Way to go, Franco

When is a sports figure actually a hero? Easy ... when he shows a generous spirit to a traveling fan and soldier. Read the story here.

Send Hook to Washington!

The amazing Sgt Hook needs a boost, folks. If you like what you read at his fine blog, then you owe it to him to hit the Vote button at You Served. There's a short time window left for voting, and he's only about 200 votes down -- so he'll be grateful for every vote cast. You see, he needs to find a way to fund the trip to Washington for the milblog conference this spring ... and this contest is a great way to do that! Go Vote now!

Protecting the children

There is a lot of 'political correctness' packed into public schools these days, especially here on the left coast. So I have to applaud the backbone of the parent who stood up to the Federal Way school system to fight the showing of "An Inconvenient Truth" to their children. Federal Way schools restrict Gore film By ROBERT MCCLURE AND LISA STIFFLER The Seattle Post Intelligencer Jan. 11 This week in Federal Way schools, it got a lot more inconvenient to show one of the top-grossing documentaries in U.S. history, the global-warming alert "An Inconvenient Truth." After a parent who supports the teaching of creationism and opposes sex education complained about the film, the Federal Way School Board on Tuesday placed what it labeled a moratorium on showing the film. The movie consists largely of a PowerPoint presentation by former Vice President Al Gore recounting scientists' findings. This doesn't actually mean that the film cannot be used in the schools. The decision simply forces teachers to present an opposing view to the students as well, rather than simply throwing this out as being absolute fact. School Board members adopted a three-point policy that says teachers who want to show the movie must ensure that a "credible, legitimate opposing view will be presented," that they must get the OK of the principal and the superintendent, and that any teachers who have shown the film must now present an "opposing view." I would love to hear how this works, and I hope that parents don't simply assume that this resolves the issue. I actually think that showing this film (or bits of it) as part of a series on Critical Thinking would be a very good idea - if aimed at the right age group. This kind of training was proposed recently by Teresa of Technicalities. I think this would be a great move for schools to use items of controversy, have the students study opposing views and debate them with each other -- all parts of learning how to think about and evaluate the world around them. It's obviously needed!!

Returning to Normal

We who wait for our friends and loved ones to return from war simply want them home safe and sound. Still, lack of physical damage doesn't mean that one simply returns home to 'normal' ... and sometimes the memories of those who gave their lives is a great weight to carry. And sometimes, a total stranger can capture the unique emotions and create a piece of music that strikes right to the heart, as happened to America's Son.

Good stuff

I can't keep up with all the good reading material out there. Here's just a few of the posts that have captured my attention... John of Castle Argghhh shares a tale of two Marine mothers, one who's son gave his life for his brothers, and one who has to live with the fact. Read the whole story, and thank whatever providence you wish that we have men like Cpl. Dunham and Cpl. Miller. Mike Yon is back in Iraq, and Walking the Line. Jack Army says he is at War. Yes, he's in Iraq, but that isn't what he means. Homefront Six fisks Watada, as only a military spouse with a hubby serving in Iraq can. Way to go, HfS! At SpouseBuzz, Airforcewife reminds the so-called News Media that there is a time to write about events, and a time to Shut Up. Francis Marion points to some news from the front - although it is not the front you may be thinking. He's in one of those other places. It's not called the GWOT for nothing. Chuck defines a Bad American ... and his definition works fine for me as well. Maj Pain shares a Secret Letter from a Marine in Iraq - a must read! Matty at Blackfive has an awesome collection of links to help prepare for thoughtful listening to the President on Wednesday.

Best and Worst of 2006 in local politics

The folks at Sound Politics have pulled together a list of the best and worst of (local) politics and journalism for 2006.  If you aren’t from the Seattle region, most of these will be lost on you, but I found it quite amusing.   My personal favorite was this one: Worst non-elected official: Mrs. Gregoire  (our supposed governor, after many recounts and much controversary) But this one is worth a mention, as a prime example of the mind-set of the local academia: Worst new word definition that won't make it into Webster's dictionary: Seattle Public Schools entry for 'racism' Racism: The systematic subordination of members of targeted racial groups who have relatively little social power in the United States (Blacks, Latino/as, Native Americans, and Asians), by the members of the agent racial group who have relatively more social power (Whites). The subordination is supported by the actions of individuals, cultural norms and values, and the institutional structures and practices of society.