tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post3869917210932317613..comments2024-03-14T05:57:19.066-07:00Comments on Pure and Simple: EVEN THE GRINCH WOULDN’T BE THIS MEAN?Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-51871170409646309042011-12-30T19:23:31.063-08:002011-12-30T19:23:31.063-08:00Cathy, or both :-(
Where's the ease? - is r...Cathy, or both :-( <br />Where's the ease? - is right.Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-39488049591583523462011-12-29T22:08:15.135-08:002011-12-29T22:08:15.135-08:00There's either too much 'political correct...There's either too much 'political correctness' or too much disregard. Where's the ease?Cathy Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02583711805721501577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-55020558190208584662011-12-20T15:15:50.396-08:002011-12-20T15:15:50.396-08:00Brenda – Exactly!!! Why do some get their knickers...Brenda – Exactly!!! Why do some get their knickers in a wad over something so trivial in light of the BIG PICTURE? And doesn’t this give us all pause to reflect on the question, “What really matters?” Yeah, expending energy on a noble cause should have made the news instead of this. Your comment makes me want to sit my arse down and write on this theme of majoring in the majors, not the minors :-(Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-12423272090570078442011-12-20T15:05:40.823-08:002011-12-20T15:05:40.823-08:00Bella – Sometimes I think I was born to stir the p...Bella – Sometimes I think I was born to stir the pot. I don’t generally broach current issues in my blog posts – well, sometimes, but not often. But this one I couldn’t resist. I like to gauge by comments how many thinkers there are out there. Plus I love to hear other people’s stories and opinions on matters that I find important. So I say to you Bella, “Amen sister!” Teach your children to be true to their convictions and not be swayed by those of others. If I’d been one of the parents whose child was in that classroom, and if I’d wanted them to continue being a believer in Santa, then I’d have simply told them that the teacher was an “unbeliever.” That simple. And I’d have quoted the words of the conductor in the Polar Express… “Sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see.”Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-62046886997823522172011-12-20T14:36:14.852-08:002011-12-20T14:36:14.852-08:00This stuff drives me batty. Ok, sure she could h...This stuff drives me batty. Ok, sure she could have stayed away from the subject, or exercised caution and yes she was a tad thoughtless, but really, getting fired. No. I sometimes feel people get their knickers in a knot over the stupidest things. Here they rallied all this energy towards one person, but just imagine what they might have accomplished if they rallied for something positive, like providing Christmas dinner for a families who need the help or something equally noble. <br /><br />I hope you have a good one and are enjoying the holiday cheer.brendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05480258485472568272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-13210410107866392452011-12-20T10:28:49.364-08:002011-12-20T10:28:49.364-08:00Debra, how you love to stir the pot, woman! I love...Debra, how you love to stir the pot, woman! I love it!! A teacher fired for telling a bunch of kids something they more than likely already knew? Give me a break. Could the teacher have exercised a bit more tact and stayed away from a sensitive subject? Absolutely. Did she possibly crush one kid's heart? Perhaps. Should she have thought twice before opening her mouth to divulge "her" truth? Yep. But to get fired over it? What is the world coming to, Debra? The self entitlement that some parents exercise is just pathetic. As for Santa being real? I say if you believe in something, then it is. It's simple as that. That said, parents should strive to teach their children to stay true to their convictions; to not be swayed by what others say, regardless of the fact that it is a teacher. This reminds me of a time when the Son came home and said, "My teacher says there's no ugly people in the world. She says everyone is beautiful." I asked the Son, is your teacher ugly? He said, "Yeah, why?" and I said, "There you go. That's why she's saying there's no ugly people." hee hee! I'm sorry. I will keep it real, or not, and will teach my children to believe in what they believe to be true. What others say shouldn't influence how they feel. I'm must sayin'. As for most journalism, I believe the term has now changed to "whatever sells." Happy holidays to you, lady! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-64590848590964293192011-12-19T17:59:29.396-08:002011-12-19T17:59:29.396-08:00Craig – I’m like you, tending to avoid political t...Craig – I’m like you, tending to avoid political topics, as they are so divisive. However, I do have strong convictions on the subject. And don’t get me started on schools! Truth is, we are losing the culture war. <br /><br />I always wondered how you do it, ten posts per week on two blogs. And now eight; even that would overwhelm me. I’ve sent a few of my blog friends over to check out your site because it’s amazing; and they’ve naturally agreed with me ;-) I don’t get over there – or anywhere else – as much as I’d like. Several times I’ve read your messages, but didn’t comment for lack of time. I hope to do better. <br />Peace and Joy!!Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-13700117307240991502011-12-19T13:39:39.108-08:002011-12-19T13:39:39.108-08:00Debra, so on target. I usually try to stay nonpoli...Debra, so on target. I usually try to stay nonpolitical these days – after years of being a political player. The media doesn't mean to have an agenda – it's just that so many in the media lean a little – shall we say – left. And I remember journalism being taught to me as relaying the facts in an unbiased manner – things have changed. And we can make sure that kids go to school and learn that Christianity is for crazy people – and Islam is to be understood - but not this! Grrrrrrrrrrrr<br /><br />And Debra, I never get to read enough of the blogs that I heart – and you know I heart yours. So instead of posting 10 posts a week on my two blogs – I’m going down to eight posts per week. I’m thinking that the extra time can be used to read more – and for goodness sakes, comment every once in a while. I’m sorry I haven’t read you enough – this should help. anyway, God bless you my friend. Merry Christmas.Craighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08376005422623882947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-13976636462715765322011-12-18T14:19:29.121-08:002011-12-18T14:19:29.121-08:00Lynne – Back when I was in school, Christmas was a...Lynne – Back when I was in school, Christmas was a magical season. It’s so good to hear that some teachers still fuel children’s imaginations! Back then we not only said “Merry Christmas” but we sang “Away in a Manger.” Our teacher required us to memorize and recite the glorious story of Christ’s birth from the 2nd chapter of Luke. When I got home from school everyday I’d march straight to my pink bedroom and work line by line on committing the Christmas story to memory. I thought of these verses as the most majestic and poetic of all literature ever penned; not merely music to my ears but miraculous and awe-inspiring.Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-71176335184610458332011-12-18T06:42:14.480-08:002011-12-18T06:42:14.480-08:00It is so hard to imagine this happening. I work i...It is so hard to imagine this happening. I work in an elementary school and teachers there tend to err more on the side of keeping imagination and traditions going rather than crushing the fantasies of children. We have elf on the shelf in many classrooms, leprechauns on St. Patricks Day and the Christmas story by celebrating Christmas around the world. I guess it takes all kindsLynne Wattshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02788918458763274157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-8192794336038016472011-12-13T19:58:48.746-08:002011-12-13T19:58:48.746-08:00Hi Melissa! If you click on the highlighted word,...Hi Melissa! If you click on the highlighted word, “New York Post” in the first paragraph, you can read the full article. Here’s a piece you might like… <br />http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/compare-santa-st-nicholas/<br />Excerpts: “Santa Claus, as we know him, developed to boost Christmas sales—the commercial Christmas message; St. Nicholas told the story of Christ and peace, goodwill toward all—the hope-filled Christmas message.<br />Santa Claus encourages consumption; St. Nicholas encourages compassion.<br />Santa Claus flies through the air—from the North Pole;St. Nicholas walked the earth—caring for those in need.<br />Santa Claus, for some, replaces the Babe of Bethlehem;St. Nicholas, for all, points to the Babe of Bethlehem.”Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-38701944800659654902011-12-13T19:25:47.979-08:002011-12-13T19:25:47.979-08:00I beg to disagree with the teacher but there exist...I beg to disagree with the teacher but there exists St. Nicholas from which the Americans derive Santa Claus. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nicholas)<br /><br />However, when I ask my Satur-dates who is it we've been waiting for this Christmas, I had to challenge them for two weeks to remember that it isn't Santa but Jesus who is coming lol...