Questioning Teachers, Nothing, Blame, Grief, and Decisions

 

“I am criticizing the professionalization of teaching children because these young human beings are not cogs in a machine, And I am trying to identify the root of the problem for all those wonderful adults who went into teaching thinking that they could commit to nurturing the lives of many children only to end up having the system squash their excellent motives. Our current school system replicates factories and requires classroom managers more than teachers. Teachers are appreciably frustrated.”

-- Leigh A. Bortins

Who invented parenting? Why do we need it now?

Ever seen animals "parent" their young? We would like to say it was us. But, “parenting” has been around since the beginning of time, and “good” parenting is how things have survived and developed through the ages.

The current state of the world is evidence that humans need to get back on top of “good” parenting, if we expect to survive.

Is there a "fake it until you make it" approach in business?

I believe that’s where the aphorism got it’s start, though many versions have been out there for a hundred years, or more.

What really makes us human beings?

Rational thinking, and, to a point, irrational thinking, as in an ability to think of the impossible and find a way to make it possible. Many animals have the ability to problem solve, but not all animals have the ability to develop technology that would take us to the moon, mars, and the stars. Of course, I could be wrong.

What are some tips for answering emails quickly without compromising on quality?

Keep it concise and understandable.

Why do people become teachers? What do they like most in their profession? What makes them happy when they are teaching students, and how can we help them be better at it?

If I didn’t know a few good teachers, out there, I’d say liberal “socialist indoctrination” drives them in all facets. If you want to help them, take the children away from their parents and put them in khaki uniforms with “hammer and sickle” or “red star” armbands and teach them to rat out anyone not conforming to socialist doctrine, including the parents. Be careful what you vote for.

“The classical model emphasizes that learning feeds the soul and edifies the person rather than producing employees to work an assembly line. The goal of a classical education is to instill wisdom and virtue in people. We see learning as a continuing”

-- Leigh A. Bortins

As a special education student, I try to give money to teachers at schools. They don't want the money. One teacher said to me "it's illegal." But, it's not bribery. I'm always wondering why they don't want the money?

As a rule, socialism pays very well, and most liberal schools, school boards, and teacher's unions seem okay with socialist doctrine. As a side note, Joseph McCarthy was right about Hollywood, and the rich don't have to worry about the new "new" rules. Do you live somewhere "rich"?

I have all A+ and one A- and I still think I’m not doing enough. What do I do?

It isn’t all about school. Pick up a book and teach yourself more. Read to the “next level” of your classes.

Have you ever been in a conflict with someone where you wanted something that the other person did not want to give? Did the conflict escalate in some way? What kind of tactics did you use to get your way? How did the conflict get resolved?

If I ask for something and the other person says no, that's the end of the conversation. I could be an ass and badger them about it, but that would just tighten their grip on the item. Sometimes it isn’t all about me and getting my way, it can be about ownership and the other person’s right to say no. 

Can you give an example of something that is not anything?

No. If I can name it, it is something. Therefore, nothing is, in fact, something.

What are good leadership styles for an agreeable person, and how can he become better at them?

Leadership is about knowledge, communication, listening, being firm but fair, tolerance, and teamwork, and ensuring rules are followed or changed for the better. It isn’t very hard to be a leader and be “agreeable,” for the most part.

You can lead or you can dictate. Dictators are ignorant when it comes to supervision. They talk a great game, are not great listeners, and only communicate their thoughts, which may be flawed. Oh, and the “rule of law” is what they say it is, and not necessarily in line with company policy.

New York City is a great case study in corrupt leaders after corrupt leaders who concern themselves with lining their pockets with cash more than solving city problems. They surround themselves with “yes” people, dictate from their podium, and they skirt the rule of law. Their new AG fits in well. 

“Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

What are some reasons why people get bullied, and why don't they stand up for themselves?

I was a small kid, weak, introverted, and afraid. Okay, I was a pussy. Then, one day, I snapped. I had enough of their faux egotistical crap. I picked up a tree branch and just about beat a bully to death. If my friend hadn’t physically pulled me off of him, I would have. I remember the words I pit at him, “Enough is enough. You fu#@kers are done.” Oh, I kept getting my ass beat, but at the expense of their ego. I learned to get in their heads. It was the reason I majored in psychology and got into military intelligence.

Author's comment:  At some point, the rage will come out, and good that you beat them up!

My reply:  Indeed. Or just take it, or suicide, both unfortunately sad options. 

How can you deal with a person who has no weaknesses?

