Jeffrey K. Morris, a pastor and teacher at Calvary Chapel’s Bible College Extension Campus, in Costa Mesa, apparently filed late on Friday to run for the Santa Ana Unified School District’s Board of Trustees.
I could not find much information about Morris online, and he doesn’t appear on my list of frequent Santa Ana voters. Click here to listen to some of Morris’ audio Gospel lessons.
Former SAUSD Trustee Rosie Avila has been attending Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa for many years. Avila is known for her anti-immigrant views. She is closely allied with Lupe Moreno, another Republican migrant basher who appears on the Southern Poverty Law Center’s list of anti-migrant nativists. Click here to watch a video of Avila railing against the donation of books in Spanish to the SAUSD.
In related news, you can now read the candidates’ statements of the SAUSD incumbents, Audrey Yamagata-Noji and John Palacio, on the O.C. Voter Registrar’s website. I copied the statements as well and am enclosing them below:
Click here to read the rest of this post.
I think it is good to have a choice when voting and this allows those who would like to see an evangelical Christian on the Santa Ana Unified school board an option.
Has this minister hired Red Zone Strategies? Or given money to Green Faucet / Red County? Those are the important questions.
What the SAUSD needs is a parent advocate on the board. At least two of the current members, maybe more don’t have skin in the game.
Rather they are enriching themselves, financially and politically.
How about someone who is struggling to get fair treatment for thier secondgrader at Jackson, a Dad, who can’t play on the fields at Davis because they lock them down after school.
Where is Kim Gerda and Tom and Connie Linnert when we need them to step up?
Tony,
Where is anyone, for that matter? I filed for the school board when I noticed that no one else had stepped up. I don’t think incumbents should run without being challenged.
I have had my share of battles with the district. My daughter had some bad experiences with counselors at Santa Ana High. One of my sons has come up through the special ed system. He is doing great now and has resolved the issues that landed him in that program. My wife and I had to deal with a lot of bureaucracy in that time.
What I have seen over the years is that we have a lot of great teachers and a few that are burned out. They are all having a hard time with less classified staff and less supplies. There is a lot of frustration with the district headquarters.
While the fundamental schools are doing well, for the most part, we need to focus on the neighborhood schools. Too many kids are falling through the cracks and the district does not often deal fairly with the parents.
“What the SAUSD needs is a parent advocate on the board. At least two of the current members, maybe more don’t have skin in the game. ”
I hear you Tony and would agree but I think we also need a tax paying parent on the board who has to send their child to private schools because the neighborhood SAUSD school is bad. Those parents know what reforms need to take place to bring back the private school kids.
Schools out for Summer,
I am a product of private schools, so I understand that perspective. I graduated from Don Bosco Tech, in Rosemead. Before that I graduated from San Gabriel Academy.
I went to public school for two years, in Kindergarten and First Grade. We were in Monterey Park at the time. The violence on campus was already bad, so my parents pulled me out and sent me to private school. The last straw for them was when a bunch of fourth graders attacked one of my fellow first graders and I stepped up and took their blows so he could get away.
I am glad that my kids have not had such experiences at SAUSD.
Does anyone know what the book Rosie is holding is about? Looks like a Mexican Flag on the cover if I’m not mistaken.
Schools out,
Not sure. The books were donated by the Mexican government and Rosie had a royal cow over that. I think they were Mexican history books, or something along those lines.
She was born in Guatemala, to German parents. She married a Latino, although I am not sure if he is a Guatemalan or a Mexican. Like Lupe Moreno, Rosie has issues with immigrants, despite her background. And she is no fan of anything other than English language instruction, although her own grasp of English leaves much to be desired. I have seen her writing – it is atrocious!
illegal immigrants, not immigrants is the correct word sir
No it isn’t. Immigrants are immigrants, period, their official status notwithstanding. They are the very same people.
The title of the book says, “Know our Constitution” (Conoce Nuestra Constitucion).
A LEGAL Immigrant/Resident must wait at least FIVE years before qualifying to apply to be a US Citizen, and then after that the process may take some time, after meeting several requirements.
Thus, since US citizenship may take many years, it seems reasonable that the Mexican govt would allow Mexican citizens, who are non-US citizens but legal residents in the US to vote in the Mexican elections. This would be facilitated by having a book on the Mexican Constitution available at the Mexican Consulate.
P.S. The differences between a US Citizen and a LEGAL immigrant/resident is that the US Citizen can vote; can hold certain jobs requiring US citizenship; and US Citizens and LONG-TERM Legal residents qualify and receive many benefits/entitlements that those that have Legal residency for LESS THAN FIVE do not qualify for nor receive.
