Good Morning and welcome to the rest of the year!

OK, now I get that schools have to play to many masters. I get that they need to stay somewhat away from politics. I get that some parents would become offended (offended?) if teachers talked about political candidates they didn't support. I get that 'No Child Left Behind' doesn't leave much time to actually teach students other than what may show up on a standardized test.
That's all fine and dandy. Yet, the day after we elected a new president, all that should be thrown out the window.
When a fourth-grader comes home and says the school 'is trying to avoid the election as best it can.' Well, that's just plain wrong.
The only way we can build on the unprecedented involvement of so many people this election season is to keep talking about it, especially to children.
Sure, they can't actually vote, but they can feel engaged. They can discuss things. They can do things other than the 'lesson plan.'
Those spelling words will still be studied. The math problems will get done. The testing pressures will still be there.
To ignore what's going on outside the doors is just plain wrong and every adult in the school should be held accountable.
Children want to learn. They do learn. They don't need to be ignored.


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Good Morning out there in the great wide world!

So, Bill Clinton upstaged the rest of the speakers at the Democratic National Convention last night. Really, though, is that much of a surprise. Here's a former two-term President who knows how to work the crowd. When you watch somebody who is the best doing what they do best, it's exciting.
By the way, skeletons and all, Bill Clinton would probably be elected president again if he could run.
Anyway, the Phillies head to Chicago after coughing one up against the Mets last night, the Eagles are fleecing their fans with another 'preseason game' against the Jets tonight and Larry Mendte is still floating around out there somewhere.
So, how is all that connected. Well, it's not really, but as we approach Labor Day weekend and the unofficial end of summer, the mind does wonder.
Funny thing about summer. In June, when school is done and the children are at home, there seems to be a long stretch ahead. Then comes July and you're into some kind of routine which usually means keeping them occupied so they don't want cookies all day (it doesn't work).
Now, we are a week away from school (Yeah, I know, some have already started) and the routine shakes up. After getting all the school supplies, there's a small amount of nervousness and excitement running through their little bodies. It can lead to some intense times where the energy level leaps through the roof. Of course, they are getting up around 6 a.m. and ready to go. Let's do everything we did all summer in the next two hours, then start over.
Somehow, though, when school does start, getting them up by 7:30 a.m. takes a lot of work. That is, until the weekend, when the summer returns.
Speaking of the mind wondering and back to school:


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GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

It was only nine years ago, but it feels like a lifetime.
Let's look at some of the ways the world has changed before George W. Bush gave us a 'better' world.
In 1999, gas cost around $1.50 a gallon. Today, you're lucky if you can find a place that hasn't broken the $4 mark.
In 1999, the real estate market was starting to take off. Today, the rate of foreclosures are taking off.
In 1999, the price of a new Ford Taurus was, depending on options, around $17,000. Today, the price of a new Ford Taurus is, depending on options, around $25,000.
In 1999, the top song of the year was 'If you had my love' by Jennifer Lopez. The No. 1 song today is 'Lollipop' by Lil Wayne.
In 1999, many were hoarding water bottles and canned goods in fear of a computer meltdown for Y2K. Today, some are hoarding water bottles and canned goods in fear of a stock market meltdown.
In 1999, the most watched television show is 'Who wants to be a Millionaire.' Today, the top television show is 'American Idol.' Well, maybe there's no difference there.
In 1999, the nation was shocked as John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife and sister-in-law were killed in a plane crash. Today, the nation shrugs as Sen. Edward Kennedy is diagnosed with a brain tumor.
In 1999, the top movie of the year was 'Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace.' So far this year, the top grossing movie is 'Ironman.'
On May 26, 1999, the Phillies were being led by Curt Schilling and Ron Gant to a 23-20 record. Today, led by Cole Hamels and Chase Utley, the Phillies are 28-24. By the way, the Phillies ended the 1999 season 77-85 and third place in the N.L. East.
In 1999, 9-year olds were just 9-year olds, playing baseball, running around and enjoying things. Today, 9-year olds are faced with school pressures thanks to our President's 'Every Child Left Behind' (or something like that), but they still have fun and play baseball.
In 1999, after many long hours of labor, a special boy joined us and made the world a better place.
Happy Birthday Liam!


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GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY

Well, the Pennsylvania primary isn't until April 22, but the full-court press sure appears to be starting.
Chelsea Clinton as in Philadelphia earlier this week and now Bill Clinton will be at Penn State-Brandywine today.
What's kind of interesting is Joe Sestak will also attend the rally.
Sestak, the D-7 U.S. Rep from Edgmont, is one of those so-called 'Superdelagate' who may really decide who to the Democratic nominee for president will be.
There's no doubt Hillary and Barak Obama will be visiting the area between now and April, probably more than once.
It'll be interesting to see which politicians will be on hand.
By the way, think the first question Sestak will have for Ol' Bill will pertain to the FAA?
Anyway, to offer balance, here are a few words from the other side:



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