In the "For What It's Worth" department, I offer my thank yous and my fears for 2018!
Thank You,
*Jimmy Haslam. Surprising even myself, I never thought I would utter those words. However, on August 3, 2015, I wrote the following in my blog for that day:
"I am wondering if the Browns could successfully build a winning franchise if they would just give a head coach . . . four years to jell . . . but I believe that a 'building' culture must be allowed to materialize. When a city as starved as Cleveland suffers through another long year, the coaches take the criticism. For once, I would love to see the owner turn a deaf ear to fans, regardless of the season's victory totals and say, 'This coach is our man, and we are sticking with him.' Yep, Mr. Haslam is saying that today after a few days of training camp, but I hope he is still saying it in December . . . and meaning it." (Of course, at the end of the 2015 season, Coach Mike Pettine was fired.)
Mr. Haslam, thank you for giving Coach Jackson at least another year. Of course, I run the risk of being heartily laughed at next year, but I am confident in this man. Working with the number of young players and trying to succeed in an environment where optimism rapidly disappears at the first sign of weakness is not an easy challenge. As I have watched his press conferences, Jackson's frustration was certainly obvious, but he remained so optimistic despite those slinging arrows in his direction. I admire that quality--it is a sign of a true leader. Interestingly, team discord seemed minimal--talk to any coach who has ever been in similar situations to see if that is the norm . . . doubt if you will find that to be true. My assumption is that he is a terrific communicator, one I look forward to seeing one day enjoy the trials of his labor.
Again, Mr. Haslam, thank you for finally bringing in football people to direct your franchise--now get out of their way and let them do their jobs . . . please!!
Thank You,
*President Donald Trump. Again, a surprise to myself, but my reasoning is quite simple. The President has backed me into a corner and forced me to pay much more attention to the political world. Prior to his arrival, of course, I had read, but I had never really made understanding politics a priority. Today, my perspective is much more worldly and certainly much more informed. Without the President's puzzling character emerging, I doubt if I would have the same perspective. I remain a novice--not any kind of expert--but I am an informed novice!
Mr. Trump, I thank you for your approach to the North Korean situation; beyond dialogue and sanctions, I have no idea of what alternative approach could be utilized. When dealing with a man just like you, you have stood up to him. I am reminded of Mr. Jim Nixon, a longtime Dover High School educator, who once told me that, occasionally, in dealing with a kid the teacher might have to get to the kid's level: Sometimes the only person a psycho respects is another psycho is the exact wording. During my teaching career, I had a few of those situations. Likewise, our President is facing the same situation and has momentarily stared down the North Korean leader . . . similar to dealing with kids.
Mr. President, I thank you for whatever role you have played in assisting the stock market to blossom into out-of-this-world territory. It's making many people a slew of money; here's hoping, however, that while you are taking bows for the market's success that you are man enough to accept any blame if or when the bottom falls out . . .then I will see if you are growing in character and showing true leadership skills.
Our President. I thank you for remaining a poster child in my classes. When we are discussing fallacies (flaws) of argument, my students are quick to identify the weaknesses of arguments presented by you. I certainly realize that my role in an English rhetoric class is to not discuss politics or influence students' opinions; however, when argument flaws such as dogmatism, character defamations, or stacking the deck (among others) are presented, my students have quickly brought up your name as someone who has built his reputation on doing so. I am impressed with their astuteness, but I am also painfully aware that it is a rare occasion where I have encountered much enthusiasm on campus for your presidency. Yet, your rhetorical missteps are certainly teaching points, which I do appreciate.
Thank You,
*High School Athletic Coaches. The day-to-day headaches and stress levels of working with kids are overwhelmed by the satisfaction of seeing kids achieve, whether that be in the win column or just simply be exceeding their own expectations. My wife and I continue to enjoy watching high school sports and taking in the entire experience of the games, the cheerleaders, the dance teams, the bands, and, most of all, the enthusiasm. Behind those successes are the coaches, the leaders. Frustrating at times, of course, but the satisfaction of building relationships far exceeds the occasional out-of-control parent who once played the sport and, therefore, is a self-proclaimed expert. My contention after watching parents for a lifetime is that the most effective parents are the ones who enjoy their kids' performances and stay out of the picture. If disagreeing, ask a few of those kids about their parents' behavior--most will tell you that their folks are embarrassing . . . and trust me the other kids know it as well. Thank you, coaches, for what you do behind the scenes . . . it's so vital to kids' lives whether others truly appreciate it or not.
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I'm Afraid . . .
*America, that when bipartisan committees have the opportunity to meet with the President, that the people in the room do not hear the same message. Here's hoping that attendees at these meetings do not allow their attention to drift so that they all can legitimately say exactly what words and messages were used . . . might help in establishing credibility with the American people!
*America, that we are going to end up in a war with North Korea. Our macho side, of course, believes that "we will teach them a lesson, one they will never forget." I hope we are intelligent enough to realize that in today's world, that thought is quite naïve in many ways. American support appears to be on the decline, so what the future holds regarding support from other countries remains to be seen. I fear the consequences of lost lives and economic instability, particularly when being threatened by nuclear weaponry.
*America, that our country will continue to be split simply due to our populace's failure to understand, consider, and appreciate others' perspectives. I have said it numerous times in my blogs that I am not a supporter of Donald Trump because I despise his character. Others have told me that he is exactly the tough man we need at this time regardless of character and that I am a snowflake for not supporting his approach. However, I continue to read and listen as I try to develop an academic understanding of why our country is split; from my seat, it goes far beyond the Hillary Clinton excuse--somewhere along the way we have been infiltrated with bizarre beliefs that have shifted our rationale. Somewhere along the line many of us have become susceptible to alternative views that are so extreme that we believe them because we do not want to study/read/research whether those views are accurate or not. For brevity, I merely point to campaign rhetoric that shamed candidates or the dreaded accusations that then-President Obama was not born an American citizen. In short, perception is reality, the same as it has always been. If the loudest voice in the room (or whatever news source we prefer) says it and it is repeated often enough, we have a strong tendency to believe it.
*America, my fear is that we have become far too eager to accept what we hear rather than what is accurate. In doing so, the expression "fake news" has blossomed in a serious attempt to discredit practically anything that goes against the ruling party. Sorry, I cannot disregard The New York Times, The Washington Post, or The Wall Street Journal; from my seat, they remain credible, reliable sources. Opponents will point to occasional reporting errors; I would consider those limited examples to be mistakes, not a calculated approach. If we do not place trust in historically regarded press integrity, then what do we have? Chaos? Again, I fear where our refusal to consider investigative reporting is taking us; if all the press is corrupt, then why and how have many political figures been caught lying? The answers remain to be seen, of course.
From my perspective, 2018 holds mysteries. I suppose this writing may generate opposition; as always, at the least, I would hope it creates thought and consideration. That is exactly what I hope happens; I have been surprised to learn in my many blogs that the number of private messages I receive far exceeds the public responses. Certainly, I understand that because exposing personal opinions runs the risk of alienating others whose opinions differ. However, I am "throwing my thoughts out there"with the idea that dialogue is the key . . . whether we agree or not!
My previous blogs may be found at michaelagunther.blogspot. com.
