This year promises to be an exciting year with over 90 players in our program.

“New Tricks”

This morning I was using Google Classroom when one of my students stated, “I think it’s great that an older teacher like you can learn technology”.  While the comment was sincere and he meant well, it amazes me how little our young people have a grasp on the technology timeline. 

I was teaching a “Flipped” classroom back in 2002 using presentation software and Go To My PC online resources from my home, emailing in 1984 (Compuserve and BBS), had a cell phone in 1989 and have been using PowerPoint  since 1992 (albeit with a projector that required total darkness).  On the flipside, most high school students today can’t type 20 words a minute, can’t code (HTML, C, or BASIC) and they require a 2 day seminar on how to login to a wireless access point. 

Not only that, God forbid that you put a QR code on the board and ask them to scan it.   You will get more blank stares than a rat loose in a mortuary.  An administrator came in to my room during first semester and asked the students how they liked Google Classroom and the other technology oriented activities that were being asked of them.  Sadly, the overwhelming majority of these HCP (Honors College Prep. ) students made comments like, “I wish we could go back to pencil and paper, etc..).    

All of a sudden it hit me, we have intruded into their cyber paradise.  Though they can’t perform the simple before-mentioned task, students are perfectly capable of Snapchat, FB, Yik Yak, Instagram, Tumbler, Spotify, YouTube.  etc.. . When we ask them to adapt their technology to the classroom the fun is gone.   As educators we must change the dynamic.  The reason that many teachers are so good at technology is that when they went for their graduate degrees, they were FORCED to turn in assignments online, type papers, etc.. .

Unless we begin to REQUIRE active and productive use of technology, we will be producing a group of modern-day Luddites.

God Bless All Who gave up 60 seconds of their lives to read this email. Now, go out and POST THOSE ASSIGNMENTS  !!!

Today brings us one day closer to the most contentious election in recent years. As we ponder who or what we are voting for, we have to first acknowledge that neither of these candidates has all the answers.

Healthcare and the Middle East

What a week...the Middle East in turmoil, gas prices rising, and all we
have to talk about is Congress wasting our money on carrying out a charade of attempting to repeal a law they can't repeal. THis is the definition of insanity. Before I go any further, let me state that I wholeheartedly agree with the Federal Judge who declared mandated health insurance unconstitutional. I have always believed that that section of the law was unfair and made no sense. You don't help people by forcing them to buy insurance. Everyone with a calculator and a successful completion of a high school Economics course knows the best option is for a single-payer/catastrophic coverage plan administered by the government. Private insurance companies can still exist to pay for our office visits, routine checkups, etc.. but the government should regulate the cost of these plans. The Laws of Supply and Demand onlywork in an inelastic market when the economy is guided by a limited but effective government. Now on to the Middle East..regardless of whether or not you support the current regimes,extra-constitutional methods and violent protests are never the answer to overthrowing a government that you don't agree with. While the Western nations have democratic government in various forms, most places around the world are not capable nor deserving of it. Even our most staunch ally,
Israel, basically had a Coup de tat when Rabin was assassinated and replaced by a government aligned directly with his assassin. President Obama and the entire government needs to be careful in how we encourage "democracy" in this region. Is there anyone foolish enough to believe that Iraq is a better place now that we have replaced a Dictator, Saddam Hussien, with a Fundamentalist Islamic Republic.
While Saddam was no saint, Christians and other minorities who did not oppose him were accorded protection and even privilages under his regime. There were even Jewish members of the Iraqi parliament. Women were considered equal to men and fundamentalism was mocked and even discouraged. Today, women in "Democratic" Iraq are reduced to the same level in society as they hold in Saudi Arabia or Yemen. Few minorities are protected and Christians and Jews in particular are being persecuted. This is what "Democracy" brings to the Middle East. It is no accident that Syria is the only state in the Middle East other than Jordan where minority and women's rights are respected.
God Bless you and Have a Lovely Week

2010 Elections

From the Left of Center:

The 2010 Election has left many people wondering what went wrong. Was it health care, the economy, social issues,or simply a misunderstanding by many on the left about the importance of mid-term elections. The answer is of course “All of the Above”.

