If We Don't Like It, Why Do We Do It?

I saw a very wise FaceBook post today from a teenager.  It said something to the effect of this:  "We spend Thanksgiving thanking God for all we have, then we spend Black Friday buying stuff because we don't have enough."  (Not an exact quote, but the message is the same).

The Holiday season, is my favorite time of year!  I love the lights, the movies, the food, the time with family, watching my kids play, and how everyone is just a little nicer.  But, sadly this comes with a price.  Every year, we try to "outdo" ourselves from years past.  We try to give bigger presents, we try to put more people on our Christmas Card List ("Hey, I ran my shopping cart into your leg at the grocery store...can I have your address so I can send you a card???).  We try to find the perfect toy for our kids, nieces, nephews, and so forth.  We try to find meaningful gifts for spouses or partners.  And the whole time, we don't like doing it.

Most people, when you ask them what they want for Christmas, will say they don't really want anything.  Or that they just want some family time.  But yet we insist this person is just being modest, and we buy a present anyway.

I'm just as guilty as the next person.  I think my wife and I spent at least 2 hours in the toy aisles to find Christmas toys for our 2 young children.  Trust me...with 3 sets of grandparents, a loving church family, and an extended family, these children do not lack for toys.  Heck, my daughter right now is playing with a plastic case that holds toy cars...not the cars...she's playing with the case.

Black Friday has turned into a national holiday.  To this day, I refuse to participate in all the very early morning shopping, but I sometimes venture out in the afternoon.  Trust me, though the police may not be called as often in the afternoon, it's as busy as ever.

Whenever you ask if people enjoy this rush/run-around/'more, more, more" attitude, the answer is often a definitive NO!.  But yet we do it.

We know that Christmas is Jesus' Birthday...not ours.  We know that "Jesus is the Reason for the Season," but yet we lavish presents on others.  We "don't have time" to go to Church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day because there is too much running.  And, before anyone gets made at me for saying this, before I became a pastor, and Christmas Eve became part of my "job," I did the same.

Why do we do the things we don't like to do?  Why do we break our bank accounts to buy toys and gifts that will either a) not be used, b) break, c) sit on a shelf or in the closet after a brief period of enjoyment? I will admit that I have cut back, but I still feel like I have to buy the "perfect gifts."

What are we afraid of?  Are we afraid that if we don't get the "perfect gift," people won't love us?  Are we afraid that life won't be complete if we don't please everyone at least materialistically?

Maybe we're wired that way?  How often do you hear the following:  "Hey, this tastes nasty...try it."  Or "Wow, this hurts...do it." Are we so masochistic that we do things we don't like in some act of self-sacrifice?  If that's the case, then why don't we buy for the homeless?  Pay a bill for the poor?  Then we can spend our money, not exactly like it, but accomplish something positive.

I don't have an answer as to how to Simplify the Season.  Parties are fine.  Presents are fine.  But, they've come to dominate us rather than be true expressions of love.  What happened to the days of finding 1 meaningful present (homemade, pictures, poetry, etc.) and giving that to the ones we love?  Sure, kids can have toys.  But, do they need toys that cost more than most houses?

I don't have the answers...I have the questions...What can we do?

If "Sesame Street" Gets It, Can Christians Get It?

Every year, I look forward to the Holiday Season.  Pure and simple, this time of year makes me happy.  Once November comes, I hound my wife until she lets me put up the Christmas trees (Yes, that’s plural…At last count, we have 3 decorated trees and a cactus about to be decorated).  Every year, I try to find the perfect spot in the house for our Nativity Scene.  We have a handmade Nativity Scene made from a cloth pattern that was cut out and stuffed by my wife’s Grandmother who went to be with God this past year.  Though we have several Nativity Scenes, this one is my favorite, and this year it has even more special meaning.  I also have my large collection of Nutcrackers.  I’ve lost track of how many I have…just know that there are A LOT!

But wait!  What about Thanksgiving, you ask?  Don’t worry; I celebrate Thanksgiving.  I love Thanksgiving - the turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie.  I just like my Thanksgiving with a little bit…ok…a lot of Christmas mixed in with it. 

Basically, I turn into a child this time of year.  I find myself competing with my own young children as we decorate the Christmas Trees.  I want to put up the “cool ornaments.”  I have to remind myself that I’m the dad now, and that rather than competing with my children, I should enjoy watching them cram 5 or 6 ornaments on the same branch, or watching them put all the ornaments no higher than 2 feet off the ground.  But, secretly, I’m excited for them to go to bed so I can go back and reposition the ornaments for a “more balanced Christmas Tree.”

But, this year, I feel different.  I wonder if I’m chasing a dream that doesn’t exist.  Even now, I’m typing this beside one of my trees (lights on, of course), but it is with a heavy heart.  I guess I owe you some background information.

