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Monday, August 9, 2010
Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning?!The Christina School District just hired a Deputy Superintendent
for teaching and learning???!!! Shouldn’t the entire district administration be responsible for this?
What in the hell are the other administrators doing? I think we have again been hoodwinked by the
district’s recent referendum. I’m glad I didn’t support this farce.
Horacio D. Lewis (retired DOE administrator, professor, teacher and unsuccessful candidate for the Christina
School board) 6/10/10
12:47 pm edt
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Latinos and Pediatric Pedophile Dr. Earl BradleyI have been told that Attorney General Beau Biden’s
office has sent out inquiry letters written in Spanish to the Latino community who may have received “medical”
services from Pediatric Pedophile Dr. Earl Bradley. If true and it’s a good start, some of us would
be interested in learning what else Delaware officials may have done to allay the fear of authority, and encourage non-English
proficient potential victims to come forward with their complaints. Has there been a coordinated effort
to send bilingual personnel (e.g. Social Workers) into the Latino community? Has there been counsel sought
from the National Council of La Raza? It would help to understand that as a result of cultural differences/practices
and perhaps compounded by immigration status, Latinos would be less apt to approach State officials even if they have been
victimized. 3/20/10
Horacio D. Lewis,
PhD
Newark DE
Former Chairman of the Governor’s Council on Child Protective
Services, Former Chairman of the Governor’s Council on Hispanic Affairs, Former Chairman of the Delaware Advisory Commission
to the US Commission on Civil Rights and Former Chairman of the Latino Task Force
1:26 pm edt
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Widespread Firing of TeachersTwo major personal laws governed my behavior during
my 10+ year tenure teaching in four Delaware public high schools: 1. Treat students with utmost respect/courtesy
and 2. Follow through with sanctions without engagement, when a disciplinary instruction/command is given.
The first part is easy if you are generally a polite person who believes in the sanctity of human beings and their
capacity to learn and improve their lot. The second part takes more time and patience. For
example (during an interaction with a disruptive student at the beginning of class): Teacher--“You need to
sit in your assigned seat.” Student—“Why? Johnny is not sitting in his.” Teacher—“Right
now I am talking to you and I am asking you to sit in your assigned seat!”
If student continues to argue or ignore command, then the teacher needs to act with a disciplinary
measure which may include extracting the student from the classroom, with administrative assistance, to minimize further class
delay/distraction. That said, with the recent widespread firing of teachers because of “budget constraints,”
I trust school superintendents, et al., are also considering the expulsion/firing of disruptive students and redundant administrators
in order to keep public school education alive with effective teachers. 3/18/10
3:13 pm edt
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
A New Political PartyI hereby propose yet another political party to address
the real needs of our American people; neither Democratic nor Republican or even Independent. In fact,
not even a Tea, Coffee or milk and cookies party. I am thinking of a Fairness Party!
Or rather, a non-party built on fairness; one that would answer simple questions having to do with
applied US constitutional issues and what’s in the best interest of the people; and would support informed candidates
who can thoughtfully articulate and justify their fair approach to solving our American dilemma. The
time has come to truly help our country and our people, and to discontinue support for established political parties.
People needs come before party needs. Let us endorse/elect individuals with the
correct ideas for resolving our issues as a people and country even if we have to draft them. 3/16/10
12:17 pm edt
Friday, March 5, 2010
Communicate More Truthfully
One of the things that irks me the most with our public political
discourse is the dearth of verbal transparency when criticizing the other side. I say, let us enhance communication
and credibility, and attract more discerning listeners by first owning up to our own known misdeeds. (“He
who is without sin…”) 3/5/10
7:46 pm est
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
More on BaybeesgateI have already called for a U.S. Department of Justice
investigation of the ”Baybeesgate” pediatric rape case (Blog, 1/10/10). Today’s
Grand Jury indictment of Dr. Earl B. Bradley (“…471 counts of rape and abuse,” The News Journal) makes
this request all the more urgent; particularly when it appears that a few intimidated victims (including Latinos) are not
coming forward to tell their stories, some are revising their earlier comments, and others have given up on a system that
failed them when the story was uncovered over ten years ago. For Delawareans, this is a clear example of:
Justice delayed is justice denied. 2/23/10
11:44 am est
Friday, February 19, 2010
"Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way"While I did not participate in your recent poll (NYT,
2/12/10), I strongly agree with the majority responding “not favorable” to its “opinion of the Republican
Party.” Indeed, I have noticed a rightist campaign, fueled by a tint of prejudice, to distort, disengage and
destroy when it comes to issues supported by the President of the United States. Consistent with Thomas
Paine’s dictum: “Lead follow or get out of the way,” it would be very helpful to see a mass resignation
of those who would rather not move forward, or even participate in the discussion, for the benefit of our great country.
