To Pete Dominick, The Richest Man In Bedford Falls…
First and foremost, check out our guest Debbie Burak’s website, www.veteranaid.org/store and please help her raise the money she needs to get her message about the Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit that our veterans and their families need and deserve.
Secondly, is America dying? Is focusing on strengthening the dollar the best way to revive America and its economy? I am a little confused by this myself. If we strengthen our dollar does that mean oil prices may go down? Obamanomics seems to think yes. “Americans know instinctively that something is wrong when the Canadian loonie is worth more than the greenback.” Do we?
Yes. America is dying. In the past 8 years we have lost freedoms, we have lost courage as Americans, we have lost individual rights and freedoms as individual states, we have lost "for the people, by the people" and we have lost face throughout the world due to the Bush administration. When I get the time to I will post a blog on my Myspace about veteransaid.org I beleive it is a great cause and I will spread the word to all of my friends and all who visit the site. I find it amazing that you can bring in as much as 700 people to donate $5.00 to raise the $3,500.00 for such a great cause but we can’t bring together enough people to revolutionize and bring back "for the people, by the people". I love it when I can help someone, I absolutly love it. I also would love to help an entire country, ours. But one person can’t do it alone. And thats why we are "dying". As a country we are afraid. We’re afraid of change and we’re afraid to stand for our rights. We need to stop be "sheeple" and start being the Americans we were up to the year 2000. I’ll post more when I have time and also post responses as needed when I get time.
Todd in FL Reply:
August 12th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Scott,
What ‘freedoms’ have YOU lost in the last 8 years?
Scott the Trucker Reply:
August 16th, 2008 at 11:41 am
This country is failing big time. New laws are being made that force people to do things a certain way. Wear a seat belt, but not a helmet, don’t smoke here, watch what you sya or you’ll be "tazed". And no I don’t even smoke, and still believe everyone has rights. I guess more rights then freedoms have fallen off the wayside and its bullshit. It was both the Bushs who said "new world order, one world order" and they both meant it that way. Our freedoms as Americans have been set aside for illegal imigration, why do I see billboards in Spanish? Did we forget we’re Americans and that if you come here legally or illegally you need to communicate in English? And only now in Califronia are illegals being offered a ride home, which will die cause its only a way of making it look like they care. And this crap about unionizing all of North America is bullshit. We may not have lost freedoms but civil rights sre going down hill. The government is allowing corporations to merge into one superpower, just ass our government wants to do. Prices have risen and wages have sat idle. Open your one track minded eyes Todd and look the fuck around. This country is changing and not for the better.
Todd in FL Reply:
August 16th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Scott,
Do you believe all these things happened under the Bush’s? Do you have any sense of the last 150 years of government encroachment on liberty? You’ll get no argument from me on the dangers to freedom posed by ever expanding government, I’m just tired of people complaining about all the rights they’ve lost the last 8 years without ever getting specific. I also agree that the Nanny state has been a bad thing, but you’ve gotta take off your partisan Bush-hating glasses and recognize the danger is the state, not Bush, per se.
I bet he’s referring to all of the tapped phone calls he is making.
Tim from Far Far Away Reply:
August 19th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Scott,
If you can’t cope with not understanding the Billboards why don’t you take a few Spanish lessons? It’s called progress. If your view was univeral then all Americans would be speaking Algonkian as their tribal leaders did before white man came along.
Wearing a seatbelt reduces the road toll significantly. Keep in mind that it is a small minority of people that smoke, so why should I have to deal with passive smoking? So I can get cancer too? They can get their asses out in the cold and keep the damage to a minimum.
OK, since they haven’t already posted a topic for the time Pete is gone I’m going off topic with my own topics.
First: I miss Pete! I admit it, I’m a Pete’s Big Mouth Addict. I’m going to be like a heroin junkie without his fix for the next two weeks!
Second, on Georgia: Where do we get off getting all high and mighty on Russia for killing innocent civilians? Look at all the civilians we’ve killed in Iraq!
You can say the situation and reasons are different, fine. The result is the same. Allot of dead innocent people.
I think we are hypocrites and look like it to many in the rest of the world.
I don’t go along with what Russia is doing any more than I agree with what we did in Iraq!
B.C. Weasel Reply:
August 13th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
I’ll be missing Pete also Steve. The last time there was a guest host on PBM I was not impressed with the way he so easily just dismissed people’s input. I’m also a little surprised that Pete encouraged the flow of email during his holiday. I for one will not be sending Pete any emails to promote his "recharging," and to allow him to focus on Val, Ava and Julia without the tempting distraction of his inbox.
Steve from Jasper Reply:
August 14th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Yea B.C. , I feel the same. Not gonna bother the guy on vacation.
He’s too good of a person. If he was an a-hole I’d flood him with stuff.
I just hope other listeners have the decency to do the same!
Steve from Jasper Reply:
August 14th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
P.S. :
It’s all about the personality! Pete has that something that people gravitate to.
He’s down to earth and talks in a way that most people can relate to.
I know I sound like a big suck up but a fact is a fact.
His show is growing exponentially.
I hate to even say the name but if Pete had a terrestrial show on the same channels and the same markets, he would destroy Rush!
