Opinions...

Comments to the Tallassee Times

Education in America (9-27-11)

You are correct.Our education stinks.We spend this money on the wrong things.To much emphasis on sports,not enough time spent at home learning.Parents are to busy to help,the school year is way to short with to many off days.The subjects are lacking in depth and to few in number.Its to narrow minded and is mostly presented as the only view.For example I learned american history in our school.It was presentes as red,white and blue america.We were so great,everyman had a chance.Total rubbish.Learned nothing about the true story of native americans,very little over the civil war,industrial revolution etc.Goverment and economics was even worse.Ive learned more out of school as I did in school.I live in Germany now and my 12 years of school was only worth the lowest education you can get here.They learn english from the 6th grade on.Most learn a 3rd.In Japan they go all year long.They spend hours a day with homework.Our ignorance in american and world history,goverment and economics,and math is making us an ignorant,unenlightened and vulnerable people.Without real knowledge in these areas we have no real identity of who we are and where we come from.Its then easy to morally corrupt and financially bankrupt us,while we sit back and enjoy our sports,computer games and newest crap we just bought thats overpriced and made somewhere else.If you limit your information sources you are bound to get a small view of the world and yourself.For example CNN,Fox news.Look at the debates and how they are carried out.Its entertaiment,no true substance.Giving 1 minute to describe your economic plan for the biggest economy in the world.Its empty and full of campaign propoganda.Just like our education without propoganda,thats only in history.More time in school,more parent involvement,wider range of education,less one sided and less emphasis on sports.Maybe we can catch up in 20 years - Byron Burnett

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Education in America (9-27-11)

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Education in America (9-27-11)

Byron, I'm sure the European and Japanese are much more advanced than us poor old dumb American's.  That must be why they kicked our butts in WWII, is that right??  My poor dumb Alabama mind just is not educated enough, and 25 years ago we got a full 3 month's out of school inthe summer to run and play thru the woods,and build forts to play in,and go to the swimming hole to swing from the rope swing.  I had the most fun and carefree childhood growing up in rural Alabama that I could ever imagine.  Why would you make a kid go to school all year round, EVER????
Stupid is is stupid does.

And please, please, please stay in Germany - D J Elmore

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Education in America (9-27-11)

First of all I went to school in Tallassee,graduated 1985.I wasnt calling anyone dumb.We spend more per pupil than any other country,but our results dont reflect that.We are ranked 33rd in reading,27th in math and 22nd in science.Out of the 24 richest countries we are 18th.If you would have read what I said before you got so defensive I stated many reasons why it falls way short.Second when was the last time you saw a kid go out and get 2 or 3 books on a subject by themselves,get real.Thats why parent involvement is so important.They have days off in Japan just not as many.Its not how much we spend but how the subjects are taught,hrs spent learning after school.Third what in gods name does our education system have to do with winning WW11?Most of all Mr.Elmore dont ever tell me where I should live or stay.I served my country 6 years in the infantry.I come and go as I please and if thats a problem with you we can settle this the old fashion way.Is that Alabama enough for ya.Why is it everytime you give an opinion here people like you want to start attacking? Its easier to learn when you shut up and listen every once in awhile.Ive learned one thing in my 44years its people like you that talk the talk,but dont walk the walk.Maybe this will help your damaged american pride,we have the best universities in the world according to studies.Constructive arguments are good,but dont attack me for my opinion and tell me what to do.Hopefully,we can rectify the problems so our kids are getting the best education possible.I am always willing to discuss things because I learn too.But attacking and degrading another over their opinion especially over the computer is childish.I want America to succeed,but it has major problems and just screaming U.S.A. isnt going to solve them.Love to hear replies with other answers,but ease off on the attacking.Thats why its called an discussion and opinion section.WE give our opinion and discuss the matter,like adults - Byron Burnett

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Education in America (9-27-11)

First of all Mr Burnett I was not trying to tell you where to live I was just asking or maybe begging that you not bring your European socialist, Eat Love Pray crap back to Tallassee Alabama.  But if you want to settle it the old fashoned way I'll meet you on the play ground at the elementary school, because reading your post I do believe you are in the 3rd grade.  I never once tried to tell you where to live or where to go, but your idle threats from Germany really don't scare me like you were wishing for.

