Posts that may not make it
12-18-2021
The New York Times front page headlines from today are:
Only Headline #3 remotely qualifies as "news." What is certain is that all three are designed and calculated to engender panic. A more balanced article from the day before, headlined "Scientists Are Racing to Gauge the Threat of Omicron" (link), still a scary headline, contains the following salient quotes:
In fact, some news out of South Africa, where the variant apparently originated, indicates that the effect may not be much worse than the common cold. While certainly study is needed on an urgent basis, panic and hysteria are not needed. There are serious costs to lockdown.
What we are seeing is a modern-day example of the yellow journalism prevalent in the late 1890's, that is held responsible for the Spanish-American War. See What is Yellow Journalism? - Definition, History & Examples.
10-24-2021
Two Forms of Justice - Which is Better? - Amanda Knox, Convicted in Italy, Conviction Reversed 10 Years Later
I am not sure where to put this thread, but I chose History. We don't have a "Law" forum. The focus is the difference in legal systems between the "common law" countries with an "adversarial" system of justice, mostly English-speaking and the "inquisitorial" system of justice practiced in Continental Europe and much of the rest of the world.
Amanda Knox was convicted of the brutal murder of her roommate, which occurred on November 1, 2007. This link is to a NY Times Article in today's "Styles" section that may be paywalled, Amanda Knox Was Exonerated. That Doesn’t Mean She’s Free. This article may be more generally available, on Biography.com, Amanda Knox.
Italy and the U.S., both liberal democracies, have fundamentally different forms of justice. Italy's form of justice, "inquisitorial" focuses on a joint search by the prosecutors and the defense for "the truth." The "judges" are frequently arms of the prosecution. The defense lawyers are not totally on the side of the accused. Thus, a technicality, or prosecutorial abuse will not normally result in an acquittal. Under the "adversarial" system, other than acting courteously and professionally (and then not always) the defense uses every tool to gain an acquittal, even if the defendant is quite guilty. The philosophy here is that a true battle yields the truth. The unique twist in the U.S. is a limited forum of protection from double jeopardy.
While I have not read the ultimate ruling freeing Amanda Knox, I gather that the defense team did too little, even by "inquisitorial" standards.
8-28-2021
Do we even believe in ourselves, or not (capital punishment or true life without parole not happening)
On a train ride to Philadelphia for the Bicentennial Parade on July 4, 1976 I rode with two of my former high school friends. We had graduated the year before. At the time all of us were died-in-the-wool Democrats planning on voting for Carter over Ford.
One of them, Jim, now one of my closer friends brought up as a discussion topic the Supreme Court's recent allowance of capital punishment in limited circumstances. In June 1972 the Supreme Court had abolished all capital punishment. He favored the capital punishment.. Bill, the other person and I did not. Jim raised the issue that some people are just of absolutely no use to society, and were beyond rehabilitation. Bill and I felt that life without parole was sufficient.
Rewind the clock to June 5, 1968. Sirhan Sirhan had just gunned down Robert Kennedy in cold blood, in a crime he later attributed to Robert Kennedy's vote to sell 50 fighter jets to Israel. He was sentenced to death, a sentence commuted to life by the 1972 Supreme Court decision. Now, fast forward to the last several days. A California parole board just voted to release Sirhan on parole. To me, he was Exhibit "A" for the death penalty, as was Charlie Manson and his group for a famous and brutal murder spree 14 months later. Both Manson and Sirhan have had regular parole hearings.
The "Great Debate" question is whether society has totally lost its belief in itself to the extent that we no longer consider willful, cold-blooded murder a line that must not be crossed?
8-16-2021
Is a Return to Colonialism Needed - Afghanistan and Haiti Events Sure Make it Seem So
This morning's New York Times front page makes depressing reading. The headlines, with one exception, about the collapse of the Afghan government and Taliban takeover, and the earthquake in Haiti. Both are countries without governments in any sense that we would recognize or understand. For a sampling, see With the Taliban in control, uncertainty and fear grip Afghanistan and Afghan women fear what will happen with the Taliban once again in power on Afghanistan, and ‘I’m the Only Surgeon’: After Haiti Quake, Thousands Seek Scarce Care on Haiti. Though the current travails in Afghanistan focus on political violence and in Haiti on a natural disaster (the violence occurred a month ago with the assassination of the President), both can be expected to lead to major humanitarian tragedies.
