. When they asked her to resign, Sofie's answer was simple:

"No, thank you. I'll keep this job until I fail to provide service."

Dr. Sofie Herzog remained the railroad's chief surgeon for thirty years. The brave and brash doctor died in 1925. Photos and belongings of Dr. Sofie can be viewed at a small museum in Brazosport. But visitors will not see her necklace of bullets. As specified in her will, the necklace was placed in her coffin, where it has remained ever since.

11:41 PM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Diabetes gonna kill me? No damn way! (repost for new readers)
Current mood: optimistic
Category: Life

Two years ago my doctor told me I was diabetic. That's a scary thing. My first thought was about how much my dad suffered, as first his eyesight failed, then his kidneys, and finally his heart. I'll admit I'm afraid of dying at 65, as he did.

My second thought, though, was about all the money J. and I have been saving for 25 years. We've built up a nice nest egg with IRA's and 401K's. I'll be damned if I'm going to die young and let her be a rich widow for 25 years! Spending my retirement money on some young stud!

Now, when I go to the kitchen for a snack, I first close my eyes. I can see this Fabio dude sitting in my big leather chair at Christmas time. He's opening the gift box my smiling wife just gave him, and taking out a Rolex watch.

Hell no! No Fabio is getting a gold watch in my house! Forget the snack!

When I pass a Mexican restaurant, luring me with burritos and quesadillas laden with fat grams. I close my eyes briefly. And there's Fabio again, walking across my driveway to his shiny red sports car.

Not gonna happen! No funds for Fabio's Ferrari! Begone burritos!.

Those mental images have saved me. Over two years I've lost 35 pounds. My doctor tells me I'm going to live a long life. My wife can dream all she wants about Fabio, but when she opens her eyes, it's still going to be my old body beside her. Screw diabetes!

2:09 AM - 8 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment