NAIROBI’S GOVERNOR EONOMIC PLAN

When the two bumped heads for the first time in January 2013; meeting for a national televised debate, based on his grasp of factual and statistical knowledge, Dr. Evans Kidero (ODM) got the better of his opponent.

But then again, the populist “Man Of the People”; Ferdinand Waititu (TNA) commanded a legion following based on the majority of social media websites.

March 4^th and Kenya voted. Dr Evans Kidero ended up as the last man standing when Nairobi voted him in as their new governor elect.

A Mang’u High school “Old Boy”; Kidero (56) graduated from the University of Nairobi with Bachelor of Pharmacy and holds masters in Business Administration from United States International University (USIU).

Kidero id the former CEO of Mumias Sugar Company(2003-2012) and banks on his ability as a former MD of GlaxoSmithKline- having successfully managed Smithkline Beecham’s establishment in over 40 African countries.

Back at home; his record speaks for itself. He is held in high esteem especially in the business circles; as he is credited for bringing Mumias Sugar back to profitability and status as a major Sugar miller in East and Central Africa.

Kidero comes in with an economic plan that though untested; it is policy to match and compete globally; and in the long run benefit the nation as a whole. His proposal is to raise the GDP per capita of the city to match the “Asian Tigers”. He argues; “the only difference between Singapore and Kenya is management and governance…”

On infrastructure; Kidero points out that one of the big challenges is improving infrastructure in the slums; since they are actually not included in any plans.

For him; the city’s blueprints for infrastructure will target a comprehensive development plan on: slums, informal settlements, expanding the road network and sealing potholes.

The business world thrives on the assurance of security. The governor intends to address the insufficient police-to-civilian ratio as a method of reducing crime; especially within the C.B.D. According to him, the ratio now stands at 1:1150; instead of the 1:450; recommended by the UN.

And that is not all; Mr. Kidero also intends to set up a metropolitan police in the city.

As a governor; Kidero also outlines a comprehensive healthcare policy in his vision; though not expounded on the implementation. His education plans include- doubling the number of secondary schools; addressing pupil-teacher ratio and setting up more polytechnics.

Well that is a brief breakdown of your new governor’s vision for the city under the sun.

-engage your governor: Facebook: EvansKidero/ Twitter: Kideroevans/ email: ekidero@ekcentre.com

THANKYOU YOUNG NATION: THE STUDENT IS NOW READY

Receive greetings from the son of the oracles. From my little room, pinned on my wall is an archived newspaper dated Sunday April 18^th 2010. In a short while I will tell you the importance of that date and the story behind it. That was the same day I had my first by-line if I may say, on a national newspaper detailing my one week experience as a guest writer with the Young Nation.

Back then, I was just a young Form Four student from Pumwani High School in Eastlands but one with a passion of one day becoming an investigative journalist.

For now, I want to thank the Young Nation for the opportunity to be nurtured under their incubator and learn under their wings.

Go ahead and search for that newspaper. There I wrote about an ancient Zen proverb that states; “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”

Today, I stand before you to raise your spirits and encourage all the Young people who have dreams and believe in their dreams. I will examine the 4 key words in the Zen proverb.

STUDENT: be a student and stay open, and willing to learn from everyone and anyone. For me, being at Young Nation desk proved that being a student of life, means you have room fro new input. As young people; the call is upon us to avoid the pride and curse of being experts and realize that every single person in your lifetime has something to teach you.

READY: be a willing student. Ready means willing. Genuinely, authentically willing. Look for authentic opportunities out there that are in line with your dreams and passion in life.

TEACHER: teachers in life appear in various forms and your willingness makes the teacher able to assist you. Being a communication student at the university, I fondly remember what I learnt at Young Nation because I refused to ignore the teacher but embrace my pen and notebook and jotted down everything. Your teacher can be anything. I believe it might be a child who takes you by the hand and asks you a question that you hadn’t considered before, and your answer to the child is your answer to yourself.

APPEAR: the teacher is making an appearance in everything and everyone you encounter. When the homeless person with his soiled presence and outstretched hand reminds you of your need to be merciful, the teacher has appeared.

Anyway, as I was saying. Never take for granted any opportunity presented on your way. I am sure Young Nation will be inviting young guest writers because that is their tall order and if you are given that opportunity, grab it like a rugby ball and make that try.

I gracefully cover these pages with gratitude to all the great people I met while I was there. You are more that friends. You are family. From Madam Editor Liz Gitonga to designers like Nzissa Mulli and Andrew “omwami” Anini. The list is indeed endless. I can’t forget Mr. Eric Shimoli, who gave me a grand opportunity to cover a field story in the company of Mr. Bonyo at the business desk.

To my fellow youths who believe in their dreams, the Son of Oracles expects that you will enumerate the lessons you want to leave. Duty. Glory. Honor. Hope. And that you will not play with the memoirs of your sacred dreams, visions and hopes.

Finally, what will change or kill your dream are the little things we do. You can choose to ignore the sentiments of the people that glide before your eyes everyday. Or, you can be a penchant that thrives because you chose to listen. The choice is indeed ours. And so may the Good Lord help us all!

Young Nation, for me and a legion more, we watch from a far with our pens in hand. You are a beacon of hope and encouragement to the young nation and generation of Kenya. The Son of Oracles vows to keep you company throughout.

To my fellow dreamers; let us rise up and strike the darkness of hopelessness.

Cheers.

-by Embukane Vincent Libosso, communication student at Daystar University and blogger at Africa’s Hangout Blog.

WHY YOU NEED TO PEN THAT WILL

WHY YOU NEED TO PEN THAT WILL

BY EMBUKANE VINCENT LIBOSSO; FOR KENYA KIDZ.

a family out on a fun day.

“Where there is a ‘will’; there’s a way!” I hesitate on the point of a “will”. I practically believe the above saying. It is more of a reminder to all of us out there who have any means to instantly pen a will which will ease, not end up worsening the grief of loved ones upon our demise.

I know we are African but I believe it is a good idea to discuss death and old age openly with your nearest and dearest beloved. The African society has for years shunned this but none of us knows exactly when the Grim Reaper will make his appearance.

I once read somewhere: “when the angel of death comes to the garden; he picks fresh roses, the rest are given more water, soil refreshed for them to renew themselves.” probably that renewal and reality is that we live “in the valley of the shadow of death” but none of us wants to think about old age or death.

My research led me to an archived piece Ms. Betty Caplan did for the Nairobi Star newspaper last year and she notes that: “the apportioning of a person’s estate is important. Material life has always been part of African tradition. With you not penning the will; just at the moment when members of your family most need each other’s support and love, they end up divided and alone in their grief.”(betty.caplan1@gmail.com)

The Kirima family hit the media after there was no will to determine the way for the family to share the multi-billion estate the old man left when he passed on. Mr. Robert Mbugua, a former banker and financial guru based in Nairobi Kenya (Robert.mbugua@tciglobalgroup.com) outlines the importance of a will:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->v  <!--[endif]-->A will creates certainty and avoids and secrets. You don’t want people rising up to claim your property after your death. This in turn will ensure ultimately that your family is not involved in any conflicts especially during the hard days of mourning.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->v  <!--[endif]-->A will ensures there is a preservation of assets. Over the years you may have gone into joint business ventures with your friends and at times you may forget. These ventures may lead to accumulation of assets and without a will in place; your family may lack the benefits.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->v  <!--[endif]-->Your business partners may go behind your back and play you if there is no will defining your assets in the venture. If this happens, it may live your family devastated and side tracked.

So I challenge you if you have not penned that will. I think it is a high time you sat down and considered doing it.

FIND THIS STORY ONLINE AT-http://kenyakidz.com/new/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=791:penning-down-that-will-for-your-kids-sake&catid=17:health&Itemid=232

ONCE AGAIN; KENYA FINDS HERSELF AT THAT POINT-THE TEST OF NATIONHOOD

Receive greetings from the son of the oracles. For now, congratulations Your Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta; fourth president-elect of the Republic of Kenya. I came across a great piece online by a concerned matatu tout who is an ardent supporter of your nemesis who is in court over the election debacle. If he cared my opinion, I would advise him and all Kenyans to read that matatu tout’s piece on “we move forward” (donda254.wordpress.com). The biggest mistake we can make as Kenyans is to rubbish him off and disregard him as a mere stakeholder in the matatu industry.
Today I stand before you as a son of the soil and a s a Kenyan youth who has grown up knowing not my people’s language but 3 languages common to many of my generation- Swahili; English and what bonds my generation-“sheng.”

I am here for all those voices which cannot be heard- mothers, daughters, fathers and sons; some of whom have grown up knowing no other language apart from the 3 mentioned earlier.
Anyway, as I was saying. You have a tall order especially to those like me who did not vote for you sir and that order is to make all of us feel like we belong to you and that you belong to us.
It is time to win Kenya over; not just for the preservation of ourselves, but of our children and the generations that will follow. For the preservation of liberty, reason, law and order; but most importantly for hope.