While 82% of all Americans (according to the Commonwealth Fund’s 2008 Survey) felt that our health care system needed fixing, no one was prepared for the cumbersome, compromise laden, expensive plan hashed out by the administration and further amended by Congress. A simple, single payer option with no one being required to purchase insurance of any type makes the most sense for the average American who pays up to 20% of their paycheck toward insurance premiums. However, what makes sense is not always what people want or think they want. All it takes is for someone to use the word “Socialism” or “Liberal” and working class Americans flock back to the same system that has burdened them for over a century. If Democrats ever plan on winning the health care debate, they must be prepared to give real numbers when discussing how much money is poured into private insurance by the average worker.

The economy is currently and always will be the single most important issue for Americans. Ironically it is the one area where the Executive branch and Legislative branch have little or no control. While Fiscal Policy (taxing and spending) is important, it can only alleviate the symptoms of the “Great Recession”, much like Roosevelt used it during the Great Depression. Roosevelt didn’t end the Depression, however, he made it bearable for most Americans through government programs such as the T.V.A., the C.C.C., and the N.R.A. (National Recovery Act). This was strongly criticized by Republicans and the rich, however, working people showed their approval by electing him for a record 4 times. While President Obama and the Democrats had the same opportunity, they balked. They were afraid of the reaction of conservative pundits who believe that the key to economic recovery is sacrificing the poor and the middle class to the failed “trickle down” coddling of the rich. This approach failed miserably under the Bush administration which destroyed a budget surplus in less than 2 years with corporate and upper class tax cuts. The tax cuts which were given to families who made less than 250,000 a year would not have made a dent in the surplus. Tax breaks to corporations and wealthy individuals are supposed to encourage growth through business spending and hiring. This theory failed. As a result, the economy almost collapsed. President Bush, to his credit, saw the need to propose the stimulus plan which along with President Obama’s plan has alleviated much of the suffering of the average American through un-employment payments and government assistance. President Obama needs to realize that the Republican party has simply did what he did in 2008, capitalize on peoples fears and ignorance. As a result, he needs to increase government spending at a G.O.P. like pace and allow the Federal Reserve to worry about the money supply and the National Debt. With more spending comes more jobs, with more jobs come more consumer spending, with more consumer spending comes greater sales, with greater sales come greater profits.

Mid-Term elections almost always see a decline in support for the “ruling” party. This is largely due to a misunderstanding by the people about the importance of these elections. We Americans, especially moderately conservative, mainstream, or liberal Americans, tend to believe that once we elect a President or Governor, the rest will take care of itself. As a result, the people who are discontented with the executive are much more likely to go to the polls while those who are satisfied tend to stay at home. The result is what appears to be a mandate for change.

President Obama must be aggressive where it is important and reserved where it is not. Many Americans would have not turned against the Democrats 30 years ago had it not been for its embracing of so many non-traditional social issues, abortion in particular. President Obama deserves a tremendous amount of credit for appointing a Pro-life Justice, Sotomayor. Hopefully this will help lead to a removal of the pro-choice language in the party platform. The President has also been adament in his defense of marriage as a man-woman institution. His reiteration of his support for President Clinton’s Defense of Marriage act has helped calm many moderate supporters. When necessary, President Obama has maintained the Democratic position on many social issues. What could be more patriotic than wanting to serve one’s country. His support for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was the correct thing to do even though it may bring about some negative reaction from the far right.

The 2010 elections were not a mandate, simply a reaction. As a result of this reaction, effective government will temporarily decline and a level of stalemate will occur. This stalemate would be tolerable in better economic times, however, it is not tolerable in today’s recessionary state.

