"Slinging Stones..." Blog by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

What Can We Learn from Fairy Tales about Life by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

What Can We Learn from Fairy Tales about Life by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Many are familiar with the adage, “where there is a will, there is a way.” On last week, under the subject of What Can We Learn from Fables about Life, we examined, The Traveler by Aesop. On today, we ask the question, What Can We Learn from Fairy Tales about Life? We will examine the Fairy Tale, Rapunzel, for this purpose. I read it as a child, but had I known there were so many versions of the tale, I most likely would have chosen another for this purpose. I am not sure whether the version I read and am about to relay was written by the Grimm Brothers or one from the Red Fairy Book. I recall as a child having a red fairy tale book; it was a hard cover and the cover was red.

If I recall, Rapunzel was locked in a high tower with no way to escape and was eventually rescued by a prince. As the prince rode through the country he heard her singing; approached, learned of her plight, climbed the tower using Rapunzel long, long hair and helped her escape. You know the ending “… and they lived happily ever after.”

What can one can learn from the Fairy Tale, Rapunzel:

• I do not remember the reason for Rapunzel having been locked in the Tower. The most important fact was that she was with no way in which to escape on her own. Two important points – there are towers or obstacles in each of our lives whether due to our own, someone else or a combination of both which occur and can appear as if there does not exist a way out or way to escape.
• We need only look within ourselves and at that which we possess to assist, benefit or help us achieve our goals, objectives and dreams. Each person has an intrinsic or/and extrinsic factor(s) which can assist. Rapunzel used her extrinsic factor - her hair to assist with escaping the Tower
• One may look to family, friends and acquaintance to assist when in dire need, but sometime assistance comes from where one least expects it- a total stranger.
• Physical and mental towers exist; one is visible, while the other is not or not as visible. Being locked in a tower from either a physical or mental stand can devastate and be devastating.
• Rapunzel needed a hand-up or should we say a hand-down. Too many people confuse a hand-up with a hand-out.
• “…and they lived happily ever after” is the end of the Fairy (untrue) Tale; however, in a marriage such does not exist. Marriage entails give and take or compromise, respect, room for each to mature and grow and some unhappy moments.
•  Princes on white horses still exist, but are in small supply; girls are being taught and encouraged to mount up and ride their own white, black, grey, roan, etc., chargers in the form of Math, Science, Technology, and Entrepreneurship.

    When surrounded by towers or obstacles in your life take inventory within and without and find a way.

As you see, we can learn much about life from Fairy Tales and Fables; they teach valuable lessons, inspire, entertain, can assist with building character, strengthen values and allow us to dream.

Note: Today’s Parents Taking Charge in Education post titled: Teaching Race in the Classrooms of America by Mrs. Dorothy Barron may be of interest to some.

Credit(s): The above story of Rapunzel was recounted from memory. The story would have either been read from works by the Grimm Brothers and/or The Red Fairy Book by Andrew Lang.

From me, to you

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

“Slinging Stones… Blog” by Mrs. Dorothy Barron:

http://www.dorothybarron.com  or http://mrsdbarron.typepad.com/slingingstones

Twitter: Follow Mrs. Barron (Slinging Stones Blog) at http://twitter.com/mrsdbarron

What can we learn from Fables about Life? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

What can we learn from Fables about Life? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

The question was once asked, can we learn from Fables and should we read such things as Fairy Tales and Fables to or allow our children to read such? On today, I will share a Fable, titled, The Traveler, which I read as a child, share an analysis of the fable and let you decide whether one can learn about life from fables and whether our children should have access to them. The Traveler was written by Aesop, who was the Master of Fables. The story apparently has another title, which I have listed below, but personally, I think the story should have been titled, A Contest between the Sun and Wind.

Fables fall within the fiction genre; they are untrue stories, short in length and teach and/or end with a moral.

