Taking A Huge Step Forward While Helping Reduce The Carbon Footprint

Sierra Conservation Project and the Town of Mammoth Lakes team up to expand the town’s recycling program.

By Victor Meier

The Town of Mammoth Lakes has teamed up with The Sierra Conservation Project, Inc. (SCP) in order to put one large, green foot forward.

Progressive changes are prevailing in Mammoth Lakes, CA as the SCP along with Mammoth has announced the expansion of services to the condominium, commercial and recreational area recycling programs. This is great news on the heels of learning about the proposed ban on plastic bottles and bags that is gaining momentum amongst many Mammoth locals.

The partnership between the SCP and the Town of Mammoth Lakes has existed for quite some time now and is considered by town officials to be a successful program. Mammoth and the SCP have received an award of $108,000 grant from Department of Recourses Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to expand their current recycling programs within the Town of Mammoth Lakes.

According to the town’s official website, The SCP is working in concert with the Town of Mammoth Lakes and CalRecycle to provide 30 bear-proof containers to the condominium complexes in town that currently don’t have a recycling program.

The CalRecylcle grant funds will allow the SCP and Mammoth to upgrade all of their commercial bear-proof containers at restaurants, bars and other business locations in town. Improvement to the Mammoth’s recycling infrastructure in and around the Lakes Basin will involve new containers in town parks like the Whitmore Recreation Area and Shady Rest Park.

To register for the SCP and Town Condominium Recycling Program, the town encourages you to visit www.recyclesierra.com there you can fill out necessary additional information. For additional information on the Condominium and Business Recycling Program, you may contact the Sierra Conservation Project at (760) 914 0115 or e-mail Brian@recyclesierra.com.

Public Service Announcement from Mono County

The Assistant Director of Finance, Rosemary Glazier would like to remind all Mono County Property Owners that the 2nd installment of th 2013/14 Secured Property Taxes are due. Glazier reminds Mono property owners that they have until Thursday April 10, 2014 to submit a properly postmarked envelope with their payments enclosed to the Post Office or submitted to the Bridgeport County Offices on the same day before 5:00pm. Southern County residents, for your conveinence payments can be made at the Mono County Community Development Office which is located in Mammoth Lakes near the town offices at The Minaret Village Mall. Property owners may also make payments over the phone by simply calling 1 (866) 506-3860 or via the worldwide web @ www.monocounty.ca.gov
Remember ALL Mono County Property Owners have until Thursday, April 10, 2014 to make their payments.

Wisconsin Republican Congressman, Paul Ryan Claims He Was Inarticulate

(USA Today Photo)

The distinguished gentleman proving

why one should never apologize unless one means it.

By Victor Meier

Following the story about Wisconsin Republican Congressman, Paul Ryan there is clarification regarding Representative Ryan’s comments.

Apparently and according to Paul Ryan he was merely being inarticulate. That may have been the case, it doesn’t appear that way, however, I will give Rep. Ryan the benefit of doubt. So, please Mr. Ryan…by all means, articulate further regarding your comments about “inner city men” for us.

Here is Mr. Ryan’s official statement in its entirety:

After reading the transcript of yesterday morning’s interview, it is clear that I was inarticulate about the point I was trying to make. I was not implicating the culture of one community-but of society as a whole. We have allowed our society to isolate or quarantine the poor rather than integrate people into our communities. The predictable result has been multi-generational poverty and little opportunity. I also believe the government’s response has inadvertently created a poverty trap that builds barriers to work. A stable, good-paying job is the best bridge out of poverty. The broader point I was trying to make is that we cannot settle for this status quo and that government and families have to do more and rethink our approach to fighting poverty. I have witnessed amazing people fighting against great odds with impressive success in poor communities. We can learn so much from them, and that is where this conversation should begin.

Right away my BS meter begins to peak when Rep. Ryan starts with “After reading the transcript” as if he were having some sort of out-of-body experience. Like during his interview he was possessed by the homeless holy spirit, speaking in tongues and has no idea what he said. Furthermore, if these are such essential principles to your ability to effectively legislate then wouldn’t one have a more firm grasp upon one’s assertions, beliefs and convictions. For goodness sake, people’s lively hoods and in some cases their very lives are depending on what legislation is enacted.

Secondly and quite obviously Ryan calls his comments “inarticulate” which brings one of my favorite quotes from the movie The Princess Bride and the famous words of Inigo Montoyo, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” No, Representative Ryan, you actually were very articulate in conveying your message. Allow me to reiterate your points and in your words. “We have got this tailspin of culture, in our inner cities in particular, of men not working and just generations of men not even thinking about working or learning to value the culture of work, so there is a real culture problem here that has to be dealt with,” so say Paul Ryan. Also, keep in mind the point I made in the preceding article; rural poverty affects more Americans than urban poverty.