To regain favor, Republicans need to reverse the prevailing public perception of their bullying, mediocrity, disingenuousness and
negativity. Better yet, Congress, in general, could use more open minded individuals, divested of
party affiliations, whose sole concern is the welfare of the American people! 2/12/10
10:48 pm est
Friday, February 5, 2010
Radiation Pellets ProcedureThank you for perhaps the first in-depth look
at the disaster that is the Brachytherapy procedure (NYT, Sunday, 6/21/09). My brother Sgt. Clarence E.
Lewis, an army veteran, underwent such a procedure over ten years ago in a V.A. hospital in Texas. He has
since been riddled with pain and incapable of using the bathroom. He ended up disabled with a colostomy,
and diapers. One doctor called the aftermath a nuclear disaster. He now lives in Old
Soldiers Home, Washington, DC. I
wrote in the 1990's about his experience in our local News Journal newspapers (Wilmington, DE) and was attacked by local hospital
doctors and a newspaper editor, who had successfully undergone the procedure, for “misinforming the community and raising
fear.” Should you do a follow-up story on this most challenging prostate cancer approach, please
do not forget my brother who has not even received an apology for this terrible mistake. Who knows how
many other veterans have been used as a guinea pig! 6/21/09
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Youth ServiceIt is not surprising that the major findings of the
“Assessing the Long-Term Effects of Youth Service: The Puzzling Case of Teach for America” study (NY
Times, Jan. 4, 2010) were “burnout,” “exhaustion” and “disillusionment” among
those choosing to serve, and that only 31% of the program’s 17,000 alumni continued in the teaching profession. This
five-year study should serve as a wake-up call to policymakers and those who have no idea of the extreme stress involved in
a career plagued with up to 15-hour work days, persistent classroom disciplinary issues, little, if any, parental/community
assistance and obtrusive administrative meddling; not to mention insulting wages. Unless
our education system is radically changed, particularly at the middle and high school levels, our society will continue to
lose the type of expertise, creativity and dedication required for successful teaching and learning. 1/4/10
12:37 am est
Friday, January 15, 2010
US Dept. of Justice Action Required to Prosecute "BayBeesgate"I continue to believe that an investigation by the US
Dept. of Justice is required to prosecute and put to rest any cover-up of wrong-doing by Delaware officials in the outrageous
Bradley BayBeesgate case (1/10/10 letter herein). The appointment of Law School Dean Linda Ammons by Governor
Jack Markell to review and make recommendations regarding systemic failures is a step in the right direction as we seek impartial
and responsible adjudication. 1/15/10
8:46 am est
Thursday, January 14, 2010
HaitiToussaint L’Ouverture started the recovery in
Haiti in 1791; let us continue that effort by creating a safe haven for earthquake surviving Haitians in a specific geographical
area in the United States or in South America. History has shown that Haiti has, regrettably, not
progressed much in the last 200+ years hence; a relocated Haiti, not unlike Liberia or Jonestown (for different reasons), may
be in order at this desperate time since the cost of rebuilding and saving lives is prohibitive. In the end, the U.S.
may have to take possession of Haiti, if we so choose, like we did with Puerto Rico. 1/14/10
7:27 pm est
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Will the Real Harold Ford Stand Up!Harold E. Ford Jr. seems to be a real chameleon, a Republican
wannabe, with uncommitted, changeable positions to suit his environment. He had Tennesseans fooled.