The Traveler was a man who walked along a road on a journey wearing a cloak. The sun and wind decided to see which was the strongest and each exercised its power on the traveler. The winner (strongest) would be the one who could get the man to remove his cloak. The wind blew and increased in strength, but was not successful; the man instead gripped the cloak more tightly. The sun gently shone and increased its strength until the man stopped briefly, removed the cloak, hung it over his arm and continued the journey. The sun of course declared itself the winner and stronger of the two. If memory serves me correctly, I believe the story’s moral was gentleness succeeds in getting cooperation as opposed to abrasive force.  What I learned from the story:

• The traveler was walking along minding his own business – there are circumstances that occur of which we have no control; are not of our own making or a result of any action of our own.
• The traveler did not commit any unlawful act or action to bring about the havoc created by the wind and sun. If havoc besieges those who do not commit unlawful actions, what can one expect when one does?  It is best to live lawfully; a good conscience can help to avoid worrying that all havoc in one’s life is due to some form of repercussion or retribution for a negative action(s) committed or a guilty conscience.
• Unseen, unexpected and adverse Powers at work- the Traveler was not aware that a contest between the wind and sun occurred at his expense. Adversities will occur; instead of breaking or giving up, one should grasp more tightly (as the traveler did with his cloak when the wind blew) to one’s beliefs, goals and dreams; hanging on and even bending from the force and persevering until the unseen, unexpected adverse or negative powers or forces desist or pass. Be assured, they will and do!
• Affects/Effects due to the wind and sun’s ego or power trip- the most, if anything lost by the Powers was a dent in the wind’s pride. The traveler however suffered when the “powers “flexed their powers to determine which was more powerful.
• The Wind and Sun did not need to test their powers; both were great powers and powerful; simply in different ways.
• The Sun and Wind would have been more effective working together- the traveler who was on foot more than likely could have benefitted from both – sunshine to brighten or continue to brighten the day and a gentle breeze to avoid getting too hot.

What could one learn about life from the story of the Traveler? Perhaps, one could learn and note the adverse effects and impact on others when arrogance, ego and power struggles occur between great powers; Gentleness v. Force or the effect of Powers when they work together.   What did you learn about life from the above fable, the Traveler?

Note: Even though the author has recounted the story from memory; a link has been provided to Wikipedia’s Wikisource http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_North_Wind_and_the_Sun . The story appears to have had at least two different titles - The Traveler & The North Wind and the Sun. The Author of the original Fable is Aesop. 

From me, to you

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

“Slinging Stones… Blog” by Mrs. Dorothy Barron:

http://www.dorothybarron.com  or

http://mrsdbarron.typepad.com/slingingstones

Twitter: Follow Mrs. Barron (Slinging Stones Blog) at http://twitter.com/mrsdbarron

What can we learn from Fables about Life? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

What can we learn from Fables about Life? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

The question was once asked, can we learn from Fables and should we read such things as Fairy Tales and Fables to or allow our children to read such? On today, I will share a Fable, titled, The Traveler, which I read as a child, share an analysis of the fable and let you decide whether one can learn about life from fables and whether our children should have access to them. The Traveler was written by Aesop, who was the Master of Fables. The story apparently has another title, which I have listed below, but personally, I think the story should have been titled, A Contest between the Sun and Wind.

Fables fall within the fiction genre; they are untrue stories, short in length and teach and/or end with a moral.

The Traveler was a man who walked along a road on a journey wearing a cloak. The sun and wind decided to see which was the strongest and each exercised its power on the traveler. The winner (strongest) would be the one who could get the man to remove his cloak. The wind blew and increased in strength, but was not successful; the man instead gripped the cloak more tightly. The sun gently shone and increased its strength until the man stopped briefly, removed the cloak, hung it over his arm and continued the journey. The sun of course declared itself the winner and stronger of the two. If memory serves me correctly, I believe the story’s moral was gentleness succeeds in getting cooperation as opposed to abrasive force.  What I learned from the story:

• The traveler was walking along minding his own business – there are circumstances that occur of which we have no control; are not of our own making or a result of any action of our own.
• The traveler did not commit any unlawful act or action to bring about the havoc created by the wind and sun. If havoc besieges those who do not commit unlawful actions, what can one expect when one does?  It is best to live lawfully; a good conscience can help to avoid worrying that all havoc in one’s life is due to some form of repercussion or retribution for a negative action(s) committed or a guilty conscience.
• Unseen, unexpected and adverse Powers at work- the Traveler was not aware that a contest between the wind and sun occurred at his expense. Adversities will occur; instead of breaking or giving up, one should grasp more tightly (as the traveler did with his cloak when the wind blew) to one’s beliefs, goals and dreams; hanging on and even bending from the force and persevering until the unseen, unexpected adverse or negative powers or forces desist or pass. Be assured, they will and do!
• Affects/Effects due to the wind and sun’s ego or power trip- the most, if anything lost by the Powers was a dent in the wind’s pride. The traveler however suffered when the “powers “flexed their powers to determine which was more powerful.
• The Wind and Sun did not need to test their powers; both were great powers and powerful; simply in different ways.
• The Sun and Wind would have been more effective working together- the traveler who was on foot more than likely could have benefitted from both – sunshine to brighten or continue to brighten the day and a gentle breeze to avoid getting too hot.