In any event, that’s what Rep. Ryan said and then he went on to further his claims and substantiate his beliefs by sighting the Bell Curve and the work of (pseudo) Social Scientist Charles Murray. Paul Ryan is arguing that in Murray’s so-called research (and I say that with great confidence as many traditional scientists refute Murray’s work based on a lack of actual scientific principle) claiming “disadvantaged communities” are disadvantaged because of an inability to compete with Caucasian men. This is simply because these “disadvantaged men in disadvantaged communities” are intellectually and morally inferior. I’ll let that sink in.

It appears as if Rep. Ryan believes he can Jedi Mind Trick the American people into believing his own spin? “I was not implicating the culture of one community,” Ryan said. With all due respect Mr. Ryan, yes you were. In fact, that is exactly what you were doing. Those were your words. Nobody misquoted you or paraphrased your statements inaccurately. That was your emphatic sentiment alone. You supported your beliefs by sighting the Bell Curve. Ryan claimed that residents of the inner city have a “real culture problem”. The “Inner City” is a community and you accused them of having a real culture problem relating to their work ethic and claimed that it was multigenerational.

California Representative, Democrat Barbara Lee is also the former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus and for obvious reasons took exception with Ryan’s comments. Representative Lee levied her own criticism of the Congressman’s comments. “Let’s be clear, when Mr. Ryan says ‘inner city’, when he says ‘culture’, these are simply code words for what he really means, black,” Representative Lee said in a statement Wednesday. In an interview with Joy Reid, Rep. Lee stated that Rep. Ryan had reached out to her and that she had not backed away from her assertions.

Representative Ryan claims to be making a broader point about poverty and how we as a nation deal with the subject. That is merely more lip service by the distinguished gentleman from Wisconsin. The House of Representatives following Ryan’s leadership alongside Speaker of the House, John Boehner have blocked 7 attempts by the Obama Administration to created jobs. The House has forced President Obama to sign executive orders in order to provide relief and support to many hard working Americans. The Republican lead House of Representatives have not introduced one piece of legislation proposing even one job.

Narrative is cheap and when one is insane enough to keep repeating oneself, unfortunately there are a great many people who will believe what a person is saying no matter how contradictory the information is. If a person repeats something enough times to enough people it eventually becomes true. Paul Ryan said, “You can’t just say I’m paying my taxes, government’s going to fix that. You need to get involved.” Yes you absolutely can and in fact that is part of getting involved.

Paying taxes and supporting social programs is the most patriotic act in a democratic government. That is what taxes are designed to do. It seems to work well enough with every other government function and you don’t hear Republicans saying that you can’t just pay your taxes and hope the government will protect you from terrorists. That has become the entire function of our standing military. Contributing to the civic structure of America and demanding that your contributions be correctly attributed is extremely patriotic and adheres to the principles of our founding fathers and framers of our government.

The hypocrisy that is allowed to be spewed and treated like valid information is sickening to me. Fellow Americans, brothers and sisters stand up to this evil tyranny and demand more from our leadership. Rep. Ryan is right to some degree. Americans cannot expect government to do anything positive for us because people like Ryan are incapable of leading and accomplishing anything for the American people. The Republican lead House of Representatives are too busy undermining the efforts of the current administration to focus on accomplishing anything that will allow us to look upon the government during this period in time favorably. They question I keep asking readers is why? Why is this occurring?

The Truth About Poverty in America

(AP Photo)

Why Congressman Paul Ryan couldn’t be more wrong about poverty in America.

By Victor Meier

At this point if you slightly pay attention to American politics you have either heard or been told about Wisconsin Congressman (R), Paul Ryan’s recent statements regarding the culture of America’s inner city men; something about how there are generations of men not even thinking about working or learning the value and the culture of work.

Representative Ryan recently made an appearance on Bill Bennett’s Morning in America, a radio talk show hosted by conservative Bill Bennett. Rep. Ryan serves as the Chairman of the House Budget Committee and was visiting the show to discuss his new policy proposals regarding America's social safety nets otherwise refered to as welfare. Central to the congressman’s plan is re-emphasizing work and for some reason to reform America's welfare programs.

Fraud accounts for less that 2% of unemployment insurance payments in America. In the statistical world this amounts to little more than an anomaly. According to research reported by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the industries which are most vulnerable to fraud are businesses in the banking and financial institutions. Government, public administration and followed by manufacturing round out the other top categories. The mention of government and public administration make reference the corruption of civic leadership we see so rampantly and to in regard to public assistance or social safety net recipients.

