Inclusion

As a long-time educator of students with special needs, I am well aware of what inclusion means in the educational world.  It is to be included, to the highest degree possible, into the mainstream of education.  Public education has come a long way in this regard, compared to when I was a neophyte teacher 40 years ago.  Has the world outside of formal education kept pace?

Since the Individuals with Diasabilities Act (IDEA), the face of education has changed.  In like manner the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has changed the world we live in.  Public buildings and restrooms must be accessible to those with handicaps, for instance.  But has it really changed daily living challenges for those with differences?  To a degree, yes.

Something caught my eye recently that I feel obligated to share.  The JC Penney company has just earned my business forever.  I will now go out of my way to shop there.  A local JC Penney has announced that it is hosting a special shopping event for those with autism.  The shopping environment will have adapted lighting and sound.  There will be staff educated about autism on hand to assist in any way necessary.  Frankly, I'm tickled pink.

Most people have no idea of what being a caretaker to someone with autism entails.  It is a a 24-hour, 365-days-a-year job.  There are no half-hour lunch breaks, no 15 minute work breaks.  There is no sigh of relief when the weekend comes.  A night out is rare, as few are willing to sit with someone with autism.  

To know that a company is willing to make unrequired accommodations for a segment of society that is most often overlooked or misunderstood is wonderful news.  To learn more, go to inclusion@jcp.com

Dallas

My heart is painfully tattered, rent asunder like my grandmother's old sheets-ragged and torn.  Last night's rampage in Dallas has left me reeling; stunned by man's inhumanity to man.

I cannot pretend to know what it is like to be a person of color living in today's world, but the empathetic pain  I feel is visceral.  Nor do I fully comprehend the valiance of those who vow to serve and protect even in the worst of circumstances, though my gratitude and admiration are deep.

The ugliness, spite, and hatred found in this imperfect world seems to feed on itself, whether it be racism, injustice, politics, religion, sexual orientation,  or just plain evil.  Media is rife with sensationalized reports of all the wrongs in the world, and none of the rights.

Here is what I do know:  I vow to gather up the pieces of my wounded heart, and once again patch it together, piece by ragged piece.  It will be frayed; weaker in some parts than others.  It will be hurt;  it may be frightened, even intimidated.  But I promise you this:  it will spread love.  In thought, word, and deed my heart will beat the drum of love, because at the end of the day, love is what will save us.

You've Got to Be Kidding

Despite the stereotypical view of what it means to be from Texas ( Hi y'all, I wear a cowboy hat and boots when I go out dancin' with my honey, etc.), it is actually quite a diverse state.  I have friends and live amongst people from all walks of life, of many colors, of varying sexual preferences, and a multitude of religions. I considerate myself fortunate, as such people make my world a happier place.

Having said that, I feel I must speak out in support of my Muslim friends, attacked and persecuted of late by many, including some of our dubious Presidential candidates.  The belief that all Muslims support terrorism, and should be variously banned, segregated, avoided, and even terrorized themselves is not only faulty, it is patently ridiculous.  Should all Christians be banned because Timothy McVeigh, a homegrown terrorist raised as a Roman Catholic, decided it was reasonable to bomb a building in Oklahoma City?  Are all upper-middle class white people crazy because John Hinckley, Jr., as upper crust as they come, decided to try to assassinate President Reagan?

You get my drift.  Unwarranted persecution of any kind really ticks me off, but the viciousness and ludicrous nature of the current attacks on Muslims has me stymied.  There are Muslims living in the United States of America that are natural citizens.  There are American Muslim soldiers that have gone to war under the American flag and returned in a coffin.  If one of the cornerstones of our nation is religious freedom, why in the name of all that is holy do some feel this rabid need to persecute?

Edmund Burke said,  " All that is needed for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

I sincerely hope that when it comes time to elect the next President of the United States in November we stand up and do something.

A Blustery Climate

Well, here it is, only the first week of February, and the blustering has just begun.  I, for one, am already weary of the coldness of the climate.

Before you think I'm talking about the weather, let me assure you, I am not.  I am referring to the political climate in our country, and that amongst most candidates hoping to win the office of President of the United States of America.

I rarely discuss politics because I dislike conflict and argument.  There is indeed quite a difference between a discussion, and a discussion that escalates into an argument.  I must say, I've not been hearing much discussion.

Sadly, what I seem to be hearing the most of is rambling rhetoric and blustering buffoonery from many candidates who seem to be running a race where mud-slinging is encouraged, a race that has been misreported and misrepresented by the media and by candidates themselves, a race where candidates pick up their marbles and go home pouting if things don't go their way, a race that seems to be more and more about who's got the money, honey, and a race where a sense of duty and service has been replaced with a desire for power and greed.

I long for the days when we spoke of statesmen not professional politicos, whose desire to run for the highest office in our land stemmed from a sense of duty and responsibility to citizens.  I long for the days when what one had to say held more importance than how much jingle was put in one's pocket.  I long for integrity, decency, honesty-those characteristics that some of our forefathers had.  I long for a political climate that seeks to work together towards the best interests of our country, regardless of a partisan line or personal gain.

Yes, I am probably an impractical idealist.  Dreaming that this country could turn the histrionics down and work towards the common good is a highly improbable reality.  I guess I still am naive enough and have enough hope left to cast my vote once again.

I sincerely hope you do, too.  Don't let apathy or disgust or even the counted-on indifference you may feel sway you.  When it's time, cast your vote.  It's your right, your responsibility, and your integrity that are really hanging on the line, not theirs.