Those who think “we lost” are deeply hurting sir. They feel their decision has been wasted to the pages of history. But their courage indeed bonds us together. That Kenya is made stronger by their actions and that their choices today reflect their bravery to exercise their democratic right by voting.


These pages need no history lessons Mr. President. The curse of uniting Kenyans has haunted every president that has set his eyes on the house on the hill. Mzee Jomo himself filed this test badly. Mzee Moi did not do well; either. Before I am reminded; I have to remind you that was why KANU was vanquished in 2002 General elections.


As for Baba Jimmy; the test of Nationhood has been a total disaster. It derogates all the other good things he did.


The son of the oracles expects that you will enumerate the lessons you want to leave. Rule of law. Honor. Duty. Glory. And that you will not play with the memoirs of this sacred country.
Whether we like or not, how we handle ethnicity today, at this very moment, will determine the level of faith Kenyans will have in your government and in the new constitution.


Kenya is bigger than any of us. Kenyans are watching you Mr. President, especially with regard to how you handle the little matter of the kitchen cabinet. After all, isn’t tribal balancing what presidents always do, even as they reserve the prizy portfolios for their people?


Your Excellency, for me and a legion more, we watch with our pen and paper in hand. At any rate, even royal ears ought to accept to listen, even to lips they do not like. But even if they will not listen, they must still be told.


Finally, what will change or break Kenya are the little things we do. Your Excellency, you can choose to ignore the sentiments of the people that glide before your eyes every day and end up making us a ragtag of mutually hostile war like tribes that bay each other’s blood. The problem is for my generation we have no tribe loyalty.

Or you can be a penchant that makes us one thriving and united proud nation. The choice I would say is yours! And so may the good God help you.


The son of the oracles will keep you company throughout sir. So, keep your eyes open to my letters. And as you take that bold step to unite Kenyans, probably what Sun Tzu said in his book “The art of war” will be a nice place to start;


“Regard your soldiers as your children and they will follow you unto the deepest valleys. Look at them as your won beloved sons; and they will stand by you even unto death.”
Cheers!

-by Embukane Vincent Libosso; communication student at Daystar University and blogger at Africa’s Hangout blog.

this story was picked up by african press international-http://africanpress.me/2013/03/18/kenyans-the-test-of-nationhood-congratulating-president-elect-hon-kenyatta/

AN OPEN LETTER TO COCA COLA KENYA

TO: pointb@standardmedia.co.ke; letters@standardmedia.co.ke; editorial@standardmedia.co.ke

Cocacola as an international brand has served the needs of many consumers globally and in Kenya for many years. Their brands are accepted and loved worldwide but I think my love for the brands is slowly fading off.

To me; the face of impunity is best portrayed by a cocacola ad where a lady realizes the seller is about to con her by selling soda at a higher price that the recommended price.

But isn’t that the reality on the ground. The other day I argued with a rude shopkeeper who was selling me a 15-ml black currant soda at ksh. 30 instead of the stipulated ksh.23.

The same impunity crosses over to restaurants and other entertainment joints in the city where a sh.23 soda now goes for sh.100 take it or leave it no questions asked.

Where is the stand os coca cola Kenya on the escalating prices? We are being robbed on broad daylight, left in the hands of greedy middlemen and no one seem to adress this.

An advert as I understand ( I stand corrected) sells a product and passes a message. Your advert does stipulate the price of a 15-ml soda to be sh.23. kindly address this or save us from hearing a wrong advert that is mis- directing Kenyans.

I stand corrected at any rate. This is not a man-hunt letter but a letter from a concerned customer. So, I continue to be a lover of your products while at the same time a critic. But one whose loyalties keep on changing. As long as you address this, you have got yourself a keeper. Kudos on the good job.

-Embukane Vincent Libosso

-vlibosso@yahoo.com

FINDING SPIRIT-R.I.P GOLDIE

Former Big Brother housemate, Goldie Harvey is dead. She reportedly passed on after she returned from a trip to the United States on Thursday night . According to Naija reports, the singer's best friend Denrele Edun was the last to be seen with her. Its reported that Goldie died in his arms at a hospital in Victoria Island. All efforts to reach Denrele Edun on his phone proved futile.

Goldie's Twitter handle and Facebook fan page however bear the confirmation that she has passed on as the message "It is with heavy heart that I have to inform you all that Goldie passed this night shortly after arriving Lagos from LA. May her soul rest in the eternal peace of the Lord – Admin!!" was posted around 11 pm on Thursday.

How do you move on after such a tragedy?

A couple of days back,my mentor,Mrs Cathy lost her sister and I went deep into my meditations for a message to encourage her.

Stephen and Anita had a daughter named Racheal.Racheal was brutally murdered and her body left and they wrote to Ramdas,who was their teacher and mentor.They said,HOW CAN WE,AFTER LOSING OUR DAUGHTER,FIND SPIRIT,BE INSPIRED AND HOW CAN WE FIND GOD IN EVENTS SUCH AS THIS?

And this is what Ramdas wrote to Stephen and Anita.One of the most beautiful letters I have ever read.This is what he said,

Dear Stephen and Anita,

Racheal finished her work on earth and left the stage in a manner that leaves those of us behind with a cry of agony in our hearts,as the fragile threat of our fate is dealt with so violently.Is anyone so strong to stay conscious in such teachings as you are receiving?Probably,very few!And even they would only have a whisper of equal enemity and peace amidst screaming trumpets of their rage,grief,horror and desolation.

I can not assuade your pain with any words,nor should I.For your pain is Racheal`s legacy to you.Not that she or I would inflict such pain by choice,but there it is and it must burn its purifying way to completion.For something in you dies when you bear the unbearable,and it is only in that night of sour that you are prepared to love as God loves.Now is the time to let your grief find expression,no false strength.Now is the time to sit quietly and speak to Racheal and thank her for being with you all this few years and encourage her to move on with whatever her work is,knowing that you`ll grow in compassion and wisdom from this experience.

In my heart I know that you and she will meet again and again,and recognise the many ways in which you`ve known each other and when you meet,you`ll know in a flash what now is not given for you to know,why this had to be the way it was.

Our rational minds can never understand what has happened,but our hearts,if we keep them open to God,will find their own intuitive way.Racheal came through you to do her work on earth which includes her manner of death.Now,her soul is free and the love that you shared with her is invulnerable to the winds of changing time and space.

In that deep love,include me.

SOCIAL MEDIA PHOTOS COURTESY OF:http://african.howzit.msn.com/africa-entertainment/goldie-harvey-social-media-tributes#image=2

AN OPEN APOLOGY LETTER TO JAMAICA’S REGGAE SENSATION, ETANA…

Dear Etana “The Strong One,”

Happy 50 Th anniversary to you and fellow Jamaicans worldwide. I know you will be shocked to read this letter from a Kenyan fan (to be honest I am sure you will not read it because you are back on the road touring and performing). I am sure Kenyan promoters are the last people you’d want to hear from right now, let alone see them or strike a conversation. Kindly be patient as you read this.

I read on the papers, tabloids and over the internet on how Dean Fraser, Etana, Tarrus Riley and the Black Soil band left their Kenyan fans yearning for more.

How I wish I would have attended the event. But because of some issues involving respecting my folks since I am under their roof, I could not make it to the Carnivore Grounds.

I remember the first time I heard a song from you was through the Silverstar Sounds radio show hosted by Randy and Gussy every Friday night on Homeboyz Radio over here in Kenya. I remember Gussy joking on how you were her boo and he was gonna marry you. I remember your angelic voice on the “I am not afraid” tune on the Rub-a-Dub Riddim. My first impression was “who ya dis?”

From then on, I went on a journey to find out more about Etana and each time I came across tunes you have belted out like “August Town”- a song that is a story of how a group of families from your August Town, your Hometown were shot by police after someone alleged that there were thugs down the river bed yet they had just set up a sound system and were partying. Tunes like “Blessing” with Albarosie have been a great listen to your latest “wifey” tune on the Heart and Soul Riddim. I have been blessed and inspired by your conscious tunes Etana.

Even as I read the good stuff about your electrifying performance right here in Nairobi, I also read about the painful stuffs you had to undergo together with your hubby despite being pregnant. The tussle pitting your representative and the promoters.

Infact, in one of Kenya’s most read newspaper- The Standard, a pull out on the Eve gal/The Dude magazine, an entry on Wednesday August 15^th,2012 reads…

TOUGH SURVIVAL FOR FEMALE REGGAE ARTISTES:

L

ike in several other professions, in the music industry and especially reggae, a female artiste has to work twice as hard as a male artiste. This is according to visiting reggae songstress Etana. On Friday, before the Big Tunes Festival concert, Etana tweeted:

“So my representative had hell dealing with this Kenya promoter as far as I am hearing I may not be able to perform. Though I’m here. Crazy… wah dis mi come buck up plan inna Kenya. Ever feel like your hands are tied? Women always have to fight extra hard.”