The appeals for relief for Haitian earthquake victims are already widespread; I have received an appeal from, of all groups, American Jewish World Services (link). Well-intentioned people will no doubt open their wallets. At some point, similar help in Afghanistan will be needed. Given the lack of a competent, transparent government to distribute the assistance, the moneys will disappear. There are plenty of greedy hands perfectly willing to take advantage of the goodwill of the generous.
More ominously, the Taliban, when it governs, participates in or permits the use of territory to launch devastating attacks, September 11, 2001 being a prime example. The original impetus to colonialism was, in part, economic greed on the part of the West. But also in part, piracy and other attacks were motivators. The sailing trips around the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn, and eventually the building of the Panama Canal were motivated in part by hostilities emanating from Africa and Asia. The West's response after the September 11 attacks hinted at a return to some kind of control by the West in some of these areas. Are we in for a repeat?
We have little interest in exploiting Afghanistan and similar failed states. A "debate question" is by what method does the West protect itself?
8-13-2021 Dead child, four children removed from parent, isn't anyone curious??
Dead child, four children removed from parent, isn't anyone curious? A 7-Year-Old Dies in the Bronx, and Records Show a History of Abuse (link). Child Protective Services was involved with the "family" of Julissia Batties from birth. Four other children were previously removed. Julissia, a one year old and a 17 year old "half-brother", the accused murderer, were living there. The cause was a dispute over food. Excerpt:
Nixzmary's death triggered a supposed overhaul of the child welfare system.
To what benefit is our social welfare money going? Congress is poised to pass a $3.5 trillion bill aimed at "human issues." Is anyone minding the store?
8-9-2021 The Kindergarten Exodus; Blue State Lockdowns Worsen Gap Between Poor and Well-to-Do
The Kindergarten Exodus (link) was sparked by the closure of schools during the pandemic, and continuing through last year. Excerpt from article:
And there is little doubt that the lockdowns were largely at fault. Excerpt from article:
Meanwhile, the well-to-do and educated ensured their children's education, see PODS, or Parent Organized Discovery Sites Upending Public Education in Age of COVID, so the human educational losses were much less significant. So far, the efforts to promote "equity" have focused on bringing down the educationally successful. See Boston Public Schools Suspends Test For Advanced Learning Classes; Concerns About Program’s Racial Inequities Linger (linked article) and related CD thread Boston Public Schools Suspend Honors Program - Too Many Whites & Asians cited as reason. As always, the lower classes, the disadvantaged and the vulnerable wind up taking the brunt of the suffering from disasters, while the teachers' unions prattle about safety and some politicians also prattle about equity and fairness. As for the thread title, the map of the districts showing a 20% or more decrease in enrollments is focused on the "Blue States."
How can we raise the people who need help rather than throwing obstacles in the way of those managing to find a way to succeed despite disasters such as Covid?
4-24-2021
Title: Is there such a thing as “too much anti-racism”? Cornell and prestigious private school in NYC(and Biden Administration) go overboard
Is there such a thing as “too much anti-racism”? Cornell and prestigious private school in NYC(and Biden Administration) The murder of George Floyd and similar incidents have led to an epidemic of breast-beating an hair-shirt wearing. It has to stop before we destroy not only education, but any hope for racial healing. Remember, Derek Chauvin, not the U.S., Brearly School or Cornell University killed Derek Chauvin. Derek Chauvin was a deeply flawed individual, but that is a subject for another debate.
Recently, Brearly School, a prestigious all-female NYC private school required one parent of each child to take anti-racism training as part of their daughters’ admission process (link). One of the fathers withdrew their daughter, and sent an open letter to all parents that was published (link) stating in part:
In a similar vein, the U.S. Department of Education has proposed the following rule, Proposed Priorities-American History and ... - Federal Register, (link) excerpted below:
This was my comment that I filed with the government, with certain identifying information redacted:
Just as concerning, last year after George Floyd’s death, my alma mater, Cornell University posted an apology for George Floyd's murder. See below (link):
My response to a follow-up message from the Dean of Arts and Sciences said, in summary “Remember, Mr. Floyd was killed by four Minneapolis police officers, not by Cornell University.” Both messages and my entire response are here, Why do people feel this overwhelming need to acknowledge police shootings.
Finally, this emphasis on race is the exact opposite of what we need; a color-blind society.