A few weeks ago, my family and I went to Wal-Mart for groceries, and to pick up some supplies we needed.  My 5-year-old son saw a toy he wanted, but I told him we didn’t have enough money to get it.  To be honest, our bank account could have afforded the toy, but I told him it was too expensive…a response many parents give their children.  A few minutes later, he saw a small stuffed bear with the Duke University Logo on it.  As a Duke Divinity School student, I couldn’t pass this up.  I let him put it in the cart.  Even when I told him he could have that little bear he asked a few times if we had enough money for it.  I said “yes,” and went on.

After the shopping trip, my wife and I decided to treat the kids to lunch at a fast food restaurant.  Once my son heard that we were eating out, the first question was, “Do we have enough money?”  Suddenly, it hit me.  It hit me like a ton of rocks.  My son, who doesn’t really understand money, was worried that we didn’t have enough.  I almost cried at the anxiety I caused him to have.  By dismissing his “gimme’s” with “we don’t have enough money,” I made this little boy anxious about a subject he shouldn’t’ have to worry about.  I felt horrible.  I stopped dead in my tracks and explained the best I could that we have enough money to take care of him, and that he doesn’t have to worry about money.  I tried to explain the difference between buying an expensive toy and buying groceries, but I think I only confused him. 

Ok, that’s the background information.

As I see the news this year, daily, I see stories of people in America (not to mention around the world) who don’t have enough money for basic necessities.  So many people are out of work, and no relief is in sight.  The problem has apparently gotten so bad that “Sesame Street” has introduced a Muppet to address childhood hunger.  While I wish shows like “Sesame Street” could focus on things like letters and numbers, I applaud them because SOMEONE gets it.

Americans are so quick to blame the state of the poor on the poor themselves.  “They wouldn’t be poor if…” (fill in the blank – “they would find a job,” “they weren’t lazy,” “they just buckled down,” or add your own).  Even many Christians say the same.  In fact, some of the most unsympathetic people on the issue of poverty that I’ve met are professing Christians.  “Why should I have to feed someone else’s kid?” they ask.  “Taxes are stealing my money and giving it to people who are too lazy to work.”  Remember…I’m speaking about Christians who say these things.

I wonder if these Christians read a book…an important book…the Bible.  I’m sure if they dug hard enough into the text, they’d find God’s words on the issue of poverty.  Spoiler Alert:  I’m going to tell you what God says – God tells humans that they are to help the poor.

Somehow, anyone who finds these passages isn’t a “True” Christian (according to some).  Those who advocate these passages are “just trying to steal the money from hard working people and give it to the undeserving.”  Undeserving?  Isn’t there something in the Bible about ALL people being created in the Image of God?

This year, a record number of people in America don’t have enough food (including many children).  They go to bed hungry.  They go to food pantries to get basic necessities.  They choose between needed medication and supper – which is more important?  “Sesame Street” recognized this reality…why can’t the entire Christian Community get it?

Thanksgiving will come this year, and a record number of families will not have a traditional dinner, unless it comes from a charity or organization.  Christmas will come, and a record number of children will not wake up to a tree with presents under it.  Some Christians say that this is just “too bad” for them…survival of the fittest…it’s not their problem.  Others will write a check and give it to some charity so that they don’t have to actively get their hands “dirty.” 

The time has come to stop this mindset in our churches.  Either we take God seriously or we don’t.  Or, paraphrasing Stephen Colbert: we tell God we just don’t want to obey the commands on caring for the poor. 

The poor ARE our responsibility.  I grant that some are poor because of bad money management or bad and sinful choices.  But, God doesn’t seem to differentiate one type of poverty from another.  Writing checks to charities is good…don’t get me wrong about what I said earlier…but, working WITH the poor is better.  This doesn’t even mean you have to leave your own comfort zone to find the poor.  They sit in our pews at church every week.  They live next door to us.  They work with us.  Their children are friends with our children. 

We can’t save everyone; I get that.  Actually, we can’t save ANYONE.  Only God, through Christ, in the Holy Spirit can do that.  But, we can point the way.  We can make a difference.  Let me rephrase…We WILL make a difference.  If we answer God’s call, we make a difference for the good.  If we ignore God, we make a difference for the bad.

If “Sesame Street” get’s it, can we Christians get it?  If “Sesame Street” is doing its part to minister to the poor, couldn’t professing Christians do a little more?  Please, Church, follow Elmo’s lead and make a difference!