Jacksonville State University Gamecocks

This year has been the epitome of "Build it and they will come". I am not a "Bandwagon" fan but I have no problem with those who are jumping on this wagon. The Stadium, the atmosphere, and the Product on the field make for a true College Football experience. I have grown up an Auburn fan but JSU is now and always has been my top priority..."Momma's Calling". Go Gamecocks

Arizona Immigration Law

The State of Arizona recently passed a law that requires local and state police to make people show proof of citizenship when stopped, etc.. The governor has yet to sign it and hopefully will veto this unbelievable unconstitutional piece of legislation.
The Arizona Immigration Law is probably one of the most dangerous pieces of legislation passed this year. Ok, first of all, this is a blatant violation of a principle that every American holds dear. Americans should never be required to carry ID. I was appalled when I talked to people from other countries who said they had to have their id or papers on them at all times. This is outrageous. While illegal immigration is a problem, BIG BROTHER is a more dangerous problem. Where are the Tea Party folks and conservatives on this one? AMERICANS required to show ID's while walking down the street? No more hiring people to cut your grass or rake leaves without proper ID? Welcome to the Peoples Communist Republic of Arizona...

Goals Instead of Resolutions, Now That's an Idea.

I don't know about the rest of you but I am a little put off by the term, Resolution. A resolution is usually something that binds us to a decision or at least states that we are definitely going to accomplish it. This is a great philosophy if it works, however, lets face it, most New Years Resolutions don't come to fruition. It is similar to when your coach used to say, "It's not if we win but when we win". Again, great motivation, but completely unrealistic. When the inevitable happened and your team lost, the coach lost a degree of legitimacy. Why not do something a little different this year; let's set some GOALS.

Goals are something you plan to achieve. Like most plans, they sometimes have to be changed. As an educator, I am constantly setting goals for myself and my students. For a goal to be valid it has to be measurable, therefore, I hereby proclaim 2010 the year of the New Year's Goals. These goals are not personal but simply my opinion on what our country needs to do to improve. Don't misunderstand me, our country, the United States of America, is still the greatest country on Earth and will be for a long time, however, this doesn't mean that we can't improve.

GOALS 2010

1. The government should continue to use its Fiscal and Monetary policies to steer the economy through rough times. Capitalism is great, however, even Adam Smith (The father of Economics) stated that government does have a role. These policies should benefit ALL Americans, not just the poor, rich or middle class. There is this belief that if you help the poor you have to harm the rich, that is completely inaccurate.

2. We should continue to fight terrorism and extremism wherever we find it. This includes all forms of extremism if it leads to terrorism or oppression.

3. Our country should change abortion laws. We should recognize that women's rights and the rights of the unborn are one in the same. A woman devalues herself as does her partner when they wantonly and willingly terminate the life of their offspring. While most women who have abortions are decent and even god-fearing people, they don't realize the gravity of this decision. There are of course reasons for early term abortions and I am not certain that first trimester abortions should be banned, however, 2nd Trimester and late term abortions are wrong and any civilized, modern nation must recognize this and put a stop to them.

4. Healthcare reform is more than an idea, it is a necessity. Democrats, Republicans, and Medical leaders have to fix this. Requiring people who don't have insurance to purchase it is not the answer. Not only is unconstitutional, its outrageous. That's like telling someone who is starving that they will be put in jail or fined if they don't eat, regardless of their ability or inability to pay.

5. We must solve the homeless problem. We should humanely enforce vagrancy laws and move people who are living in the streets into government or privately contracted shelters. No child should be forced to live in a refrigerator box or under a bridge because of the situation of their adult caregiver. These facilities should be located in or near the communities where homelessness is a problem in order to avoid life disruption as much as possible.

6. The Federal government should abandon the No Child Left Behind educational program. It is unrealistic and detrimental to the students it is supposed to serve. The Federal government should put forth a plan for states to reorganize education into career tracks beginning in the tenth grade. I will address the details at a later date.

7. We should build our alliances based upon a new philosophy, Unilateral Humanitarian Aid. The developed nations should aid the poor, downtrodden, and oppressed regardless of the cooperation of their government. This concept of "respecting the internal affairs" of other nations ends when they oppress or abuse their citizens. The United States cannot do this alone, however, an alliance of developed nations regardless of their political systems could easily implement this "Pax Humana".