Exactly, what part of my post do you consider an attack?? - D J Elmore

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Education in America (9-27-11)

I will be there in April.I gave facts and all you can do is make stupid cutdowns and bring no information what so ever.These were facts from our own goverment Goober. The facts had nothing to do with socialism.You rant and rave over terms like socialism,facism, and totally have no idea what they are.Just because an idea is contrary to the norm its automatically labeled socialist.If everything was so outstanding then explain the results,duh! Things are bad and changes are needed.Theres no one fix all solution.But,typically no one wants to do anything that would involve working on a problem.Just let the goverment correct it and we all know what a good job they do.Ive been in many countries,talked to people in depth from around the world and learned education can be alot better.This is not a cockfight,but one of experience and you lose.Information is whats needed not your preconcieved ideas of something.If I have little or no knowledge of a particular subject I shut up and listen then research it myself.Maybe,not maybe, you should do the same.Anyone can talk,but not all say something.Here is looking at you.You sound like a politician.Blah,Blah, Blah,socialism.Blah Blah Blah,stay out of my country.Until you bring info into the matter I am done with you.Your pride is hurt so I know you must come back with something witty to downgrade me so go ahead,have fun.Take your best shot,it will make you feel better and superior.But, in the end I know I am not limited to cheap cutdowns.Du bist typisch und lächerlich.Blieb bei deine Dummheit.Figure it out Mr.know it all - Byron Burnett

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Education in America (9-27-11)

You are typical and ridiculous.remained at your stupidity.  Hows that goofball.

Your whole post was jibberish.  Sie sind ein dummkopf, der glaubt bessere ist, da sie in Europa leben.  Or Maybe in French.  Vous êtes un nigaud, qui croit qu'il est supérieur, parce que vous vivez en Europe.  Or Italian.  Sei un pazzo, che si crede superiore, perché chi vive in Europa.

Just because you can do a little simple translation does not mean you are any smarter than anyone, and your whole Europe is better than America really kina make me nausious.

All of this and you still did not tell me what part of my post was an attack - D J Elmore

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Education in America (9-27-11)

If you doubters dont believe him,here is a way to find out the truth.Go to Google,type in" education statistics in america",then click on" statistics on american K-12 public education".On the same page there is another article to click on, "statistics about education in america. "The facts back up what Mr. Hall wrote and I tried to bring out also in my opinion.Its not america bashing,its facing the truth and wanting people to start changing this.Its the future of america and the lives of its children.In a fast changing world we are falling behind.Hopefully,this want bring the typical socialist,america hater,response as usual.To a certain person I speak German fluently.I didnt translate a simple sentence - Byron Burnett

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Education in America (9-27-11)

Mr Burnett,

Could maybe you tell us all in "fluent German" what part of DJ Elmore post was an attack? - Daniel Phillips

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Education in America (9-27-11)

Die zwei Sätze "Dumm ist dumm macht"und "Bitte bleib in Deutschland."Warum muss Er mich dumm nennen? Ich habe Tatsachen überreicht und Er hat seinem Standpunkt nichts Gerectfertight.Er hat keine contradictary Informationen gezeight zu beweisen, dass Ich unrecht habe. Ist das gut genug für Sie,oder soll Ich weiter schreiben?Die Wahrheit ist wichtig.Nur dann können wir der Probleme erkennen und die Antworten finden.Vielleicht habe Ich ein oder zwei Worte falsch geschrieben,aber Ich habe nie gesaght dass Ich perfect Deutsch schreiben können.Ich sage zu dir "Frisst das!"
- Byron Burnett

Clean up jobs scheduled for east side (9-27-11)

It would be wonderful to see this "old historic brick" be put to a useful purpose instead all used for fill. These would make beautiful sidewalks in the historic district or patios for someone that would be willing to "haul off". I am sure that there was a lot of "sweat equity" put into this building when it was built and it should not be thrown away - Tammy Johnson

