Giving Thanks!

Now, I have made it clear in class that Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday. I don't like the way schools fictionalize a story that sounds good, while ignoring the sad facts about how we really treated Native Americans in this country. That being said, I have learned to treat Thanksgiving as a reminder of all the things I am thankful for.

This year, as always, I am thankful for my faith, my family and my friends. I am blessed to be surrounded by people who love me. I am also thankful that I am able to make a living doing two things I love.  This year, I'm especially thankful that I live in a country that allows me to freely express myself, even when I don't agree with my country's choices.

So, in honor of the holiday my question to you this week will be an easy one. "What are you thankful for this holiday season?" Answers are due no later than Wednesday, November 30th, 2016.  I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday full of good food, good friends and good conversation! Enjoy your break!

This Is My Fight Song

This is not the post I had planned for this week.  It’s not a post that’s been easy to write.  I try really hard to remain unbiased in my teaching.  I believe we need both sides, and that having diversity and a difference of opinions is what makes this country great.  Since the election, I’ve wondered if I can really remain unbiased.  I’ve wondered if I’m still qualified to teach this course – actually, I’ve wondered if my life of service has all been for nothing.  That maybe the world is just the ugly, hateful place that some people want us to believe it is. In short, I felt hopeless.  Over the past 48 hours I have experienced almost all the stages of grief - denial, anger, sadness, and finally, acceptance.

I haven’t heard enough of Donald Trump’s policy initiatives to know how I feel about them.  Perhaps he will surprise us all – perhaps not.  But I love my country enough to not want him to fail.  That will only hurt all of us.  What I have heard enough of from Donald is the vile, misogynistic, racist rhetoric that incites people to violence.  And in regards to that, I cannot and will not remain unbiased.  It is unacceptable to me, and I will call it out time and time again when I hear it from anyone, including my President.  I woke up this morning feeling that I will not remain silent – and I will continue my life of service with the same hope and optimism I’ve always had. That is what I am called to do by faith, and that is how I will heal. 

So this week, I would like to provide a safe, open forum for you to share your thoughts on the election.  All voices and viewpoints are welcome, but you cannot comment on someone else’s post.  This isn’t the time for heated debates.  This is the time to share how you felt and what this election has meant to you.  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, November 16^th, 2016.

P.S.  Friday is Veteran’s Day! To all of those who have served on the armed forces, and to the military families who make sacrifices daily, so we can enjoy our freedoms – thank you!!  You are the real American Heroes!

Standing Rock

You may have recently seen your Facebook newsfeed filled with people who were “checking-in” at Standing Rock.  For those of you who aren’t familiar with what has been happening, people are “checking-in” to show support for the large-scale protest that has been protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL).  The pipeline will transport 470,000 – 570,000 barrels of crude oil from North Dakota to Illinois, traveling through South Dakota and Iowa along the way.

Supporters say the pipeline will not only transport large amounts of oil, but it will do so much more efficiently and safer than transport by tricks or trains. 

Opponents of the pipeline, which include environmental activists and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, say a spill would contaminate the Tribe’s main source of drinking water which is located downstream.  Their fears are not unfounded, as the original route for the pipeline was rejected because it passed by Bismarck, the North Dakota capitol, and government officials feared a spill could contaminate their drinking water.  Additionally, the pipeline crosses through areas of cultural importance including sacred burial grounds and spiritual places of the Sioux Tribe, some of which have already been destroyed by the construction. This week, President Obama went on record saying he thought the pipeline could be re-routed to avoid Sioux land.

Since August, protesters have halted or slowed the construction of the pipeline.  As of this writing, the North Dakota capitol is on lock-down, and hundreds of protesters have been arrested, pepper sprayed, hit with rubber bullets, and attacked by police dogs.

In a few weeks, we will discuss the concept of “eminent domain,” in which the government can take your property, if they pay you for it and use for the public good.  So my question to you this week is, “Do you think pipeline is a good idea?  Do protesters have a right to interfere with the pipeline project?  Does the Sioux Tribe have a right to maintain their sacred lands?”  You must answer all questions for full credit.  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, November 9^th, 2016.  P.S.  Don’t forget to get out a vote!!  Let your voice be heard!