The Obvious often Escapes Bureaucrats

The Obvious often Escapes Bureaucrats

I attended a recent seminar, “Lighting the Fire of Urgency” as part of my ongoing in-service training as a CASA.     It was mandatory for all child services Social Workers and strongly recommended for Judges, City Attorneys, Guardian Ad Litems, and CASAs.      The seminar was conducted by a national permanency expert and focused on identifying individuals within the extended family to assume care of children in need.      The basis and premise seem sound and without question offers the opportunity for a positive outcome.  Why is this new idea?

My concern, How do we find ourselves in 2010, assuming the State has a better chance of successfully raising a child?  Believe me; I have seen enough to know that there are circumstances where that action can be the only viable one.   Surely, the State should be the last resort.      Why hasn’t DHS been more focused on finding family members?  I would like to know the answer to that question.

History is Prologue

Jon McNoughton uses his artistic talent to illustrate a major concern shared by so many.    If you take the time to review his website, you will find an excellent encapsulation of our former presidents actions embedded in the portrait.     History is prologue, and provides great insight.     It is easy to blame President Obama and I do believe his policies are flawed; this provides a map for how we reached this stage.


Artist's  site and  actual painting, run your cursor over painting to identify presidents and read
their contribution.

   http://www.mcnaughtonart.com/



Artist's statement on why he created this portrait.

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KGlBHyVeYU&feature=player_embedded

We haven't come far enough, women still face greater scrutiny than men

Really?  I mean really?  

Even the Huffington Post, the bastion of liberal voices has taken up this topic:

Hilary Clinton’s hair duo.

When is the last time you saw a man’s hair cut or lack of said hair cut in the news?    You haven’t, yet women continue to be measured by how they look.     Give her a break; let her do her important work. 

What's in a name? Hampton Roads, I'm still resisting.

The powers that be have worked to instill the regional name of  "Hampton Roads" to southeastern Virginia for at least 15 years.    It seems so non-descriptive, few outside of the area even know what Hampton Roads means.    I still like the term I grew up with, "Tidewater".   Everyone understands the term tidewater and it sounds romantic and is indeed descriptive.