(Image from usda.gov)

 Furthermore, according to the same ACFE report it was managers and executives who usually commit the most fraudulent behavior. Which brings us back to Rep. Ryan and his erroneous approach to poverty; Ryan believes that there is in his words a, “Tailspin of culture, in our inner cities in particular, of men not working and just generations of men not even thinking about working or learning the value and the culture of work.” Ryan went on to qualify his statements by saying, “So there’s a real culture problem here that has to be dealt with.”

Congressman Ryan most likely realized how his comments would be received and went on to encourage Americans to get involved. Ryan believes that Americans can show that a civil society rather than government can best serve the poor. This is where I have to fight from going completely nuts. Idiotic and misinformed statements like these are only feeding American’s misconception and understanding of American Civics and Politics. So, I’m going to begin class for a moment and give a quick civics lesson beginning with definitions.

Opinion (o·pin·ion / əˈpinyən/) noun; a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. Not necessarily based in fact or knowledge. Please let that sink in; because this is why when it comes to fact based discussions an opinion is not always valued. Our next word is Government (gov·ern·ment/ ˈgəvər(n)mənt) noun; the governing body of a nation, state, or community. The type of government that we have in America is called a Democracy (de·moc·ra·cy/diˈmäkrəsē) noun: a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives. To paraphrase we have a system of self governance in America.

So, in effect, we already have the system in place to do what Congressman Ryan suggests. There are already platforms in place to support Rep. Ryan’s ideas. This reminds me of the rage against driving with cell phones and the resulting laws supporting hands free driving; ignoring the fact that it is already against the law to be distracted while driving and furthermore, studies have concluded that drivers are just as distracted by phone calls whether or not hands free.

Students, we are at a crossroads now where it seems that one person’s opinion is just as important as another person’s factual information and studied approach. The vilification of government is simply asinine. It is completely counterproductive to what our societal needs.

Now you understand that fraud related to entitlement programs is nearly nonexistent and I beg of you to forego your kneejerk response to apply anecdotal information to the mix. Everyone seems to know someone who they believe is undeserving of the support they are receiving and this is troubling to me. To gripe over crumbs whilst the rich and wealthy feast is simply crab grabbing and it seems to me that much of the American public is happy begrudging each other rather than demanding more for themselves.

Republican Congressman Paul Ryan believes that our problem stems from the inner city. That’s interesting let’s examine that assertion. According to a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) study Rural Poverty exceeds Urban Poverty and especially in the Southern United States where many of Rep. Ryan’s colleagues and supporters come from. I for one simply cannot understand why they are so deceitful; other than because of unscrupulous greed. The actions that Ryan has proposed are immoral.

Rep. Ryan keeps referencing former President of the United States Bill Clintons welfare reform from 1996 where the idea of “Welfare to Work” was spawned. Great points Congressman, so, tell me again why there is need for your program other than to make significant cuts that would only affect a small fraction of the US Budget? Why do we need to reform programs with nearly non-existent fraud? This is exactly the same sort of witch hunt conjured up to create restrictive voting rights. Please don’t believe the hype just because a person is insane enough to keep repeating it.

This has become a repeated strategy amongst so-called conservatives who have created the existence of problems that are not a large enough part of the solution, though; they occupy much of ours and our government official’s time. These are distractions meant to be veiled as solutions to problems that don’t exist; while ignoring our country’s true problems and solutions. One of the most successful programs in the history of our country is Medicare. Paul Ryan says that the program is inefficient. That is completely untrue. Prior to have Medicare, Social Security, Unemployment Relief, etc.; America struggled with enormous amounts of poverty. These programs have effectively thwarted those issues.

References:

Bill Bennett’s Morning in America, http://www.billbennett.com/

Unites States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Economic Research Service. United States Census Bureau 2013; Annual Social and Economic Supplements.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/

Congressional Budget Office, CBO, http://www.cbo.gov/

Bishop's Proposed OHV Park

(From September 25, 2013)

City and County Officials propose groundbreaking idea for increasing recreational opportunities in the Eastern Sierras.

By Victor Meier

“If there are any concerns, we want to hear about them.” Bishop City Administrator Keith Caldwell told me before Wednesday night’s first of three public meetings to discuss The ATV Trail System proposed by the City of Bishop and Mono County in collaboration.

According to Mr. Caldwell, “Bishop is the first town in California to offer a program like this one.” Caldwell enthusiastically urged residents to get involved, saying, “We are seeking your input.” City of Bishop and Mono County Officials, CHP Officers, Bishop Police, other members of law enforcement and interest groups gathered in the parking lot of the Bishop Senior Center; giving Bishop and Mono County Residents the opportunity to voice their concerns and get close to the types of vehicles they might encounter should Assembly Bill 628 successfully become implemented.

