I Just Can't Help myself...

“Thank you Lord Jesus for President Trump.”   I saw this held by two "Trumpsters" today on Facebook.   The logic, or lack thereof, is mindboggling.  Jesus, a spiritual individual, advocate for the poor, critic of the wealthy and God’s sacrifice to humanity has given us Donald Trump, windbag, nihilist and billionaire.  Despite this evidence, Americans as a whole are not stupid.  We have managed to maintain an effective form of government that requires the participation of its citizenry for 239 years.  We have had our difficulties, but we have usually recovered.   At least, that’s what we hope.

Just for the sake of argument, say 20% of our population is intellectually inept, stupid.   That would represent about 66 million individuals.  Even though that would leave us with 264 million with rational intelligence, that’s a lot of stupid.  Look at most of the great political movements since the American Revolution.  Most started with far less than a 20% popularity rate, the French Revolution, the Russian (Soviet) Revolution, the over-cited rise of Nazi Germany and the Mao Revolution in China all began with a determined minority that effectively manipulated a desperate populace against the existing government.  All had the benefit of a clueless ruling class that kept to itself, ignored the majority and obsessed with its opulence.  So what does this have to do with Jesus giving us Donald Trump?

After the 2008 “Great Recession”, the wealthiest 20% in this country, some 66 million folk, suffered some setbacks, but by 2012 it was back to its fat and happy debt driven ways.  Sacrifices were minimal and the government kept them, us, afloat until we got back on our feet.  All the while, everyone else struggled.  Median income dropped, real inflation continued to rise and income growth stagnated.  Most continue to suffer while those in the upper income brackets continue to represent the majority of government and pretend everything is good.    

66 million people with most of the economic might in this country represents a very powerful micro-economy.  Enough money can be exchanged among the top 20% to sustain the U.S. economy and keep people content.  What do the Tee shirts say?  “Life is Good.”  While we live in our nice houses and drink our lattes, we pretend the remaining 80% are fine.  Enter the Tea Party.

            There are a lot of pissed off people in this country.  The income inequality, the massive individual debt and general manipulative nature of our representatives helped create a movement that could be a serious threat to the well being of all.  Granted, these folks have good reason to be upset.  However, enough of the Tea Party has proven itself to be gullible to demagogues such as Donald Trump who seethes vitriol for the sake of immediate personal gain.  Immediate is an important distinction here.   There have been numerous characters fueling the angst of our citizenry since 2008, but none have tapped into our worst like “The Donald.” He says what he wants, and individuals with no sense of perspective beyond a mythological interpretation of faith and the pain of current circumstances drink it up like cold PBR. 

            The Donald will not last.  He’ll get bored and realize that the White House will threaten his business opportunities.  However, once he goes back to bullying clients and star-crossed wannabes, a leadership void could result in the rise of a manipulative sociopath who follows Trumps formula for divisive popularity while building a political following that puts he or she in power.  Most of the current Republican candidates for President are struggling in the wake of the Trump phenomenon, and their response has been to mimic the anti-liberal, anti-immigrant and anti-establishment rhetoric so attractive to the “Trumpsters.”  All have maintained distrust for the government they have so willingly served over the years as a means to portray themselves as one of us.  As insincere and hypocritical as all of this seems to most, there is a substantial population that buys the rhetoric.  

            What makes the rise of a powerful and talented populist more problematic is that he or she may not even be on the national stage yet.  One of the consequences of the Tea Party movement and its predecessors of the previous two decades is that the federal government has become a target with less and less power.  Grass roots movements have taken over local and state governments while critics of the federal government have led interference.  Pundits and their followers lambast Federal overreach in education, health care and entitlements while they act to defund these entities at the statehouse.   Fewer resources provided for local citizenry while they are convinced it is Washington’s fault.   This is not a formula for a return to responsive government. 

            We have numerous serious challenges in this country that require thoughtful leadership and discriminating, collaborative, followership.  The history of humankind tells us that such reason has a difficult time overcoming outrage driven by ignorance.   The majority of the population goes about their business, accepting the ebb and flow of life, while a determined minority finds a way to convince others, inaccurately, that there doesn’t have to be an ebb.  The entire Trump affair would make for good comedy if there were not others dangerously stoking the anger Trump is manipulating.  Failure to overcome a movement that plays on emotion over reason could lead to massive national heartache.  Somehow 266 million people need to convince 66 million that ignorance is far from bliss.

Where is the Well?

            I have been reading the two books of Samuel the past few weeks through Forward Day by Day (prayer.forwardmovement.org).   David is a fascinating biblical character full of complex contradictions.  Perhaps that was the necessary leadership trait for greatness in ancient times.  I particularly enjoy reading about his strategic action to overtake Jerusalem. As I understand it, he discovered the way into Jerusalem through the Wadi, or well.  He took what we would probably call a commando unit up the well and overcame the force within the fortress.