Some Questions for the "Occupy Movement"

Let me begin by saying I think I support a lot of what the Occupy Movement is trying to accomplish.  I say "I think," because there is not one coherent message but rather a myriad of messages being sent by the protestors (To be fair, that is their goal - as I heard on an interview on NPR, the protestors want a wide range of issues to be discussed).  I'm not sure if I support HOW the Occupy Movement is trying to accomplish their goals.  I have some questions.  I'd like answers.  Please, feel free to share your answers to my questions or to pose questions of your own.  Here are my questions:

1.  It's obvious that corporate greed has gone viral.  It's obvious that there is exploitation of the "weak" so that the "strong" can gain more power.  While it is human nature to lash out in these situations, what can we do to bring reconciliation?  Rather than resorting to the tactics of "the powers," can we find a new way that would bring solidarity and mutual respect?  (Yes, I'm an Idealist...and a Christian - and I don't see separation between the 2).

2.  How will the 99% know when the struggle is over?  Do we wait for corporate executives to step down?  Do we wait for more fair labor laws?  What is the signal that the struggle is over...or at least that it's ready to enter another phase?

3.  I understand the "Occupy Wall Street" movement.  On Wall Street, they are protesting in the very place the decisions of greed and corruption are being made.  I don't understand occupying other cities and towns.  In stead of occupying part of a city/town/campus, could we occupy the poor neighborhoods that are ripe with gang activity, drug activity, and other self-medication/survival techniques?  Instead of staying separated from the masses, can we bring the masses together in a show of solidarity and brotherly and sisterly love?  Can we reach out to the forgotten in a tangible way?  I realize that is the goal, but in the midst, I fear the faces and names of the truly suffering have been forgotten.  Can we go into poor neighborhoods and help them to reclaim their neighborhoods from the evils that envelop them?  Dare I ask this???? Can we even consider living among the poor? Befriending them? Loving them?

4.  I know all of the protestors do not share in the Christian Faith.  I'm sure there are various faiths represented and even people of no religious faith.  But, as a Christian, I would feel a little better about this movement if we brought Jesus into the picture.  I've seen hints of this, but only hints.  Can other faiths bring their Deity into the picture (I DO NOT mean that term, "Deity," to be disrespectful - but rather, it is just a simple term to encompass all religious faiths).  Are the 99% just vying for power? or are the 99% struggling for equality?  There is a difference.  If the 99% enslave the 1%, then nothing has been solved...only, the roles have been reversed.

5.  I understand the movement wants a lot of issues to be discussed, not just 1.  But, can there be some sort of unified statement?  What do you want accomplished?  Why do you want it accomplished?

While there is (justified) anger, we also need to remember that we are called to forgive.  Forgiveness DOES NOT mean that we overlook injustice.  Forgiveness DOES NOT mean that we allow exploiters to walk away without punishment.  Forgiveness DOES mean that we see the humanity in the oppressor.  Forgiveness DOES mean that although the oppressor may need punishment (fines, jail time, boycotts, etc.), we do those things not out of revenge but out of love.  Yes, we can punish in love.  It's possible...and it's what Jesus expects of us.  Forgiveness DOES mean that we can allow the sins of the past to not determine our future.  We don't forget...that is impossible in most cases...but we do forgive.  A rabbi (and I don't remember which rabbi this was) said of forgiveness (and I'm paraphrasing): Forgiveness does not mean that we forget, but it means that we can continue the rest of our lives without feeling like the past has to be un-done.

Can this movement lead to a Better World...not just one with the roles reversed???

Repeal the No Child Left Behind Act - An Update

I want to thank all of you who wrote to our representatives about the concerns of the "No Child Left Behind Act."  Here are some updates:

1.  Our voices are being heard.  I've received automated responses from several politicians.  That's not necessarily good news in that these responses do not directly address our concerns, but it is acknowledgment of receiving our letters and e mails.

2.  Today, the phone rang, and I looked at my caller ID, and it said "US Capitol."  I assumed it was going to be some automated polling system.  But, it was a staff person of Sen. Burr acknowledging my correspondence and he gave me information that this issue is in committee.

Of course, none of this means the NCLB will be repealed or even amended, but it does show that when citizens act, our voices are heard.  Making a difference is not always about winning...It's also about being heard.

The "Occupy" Movement

I get it.  I really do.  I understand the frustration.  I understand the concerns.  I empathize.  I sympathize.  I even agree with most of what is being said and most of what is being done.

Social activism can be a great thing.  It can bring about real change.  Our nation would not be a nation if it were not for some social activists who protested and rebelled against the king.

Voices need to be heard.  Faces need to be seen.  Worries need to be vented.  People must be held accountable.

It's obvious that there is a major economic disparity in this nation (and all nations for that matter).  Whether or not it is justified is a matter for debate.  From a Biblical perspective, those who "have" owe a debt of care to those who "don't have."  We are commanded to take care of the poor, the widows, the orphans, the hungry, the tired, and so forth.  The strong are NOT to victimize, take advantage of, exploit, abuse, etc. the weak.