4-19-2021
Why Are Not More Immigration Stories Like This - Vartan Gregorian 1934-2021. Not all immigrant and minority stories end tragically, though all do end in a death, as is the nature of human life.
Vartan Gregorian, 1934-2021 was born in Iran to Armenian parents (link to story). His mother died when he was six, and his father was irregularly employed. He was raised by his illiterate grandmother. After his father remarried when he was 15, he ran away from home, arriving in the U.S. by way of Beirut in 1956.
He was admitted to Stanford, graduating with honors in two years, despite his "diverse" and disadvantaged background. He moved from being provost at University of Pennsylvania to head of the New York Public Library, by then in serious disrepair in 1981.
As New York Public Library chair he returned it to its glory days and more. From there he went on to become President of Brown University, a position he held from 1989 to 1997.
The question is, why don't we have more immigrants like this. Mr. Gregorian was a vital contributor to his adopted land. Why, oh why, is the border teaming with charity cases? Are we giving the wrong incentives?
4-6-2021
Racism Against the Disabled - The Scourge of Ableism
This article, Equality Matters, The harmful ableist language you unknowingly use (link), highlights the disgusting discrimination against the disabled.
It is as if we are putting our knee on the neck of the disabled. Kurt Vonnegut in Harrison Bergeron (not sure whether short story names are underlined) had the right idea, to equalize all people regardless of ability to avoid stigma and hate. In the story, people were "handicapped" so that they could not excel:
The New York Times front page headlines from today are:
- Rising From the Atlantic, Climate Alarm (link);
- Despair Sets In as Cases Bury Hospital Staffs (link); and
- Surging Demand For Virus Tests Swamps System (link)
Only Headline #3 remotely qualifies as "news." What is certain is that all three are designed and calculated to engender panic. A more balanced article from the day before, headlined "Scientists Are Racing to Gauge the Threat of Omicron" (link), still a scary headline, contains the following salient quotes:
In fact, some news out of South Africa, where the variant apparently originated, indicates that the effect may not be much worse than the common cold. While certainly study is needed on an urgent basis, panic and hysteria are not needed. There are serious costs to lockdown.
What we are seeing is a modern-day example of the yellow journalism prevalent in the late 1890's, that is held responsible for the Spanish-American War. See What is Yellow Journalism? - Definition, History & Examples.
10-24-2021
Two Forms of Justice - Which is Better? - Amanda Knox, Convicted in Italy, Conviction Reversed 10 Years Later
I am not sure where to put this thread, but I chose History. We don't have a "Law" forum. The focus is the difference in legal systems between the "common law" countries with an "adversarial" system of justice, mostly English-speaking and the "inquisitorial" system of justice practiced in Continental Europe and much of the rest of the world.
Amanda Knox was convicted of the brutal murder of her roommate, which occurred on November 1, 2007. This link is to a NY Times Article in today's "Styles" section that may be paywalled, Amanda Knox Was Exonerated. That Doesn’t Mean She’s Free. This article may be more generally available, on Biography.com, Amanda Knox.
Italy and the U.S., both liberal democracies, have fundamentally different forms of justice. Italy's form of justice, "inquisitorial" focuses on a joint search by the prosecutors and the defense for "the truth." The "judges" are frequently arms of the prosecution. The defense lawyers are not totally on the side of the accused. Thus, a technicality, or prosecutorial abuse will not normally result in an acquittal. Under the "adversarial" system, other than acting courteously and professionally (and then not always) the defense uses every tool to gain an acquittal, even if the defendant is quite guilty. The philosophy here is that a true battle yields the truth. The unique twist in the U.S. is a limited forum of protection from double jeopardy.
While I have not read the ultimate ruling freeing Amanda Knox, I gather that the defense team did too little, even by "inquisitorial" standards.
8-28-2021
Do we even believe in ourselves, or not (capital punishment or true life without parole not happening)
On a train ride to Philadelphia for the Bicentennial Parade on July 4, 1976 I rode with two of my former high school friends. We had graduated the year before. At the time all of us were died-in-the-wool Democrats planning on voting for Carter over Ford.
One of them, Jim, now one of my closer friends brought up as a discussion topic the Supreme Court's recent allowance of capital punishment in limited circumstances. In June 1972 the Supreme Court had abolished all capital punishment. He favored the capital punishment.. Bill, the other person and I did not. Jim raised the issue that some people are just of absolutely no use to society, and were beyond rehabilitation. Bill and I felt that life without parole was sufficient.
