Why We Do What We Do

“Time has come for everyone
To think what we have done…
Open your eyes and see it is not a dream.”
--Sonata Arctica “Abandoned, Pleased, Brainwashed, Exploit,” from Winterheart's Guild, 2002.

There is something special about a career in education that one cannot explain; but I will try.

We have a school paper that comes out every month. Although it is not politically correct, our school mascot is an Indian (a non-descript Indian at that) although since the school is Pontiac, one can assume the Ottawa tribe/nation. Anyway, the paper is called The Chief.

My sister Karen was a newspaper editor in high school and now writes for a local paper, as well as, serves a local district as a Media Specialist. My brother Mark was a newspaper editor in high school and now is a publisher of a paper, as well as an editor and writer, in Florida. Both would explain a vast amount of benefits of a school opportunity that turned into careers.

I was a Junior College newspaper news editor and columnist (most of the columns were written when inebriated as I was a Music Columnist and a very weak Film Critic—Go Gonzo Journalism and yes that was a joke), so I really do not count.

So I understand the importance of writing for a paper.

Our school paper has something called “Top of The Totem/Upperclass Acts” which (aside from really being politically incorrect) highlights a few students who excel in sports, music, academics, and the like. Go here to visit: http://www.pontiac.k12.il.us/curricular/chief/chf092507.htm

The students are asked a series of questions about music they like, films, inspirational people and the like. One student this issue commented that his favorite teacher/class was “Mr. Sweetwood—Psychology.”

Kids have included me often over the years, but this one was kind of special because he is a very musical and entertaining young man. His mother is a grade school music instructor, and I would naturally figure he would choose one of the music teachers or one of their classes as a source of inspiration; if not his father who is one of the top teachers in our district as an excellent English teacher. His parents are both highly educated and class acts themselves to be honest.

The honor to serve the district and this young student is truly mine. This was very humbling.

So often we forget to see the forest for the trees and forget the impact we have on others.

This time the teacher learned a lesson; one that was needed and appreciated.

Cheaters Are a Pain In All Walks of Life

“You better cheat, cheat
No reason to play fair

Cheat, cheat or don’t get anywhere Cheat, cheat if you can’t win."

--Strummer/Jones of The Clash



Here’s the problem with not only the NFL, but other aspects of the daily life of an average citizen: some people think they are more important than the organization.

Take Bill Belichick as an example.

He illegally tapes plays, gets caught, says he will issue a full comment after the NFL hands down a ruling, and then he give the fans the following comment: "It doesn't matter," he said. "It already happened. So right now, we're focusing in on what's in front of us, and that's the Chargers."

Uh-huh.

So he is absolved of owning up to responsibility. He cheated, he was caught, he was fined, his team will suffer in the draft; move on.

That “Move On” attitude which I embrace is only acceptable when contrite people act in an apologetic manner. Billy Beli does not.

Sadly, I work with individuals who act in the same manner. They take money from the district (when I am forced to eat a worthless “no where near the cost of living” raise), or they do not teach kids, or they lie about their actions. They think they are more important than the school district, and they betray the trust of the public. Normally, I would not care as much, but that betrayal causes all the educators in the public's eye to be questioned.

You have these people in your daily life in so many ways--not just teachers. They are the ones who ding cars without leaving a note, take food in the store, defend their misfortunate deeds to others with a “move on” attitude—that was for you President Bush and Vice President “Ima” Dick Cheney, and in general think that rules do not apply to them.

I say we take back society from the selfish.

Boycott the Patriots and their merchandizing, don’t buy Kraft food, and point out every screw-job your fellow employees do to the company or your fellow citizens do to the community. Maybe if enough people quit saying “it already happened,” or point out that saying “it already happened” is not an excuse; whatever “it” is will quit happening.

Sometimes it takes courage to say what is wrong; and almost always it takes more courage to do something about it.

Jus' A' Stealin' From My Brudder

Check this out:
http://www.dylanmessaging.com/messages/919Q-8A89-1EA9-M50Q-AQF6?commentor-name=Eric&commentor-email=ericsweetwood%40yahoo.com

Yeeeeee---haw!