When the Strong in some way abuses the Weak, it is the duty of all People of Faith to hold the abusers accountable for their abuses.  Though I rarely address those of a different faith or of no faith, I would argue that it is the duty that in a "government for the people, by the people, and of the people," we as American Citizens are compelled to call out injustice where we see it and work to make it right.

That leads us to the "Occupy Wall Street" movement.  While I wouldn't demonize all big business, there is sufficient blame within "Wall Street" for the state of the economy of our nation and the economy of the world.  While people should be proactive (when possible) to take care of themselves, more often than not, that includes working for "Wall Street." Of course there are exceptions of those who have risen out of desperate situations due to their own ideals, fortitude, and most importantly (whether they know it or not), the Grace of God

The problem, however, is not "Wall Street."  The problem is much larger that "Wall Street."  The problem is the Greed, Exploiting of the weak, Cheating, and Lying of "Wall Street."  Some are guilty, some are not.  The forces driving the immoral to act immorally are what we should be fighting...in our own lives first, and then in the lives of those in power.

Is there a better system?  I don't know.  But, I do know that the current system CAN be reformed if "we the people" hold our government leaders, company leaders, and ourselves accountable.  We may not bring about the "perfect world," but we can bring meaningful change.

Having said all that, I want to address the "Occupy Wall Street" movement.  Many call the protesters "lazy," "worthless," "bums," and other names.  In some cases, I'm sure these labels, while not Godly (since, after all, each person is of infinite worth to the creator), may be accurate in terms of description alone.  But in most cases, this group includes regular, hard working people who want a job with decent benefits and the ability to care for their family and loved ones.  They believe that while CEO's probably should make more money than the average worker, the average worker is still a person of infinite worth.  The average worker deserves to be treated fairly.

The people who are Occupying the Real Wall Street are not perfect.  Every one of them (and anyone reading this) is most likely carrying a cell phone (made by "Wall Street"), wearing clothes (made by "Wall Street"), drive a car (made by "Wall Street"), and own other seemingly contradictory items.  Sadly, we cannot totally escape supporting the same system that exploits children into slave labor in Third World Countries.  We cannot totally escape shopping from stores that buy from suppliers who have immoral procedures.  We are often forced to buy items (of necessity or convenience) that were produced by exploitative means.  Unless we form self-sustaining farms (or dare I use the term "communes"), we cannot be totally innocent...even if we have the best of intentions.

Abraham Joshua Heschel, a Hassidic Rabbi who was active in the Civil Rights movement, said many times that "Some are guilty, all are responsible."  Most often he was speaking of the Holocaust, the genocide that he narrowly escaped by coming to America just before the beginning of the Holocaust.

In this way, he is right.  We are not all guilty of corporate greed, exploitation of the weak, and unethical business practices.  The average person did not cause the major recession and joblessness attacking the world.  But, we have all supported this greed.  We buy from those companies, we live lives of relative comfort (when compared to other nations).

The Occupy Wall Street Movement, I believe is for the most part well intentioned.  It takes faces and voices directly to the place where these exploitative practices happen.  It forces "Wall Street" to see the face of the average citizen.  Whether you agree or not with what they stand for, no one can say that the protestors are in the wrong place.

What does concern me is the "Occupy" movement going on around the nation.  Again, I believe these people are well intentioned and have the welfare of all of humanity at heart.  But, I fear they are not answering the call of the Gospel.

Yesterday, walking on Duke's Campus, I saw an "Occupy Duke" event going on right outside of our large Chapel.  In principle, I can't argue with these people.  But, in practice I can.  For those unaware, Duke is a university made up of privileged students.  With tuition so expensive, one either has to be wealthy or have a healthy scholarship to attend.  I will admit that many students of middle to lower economic classes can attend Duke because of the generous scholarships available.  I will not hide the fact that I attend Duke on scholarship.

Still, the "Occupy Duke" movement, while well intentioned, projects a very different image.  As I walked by, I was glad to see students exercising their rights and voicing their opinions.  But, then I saw something that disturbed me and made me question this particular movement.  Sitting outside of a very expensive tent was a student using his laptop computer.  Obviously these students still have class obligations, but the image projected does not take that into consideration.

I think, at least in this case, there is a better way.  Instead of occupying a courtyard of a privileged university, why not "Occupy a Shelter?"  Why not stand in solidarity with our less fortunate brothers and sisters?  Why not stand in solidarity in actuality rather than figuratively?  Why not "Occupy a Housing Project," or the "other side of the tracks?"

Again, I get it.  I understand the argument.  I understand the intentions.  It is the image I question.  Wall Street is appropriate - That's where decisions affecting all of us originate.  The other cities of the nation, I'm not so sure.  A university made of privileged students - while noble, is not the place to project.  The privileged must join the less privileged if they are truly in solidarity.