Bishop City and Mono County officials are expecting the proposed bill to pass within a year and upon completion of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). “How much does the EIR cost the town of Bishop,” a man asked? According to Director of Public Works, David Grah and Mono County Transportation Planner, Courtney Smith, the City of Bishop’s cost will be, “Little to nothing,” in their words. This is due mainly to a generous grant generated by revenue from the California Department of Motor Vehicle’s Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Green Stickers. The “Green Stickers” are issued to all California OHVs year model 2002 and older, including those that were previously issued a red sticker, and to 2003 and newer complying vehicles. Green stickers are issued to OHVs for year round use at all California OHV riding areas.

That same man brought up another point about the need to have an economic analysis conducted, which there have been none to this point. The man, staying focused on the issue of cost, asked about the possibility of the city’s increased expenses for First Responders. Basically, the man wanted to know who was going to guard the high traffic volumes that may potentially occur and if it was going to be Bishop…“How much is that going to cost?”

Bishop Chief of Police, Chris Carter asserted that with implementation of the ATV Trail System, the city would apply for more funds generated from the Green Stickers. He also made mention of his ability to coordinate with other available law enforcement and praised their support. A sentiment that was echoed by the strong presence of law enforcement as mentioned before. The Chief also expressed a desire to “reach out to law enforcement where this sort of program is already in place.”

A woman was concerned about her street, which is along the town’s proposed ATV access route.  Apparently her street has no sidewalks. “Are the routes set in stone,” the woman asked? “My street has no sidewalks and the kids have to play in the street,” she continued, “It worries me.” Mr. Grah assured the woman that, “OHVs are just like traditional vehicles and follow the same rules.” “Yes, within the city they are like any other vehicle,” followed Chief Carter.

Grah had stated earlier that the residents of Bishop who were living along the proposed routes had been notified about their proximity and opportunity to be involved personally by the city of Bishop at each resident’s home. “All the routes are yet to be agreed upon,” said Grah. “We want to increase recreational opportunities in the Eastern Sierras,” continued Grah, “Our goal is to connect OHV areas with services in Bishop.” Bishop Mayor, Laura Smith thinks that, “This can be a great opportunity to bring tourist dollars into Bishop.”

Another man expressed concern for the fact that he was apparently unable to state his questions, comments and/or concerns anywhere other than in public forums like the one offered Wednesday evening. “Go to the (Mono) County website and click on the “Interested Parties” link,” Mono County Transportation Planner, Courtney Smith suggested. Grah told the man, “Our intention was to be informal.”

Collectively Bishop’s Officials supported the idea of being open to change and applying the resident’s valuable concerns and experiences to the program planning. “This is a pilot program and we want your feedback,” said Caldwell, “This is an exciting venture and we are seeking your input,” he reiterated. The Bishop City Administrator was adamant in expressing Bishop’s commitment to “Operating with transparency and taking all the right steps to make sure that it (the proposed ATV Trail System) is safe.”

Facts About the Proposed OHV Trail System

1.      There are no plans that are set in stone-this is a pilot program with room for adjustment.

2.      Routes have yet to be agreed upon.

3.      There has been no CHP Safety determination yet.

4.      The Environment Analysis will be conducted next and thanks to a Green Sticker funded grant will cost Bishop “little to nothing” and will take about one year to complete.

5.      All signage is being paid by the State of California.

6.      Any additional First Responder cost can be offset with Green Sticker funds.

7.      OHV operators are licensed drivers who are required to carry auto insurance.

8.      OHVs must stay on clearly marked and designated routes and are limited to certain vehicles.

9.      No economic analysis has been done relating to the operation of these trails.

References

http://www.bishopvisitor.com/activitiesMotorTouring.php

http://www.inyoltc.org/

http://www.off-road.com/trails-events/trails/offroad-travel-bishop-calif-52895.html

http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bishop/ohv_and_suv_info.html

Quimby Act, http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/795/files/quimby101.pdf

Green Stickers, http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/ohvredgreen.htm

Hippies Use Side Door to Mono County

(From December 10, 2013)

By Victor Meier

(Below: Photo of an Exhibition at Burning Man)  

During the Mono County Board of Supervisors Meeting today, Mono County Sheriff Ralph Obenberger addressed the council in a very frank manner reminding the Board of Supervisors that it “does not determine the type of law enforcement services provided to the citizens and/or visitors of Mono County, that is the purview of the Sheriff.” 

In his open letter to the Board of Supervisors as well as the citizens of Mono County, the Sheriff wrote, “The Board of Supervisors has two responsibilities in dealing with my Office. One is to provide a yearly budget and the second is to authorize the number of employees. These responsibilities are delineated in California Government Codes and within those codes it specifically states that the Board shall not affect or obstruct the independent functions of the Sheriff.” This was clearly in response the Board members questioning of his office’s tactics during the December 3, 2013 Board Meeting.