Will his hat trick work in New York? Your article (NY Times Jan. 13) reads like a fairy tale. Does
he even believe he is Black or will he change his position on that as well! This man cannot be trusted
to lead anyone! New Yorkers would be better off without him. 1/13/10
11:05 am est
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Letter to US Attorney General Eric Holder RE: "Baybeesgate"Thank you for your comprehensive article on what I would
call the “BayBeesgate” pediatric rape case (DE News Journal, Jan. 10). I hereby call
on the U.S. Department of Justice and others to provide for a more objective investigation rather than a continuation of our
own cover-up activities.
An
Open Letter to US Attorney General Eric Holder/US Department of Justice, et al.: While Delaware’s Governor Jack Markell and Attorney General Beau Biden have
pledged to investigate the Dr. Earl B. Bradley “BayBeesgate” pediatric rape case, I would strongly urge
the U.S. Department of Justice to get involved with this tragedy since Delaware officials have dropped the ball for the past
10 or more years. Indeed, many seemed to have excused Dr. Bradley for his heinous acts. This smells like
a cover up! The share number of alleged victims (over 100) coupled with the fact that several individuals
in the medical and legal/law enforcement professions knew of Dr. Bradley’s crimes and did nothing; cry out for an investigation
from an outside unbiased source. Moreover, since Latino children may have also been victims of Dr. Bradley’s,
special bilingual personnel including The National Council of La Raza should be a part of this prosecution to protect their
civil rights as well. Signed: Horacio Lewis, Former Chair, Governor's Council on Child Protective Services 1/10/10
3:33 pm est
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
RE: The (DE) Christina School District $350,000 WasteNot long ago I wrote a letter to the Delaware News Journal
Editor regarding the reckless spending of the Christina School District to the tune of $350,000 for duplicative school programs--programs
which are clearly within the bailiwick of their District Office and the Delaware Department of Education. I
had an opportunity to talk with Governor Jack Markell briefly about this expense which I suggested should be disallowed executively,
by the Governor himself. He said he had his own questions about this issue, but learned it was really up
to the Christina School Board to decide. Well, I now ask the Christina School Board to reevaluate its decision
and reverse this outrageous expense, for there are certainly more meaning-full things to do with this money in a failing economy.
I also take this opportunity to call attention to the upcoming potential “Race to the Top” U.S. Department
of Education funding to our State and the need for more transparency regarding proposed educational expenditures and questionable
alternate State DSTP (high stakes testing) initiatives. 12/24/09
2:05 pm est
Tiger WoodsI think Tiger has to be himself; if that means divorcing
is wife and taking care of his family while continuing his life, then that he should do. In the end, what
counts is that he be comfortable with the choices made. He obviously made a mistake getting married.
Hey, many of us have made that mistake! I will continue to watch his amazing golf
games and care less about what else he does. Let’s not get carried away, he is not a role model,
just a great athlete! 12/31/09
1:39 pm est
Hard Work is the Best PolicyWe often tell our children/students: “You
can be anything you want to be.” “You can do anything you put your mind to…” These
statements are disingenuous. What we are grossly omitting is the first part of these mantras: “If
you study, inform yourself, practice, work hard and do your very best—prepare yourself,” then you are in a better
position to “be what you want to be,” etc. As a high school teacher and university professor,
I come across a great many students who expect passing grades for doing little work, fluff work (extra credit, homework,
attendance…) or no work. They exhibit a Palinlike mediocrity or entitlement attitude. Too
often students seem to have lost the work ethic of yesteryear when we were praised after doing a good
job, not before! There is no victory lap without first winning the race, without first
training for the race... Indeed, I try to avoid wishing students “good luck” before an exam.