What could one learn about life from the story of the Traveler? Perhaps, one could learn and note the adverse effects and impact on others when arrogance, ego and power struggles occur between great powers; Gentleness v. Force or the effect of Powers when they work together.   What did you learn about life from the above fable, the Traveler?

Note: Even though the author has recounted the story from memory; a link has been provided to Wikipedia’s Wikisource http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_North_Wind_and_the_Sun . The story appears to have had at least two different titles - The Traveler & The North Wind and the Sun. The Author of the original Fable is Aesop. 

From me, to you

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

“Slinging Stones… Blog” by Mrs. Dorothy Barron:

http://www.dorothybarron.com  or

http://mrsdbarron.typepad.com/slingingstones

Twitter: Follow Mrs. Barron (Slinging Stones Blog) at http://twitter.com/mrsdbarron

Citizen Power by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Citizen Power by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

We can often become taciturn when dealing with the issue of government meeting the needs of society. Many times we want government to meet all of our or society’s unmet needs and then complain when the attempt is made to do so. Too many shift the responsibility of any and everything on the shoulders of the government and then complain only when it adversely affects one from a personal standpoint.

Government cannot regulate our thoughts or perhaps I should say, should not by law and from a human rights standpoint, nor all of our actions. Government can put all the regulatory measures in place it chooses, but it will not replace the vigilance of the general public or each person’s accountability for his/her own actions and deeds.

As a country and society, if we want our freedoms individually and collectively, we must act as responsible citizens and continue to work to retain or fully gain those freedoms. It is time for each of us to stand up and assist with putting America back on its feet. Will there be challenges to face; obstacles and possibly retaliation; was such not the case with those before you and I?  There will continue to be those whose goal it is to prevent America from thriving and continuing to be a successful and prosperous nation; these individuals are accustomed to, capitalize upon and profit from failure. Also and sadly, many charged with protection of the rights of citizens and upholding the laws continue to fail to do so, thereby weakening society.

I have stated the above in an effort to say, as a nation, too many big businesses have usurped power over individuals and the American people at large and we act as if we are totally helpless, which we are not.  Finding remedies simply entail looking to and having knowledge of the past or history; that is if we know it, have learned from it and can wisely utilize that which we have learned.

Take for instance, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Dr. Martin Luther King and his followers were beat up, spat upon, locked up and thoroughly abused. They were admired for their courage and fortitude.  As a child and from a child’s perspective it appeared that significant change did not occur until four (4) things transpired: 1) Some not willing to adhere to non-violence in the face of physical abuse and long denied rights decided to fight back; 2) Black America’s plight and abuse drew national and international attention; 3) African Americans stood as a people with trained and committed attorneys who championed both the civil and human rights of and as a people and 4) One, if not the most conducive non-violent action consisted of the boycott of businesses. When Black America as a people climbed off segregated buses and businesses lost money, businesses sat up, took notice and change occurred!

I am noticing that people- individual citizens are beginning to take back power that rightly belongs to citizens and are using ordinary tools at their disposal to do so without violence- a video, post to the Internet of a business’ nefarious business practice(s) and it goes viral! Such can accomplish at least three things: 1) showcase or expose businesses that provide poor service, inferior products and/or unfair business practices that disadvantage and harm the consumer(s);  2) give citizens the power to decide whether to monitor, continue or cease doing business with a business;  and 3) assist those businesses with either shaping up; closing up (due to loss of business) or being replaced, thus leaving or providing customers and clients (Citizens) with a better selection of remaining businesses in which to support - businesses that are socially responsible, meet the needs of its customers/clients and will rectify immediately situations that adversely affect the customer in a manner satisfactory to the customer/client.

