Just the other day, I saw a group of special needs students with their teachers out in the park on a field trip. They were feeding the geese, and enjoying the sunshine and each other. In these COVID times, it could be argued that the students, many with underlying health conditions, are at higher risk … Continue reading Sending Kids Back to School: Science, Data & Health Pros Say Yes – Politics Say No
Either Follow the COVID Data or Don’t: But Stop the Political Cherry-Picking
I find it ironic that the same people advocating to make decisions about COVID-19 based on the data are the same ones now unwilling to follow that same data. What happened? Did the data stop supporting what you want to believe and do? The data was the measuring stick by which we closed America, yet … Continue reading Either Follow the COVID Data or Don’t: But Stop the Political Cherry-Picking
All of America Agrees: We Are Unified Against the Floyd Tragedy
The feelings of anger and helplessness in light of this outrageous act of violent indifference to human life - Mr. Floyd’s life - deserve an outlet. They need and deserve to be expressed; and, in fact, they were overwhelmingly expressed; in unified shock, horror, and disgust by all races, cultures, colors, groups, and classes. How one loud, unified voice of agreement somehow morphed into violent mayhem on the streets of American cities is unclear...
Why Are People Still Dying From COVID-19? And Why Can’t We Go Back To Work? Perception, Perception, Perception
Perception can steal the show from even the most reasonable fact-based issue. Oftentimes what people think shades reality. How they feel supersedes proven facts. Is this the case with the current Coronavirus pandemic? Wait. Before you take this the wrong way - or worse, before you get emotionally charged - hear me out. According to … Continue reading Why Are People Still Dying From COVID-19? And Why Can’t We Go Back To Work? Perception, Perception, Perception
But First … Massive Testing. Is This an Excuse to “Make America Scared Again”?
What is this unreasonable push for extreme testing before people can go back to their lives? To what end? What would be the point of testing over 300 million Americans, many of which did not and will not contract COVID-19, and many more of which already had it - knowingly or unknowingly? And what about … Continue reading But First … Massive Testing. Is This an Excuse to “Make America Scared Again”?
During Coronavirus, Fake Easter Gives Way to True Easter
Even though we are temporarily unable to meet together at church, we believers still find our way to each other through technology. Our fellowship will not be stopped. With a very real threat of death to so many and fear gripping the nation and the world, Easter brings the hope of Jesus and the mighty … Continue reading During Coronavirus, Fake Easter Gives Way to True Easter
HOPE In Times of Trouble Can Go A Long Way: COVID Doesn’t Win!
(Listen to this on Gems With Emm Podcast) In the midst of this surreal pandemic, unbelievable number of shutdowns, and increasing numbers of cases and deaths from COVID-19, I’m here to give you some good news. ... How dare they not report the amazing generosity of everyday Americans to help their fellow man; the private sector’s willing leap into action; ...
Let’s Have Some Responsible Reporting on COVID-19 Coronavirus: Less Hype, More Facts
In America, we have had some really bad flu seasons: deadly flu seasons. Although it’s more nuanced and scientific, for the average layperson, COVID-19 can be likened to a different strain of the flu; only, your flu shot won’t work on it. ... With over 50,000 flu deaths every year, have we had our schools closed down, towns cordoned off ... what’s really going on here? Is the media purposely trying to cause a panic over this latest coronavirus?
“Ma’am, If You Don’t Put That Away …”: My Experience at the Voting Booth
“Ma’am, please put that away; you’re going to get us all in trouble,” he stated nervously in a hushed voice. ... Stifling an incredulous giggle, I said, “the law says you are not REQUIRED to see an ID, it does not say you must refuse anyone offering to show it.” ... She wanted to know my name, but she didn’t really want to know my name because if she did ...
Students With Cell Phones: Teachers Aren’t Paid Enough to Deal With That!
instructional time, kids are watching movie streaming sites, playing video games, scrolling social media feeds, and video conferencing with other students sitting in other classes in the school! ... As if the teacher is the one who’s out of line, students have the audacity to get an attitude when asked to do schoolwork ... in school. ... You would think the school could lay down the rules as to what is acceptable behavior during class. So why are teachers throwing their hands in the air in frustration and defeat? Are we to believe as a society we cannot contain our kids’ addictive cellphone habits? ... These classroom leaders are already underpaid for what they are being required to do, nevermind adding the burden of fighting smartphones for the attention of their students.