I once dreamt a most horrible dream. Perhaps it was the pepperoni pizza. Maybe it had something to do with a show I had viewed on TV. Whatever the impetus it caused me to stir through an endless night. It began to the best of my recollection with me being a high school student once again. Somehow I was moving to a brand new school. In the past my pathway towards success showed little impediment. All of that was about to change. My dream (or dare I say nightmare?) took me to the first day of my new high school experience. Mom and Dad had prepared me with notebooks, pens and money for lunch. …
The ghosts of Crispus Attucks, Samuel Adams and Paul Revere, waited at the finish line to offer friends good cheer. Then smoke and explosions, like the shells of the past, fell hard upon the very souls who were finishing at the last. Brave Minuteman in uniform rushed to where the sounds sent scores of the innocent hurt and to the ground. Those who created tumult avoiding to get caught continued a reign of terror which ended up for naught. But when the dust was settled this beautiful Boston place maintained its Constitution and once again did grace thousands to the Freedom Trail and…
America has been involved in many wars since its inception. Some of those conflicts have received rousing support while others have brought great controversy. Whatever the fight, our troops have sacrificed much. We might not always like their missions but it’s imperative that we recognize the contributions they make. In most instances we are talking about young people here. Some right out of high school, others with children back home. In many instances they have experienced things hard to describe. In too many instances some will not be coming home. The fact that many soldiers must wait …
A few thoughts for Easter. In general, society is not very kind to the unemployed. With this said, I am writing an article to advocate for those out of work. In addition, much space will be given here to folks who have had a great impact on the world but were out of work for long periods of time. In many ways it is my way of celebrating the unemployed. Let’s face facts, unemployed people are often referred to as "loafers" or "on the system." Never mind that in some instances their jobs no longer exist – they should have planned for the future. They also should just all go out and get jobs …
Congratulations to the folks who put the film Argo on the screen. Winning the Academy Award for best picture is an honor well deserved. For me, however, I was torn between rooting for Lincoln and Silver Linings Playbook. Perhaps it’s because of my interest in both the Civil War and mental health concerns. Despite the fact that neither won for best picture both films hit home with many viewers. In fact, I wonder what would happen if we were able to combine the best of both movies and turn it into a film classic? Perhaps we might call it Lincoln’s Silver Lining.Our new picture would take place …
I just read about some kids from Providence who dressed up as Zombies in protest of their schools placing too much emphasis on standardized testing. Maybe it’s "The Time of the Season" for such concerns.There is little new to be said here but much to be reminded of. Some take heed of such offerings, yet many still don’t, choosing mirrors, tests, scales, bank accounts and the DSM-V for wisdom instead. What I have written here is a tale about living during times when images are valued over substance. While we argue about budgets, guns, immigration, politics, etc., etc., the argument often …
I shouldn’t have a gun. Under the present rules it’s an absurdity for me go into a store, undergo a bit of a background check and then come back, in a few weeks, to pick up my spanking new firearm. If someone were to check my background they would find no criminal record. They would also find no mental illness or involvement in violent activities. I’ll pass any drug screenings given to me. In fact, I don’t even drink any alcoholic beverages. Still, there is no way that I should be able to get a gun so easily. I have been a counselor for close to 35 years. In addition to my employment with the…
Since the awful events that occurred in Newtown, Conn., the issue of gun control has taken center stage. It seems as though just about everyone has an interpretation of the 2nd Amendment along with an opinion about arming teachers, additional police officers in schools and bans on assault weapons. There are those who assert that “guns don’t kill people – people do (kill people).” It all makes for interesting debate.I have heard that between 9,000 and 10,000 people die due to firearms per year. (Whoops, I’m sorry – due to people misusing firearms). The United States leads the civilized world (…
Once upon a time there was a place where people could buy assault weapons with ease. A land, beautiful and filled with people who loved it, was also a place where television shows promoted deceit, anger and ridicule. Children played on swings while teens looked towards their futures. They also took lots of tests, played violent games and spent hours away from each other communicating via technology. This place had people who cured illness, landed a ship on the moon, sent billions of dollars for aid to other nations and recently raised funds for a town destroyed by a Hurricane. A beautiful yet…
While we await our politicians' decisions regarding whether or not to fall off the financial cliff, I would like to offer up a few suggestions that just might help. Republicans want to reduce entitlements and the Democrats are advocating taxing rich folks to a greater degree. To present, nothing has been sorted out – other than some blame, posturing and plenty of airtime for folks like Bill O’Reilly and Lawrence O’Donnell. Tick, tick, tick – all the way towards another financial debacle. Heck, if a bunch of politicians, economists and pundits can’t figure things out why not take some advice …