Response From Sen. Kay Hagan

This is the response I got from Sen. Kay Hagan regarding this post and subsequent letter I sent (See blog post and letter - Here)      October 11, 2011 Dear Friend, Thank you for contacting me with your concerns on the No Child Left Behind Act.  I greatly appreciate hearing your thoughts on this important issue. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (H.R. 1) was signed into law on January 8, 2002.  Most notably, this law takes student performance into account when determining school effectiveness and educator accountability for schools receiving federal funding.  States are required to provide all students with highly qualified teachers and measure student performance by administering standardized tests.  Each year schools must achieve adequate yearly progress (AYP) by having a higher percentage of students than the previous year score at least proficient on the state-issued tests.  No Child Left Behind was a good faith effort by lawmakers to measure and improve the effectiveness of schools.  However, many unintended consequences have arisen since the law's enactment.  Namely, it does not identify or give credit for progress made by a student and the teacher throughout the school year and instead focuses on arbitrary levels of proficiency that must be met regardless of students' previous levels of achievement.  Furthermore, it allows states to determine what standard they will be held to, which has resulted in some states lowering their benchmarks in order to more easily meet proficiency targets. Like you, I believe education is critical to the future success of our country and I want to ensure that our students are taught effectively and receive a high quality education. You may be interested to know that I am leading a group of moderate Democratic Senators in shaping education reform. Most recently, we unveiled a Statement of Principles, with the support of Education Secretary Arne Duncan, and we are pushing for these goals to be included in the reform of No Child Left Behind. Specifically, these principles include turning around our lowest-performing schools, creating an accountability structure based on individual student progress, supporting teachers and leaders in high-need schools, allocating more resources to the schools with the most students in need and fostering innovation that will move us beyond the status quo. These are commonsense ideas that will move us closer to providing all students with a high-quality, well-rounded education.  As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, I am actively involved in discussions on education reform and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues so that the children of North Carolina receive the education they deserve. Again, thank you for contacting my office. It is truly an honor to represent North Carolina in the United States Senate, and I hope you will not hesitate to contact me in the future should you have any further questions or concerns. Sincerely, Kay R. Hagan

Dear Politicians, What is a Child?

Dear Politicians,

I have a question for you.  You probably will give me a circular answer.  You probably won't give me a straight answer.  Most likely you'll just laugh the question away.

What is a child?

Is a child a test score?  Do we really need to rank our children?  Aren't they too priceless to be ranked by a test?  Does that test define the child?  Can't we use a test to see how we can help a child?  Doctors do that.  They give tests.  They get the results and then make decisions.  I forgot.  Teachers are lazy and not smart enough to do anything like that.

Is a child a robot?  Should they receive inputs and produce outputs?  No real understanding?  Just regurgitation?

Is a child like every other child?  Do they all learn the same?  They don't all look the same.  They don't all talk the same.  They don't all live the same lifestyles.  Why do you want them to perform the same?

Is a child just a number?  I can count them as well as you can.  But I see people.  I see future.  I see hope.  Why do you hate those things?  Are you afraid they'll take your job?  I wish we could let them.  They have a lot to teach us.

Wait!  Didn't Jesus say something about letting little children come to Him?  Didn't he mention something about having faith like a child?  Does that mean something?  Oh, I forgot.  We worship him, but not his ideals.  His teachings are misinterpreted by Communists and Fascists.  You just use his name to get elected.  I'd watch out if I were you, or you're going to have some serious questions to answer some day when you meed Jesus face to face.  I know some of you are serious followers...but not all of you.

Is a child someone who improves?  Why don't we expect them to walk the second we put their 2 tiny feet on the floor?  Why don't we expect full sentences after the first time we talk to them?  I guess we're too easy on them.  We don't expect enough.

Is a child affected by his or her environment?  Would it make a difference if a child doesn't have a bed? A stable family?  Food?  Safety?  You're right, actually taking care of the real problems would require you to work too hard.  You deserve your vacations.  You deserve your high salaries.  Don't show us the results.  Stop by my house after work, I'll just hand some money to you.

So, politicians, my friends...What is a child?  Will you answer me?

Love,
Me

Repeal The No Child Left Behind Act! - A Call to Action!

Please read the entirety of this post concerning the No Child Left Behind Act to become familiar with the issue.  At the end of the post, there is a "Call to Action" with specific ways you can make a difference.

The "No Child Left Behind Act" is a legalized crime which America has virtually ignored or complained about while still "playing its game."  The time for this victimization of our youth needs to end!  There needs to be no compromise...It must be repealed.  

Introduction:  Before entering the ministry, I was a public school music teacher for 10 years.  I taught in a variety of settings from high-poverty schools to schools that served wealthier areas.  From the onset of the No Child Left Behind Act, the quality and content of education in America has declined.  I have witnessed young children at the point of emotional breakdown due to a test.  Sadly, I was also part of the problem.  As a teacher, I made decisions to support this immoral law in order to move up in the ranks, to keep my job, and to receive good evaluations.  As citizens, Christians, and people concerned about our fellow humans, we are called to take a stand in the face of evil.  Yes, the No Child Left Behind Act is EVIL.  I will provide some background information and details below, and that will be followed by CONCRETE ACTION that we must take.