Put them in charge. Responsibility defines weaknesses.

What types of people use blame-shifting, and how does it affect their life outcomes?

They don’t own their actions. They love to take credit but not the blame. They think no one sees through their bullshit, but almost everyone does unless they simply aren’t looking. People see them for what they are and their forward momentum in life can reflect the attitude people show toward them, regardless of their monetary status. They are not very happy people because they’re always covering up for themselves and worried that people see them for what they are. Oops! Too late.

Do people always complain about the way young people speak?

Unless young people speak intelligently, yes.

Can you give some examples of meaning over words?

“You need to be spanked.” Playfully letting someone know, in words, they should be punished for misbehaving.

“You need to be spanked.” In a serious tone of voice. Taking off your belt helps to send a different meaning. Smiling tells the other adult you’re probably going to enjoy it more than they are.  Lock the door.

“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.”

-- Maya Angelou

What is the definition of a lost word?

The word has slipped your mind.

How do you spell "with regards" in a sentence?

“In regards to your problem, I see no way out.”

“With highest regards for the royal family, I must decline.” 

What causes people to be intolerant of grief?

Never having to experience it, comes to mind.

What is the reason why people say that you shouldn't regret anything because it made you who you are now?

If who you are now is who you’ve wanted to be, they’re right. Your life, your choices, and decisions, up to this point, have made you who you are. To regret them would be wishing to give up everything you’ve attained. Some things you might have done differently, but that difference might, also, change who you are now. Regret is so counter-productive to happiness. Better to just be truly happy about life and what it’s brought you. 

Is it better to take any job even if it doesn't pay well right away?

It’s much better to take a job you’ll be happy doing, but any job that pays is better than no job.

“The job is what you do when you are told what to do. The job is showing up at the factory, following instructions, meeting spec, and being managed.

Someone can always do your job a little better or faster or cheaper than you can.

The job might be difficult, it might require skill, but it's a job.

Your art is what you do when no one can tell you exactly how to do it. Your art is the act of taking personal responsibility, challenging the status quo, and changing people.

I call the process of doing your art 'the work.' It's possible to have a job and do the work, too. In fact, that's how you become a linchpin.

The job is not the work.”

-- Seth Godin

What should I do and don’t do when I turn 18?

Do right, don’t do wrong. Be selfless, not selfish. Be respectful, not rude. Be kind, not mean. Be loving, not hateful. Be tolerant, and understanding. Be slow to anger, and faster to smile. And, last but not least, strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances.

When you’ve accomplished all of this, never forget to mentor the people who ask you, “What do I do and not do, when I turn 18?”

Should students share their problems with others when they feel depressed?

Yes, and you might think about sharing with an adult.

How do I make a decision? I’m in my senior year of high school and at home growing up I was never allowed to make a decision. Now, my parents say they’re done parenting me (I’m not 18 yet) and I have to make all my decisions. What do I do?

First of all, scold your parents for not allowing to fail. Good job, parents, your daughter isn’t 18 yet, and admits to being incapable of making a decision. I was allowed to fail all the time, and then I was asked what I’d learned. Needless to say, I learned a lot. And, then, I joined the military and learned even more, especially about decision making.

Get a job. Get a “grunt” job, doing “grunt” work, so you’ll appreciate the people who will eventually work under you. “Grunt” work allows you to train yourself to make decisions, like how much longer are you willing to do “grunt” work. You are starting at the bottom, of everything, and working your way forward. When you’re done, several years from now, you will be wiser and more appreciative for the process.

Do not be afraid to make mistakes and fail. Mistakes and failures are simply opportunities to learn, so learn from them and don’t make the same mistake twice. If people berate you for your mistakes or failures, explain this simple fact of life to them. People tend to forget where they came from.

Do teachers focus too much on grammar?

You can never focus too much on grammar. Let us all hope teachers always over-focus on teaching basic curriculum. In this way they will have no time for indoctrinating. 

There is a saying that people you live with, you will become like them. I live with salary-minded people, so, I will be like them. How do I shift to business class? Should I leave my friends and start being around entrepreneurship-minded people?

Be with who you want to learn from, then learn from the people who taught them, then surpass them all and become what you want to be. Never forget to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances, and never forget to exercise selflessness.

“You were born with potential.

You were born with goodness and trust. 

You were born with ideals and dreams. 

You were born with greatness.

You were born with wings.

You are not meant for crawling, so don't.

You have wings.

Learn to use them and fly.”

-- Rumi

 

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com