<br /><br />I think the teacher should be given another chance to practice 'prudence'. The news might have caused a stir (*I would like to read the full article though so we could make a better judgment) but like what you and Deb pointed out, WHO is coming is more significant than Santa.Melissa Tandochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13747825707650125721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-74422914002684449352011-12-13T12:11:03.203-08:002011-12-13T12:11:03.203-08:00Debbie – This article (and others) got me to think...Debbie – This article (and others) got me to thinking in the same direction as you. Imagine if she’d told the children, “Hey guys, get real. Jesus is the reason for the season. It’s not about you, or what you can get out of Santa. It’s not about getting; it’s about GIVING.” Oh, she’d have definitely been fired. <br />In our state (NC) I read a story about a teacher at an elementary school who wanted to give her class an occasion to experience the spirit of giving. So she offered them a (voluntary) opportunity to fill boxes for Samaritan’s Purse to give to needy children. Then, after the fact, she was forced to send out notes of apology to the parents for her charitable efforts. <br />Read the story here. Insane!!!! <br />http://www.freethoughtblogs.com/rockbeyondbelief/2011/11/17/glenwood-elementary-admits-mistake-apologizes-for-i-love-jesus-because<br />Thank you Deb for your insightful comment.Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-37196728078863758412011-12-13T11:55:13.545-08:002011-12-13T11:55:13.545-08:00Jan – Your comment reminded me of a time when I’d ...Jan – Your comment reminded me of a time when I’d made my list and left it under the tree one Christmas Eve. “Dear Santa, I’d like a wool scarf and matching mittens... a Monopoly Game… an orange sports car for Ken… My list had been complete days and days before Christmas. <br /><br />But at the spur of the moment, just before bedtime, I added: “Oh, and white go-go boots.” Next morning, imagine my disappointment when there were no go-go boots under the tree. My mother explained it this way: “We have to order the presents in advance, and since we didn’t get this order in on time, Santa didn’t have the white go-go boots in stock.” Good answer mom!Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-35938048406774341732011-12-13T06:01:33.298-08:002011-12-13T06:01:33.298-08:00The public school district and teaching in it has ...The public school district and teaching in it has become a "nightmare". We aren't allowed to mention the "real meaning of Christmas", and it's basically all about Santa and toys etc. (Crying shame! I must add)<br /><br />2nd graders are between ages of 6-8 yrs old, definitely the "Santa believing age". I don't think the teacher displayed good judgement in telling her students Santa isn't real, but at the same time (like someone else mentioned) we don't know her reasoning behind it either. Would be interesting to know. <br /><br />Should she be fired for it? hmm, my opinion is no, she shouldn't be fired. But it's also got me thinking in another direction, if she had thrown in the "biblical story" of Christmas would she have been fired? For some reason I believe if she had told that version of Christmas it might have caused her more trouble. Just saying! <br /><br />The dirtier, messier the story the "MORE" people read it. So with that being said, journalists add dirt to their stories. (some do, some don't)Sadly these tactics help sell the papers.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16972739790941695481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-6975442622788322302011-12-13T01:38:10.637-08:002011-12-13T01:38:10.637-08:00I have seen some teachers make some horrendous mis...I have seen some teachers make some horrendous mistakes that were just swept under the rug....No sensational news report, no discipline. All this hub bub over Santa, let's get real folks, Santa is a nice sentiment and that's all. Kids know or mine did anyway, that everything they get comes from mommy's and or daddy's wallet. Mine knew because they didn't get visits from Santa very often. Kids are not stupid, when they say Mommy I want a **** for Christmas and it is there, they know where it came from. Fire a teacher for hitting a kid, not telling the truth. Bad judgement maybe, mistake maybe, heaven forbid that she told them the real reason for Christmas, then she would be fired...photos by janhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04931922143998773384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-69407047507400421082011-12-12T22:06:29.280-08:002011-12-12T22:06:29.280-08:00Savira – Good point; it WAS that way. But then the...Savira – Good point; it WAS that way. But then the bureaucrats stepped in and created chaos… but that’s another story :-( Poor teachers. Aren’t you glad we’re free women now?Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-38624527581133316742011-12-12T21:47:57.773-08:002011-12-12T21:47:57.773-08:00Debra thank you for your response.... Teaching is ...Debra thank you for your response.... Teaching is a joint effort (parents and teachers) what has happened to that... !Savira Guptahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17463773284421101573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-72724262229260839782011-12-12T21:47:54.571-08:002011-12-12T21:47:54.571-08:00J.R. – This may have been one of their first lesso...J.R. – This may have been one of their first lessons in the school of hard knocks :-( But to be honest, there are worse things that go on in schools that are never reported and are just swept under the rug. I’ve written a whole manuscript about it; the work is based on my experience in school as a student, then later as a teacher. <br />I have (and sometimes do) read Yahoo News. I get you!Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-30553980283908334692011-12-12T21:39:15.160-08:002011-12-12T21:39:15.160-08:00Savira – Thank you! I especially appreciate the op...Savira – Thank you! I especially appreciate the opinion of a former teacher. <br />Talk about making a mountain out of a molehill… pitiful, isn’t it? Here’s a comment someone wrote about it: <br />"Yesterday, school officials wouldn’t discuss the Christmas incident or say if the teacher would face any discipline.<br /><br />District Superintendent Mark McNeill released a brief statement, saying only, “This matter is being addressed internally."<br /><br />Translation: They're checking the union contract to see if this was a violation! LOL!” <br /><br />And another intereting thought: <br />“You know… The reason a person gets an education to become skilled at searching out truth and for the purpose of enlightenment. In this case you have parents who want to punish a teacher for teaching the truth… because they have been teaching their kids lies. If parents don’t want their children to be educated by honest teachers… perhaps they should keep them at home.”Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-90620264781544579512011-12-12T21:34:44.015-08:002011-12-12T21:34:44.015-08:00She's proven to me that she cannot deal compas...She's proven to me that she cannot deal compassionately with her students. I wouldn't trust her, but parents aren't going to have much of a say in the matter.<br /><br />I'm not surprised by the reporting at all. This is par for the course in journalism today. Read Yahoo! news ;)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04454406837183787620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-48587538469354486712011-12-12T21:21:33.484-08:002011-12-12T21:21:33.484-08:00Shreya – She probably did spoil the kids’ expectat...Shreya – She probably did spoil the kids’ expectations :-( This is a sensitive subject indeed. But I was more stunned by the reporting of the story than by the story itself!Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-49292439186861577442011-12-12T21:00:41.010-08:002011-12-12T21:00:41.010-08:00Ok here are my thoughts... I do NOT think that the...Ok here are my thoughts... I do NOT think that the teacher did anything WRONG!.Maybe not the right time for the teacher to reveal this but at the same time it is the truth! <br /><br />I don't think the child would be or will be scared for ever.. I say this as my own child in 3rd grade went through a similar process! I have taught pre k to 2 grade for about 9years myself!<br /><br />To be sacked for this is outrageous... parents need to look beyond this and pay more closely to...her performance, her ability to connect , care, and teaching skills.<br /><br />The media thrives on sensationalism... Anything to make a buck at another's expense and without realizing the effect it can have on that person... teaching is her livelihood and especially now in times like this..to dis credit or judge her harshly without knowing exactly what went happened. <br /><br />The Christmas spirit here does not exist...Savira Guptahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17463773284421101573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-60019414528758809452011-12-12T20:38:50.833-08:002011-12-12T20:38:50.833-08:00That teacher really spoiled kids' expectations...That teacher really spoiled kids' expectations. Somethings are better to be under veil until the suitable time comes. 2nd grade kids are really small, they can't believe that Santa doesn't exists. I mean they wait whole year for Santa. Sensitive post.Shreyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16772074173747864342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-60425298963107205882011-12-12T18:33:31.444-08:002011-12-12T18:33:31.444-08:00Adriene – Shh… we’re in the minority (last time I ...Adriene – Shh… we’re in the minority (last time I checked) because the overwhelming majority voted “yes” she should be fired. Which just reveals the mindset of our culture. Well, at least there are some thinkers – that would be us ;-) You KNOW she’s learned a lesson from the backlash: to refrain from truth-telling. Those poor children, having learned that their parents are the real Santa! Imagine parents taking the credit for the jolly old soul’s doing! Insane!Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.com