Citizens can petition the government, but government can do only so much without tramping on and violating our rights of privacy. However and in addition, it will be up to you and I and each succeeding generation’s responsibility to ensure that society’s freedoms remain intact –be those freedoms moral, human, civil and/or spiritual ones. You, as a Citizen have power; do you exercise it?

From me to you,

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

“Slinging Stones… Blog” by Mrs. Dorothy Barron:

http://www.dorothybarron.com  or http://mrsdbarron.typepad.com/slingingstones

Twitter: Follow Mrs. Barron at http://twitter.com/MrsDBarron

Parents Taking Charge in Education Blog: http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: Follow Mrs. Barron at http://twitter.com/PTCnED

 

Inspiration from a Least Likely Place – Bing by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Inspiration from a Least Likely Place – Bing by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Those who follow my blog at Slinging Stones are aware of the Four (4 Pt.) Part Tribute I compiled and wrote to Native Americans during the month of November. What you are not aware of are the conditions that existed for me and my surroundings, especially during this period. I will not share the entire situation here, but just enough to show how, Inspiration from a least likely Place – Bing - the Search Engine, was instrumental in assisting me with having completed the Native American Tribute.

I set a one to one and one-half page limitation for the written tribute each week; you can see for yourself how well that went. I was even foolish enough to tell Professor Brent Cox, who is considered an Expert on Native American Culture and spirituality, and whom I consulted with on the project of my set page limitation. I can just imagine with his knowledge of Native and Indian Americans having wondered what kind of tribute I had planned that consisted of one to one and one-half pages; he was kind enough to refrain from asking.

What is really sad about such a country as great as ours is the mean spiritedness, cruelty, hate and bigotry that continue to exist. Evidently some were not pleased with my having written on this topic. In addition and due to continual retaliation, I was forced to go for days without meals and any assistance in the home. After each post was published, some turned electromagnetic force fields full-force into my residence; the electromagnetic energy can serve as a form of punishment and as a mode of conditioning similar to electrical and shock experiments used on animals during the 19^th and 20 Centuries in an effort to modify or change behavior, primarily, that which was perceived as “unacceptable.”

In spite of the obstacles and physical pain, I was determined to complete my Tribute to Native Americans. I continued to labor even working sometimes in slow motion; at times all night and more than often into the wee hours of the morning.  At some point, I switched and selected Bing as my Homepage. When I worked into the hours of the morning and returned to my home page to shut down or turned the computer on and began working in the wee hours of the morning, each morning Bing would have a wonderful, colorful and delightful picture that dominated the Homepage. Believe it or not, looking forward and being surprised with a new image each morning gave me inspiration to keep going. Another advantage of the featured image - each consisted of four small boxes when moused over offered snippets about the featured image and thus enabled me to learn something new each day. If interested in learning more, I simply clicked one or more snippet links. The homepage is uncluttered, minimalistic and non-intrusive; it is very professional and bespeaks of professionalism while educating and offering some form of artistic entertainment each day.

Within the last two months, I have been all over the world with Bing. One day, I was taken inside Australia’s famed Sydney Opera House; its interior concert theatre is as spectacular and impressive as the exterior design. Another day, I was taken back in history to Russian Empress, Catherine the Great’s Era – she reigned 34 years and accomplished much on behalf of her country and its people. I visited the South Pole Antarctica; watched Orca or killer whales frolic and learned some interesting facts about both. Yet another day, the image of a chestnut from France was featured; with one click of a link, a number of different ways to use chestnuts were revealed.  I ended this topic on a musical note with legendary, Nat King Cole singing The Christmas Song,  “chestnuts roasting over an open fire…,” and wishing us a Merry Christmas.

Have a problem or suggestion? On Bing’s Homepage is a discreet tab which allows one to leave a message without having to thumb through pages of Question and Answer Topics. Busy people do not have the time to search Q&A pages for solutions and answers and it appears with Bing, such is becoming a thing of the past – passé!

When all is said and done and at the close of the business day, companies and entities that will dominate the market place will be those that can meet consumers and entrepreneurs’ needs. We often hear the phrase, “Content is King.” Take it from someone that has been considered the best in the field of Customer Service, “Content may be King,” but I say, “Customer Service will Rule.”

