Are you prepared for election season? I'm not!

I have to admit, while I am thankful for my right to vote, I never look forward to election season.  Politics are overkill and too many games are played.

So Mrs. Clinton has announced that she is running for President and already people are on the bandwagon.  I'm all for being involved in the process but I'm puzzled. I'm wondering what is she going to bring to the table?  Who will she be running against? Who will be her running mate?  I mean, I have more questions than answers at this point. 

I totally get that there is a strategic map to politics.  THEY get that as well.  But, this "map", in my opinion, has failed us (although THEY don't mind it much at all). It sets the precedents for emotional and ignorant voting.  It is why money and negative ads drive elections; and why we have people in office who don't represent our best interest. 

I am in no way implying that Hillary isn't a good candidate; that's not the point at all.  I'm just asking people to take the time to educate themselves on WHY you believe a candidate is or isn't worthy of your vote.  Don't allow others (namely the media) to make that decision for you.  Do your research!
This election process won't change until we require more; do more.  Besides, you don't just have a right to vote; that right comes with responsibility.

Book Review: Gone Girl

Disclosure: I have never seen the movie

I heard lots of great things about both the book and the movie, so I was extremely excited to begin this book.  But oh did I struggle.  I struggled so much I went to an individual for suggestions on how I could get through it (I didn't want to be a quitter).  It was recommended that I not read the story with the question of who did it in my mind.  I tried that but nah...I went from being utterly confused to sickened. Eventually I just told myself the quicker I finish, the quicker I can start another book.

This book confirmed a few things for me:
1. I do not like suspense books
2. I really do not like suspense books that do that back and forth between characters

I get it though...a great suspense should have twists and turns.  I mean who wants to read a suspense they can quickly figure out.  Yes, I totally get that. But this was extremely slow and just not my cup of tea.

There isn't much you can say about the characters without giving away the plot so all I'll say about Amy and Nick is that they deserve one another.  Maybe this made an execellent movie. I'm not sure if I'll ever know.

Unperfected Love

Have you ever taken some time out to think about where you would be if no one loved you through your mess? The hardest time...you know, when you weren't exactly likable, let alone loveable?

If you have, then you realize how much forgiveness coincides with love.  Love is used so loosely these days.  So much, that I’m confident that most people have no clue what all it entails.  Considering,  Merriam-Webster has so many definitions of loveit is no surprise that we all have our own personal definitions:

1.      Attraction based on sexual desire

2.      Affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interest

3.      A person’s adoration of God

4.      Unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for good of another

Thing is, we often hear about how we wish Big Momma/Mema was still living and how great the family was when she was around.  How you ever sat and pondered why this was?  I have, let me submit my theory:

See Big Momma wasn’t chasing the American dream (all about me and mine).  She wasn’t trying to create a family; while the “family” grew (cause we had those play brothers/sisters/cousins) it was only because everyone she came in contact with she treated with the upmost respect and love.  She repeatedly told us, “We family. We all we got.” (Can’t you hear it?)  But here’s the biggest difference, she was able to see beyond the person to see the need.  See, while she didn’t accept the mess (cause she was definitely going to set you straight) you never felt like an outcast, that she didn't have time, or worse, that you weren't apart of the family.

Yeah, she displayed that 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 love.  I, in no way am saying that you allow any and everything.  That’s not the point.  The point is, compassion goes a long way.  Somebody has to love you beyond your mess!

 

 

Book Review: Success Through Stillness: Meditation Made Simple

I have always been curious about mediation and stumbled upon Success Through Stillness by Russell Simmons.  This book, while not your typical comprehensive approach, is excellent for new learners.  It is written in what I would call conversational tone, is direct and to the point.  It addresses all of the concerns and excuses to mediation.  I was most impressed with Part Two: Chapter 6: God Doesn’t Want Me Mediating because this is a chapter, in my opinion, that left out would have made the book incomplete.  The ability to clear your mind and focus on quietness is just that!  While Mr. Simmons lays out benefits in the book, it would be absurd to discourage someone from practicing something they have personal positive experiences.  I hope more people take the time to at least investigate and form their own opinion; this book is a great starting point and lives up to its name. 