Rewind the clock to June 5, 1968. Sirhan Sirhan had just gunned down Robert Kennedy in cold blood, in a crime he later attributed to Robert Kennedy's vote to sell 50 fighter jets to Israel. He was sentenced to death, a sentence commuted to life by the 1972 Supreme Court decision. Now, fast forward to the last several days. A California parole board just voted to release Sirhan on parole. To me, he was Exhibit "A" for the death penalty, as was Charlie Manson and his group for a famous and brutal murder spree 14 months later. Both Manson and Sirhan have had regular parole hearings.
The "Great Debate" question is whether society has totally lost its belief in itself to the extent that we no longer consider willful, cold-blooded murder a line that must not be crossed?
8-16-2021
Is a Return to Colonialism Needed - Afghanistan and Haiti Events Sure Make it Seem So
This morning's New York Times front page makes depressing reading. The headlines, with one exception, about the collapse of the Afghan government and Taliban takeover, and the earthquake in Haiti. Both are countries without governments in any sense that we would recognize or understand. For a sampling, see With the Taliban in control, uncertainty and fear grip Afghanistan and Afghan women fear what will happen with the Taliban once again in power on Afghanistan, and ‘I’m the Only Surgeon’: After Haiti Quake, Thousands Seek Scarce Care on Haiti. Though the current travails in Afghanistan focus on political violence and in Haiti on a natural disaster (the violence occurred a month ago with the assassination of the President), both can be expected to lead to major humanitarian tragedies.
The appeals for relief for Haitian earthquake victims are already widespread; I have received an appeal from, of all groups, American Jewish World Services (link). Well-intentioned people will no doubt open their wallets. At some point, similar help in Afghanistan will be needed. Given the lack of a competent, transparent government to distribute the assistance, the moneys will disappear. There are plenty of greedy hands perfectly willing to take advantage of the goodwill of the generous.
More ominously, the Taliban, when it governs, participates in or permits the use of territory to launch devastating attacks, September 11, 2001 being a prime example. The original impetus to colonialism was, in part, economic greed on the part of the West. But also in part, piracy and other attacks were motivators. The sailing trips around the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn, and eventually the building of the Panama Canal were motivated in part by hostilities emanating from Africa and Asia. The West's response after the September 11 attacks hinted at a return to some kind of control by the West in some of these areas. Are we in for a repeat?
We have little interest in exploiting Afghanistan and similar failed states. A "debate question" is by what method does the West protect itself?
8-13-2021 Dead child, four children removed from parent, isn't anyone curious??
Dead child, four children removed from parent, isn't anyone curious? A 7-Year-Old Dies in the Bronx, and Records Show a History of Abuse (link). Child Protective Services was involved with the "family" of Julissia Batties from birth. Four other children were previously removed. Julissia, a one year old and a 17 year old "half-brother", the accused murderer, were living there. The cause was a dispute over food. Excerpt:
Quote:
Originally Posted by New York Times
The case recalled the death of 7-year-old Nixzmary Brown in 2006, which forced an overhaul of the child welfare agency, although a string of children’s deaths have followed under the agency’s watch. Nixzmary was beaten after a family member accused her of taking food without permission — the same reason Julissia’s brother hit her, according to the police official.
To what benefit is our social welfare money going? Congress is poised to pass a $3.5 trillion bill aimed at "human issues." Is anyone minding the store?
8-9-2021 The Kindergarten Exodus; Blue State Lockdowns Worsen Gap Between Poor and Well-to-Do
The Kindergarten Exodus (link) was sparked by the closure of schools during the pandemic, and continuing through last year. Excerpt from article:
Quote:
Originally Posted by New York Times
The months of closed classrooms took a toll on nearly all students, and families of all levels of income and education scrambled to help their children make up for the gaps. But the most startling declines were in neighborhoods below and just above the poverty line, where the average household income for a family of four was $35,000 or less. The drop was 28 percent larger in schools in those communities than in the rest of the country.
Quote:
Originally Posted by New York Times
Districts that went strictly remote experienced 42 percent more decline than those that offered full-time in-person learning, according to a new research paper by Professor Dee and colleagues, posted Saturday. While some of these schools were losing students before the pandemic, the declines between fall 2019 and fall 2020 were significantly steeper.