Bing, thank you for having given me the inspiration to complete my project; I felt as if you were up all night with me. Also, thank you for the daily featured images – they are interesting, entertaining and educational and enable us to discover new people, places and things.

From me to you,

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

“Slinging Stones… Blog” by Mrs. Dorothy Barron:

http://www.dorothybarron.com  or

http://mrsdbarron.typepad.com/slingingstones

Parents Taking Charge in Education Blog: http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: Follow Mrs. Barron at http://twitter.com/mrsdbarron

Affirmations Reinforced from my Tribute to Native Americans by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Affirmations Reinforced from my Tribute to Native Americans by Mrs. Dorothy Barron                  

Lessons I learned many years ago were reaffirmed during the research, compilation and writing of my 4 Part Tribute to Native Americans. I have listed 15 here:

• Whether individually, a group or nationality, the indomitable spirit of mankind will persevere.
• Knowledge of the Supreme CREATOR- even though called or addressed by a different name, each nationality has been made aware of the Supreme Creator’s existence.
• Good and evil exist in and throughout society and among each nationality.
• There is the need and desire of some to exert control over others.
• Regardless of how progressive a society, History repeats itself and man does not seem to be able to break the cycle.
• Regardless of how primitive a society may seem; it has had or consists of a system of order.
• Lack of communication; lack of understanding and an unwilling predilection to entertain and incorporate each other’s views are our society’s greatest disadvantages.
• In spite of our being the United States of America, our society is more divided than united.
• Regardless of the culture, there will always be some within who are convinced they are superior to all others.
• It does not matter how far advanced; where one goes and/or who one becomes, at some point one must come face to face with the man or woman in the mirror - “self.”
• There will always be some within society who will rise to the occasion and stand for that which is right!
• When we take time to get to know others, especially from different cultures; the differences diminish and those things we have in common increase.
• Life and Experience are the greatest teachers.
• We do reap what we sow; also understand that if one lives upright morally and spiritually, he or she will suffer persecution in some form or the other.
• Finally, one should not wait until he/she is hanging from a cliff to remember that it is good to give someone else a helping hand.

 From me to you,

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

“Slinging Stones… Blog” by Mrs. Dorothy Barron:

http://www.dorothybarron.com  or

http://mrsdbarron.typepad.com/slingingstones

Parents Taking Charge in Education Blog: http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

      Twitter: Follow Mrs. Barron at http://twitter.com/mrsdbarron

Thank You Google, Yahoo, Bing and Others by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Thank You Google, Yahoo, Bing and Others by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

We often take many things for granted. On today, I want to take time to thank our entire community of Online Service Providers – Google, Yahoo, Bing and Others. It is inconceivable to think of zipping up and down the super cyber highway and seeking information, destinations and/or services without you.

Our experiences on the super cyber highway can be likened, compared or representative of an experience on a physical highway or expressway.

Quite naturally one needs a vehicle or conveyance- our computers and now some cell phones can be likened to or representative of our vehicles.

Our vehicles have many features to select from limited only by preference and/or purchase power-as do our software packages and feature selections.

Those vehicles or conveyances must have gasoline to get us to and enable us to zip up and down the physical highway- Our conventional or wireless ISPs enable us to connect and remain on the super cyber highway.

Finally, thanks to so many wonderful, kind and helpful entrepreneurs who provided services, and especially those who shared the ride and offered directions in an effort to help others reach their destination (s).

Thank you Google, Yahoo, Bing and Others, without you, I would not have perhaps had the privilege of meeting and interacting with entrepreneurs in my own country, the United States, as well as Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan and other interesting places around the world.

If applicable, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays; to ALL, a happy and prosperous New Year!

From me, to you

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

Website: http://www.dorothybarron.com

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com

Blog: http://mrsdbarron.typepad.com/slingingstones

Twitter: http://twitter.com/mrsdbarron

Lady on the Ladder by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Lady on the Ladder by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

The intent of today's post, Lady on the Ladder is not meant to offend or be vulgar, I would like to present a graphic illustration which stresses the importance of garnering views, observations and information from those directly affected and impacted when trying to solve and resolve society's most serious issues or problems.