8. Liberalism and Conservatism have to take their places behind Americanism and Humanitarianism. Liberals tend to reject the patriotic, religious, and military while Conservatives tend to reject humanitarianism, welfare, and social advancements. America is strong and great only because we are a nation which is strong militarily, socially, and most of all spiritually. We cannot allow our rightful separation of church and state to interfere with our relationship with God, regardless of sect or creed.

9 and 10 = Email me your Goals for our country at: messagefromthemiddle@gmail.com

2.

Season's Greetings (Probably Controversial)

First of all, Christmas is great !!! While we know that Christ was probably born in September, the Wise Men/ Magi probably visited around the end of December. (Too much History Channel). One of the great things about Christmas is that it enables us to share the story of Christ with so many people who otherwise don't hear it on a regular basis. It also provides us the opportunity to share with our younger children who may not quite understand the intricacies of our faith but surely grasp the ideas surrounding Christmas. Now, let me complicate matters a little here; As Christians, lets stop complaining about "Happy Holidays" and "Xmas". The word derived from the notion of "Holy Day", and gradually evolved to its current form Holiday. What is wrong with "Holy Day"? Nothing. As for "Xmas", it is not a secular conspiracy to get "Christ out of Christmas". Instead, it is the proper way to abbreviate the spoken word Christmas. The letter "X" is the Greek letter "Chi" which has traditionally been associated with Christ. As Christians we should view the holidays as a way of unifying us and providing us with an opportunity to share our beliefs with others. Let us not use the holiday for negative rants and ravings about terminology.

Happy Holidays,
Randy Vice

The War in Afghanistan

Too many people have failed to study history here. We must finish the job in Afghanistan. Unlike Iraq, Afghanistan is a haven for terrorist and a hotbed of opium production. The U.S. has no choice but to achieve a complete and total victory here. I know many of you consider me liberal, but when it comes to defense, I am more conservative than most. We have to achieve what the Soviets failed at; the complete defeat of radical Islam in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The form of Islam that exist in this part of the world is an affront to all that is decent. Women and young girls are relegated to a status just above the chattel slave while children are treated slightly below the status of animals. How can a free country who espouses the ideas of democracy and yes Judeo-Christian values sit idly by while this continues to occur. Whether we like it or not, we are the world's policeman and have been since Teddy Roosevelt. Failure to act as such not only hurts the world but endangers us as well. Too many liberals and even some conservatives say, "this is their culture, we don't need to impose ours". That is a ludicrous comment. We are simply bringing this country back into at least the 19th Century (1800's). Right now they are in the middle ages.

Healthcare Speech

I agree with the majority of President Obama's speech. However, I strongly disagree with any plan that forces anyone to purchase insurance who chooses not to do so. I understand the rationale behind it but it is still wrong. It is just as wrong as when states force people to purchase automobile insurance. Sure, it makes perfect sense, however it is still a fundamental violation of a person's right to privacy. Part of the right to privacy (which isn't in the constitution but has been interpreted) is the fundamental concept of economic freedom to manage one's own affairs. However, by and large, the plan as put forth by President Obama made pretty good sense.

President's Speech to School Children

It’s been a long time since I decided to sit down and put my thoughts to paper but I think the time is here to restart my blog.
First of all, this Tuesday is a unique day. The President plans on speaking to the nation’s school children in a “back to school” message that has been given by his predecessors as well. However, this address is being scrutinized by the right and lauded by the left. The right wing seems to think it is the next Nuremburg address and could lead to the founding of an “Obama Youth” movement reminiscent of the Nazi organization of the 30’s and 40’s. The left seems to believe it could possibly be the next “Sermon on the Mount” coming from their self-proclaimed political messiah. The truth lies no-where in between. It is simply a speech to the school children of America encouraging them to stay in school and achieve goals that they set for themselves and not let their home situation be an excuse for not behaving or achieving to their fullest. We need to avoid the “Kool-Aid” drinkers of the left and right in the world and try to be informed before we make quick decisions and comments. Here is the speech to be delivered on Monday. http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/

Back To School Brings Hope and Caution

As an educator, I am excited about returning to school. Most of the students, whether they admit it or not are also excited. However, with this excitement come worry about the financial situation many of them face at home. In our community many businesses have shut down, cut back, or are on the brink of closing. Part of me says the old addage, "Don't worry be happy" applies. On the other hand, we cannot blindly ignore the environment around us. I guess the most important thing for all of us to do is to try and embrace the history of it all. Teaching the Great Depression will be easier now that we have the "Great Recession" to compare it to.

