Comments for Lefty Parent

Comment on The Spectatorization of American Politics by Amy

Amy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:47:10 +0000

“I would suggest that maybe we all need a profound rethink of our spectator focus, and commit ourselves instead to engage each other, particularly our fellow citizens on the other ideological “team” to discuss our differences and try to find the common ground (I think its there somewhere!) or at least come to peace that we respectfully disagree.”

Indeed! However, without a change at the policy-making level, I can’t see how our own individual efforts can really lead anywhere in terms of peace, common ground or, certainly, compromise. How can we translate the individual’s and small community’s desire to work together into a legislative-level change? We can encourage people to vote, of course, hoping for changes in elected leadership, but what about when our choices are only between extreme-and-arrogant and different-extreme-and-arrogant???

On a slightly different note, I’m fascinated by the more-common-than-I-thought incidence of people voting against their own interests. The obvious scenario would be folks in poverty voting for those who seem interested only in favoring the very rich, but I’m sure there are lots of less flashy examples, too. Do you think the “spectatorization” you describe is connected to this phenomenon in any way?

Comment on Imagination Trumps Knowledge by Cooper Zale

Cooper Zale — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:45:30 +0000

Bette… The two pieces that best call out my own and my kids’ unschooling experience are “Unschooling in the Art of War” and “Unschooling rather than Highschooling” (with the link at the end to its follow-up “Uncollege”). I must warn you that they are all long pieces, but if you manage to wade thru, I would be very interested in your comments!

Comment on Apple, Textbooks and the Education-Industrial Complex by Cooper Zale

Cooper Zale — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:31:39 +0000

Reuben… As we continue to develop human society we need all the allies we can get in transforming old perhaps moribund institutions. Apple has been mostly an ally in that effort and I hope they can continue to be so rather than just be about making the most money in the short run. I am concerned that when Jobs was still alive he had indicated some discomfort with the conventional textbook industry. Now that he has passed away, I hope the new Apple management is not going against that thinking.

Comment on Apple, Textbooks and the Education-Industrial Complex by ruben rosloff

ruben rosloff — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:18:43 +0000

This article is most welcome. It calls attention to strategic decisions which Apple is making as we speak, decisions which can impact public education (for good or ill) for generations to come.

Comment on Imagination Trumps Knowledge by Bette Moore

Bette Moore — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:04:26 +0000

I also commented on the Ed Week article and would like to know more about your “Unschooling” experience. I so agree with your statement that learners need “free space and enriched environment” in order to express themselves. I would add “free TIME” . . . although most teachers – and especially administrators – would have trouble with that.

Bette Moore

Comment on Seeking the Essence of Unitarian-Universalism by Cooper Zale

Cooper Zale — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:44:36 +0000

RW… I’m hoping your kidding! But say more about that.

Comment on Seeking the Essence of Unitarian-Universalism by RW. Rawles

RW. Rawles — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:09:00 +0000

“Republican-Free Zones”? That’s a concept I can get behind!

Comment on Seeking the Essence of Unitarian-Universalism by Cooper Zale

Cooper Zale — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:49:58 +0000

Gerardo… thanks for your comment and the kudos… made my day! That piece you referenced is called “A World without Bosses” and here’s a link… http://www.leftyparent.com/blog/2011/12/30/moving-towards-a-world-with-no-bosses/.

Coop

Comment on Seeking the Essence of Unitarian-Universalism by Gerardo Zamora

Gerardo Zamora — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:55:39 +0000

Hello Cooper,
your article is well thought and presented. Right now I am into the “both, and” attitude rather than the “either, or” in order to achieve more feelings of “wholeness”. So, I think that Love and Freedom are both very important…just as you sumarize it in the last paragraph! Your article is superb!
The problem of obtaining more membership and specially of people of color, would be a very interesting topic to discuss and even more prevalent to our congregation that needs to grow. Katie would be interested on that one. – I think.
Also, I remember reading another article by you on “schools without bosses” ?? something about no more hyrierchical structures…that was great! I think hyrarchies are from medieval times, and some tend to become disfunctional. There are good hyrarchies and are needed, but circles of inclusion (with just a moderator) is again another way toward wholeness.
Sorry if I am all over the place, but wanted to get back to you with all the thoughts I have been incubating for you.
With much Love, Gerardo.

Comment on Thinking Outside the Schooling Box? by Cooper Zale

Cooper Zale — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:05:47 +0000

Reuben… It is a paradigm shift. Though a kid could still ask an adult “teacher” to help them learn how to read or to write… proactievly ask for assistance rather than passively being told now its time to learn this.