Imagine a lady on a ladder; she is climbing the ladder. She has on a dress, high heels and her make-up is expertly and exquisitely done. Four people, each at various angles of the lady on the ladder observe her as she climbs. One individual is below the lady on the ladder, another is above and one each on the left and right of the lady.

First, most of us would do a double take; the lady on the ladder would garner attention, remarks and focus due to-

the manner in which she is dressed

climbing the ladder in high heels

curiosity of who she is and/or what she looks like

her reason (s) for being on the ladder, climbing it, and whether she accomplishes her goal, etc.

Of the four individuals at various angles of the lady on the ladder, which person do you think would have more of a view of the lady on the ladder? Of course, if you answered, the person below, you would be correct. All would view the lady on the ladder, but from different angles. There may even come a time when the lady is not clearly seen by any of the four due to her lack of proximity to either or any of the four individuals.

Let us say the lady represents society's most serious issues; the individual at the top of the ladder represents leaders; the individual on the left or right of the lady represents - groups, organizations, experts, etc. and the individual below represent the least affluent in society. Although, all four have a view and observation of the lady on the ladder, each differs. By obtaining the combined views and observations from each of the four individuals, we draw a total or much clearer picture of the woman on the ladder.

Now, suppose the individual at the top dropped something (wrong thing) from above while attempting to assist the lady on the ladder. The individual(s) that would be most impacted in an adverse way would possibly be the lady and/or the person standing below the ladder.

Points you should consider and which we can garner or derive from the "lady on the ladder" illustration are-

Each views issues or problems predominantly from his/her own observations, perspective and/or experience.

When we put the views and observations of all closely or directly involved together, we obtain a total or much clearer picture of the issues or problems.

Generally those most adversely affected or impacted are those at the bottom of society, yet they are rarely sought for answers and solutions to society's issues and problems.

Often those who sit at the top and make decisions, do not have "working knowledge" or a full understanding of what is happening at the bottom and/or to those whom their decisions most affect or impact.

Why not consider applying the "lady on the ladder" strategy to society's issues and social problems in an effort to garner solutions. We may be in different positions and places within society, but we are of one nation. The last time I looked at The Constitution, it was and remains The Constitution of the United States of America.

From me, to you

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

Website: http://www.dorothybarron.com

E-Mail: barron.Dorothy@yahoo.com

Blog: http://mrsdbarron.typepad.com/slingingstones

 

We do not have the luxury of continuing the Civil War by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

We do not have the luxury of continuing the Civil War by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Yes, our history books tell us that the division between brother and brother and the war between the north and south, which became the Civil War, ended in 1865, or did it? Some are fighting the same old battles using the political system and misuse and abuse of The Law. Others sell each other out for a few dollars, a promotion or position. We will always have some who will not be able to let go of the past- memories of lost glory v. unforgettable and unspeakable acts of oppression, brutality, and thus, the inability to visualize and work together for America's future. Do not misunderstand me, acts of oppression and injustice should not be ignored, but it does not appear as if we are really interested in resolving some of the serious issues that Americans and America face, or doing so through just means that will resolve them.

I contend the fighting continues because such has occurred for so long, it is all many know how to do in an effort to either pull one down or keep one from getting up, which prevents the nation advancing as it should, as a whole. It is obvious that we do not have a clue as to what the future will hold with the exception of gloom and doom. What are the positive visions of America's future?

Let me share some of the things that have taken place as this war of division continues here in America, brother against brother and between the states-

We have lost out in the technology field- according to statistics, India leads in this field.

We have lost out in the industrial field- Japan leads in this field;

In the education field (especially science and math) - Japan, once again leads.

When it comes to agriculture, do we any longer have an agriculture industry?

In the field of nurturing children, according to statistics, more and more mothers in France are choosing to remain in the home becoming nurturers and caregivers to their own children.

Let me cut to the chase- There is a need to regain the independent, innovative and indomitable American spirit.

Now, may I be blunt or frank- Such will not take place with an unhealthy and uneducated nation. So, I am going to leave some suggestions for your consideration.

Healthcare:

1) If people feel they must remain enslaved to a job foremost and because of insurance coverage- mainly health insurance coverage, what does that tell us?