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Clean up jobs scheduled for east side (9-27-11)

Wonderful!  Wonderful!  I can't wait! - Jim Alice Cullars

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Clean up jobs scheduled for east side (9-27-11)

Where would i apply for a job to help the crew clean-up and takeing the mill down?..contact me by phone please 334-415-9588 - timohty holt

TCS School Website Article (9-20-11)

A Letter to Ron Clark: What Parents Really Want to Tell Teachers

Dear Ron,

I have recently read your article, “What Teachers Really Want to Tell Parents” and found it to be ill-conceived, short sided and quite frankly wrong on many accounts. I am aware of your accolades and achievements as written in the editor’s note prior to the article but I will also point you to Rule #51 in your Essential 55 Rules, “Live so that you will never have regrets”. If you don’t already, I feel you will learn to regret writing this article. This article has the ability to create an even bigger chasm between Parents and Teachers. Parent Involvement in a Child’s Education, as proven by 20 years of research, is one of the most effective methods in a child’s academic success. Educating our children needs to be a partnership between Parents and Teachers. Especially, since school age children spend 70% of their time outside of school. Your article makes it painfully aware that your idea of a Parent – Teacher partnership is one where Parents do everything you ask without input or questions. 

If you are unfamiliar with Joyce Epstein Ph.D.’s work she has created a National Standard for Parent/Family involvement after years of research for the Center on School, Family and Community Partnerships at John Hopkins University. Below is her list of National Standards for Parent/Family Involvement.

1. Communicating. Design effective methods of school-to-home and home-to-school communications about school events and student progress.

2. Parenting. Families should establish home environments that are conducive to learning.

3. Volunteer. Recruit parents for help and support in the school.

4. Learning At Home. Teachers give parents ideas on how they can help students with homework and other academic related activities.

5. Decision Making. Develop parent leaders by including them in school decisions.

6. Collaborating With Community. Involve the community with school programs, student learning, and family practices.

Schools and Teachers that follow the standards as outlined above are much more likely to have a Parent – Teacher partnership in education. For instance, in your article you say, “If we give you advice, don’t fight it. Take it, and digest it in the same way you would consider advice from a doctor or a lawyer. I have become used to some parents who just don’t want to hear anything negative about their child.” When I take advice from a doctor or a lawyer it is someone I have a relationship with and trust. If the first time I am hearing from a teacher is to tell me something negative about my child that conversation is not going to go well. Why, because that’s human nature? We trust the people we are closest with. Form a real partnership with parents and you will not get this type of reaction.

You go on to say in your article, “One of my biggest pet peeves is when I tell a mom something her son did and she turns, looks at him and asks, “Is that true?” Well, of course it’s true. I just told you.” Ron, have you stopped to think that we are trying to teach our children responsibility and trust. Even if we have enough of a relationship with you to take you word unconditionally I would still ask my son the same question. Why, because I want him to learn to take responsibility for his actions. I refer you once again to your essential 55 rules, #53 which states, “No matter the circumstances, always be honest.” Please do not question my methods for raising my child and to teach honesty. While we might have a partnership on his education, we do not have a partnership on how I raise him.

Lastly, you bring up the point regarding Teachers walking on eggshells. You state, “I feel so sorry for administrators and teachers these days whose hands are completely tied. In many ways, we live in fear of what will happen next. We walk on egg-shells in a watered-down education system whose teachers lack the courage to be honest and speak their minds. If they make the slightest mistake, it can become a major disaster.” While, I agree with this sentiment it is not for the reason you state. We live in a watered-down education system because the system is broken and School Districts are more concerned with budgets than education. Teachers by the tens of thousands are being let go and they fear being one of the causalities so they do the best they can with the limited resources they have available to them. This lack of resources is an even greater reason to make sure the Parent – Teacher partnership is strong. Teachers are often times stuck between the School District budget policies and Parents dedication to their children and that is the real reason Teachers walk on eggshells.