Although she did not mention names, it was sort of clear she was referring to the other visiting artiste Tarrus Riley being more of a star attraction than she was.

We learnt that the two were having serious friction, to a point of not being able to be in the same room.

A joint press conference for the two could not take place on Friday at the Sankara Hotel, and the media had to be addressed by Tarrus first and then separately by Etana after Tarrus went back to his hotel room.

On the day of the concert, as there was only one room back stage for the star artistes to wait in, Etana, accompanied by her husband-cum-manager, decided to go back to the car and wait for her performing moment as opposed to waiting in the room together with Tarrus and his team.

I have no idea whether all of what is written above is plain gossip or not. And for that reason I choose not to argue without the facts, but I take this humble opportunity openly to ask for forgiveness from you on behalf of my fellow country men and lovers of your music and reggae genre. At times, we get too- high headed in pride to stoop below and accept we are wrong and in need of forgiveness.

Kindly find it in you heart to forgive us as a whole! In that deep love for you Kenyan fans, include me. All the best in your endeavours and as you carry the little one growing in your tummy. Xoxoxo!!!!

Your fan,

Vincent libosso

Email: bukhungubukhangaa@gmail.com

Website: http://bukhungu-bukhanga.blogspot.com/

FROM FACEBOOK NOTES TO BLOGGING

THE MILITARY STRATEGY

by Oracles Vincent Libosso Chronicles on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 10:37am ·

WHEN I CLEARED MY PRIMARY SCHOOL,JUST BEFORE JOINING HIGH SCHOOL,DAD CAME UP WITH THIS MILITARY STRATEGY TO HELP MY BROTHER BILL VENORAMOS LIBOSSO,IMPROVE HIS GRADES.
WELL DAD WAS TO WAKE UP BILL AT AROUND 4AM,THERAFTER,BILL WOULD TAKE A SHOWER AND LATER EMBARK ON HIS MORNING STUDIES.
FUNNY ENOUGH,MY BRO IS A MORE OF A NIGHT GUY THAN A MORNING GUY.SO THIS WAS GOING TO BE ONE HARD CHALLENGE.
THE OTHER DAY,AFTER DAD WOKE HIM UP,HE ACCIDENTALLY FELL ASLEEP.PART OF THE PROBLEM IS THAT OUR LITTLE ROOM IS OUTSIDE,THAT IS,IT IS DETACHED FROM THE MAIN HOUSE,HENCE HARD FOR DAD TO KEEP TRACK OF HIS MILITARY STRATEGY.
YESTERDAY BILL CAME UP WITH A PRETTY GOOD WAY TO GET SOME EXTRA SLEEP TIME WITHOUT MAKING DAD MAD.AFTER HE WOKE HIM UP,HE TOOK ALL OF HIS BLANKETS TO THE BATHROOM.THEN HE SPREAD IT ON THE FLOOR PARTLY AND COVERED HIMSELF PARTLY TOO.
THE EXPERIENCE,BELIEVE ME,WAS EVEN BETTER THAN BEING IN BED.THE PROBLEM WAS,BILL HADN'T FIGURED OUT THAT DAD WAS YET TO GO BACK IN AND SO WHEN DAD ROARED THAT HE WAS SUSPICIOUS ON WHETHER HE WAS TAKING A SHOWER OR NOT,BILL FROZE UP IN UTMOST SHOCK.

David Mc Cullough graduation speech; how the world responded

from http://edition.cnn.com

Showing 25 of 1782 comments

• 
  Gray Shelton

  I certainly agree that my child isn't special to the whole world, but is special to me.  I think as seniors in high school, kids should already know this truth and hearing it from a speaker shouldn't really tear them down.  Most teens I know are arrogant enough to rebound and say "yeah whatever". :)  I was.  :)

  I can certainly see the advantage of allowing your child to understand their short comings.  My parents, for example, would comment on my efforts and not necessarily the outcome.  They would say "You gave a great effort!" instead of "you'll have to work on your swing" when I would strike out in a softball game.  I knew I was no good and so quit playing, but wasn't hurt by that at all.  I recognized a weakness and didn't waste my time, instead pursuing music which was a natural talent for me.  I think parents are afraid of being realistic with their kids.  But we shouldn't be.  I agree with the idea of letting our kids know they mean EVERYTHING to us (because don't they?) but letting them know that not EVERYONE is their number one fan - and that is ok.

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  • 1 month ago
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• 
  DmndForeignr

  As a teacher, I give a tough course, yes, involving math. For many of these youngsters it is the first time in their life where the buck stops: Not so special anymore! They have never learned to handle defeat. You would not believe the vile aggression that is the result in their anonymous course evaluations.

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  • 1 month ago
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• 
  H Ngon Eban

  But I  don't agree with his statement that " kid, you are not special" at all, as that would lead to some bad feelings for students, who are still teenagers, and they may loose their self-confidence 'cause of his saying also. Therefore, they need to be encouraged but not a criticizer to look forward their bright future, I think.

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  • 1 month ago
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• 
  Michelle Huang

  你並不特別

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  • 1 month ago
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• 
  Nando_Em_Brooklyn

  There is a difference between engaging your child in a critical discussion about his or her performance and telling him/her that what ever you just witnessed "was pretty bad." 

  If a child did his or her best, then that should be acknowledged ... within the context of encouraging improvement ... if that is appropriate.

  There are so many questions we, as parents, need to ask ourselves before engaging in any kind of critical discussion with our children.
  1) Am I an expert in this field? Can I define/recognize "a good performance"?
  2) Is this something that my child actually wants to do?
  3) How is my child going to react to negative feedback? Is my child normally encouraged by positive feedback? Or, does my child thrive when confronted by obstacles?

  I think think this is a much deeper conversation than what LZ Ganderson and the aired story propose. 

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  • 1 month ago
• 
  Ingenuous

  I really enjoyed this article and I think this message is important for all people especially in America. Reality is far healthier than this message that we are all special. I was born in 1980 and many people in my generation have bought into this being special fantasy. Try managing them at a job, the all have some special need that boils down to not doing what you hired them to do. Accountability has gone out the window because we are all special and have excuses for our mistakes instead of owning up to them and not repeating them. Telling everyone they are special before they have done anything to merit such accolades  reinforces mediocrity or worse. All these people that are brought up thinking they are special go through a period of realization similar to loss in religious faith to come to grips that they are just 1 of many billion. It is much healthier to be honest, show your kids love, encourage them realistically, and let them know when their stick figure looks like crap instead framing their first "masterpiece". If you tell them they are the next Michelangelo they are in for some hard knocks when their art professor throws their "masterpiece" in the trash and tells them to reconsider art.

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  • 1 month ago
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• 
  Guest

  amen, brother. when everyone thinks they are special (as our reality TV lives seem to imply), as Dash from the Incredibles pointed out years ago, NO ONE IS.  but that does not mean we should not strive to be special in some way. the danger comes when our parents, teachers, preachers, etc, all say how wonderful and special we all are. many things in life are played out on a bell curve. not all kids are above average, only about 49% are. but when everyone gets a ribbon, a sticker, or a medal, how are kids supposed to learn that? how do they learn that to excel, you must work at it?

  thanks to LZ for another thoughtful article. i do not always agree with what he says, although i do in this case, but he is always well written and thoughtful. unlike others (read: carville, navarette etc).

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  • 1 month ago
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• 
  KPATL

  LZ, you got this one right.  All of the liberal blather on this post about how we need to be more like "John Lennon" With love, roses and unicorns, have lost sight of just how winners are losers are determined.  Competition is what breeds the best ideas and results, and people are no different.   We need a thinning of the herd in America, and I would think that Darwinian theory was supposed to be embraced by the left.  I guess not.

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  • 1 month ago
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• 
  jennymay

   Darwinism is about allowing those with superior genes to survive while those who have less evolutionarily desirable genes to die off.  To compare natural evolution based on superior genes to a easily rigged social system, in which history has shown can be manipulated, is silly.

  It is no measure of health to be well adjusted in a profoundly sick society
  -Jiddu Krishnamurti

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  • 1 month ago
  • in reply to KPATL
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• 
  jennymay

   We are all inherently valuable and powerful. Not all actions are valuable or powerful, but it is within us all. I would say with all the groupthink/trends/'following' that permeates all levels of society, there are too few people willing to recognize their own worth and think and act for themselves.

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  • 1 month ago
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• 
  Michael Tellier

  This post hits the mark in so many ways.  I can't believe the ways I see parents overinflate their kids value.  Yes every child has value and has potential, especially to those close to them, but I regularly run into kids who think "I'm special" when they haven't stretched their limits or anything.  We have raised a generation of grown children who can't take criticism, don't reach beyond what is easy, or reflect on their actions.  They are already awesome.  They don't have to change a thing. 