I do plan to start practicing and will blog my experience.  Keep watch.  Hold me accountable. 

Book Review: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Prior to this book, I'd never heard of Henrietta Lacks, let alone HeLa. Rebecca Skloot does an amazing job documenting history.  We are allowed to come along with her as she unravels the story of the women behind HeLa and her family.

In school we learn about African Americans who helped change the world.  After reading this validated book, there is no doubt that Henrietta Lacks needs to be added to this list. Her cells, HeLa, were used to make great medical advancements. This you have to acknowledge despite the conflict you may feel knowing her cells were stolen from her.

Rebecca brings the story full circle by showing us how Henrietta's story could become ours. There still remains a struggle between what is legally ours, as far as the contents once it leaves our body (cells, blood, etc), and science.

Ultimately, this book is a must read.  We all need to know about Henrietta Lacks and there are many who owe gratitude.

Parental School Stress

Lately I have been stressed; stressed brought on by situations, which in my opinion, could have been easily avoided with effective communication.  As unfortunate as it is, we live in a world where people who were hired to represent the community make decisions so far removed from reality that it puzzles me.  That is, until you remember the selfishness of the America, and individual desire to self-promote.  This self-promotion and the fact that we are more likely to complain in silence, has given these types of people exactly what they need---power to do whatever they please never feeling like they owe any explanation.  

A few months ago, I attended a parent meeting held by District 89.  Parents were brought in for a discussion about the reorganization of the district.  I ended up writing a letter (see image at end of blog) to the superintendent afterwards because I was so distraught about the meeting and the lack of communication afterwards.  I mean who has a meeting and does not allow parents to ask questions about changes that will affect their children?

Despite concern, the reorganization happened.  I am still wondering when that proposal actually became THE plan.  How the board and this superintendent believed they could successfully pull off all these changes in such a short time was beyond me.  Yet, I read the letter sent home with my child informing me of the school my children would attend the following school year. I still cannot recall when I actually knew that the first day of school would be pushed a month later.

Last week was registration.  I went to the school only to find out “they”, whomever they are, pushed the time K-5 grade kids would start school (from 8:15am to 8:35am).  For me, that meant I could not register my kids in school because there was no way I could drop them off at this time and make it to work on time.  

It has been obvious from the beginning the individuals who are making these changes do not care about parental buy in; knowing this, I still found it strange that they would not properly notify parents of this decision.   I know they have addresses and phone numbers.  I decided to call the district to find out.  I pointed out that the website included an official board approved 2014-2015 calendar
that did not display a time change (this was STILL the case as I spoke with the individual on the phone; they have since change the time but still indicate it was board approved the same date).  The calendar indicates the calendar was approved May 2014(see image).  I asked what did official mean to them.  I knew that they would not do anything about this, but I just wanted to know why no notification.  I still do not have an answer to this question.

While I know I am only one parent, I am tired of being quiet and I will no longer suffer in silence.  I know the importance of advocating for myself even though at times it seems much easier to do so for others.  I also know I am not the only parent with this story.

Days later, I still do not know where my kids will be attending school.  I also know the board does not care. I keep hearing the individual tell me that it is only a small change; never acknowledging that this “small change” has a major impact on me and my family.   

Here’s the thing, I pay taxes in this community.  I should have the right to decide whether my children attend a neighborhood school and not be forced out due to some last minute decision.  If I am not mistaken, it is the boards’ responsibility to make the best decision for the children.  This can NEVER be achieved without consideration of parents.  Some consideration should be given to ALL parents and kids.  People with the inability to do this should not serve.