The recent Republican and Democratic Conventions helped define a number of key issues and concerns. First off, it has become apparent that Clint Eastwood, while a fine actor and director, should stick to a script rather than attempting to ad lib. Secondly, Bill Clinton can spin a tale with the best of them. How effective this is all depends on what your definition of ‘is’ is. A third consideration was made clear by the fact that the National Football League proved more popular than a presidential convention. On this occasion it was the Giants vs. the Cowboys. Oh yeah, there was one other …
What will your vote mean 150 years from now? Odd question huh? I ask it because I’ve recently begun re-reading Doris Kearns Goodwin’s "Team of Rivals" which portrays Abraham Lincoln and members of his cabinet. In 1862 (150 years ago) our nation was in the midst of the Civil War. Despite having some argue about state’s rights, it’s hard to dismiss slavery being a major cause of the conflict. What else was going on way back then? In addition to the Civil War, 150 years ago the Sioux Indians were involved in a major uprising that eventually led to their demise (and the largest mass execution …
Once upon a time, writing about how one spent his/her summer vacation was a common assignment for youngsters returning to school after a 10-week hiatus. I can’t say whether or not this tradition has been lost, but some folks do have vacations worthy of writing about–me for example. OK, I’m not a kid and there is no need to fret about receiving a grade from a teacher, but my summer deserves reflection.On one hand, this soon to be read summer’s tale is personal. On the other, many parents and grandparents can probably relate. Either way, a little cogitation is a good thing from time to time. I …
A little more than nine years ago I accompanied my daughter to a rally held by the Narragansett people (Indians) pertaining to a raid on their smoke shop a few days before by Rhode Island State Police. At the time I thought it was important that Nicole and I learn more about the issue at hand, as well as seek to participate in a healing process. I also faxed a letter to Governor Carcieri’s office earlier that day expressing a few thoughts. To put it mildly I found the smoke shop raid disturbing.Some have asserted that the Narragansett Tribe forced the state’s hand by opening a business that …
There was a time when child development was considered an essential component of our nation’s educational system. Once Jean Piaget, Erik Erikson, Maria Montessori and later David Elkind and Howard Gardner were factored into how kids were taught. Today we look to Arne Duncan, Steve Jobs and the folks who oversee standardized testing for our educational cues. These changes have prompted an over reliance on testing, as well as a proliferation of technology. Because of these modifications we are beginning to see the erosion of interpersonal/coping skills in our children. Before going further it …
As a child I always loved school vacation. It was a time for playing ball, climbing trees and just hanging out with friends. Sure there were a few family vacations, trips to my grandmothers house and chores like mowing the lawn and washing cars, but, for the most part, summers were a time for relaxation as well as play. As a young parent I can recall watching my son, alone, at play in our backyard. I remember this moment because it was so innocent. It also brought back backyard memories of me playing Davy Crockett or pretending to be Roberto Clemente making great catches (lunging into our …
On both the local and national level the House and Senate are constantly creating laws that address sex, drugs, working conditions, religion, race, gender etc., etc. Presently, legislative bodies throughout the land are passing laws concerning medical marijuana, same sex marriage, separation of church and state issues and more. Here in Rhode Island, the death penalty, religious symbols (crosses/Christmas trees) and tightening up on tobacco laws are also salient concerns. Many of these measures have been fueled by views related to spiritual beliefs. Others involve equity and social justice. …
Imagine turning on your car radio and hearing of the baseball trade of the century. The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox had just traded their entire rosters to each other. That’s right, Jeter and Rivera are now Red Sox and Pedroia and Lester will suit-up for the Bronx Bombers. How do you feel most fans would react? Do you think most loyal Sox rooters would switch over to the Yankees? Do you think most Yankee fans would now adopt Jacoby Ellsbury as their own? It’s my belief that once all is said and done, a significant number of fans cheer for laundry. Very few players come from the …
What are you doing on Tuesday, April 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.? I know that there is a lot going on this time of year but, if you are interested in hearing some talented and enthusiastic kids (Middle and High School aged) speak about bullying, civility and some great stuff they are doing, come to the Unitarian Church that evening and pay us a visit.This particular program is the third part of the “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Kids and Should Have Asked” series. In the past we’ve discussed a myriad of issues inclusive of: Social Host Laws, at-risk behavior, sexuality, substance …
Dear Super PACS,I could use your money. While helping to influence the political process is of great importance, there are ways that you could use your power, influence and money to support the American people in an equally important fashion. Have you thought of investing money in programs that assist kids and their families? There are plenty of worthy initiatives that could use your attention. At this time I would like to advocate for one dear to my heart – the Youth to Youth Program.As the head of East Greenwich Drug Program (for 29 years), a significant portion of my job includes creating …