How can we raise the people who need help rather than throwing obstacles in the way of those managing to find a way to succeed despite disasters such as Covid?
4-24-2021
Title: Is there such a thing as “too much anti-racism”? Cornell and prestigious private school in NYC(and Biden Administration) go overboard
Is there such a thing as “too much anti-racism”? Cornell and prestigious private school in NYC(and Biden Administration) The murder of George Floyd and similar incidents have led to an epidemic of breast-beating an hair-shirt wearing. It has to stop before we destroy not only education, but any hope for racial healing. Remember, Derek Chauvin, not the U.S., Brearly School or Cornell University killed Derek Chauvin. Derek Chauvin was a deeply flawed individual, but that is a subject for another debate.
Recently, Brearly School, a prestigious all-female NYC private school required one parent of each child to take anti-racism training as part of their daughters’ admission process (link). One of the fathers withdrew their daughter, and sent an open letter to all parents that was published (link) stating in part:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Letter from Parent
I object to the view that I should be judged by the color of my skin. I cannot tolerate a school that not only judges my daughter by the color of her skin, but encourages and instructs her to prejudge others by theirs.
***************
I object to the idea that Blacks are unable to succeed in this country without aid from government or from whites. Brearley, by adopting critical race theory, is advocating the abhorrent viewpoint that Blacks should forever be regarded as helpless victims, and are incapable of success regardless of their skills, talents, or hard work. What Brearley is teaching our children is precisely the true and correct definition of racism.
I object to mandatory anti-racism training for parents, especially when presented by the rent-seeking charlatans of Pollyanna. These sessions, in both their content and delivery, are so sophomoric and simplistic, so unsophisticated and inane, that I would be embarrassed if they were taught to Brearley kindergarteners. They are an insult to parents and unbecoming of any educational institution, let alone one of Brearley's caliber.
I object to Brearley’s vacuous, inappropriate, and fanatical use of words such as “equity,” “diversity” and “inclusiveness.”
***************
I object to the idea that Blacks are unable to succeed in this country without aid from government or from whites. Brearley, by adopting critical race theory, is advocating the abhorrent viewpoint that Blacks should forever be regarded as helpless victims, and are incapable of success regardless of their skills, talents, or hard work. What Brearley is teaching our children is precisely the true and correct definition of racism.
I object to mandatory anti-racism training for parents, especially when presented by the rent-seeking charlatans of Pollyanna. These sessions, in both their content and delivery, are so sophomoric and simplistic, so unsophisticated and inane, that I would be embarrassed if they were taught to Brearley kindergarteners. They are an insult to parents and unbecoming of any educational institution, let alone one of Brearley's caliber.
I object to Brearley’s vacuous, inappropriate, and fanatical use of words such as “equity,” “diversity” and “inclusiveness.”
Quote:
Originally Posted by Department of Education
Proposed Priorities—American History and Civics Education - AGENCY: Office of Elementary and
Secondary Education, Department of
Education.
ACTION: Proposed priorities.
SUMMARY: The Department of Education
***********
Proposed Priorities: The Department proposes two priorities to support the development of culturally responsive teaching and learning and the promotion of information literacy skills in grants under the American History and Civics Education programs. Proposed Priority 1—Projects That Incorporate Racially, Ethnically, Culturally, and Linguistically Diverse Perspectives into Teaching and Learning. Background: The Department recognizes that COVID–19—with its disproportionate impact on communities of color—and the ongoing national reckoning with systemic racism have highlighted the urgency of improving racial equity throughout our society, including in our education system. As Executive Order 13985 states: ‘‘Our country faces converging economic, health, and climate crises that have exposed and exacerbated inequities, while a historic movement for justice has highlighted the unbearable human costs of systemic racism. Our Nation deserves an ambitious whole-of-government equity agenda that matches the scale of the opportunities and challenges that we face.’’
***************
Under this priority, the applicants propose projects that incorporate teaching and learning practices that reflect the diversity, identities, histories, contributions, and experiences of all students create inclusive, supportive, and identity-safe learning environments. In its application, an applicant addressing this priority must describe how its proposed project incorporates teaching and learning practices that—
(a) Take into account systemic marginalization, biases, inequities, and discriminatory policy and practice in American history;
(b) Incorporate racially, ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse perspectives and perspectives on the experience of individuals with disabilities;
Secondary Education, Department of
Education.
