Preparation for Memorial Day

MEMORIAL DAY

It is the  VETERAN,  not the preacher,  who has given us freedom of religion.  It is the VETERAN,  not the reporter,   who has given us freedom of the press. It is the VETERAN,  not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.     It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.      It is the VETERAN,  not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.   It is the VETERAN,  not the politician, Who has given us the right to vote. It is the VETERAN who salutes the Flag, It is the VETERAN who serves under the Flag,  ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

God 
Bless them all!!!

Makes you proud to be an AMERICAN!!!!!

width=467 height=381> ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. God Bless them all!!! Makes you proud to be an AMERICAN!!!!!     ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON  THEM God Bless them all!!! Makes you proud to be an AMERICAN!!!!!

Arizona Corporation Commission Letter to LA Mayor Villaraigosa

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Santee School in LA Unified School District

With the uproar over the video of Ron Gochez, a look at the performance level of the school where the ranting Mr. Ron Gochez is employed might provide some insight.  Does it appear that the students are well served at this school?

Here are the results of the students on the California Standards Test.  Only 8% of students at the Santee school achieved a 'Proficient or Advanced' level in the latest school year, 2008-2009, which means meeting or exceeding the state standards.  Amazingly, that is up from 5% in 2006-2007.  I would bet that the education establishment would brag about the 60% increase in proficiency in that area without regard to the raw numbers.  The state-wide result was 41%, over 5-times the average for the Santee school.

The California high school exit exam is used as a graduation requirement.  Just 22% of those tested achieved a graduation level in math, however, this is up from an astonishing 12.3%, two years prior.  The state-wide rate is a bit over half at 53.3%.  The English Arts passing rate was under 19%.

The breakdown shows that 81% of Hispanics are 'Not Proficient' in English-Language Arts and 77.2% are 'Not Proficient' in Mathematics.  Both are close to the overall average since the school is largely Hispanic.

The Average Yearly Progress is defined by the No Child Left Behind Act.  The Santee school failed in all areas but one, the 'API'.  The 'API' indicates the school made some year-to-year progress.  They went from pathetic, to a bit less than pathetic.

One-third of the students failed the English and math portions of the state exam required to receive a diploma.  That is much worse than the 89% that passed in this sub-standard school district.

Sadly, the school's dropout rate is over 41%, more than double the state average which is just under 19%. 

What these students need is a real hero and role model like, Jaime Escalante, the inspiration for the 1988 movie, Stand and Deliver, who passed away several weeks ago.  School vouchers anyone?

Arizona immigration law SB 1070 and ammending legislation HB 2162

SB 1070

HB 2162

Video of Al Sharpton and friends marching for illegal immigration.

Al Sharpton march in Phoenix.

May 5, 2010 Immigration March

Some Great Quotes

"My advice to you is get married: if you find a good wife you'll be happy; if not, you'll become a philosopher." - Socrates 
 

"Failure is success if we learn from it." Malcolm S. Forbes 
 

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” Henry Miller
 

"Love doesn't make the world go 'round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile."  Franklin P. 
Jones
 

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow" 
 

"Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of Liberty." Thomas Jefferson 
 

"Don't open a shop unless you like to smile."
 

"An election is a bet on the future, not a popularity test of the past." James Barrett Scotty Reston 
 

"Do not worry if others do not understand you. Worry if you do not understand them." Confucius
 

"Before you try to keep up with the Joneses, be sure they're not trying to keep up with you." E.Bombeck
 

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." Robert Brault
 

"Thousands of years ago the Egyptians worshiped cats as gods. Cats have never forgotten this." Charles Herbig
 

"Life is like a taxi. The meter just keeps ticking whether you are getting somewhere or just standing still." Lou Erickson
 

"The person who knows how will always have a job. The person who knows why will always be his boss." - Diane Ravitch 
 

"Marriage: It's not a word, it's a sentence."
 

"Happiness is a stock that doubles in a year." Ira Cobleigh 
 

"The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up." Mark Twain
 

“No on ever choked to death swallowing his pride” Anon 
 

"Everything is changing. People are taking the comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke." Will Rogers
 

"Guns don't kill people. Dads with pretty daughters do." Bumper Sticker

Phoenix Suns on Immigration Policy and Paperwork

Dear Mr. Sarver,

I have been a Phoenix resident since before the Phoenix Suns existed and I fully support your position on the "flawed" Arizona immigration law.  As a 42 year fan, I have attended many games and have bought countless pieces of merchandise over the years for me and now, for my family.  I may not have tickets for tonight's game and have not had the opportunity to attend a playoff game for many years.  Given your position, I'm sure you will not insist on me presenting my 'paperwork' when I arrive to enjoy what is sure to be an exciting game 2 of this important series.  I also have a number of friends that would also enjoy the opportunity to watch this game along with the many other games that we hope will occur this year and in the future. 

I know a very small minority of those like us have murdered police officers, transported drugs and broken many laws, we are all law abiding citizens and do not intend to break any laws, just enjoy the game and cheer our team.  I can assure you that our group will never be involved in a luxury suite invasion.  Just please, don't single us out; no need to check our 'paperwork'.  I'm sure my friends and I will be great and supportive fans.  We just need the opportunity.  It would only be fair, over time, that we also have a path to become season 'ticket' holders.  At that point we feel we will be fully accepted as true fans and can embrace the team we've enjoyed for so long.

One additional, small request.  My friends and I are not of great wealth and the food and drinks at the games are rather expensive.  It would only seem fair that some dispensation could be made in this regard.  I bet you agree that enjoying the food and beverages during the game provide the full fan experience.  Of course, for all of us to be able to wear those profound, "Los Suns" jerseys during this landmark game, would be sensational.

Thanks so much for your time and consideration.  We look forward to cheering "Our Suns" on to victory with you tonight.

Best Regards,

Ken Hand

Tempe, AZ