2) Americans are suffering unnecessarily and dying because they do not have health coverage and Congress has failed to resolve this problem. Should November arrive and a viable health coverage plan has not been passed that covers each and every American that needs coverage- these members of Congress should not be re-elected in November.

3. There are a number of individuals, organizations and watchdog groups that have been monitoring the healthcare issue. For those who have the expertise, there is a need to ensure that what passes as healthcare reform is a) viable and feasible, b) is SAFE for all Americans and c) Medicare and Medicaid healthcare, inundated with serious problems must be scrutinized and revamped.

Education:

As documented, Japanese youth study for long periods of time; some Americans have suggested that school hours for American students be extended. First, American students are not Japanese students and vice-versa. 2) If you can barely keep students in school for the number of hours that now exist, why would anyone suggest longer hours? 3) In the present physically condition of many of our schools and with the present curriculum, what do you hope to accomplish with an increase of school hours?

Suggestions to extend the school day for students are generally from individuals who do not spend a considerable amount of time in our schools or classrooms, and/or those who need after school care for children. Once again, may I ask you to consider- 1) the areas of most need for the majority of students are security, safety and certainty; such are lacking. 2) Consider returning elementary schools to Grades K-7^th and 3) the school should only be the learning base; the classroom- an open laboratory that exposes students to the vast world in which they are a part and which allows them to learn through exploration and experimentation as each discovers his/her unique talent, skill or ability with careful guidance and supervision.

In conclusion, I personally do not think we have the luxury of continuing the Civil War, not when other countries are moving ahead and forward.

From me to you,

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

Mrs. Dorothy Barron has spent 16 years volunteering her services in our schools with approximately half that time as a full-time volunteer. She also co-founded and served as Director of the organization, Parents Focused on Education.

Mrs. Barron is also the author of the book, Slinging Stones when United States Congress has lost control and American Courts are out of control. 

Website: http://www.dorothybarron.com

E-mail: barron.Dorothy@yahoo.com

Blog: http://mrsdbarron.typepad.com/slingingstones

 

We should have left Farmer John on the Farm by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

 

 We should have left Farmer John on the Farm    

   by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Now before anyone takes offense, let me explain. We should have left Farmer John on the farm because he loved and cherished the land. He was able to raise most everything one ate. If any product that he grew did not meet his expectations, he would not sell it; he would give it away. One did not have to worry about the fertilization and cultivation of  Farmer John's crops. Often, you did not bother to wash the strawberries, blackberries and grapes that you picked.

He took such pride in everything he sowed and sold. His ears of corn stood tall and proud and you could smell the tomatoes long before they ripened. They were so firm, red and sweet that often you ate them as you would an apple.

We learned much from Farmer John and could have learned even more. He may or may not have had much "book learning," but he had something books could not give; he had experience. He taught one about the seasons and weather and their effect upon the crops and land. He was a wonderful and patient teacher and took time to explain what was happening above and below the earth.

It is a pity that society did not find a way to keep farmers and farming as an integral way of American life. I was shopping in the store one day and picked up a container of green or English peas. As I checked the back of the can for nutritional information, I noticed that the peas were imported- not the can, but the peas. Green peas! We had a vegetable garden when I was growing up and green peas was one vegetable that was always available; you never stopped shelling because they never stopped growing, or so it seemed.

Another important reason why we should have left Farmer John on the farm? Simply, for continuity's sake. Not just in terms of the farm, but for the pairing and contribution of each- energy and technology from the young and wisdom and experience from the seasoned adult, thus each could have shared and learned from the other.   As we work toward solving the challenges of today and tomorrow, let us not forget to include our young people.  We will need the talents, abilities, skills, experience and expertise of all.

We do not fully know how global warming and other major environmental changes will affect us from the standpoint of a nation, as well as globally. Should we have to depend predominantly on our own country's resources, can we?

Less than one week!  June 25th- "Bailing Out America with Tugboats" Seminar- How to position you and/or your organization to assist the federal government with towing America through the rough seas of today and tomorrow's challenges?

From me, to you

   Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

Note: May I salute the initial protectors and keepers of the land: The Native American Indian

Website: http://www.dorothybarron.com

E-mail: Barron.Dorothy@yahoo.com

Blog: http://mrsdbarron.typepad.com/slingingstones