I’m middle of the road and I think people are ready for a middle of the road player.
B.C. Weasel Reply:
August 15th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
I feel that I relate to him well also. I’m 34, and find myself nodding frequently when words are coming out of his mouth. At times when he’s struggling for a word, he ends up using one that I’ve thought of also.
Ya, John I don’t belive the government should be able to listen freely and don’t give me this bullshit its computerized crap as you know some calls are randomly heard by a human. I can’t even imagine you agree with this eavesdropping crap. I don’t believe for a second that our government is doing the best for its people. We can’t even have our own vote count for fuck sake. How is it that Obama is leading over McCain and as a truck driver when I step into a drivers lounge in any 50 state that all I hear is crap about Obama. Over the CB radio all I hear is crap about Obama. Whos voting for him?? The electoral college and the delegates thats who, hell Bush lost his first election by the people and won by the government voters, go figure. Theres a lost right. The right to vote, for the people by the people. Wait you say thats not in the Bill of Rights. Sure it is, its our
9th Amendment.
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
The Ninth Amendment declares that just because certain rights are not mentioned in the Constitution does not mean that they do not exist. Courts may not infer from the silence of the Constitution that an unlisted right is unavailable to protect individuals from the government.
So its not just just me who lost rights. And by not being able to question our government without backlash or them just ignoring us or dodging the question is a fault of out first amendment. Open your eyes we’re not the same country as we were even 40 years ago in respect of our rights. The government builds itself around special interest groups in the special interest of the people and if you still think your vote counts…your wrong.
Just a comment to let those of you who miss Pete know that they are enjoying themselves immensely. First, Ava slept most of the way on the plane but when she woke she threw up all over Pete. Second, she loves going to the beach but doesn’t like the waves. Julia is eating sand at the beach and loving it. Val’s Sicilian relatives love the girls (who wouldn’t?) and Val is relaxed, speaking Italian fluently, and Pete is enjoying the eggplant and pasta and spending time with his 3 favorite girls.
I would like to thank those of you who resonded like gentlemen to my education comments even if you didn’t agree with me (that includes you, Todd). You are all very knowledgeable and I enjoy hearing you and reading your comments. You are correct in saying you are largely responsible for the show’s success and I know Pete appreciates your support. It made me feel proud, as Pete’s mother, to read that you miss him as the host. I, too, am a PBM addict (totally unbiased, of course), and I don’t like to miss the show. I sometimes listen to the replay at 8:00 if I miss part or all the show.
I still believe, and have spoken with other educators who feel the same, that you have to be or have to have been in the classroom in order to truly know what works for kids and what doesn’t. Teaching, like other service professions is a calling, and you have to have the passion to be effective. Having taught in an urban district where in some schools the percentage of graduates is below 50%, I know that what we are doing on a daily basis only works for some kids; that because of the changes in our society we need to make changes in education; and because the powers that be often don’t have a clue and continue to do what isn’t working and continue to impose their views upon those of us actually facilitating the learning, things will not get better. Speaking of imposing one’s views on people, Todd, it’s a matter of perspective. While you believe many of us try to impose our views on others, many of us believe you try to impose your views upon us. I believe that we are all "sharing" our views. When we listen to others’ views and consider them all as a whole we may be able to create a better educational situation for our kids. Noone is saying that one view is the "right" or only correct way to do things.
An article last week in our local newspaper describes a different approach that is going to be used in a small suburb of Syracuse. This type of school is called a Big Picture school. It will be used in addition to the traditional high school. The first school of this type was implemented in Providence, Rhode Island in 1995. It has been hugely successful with a"98 per cent college acceptance rate. It has a 95 % graduation rate and 94% attendance rate as 10-year averages." There are about 50 of these schools; the other NYS Big Picture school is in the Bronx.
I will just name the key points and if you are interested you can check out this school under The Big Picture Company, Rhode Island state records (source of the newspaper report). No website is given but there must be one. Key points:
-no homework
-no report cards
-no class tests
-internships twice a week
-students help design their own learning plan
Is this the ideal learning environment? For many students, it is the closest model we have. If kids want to go to school, if they aren’t bored out of their minds, and if they are empowered to make some decisions, I think that is a remarkable improvement and the success rate is evidence that it is working so why hasn’t it expanded? That is a good topic to research.
Todd, I forgot to address your latest remarks to me. Your long, boring, dissertation (I skimmed through it trying to get to where you make your point) on the school and home improvements you made proves your manly manness and your vast knowledge of how to do those things. Therefore, I decree upon you an honorary Ph.D in home/school improvement ability. You must also be an expert in data processing (is that what you do?). However, despite your research, your reading, and your expertise in so many things, I still consider those who have degrees in education (they do not make us experts) combined with vast experience in schools and classrooms to be the experts and to have the best handle on what needs to be done to improve the education of our children.
Brian, be careful what you say here. You may be a gifted, brilliant (again, I am not biased here) and lots of fun, but you know deep down inside your mama is right.
Steve from Jasper Reply:
August 16th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Mary makes me laugh! Poor Todd.
Good to hear Pete, Val and the kids are having fun.
