Teachers strike

Well, the Downingtown teachers are out. We understand that the truth on issues usually falls somewhere in the middle of two opposing viewpoints. However, I have stated before that I think it's unfair for teachers to strike. The fight is between the union and the district leadership. Why is it OK to punish the kids? Maybe Pennsylvania needs to look at public schools, their contracts, their rules when it comes to labor. Children are in school some 180 days a year. It's a major part of their lives. I advocate negotiations, arbitration, something. But the ability to walk out shouldn't be an option. It isn't fair to the average parent and taxpayer.

The Wire

Of course, I am a day late and a dollar short...It was only a few weeks ago that I caught this show on HBO. What the heck, it's only in its fifth and final season. Didn't I do this with the Sopranos too? I suppose I will be shopping Ebay for the first four seasons. What's very cool for me is the obvious newspaper ties. Apparently, this season focuses on the media. And of course, Baltimore is just the best when it comes to settings. "Homicide: Life on the Street" was one of my personal favorites. So "The Wire" has me hooked. I need to keep up with my television...

Teacher strikes

I believe when you make your career decisions you do so with some understanding of what comes with the turf. For example, as journalists you pretty much know everyone will hate you no matter what you write. I'm OK with that. Working for the IRS? Ditto. Meter maids? Same. And when you're a teacher, cop, firefighter, doctor or nurse, you shouldn't be able to strike. Period. Your positions are critical to daily life in America. I'm imagine some teacher right now is saying, "Well, if I am so critical, doesn't that mean I should be compensated as such?" Well, in my opinion, there are some teachers that get paid well, and some that don't get paid as well as others. However, since you've chosen that career, you must understand that the education of children is more important than your compensation package. You can negotiate your terms like others do. And if you find it doesn't suit your taste, move along to another place. Like cops, firefighters, doctors and nurses, what you do requires you to be there on the job. So I urge the parties in Downingtown to get this agreement done. It's not fair to parents whose children will be left out in the cold in 11 days...or especially the kids.

More athletes in hot water

Marion Jones got six months in the slammer for lying about steroid use and a check-fraud scam. Roger Clemens has his own steroid problems and now comes word that O.J. violated the terms of his bail in connection with the nonsense in Vegas. What the heck is happening to our athletes? It's just one bad story after another. Former Flyers GM Bob Clarke gave his OK for a Flyers tough guy to punch out a non-fighting NHL player -- then says he didn't mean it. It's getting embarassing. And we wonder why our own kids and young athletes carry on the way they do. Contracts for these athletes should include a clause that says when their playing days are over, they just sail off to an island somewhere and simply go away.

Primaries

So now it's Hillary and John McCain. At least that's what folks in New Hampshire are saying. It seemed that even Hillary was shocked at her victory. McCain as well. I would guess we're going to see this sort of thing over and over as I don't think the country has a clear idea of just who should sit in the White House next. Week by week the issues change, the tide comes in and out and it's sort of the "candidate of the week." That's not exactly the way to elect the next president. I just want the most qualified person for the job. Man, woman, black or white, it doesn't matter. I am a little tired of George and Dick and the rest of the gang. It seems like one blunder after another and frankly, I'm tired of excuses.

It's a new year

Thank goodness. I wish 2007 farewell and glad to see you go. Other than the year I was married, I seem to do better in the even years rather than the odd numbered ones. This year was tough in a lot of ways. But I look forward to '08 with a lot of hope. And the new year always gives you that clean start. So here's to a happy and healthy 2008 for everyone in Chester County.