Now that Graduation Season is upon us, isn't it time for Americans to seriously reflect on the state of our education system?  I ask this because our local high school graduation was held this past Friday and some observations led me to that very question.  Are we properly preparing our future citizens to be as productive intellectually as our great nation requires?  Are we truly providing a solid foundation of skills for our students that will prepare them for the ever-changing and perhaps more complex future?  Well, are we?
         While attending graduation, I am always grateful for the outstanding students that have come into my classroom and those that have done their best to gain important life-skills.  Those skills?  Discipline, intellectual curiosity, elasticity of thought to deal with changing circumstances, and a willingness to engage in risk.  But how many students overall actually engage in these?  How many instead actively avoid these challenges, relying instead upon their parents to "bail them out" once a tough issue arises - like a poor grade on an exam? Unfortunately, we have become a society that denigrates educators so much that whenever a student does poorly, it surely has to be because the "teacher hates my child" instead of the parent or the student taking personal responsibility for their failure to complete assigned tasks or accomplish a required level of competency. 
            Just this year I encountered more students unwilling to meet the requirements of my courses because, well you name it.  "I work", "I have anxiety problems", "I have too many difficult classes", the infamous, "You hate me so why bother?", or "I've never gotten anything under an 'A' before so why are you being so difficult?".  Does this sound familiar?  When my own children were in school (even before I went into the education field), I made sure to inform their teachers to "kick their butts" - so much so that I demanded they give them work that was routinely more difficult than required of their fellow students.  When they struggled, I offered to help - not in the form of an email or phone call to complain to an administrator about their teachers, but to help my child overcome their hurdles and achieve competency.  As you will all admit, life is sometimes complex and requires more effort than anticipated, but effort is required in order to achieve.  Any athlete understands this.  Unfortunately, less and less students and their parents seem to these days.  
           And it is not limited to the students and parents.  There also seems to be a general refusal to acknowledge the obvious deficit we face in education from our administrators and school board leaders.  As I attended another graduation, I was reminded of this fact when our administrators and school board members publicly announced their pride in certifying "the Class of 2015 as Scholars entering our community."  Scholars?  Really?  I left high school 39 years ago, undergrad 35 years ago, grad school 34 years ago and law school 31 years ago and I am still learning!  Despite my accomplishments, I would never presume to be a "scholar" - learning is a life-long journey. To claim one is a "Scholar" upon graduating High School is just another lie perpetrated against our students, their parents and our communities.  But what do we do about it?  Pat them on the back and "move then on through the system?" Except what is our system today?  Do we reward academic risk taking?  Do we reward arguing the unpopular position?  Do we demand excellence or accept mediocrity? And why do we gauge success based upon standardized tests that routinely reflect nothing more than "checking a box" on the educational "check list?"  And please - don't label this unfortunate phenomena the result of "Progressive Liberalism" because Jeb Bush's Conservative "No Child Left Behind" further aided in the decline of our education system (and it is too early to accurately gauge the effect of "Race to The Top").  But one thing is clear.  Scholars require an appreciation for dedicated intellectual work, discipline and an ability to bounce back from temporary set-backs. But very little of this can be found in the general education of our youth today.
         So Rubin, what are you doing about it?  Despite not always being a student "favorite" I continue to maintain very high level of expectations for my students.  Most make it and some do not.  Sounds a lot like life doesn't it?  And I will do anything to help my former students achieve both in college and beyond.  But shouldn't we expect something from our students?  Shouldn't we expect them to raise the bar of excellence on their own?  Shouldn't we as parents instill this ethic in our children, knowing when "push comes to shove" in this life, Mom and Dad can only do so much to help you?
        As President John Adams once wrote; "Let us tenderly and kindly cherish, therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write."  To my graduating students, Congratulations, but please, dare to read, think, speak and write!  Have a great week!

         Memorial Day this year was even more special than before.  Why?  Because yesterday and today also serve as Remembrance Day of a sorts for Jews throughout the World.   What are we remembering?  The giving of the Ten Commandments and the Torah all of the virtues it provides to all human kind.  The holiday?  Shavout - the holiday of  weeks - and like three other Jewish holidays, the second day is a day of remembrance of all our loved ones that has come before us and whose souls have preceded us back to the Garden of Eden in Heaven.  Because the holiday was celebrated on our secular Memorial Day, it made for a fitting time to wrap prayers into the regular ones to remember all that have served in the military for our liberty, especially those that made the ultimate sacrifice for America.
         In services both today and yesterday, Jewish War Veterans in attendance were each recognized for their service, along with all those that have worn the uniform of the United States.  So while many hit the beaches for their holiday, some of us were praying for continued strength to those in uniform that protect us and the Free World.  Only with special prayers for our veterans on a holiday with special prayers for those that gave up their lives could this day be any more special.
