Thursday, November 22, 2007

Thanksgiving Casa Pelto Pueblo 2007

Miscellaneous thoughts on the holiday as I’m preparing the feast.

Sitting here at the kitchen counter, listening to great music [I Will Be There], while the guest of ‘honor’ has been thrust into the oven and all the sides are prepared for cooking, diddling on the laptop….I’m reviewing what’s in the Pueblo Chieftain and I was struck by a juxtaposition of todays editorial and other thinks that had come to mind over the last few days. [Ed. Note: Thank God for the internet and the [current] ability to see so much in so little time….without the filtering of the so-called ‘Major Media’.]

I am struck by the idea that the Chieftain thinks it is important to remark on the words of US Supreme Court Associate Justice Joseph Story. Especially his words to the young of this country….

Let the American youth never forget that they possess a noble inheritance bought by the toils, and sufferings, and blood of their ancestors; and capacity, if wisely improved, and faithfully guarded, of transmitting to ... posterity all the substantial blessings of life, and the peaceful enjoyment of liberty, property, religion, and independence.

What’s going on?

Is the vaunted American Public Education system failing to teach this message?

I wonder…..if I were to ask some high school student, in a man-on-the-street approach, something about Justice Story’s remark….what would I hear in reply?

Get this. I am a judge of Colorado high school debate. I specialize in Cross-Examination, Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum and One-on-One Value debates.

Admittedly, I’m very much impressed with the skills, thought processes and command of the English language of many of the contestants I judge in a round at an event. However, I have this niggling concern that these few that participate in high school forensics are a few ‘rare birds’, indeed. A problematic ‘minority’....in more ways than one.

The BIG problem, as my concerns point, is not that we are not raising up successors with the mental discernment that I and my contemporaries and peers enjoy today. I am certain that many I’ve heard over the last few years will surpass me. Seriously. I’ve heard some stunners just a couple of weeks ago. And I’m gladdened with the thought.

However, I have serious concerns that not ENOUGH young, future-voting citizens are as well instructed. [Note: The process has been referred to, over the last two decades, as the dumbing-down of America.]

Half of the time I sit in on the Pueblo 2010 Commission, I hear ‘concerns’ about how Colorado State University-Pueblo (CSU-P) has problems retaining students. They seem to drop out rather early and never complete higher education.

Ever time I’ve heard that, I’ve looked at the respresentative from Pueblo School District 60….if they are in attendance.

I get the distinct impression that most people think it is the fault of CSU-P that these aspiring young adults fail. I see it as a totally different problem…..something in the realm of K-12, i.e,. District 60.

And this Chieftain article makes me want to ask the D60 rep, “What is taught in civics, these days?” With follow-on questions about Math, English, Life Sciences, Hard Sciences, Art, Theater, etc., etc., etc…..?

TO: Kitty Kennedy
RE: Next Time….

....I hear comments at 2010 Commission about CSU-P and drop-outs….‘Be Prepared’. [Note: Yeah….I know….It’s a Boy Scout, i.e., guy, think. But still and all…..]