In Case You Might Have Noticed

IN CASE YOU MIGHT HAVE NOTICED
10/10/08

I have deliberately stayed away from writing anything on politics lately. I can no longer continue the same thought process that seems to be plaguing the nation. I spoke to a smart eigth grader today, who wanted me to understand why she supported Obama. She made more sense than most Obama supporters in her analysis of his platform. At least she knew what his platform was. This impressed me greatly.

She did not like John McCain and had nothing good to say about Sarah Palin. She seemed to be very aware of the Republican game to legitimize Sarah Palin as an experienced candidate,and was quite upset at the thought of Sarah Palin’s 17 year old daughter being pregnant. I had to compliment her parents for setting the right example for her and encouraging her political \enthusiasm . She watched every debate and criticized the most recent as being “very boring”.

I often supplement my income as a substitute teacher. I enjoy this work for several reasons. One reason is that I get to talk with young people and develop a different perspective of the educational system and what kids are thinking and being taught. The second reason is , that I often learn a great deal from them. I get a tremendous sense of optimism about the future of our country, when I see the the interest and enthusiasm of so many young activists. I have noticed in recent years  how serious many students have become regarding their education.

There will always be those who have discipline problems, and some who have learning disabilities, but the majority of high school and junior .high students, are extremely bright and socially and politically aware. Perhaps the critical time we live in demands a new generation of young activists, willing and ready to tackle the great problems facing our nation and the world. Adults are too quick to dismiss the wisdom and knowledge of younger generations. These are the the children who will inherit what we leave them. What they experience and are taught now will affect not only their future, but the future of their children. There are millions of American children who live below the poverty line. Many are in the schools I teach in. These children are resilient. They are strong willed and some are very defiant, but I believe most will find their way. I believe many of these children have the right to be defiant against their severely flawed and foolish leaders and their drug addicted or alcohol addicted, or neglectful parents.. Why should they trust anyone who have betrayed them.? It is up to teachers and other caring adults to prove to them that adults can be trusted.

Children are the future. Unless we adults respect them as our future we will lose their respect. Respecting the intelligence of a child at any age insures their future, and gives them the self esteem and confidence to be knowledgeable and wise adults. Adults must learn to see the world through the eyes of children. If we do we see what they see, that nothing is impossible and that we can achieve anything.

L.A. STEEL