Abraham Joshua Heschel:

            “Some are guilty; all are responsible.

            

Background: (Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NCLB)

President George W. Bush proposed the legislation for the No Child Left Behind Act (referred to as NCLB for the remainder of this post).  A Bipartisan group of congressional representatives sponsored the bill:  Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), Rep. George Miller (D-CA), Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH).  The NCLB passed the House of Representatives on May 23 2001 (384-45) and the Senate (91-8) on June 14, 2011.  It was signed into law by Pres. Bush on January 8, 2002.  

The goal of the NCLB was that by 2014 EVERY CHILD will test at or above grade-level.  It does not take a rocket-scientist to know this is impossible.  This means EVERY CHILD, even severely disabled children, are to test at an arbitrarily decided grade level standard.

The NCLB requires standardized testing of all government funded schools each year.  This means that all students must take the same test (by grade level) in the same conditions.  Provisions have been made for students with special needs.

The NCLB also requires Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).  While this sounds positive, here is an example of what it actually means:  The 5th Graders who take the test THIS YEAR must perform BETTER than the 5th Graders of LAST YEAR.  There are NO provisions made for any issues that the students may have (i.e. This year's class may have more special needs than last year's class. The majority of this year's class may have been transferred from a different school, etc.).

The NCLB further requires that each sub-group (any gender/racial/economic group that has 20 or more students AND any Special Education and Limited-English Proficiency group that has 40 or more students) must meet its goal, or the school fails to meet AYP.  For example:  If there are 20 sub-groups, and 1 does not meet its goal, that school DOES NOT meet AYP.

The main focus of the NCLB is Reading, Writing, and Math.  Science is also assessed in some cases.  Because of this mandate, and because of the Economic Recession, 71% of schools have reported lowering the time of instruction given to subjects such as history, foreign language, art, music, physical education in order to give more resources to Math and English (Reading and Writing).  At times, the teachers of these "non-essential" (as defined by the testing mandates of the NCLB) courses are forced to tutor in the tested subjects rather than teach in their area of expertise.  Students who are below expectation in tested subjects are routinely pulled from non-tested classes.  

The NCLB Under the Obama Administration

In September, 2011; President Obama announced that states could have wavers on NCLB requirements.  While this may be a step in the right direction, much more drastic action MUST be taken.  Next I will outline just a few reasons:

Why the NCLB MUST be Repealed - Not Reformed! (10 Reasons - But there are MANY More)

1.  There is a large disparity between the races and economic classes.  72% of African-American children attend high poverty schools.  Less that 25% of these students match up to their Caucasian peers in terms of test proficiency.  This is a RACIST and CLASSIST law promoting Government Sponsored Discrimination. (See Chart 1 and Chart 2 for a visual graphic of this point)

2. Statistically, the "Bell Curve" is a phenomena that should be expected when performing statistically-valid tests upon large populations.  In simple terms, that means that few should be at the very bottom and few should be at the very top with the majority rating in the middle.  Draw the outline of a bell.  The sides are low, but the middle is large.  The NCLB REQUIRES that ALL STUDENTS should be at the "high performing" level.  

3.  In several states, approximately 50% of the schools were ranked as "failing."  The term "failing" is a misnomer and inaccurate (and immoral).  To be considered a "failing school," the school has to not achieve AYP several years in a row.  Therefore, a school with a high population of severely mentally disabled students would be a "failing school" even if every other sub-group reached expected goals each year.

4. More than 1/3 of our nation's schools DID NOT meet AYP guidelines for the 2009-10 school year (that is the most recent data that I found that is available) (See HERE for updates to this statistic as more details arise). The states failing to reach AYP in 2009-10 in at least 25% of schools are:  AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, Washington DC, DE, FL, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KY, ME, MA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OR, SC, VA, VT, WA, WY.  That means almost 66% (counting Washing DC as a "state") did not have at least 25% of their schools reach AYP.  If 66% of America's states do not have at least 25% of their schools meet AYP guidelines, could it be possible that the assessment is flawed and not the schools themselves?

5.  The Arts and Physical Education SHOULD be seen as valuable in their own right, but in order to further my argument, I will use them to show that they enhance education, not detract from it.  There is no question that the Arts, Physical Education, and Sports, play a positive role in lessening school drop-outs, keeping students' interest in school, and promoting school spirit.  Using music alone as an example (though similar benefits can be found in Physical Education, Visual Arts, etc.), one can see that the NCLB robs students of vital educational opportunities.  This Article shows the benefits of studying music. The following famous scientists studied music:  Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Robert Oppenheimer.  Former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Alan Greenspan played clarinet and saxophone and studied at one of the world's most Prestigious Music Schools, Juilliard.  Brian May, Ph.D in astrophysics, who is Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom was lead guitarist for the rock band Queen.