         As President Dwight D. Eisenhower once wrote; "History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid." So on this scared day of remembrance, let us all move forward knowing freedom is not free and we should always be thankful to those who served for US and who serve US now, not just when they where the uniform, but when they return to their civilian lives.  To those that gave their lives for US, we salute you and shall always remember you in our collective prayers.  Have a great week!

       Although its been a hectic week, I figured I'd simply lead off with what was voted on recently in Congress.
In the House, a Bill to end the National Security Agency's collection and storage of bulk data from Americans' phones was passed by a vote of 338-88 (See HR 2048).  I think this is a positive step considering one of the Federal Appellate Courts ruled the collection "Unconstitutional" late the prior week.  The House also passed a Bill to curtail late term abortions by a vote of 242-184.  Unfortunately, Roe v. Wade set up the Trimester System for abortions, so the need to engage in this legislation is solely to pander to certain constituencies of the members of Congress.  I doubt the measure will get through the Senate (See HR 36).  The House then voted 261-155 to kill a proposed EPA rule designed to protect headwaters, wetlands and other navigable waters under the Clean Water Act. Who would support and lobby such a measure?  Go figure!  The House then voted 400 - 25 on HR 1191 to give Congress the power to review a possible nuclear deal with Iran (I'm all for this). The House also voted on a military budget bill appropriating over $611.9 Billion for Fiscal year 2016 (HR 1735).  The Bill also prohibits the closing of Guantanamo Bay and another round of base closings (can you say "bringing home the bacon?).   The Senate was relatively quiet this past week, voting only on taking up Obama's secretive trade deal called the Trans-Pacific Partnership (HR 1314).  I'd like to tell you more about this deal, but apparently, those involved seem to think the American public doesn't need to know what it involves.  That alone is enough for me to oppose it.  We'll have to wait and see if the deal is approved.  
        Now that the field of announced Republican candidates for president is expanding, some in the GOP are finally realizing that having too many candidates for president might actually be a problem.  Go figure!  I like to call the log jammed roster of candidates the result of Hyper-Pluralistic Candidacies (where too many candidates clog the process and cause much more harm than good).  And the Democrats?  They simply have to minimize the concerted efforts to paint Clinton as a money hungry sell-out.  Although this strategy may work, it also is a bit hypocritical right?  I mean, Jeb Bush has set a goal of raising $100 Million to start his campaign and others are trying to do the same.  Does anyone really think raising campaign cash is not selling out?  
        And on a lighter note, I would be remiss if I did not give a shout out to Coach Craig Faulkner and his incredible team of over achievers for winning (another) Florida 6A Baseball State Championship last night.  It's a great story and I will keep it short.  You see, Venice High school baseball has ascended to the height of all heights over the past several years.  Prior to 2007, the program got to the State Championships on a few occasions, but could not get the job done - until 2007.  By that year, the Venice coaches had finally honed a system of teaching a proven system of baseball plus instilling an attitude of doing good works (reading to elementary school children, working with the Challenger Baseball program for kids with special needs and working with local senior citizens). And in 2007, it all came together for their first State Championship.  Like any other program, new student-athletes come and go and typically so does the ability to win championships - except at Venice.  In 2012, the team went back to the State Championships and won it all - only to return in 2013 and do it again!  In 2014, the team returned to the Final Four, only to lose a close game in the Semi-Finals.  But this 2015 team?  Missing 5 starters from the previous squad, including pitchers, few expected them to win anything.  So low were expectations,  the team began calling themselves "Whoville" with Whoville signs posted on our facilities.  No one expected them to accomplish anything.  They are young and inexperienced - except they just won their last game of the season finishing with a 29-3 record and a State Championship crown with their names etched in it forever.  Better yet, they have the tools to return next year too!  So hats off to the Venice Indian Baseball Team, parents, fans and coaches. Three State titles in four years - four State titles in eight years!  Having solid students athletes on and off the field pays off here in Venice.  So to all the haters, give it up.  Do it right and you always will be a winner!  (*full disclosure - I teach at VHS and several players have come through my door, including my son Nathan, State Champ in 2007).
          As President John F. Kennedy once wrote; "Things do not happen. Things are made to happen." Now if we could get our politicians to be as focussed as our high school baseball team, we could all share in victory for America.  Have a great week!

         Happy Mother's Day to each and every mom out there!  Like others, cards were sent to our mothers and a card sits on the kitchen table for my wife.  So to all moms out there reading this blog, this day's for you!  Happy Mothers Day!   Instead of writing about the mess we trudge through called politics, perhaps a quick run down on moms that have shaped America is in order?  Although a book can be written on each of these women (some already have and no, I don't not have the time), I think some should be acknowledged.  We know many Americans think of George Washington as the "Father of the Country" but do folks think of Martha Washington as the "Mother of the Country" too? To the best of my knowledge no, we really do not.  Perhaps that is because George never had children with Martha (John Parke Custis was George's step-son). But surely Martha played a role in the founding of America? Yes she did, but not as much as another matriarch.  That true mother of America?  I'd give that title to Abigail Adams.  Yes, John's wife.