July 4th Weekend Slideshow in Columbus Georgia

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO VIEW PHOTO SLIDESHOW/MOVIE

Sarah Palin Resigns as Alaska Governor

Ok, first of all, Sarah Palin has every right to be upset with the media's obsession with her family. David Lettermen apologized for his comment which was mistakenly made toward the younger daughter, however, the main stream media and the blogosphere has been unrelenting in their characterizations of her as some overzealous mad woman. Can you imagine the outrage if it had been the Obama girls who were being maligned? When a persons' Downs Syndrome child is the focus of jabs and remarks, a journalist's professionalism has to come into question. I disagree with many of Sarah Palin's political views, however, I cannot allow myself to be amused by cruel and malicious treatment of her family.

Healthcare Reform: Pro's and Cons

Hey, I am just throwing this out there. It seems that wherever you go someone is harping about how bad our system is or how bad socialized medicine is. What is amazing to me is that there seems to be almost no consensus on this issue. Thoughts? Ideas? HELP

USA SCORES A HUGE WIN IN THE CONFEDERATIONS CUP SOCCER TOURNAMENT

The United States plays in its first major International Final Sunday after defeating Spain 2-0. Spain is the number 1 ranked team in the world and was previously undefeated. Congratulations USA

Iranian Elections

I think we have no choice but to take a "wait and see" attitude toward this one. The Iranians have at least proven that they don't have a "rubber-stamp" election process. It is also encouraging that the Supreme Council has decided to consider a recount, etc.. Iran is in a state of transition with over half their population under the age of 30. This is a great situation as the old guard dies out and the younger, more educated group begins to play a part in the political process. Who knows, could be that this could lead to a Tianimin Square type crackdown. If this is the case, it might play into the hands of the more liberal, younger element.

More on North Korea

The time is over for talk. Kim Jong iL is a madman who must be stopped at all costs. I had hoped that the Chinese would put a muzzle on this lapdog but it appears they are at a loss as to what to do. He has embarrassed the Chinese government to the point that they are willing to back sanctions against him. We must not sit by and allow him to threaten and poster as if he is the leader of a legitimate government. I am not advocating the U.S. go it alone, however, we should move quickly to forge an alliance with Russia and China to end this threat to WORLD stability. Under no circumstances should we allow this to fester while he robs from the mouths of his own people to increase his arsenal of nuclear and conventional weapons. During the first Gulf War, the United States was able to forge an alliance of nations from all over the world to fight what was rightfully viewed as naked aggression against Kuwait. The latest threats of nuclear attack issued by Kim have put the world at a much bigger risk. The time for action is now.

ISLAM AND THE UNITED STATES

Islam is the world’s third largest religion so it would be asinine for the U.S. to avoid dealing with Islamic issues. The question is, at what point do we peaceably coexist and at what point is confrontation necessary. Obviously, we have many countries in our "Friends" column which profess to be Islamic while we also have "Enemies" who adhere to the faith of Mohammed. Now, let’s be clear, most Muslims are not extreme and simply want to practice their faith in peace, however, if practicing that faith means they turn a blind eye to the evils of their extremist brethren, then they cannot be viewed as moderate nor even friendly to the U.S.. As a nation, we should continue to applaud the efforts of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab nations who are currently attempting to eradicate extremism, notwithstanding, they should be admonished when deals are made with any group professing to be Taliban or Al Qaida. As for American Muslims, they should be treated with the same respect as other religions. It would be great to see a million Muslim march on Washington protesting terrorism.