            I caught myself thinking of this action metaphorically wondering who could find the well in Washington, D.C. to overcome the established, affluent, order.  Of course there are significant drawbacks to this contemporary scenario.  I’m not convinced, after reading the two Samuels, that biblical writers were sure whether David was a good guy.  God even warned the people of Israel of the drawbacks that come with a kingdom.  Yeah, David slayed a giant and he made Israel a significant player in regional politics, but he did many immoral things: think Bathsheeba.  I’m not sure a contemporary leader with David’s charisma would get the results we desire.

            In this day and age many of us want a modern day Messiah to take over and set the country straight.  We suffer from a mythology about imperial leadership that is not only undemocratic, but almost non-existent in a historical context.  The David model shows us that individuals are flawed.  The best of our history, although primed by strong leaders, was a collective effort.  One similarity to David's Jerusalem is that Washington does tend to act like a walled city.  In fact, so do many state capitols.  Influence peddlers gain access, circle up the wagons, and keep policy makers in the dark, or worse, well fed.

            Grand republican experiments have always had difficulty maintaining a democratic approach to governance because the populous often desires a benign omnipotent leader to keep them safe and prosperous.  Focusing the welfare of a country on one individual has typically ended badly.  Our republic is suffering because the public with varying political perspectives spends a great deal of time looking for one progenitor of the ideal.  The fact that such an ideal is non-existent is often forgotten due to tenuous societal circumstances.  More times than not, republics have fallen because people willingly buy the snake oil of a few.  Perhaps the most constant theme we glean from David is not his actions, but the uncertainty of Biblical reporters.  Is David a good guy? Does the over all prosperity of a Kingdom justify brutal action or indicate God’s will?  The conflict between Messianic saviors and cynical political behavior muddies the historical verdict.

            Our Constitutional legacy was started as an agreement among Men who owned property.  The result was a willingness to acknowledge differences while maintaining a status quo supported by historic governmental behavior.  Of course this, like the flawed Davidian line, led to problems and adjustments brought on by rampant hand ringing, corruption, violence and, in the best cases, respectful problem solving. Not perfect, but often promising.

            Every four years we look for a President who can bend everyone to a will formed by moral certainty of a non-existent majority.  The willfulness of government, communities and individuals keeps such power at bay (Thank Goodness).  Our only way to positive change for the greater society in a republic is to accept that the citizens must do the heavy lifting.  Finding the proverbial Wadi will not change this requirement.

“For What It’s Worth…”

      I have been in public education as a student, teacher, assistant principal and principal for 47 years.    I have witnessed a great deal from segregation to busing to urban disarray to suburban self centeredness to magnet energy.  All of these descriptions are, of course, gross generalizations.   Schools are not predictable systemic units, but independent organisms.   Calling any schools a success or failure ignores the complexity of the culture within a school.   Some struggle to get students to a place that provides opportunity, but that is as much due to circumstances beyond a school’s influence as school decisions.  Sure there are educators, from superintendents to classroom assistants, who influence positive and negative outcomes for students, but no circumstance acts as the sole contributor.  Contrary to the political narrative of simpletons, no one succeeds on their own.  There are many schools that need to improve, but there are many more that make profound differences in the life of a child. 

            The last thirty plus years of the “reform era” have been marked by an arcane approach to the human condition.  Limited in intellectual vision and weak in delivery, policy makers and politicians have let us down again and again.  For what it’s worth, allow me to be arrogant enough to propose ten reforms that would get results.

1.     Stop the practice of justifying action on failure:  Since a Nation at Risk in 1983, policy makers, pundits and politicians have consistently pointed to the challenges in public schooling as failures.  This is an overly simplistic and unproductive approach to serving students.  Since the beginning of Public Schools in the United States, students who have a foundation for learning have succeeded in school.  Resources, opportunity and rich experience are the keys to academic success.  The opportunities available to privileged students have to be provided to the underprivileged to see meaningful gains in academic success.  Failure has become an excuse to withdraw from public schools.  We cannot succeed in serving children if we do not engage.

2.     Use standardized tests as a diagnostic tool and focus on teacher actions to justify policy:  Standardized tests are not designed to judge teacher or school performance.  Such practices simply get in the way of meaningful instruction.  Diagnostic tests can provide a base line for learning.  Expect teachers to regularly adjust best practices to meet the needs of students.  Principals can easily determine coaching priorities for staff from documented evidence that this is taking place without deflating teacher morale.

3.     Bring back kinesthetic production: We have hands for a reason and our brain needs to use many synapse to build dendrites.  Mental dexterity comes from a variety of experiences that stretch brain capacity.  Getting away from shop, Home Ec, Music and Art keeps children from expanding problem solving capacity and creativity. (And get rid of Career Classes.  They’re worthless.)

4.     Require Professional Development that is chosen by teachers and individual schools:  Schools are where students are served.  Each school has unique needs and should be allowed to improve based on their own determination.  Schools can choose to team with other schools free from fiat.  Funds should go directly to schools with no strings attached and should be provided to allow schools to serve their professional needs.  The theoretical justification, free from the ideological,  for vouchers and charters is to go around the byzantine organizational structure that has become the “public schools.” It would be much more efficient to simply get the money directly to the schools with better results.