6.  The NCLB is "legalized emotional abuse" on the most delicate children.  Children know when they cannot perform, and when faced with such high stakes testing, those who cannot reach an unattainable goal undergo severe emotional and mental pain, often manifesting as physical sickness.

7.  The NCLB is a "1 Shot" test.  You pass or fail.  Some states allow retakes, but entire lives are at stake based on one test.  The US Government criticizes similar practices in China and did so during the Cold War with the USSR, but our government engages in very similar practices through the NCLB.

8.  Many teachers are leaving the profession because of the NCLB.  I am one of them.  My reason was not solely due the the NCLB because I left teaching to become a minister, but in 10 years of teaching, though I enjoyed teaching the children, the job became more and more unbearable.

9.  Tested goals are based on political wrangling, NOT on educator-approved, researched topics.

10.  The NCLB is based on fear.  I can recall countless meetings as a teacher where we were admonished, told to work harder with less resources, and even yelled at because of a test score. Do other professionals undergo this treatment?  Do other professionals have to buy their own supplies with their own money?  The NCLB is also based on fear for the students.  Many constantly worry whether they are "good enough" or "smart enough."  This leads to emotional breakdowns, stress-induced illnesses, weakened immune systems, and bullying.  All of this is Government Sanctioned.

Solution:

The NCLB must be repealed...not tweaked...not re-imagined...But COMPLETELY REPEALED.  This is not to say there shouldn't be accountability.  Accountability should be demanded of our schools and our teachers (just as in any other profession).  But that accountability must be fair.  Whatever plan for accountability we have should be based on Proven Academic Research.  Rather than a political law, we need an educational law.  Educators (school teachers and administrators, university education professors, educational experts) should have the main say in what goes into the replacement of the NCLB.  That only makes sense.  Why should our government representatives (most of whom only have the qualification that they once went to school) be allowed to dictate educational policy?  I have a bank account...Do I get to be the President of a bank?  Of course not...that's ridiculous.  As citizens, as Christians, as moral people, we have the duty to demand our legislators and president to repeal this law and then engage in non-partisan discussion with people who know about the art and science of teaching and learning in order to draft a new accountability law.

A Call To Action:

Humans CANNOT look evil in the eye and not identify it for what it is.  There is no redeeming quality of the NCLB.  Therefore, I propose that anyone who reads this take the following actions:

1.  Write a letter or e mail to your legislators and the president.  You can find their contact information here:  Congress     President

(If you do not want to write your own letter, please COPY AND PASTE the following letter and fill in the blanks as necessary) (If you do not want to use your own e mail, create a free account in one of these places: Yahoo, Hotmail, Gmail)

Dear ___________________________:

I am writing to you concerning the No Child Left Behind Act.  Since President Bush signed the NCLB into law in 2002, our nation's schools have suffered greatly.

Mere children are forced to take a high stakes test which leads to great anxiety and worry.  Teachers and School administrators are chastised based on unattainable test results.  Subjects such as art, music, physical education, history, and others have been slashed.  And, the measuring criteria are not adequate indicators of student learning.  In fact, in 2009, 66% of our states (including Washington DC as a "state") did not have at least 25% of their schools meet Adequate Yearly Progress.  This indicates that there is a fundamental flaw with this law.

The NCLB needs to be completely repealed.  Tweaking, adjusting, and offering waivers does not go far enough.  The NCLB must be repealed and replaced by a reliable and statistically valid system of accountability based on current research in the field of education.  Educators must be part of the process in writing a new law.

Please take this request seriously as today's children are tomorrow's leaders!  Repeal and Replace the NCLB!

Sincerely,

______________________________


2.  Inform friends and family of this information about the NCLB and other resources you may find.  Encourage them to write to or e mail their representatives and the president.


3.  Daily, pray the following Prayer(s)

46.  For the Care of Children (From the Book of Common Prayer)

Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the

joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient

wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love

whatever is just and true and good, following the example of

our Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.

47.  For Young Persons (From the Book of Common Prayer)

God our Father, you see your children growing up in an

unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways

give more life than the ways of the world, and that following

you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to

take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance

for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you,

and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus

Christ our Lord.  Amen.

22.  For Sound Government (From the Book of Common Prayer)

The responses in italics may be omitted.

O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we

may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to

other nations of the earth.

Lord, keep this nation under your care.

To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors

of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative

authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their

duties.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our

laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and

foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to

fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding

and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and

justice served.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to

accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they

may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for

the well‑being of our society; that we may serve you

faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.

