Infuriating.

In general, I avoid talking about politics in my blog. Mamma always taught me there are three things never to be discussed in mixed company: money, religion, and politics. I am passionate about two of these things (money--not so much), but manage to avoid talking about them often out of fear of alienating friends I have come to value. However, there is a political issue happening in Nashville right now that simply can't be overlooked.

I just got back from voting. I know that it's the end of January and the president is about to be inaugurated, but there is a very important referendum up for approval. Some idiot has decided that English should be the only language allowed in Nashville/Davidson County. This means that all official documents would only be available in English, and that "no person shall have a right to government services in any other language". Are you kidding me? This infuriates me for so many reasons.

There is simply no way you can decide in good conscience that people who are not fluent in English do not deserve our government services.

I have tried to understand the logic behind the amendment, and I think I get it. I agree that English should remain the primary language in America as a whole. It is OUR language, after all. However, this is completely the wrong way to go about it. It is difficult enough for non-English speakers to figure out the American ways. We do not need to compound the problem by adding another roadblock.

As a teacher, I come in contact with numerous non-English speaking students and families. These students are rapidly learning English. Their parents were able to enroll them in our school system (and provide them the opportunity to become fluent English speakers) because MNPS is allowed to provide translators in 30+ languages. Are they in our country illegally? Yes, some of them, but not all. These children are realizing the American Dream. Really. This opportunity would not be allowed to them if their parents were required to enroll them in school in English. It couldn't happen.

Can you imagine a city where our entire (very large) immigrant population was not allowed to access any services in their native language? I would argue that ratifying this amendment could be the most detrimental decision this city could make. I am picturing a city where immigrant children are wandering the streets when they should be in school. I am picturing a city where immigrant parents can't access the food stamps and government benefits they desperately need. I am picturing a city where we are going against the "Southern hospitality" that we pride ourselves on.

I have admitted that I understand, and even support, the idea behind the amendment. However, the way it's being approached is completely wrong. Let's provide free English classes to those who wish to learn our language. It's a myth that the majority of non-English speakers prefer being unable to communicate. Don't cut back on translating services. Instead, let's provide additional services to these people. Make them feel welcome and allow them the opportunities that our ancestors were allowed years ago.

America is a country built on immigrants. Anybody remember Ellis Island? Early voting is over, but the official day for voting is this coming Thursday, January 22. Please, if you haven't yet, go vote.

If you want to see the ballot, click here.

Season of Joy

My first Christmas tree! Since I have a severe aversion to fake foliage, I went and got a real one. All by myself, too. I told the guy at the roadside stand that I was looking for a cedar tree, and he laughed in my face. He told me I could "cut one of those down off the side of the road". I wasn't exactly dressed to be roughing it to chop down a tree, so I chose one that bore a slight resemblance (if you use your imagination). We always used to cut down cedar trees from my grandparent's farm for Christmas. Oh well, my white pine could sort of take it's place.


It's January 10th, and the tree is still up. Partially because I don't know what to do with it, but also partially because I love it so much.

"She asked me when the season of joy was supposed to end & I said I didn't really think there was an exact date, so we left the tree up till June that year."
--Brian Andreas, "Season of Joy"

Maaaaa. Is it a calculata?

Two posts in one day is a little too ambitious for me. It could be said that I'm bored. I thought I would share the most quoted SNL skit of the Croft family Christmas. It's not even that funny, but it seemed to be at the time.



**Note: BonQuiQui has not lost her place in our hearts. She was the second most quoted on Christmas.

SportsMEN of the Year

Can you guess who that might be? The pic is of some of my favorites this year: Derrick Rose, Antonio Anderson, Joey Dorsey, Robert Dozier, and Chris Douglas-Roberts. Now, given, they were chosen as Sportsmen of the Year by the Memphis newspaper--but that doesn't make them any less to me. The article in the Commercial Appeal really explains how important they were to the city. You can read it here.

I do love Christmastime, but....

Ho, ho, ho?

Today I actually witnessed 6th graders vigorously debating the reality of Santa Claus. I didn't think kids would seriously fight about these kinds of things, but they certainly do.

Don't tease me like that.

Long time, no post! Sorry for the lack of updates....I have no excuses. However, I do have a complaint (no surprise).

We had a SNOW DAY on Friday. Needless to say, this qualified for "BestDayEver" status in my book, especially since I had prepared by bringing home all of my papers to be graded. Tonight, there appears to be an even better chance of ice, snow, and general winter nastiness in the Nashville area. They even canceled all of the after-school activities today. However, they haven't made a decision about school tomorrow. So every child, teacher, and parent in the mid-state area is anxiously sitting by the phone awaiting a call from the board.

Such a call just came!! I ran to the phone with excitement not seen since Vanderbilt beat UT. I answered it with my heart beating as if Memphis were about to win the NCAA Tourney. You know what she said?

"Please come to a recpetion we are hosting for the Superintendent candidates."

Can I put my name on the "Do Not Call" list for my employer?