5.     Nationalize teacher certification requirements:  Universal teacher standards do not limit a state’s ability to determine learning standards.  In other words, this would not be an infringement on “states rights.”  Federal certification requirements would establish a bar to improve teacher quality and enhance the likelihood for success.  This would also require colleges and universities to make meaningful changes in their education degree programs based on accreditation requirements.  This would take the cost of certification out of state budgets and put it in the hands of a federal budget with a greater capacity to do this efficiently.

6.     Require teacher candidates get a four-year degree in content with a 2 to 3 year Masters that is practicum heavy:  Successful teachers must have intellectual curiosity.  Whether liberal arts or vocational specific, teacher training should not begin until after such a four-year degree.  At least 2/3 of a Masters program for teaching should be spent in schools.   There is a reason why medical school residencies are grueling, meaningful internship will give a better indication of a candidates ability and help that prospective teacher determine whether teaching is their vocation.

7.     Set a minimal age requirement of 25 years of age for teachers:  Speaking of brain research, we now know that the frontal lobe determines the executive function of the brain.  This part of the brain does not mature until around twenty-five.  I have worked with excellent teachers who are younger, but as a rule, too many are not ready.  There is a reason why only 59% of students graduate from college on time.  Organizational maturity and impulse control are crucial for good teaching.  We need to stop sending young teachers to slaughter before they are ready.  

8.    Re-establish step pay systems with cost of living requirements for teachers and school based administrators:  People see raises as evidence of appreciation.  Teachers know that they are not paid enough, but this does not mean they don’t need outward visible signs of appreciation.  The 2008 crash became an excuse to not pay teachers.  We will continue to see fewer and fewer go into the profession if they do not see a reward. 

9.     Federal funding in P-12 education should go directly to schools with limited requirements for spending:  Funds should be distributed according to need based on FRL (poverty) percentages.  Principal’s should be given the ability to spend the money where needed without restrictions placed at the district level.  Schools should not be labeled Title 1.  Funding should not be based on competitive requirements meant to push a specific government agenda.    Programs established to impact instruction at the federal level are typically limited in effective reach for students. The money can be better spent.

Establish parent support programs that include mental health, health and career services in elementary school communities where needed:  Student success is dependent on opportunity.  That includes opportunity for parents to be supported in their efforts to provide for their children.  Elementary schools represent a microcosm of culture that can give families the resources to find meaningful experiences that increase the likelihood of a meaningful citizenship.  Jeffery Canada in Harlem is correct on this front.  Give it a chance to work and expand the model.

Manning to Voltaire on a Back Shoulder Fade

            In sports, I am what many refer to as the ultimate homer.  A Native of Tennessee, I support everything Volunteer.  Therefore, like many University of Tennessee fans, any discussion about Peyton Manning raises my awareness.  I constantly tire of comparisons between he and Tom  Brady, and I am at the ready whenever they put Brady as the best because he has won more titles.  Despite my obvious bias, I objectively reject discussions about “the best.”  In football, I marvel at the productivity of a plethora of quarterbacks now playing the game.  The evolution of the position, along with the preparation of young players at quarterback, has served as an example of the athletic possibilities of such gifted individuals. 

            Over the past few years I have reflected a great deal on Voltaire’s proposition to keep perfection from becoming “the enemy of the good.”  I recently watched a documentary where a historian described the ancient view of the world as a dome.  Thousands of years later we are now seeing the possibility that there may be more than one “Universe.”  In other words, there are no limits.  I recently heard one Eduardo Sa’enz De Cabezo’n at the 2015 IB World Conference describe a student’s effort to prove the paper fold theory wrong (one can only fold any piece of paper 7 times).  The student cited was successful by taking a mile long sheet of paper towel and folding it 12 times.   Mr. Cabezo’n went on to describe the exponential possibilities of this exercise, through math, stating that a very thin sheet of paper equal to the distance from the Earth to the Sun theoretically could be folded 54 times based on the student’s results.  As I understand it, and for the sake of disclosure I am no professional mathematician, the definitive nature of mathematics can get us to a specific answer or into serious trouble, depending on your perspective. 

            Out of ignorance, I began to think of Pi.  There is no end to Pi.  At least that is what I have been told.   Does this then mean there are no limits?  I listen to physicists speak in terms of the finite age of the Earth or Universe.   I listen to sports journalists, that title can be a stretch, speak in terms of the best.  Are such speculative discussions practical, or necessary.  The best, the beginning, or the end demonstrates a human desire to define perfection in such a way that limits possibility.  It is clear then that acknowledging perfection provides a cognitive understanding of alpha and omega.  Voltaire speculated that this is not a good thing.

            There is no such thing as the best quarterback, pitcher, golfer, artist, musician, ad nauseum.  The universe, which in title implies an end, is unlimited.  If Einstein is correct that everything is energy, individual existence is a continuum.   Oh yeah, watch Peyton Manning throw a back shoulder fade to the post and you will immediately know that he is the best quarterback EVER!!!  Even Voltaire would have made the catch.