Instead I wish them good application of research and study; for their test results will be directly proportional
to the amount of time invested in prior study. We need to remind students that though a minute few may
make it with luck or little effort, there is hardly anything more rewarding than an honest job well
done! Let us rededicate ourselves to fundamental ideals based on successful hard work. 12/23/09
1:18 pm est
Yemeni Trained TerroristThe
recent intelligence failure allowing for a Yemeni trained terrorist to infiltrate US airspace raises several questions including
two. Why are we not sharing information with intelligence communities when there are suspicious individuals
buying airplane tickets? And why are we not hiring attention-to-detail professionals to take care of our
national security? A Homeland Security Secretary should be hired on the basis of aspects of their behavior
in the previous 20 years of their life. Has this person been a stickler for locking their doors at night?
Are they careful about turning off the gas stove and the like? How meticulous is this person and
how reliable would they be in looking after our security? This can’t be a political appointment when
our lives are at stake. Let’s get real, get off the merry-go-round and fire our existing security
administrators. And for crying out loud, let us listen to and take seriously any parent who tells us their
son or daughter is radicalized and may kill Americans!! 12/29/09
White House Crashing IncidentThe recent White House party crashing incident troubles
me. While there is enough blame to go around, I question the role White House Social Secretary Desiree
Rogers played in jeopardizing the safety of the President and the White House. Quite frankly, I do not
understand why she has not been disciplined for this grave infraction. If she was found to be slacking-off
because of personal friendship with President Obama, then she needs to be subpoenaed to answer questions. The
American people deserve the facts of this event. Speaking of party crashers, I want to be on record as
voting for the dismantling of reality shows which seem to drive people to the extreme of nonsense to make a buck. 12/4/09
1:13 pm est
Response
to "A Nation of Do-It-Yourself Lawyers,” (New York Times 1/2/20) I have often wondered what a single well directed letter from an attorney on behalf
of a disenfranchised citizen may have done to ward off unnecessary and prolonged legal debacles, lawsuits and render justice.
The article by judges John T. Broderick Jr. and Ronald M. George (NY Times, 1/2/10) brings to our urgent attention
the out of control legal system not at our disposal--at least not available to the ordinary citizen who may just
need brief and limited advice or a simple well worded letter to an oppressive/unfair landlord or employer. Under duress, I have, largely pro se, successfully fought
several cases in court; all of which took a great number of years. While I am proud to have won as a non-lawyer,
they took a considerable length of time not to mention the lack of expertise expended. In the absent of
scarce pro-bono assistance, well positioned legal advice would cut the time, expense and frustration for the many who don’t
even attempt cases because of limited resources. Indeed, for much of my life I was under the illusion that
attorneys were only for large corporations and the wealthy. It should also be noted that most taxpayer-supported State Attorneys General are not
available to the ordinary citizen (only to State Agencies). Unbundling the legal system, regular
law clinics and online help for the layperson would make the law more accessible and provide for a more equal playing field.
1/2/20
Saturday, October 31, 2009
(DE) Visions 2015 Is Racing to the Top for Arne Duncan's MoneyToday’s Visions 2015 “resume” and
yesterday’s “Positioned for Educational Success” articles published in this newspaper (Delaware News Journal),
give the distinct impression that folks are making a pitch for some of US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s $4.35
billion giveaway for education reform or “Race to the Top,” as he puts it. Even the University
of Delaware seems to be getting into the act by hosting the Visions 2015 conference on Tuesday where Secretary Duncan is expected
to speak. Everybody and his/her
uncle seem to be “positioning” for their share of the pot. I ask: How does the State Department
of Education (DOE) fit into the mix? Do we need a Department of Education when everyone else seems to have
a plan for educating Delaware’s children? Further, where are the District Superintendents and the
Boards of Education? How much money are we talking about and exactly what’s the apportionment plan?
Will the funds go directly into teaching and learning or will we follow the recent national pattern and fill more bureaucratic
pockets instead? I ask our Governor
and legislature to eliminate waste and redundancy and be vigilant to ensure equity in distribution as we “Race to the
Top” with the people’s money. 10/23/09
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2:11 pm edt
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