Thanks for the update!
Watching the Olympics and had to check the site.
B.C. Weasel Reply:
August 17th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
(clap, clap, clap.) well said Pete’s Mom.
Todd in FL Reply:
August 17th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
So says Mary without any hint of the irony, considering the number and length of posts she directed at me…
Ah, well.
Website for Big Picture Company:
www.bigpicture.org
Check out Archives 2007, Summer 2007 Case Statement
This approach seems to work to help high risk students complete high school successfully.
The swift boats have been launched: http://www.xanga.com/EminemsRevenge/670654796/obama-nationthe-swift-boats-are-out.html [and check out the Dylan video @ the bottom]
Todd in FL Reply:
August 17th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
M&M:
Which of the Swift Boat Vets’ charges against Kerry were proven false? I’m just curious, because I recall following the charges at the time, many of which could have been answered had Kerry just released all his military records, and did see where any had been substantially rebutted. Since I haven’t followed up since 2004, I was hoping you’d know, since your words seem to indicate knowledge the Swift Boaters were lying. Didn’t Kerry have to admit to making up his whole secret illegal mission to Cambodia story?
Todd, bias? You know whos bias, besides you? George Dubya Bush. The man hasn’t done jack shit for this country, unless of course your a billionaire. The president no matter who he or she may be is supposed to work for everybody. From the lower class to the middle class to the upper class. He has created no child left behind and also no billionaire left behind. He puts his nose where it doesn’t belong. His latest no business minder is in Georgia and Russia. He doesn’t approve of the war there? Thats audacity, because his approval on a foreign war isn’t needed he doesn’t rule the G-8 or the world. Its funny how less then more disapprove the Iraqi war and he doesn’t care about that, oh, but my bad. The millionaires and higher love the profit of a recession, so he approves.
What else pisses me off? As I mentioned earlier our votes don’t count, period. Thats why I have no idea who I’m voting for. Sure a few months ago I thought Obama was the guy. (of the two options) but he has changed his mind so damn much that I don’t trust he’ll actually work for us like a real president should. And if it makes you feel better theres one thing I like about Bush. He created the "depreciation bill" that allows business’ to write of the depreciation of the equipment they use to run a business, but again, this is for business people.
And don’t think for a minute that I blame solely Bush for the illegal immigrants. Immigration goes back hundreds of years. I blame all politicians for this one. A vote for a visa. I just think Bush’s ideas to curb illegals is lame. A wall? It will never work, never has anywhere and never will anywhere. I may not have the fix for it, but in the respect of the answer, I have the wrong job especially since I’m not upper class or have I ever donated money to any politician, I don’t matter. Just like you Todd and everyone else. Unless your big business or a MAJOR contributor you don’t matter either, you should have figured that out during the 2000 election.
Mary Dominick, sainted mother o’ Pete (I mean that sincerely),
I too, skimmed your longish posts and missed something you wrote to me, which I think is important to discuss. If I could, I like to respond to what you said and hope you’ll allow me to clear up some apparent misconceptions you have of my views.
You wrote,
I know I run the risk of further semi-hostile criticism, so I’ll try to be brief, but can’t make any promises.
First Mary, for whatever it is about me which irritates you (and others, no doubt), I would unreservedly own up to and, if necessary, apologize for it. But so far it seems your irritation is in that I hold many opinions contrary to those which prevail among Pete’s audience and perhaps your own circle of friends & associates.
But then I ask myself if maybe I earned your ill will by something I’ve said to Pete? Or that you felt I was unfairly attacking your eloquent brother? I hope you can help me understand what it is that has you so primed for contention, as your quoted words above indicate, for i sincerely am baffled.
As for my views, you have to understand that the liberty we all hold as a fundamental right implies an obligation on each of our parts to persuade others to our opinions, not coerce them (ie ‘imposing your views‘) using the power of the state! It is an affront to suggest I would impose my views on you! Do you consider freedom an imposition, Mary?
"When we listen to others’ views and consider them all as a whole we may be able to create a better educational situation for our kids."
Mary, I agree with you whole-heartedly! How better for us to ‘consider them all as a whole’ than to open up the playing field to anyone who can attract voucher empowered parents?
The alternative is a system decided by an elected board or under a bureaucracy. Alternative educational ideas, such as Big Picture, would have to wage political battles against those who believe report cards and tests matter.
I’m hoping you’ll see we’re in agreement - no one says "one view is the … only correct way to do things". Unless you allow all those alternative ways to teach a level playing field with vouchers (NOT privatization), they have an uphill political battle for implementation as a large scale alternative to standardized test based teaching.
I want invovled and experienced teachers to be given the keys to blow the lids off some of the miserable soul sucking schools, produciing cattle cars full of instutionalized little humbots and turning ordinary teachers into cogs in the system, with little power to follow their instincts and mentors down underexplored educational paths.
I want you experienced experts to have the power to innovate & prove the value of your system!
I want you empowered to contractually order your educational system, partnering with parents who believe in your methods.
Do you see now how it would be impossible for me to impose my views upon you in a voucher based system?
Do you see how it would allow for all kinds of systems under one roof?