Your rule number 52 on the Essential 55 Rules is, “Learn from your mistakes and move on.” I very much hope you will learn from your mistakes and try to move on by making amends with the Parents you offended with your article.

https://www.specialeducationadvisor.com/a-letter-to-ron-clark-what-parents-really-want-to-tell-teachers/

- Doug  

FFA Adds Alumni Association (9-20-11)

I would had been a charter member, however my grades prohibited me from participating and/or being recognized (and all other extra-curricular activities)in the original chapter.

I do remember Mr. Scarborough putting together a team for a land judging competition. The event was in Holtville. I remember Joe saying as we were walking out through the field towards the sample pits " Guy's the shortest point between A & B is in a strait line." That's about all I ever learned in land judging!!! We were skunked in the event.

I also remember Joe coming up with the design on the first green house ( where the newer one now standing is.) I drew the blueprints. It was an elaborate design with intake air with water filtration to create a humid environment. The construction was a bit shoddy, but it functioned as designed.

Joe had a knack for connecting with a lot of the guys back then. He instilled a sense of worth and pride for a lot of his students. I remember all the guys getting their corduroy FFA jackets with their names embroidered on them and how proud they were of them.

Things were different back then. Guys brought their cars in the shop and worked on them. Some also brought their shotguns for cleaning and repair. My how things have changed.

As a footnote, despite my trials, tribulations, hardships and downright disdain for my years in school, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Mr. James Taylor, who not only put up with the likes of myself and many others, but recognized my potential and abilities that guided me into my lifelong career. I will always be grateful - Bobby Dennis

Newcastle (9-20-11)

"The long, hard road for the Tigers just got a lot longer and harder. Could this be the beginning of the end of the Chizik era?"

Are you insane? Of all the dumb things you've written this has to be the dumbest! CHIZIK WON A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 8 MONTHS AGO!

You are such an in the closet Bammer. Go jump in a lake - WDE4Life

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Newcastle (9-20-11)

"Newbarner! I wll believe Arkansas plays us within 3 at home under Saban when I see it! I was supposed to have seen it two years ago. I didn't see it! Trent is gonna rip holes all through the Hogs! When are you gonna wake up and realize that Alabama is DESTINED to win the title this year?

Only an idiot would pick Auburn to win by such a margin! They will be lucky to win the rest of the year. I hope you have a good job because if you are living off your hack work here you must be hurting.

RTR! - Salsa

City of Tallassee (9-13-11)

As Gomer Pyle would say, “Surprise ! Surprise ! Surprise!” . Now the Mayor and City Council find that they have to come up with $400,000.00, they were not expecting, to match a grant.  Also, since they quickly passed a measure to raise the sales tax, guess what? Tax revenue is down. Who’da thunk it?

Obviously, not this mayor and council. They continue to march blindly behind the bumbling bureaucratic leadership of the Central Alabama Regional Planning Commission.

As long as they continue to pass ordinances and taxes that stifle our businesses, the citizens of Tallassee can continue to expect this charade. And by the way, has anyone noticed all of the properties they have had to rezone?

Now they have to go back to Mr. Clark and do as Oliver Twist did and beg, “I want more Sir, Please More”

“Nip it, Nip it, Nip it”, Barney Fife - Gary Stiff

From the Hill (9-13-11)

Well at least I got you to thinking !
You said "I personally, as a native born son of the south, don't ever recall possessing any kind of antipathy or hatred toward another human being for any reason other than that they would be a threat to life and freedom." Ray , You can not say you love someone , then write lies , 1/2 truths, and things taken out of context , about them . You cannot wish to deny these persons their freedoms . As a Christian you are violating the Commandment of bearing false witness , and Jesus's Commandment to love one another. Jesus meant to truly Love one another , not just pay it lip service.
 The e-mails you send around cannot be proven . I haven't ever read anything about Sharia Law taking over anywhere , in fact just the opposite, except in Muslim countries. When you continue to pass along these junk e-mails , just because they support what you want to believe , You are fanning the flames of hatred , thats what happened in Norway .