  Congrats to Mr McCullugh for having the courage to say what was needed.  I hope that some helicopter parent doesn't demand his dismissal because little Johnny didn't leave graduation feelling actualized

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  • 1 month ago
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• 
  KPATL

  J Bird,  It's not all Happy Happy Joy Joy out in the real world.  And the kids should know that.  Not everyone gets a Ribbon for participation, and my boss does not care about my "personal reflection time".  My guess is that you still live with your parents and have spent your entire life without any serious consequences or personal responsibility.  Do yourself a favor, don't go back to school, get a job that involves a shovel and do some growing up.

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  • 1 month ago
  • in reply to Michael Tellier
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• 
  jbird

   Glad that you are so egotistical, that you must rain on someone elses parade!

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  • 1 month ago
  • in reply to Michael Tellier
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• 
  orlandojon

  A better message for kids...you can be special through hard work. Supporting yourself and your family without government entitlments should be one of the yardsticks to measure success

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  • 1 month ago
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• 
  Honor480

  "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first." (Mark Twain) 

  • Like

  • 1 month ago
  • 18 Likes
• 
  Luciano Barroqueiro

  there's a problem in my view about this article.. the world belongs to youngs.. if you say they is not special you are transforming in ordinary people.. the world cant change with ordinary people in charge, guys!! .. We need more Gandhi, more John Lennon, more people that care with others, we dont need people just talk  like Obama or brazilian ex-president  Lula with your empty promisses .. We need more help to ordinary people and enterprises and less for banks and government .. we need another system of government, another view for market .. Apple , for example , show us how the capitalism is so destructive like communism.. Microsoft invest much more in USA than others companies.. (and i dont like windows, i use ubuntu ok?) .. let the youngs dream, try, let they make ours mistakes.. it isnt you is a looser that you never can do what you dream , you have the rights to kill the dreams of someoneelse..sorry for my english..  

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  • 1 month ago
  • 1 Like
• 
  Guest

  by telling them they are all wonderful, and by constantly fixing their mistakes as young parents do today, we are not teaching them anything. its one thing to dream. its another to be raised to expect that everything will be given to you because you are young and alive.  kids have to learn how to MAKE their dreams a reality. this happens with hard work and by making mistakes and learning from them. sadly, nobody wants to do that today.

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  • 1 month ago
  • in reply to Luciano Barroqueiro
  • 2 Likes
• 
  SixthPlanet

  We should tell our kids the plain truth.
  
  They are entering an economy of rapidly disappearing opportunity. The private sector has outsourced 20% of our jobs and can now provide jobs for only 80% of us. We now have a permanent unemployed class. Obviously 20% of our graduates will be joining that social class of life-long losers.
  
  Corporations in the same industry are making agreements not to hire each other's employees, to reduce turnover. It also means that an employee of one of those corporations will never be considered for a good position with a competitor, making the employee an indentured servant of his employer.
  
  Employers now expect an unlimited amount of free overtime from 'salaried' employees. Obviously, it is much more profitable to compel 2 employees to work 12 hours a day instead of having 3 employees work 8 hours a day. You still get 24 hours of labor, but you only payh for 16 of them. To hell with the employee's family life, civic life, spiritual life, hobbies, and mental health. Many of today's graduates will never hear the phrases '8 hour day' or '40 hour week' in their lifetimes.
  
  The new graduate can expect long periods of unemployment. It takes the average job seeker 50 weeks to find a job, usually for less pay than the previous job. Government is cutting back on unemployment compensation, so the graduate should expect to move back in with Mom and Dad for a year or two several times during his or her working life.
  
  Finally, at age 65, the graduate can look forward to spending his or her golden years gathering shopping carts in the Wal-Mart parking lot instead of collecting Social Security. Fortunately, with the disappearance of Medicare, the graduate will not live as long as his or her grandparents, so his misery will be shorter.
  
  Tell the kids the truth. Life is tough. It's screw or get screwed.

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  • 1 month ago
  • 5 Likes
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  Jblast

  Who thinks they're special??? The Occupiers...

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  • 1 month ago
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  polydac2003

     I am constantly amazed at the sheer ignorance exhibited by people like msosaman pertaining to the Tea Party.   I agree with the tea party and have a Ph.D. in chemical engineering.  Furthermore, the vast majority of tea party supporters I know have college or post-graduate degrees (although  I agree with Kat that a degree is no indicator of intelligence)

  But msosaman, do you really think the democrats can claim the intellectual  high ground given that a majority of its supporters consist of union members, illegals and uneducated immigrants, occupiers, and welfare recipients?     Seems a bit hypocritical don't you think? 

       

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  • 1 month ago
  • in reply to Jblast
  • 1 Like
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  IrishYank2

  This is so very true. I love it when we make offers to come on board (salaried) to our interns and their salary expectations are twice the offer and derived from salaries(.)com. They get sooooo pizzed when I explain to them that they are in no position to negotiate such terms and, frankly, they're not blowing me away with some skill set that would ever drive me even close to meeting their expectations. It's pretty sad, really.

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  • 1 month ago
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  polydac2003

   So true.  My employer has had training sessions for managers to help them deal with the new generation of young employees.   Most have been pampered for so long that they can't handle criticism.    Some even have their parents call in and negotiate salaries for them.   

   Fortunately, there are still new employees and interns coming in who have impressed me with their humbleness and willingness to work and learn.  I guess not all parents have subscribed to the self-esteem approach to child rearing.....  

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  • 1 month ago
  • in reply to IrishYank2
  • 2 Likes
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  KPATL

  They have delusions off grandeur that they got from public education for their entire lives,..  " I got a participation ribbon  Yohoooo!!!  I'm special I'm special!"  Glad to see that you are bringing them closer to reality,..  they need that big time.

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  • 1 month ago
  • in reply to IrishYank2
• 
  Roberta Vath

  I had a professor who used to tell the class "you are all extraordinary."  I just assumed he didn't know what the word meant =P

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  • 1 month ago
  • 3 Likes
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  msosamanCollapse

  Well polydac, just to show your ignorance, or at least assumption, I am NOT a democrat.  You may have a PhD, but honestly, just scan the crowd at any tea party rally and listen to them speak.  It's obvious most are uneducated led by highly intelligent, but sinister, leaders.  Look at the Nazi regime.  Goebells had his PhD also. 

  • Like

  • 1 month ago
  • in reply to Roberta Vath
  • F

SixthPlanet
Roberta, you never got it. The professor was saying that the average or ordinary person is a mathematical fiction, and the odds are that no such person exists. The ordinary person may be 5'8", brown eyed, brown haired, female, IQ 97, shoe size 9.5, etc. etc. But most people deviate from the norm on more than one dimension.
I'm sure you were a great disappointment to him, if he noticed you at all.
• Like
• 1 month ago
• in reply to Roberta Vath
• 5 Likes

DaveAYoung
That`s right Barack and Eric - you are not special.
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• 1 month ago
• 4 Likes

Jessie M. Reynolds, Legal secretary at international law firm. Animal charity work on occasion. Competitive pool player. I garden, can, preserve, hunt (when necessary), sew, build, bicycle and read.
Eric who?
• Like
• 1 month ago
• in reply to DaveAYoung

crzycatldy
This guy (the guy who made the speech) should be appointed as head of the Department of Education for being the only educator willing to say out loud what we've all known to be true since the beginning of this PC bull c rap.  Then we might have a public education system that isn't the laughing stock of the rest of the developed (and probably developing) world.
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• 1 month ago
• 20 Likes

nacona
Thank you.  I was beginning to think there are only a few who think the education system has gone over the edge.  You are right, the PC bull crap is creating an generation of average, non thinking, everyone is equal, people who will definitely make our education system and our country the laughing stock of the rest of the developed world. 
• Like
• 1 month ago
• in reply to crzycatldy
• 1 Like

TerryToo
LZ,
While I seldom agree with your viewpoint, even when you express it well, in this case I must thank you for speaking honestly, and I must heartily agree with your perspective!!!!! 
Depending on the particulars, political correctness, or sensitivity, may or may not be in the long run what is best for society or the specific individual(s) involved.  That is the larger message of your editorial.
• Like
• 1 month ago
• 6 Likes

xxBrandXxx
Kid, you are not special. This applies to everyone, not just our recent graduates.
Republican, you are not special.
Democrat, you are not special.
CEO, you are not special.
Panhandler, you are not special.
Sellout Pop Musician, you are not special.
Acoustic Protest Song Singer, you are not special.
Baby On Board Driver, you are not special.
Old **** Ploughing Through Farmer's Markets, you are not special.
Wounded Soldier in Afghanistan, you are not special.
Yellow Ribbon Spammer, you are not special.
Know-it-all-Internet-Genius, you are not special.
NRA Drooling Thug, you are not special.
Gay Rights Activist, you are not special.
Religious Inquisition Freak, you are not special.
Nanny State Supporter, you are not special.
No-Big-Government Anarchist, you are not special.
So think about it from your context. When you look at your contributions, you are either Einstein or you ain't ****. I'm guessing you're not Einstein.
...
show more
• Like
• 1 month ago
• 11 Likes