ACTION: Proposed priorities.
SUMMARY: The Department of Education
***********
Proposed Priorities: The Department proposes two priorities to support the development of culturally responsive teaching and learning and the promotion of information literacy skills in grants under the American History and Civics Education programs. Proposed Priority 1—Projects That Incorporate Racially, Ethnically, Culturally, and Linguistically Diverse Perspectives into Teaching and Learning. Background: The Department recognizes that COVID–19—with its disproportionate impact on communities of color—and the ongoing national reckoning with systemic racism have highlighted the urgency of improving racial equity throughout our society, including in our education system. As Executive Order 13985 states: ‘‘Our country faces converging economic, health, and climate crises that have exposed and exacerbated inequities, while a historic movement for justice has highlighted the unbearable human costs of systemic racism. Our Nation deserves an ambitious whole-of-government equity agenda that matches the scale of the opportunities and challenges that we face.’’
***************
Under this priority, the applicants propose projects that incorporate teaching and learning practices that reflect the diversity, identities, histories, contributions, and experiences of all students create inclusive, supportive, and identity-safe learning environments. In its application, an applicant addressing this priority must describe how its proposed project incorporates teaching and learning practices that—
(a) Take into account systemic marginalization, biases, inequities, and discriminatory policy and practice in American history;
(b) Incorporate racially, ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse perspectives and perspectives on the experience of individuals with disabilities;
Quote:
Originally Posted by jbgusa comment on regulation
I have read the proposed rule. My children are now beyond their college education. Nevertheless I remain gravely concerned. As a history major at Cornell University I feel that I have a solid grounding in history.
First let me explain, there is not a racist bone in my body. Before my law firm merged with a larger firm, we were the only firm in my county that had an equity partner who was female and African-American (born in Jamaica). Throughout my life I have been dedicated to diversity and inclusion. My younger son is on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum. I am concerned that these new incentives or requirements will further dilute the amount of history instruction available. It will require teaching, in effect, that American history is inherently evil and that the U.S. has been a negative force in the world. I resoundingly disagree.
While the U.S. is far from perfect, it is the only country of which I am aware that strives for true racial and cultural integration. Most others have some form of officially encouraged ghettoization. Sometimes this is labelled "multi-culturalism" but the aim is to encourage diverse elements to keep separate from mainstream society..
There is definitely a place for teaching the achievements of the minority community. George Washington Carver, Booker T. Washington, Louis Armstrong, Jackie Robinson, John Brown etc. The list goes on. That does not mean that Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and even slaveholders George Washington or Thomas Jefferson lose their seat at the table. What they created, a constitutional republic wasn't perfect. It certainly wasn't repugnant either.
First let me explain, there is not a racist bone in my body. Before my law firm merged with a larger firm, we were the only firm in my county that had an equity partner who was female and African-American (born in Jamaica). Throughout my life I have been dedicated to diversity and inclusion. My younger son is on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum. I am concerned that these new incentives or requirements will further dilute the amount of history instruction available. It will require teaching, in effect, that American history is inherently evil and that the U.S. has been a negative force in the world. I resoundingly disagree.
While the U.S. is far from perfect, it is the only country of which I am aware that strives for true racial and cultural integration. Most others have some form of officially encouraged ghettoization. Sometimes this is labelled "multi-culturalism" but the aim is to encourage diverse elements to keep separate from mainstream society..
There is definitely a place for teaching the achievements of the minority community. George Washington Carver, Booker T. Washington, Louis Armstrong, Jackie Robinson, John Brown etc. The list goes on. That does not mean that Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and even slaveholders George Washington or Thomas Jefferson lose their seat at the table. What they created, a constitutional republic wasn't perfect. It certainly wasn't repugnant either.
Quote:
Originally Posted by President of Cornell University, Statement on the Recent Killings of Black People in America
May 29, 2020]
Dear Cornellians,
I am heartbroken, angry and frankly sickened by the recent killing of George Floyd, and before him, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and others whose deaths are less well publicized.
The amount of pain in the Black community is unfathomable, especially as these are occurring in the midst of a pandemic that is having such a disproportionate impact on communities of color.
Decent people and institutions cannot stand silent while such violence against our fellow citizens continues.