(Generic Photo Below) 

 However, the California Government Code explains the relationship more in depth and in a little different light. California Government Code 25303 does state what the honorable Sheriff claims it says. Though, it also reads that “The board of supervisors shall supervise the official conduct of all county officers, and officers of all districts and other subdivisions of the county, and particularly insofar as the functions and duties of such county officers and officers of all districts and subdivisions of the county relate to the assessing, collecting, safekeeping, management, or disbursement of public funds. It shall see that they faithfully perform their duties, direct prosecutions for delinquencies, and when necessary, require them to renew their official bond, make reports and present their books and accounts for inspection.”

(Generic Photo Below)  

After the Sheriff concluded with the Board he walked out with five uniformed officers and another ten, plain clothes individuals. Clearly there was a message intended to be sent. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the people present during the Board Meeting Tuesday were in the Board Room to show their support of the Sheriff and his office. 

An unnamed Mono citizen offered their support to the Sheriff and was quoted in the Sheriff’s letter as saying, “I wonder how many date rapes didn’t occur because you took the drugs off the street.” This display of ignorance about rape and crime only perpetuates the stereotypes that lead to police profiling.

The incidents of rape relating to drugs are not a prevailing concern. In America, according to the US Department of Justice, 87% of rapes were done so by force alone and 2/3 of all sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim. Preventing rape and sexual assault requires real police work and investigation into domestic disputes and child endangerment issues. Not from busting the Burning Man Neo-Hippies. This hysterical overreaction followed by erroneous assertions stem from some conditioned Reefer Madness propaganda that resides nowhere near reality. Besides, in a county that relies heavily on tourism revenue, we should be considerate and more inviting. What if Napa County started randomly stopping people with no probable cause other than their proximity to alcohol?

As the Board members stated their concerns and objections to the idea of sobriety check points in Mono County the Sheriff expressed his direct and open objection by aggressively interrupting and then forcefully stating that the check points in question where constitutionally upheld by the Supreme Court. Speed traps and sobriety check points have been upheld by the California Supreme Court and commonly come under fire as entrapment; even so, the Sheriff is correct in his assertion. He could have done so in a much more respectful and tactful way though.

(Generic Photo Below) 

Intrigued, I personally contacted the Sheriff’s Office to ask some questions and they were so kind as to respond candidly with these answers: (All answers are in their original form with no editing.)

Q. In your letter you state that the Sheriff’s office is an independent, constitutional office. What do you mean by that? What is a "Constitutional Office"?

A. A constitutional office is one that is operated and run by an elected official. Every member of this Office has taken an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California.

Q. Is it not the function of the board to supervise that county and therefore their solemn duty to call into question actions they do not support?

A. The Board of Supervisors has the right to their opinion, and those of their constituents. They do not have the right to dictate how the Sheriff’s Office conducts their operations and performs their law enforcement duties throughout the county.

Q. I counted 14 empty chairs after the Sheriff spoke yesterday then exited with most of the people in the room; including five uniformed deputies. What was the purpose of that showing?

A. The men and women that were in the Board room on Tuesday, were there to show their support to Sheriff Obenberger and the Mono County Sheriff’s Office. Everyone present showed up on their own accord and were not required to be there by the Sheriff in any way. The purpose of the “showing” was of support for the department.

Q. During that display of participation how many officers were on duty and patrolling?

A. There was no lack of patrol coverage throughout the “showing” in the Board room. All staff members present are assigned to the Bridgeport area, and Bridgeport offices. Other department members were there to show support on their own time and day off. There was absolutely no interruption to public safety during the time in question.

Q. Does it concern the Sheriff to take deputies away from police work in order to place them in a centralized location?

A. The Sheriff did not take any deputy away from performing police work and ensuring the safety of our public for the time in question. As stated above, there was absolutely no interruption in our patrol force and to public safety.

Q. When conducting sobriety check points are deputies taken away from patrolling during that time? How many officers are on patrol during sobriety check points?

A. The Mono County Sheriff’s Office does not conduct sobriety checkpoints.

Q. How do feel about the assertion that conducting sobriety check points during the "Burning Man" festivities is profiling?

A. As previously stated, the Mono County Sheriff’s Office does not conduct sobriety checkpoints. For any assertions you are looking for, you will need to contact an agency that conducts these sobriety check points.

 (Below: Image from Reefer Madness)

This statement is concerning to me as the Sheriff’s letter openly discussed the use of what they themselves called "sobriety check points". The Sheriff’s statement is quite emphatically in opposition of that statement, though. Ultimately, it appears as if all is not amicable amongst Mono County leadership. There is a difference between checks and balances and actually regulating the actions of law enforcement and impeding its ability to protect the residents of Mono County. That in clearly not the case and from where I stand not a genuine concern. Furthermore, even though ruled constitutional the debate still occurs as to just how legal these checkpoints actually are. Laws that permit checkpoints are certainly not set in stone and are increasing becoming publicly unfavorable. In this journalist’s educated opinion, checkpoints are not a hill worth perishing on. Moreover, I personally don't want to live in a police state where we are no longer innocent until proven guilty but rather increasingly assumed guilty and charged with proving our innocence.