         As is well documented, Abigail was not just a wife in the traditional manner.  Abigail was not only plugged into the political atmosphere of the Revolutionary Era, she actively participated in it.  As is well documented, John Adams (Founding Father, Framer and President) had a personality problem associating with other politicians - so much so that Abigail convinced him to work through surrogates to accomplish his objectives (hence the recruitment of Thomas Jefferson to write a draft of the Declaration of Independence - he knew it would be better received if written by Jefferson instead and then edited by Adams and Franklin).  Abigail was John's foundation, providing both emotional and intellectual support. Most folks are unaware that for many years, John served America overseas while Abigail maintained contact with the Revolutionary Continental Congress and Army through regular dispatches to - you guessed it - George Washington.  Abigail also was the mother of another President, John Quincy.
          We all grew up learning that Dolly Madison "decorated the White House" except few appreciate her job was not because it was a cute thing to do.  It was necessitated instead because Jefferson stripped the Executive Mansion of many of its finery (some claim even the floor boards) and shipped them to his Monticello, his Virginia home.  But Dolly is not known as a close political advisor to James like Abigail was.  We know the wives of each President surely had some supporting role in their husbands' political careers, but to what extent remains for the historians to discover and distill.  Andrew Jackson's wife Rachel influenced his presidency, however, she did so from the grave, dying of a heart attack just after Jackson's first election to the position.  We could jump next to Mary Todd Lincoln, but most historians recognize that Mary Todd was more of a distraction to Abe than a help when it came to managing the presidency and the war-torn Union.  Again, I am sure historians will reveal she did much more than what is appreciated today, but Abe will probably retain his lofty status as president on his own merit.  
           We know of many presidents after Lincoln and the scandals tied to them, but we really don't have a close relationship with the wives of those presidents.  The closest I can think of next would be Theodore Roosevelt's second wife, Edith (his first died shortly after the birth of their first child). Edith is perhaps best known for recognizing the stress placed upon the Chief Executive when having his offices in the actual White House residence itself.  Demanding a complete renovation of the mansion, architects designed and built what we now know as the East and the Executive's West Wing, inclusive of the now famous "Oval Office."  Kudos to Edith Roosevelt for assisting in establishing what became the Oval and related offices in the White House.
            Perhaps next in line would be to recognize Eleanor Roosevelt, a cousin of Teddy's and wife of Franklin. Eleanor was not just like all other political wives.  Due to the catastrophic results of Polio, Eleanor literally became FDR's political legs, all the while honing her own oratory and policy-making skills.  I could write on and on about Eleanor, but to put it mildly, throughout the lengthy presidency of FDR, Eleanor was the head of our national league of moms!  Eleanor championed Womens' Rights, Civil Rights, and Workers' Rights.  Although it is my personal opinion, I believe that had Eleanor been alive today, she would have been elected President in her own right (move over Hillary - Eleanor would win in a landslide). Following Eleanor was clearly Bess Truman, perhaps the only person in the world that could brow-beat and corral Harry.  Not unlike Harry, Bess took no crap from anyone, and made it obvious she had no desire to be First Lady.  Her "Missouri" frankness often forced her husband to think in broader terms when dealing with political rivals, and always kept her husband's emotions in check - except when it came to the firing of General Douglas McArthur - where she publicly defended her husband from attacks from her very own mother, Madge Gates Wallace who made it clear Harry had no business firing the "Great General" - regardless of the fact Harry was in fact, President and Commander-in-Chief.  As we all know, the Good General did simply fade away (as did Truman's popularity rating - leaving office with approval ratings in the low 20's).   Should we point out Mamie Eisenhower next?  Nah.  Then we have Jackie Kennedy, who brought a news sense of "Camelot" to the White House.  Other than being the "fashion type" mom, I can think of no serious influence on JFK's presidency. Can you? Lady Bird Johnson?  Nope.  Pat Nixon?  Only that she remained one of the few that could love her husband.  Betty Ford?  Her contribution to alcohol rehabilitation aside, she added very little to the presidency.  Barbara Bush should be noted, if nothing more than being H.W.'s spouse and mother of another President (George W.) and presidential aspirant Jeb.  But serious political influence? Not like Abigail and Eleanor - and neither have any other First Ladies since - except perhaps Hilary Clinton - and putting her name on this list raises certain ire of many Americans.
              Although clearly not a comprehensive list of the influences of America's First Ladies and Moms, it at least gives us a chance to reflect on the wives of our presidents - and to consider them worthy of a collective and retrospective Happy Mothers Day to each and every one of them along with you and yours!  As First Lady Abigail Adams once wrote;  "If we mean to have heroes, statesmen and philosophers, we should have learned women." Happy Mothers Day to each of our Moms - who always love and guide us and serve as our true heroes.  Have a great week!