Ohioan2008
 Wounded Soldier in Afghanistan, you are not special.  *** more special than some, they chose to join and fight for us, most will not.
• Like
• 1 month ago
• in reply to xxBrandXxx
• 4 Likes

sharky66
LZ  
welcome to the United States of Politically Correct Everyone Wins a Trophy NO One is more Special than anyone else America.  
• Like
• 1 month ago
• 9 Likes

DaveAYoung
exactly
• Like
• 1 month ago
• in reply to sharky66

xxBrandXxx
Great post John Milner! The truth burns in the ears of the old bags.
They have been coasting on the laurels of the generation that killed
Hitler for too long. Time to call them on their BS.
• Like
• 1 month ago

Ohioan2008
 without the soldiers of ww II, this country, and the rest of the world would be worse off.
• Like
• 1 month ago
• in reply to xxBrandXxx

OHREEEALLY
In fact it has worked out well for me. I don't agree with many policies of the government, but then one of the beauties of our system is that I'm allowed to not agree with them, and not be shot or imprisoned for it. I am free to try anything I want to try, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else, I'm able to send my kids to good schools, I have a great wife and a great life. To quote "the american system of government is the worst possible system, except for all the others" Sorry your life sucks. Do something about it and quit whining.
• Like
• 1 month ago
• in reply to xxBrandXxx
• 2 Likes

xxBrandXxx
Meh, sorry about the hostility. Some issue just get me riled. Every generation has it's work cut out for it. We got our job to do, so what's the use of complaining about it.
• Like
• 1 month ago
• in reply to OHREEEALLY

xxBrandXxx
I tell you what. You keep supporting the looting of the country since it's working out so well for you.
• Like
• 1 month ago
• in reply to xxBrandXxx

OHREEEALLY
Ya know, to be taken seriously you occasionally have to come up with something beside spewing inane non-sequiters that have no reasoning behind them. Just spouting off hashed-over 60's revolution-speak updated to the current decade is just plain boring and passe. Grow up and at least TRY to sound like you got an education.
• Like
• 1 month ago
• in reply to xxBrandXxx
• 1 Like

xxBrandXxx
Having efforts to change the world that come to nothing is better than efforts to destroy the world coming to fruition.
Thank the Boomers for extending the Cold War into the next Millennium by reviving the corpse of Reagan. Let's just all join the army now, it's the only growth sector of the economy.
• Like
• 1 month ago
• in reply to xxBrandXxx

xxBrandXxx
Boomers always make it seem like they want a better future for their grandkids while selling the present down the river to special interests, corporations, and the military complex.
Your grandkids will inherit your debit, your wrecked economy, and polluted environment. But hey, you wont be around to see them suffer so who cares?
• Like
• 1 month ago
• 3 Likes

xxBrandXxx
So I guess you both deny that the boomers are destined to leave the country worse off from when they inherited it? That the bond market has been ruined by the fed to keep the velocity of stock market trading high. The stock market has become a casino for high rollers. 401ks have become a high risk investments and banks no longer are a safe haven to park your money? Why? Because boomers in their infinite wisdom think the market can operate without regulation... ever heard of Glass Stengall?
You probably have from your redcoated econ rags. REGULATION IS BAD oogah boogah!!!
The best part is all that claptrap is being sold by Objectivist nuts that don't give a damn about you or your families or even the American way of life. They might as well be red chinese selling that line, but you bought into it,...
show more
• Like
• 1 month ago
• in reply to xxBrandXxx

OHREEEALLY
Solex- sad truth is probably that no, he doesn't also contribute to the economy. He probably is one of those who benefits by it but does not put into it. Or an Occupyer, LOL
• Like
• 1 month ago
• in reply to xxBrandXxx
• 1 Like

Solex
Wrong pronoun XX - it is OUR economy. You live here too and you contribute to its greatness/weakness just like the rest.
But assigning blame is always easier for people who have nothing to contribute.
• Like
• 1 month ago
• in reply to xxBrandXxx
• 2 Likes

OHREEEALLY
 Already long ago, from when we sold our vote to no man, the People have abdicated our duties; for the People who once upon a time handed out military command, high civil office, legions — everything, now restrains itself and anxiously hopes for just two things: bread and circuses[-Attributed to Juvenal
• Like
• 1 month ago
• 1 Like

jray11
and neither are you LZ, even though you think you are because you're black and gay.
• Like
• 1 month ago
• 1 Like

z3pp3h
Aww, someone step on your toes? I bet you have children and think they're a gift to the earth (they're not). Stop projecting, start correcting your deficiencies. Hopefully, you didn't teach your children your errant ways.
• Like
• 1 month ago
• in reply to jray11
• 4 Likes

luvtheUSAalsoCollapse
Do you remember the Reagan era, when Reagan was President, and Bob Hope and Johnny Cash were still alive?
Now we have Obama, no hope, and no cash!




from http://blog.alexanderhiggins.com


Newer Comments »
1. Facebook says:

   June 10, 2012 at 11:44 am

   [...] Facebook/**/Leaving Facebook…Please be carefulFor the safety and privacy of your Facebook account, remember to never enter your password unless you're on the real Facebook web site. Also be sure to only download software from sites you trust.http://blog.alexanderhiggins.com/2012/06/10/high-school-teachers-you-special-graduation-speech-143431/ContinueGo back to Facebook [...]

   Reply
2.  Jamie says:

   June 10, 2012 at 12:05 pm

   Right on. I love this guy!

   Reply
3.  ivan says:

   June 10, 2012 at 1:40 pm

   I agree, the world is a Sewer.

   The Sooner you prepare children for the sewage the better.

   This is truly laughable coming from a loser teacher, really, and how many MILLION of them are there? However, the only real use they have is abusing children at the chalk board, while the US Government Prints “Mathematical Abominations” like the CPI, Employment Report … LIES To Infinity!

   Where are all the TEACHERS?

   We have a Constitutional “Train Wreck” with the NDAA bill, Patriot Acts, Illegal Wars, Drones, Murders and ASSASSINATIONS … but, where are the History TEACHERS?

   Yes, and lets not forget who teaches the Useless. Funny, I mean I am just one person, but IF I were a Teacher, I would “make something of myself and Stop Abusing Children” who are already loaded with PROZAC!

   Truly, I look upon a civilization governed by such ineptitude with contempt! Why don’t all the BIG MOUTH TEACHERS CHALLENGE THE “BLS BS,” or, perhaps, they don’t understand and need to stand in front of the Chalk Board! They sure did not understand their own loss of benefits and pay, really, and they want to talk about children who will have to inherit their FOOLISHNESS!! I bet these Stupid Teachers will Vote for Obama … IMBECILES!!! But then, again, they should consult the History Teacher about the Electoral College and the Foolery of the Vote!

   I feel sorry for the Children!

   This GUY IS A LOSER!

   BTW, I don’t like Children … And, I don’t like Most People! However, I would never make such a “depressing impression” on young minds already tormented with future SLSC horrors! What do Teachers Know, Most can’t Count! This English Teacher needs a PSYCH Consult!

   I used to smoke Pot with My Algebra and Biology Teacher in HS. YES, WE are all The same, SO Stop Abusing Children, be AN ADULT, AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY!

   GET IT TEACHERS, BECAUSE I AM WATCHING YOU, AND SOON, YOU WILL LOSE ALL OF YOUR PENSIONS AND WILL BE WORKING FOR WAGES OF HORROR! That’s the Government plan, keep abusing children though… Losers!

   Reply
4.  ivan says:

   June 10, 2012 at 1:45 pm

   And, of all things … An English Teacher, the Bottom of the Barrel, Indeed!

   Reply
5.  Jamie says:

   June 10, 2012 at 4:13 pm

   I cannot believe either of you see the truth in his speech. That’s part of what’s wrong with America today – everyone expects everything to be handed to them – like health care, for example. It’s sickening how everyone believes that they are not supposed to have to work or fight for anything in life. It’s the reason that I’m scared NDAA, drones, chemclouds, etc. are just going to keep on happening. Because people care more about themselves & what they get out of life than they do about compassion, liberty, patriotism & pride. My little sister is of the generation of “participation trophies”, it never made her a better athlete, she didn’t keep any of the trophies & they aren’t recyclable material, so what the hell kind of good do they serve?

   This teacher is trying to express to the students that nothing should be handed to you. You have to struggle, in order to learn your strengths. You have to fight, in order to know how much you care. If you really want to be special, you have to shine above the rest. Maybe gets your Masters, instead of serving fake food at McDonald’s or selling drugs until you wind up in jail. He’s right not everyone is special – you have to find your way to shine, to make a difference in the world.

