Alright guys! Today is the first day of early voting in the state of Florida! This has been the most exciting election of my time and even the country (from what I'm told by some). It definitely has huge historical implications and I'm eager to see the results. Personally, I'm a little tired of all the attacks and mud-slinging. Issues are what's important. Well before I continue, I should say that I am a little biased when it comes to this topic. I honestly believe my candidate is the best choice, so I won't try to write this post as if I don't have a favorite. I have researched the issues to make sure that I'm not basing my decision off of hype or who someone else tells me to vote for. I only have class on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so I spend quite a bit of time watching the news, staying abreast on the important issues, reading updates, and visiting sites. I have a fellowship with the University that doesn't allow me to have another job that requires me to work more than 10 hours a week. So, that equals a lot of time on my hands (when I'm not doing homework). We'll talk about that later though. My point is, I really feel like my choice in candidates is a very informed choice.
As an educator, I was a little offended by something one of the candidates said in the last debate. My mind was already decided before the debate, but this was the icing on the cake for me. While I wholeheartedly support the troops, I was baffled that John McCain supports the idea that troops who want to be teachers should be exempt from passing teacher certification exams. I mean I just don't see the logic. Yes, fighting for the safety of our country is a brave task and very honorable. However, how does that equate to being qualified as a teacher? It kind of makes me feel like my degree doesn't necessarily qualify me to be a teacher. I'm just curious. Would these same people also be exempt from passing state bar exams, or medical licensing exams, the postal workers exam, or even the plumbing licensure exam that "Joe the Plumber" didn't take? I'm not angry. Just a little concerned and wondering when teachers will finally be given the respect we deserve? Again, nothing against the troops. I love and appreciate all they do for our country and feel forever indebted to them. However, I'm more than sure that I couldn't just jump on the battlefield without passing some sort of certification exam. Just some thoughts I have:)
Please exercise your right to vote. A voteless people is a hopeless people. Without a vote, you have no voice. Whoever you feel is the best candidate, go for it! If you're still undecided, I'll help you out :)
Change in 08
Obama/Biden
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3 comments:
Yes Melanie I wholeheartedly agree with you concerning the McCain statements. A person should not be deemed qualified to be a teacher just because they serve in the military. There are millions of hardworking Americans who have been certified to teach and have also earned a degree in education. The soldiers should not be treated any differently. Support the troops but honor those who have fought in their own right to be educators.
Obama/Biden 08
Wonderfully stated! I am going use my voting rights because I truly value them:) and I will be voting early! Yay!
-Amy
I think I told you this before but my parents are retired from the Air Force and even after serving our country with persistence and dedication for over 45 years combined, they wouldn't have that! Exempt from WHAT? Teacher Certification Exams? Someone was clearly talking without thinking! Again, showing that someone doesn't even show concern for the field of education because any true educator knows that without a strong foundation, the house will fall, which seems to be the problem these days...underqualified teachers who have no passion or desire to see our young people succeed are the ones in the classroom. The result of having these teachers is evident in our current education system so to continue to perpetuate this is not only disturbing but disheartening.
EDUCATION IS THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON, WHICH YOU CAN USE TO CHANGE THE WORLD - Nelson Mandela
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