Have you noticed how you can not watch television _ most particularly cable news channels — without seeing and HEARING people yelling at each other? If one person does not agree with the second word out of another person’s mouth then that is the cue to holler objections back. At least that seems to be the rule.
Television hosts/guests are not the only offenders. Talk radio is equally hard on the ears. We are now letting it overflow into our public meetings. Yell, boo, talk over others’ comments, turn red faced and mumble to all around you — that’s the new American way of discussion. A key part of this new discussion process is to NOT believe anyone except those who are agreeing with us.
You might want to listen at your own home and see if this is not even happening in your family. No longer is it just a little stubborn 2’s or rebellious teen talk. Everyone talks “over” other people’s conversation. There was a time this was not tolerated by the adults in the family.
Some experts say there is too much violence on television and that it is hurting our children. I grew up with “Road Runner” and “Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd,”— that was violence. I am more worried how our children (and adults) are being taught that being civil with one another is now ‘out’ in our culture.
Well done Moody!
Thursday we published a front page lead story of Moody AFB falling short of a passing grade during a recent Inspector General evaluation. The review showed that the Airmen did not meet expectations for rapid deployment of people, aircraft and equipment. I know the Airmen at Moody did not like their home base community seeing this announcement but I was impressed by the fact that Colonel Gary Henderson, the Wing Commander, thought it important for us to know. Being ready means our airmen will be successful on their future missions. For all the family and friends they leave behind, it means their loved ones are prepared for their safety. Our Airmen at Moody are some of the best in the world and I know in January during the re-evaluation they will be on the top of their game.
That little decimal does matter! In school most of us thought we would never use all the math we were being taught. This week, I saw a lesson in action as to why math really is important. When gas went to $2.17 per gallon this week, one station posted $21.79. That little decimal does make a difference; in this case $19.62 per gallon difference. I did not see anyone in line at the pumps either.
Come on now!
While standing in line at a fast food restaurant, the customer ahead of me ordered – from the Senior Menu — a meal with French fries. “Cook them fresh and not too crispy.” And I guess next time they will want to pick out their potatoes and have them sliced at the counter. I wondered to myself as I heard this, ‘have you ever thought about eating at home?’
What We Think
From the publisher: Why are we mean to each other?
- What We Think
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Shame in Berrien County
Unfortunately for Sherrie Williams of the Berrien County school-based health clinic, she talked to The Times and praised the program that she oversees. This pride in her work led to the loss of her job.
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Grading policy: A second chance?
In clarifying the Lowndes County Schools’ controversial grading policy, Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith spoke of second chances.
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Be up to any weather challenge
Georgia’s Severe Weather Awareness Week starts today and runs through Friday. The idea behind the week is to prepare Georgians for weather emergencies and how to keep these situations from becoming tragedies.
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Parents and schools
There is a lot of talk lately about school systems and grading policies, and how all of a child's problems come back to a lack of parenting. But is it really that simple? Can it be a case where the school systems are so focused on the problem few that the majority of students are ignored?
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Brooks County High School engineering and technology teacher Don Morgan and his students. They recently received national attention for their work with biodiesel fuel. They collect used cooking oil from area fast-food restaurants then process this oil into biodiesel. Morgan hopes to next interest the Brooks County school buses into running on the fuel created in his class. This classroom not only prepares students for the future but may prepare all of us for an alternative energy source.
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Take me out to the ball park
The Valdosta State baseball season begins today. The Blazers host Lindenwood at 2:30 p.m. Nothing beats quality baseball played in warm weather with a great venue like Billy Grant Field.
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What We Think: Signing Day
Wednesday was National Signing Day, the day when high school athletes across the country make official announcements about what school they’ve chosen to sign with.
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School policy fails expectations
Lowndes County Schools recently implemented new grading guidelines for students. These guidelines have left many parents upset ...
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Just the facts, please
The Times has taken some hits this weekend following the reporting of the Rev. Floyd Rose’ rally on Saturday concerning the car which drove into a home, killing an infant on New Year’s, and an incident at Pinevale Learning Center. Some police officers think the VDT is not being fair, and Rose accused the VDT of not printing the facts, but the facts are as follows:
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Fathers teaching daughters
It began as a small gathering for fathers and daughters. It has become one of Valdosta’s most popular social events of the year.
Several years ago, Jeff Stewart co-founded the event with his wife, Becky, as a way for him to give a special night to his two daughters. Other fathers of First Presbyterian Church liked the idea and the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance was born. - More What We Think Headlines
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Shame in Berrien County