   Reply
6.  Jamie says:

   June 10, 2012 at 4:38 pm

   And, you must not have listened through to the ends; as he ends with “The sweetest joys of life, then, come with the recognition that you are not special – because everyone is.”

   Reply
7.  Jamie says:

   June 10, 2012 at 5:01 pm

   He’s not trying to depress the kids – he’s trying to make them see that they have to work hard to rise above the rest. That they have to struggle some to find out their strengths. To fight, in order to know how much they care. This IS what’s wrong with America today – everyone thinks they just deserve everything. And all of the people who expect handouts are not the people you see donating their time or money to charity. They are the people jumping from job to job at places like Wal-Mart & McDonald’s, or selling drugs – when we are ALL capable of succeeding college. But because there are so many excuses & do many baby wipes available, they resort to the above, or welfare, or making false claims for disability. It’s disgusting. You don’t get free stuff for being special – you get it for being weak. If so many lazy ass people didn’t expect handouts (like free health care), we might not have the guys we have in office & America might be in a better state right now.

   My younger sister is of the “participation trophies” generation. It didn’t make her a better soccer player, didn’t give her a greater sense of confidence, didn’t help her to appreciate team work & she didn’t keep any of the trophies. Might I add, those trophies were made with non-recyclable plastic – so tell me, what purpose did they serve?

   Reply
8.  ivan says:

   June 10, 2012 at 8:54 pm

   >This teacher is trying to express to the students that nothing should be handed to you. You have to struggle, in order to learn your strengths. You have to fight, in order to know how much you care. If you really want to be special, you have to shine above the rest. Maybe gets your Masters, instead of serving fake food at McDonald’s or selling drugs until you wind up in jail. He’s right not everyone is special – you have to find your way to shine, to make a difference in the world.<

   No, He is Wrong, so YOU CAN tell that to the BANK and all the other BAILED-OUT “BILLIONAIRE” FAILURES!" First, If you Pay TAX, then you should receive your due in benefits to be paid as per-contract. These are legal Agreements: “CONTRACTS WITH THE TAXPAYER:” (Items like SS); and therefore, to breach the contract with the taxpayers is breach of Fiduciary Trust an Impeachable offense.

   THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH SELLING DRUGS … HOW ELSE ARE YOU GOING TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD YOUR MASTERS? (SARCASM INTENDED).

   IT IS NOT RIGHT TO STICK “MOMMY AND DADDY” WITH A SECOND AND THIRD MORTGAGE SO YOU CAN BE SPOILED WITH A MASTERS DEGREE! *GET A JOB! A Masters can cost upwards of 150k, and a $12,000 scholarship is chump change!

   *OH, THAT’S RIGHT, THEY: (FAT AXX CORPS, AND OUR TRAITOROUS GOVERNMENT) “EXPORT EVERY” ENGINEERING, CS, TECHNICAL, INDUSTRIAL JOB AND ITS RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE, PLUS SUPPORTING LOGISTICS -EXEMPTING MCJOBS- TO CHINA!

   Jamie,

   If you are a Christian, and I think your writing fit’s the profile, then you should know better. EVERYTHING BELONGS TO GOD and NOBODY HAS A RIGHT TO CLAIM ANYTHING “EVEN THE SKIN ON THEIR BACK” AS THEIRS!

   Yes, the World is full of every unclean and hateful bird, and Greed is the God of this World; however, there are those of us who refuse to lose our humanity to the worship of Slavery and Serfdom … PLEASE!

   That Teacher has a SEVERE Personality Disorder and is severely lacking in Empathy, a pure psychopath! Like I said, only Losers abuse Children!

   Stop listening to Glenn Beck, he is a spokes-person for the billionaire banker “babies” club. He would have you working at Wal-Mart and starving, while the us drops million-dollar DU ordinance all over the GLOBE, shooting our tax dollars into the DIRT!

   Please Stop all the Self-immolation for the Government!

   As a Christian, I worship GOD, not Government or Bankers, and therefore, if they tax me … I expect a return as “per-contract!” An entitlement is an establishment for nobility -like the QUEEN Of ENGLAND- it has no application to Taxpayer Agreements or Benefits in Lieu of Pay for WORK Performed as-per-Contract!

   Reply
9.  ivan says:

   June 10, 2012 at 9:10 pm

   I have TWO-DEGREES and a MEDICAL LICENSE! I WORKED VERY HARD, and YOU KNOW WHAT … IF I AM NOT PAID ACCORDINGLY … “I DON’T CAST PEARLS TO SWINE!”

   Only Slaves work for Insufficient Wages and Live on Credits. Take a History Class!

   WTF does America GIVE …. “THEY TAKE” … Perhaps, they give single mothers welfare, but that’s it, and people like you better come into reality, because if the people starve … THEY WILL KILL WITHOUT MERCY! YOU, NOR THAT IMBECILE, GLENN BECK HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF THE GOVERNMENT TOTALLY CUT ALL WELFARE! THERE WOULD BE CHAOS OF BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS!
   I never got a Dime from government because I am a SWM!!! However, I am not a jealous type and I understand that we are not all equal or the same. And, Honey, 80-percent of my college and medical school class NEVER MADE IT!

   GREED IS NOT GOOD, SWEETHEART!

   Reply
10.  Jamie says:

    June 10, 2012 at 9:14 pm

    I assume that they don’t “tax you”, because you refuse to be a “slave” (aka: EARN money). So how do you get by? Are my hard earned taxes paying your way? Or, do you just stand o. The corner, with a cardboard sign & a fake illness? Oh, right, maybe you sell drugs to children. And teachers are abusive.

    Reply
11.  Jamie says:

    June 10, 2012 at 9:32 pm

    I have never listened to Glenn Beck in my life. I work as a Pastry Chef for a living. I make $14 an hour. Working in the food industry, I work alongside the people my taxes are paying for! Like “back problem lady” who’s favorite line is “oh, I’m almost at 30 hours – I have to leave, or I won’t get my disability check”. She’s a complete bum, she’s the absolute worst about stealing food. Then there’s the guy who has has two kids, sells pot & still doesn’t think he has enough income to pay for proper insurance. His daughter needs a root canal, which CHIPS wouldn’t cover, but as he says “CHIPS is free.” & “do you know how much pot I can buy with the cost of insurance?” So he’s opted to have her tooth pulled, and I’m sure he’s not going to want to cover the cost of an implant either. What an awesome dad, so glad I get to help his lazy, greedy ass out. Happy that he can still get his CHIPS for free & afford to buy his weed! These are only two of them. Regardless, I love my job, I enjoy it and I take pride in it. I pay for insurance for my family, i pay my bills & i pay my stupid taxes. I am also striving to succeed in the pursuit of my own business. So, because I work & I work hard, I will rise above the rest.

    Reply
12. High School Teacher’s ‘You Are Not Special’ Graduation Speech | Dprogram.net says:

    June 10, 2012 at 10:47 pm

    [...] Higgins Blog Related [...]

    Reply
13.  kirk mills says:

    June 11, 2012 at 2:00 am

    That was the best speech I have ever heard.
    That was fantastic, inspiring and beautiful

    Reply
14.  Nexus789 says:

    June 11, 2012 at 6:22 am

    What pointless drivel. Listen to the whole speech.

    Reply
15.  Nexus789 says:

    June 11, 2012 at 6:24 am

    Another useless comment to add to list of pointless comments.

    Reply
16.  PJ London says:

    June 11, 2012 at 8:34 am

    Hey ivan,

    It is a great pity that you did not actually use the time at high school to acquire some basic skills in English language and composition.
    You might have learned about the use of capitals, spacing, punctuation and grammar.
    You might even have learned how to form coherent communication.

    With regard to the content and message of the speech, I believe that he could have chosen a better time and place to deliver his thoughts. The young people, (they are hardly children), are entitled to celebrate and feel good on this day. However the concept that everyone is a winner, everyone is special, everyone deserves an award, is as nonsensical as awarding high school “diplomas” to individuals individuals who can neither count nor spell.

    They should state explicitly on the diploma, “For, more or less, regular attendance”.

    “BTW, I don’t like Children … And, I don’t like Most People!” I assume that the feeling is mutual.

    Reply
17. You Are Not Special Graduates « M Schuett blah blah blah says:

    June 11, 2012 at 10:45 am

    [...] High School Teacher’s ‘You Are Not Special’ Graduation Speech (alexanderhiggins.com) [...]

    Reply
18.  Jeff Fitzhugh says:

    June 11, 2012 at 11:18 am

    It is true. The real world if you don’t have a family business or money given to you it is a mofo. I mean you borrow money for college and then you are in debt. Then you can’t find a good job and you curse your poor parents who had noting but had kids. YOu are screwed life is a bitch. I could give kids a lesson in how to make $300,000 a year at least. It’s all in food. Everyone eats. Evryone drinks.