For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as

head above all.  Amen.

4.  Keep Faith, Love, Joy, Peace, and Hope alive.  Working for this cause will not be easy.  We will lose before we win.  Keep the faith that God will convict the hearts and minds of those in power to make a change for the betterment of our society and our children.

5.  Stay educated on this topic!  Encourage others to do the same.  Encourage others to take action.  If you know of an action to take, make it known!

One God - Diverse Communities

This week, I will have the pleasure of a pastor from Zimbabwe preaching our Revival services at my church.  He preached last year, and our "small country church" fell in love with this man who has such a different background from all of us.

Many of my people were born and raised in rural North Carolina.  Most of them are at least familiar with farm life.

I come from a rural background, but not a farming community.  My "rural-ness" was in the woods.  I then lived in an urban setting for several years.

None of us have extensive travel to other countries.  Some have been on short vacations to other nations, but none to my knowledge have been on long visits to other nations.

Sadly, we become accustomed to "our way" as being the "right way."  Having a cultural foundation is a good thing.  Having roots is good.  Being "stuck" to our own ways is where danger enters.

The pastor who is coming lived most of his life in Zimbabwe in Africa.  He was born when the country was still under colonial occupation and called Rhodesia.  He was there when Zimbabwe gained its independence.  He was raised in tribal and modern African customs.

Through God, our diverse communities and backgrounds will become one united in God's message.  The difference in accents, race, worship styles, political views, etc. will be unimportant as we all worship God and see God from each other's point of view.

Psalm 2 - A Psalm for All Times - A Meditation

I do not want to "give away" this Sunday's sermon, but given the times we are in, and the times Israel was in when this Psalm was written, I don't think it can be read, contemplated, and prayed about too many times.

Psalm 2

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Psalm 2

The LORD's Chosen King

 ¹Why do the nations plot, ^[a] and why do their people

   make useless plans? ^[b] 2The kings of this earth

   have all joined together

   to turn against the LORD

   and his chosen one.

    ³They say, "Let's cut the ropes

   and set ourselves free!"

Nations and humanity have largely put God into a box.  God is "appropriate" sometimes, but not when it's inconvenient.  God, however does not see it this way.  Nations strive for power, resources, political influence, but in the majority of cases, these are selfish pursuits, not for the betterment of society.

The same can be said of some revolutionary movements.  While the intentions may be understandable and even commendable (getting rid of oppression, working for self-determination, calling out evil), they will ultimately crumble if God is not at the center and the guide of these movements.

    ⁴In heaven the LORD laughs

   as he sits on his throne,

   making fun of the nations.

Humans thing that God can be "outsmarted."  Humans think that God can be controlled or ignored.  At all of this, God laughs.  Picture that in the best way you can.  It has to make you smile if you are on God's side.

    ⁵The LORD becomes furious

   and threatens them.

   His anger terrifies them

   as he says,

    ⁶"I've put my king on Zion,

   my sacred hill."

    ⁷I will tell the promise

   that the LORD made to me:

   "You are my son, because today

   I have become your father.

    ⁸Ask me for the nations,

   and every nation on earth

   will belong to you.

Jewish readers say the "son" referenced is Israel, Christians say the "son" is Jesus.  Both are right.  Israel was to be a light to the nations and a witness to the one true God.  As Jesus came from Israel, this is one way (and the main way) that God has been revealed to humanity.  This is NOT to take away from Israelite/Jewish influence on our understandings of God and God's power.  The fact that the Jewish people have stayed in existence for thousands of years despite several violent oppressions and genocides attests to the power of God and is a witness to God from which we can all learn.

    ⁹You will smash them

   with an iron rod

   and shatter them

   like dishes of clay."

This vivid imagery tells the truth of God's power.  Nations are no match to God.  While nations and governments are imperfect reflections of God's desires for justice, they rise and fall upon God's will.

    ¹⁰Be smart, all you rulers,

   and pay close attention.

    ¹¹Serve and honor the LORD;

   be glad and tremble.

    ¹²Show respect to his son

   because if you don't,

   the LORD might become furious

   and suddenly destroy you. ^[c] But he blesses and protects

   everyone who runs to him.

In order for a nation to survive and prosper, it must give reverence to God.  It must serve God's purposes.  It is the duty of all citizens...not just governments to carry out this call.  When nations go astray, it is the duty of citizens to call the nation back to a right relationship with God.

This is not to say that God demands a theocracy.  Theocracies are most often tainted by human interpretation of God's will.  Human interpretation will always be flawed, but by putting God's commands and God's love at the center of our decisions, our nations can be blessed.

   

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 2:1 Why. . . plot: Or " Why are the nations restless?"
2. Psalm 2:1 make useless plans: Or " grumble uselessly."
3. Psalm 2:12 Serve. . . you: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verses 11,12.