Our Students’ Needs Must Be Met for Success in the Classroom

Students don’t care what you know until they know that you care.

By Victor Meier

When students do not feel safe with their teachers and school officials, she or he is likely not to of performed as well as students who are comfortable or unaffected.

Years ago, as a society we all agree that it was okay for boys to cry. I grew up in the seventies, so I still remember being promised I would be, “given something to cry about.” Oh joy! Now when our students feel misunderstood they feel unsafe and that is often because the teacher cannot connect with the way the student learns. The student then often becomes disconnected and isolated from the classroom. Most students are not affected this way. This is why understanding the brain, how it has evolved and functions are paramount to effective instruction.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs makes the point that without a student’s basic needs being met there will be no foundation for proper instruction. It is then fair to characterize the whole organism by saying simply that it is hungry, for consciousness is almost completely preempted by hunger. The human brain is “wired” for survival and when the basic needs of the human are not being met it becomes difficult for the individual to concentrate on higher functioning cognitive tasks until hers or his basic needs have been met.

The brain is a survival organ. It is designed to solve problems related to surviving in an unstable outdoor environment and to do so in nearly constant motion (to keep you living long enough to pass your genes on). We were not the strongest on the planet but we developed the strongest brains, the key to our survival.

Theoretical Learning Models and the Evolution of the Brain

Theoretical learning models are just that, theory. There is no one specific way to approach all students. Each student will dictate the way that she or he is best approached. It is up to the educators to assess each student’s preferred learning modality and apply a appropriate strategy. John Wooden stated in his book, They Call Me Coach that he treated all players fairly, though not equally. Each player is a uniquely different person with individual needs. Wooden believed that treating (former players) Bill Walton and Henry Bibby the same way was unfair to both players; because each player was different.  Wooden only lead UCLA’s Basketball Team to 88 Straight Victories that nearly spanned the entire college career of Walton and others.

In the classroom Classic Conditioning is the foundation for how every other learning model will operate. Applying a system or “method madness” allows freedom in that students will always know at every stage in their educational process and throughout their days, what is exactly expected of them. This allows them the opportunity to hold each other accountable. Accountability extends to the instructor as she or he will need to monitor and ensure positive interactions between classmates. When considering the influence of technology in the classroom and how this affects instruction I suggest that teachers use a Social Learning Model for instruction.

It’s the foundational responsibility of the instructor to model the type of work that she or he expects from their students. However, allowing students to assist each other only makes the teacher’s job easier and more successful. Yes, more successful. Many times students have insights into each other’s struggles that the teacher cannot relate to. Admittedly, this is a gray area; however, strong leadership requires involvement and attention to detail. Students sharing information and ideas foster greater understanding of the subject matter. Our ability to understand each other is our chief survival tool. Relationships helped us survive in the jungle and are critical to surviving at work and school today. It all relies on proper accountability and support.

The Effects of Exercise on the Brain

We all know that exercise is good for the body. But it’s incredibly good for the brain too. Exercise zaps harmful stress chemicals. It boosts problem-solving abilities, planning and attention, also. There is no worse environment for the brain than that of the classroom, library, office, cubical, etc. Human beings are wired for movement. The body has evolved in such a way that our movements have been built to conserve energy and therefore requiring less effort and expending less energy. Not to mention preventing brain diseases and protecting the body from illness as well.

Human beings are meant to move and some research suggests that early Paleolithic man traveled up to twelve miles per day. That is the basis for a new exercise and diet trend fashioned around the Paleolithic Era. The human brain evolved under conditions of almost constant motion. From this, one might predict that the optimal environment for processing information would include motion. That is exactly what one finds. Indeed, the best business meeting would have everyone walking at about 1.8 miles per hour. Discussions within a brisk walk… That is definitely something to think about.

Evolutionary Adaptations

The human species has evolved in a very controversial manner with researchers and scientists commonly disagreeing on many aspects of evolution. There are some that believe in the idea of a missing link and others lend less credibility to this theory. All in all these are theories with discrepancies. This is one interpretation of the hominid family “tree,” of which Homo sapiens is one branch. Looking more like a rosebush than an elm, this tree is under constant revision and is not universally embraced.

A version is on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Note how incomplete the story is. Dr. Medina claims that the human brain is composed of three parts; starting with the lizard brain in charge of the human’s basic need like breathing. The paleomammalian brain was then added and associated with what Dr. Medina refers to as “The four F’s” – Fighting, Feeding, Fleeing and… reproductive behavior. Then we added the complex human brain.