Please do not mistake my outcry as a tearing down of the people who volunteer their time. I do not make it my business to “teardown” people who give their time because I recognize the sacrifice in it. I simply want these people to understand the ramifications of those decisions.  Here’s the reality, had this decision been made in May I would have time for rational decisions.  I do not feel as though asking for proper notification is too much to ask, it is their responsibility!

Now I am faced with having to find a private school for my children (which most likely have already started school) , find a before care service that will drop them off at school, or leave them on the school playground unsupervised.  Neither of these are decisions a responsible parent wants to make in a matter of days.

This is only a short summary of what I have had to deal with; it does not include conversations with other parents who also did not know about the time change.  Honestly I would like answers.  I wish I was not in this situation.  I know I will not receive a truthful response (just like the initial letter sent in which the superintendent never responded to me, but my husband who did not write the letter) and I am in this situation.  I also know I will not forget this when voting time comes around.  I will make note of all responsible and those who fail to say a word about how rouge this board has been in their decision making.  In all things you have to find the positive so I am thankful for finding my voice.

Thanks for listening.

In advocacy,

D. McGhee

P.S.
I would have loved to just attached the letter, the blog only allows links to websites; therefore, these are images

Rahm Emanuel: The heart behind the man

Late last night Twitter began to ring about the demolition of Whittier Community Center.  Questions such as why would a building be demolished in the middle of the night and without clearing the books out of the library were raised (for more information about this demolish follow @ctulocal1 on Twitter).  For me, it made me wonder what is Mayor Emanuel's plan? I mean, Chicago has been in the news a lot since he took office and not in a very positive light.  It isn't a secret that this man won an election primarily through an association to President Obama, but his moves don't seem to line up with that association (or does it and we are just failing to see it).  Nevertheless, it lead me to research his background.  I needed to know who is Rahm Emanuel.

The problem with research is it isn't easy to find TRUTH.  The easiest information to find are the political associations; you know the path Emanuel took to become mayor.  While he is known as a democratic, most sites indicate he is highly liberal.  My particular interest, though, were his views on education.  Ontheissue.org shows that while he is not in favor of school vouchers he does believe in more choices within the public school system.  The National Education Association gives the mayor a 100% rating; which indicates pro-public education votes. He voted yes on a bill  to lower student loan interest rates; provide $59 million for a new Predominantly Black Serving Institution program; $25 million for a new graduate Hispanic Serving Institution program; provide for year- round Pell grants; and repeal the Single Lender rule.

This all sounds good and dandy, right?  That is until you consider the huge fight Emanuel is having with the Chicago Teacher's Union and the closing of at least 50 schools (while making plans to expand the stadium and renovate Navy Pier).  My research lead me to this article: Rahm Emanuel losing control of his city

It does not answer all of the questions I have but it does give insight to several things:

• Rahm Emanuel promised a transparency administration which he has not fulfilled.
• While his approval rating is sinking, it isn't something that he is likely concerned about given that Chicago is one-party city
• To win an election takes money, which Emanuel has plenty of

Basically in hindsight, Chicago elected a mayor with nothing to lose.  He has the ability to create his own machine and he is doing just that!  

What does it mean for the people?  It doesn't mean that you stop fighting for what you believe in.   This is definitely something we can learn from.  For starters, stop letting associations rule!  I'm not sure if doing more background on this mayor would have lead people to a different vote but this is definitely a situation that shows associations mean nothing.  Secondly, an evaluation needs to be done to determine if the School Board can make decisions in the best interest of the student when their jobs are appointed by the mayor. Seems like a huge conflict!!!  Thirdly, hold people accountable.  It is our job to remind the politician that they are there to serve the people, which includes you.  Write letters, join agencies/organizations that believe in your cause, but don't just sit and complain.  Nothing ever changed because a person sat on their couch and yelled at the TV.  Lastly, don't just register, GET TO THE POLLS for all elections.  

See, we may never be able to answer the question as to why Rahm Emanuel is making the decisions he is (although Mark Guarino offers a compelling one), but we can be sure about one thing; what is in the heart eventually shows up in your daily life.