    Reply
19.  Wally Taylor says:

    June 11, 2012 at 11:22 am

    The man is of his word. Because all the girls who wanted their diplomas he made them give him $500 or service him. All the boys pay $500 or cut his grass.
    The world sucks and the thing is corporations and bankers making hundreds of billiions. If not for them the world would be a nice place. But it’s full of drugs and drunks and people just using others.

    Reply
20.  BADGER BADGERISM says:

    June 11, 2012 at 11:34 am

    He should have gave this speech:

    Young white males, you will be bashed and insulted in the movies, in commercials and on tv programs. You will go to clubs alone, along with other white males that are alone and you won’t be able to get a girl of your own race. You will look around the club and see 5 and 6 white girls sharing one black man. You will learn that a white girl would rather share a black man with 200 other white girls than have her own one white boyfriend. You will learn that ALL WHITE WOMEN WANT BLACK MEN ONLY. You will learn that your race has been noted for extinction.

    Reply
21.  Eligos says:

    June 11, 2012 at 11:45 am

    Yeah – you are correct. English is a foreign language to the amerikans.

    Reply
22.  ivan says:

    June 11, 2012 at 12:43 pm

    PJ,

    I don’t care about it -this is the internet- I am not composing a piece for national geographic here! I use CAPS and … For Emphasis, LOOK IT UP!

    I don’t go around playing “Grammar QUEEN,” that’s for LOSERS who cannot debate or THINK! Do you actually think I would proof or review here? THIS IS AN ARGUMENT FORM!!!

    Have you ever reviewed a Doctor or an Engineers writings? PLEASE!! There is a Reason they have secretaries, secretaries are very valuable, and you can be mine since you have claimed that title?

    Reply
23.  Joe says:

    June 11, 2012 at 12:44 pm

    pee-wee…Paid W#0$*$ of the Establishment.

    Reply
24.  ivan says:

    June 11, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    Eligos,

    Two Sentences. I rest my case!

    Reply
25.  Jamie says:

    June 11, 2012 at 12:57 pm

    Poor Ivan, so much anger.

    Reply
26.  ivan says:

    June 11, 2012 at 12:57 pm

    PJ.

    You need to think more, spell-check less, I had fully admitted to having a severe disliking of the human race. Just watch the news, they prove my Case! Now, comrade, how did I pass all the psychological screening and obtain a medical license? Who is the Dummy?

    If you can’t understand the gravity of the situation, YOU ARE A FOOL! I would never implant such wicked, “depressed and cursed” subliminal messages into malleable children. As a medical professional, I already know the Truth, as most people are in some form of depression or mania. I have the Charts and the Numbers! Hey, just audit the BIG PHARMA SALES, YOU WANT TO BE RICH, SELL DRUGS!!

    THINK MORE, PLAY GRAMMAR QUEEN LESS, COMRADE!

    TIME IS SHORT, THE CLOCK IS STILL TICKING!

    Reply
27.  ivan says:

    June 11, 2012 at 12:59 pm

    Read the Bible, Sweetheart, I’m a chip off the old Block! Anger keeps me Young and Strong, Honey!

    Reply
28.  A. Holeteacher says:

    June 11, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    So.. How long did you say you were a practicing ASSHOLE?! You spew your vile shit pretty freely pal. I’ll return your fire chump. I’m a teacher, paid about $90,000.00 and worked my ass off for 8 years to change into this career. I make nothing as a building sub, although I am a certified teacher who cannot find a job. I don’t make anything for the effort I employ in making a difference to the kids I am surrounded with. I make nothing for the untold countless hours of late nights I am investing my effort’s into to breach 21st Century Technology immersion into today’s classroom. I have many many student’s tell me that I make a difference in their lives, because I give it to them straight and I include them in my real life science in the community as well as the science I teach.

    Tell me FUCK STICK, what do you MAKE?

    You make my job harder, not only because YOU AND SO MANY PSYCHOTIC like you SUCK, but because you think your throwing teacher’s under a bus is legit. IT ISN’T SCUMBAG.. See, right wing nut jobs (YOU) are causing an anemic trend for those who cannot pick their heads up from their slaving, and who rely on MSM to inform them of twhat is right and wrong. YOU know this and YOU think that this is YOUR moment in the sun.. TO shine for once in your miserable life, to grab the asstail of EVIL RIGHT WING THINK NAZI PROPOGANDA FUCKSTICKism’s.

    There are many Global and US History teachers looking to inform their students on the direct correlation’s to NAZI Germany and today. Problem is FUCKSTICK, that Scumbags (like YOU) have illicited a trending message of nuovo patriotism that foments Teacher’s Cop’s and Firemen are evil. That ASSHAT wearing Tea bagger’s with olde slogan’s printed on them, meant to signify “Real American” has had a profound effect on our country. Shit Stick’s like you and their message should look forward to the carnage YOU CREATED (DICK). These teacher’s cannot stand up ( although they would like to) because they’ll loose their jobs. They’ll lose their jobs because you sold them old. See I’m not afraid of you.. I have nothing to lose HA! I already do what I do for a pittance and I’ll get my position sooner or later. You think Teacher’s actually deserve this raw fucking deal? really? the job is NO CAKE WALK asshole. you have to have something on the ball and you have to be able to multitasking like your hair was on fire and you don’t get to choose whether to coast or not… Not with 30 kids three times a day staring at you beginning at 7:30 in the morning and you’re live… Obviously, you wouldn’t know this because you’ve admitted you hate people. See, the first thing you realize and the thing they don’t pay you for in being a teacher is that you have to genuinely if not thoroughly LIKE PEOPLE and life itself. A Teacher is more than YOU will ever know, sadly for you.

    School’s out BITCH.

    Reply
29.  ivan says:

    June 11, 2012 at 2:00 pm

    A Hole, (your vernacular, not mine).

    Your use of profanity really sums your mentality, comrade.

    Why do you blame me? I am not the one Stealing your Benefits and Salary, NO, I was on your Side. You call me a Republican … Comrade, that’s the last thing I am, really! I like teachers, but I had many BAD ones, and when you’re paying 20k per-year to the SLSC … YOU DON’T HAVE ANY PATIENTS FOR ANGRY TEACHERS!

    Perhaps, you don’t recognize the sarcasm I used? I intended to motivate by showing people the direction they are going. I value teachers, or I would not hold them accountable, along with “all professionals” and educated people. I Think, if your unions would fight government corruption, it would prevail. You have to teach the NATION.

    SHOW PEOPLE THE LIES. You have to Unite; put aside the Marious and Scylla: “Political BS,” because Republican and Democratic parties ROOT in that Romanesque Corruption. So Says, the Electoral College! Oh, and you can blame My HS Political Science Teacher for that one, comrade!

    THIS COUNTRY IS GOING TO HELL IN A HANDCART, AND PEOPLE ARE LOSING THEIR HOMES, JOBS AND THEIR LIVES! LOOK AROUND THE WORLD … THERE IS ONE COMMON DENOMINATOR … “BANKER BAILOUTS AND GREED” ENSLAVING THE PEOPLE FOR THEIR GAIN!

    Reply
30.  Too cool 4 school says:

    June 11, 2012 at 3:08 pm

    I think Mr. P. Floyd said it best when he opined, “All we are is just another brick in the wall. We don’t need no education.” “We don’t need no thought control.”

    This HS teacher is absolutely correct. They are no more special than the millions of Chinese students graduating either. The American class probably won’t have a job, they won’t be able to do anything but sign up for the military and become a pawn of the corporate military industrial complex. Cannon fodder ain’t that special folks.

    Reply
31.  Too cool 4 school says:

    June 11, 2012 at 3:17 pm

    You sound like a child when you use profanity to get your message across. You also have a typo, so I assume you are not teaching English.

    The only teachers I ever got anything out of were the ones who challenged me. My AP US History teacher used to make us work very hard, but when I got a 5 on the test and she thought I’d only get a 3…ha!

    Giving birth to a child is not a miracle. Your children are no more special than your neighbors. Graduating seniors are not that uncommon. You want to give them an uplifting speech, and blow sunshine up their rears? Life is hard, and it is not fair. Children are just a random genetic concoctions of mommy and daddy’s chromosomes lined up on a metaphase plate.

    Now Jesus..he was special. He didn’t sin. There has never been a more perfect man. He wasn’t even born on a metaphase plate thank you very much.

    Reply
32. High School Teacher’s ‘You Are Not Special’ Graduation Speech | WHAT REALLY HAPPENEDsays:

    June 11, 2012 at 3:46 pm

    [...] High School Teacher’s ‘You Are Not Special’ Graduation Speech Wellesley High English teacher David McCullough Jr. tells graduates ‘You are not special. You are not exceptional.’ Submitted by kr3at on Sun, 06/10/2012 – 17:41 Tags: CURRENT EVENTS [...]

    Reply
33. rense.com says:

    June 11, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    [...] HS Teacher's 'You Are Not Special' Graduation Speech [...]