Adaptations in our wrists, hips, knees and other joints made us more efficient. Our ancestors used the energy savings to pump up the body not the brain. By comparison to our evolutionary counterparts (Chimpanzees) humans move about four times more efficiently than they do. That simply means that humans use approximately 75% less energy bipedally that quadrupeds do. Humans chose this path as one of less resistance. The strongest brains survive, not the strongest bodies. Our ability to solve problems, learn from mistakes, and create alliances with other people helps us survive. We took over the world by learning to cooperate and forming teams with our neighbors.

Conclusion

Obesity is a major public health problem in developed countries. This factor is a direct correlative to the importance of physical activity and allowing students to engage their physical surroundings. Technology can help bridge this gap with hands on experiences, simulations and academic games. However, this must be tendered with the importance of physical activity (both aerobic and anaerobic exercise). Low levels of physical activity coupled with high levels of television viewing have been linked with obesity in children. A lethargic body will breed an apathetic or lazy brain. At the end of the day the basic needs of students must be met in order to provide a level platform and foundation for education and instruction. It takes more brain power to solve life’s more complicated and complex problems.

 

Our brains became much bigger than our evolutionary counterparts’. In developing the more complex human brain, human beings have run into a problem; multiple meanings that can be applied to specific events or items. Educators must be aware of their students learning modalities and adhere to the difference of interpretation that many occur. It is this ability that has allowed the human race to share information and information is power. This process has allowed human beings to create structure, organization and planning. Dual representation allows us to assign meaning to symbols. From there we created language art, math, etc. This is the basis for how to build a strong mind and body; thereby preparing well rounded students for education. Education greatly reduces one’s willingness to turn to crime and other desperate actions, making educational expense and investment in civilization.

References

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Maslow/motivation.htm

Your Amazing Brain.org, http://www.youramazingbrain.org/insidebrain/brainevolution.htm

Medina, J. Brain Rules.com; #2 Survival, http://www.brainrules.net/survival

Makenzie, B.A., M.D., R. Tait, Exercise in Education and Medicine, Second Edition. (1909) W. B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, PA.

The recognition of physical education by teachers has been retarded by dabblers and self-elected professors of one or another systems, who’s extravagant claims have done much to obscure the real educational value of neuromuscular training. (Makenzie, Preface)

Bammann, K; Peplies, J; Sjostrom, M; Lissner, L; Henauw, S; Galli, C; Iacoviello, L; Krogh, V; Marild, S. & Pigeot, I. (2006). Assessment of diet, physical activity and biological, social and environmental factors in a multi-centre European project on diet- and lifestyle-related disorders in children (IDEFICS). Journal of Public Health. 
Harrison, M; Burns, C; McGuinness, M; Heslin, J. & Murphy, N. (2006). Influence of a health education intervention on physical activity and screen time in primary school children: Switch Off-Get Active.’ Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport.

The Middle Class is Dangerous

By Victor Meier

The Phrase “Middle Class” is a misguided term and by using it President Barack Obama is turning Americans against the “Michael Jordans” of our economy, the wealthy, according to Senator Jon Kyl (R) from Arizona.

So, no longer are the wealthy considered just “Job Creators” anymore, they are Superstars now. Kyl elaborated on the subject in a Huffington Post article, saying that President Obama should stop talking about the middle class altogether. Kyl contends that the use of the term middle class is dangerous. During his speech on the senate floor Kyl argued that the President’s statements about the middle class are dangerous because it creates resentment that leads to the weakening of “American values”.

Kyl claims that by sympathizing with the middle class, Americans are ignoring the “uniquely meritocratic basis of our society.” His sentiment flies directly in the face of historical fact and expert economic analysis. Ben Stein, former Republican Presidential Speech Writer and conservative economist told Fox and Friends, “We are going to have to raise taxes on very rich people.” Stein continued to say that he thinks America has a “too low taxes problem.” Kyl ignores the fact that statistically speaking, virtually no one becomes wealthy or even rich because of hard work and saving alone. However, the middle class was built by hard working Americans who were able to save their way to minor prosperity which in turn enriched our economy. Once upon a time this was enough for most Americans.

Meritocracy is a system where advancement is based upon individual ability and accomplishment. This is a theory that has been refuted by business experts like author of the Purple Cow, Seth Godin and authors of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter. Kyl’s assertion is that even though corporations have had a contentious relationship (at best) with the American worker from the onset of our country, representing workers rights is not good for the economy. Kyl’s correct in one sense. Though the American workers’ pay has flat lined over the last 25 years and union representation has decreased by more than half while corporate and Wall Street profits are at all time highs. The rich have gotten richer.

