Election season is near the end; where do we go from here. The sad fact is that many newly elected, re-elected and incumbent office holders are starting up their next campaigns. It seems that staying in office is the number one priority of most elected officials in this country. Several factors appear to contribute to…
Author: James Croteau
One of the most inexplicable things about this country is its refusal to fund universal childcare. No longer a nation of stay-at-home mothers, the need for free or affordable childcare is ever present. Cost is an issue with many places charging as much as college tuition for the ability to work outside the home. Even…
After every school shooting, gun brought to school or disruptive behavior at a school event, the search begins for blame. Mental health, social media, gangs, alienation, poor parenting, the list goes on. Yes, all of those may be causes, and every individual case should be examined. But where is the discussion of prevention beyond more…
At one time in our not too distant past, public schools were seen as a powerful force for literacy, democracy, equal opportunity, and economic growth. The benefits to society of an informed electorate and capable workers seemed clear to most communities willing to support their local schools with their taxes. Then came race, religion and…
In a typical recession, the lowest end of the wage scale is usually the most affected as people cut back on eating out, shopping, car repairs, etc. This is an unusual recession we face in that plenty of jobs are available but wages are no way keeping up with inflation. The war in Europe has…
The 21stCentury Council and the Florida State University College of Education, in conjunction with the United Partners for Human Services recently announced the 2022 winner of the combined Roger Kaufman-Jack Gant award. Recognition and a $1000 award was given to the Southside Redevelopment Advisory Council for the creative program, Soul of Southside Arts and Humanities…
A friend, Retired Professor Charles Howell, described the online information world in this way: Digital information is curated for the purpose of consumption, not communal interaction or a thoughtful interchange of ideas. The sad thing is that we have fewer and fewer opportunities these days to discuss issues in a way that seeks solutions rather…
Every parent and grandparent worries about the health and safety of their children. Past surveys reflected parents’ desire for their children to grow up to be happy or financially secure. But more and more caregivers hope their children stay safe during their school, and especially teen years. Safety takes many forms. Obviously, physical safety is…
In a thought for the day from Wordsmith came this quote from U.S. Grant: If we are to have another contest in the near future of our national existence, I predict that the dividing line will not be Mason and Dixon’s but between patriotism and intelligence on one side and superstition, ambition and ignorance on…
Recent research (Chapman, et. al.) has highlighted the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and later negative mental health outcomes, substance abuse, domestic violence and antisocial behavior. It is true that not all children who experience negative events in the home or community develop serious problems as many find help to build resilience and coping strategies….