    Reply
34.  ivan says:

    June 11, 2012 at 4:40 pm

    A-Hole,

    >Obviously, you wouldn’t know this because you’ve admitted you hate people. See, the first thing you realize and the thing they don’t pay you for in being a teacher is that you have to genuinely if not thoroughly LIKE PEOPLE and life itself. A Teacher is more than YOU will ever know, sadly for you.<

    Oh, this is amusing … How many Lives have you saved, comrade? I had to instruct basic med/surge and I had over 100, adult professionals, watching everything I did and trying to find fault with everything I recommended. That’s Stress. A Whole Hospital full of professionals was my teaching assignment. I have saved more lives then I care to count!

    If I had not professionally intervened -and instructed a hospital, as ordered- there could have been fatalities. I was not compensated for this either? Now, where would you rather be … I would take the Kids any day!

    Reply
35.  Kenzob says:

    June 11, 2012 at 5:07 pm

    The teacher is correct. He is giving them a bitter dose of reality. The sooner they realize it the better off they will be. Parents should listen, too!

    Reply
36.  ewkeane says:

    June 11, 2012 at 5:29 pm

    All of the valedictorians, the universe of alphabet honors and greek frat boys may make things more comfortable for those that share their world view (fantastic, indeed), but in the long run the machine that they maintain will become too complex to troubleshoot, or too expensive to fix.
    The fad of the engine driven civilization will end.
    Dont expect the fancy toy by which you view these words to last forever, either.
    One can find failed civilizations spanning the globe.

    Reply
37.  Linder says:

    June 11, 2012 at 5:54 pm

    This “teacher” is telling the spoiled youth of today the real skinny of just what is out there. If the spoiled brats don’t get the message maybe they will go home and do somthing about their spoiled lives. If one of these “special” students think the world owes them a living and is used to everything being handed to them, then they will certainly get everything that’s coming to them….when they are in the soup kitchen getting supper or sleeping in a tent under an overpass.

    It’s about time someone brings a little reality into HS graduation baloney speeches. How tiresome it is to hear over and over that everyone is the best and that they have bright shiny futures ahead of them…..not so in the real world. Bravo to you, Mr.Mccullough for telling them the TRUTH for a change

    Reply
38.  Rob says:

    June 11, 2012 at 6:04 pm

    Wow, this is the kind of comment thread one doesn’t want to touch with a ten foot pole. Makes me want to touch it. I couldn’t watch the video (dialup), but can identify, through the experiences with children and grandchildren, what the speaker’s theme, and point, is. He evidently has been chastised for stating the truth; You ain’t special unless you choose to try and make yourself “special”. Here’s an example; the more “challenged” a student acts, the more special education and drugs they receive.

    Reply
39.  sam says:

    June 11, 2012 at 6:21 pm

    blacks and whites should mix more actually the more blacks procreate w/ women of other races instead of their own..the quicker they breed their own race out of existence…..in 3 generations of black..black mix people breeding w/ whites / asians etc..the 3 rd generation will be unrecognizable as a black person………..what better way to insure equality..i encourage blacks to breed w/other races

    Reply
40.  Rob says:

    June 11, 2012 at 11:02 pm

    Sam,
    You’ve been engaged with the protocols of zion. That’s what they want to happen, while keeping the ashkenazi racially pure. I like being white, and while I love and accept off colored relatives, I think the zionist plan sucks. Why can’t we just be tribal?, and I mean, rejecting integration, globalism, and all such s**t. Read “A Perfect Day”, by Ira Levin, a perfect jew propagandist, to get an idea of the world you envision.

    Reply
41. Teacher's graduation speech. You are not special says:

    June 12, 2012 at 1:46 am

    [...] 6 years agoPosts: 166About time one of the educators spoke truth to this generationhttp://blog.alexanderhiggins.com/2012/06/10/high-school-teachers-you-special-graduation-speech-14343…Reply QuoteRe: Teacher's graduation speech. You are not specialPosted by: CritterhunterDate: June [...]

    Reply
42.  Kenzob says:

    June 12, 2012 at 4:34 am

    Read “The Jewish Utopia, by Michael Higger. It’s available online for free. Additionally, I believe the “Protocols Of Zion” are a Jesuit invention, not a Jewish one.

    Reply
43.  ivan says:

    June 12, 2012 at 1:35 pm

    You know, you people are “Perfect Slaves!” WOW!! I am impressed!! Why don’t you all Whore Your Children out for a DOLLAR!! THAT’S THE REAL WORLD, “WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE,” IDIOTS!

    What’s all this LAME defeatism? What’s all this Self-Immolation to serve as a GD SLAVE and TAX WHORE?! WOW!! I WOULD RATHER BE DEAD -WITH THE WORMS EATING MY CARCASS- Then to ever carry such a lowly opinion or depressed belief system … LOSERS!

    WAR will be the Outcome; comrades, and don’t ever forget it because the TIME IS SHORT!!!

    KEEP YOUR EYES TO THE EAST … FREE “B.C.” for ALL, SOON TO COME!

    Btw,

    You have my condolences!

    Oh, and Teachers …

    Dehumanizing Speech is psychological programming for slavery and the Abyss. You really need to think about what you are saying!

    “You are not special,” You are all the Same!

    I ACED HISTORY AND …

    That’s EXACTLY what Adolph Hitler said to the Hebrews, more or less, FOOLS! He also applied it to Germans! You are all the same!! You are all Worthless!! You are not special. These are “Dehumanizing Tactics” to reduce people to rubbish, to be thrown out and burned, if it does not follow the Leader!

    Hey, Comrades … FK YOU AND YOUR GD SOCIETY … I WALK ALONE!

    Reply
44.  Jamie says:

    June 12, 2012 at 4:17 pm

    You are exactly the kind of person he’s talking to Ivan. “YOU are not special, because EVERYONE is.”. If you don’t have any compassion for your fellow man – why are you even here? What’s the point of living an angry, lonely, resentful life? And what the hell do you do with your supposed medical license? You hate people, do you can’t be a therapist of any sort. You hate big
    Pharma (as do I!), so you must not be writing prescriptions…. Maybe that’s a life you left behind, to get away from taxes? Now maybe you’re a dumpster diver, stealing wifi where ever you can get it & spending all your time taking out your anger via blogs?

    Reply
45.  Kenzob says:

    June 12, 2012 at 7:18 pm

    You know little about Hitler of Germany, and Ashkenazi Mongols are NOT “Hebrews”!

    Reply
46.  Mike Sturdevant says:

    June 12, 2012 at 10:19 pm

    Uh, I don’t think you got his point. And how do you know he is a LOSER teacher. I thought the speech was brilliant. Are all teachers losers? Should we do away with teachers and have the masses grapple with education on their own? The reason kids in this country under-achieve compared with other countries is because kids are running the school systems UNLIKE IN OTHER COUNTRIES. Gee, do you think that idea dovetails at all with his point? Maybe watch the video again and think this time.

    Reply
47.  Matt says:

    June 13, 2012 at 1:02 am

    I understand Ivans commentary as well as others.
    I respect what was written by all.
    When you study and apply Macro history at the 50,000ft view- it points to a natural cycle of collapse. Out of collapse comes rebirth and something new to look forward to. the collapse of nations comes rebirth. The end of GMOs. End of Student loan slave debt. End of frankenfoods. Return to family first. So much more good stuff will come once the bad stuff goes away. Great speech on many levels. Im enjoying collapse. THIS IS MY SUPER BOWL and we all got front row seats. To those of you suffering- the pAin will go away. Cheers.

    Reply
48.  Jamie says:

    June 13, 2012 at 7:38 am

    Thank you for that, Matt. You are absolutely right! Whatever is coming is necessary.

    Reply
49. Inspiration Chest. « keep on loving what is true says:

    June 13, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    [...] [...]

    Reply
50.  ivan says:

    June 13, 2012 at 4:22 pm

    kenzob,

    I challenge “anyone” to try and prove me wrong on that subject: DEHUMANIZING HATE SPEECH. You don’t even recognize the “Dr, Joseph Goebbels Propaganda” used by the Corporate US Media … Plagiarized … NO LESS!! They were Calling OWS people, “Parasites, Losers, Dirty, Disease Carriers” … WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE, KEN!

    Here is a Good book I recommend you read, Adolph Hitler, by John Toland. Read ALL 1100 PAGES! I read it three times … I know that particular aspect of history better then most PHD`d History Professors!

    According to Hitler, nobody was special … “everyone was the same,” one body, and that body was to serve the State! The Germans were all of a Superior RACE but all the Same. In the Case of the Jews, they were also “not special” … they were VERMIN, and therefore, treated accordingly.

    I see America is turning into the Fourth Reich and soon it will be over. And, then, you will all learn. When You lose respect for individualities, GOD GIVEN, then You have become the Enemy of Mankind. Come On, Where are all the History Teachers!!!