Below: Senator Jon Kyl (R) from Arizona

Perhaps Kyl views standing up for American workers and protecting their rights as an attack upon corporations and the rights of big business. Maybe Kyl does not see the exoneration of the American working class for what it is, an opportunity to contribute to capitalism. Whatever Kyl’s reasoning is, his message is clear about spreading what the senator calls “economic resentment” by acknowledging the importance of the middle class. Senator Kyl believes that by doing so we are weakening America values.

The fact of the matter is that Kyl either has no idea what it’s like to be poor or even middle class or he is willing to simply throw that entire segment of the American population under the bus. Senator Kyl do you know that a person’s brain and cognitive functions can be weakened by as much as 14% (Poverty Impedes Cognitive Function) due to the effects of poverty? Do you realize that the majority of Americans are going to have to work until the day they die just to be able to afford to live? Are you really expecting to preach these values seriously even though statistical evidence and historical facts have proven that trickledown economics do not work?  The middle class are the engine that runs our economy.

In America the average working person (meaning 40 hours a week 50 weeks a year) still work at least 400 hours more in one year than the average German. That’s over ten weeks more. Germany’s unemployment rate is 5.5% and the economy remains strong. Why is it that Americans are only given fourteen days off a year and yet on average only take twelve of those days off? Why is it that America is the only developed country in the world without so much as even one legally mandated paid holiday?

Perhaps it is the fact that Americans don’t get enough time off and when we get time off from work we still have very little money to travel and see the world with. This contributes to American’s misunderstanding of how the rest of the civilized world operates. Though there are plenty of examples of European countries struggling economically, keep in mind their citizens often have national debt that is lower per capita than American’s individual debt. These nations may be in debt and so is America. At the very least European citizens get something for their trouble.

Kyl is obviously reporting from “the information bubble” as he has no idea what truly transpired in Chicago when Michael Jordan rose to prominence as a player for the Chicago Bulls. "Michael Jordan was given an enormous, almost unheard of salary.” Did the other players say, 'That's not fair?' No, actually all the other players got big salary increases, too," Kyl told the Huffington Post. Not entirely true though. Yes, Jordan’s teammates were paid well. That was only because Jordan agreed to a reasonable salary so the team could afford to pay for good players to surround him with. “If I wanted to be greedy, I could make a lot more money.” -Michael Jordan. 

The Senate has been recently debating over whether or not to extend the Bush-era tax cuts that are largely attributed with the current disparity of wealth in America and the subsequent economic depression. The Bush-era tax cuts were extended to all Americans including the not so fortunate and yet it is the wealthy that have benefited most. Senate Democrats argue that the cuts should be extended for just people earning under $250,000 per year. That includes around 90% of the American population.

The sentiments expressed by Kyl are representative of a larger disdain openly expressed by economic conservatives that claim to be business friendly. In states where these views are prevalent in policy we have the so-called “Right to Work” laws. These laws are known to drive down wages for all workers and yet can be made into a convincing argument for commerce somehow. Right to work laws are discriminatory towards non-union members, women, and people of color. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans who live and work in right to work states make an average of $1,500 less yearly than in states where these laws don’t exist and are less likely to have health insurance too.

It’s all the rage to draw analogies with slavery no matter what the cause or issue is. This correlation has been highly overstated. The economic situation American’s are increasingly finding themselves in more resembles indentured servitude than slavery. Americans work, we work hard and we do good work. We just don’t get any reprieve from the work and stress related to a down economy and lack of job security. Americans don’t get any time off and when we do we don’t take it, we use it for overtime. The level of intellect and insight exhibited by senator Kyl is shameful, dismissive and counterproductive to the American economy. It is impossible to sustain a capitalist, consumer based economy when the consumer cannot afford to participate.

References

Scarcity: Why Having Too Little Means So Much, http://www.amazon.com/Scarcity-Having-Little-Means-Much/dp/0805092641

Focus: The Hidden Driver of Success, Goldman, D., http://www.amazon.com/Focus-The-Hidden-Driver-Excellence/dp/0062114867

How Poverty Taxes the Brain, Badger, E. The Atlantic Cities Website. Theatlanticcities.com, (August 29, 2013). http://www.theatlanticcities.com/jobs-and-economy/2013/08/how-poverty-taxes-brain/6716/

Poverty Impedes Cognitive Function, Mani, A., Mullainathan, S., Shafir, E., Zhao, J., Science Magazine, sciencemag.org website, (August 30, 2013). http://www.sciencemag.org/content/341/6149/976, http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/economics/staff/academic/mani/mani_science_976.full.pdf

Jon Kyl Berates Obama For Focus On Middle Class. McAuliff, M. Huffington Post, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/23/jon-kyl-middle-class-obama_n_1696826.html