 The Nazis were a clear enemy . Hitler had already conquered several countries , He had to be stopped ! How can you compare Nazism to intergration or hatred of other religions ? I can remember reading how if Dr. Martin Luther King has His way , it will be the downfall of the Nation ! Or how the Communist were secretly in our schools , in our Churches .  How many lives were ruined over the Communism scare ? Turned out there wasn\'t nothing to to it . Just like your Muslim scare tactics .

 Want to fight Muslims ? Show them what a 'REAL' Christian is like ! - Glenn Dean

Newcastle (9-13-11)

Yes, we hate it that UA can't play in Atlanta every year.  Give me a break, you type as if they always have bad out of conference games.  PSU is a name at least, and UA can't help it if they suck.  Rank the out of conference schedules of SEC teams.  Auburn has such a strong out of conference schedule as well.  Clemson who was getting beat by Wofford (a team with a terrier for a mascot) is really strong.....  Take your Auburn pot shots where you can though, right? - Donny

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Newcastle (9-13-11)

Newcastle you are such a dipstick! *ubren is going to get dumptrucked by Clemson. We'll see how all in you are after that!

LSU's defense is the most dominant? HAVE YOU SEEN THE TIDE BOY!?! The Whoville losers will drop it to the MSU Dawgs you can bet that.

Alabama will crush everyone. When you are Alabama, you don't have to play out of conference teams of note. Everyone KNOWS THE TIDE and RESPECTS THE TIDE.

You better recognize! - Salsa

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Newcastle (9-13-11)

@ Salsa

I don't get on here and post very often but I do have a few things to say about those comments. I don't agree with some of Newcastle's picks on occasion but he doesn't have to agree with mine either. If Auburn gets "dump trucked" by Clemson I will be very surprised but on to the main point. Thinking that MSU is going to beat LSU will never come to reality in my meaningless personal opinion. Look at how they dominated AU Saturday. It was up front with the big nasties!!! LSU, to me, has the best D-line in the conference and will put the pressure on Relf that AU was unable to place and that option is very unlikely to be able to get outside the tackles and spread before a decision to pitch or tuck will be able to be made. I will predict 3 sacks and a lot of tackles for loss in that game. I might eat my words Thursday night but I feel confident in them now.

I am an AU fan first and SEC fan second, so I try to look at the best in all of our chances to keep our streak of keeping the title in the SEC another year. Is it Bama, LSU, South Carolina, or Arkansas? Who knows. Alabama and LSU both have very respectable defenses and are way too close to choose which one is most dominant. When Alabama holds someone to -4 yards rushing and 95 yards total offense, then I think you have a legit argument - Stephen Cooper

Father Lynch (9-6-11)

We were blessed to have had the honor and priviledge of having Father Lynch as our priest; and even though we know that it is only befitting that Father Lynch is able to retire we know that he will be truly missed by all that he has touched.

You were and continue to be a source of great comfort to us, Father.  Thank you.

We miss you Father and we pray that you will enjoy your time of retirement.  God be with you always.
 Lots of Love and Prayers Always,

Michael and Kaye Gaither

Fireman's Fallout (9-6-11)

Fireman’s Fall Out – The members of the Tallassee Volunteer Firefighters Association would like to thank the sponsors who supported the event and the people who came out to support it. The event was a success for us and we are looking at it being an annual if not semi-annual event.  Any comments or suggestions are welcome to make the event even better for next year. Thanks again for your support of the TVFFA. Through its funding it enables the Tallassee Fire Department to better serve the citizens of Tallassee - Deputy Chief Travis M. Jones

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Fireman's Fallout (9-6-11)

Outstanding event, beautiful weather, great music, and a wonderful place to have it. Can’t wait until the next one. Thank you Travis and the TVFFA for listening to the people of Tallassee and giving them what they want.

Thanks - Ryan M.

Football Picks (9-6-11)

*Sigh*; as much as it pains me to say it I'm afraid, Michael, you are giving my beloved "Trembling Chihuahuas" - as Jeff Shultz loves to call them - too much credit against South Carolina this weekend - Vicki

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