I want to make clear, both personally and on behalf of Cornell, that we will do all we can as a university to address this scourge of racism. We will address it directly in our educational programs, in our research and in our engagement and related activities, working through the ways we know best to push for a world that is equitable and kind; where people do not have to fear for their lives because of the color of their skin; and where everyone has the same opportunities to grow, thrive and enjoy their lives.
My heart goes out to everyone who is feeling the pain of these recent incidents.
Sincerely,
Martha
Dear Cornellians,
I am heartbroken, angry and frankly sickened by the recent killing of George Floyd, and before him, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and others whose deaths are less well publicized.
The amount of pain in the Black community is unfathomable, especially as these are occurring in the midst of a pandemic that is having such a disproportionate impact on communities of color.
Decent people and institutions cannot stand silent while such violence against our fellow citizens continues.
I want to make clear, both personally and on behalf of Cornell, that we will do all we can as a university to address this scourge of racism. We will address it directly in our educational programs, in our research and in our engagement and related activities, working through the ways we know best to push for a world that is equitable and kind; where people do not have to fear for their lives because of the color of their skin; and where everyone has the same opportunities to grow, thrive and enjoy their lives.
My heart goes out to everyone who is feeling the pain of these recent incidents.
Sincerely,
Martha
Finally, this emphasis on race is the exact opposite of what we need; a color-blind society.
4-19-2021
Why Are Not More Immigration Stories Like This - Vartan Gregorian 1934-2021. Not all immigrant and minority stories end tragically, though all do end in a death, as is the nature of human life.
Vartan Gregorian, 1934-2021 was born in Iran to Armenian parents (link to story). His mother died when he was six, and his father was irregularly employed. He was raised by his illiterate grandmother. After his father remarried when he was 15, he ran away from home, arriving in the U.S. by way of Beirut in 1956.
He was admitted to Stanford, graduating with honors in two years, despite his "diverse" and disadvantaged background. He moved from being provost at University of Pennsylvania to head of the New York Public Library, by then in serious disrepair in 1981.
As New York Public Library chair he returned it to its glory days and more. From there he went on to become President of Brown University, a position he held from 1989 to 1997.
The question is, why don't we have more immigrants like this. Mr. Gregorian was a vital contributor to his adopted land. Why, oh why, is the border teaming with charity cases? Are we giving the wrong incentives?
4-6-2021
Racism Against the Disabled - The Scourge of Ableism
This article, Equality Matters, The harmful ableist language you unknowingly use (link), highlights the disgusting discrimination against the disabled.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BBC
(excerpt)
So, it always stings when I’m reminded that for many, the word ‘deaf’ has little to do with what I love most – in fact, its connotations are almost exclusively negative. For example, in headlines across the world – Nevada’s proposed gun safety laws, pleas from Ontario’s elderly and weather safety warnings in Queensland – have all “fallen on deaf ears”.
This kind of ‘ableist’ language is omnipresent in conversation: making a “dumb” choice, turning a “blind eye” to a problem, acting “crazy”, calling a boss “psychopathic”, having a “bipolar” day. And, for the most part, people who utter these phrases aren’t intending to hurt anyone – more commonly, they don’t have any idea they’re engaging in anything hurtful at all.
So, it always stings when I’m reminded that for many, the word ‘deaf’ has little to do with what I love most – in fact, its connotations are almost exclusively negative. For example, in headlines across the world – Nevada’s proposed gun safety laws, pleas from Ontario’s elderly and weather safety warnings in Queensland – have all “fallen on deaf ears”.
This kind of ‘ableist’ language is omnipresent in conversation: making a “dumb” choice, turning a “blind eye” to a problem, acting “crazy”, calling a boss “psychopathic”, having a “bipolar” day. And, for the most part, people who utter these phrases aren’t intending to hurt anyone – more commonly, they don’t have any idea they’re engaging in anything hurtful at all.
It is high time that we stop the hurtful micro-aggressions that are part of every day life. Or perhaps the better analogy is jump-the-shark. I don't know.Quote:Originally Posted by (written by author) Kurt VonnegutTHE YEAR WAS 2081, and everybody was finally equal. They weren't only equal before God and the law. They were equal every which way. Nobody was smarter than anybody else. Nobody was better looking than anybody else. Nobody was stronger or quicker than anybody else. All this equality was due to the 211th, 212th, and 213th Amendments to the Constitution, and to the unceasing vigilance of agents of the United States Handicapper General.
Total Comments 0