In my opinion, if a US Citizen (whether immigrant or not), or LEGAL Immigrant wants to allow their child to read in Spanish or ANY OTHER language, especially if they already know English, and this is done with donated books, then attacking this seems counterproductive to the education of our youth, because bilingualism or multiculturalism, or comparative history prepare our students better to compete better in this global economy.
Francisco “Paco” Barragan (My opinions only and not those of any group)
Santa Ana, CA
So if you are against illegal immigration you are against all immigrants? And thus you are racist?
“Thus, since US citizenship may take many years, it seems reasonable that the Mexican govt would allow Mexican citizens, who are non-US citizens but legal residents in the US to vote in the Mexican elections. This would be facilitated by having a book on the Mexican Constitution available at the Mexican Consulate.”
MQ says;
Then, Mr. F why do we not have books on the Irish, French, Iranian etc… Laws?
The Santa Ana Unified school district is an example of why are communities are so divided. Really, it’s a bunch of foreign nationalists living in a city surrounded by American Citizens.
“No it isn’t. Immigrants are immigrants, period, their official status notwithstanding. They are the very same people.”
MQ says:
This is where your arrogance and ignorance of the immigration system comes into play ( Sorry if the above offends you). Immigrants and Illegal Aliens are not the same!
It takes a long time and a lot of money to go through the immigration system. As illegal Alien one only needs to come a cross the US border it seems. The fact that 300,000 children of illegal Aliens are born every year in this country and can have the same rights if not more rights than a Citizen child is ridiculous. The fact that women routinely walk into hospitals bordering Mexico so as to have a child in the US and not only NOT pay for the birth but also have Citizens of this country pay for her child general medical, education, etc.. Is beyond belief…
My child is learning Spanish and I am too. I do not need to learn the law’s of Mexico because I never intend to live there. The fact that schools are teaching kids the laws of another country because of their illegal parents is out right STUPID and confusing to the child!
It is hard enough for me to pay for the children of illegal aliens, I would be very upset of YOU Art got anywhere near the SAUSD board…. You would be a disaster for an already confused bunch of kids!
Your ideology is not only outrages, but speaks only of your belief that “your people” are more important than the rest of us as citizens and immigrants…
Because we are not the same!
@Michelle Q:
You say, “Then, Mr. F why do we not have books on the Irish, French, Iranian etc… Laws?”
My Response:
1) I Don’t Know. Why don’t you ask a representative of the Irish, French etc consulates, if this is a concern of yours.
2) There is nothing preventing other consulates from donating books, in their country’s language, that would be helpful to those learning either another language or about the history of any other country.
@MQ:
You state, “The Santa Ana Unified school district is an example of why are communities are so divided. Really, it’s a bunch of foreign nationalists living in a city surrounded by American Citizens.”
My Response:
3) In my opinion, Creating a negative stereotype or assuming that people living in Santa Ana are “a bunch of foreign nationalists” a) neglects the fact that majority are pro-America US citizens or legal residents, b) helps create and perpetuate the division that you refer to.
@Michelle Q:
I commend you for learning Spanish, and for teaching your child a foreign language. I came to the US at age 9, and spent 1 year in a bilingual class. After that I was in advanced English classes. I know for a fact that it was my understanding of a second language i.e. Spanish and combined with a bilingual class that enabled me to have superior dominance and comprehension of English, because English is based also on Greek and Latin roots (same as Spanish being based on Latin). I think the mistake that has been made in the past is NOT transitioning students from the foreign language into the dominance of the English language.
I think students need to learn to think critically, and to also have comparative history rather than learning “rose colored” history that may not have a basis on reality or on true history. If they don’t, then they are being misinformed.
@Michelle Q:
you state, “The fact that schools are teaching kids the laws of another country because of their illegal parents is out right STUPID and confusing to the child!”
My Response:
What if the “dinner discussion” is such that students are having a discussion with their parents that compares US Constitution with Mexico’s Constitution or the Constitution or ruling system of any other country? Opposite to being confusing to the child, this might rather open their eyes to the existence of differences and to also have an appreciation for our US Constitution and our values. I think an appreciation of something is more apparent when contrasted with an opposite. Besides, children posses such an intelligence that their brains can handle. We do not need to dumb things down for them.
I am curious, what is your reason for learning Spanish in your household?
Francisco “Paco” Barragan (my opinions only and not those of any group)
Santa Ana, CA
Ms. Avila ,
Is a very smart lady, we need her wisdom and commons sense in a Santa Ana… The fact that the superintendent allows these books does not surprise me…. He met with Ms Dunn OCBC to discuss how wonderful it is to make so much money off illegal immigrants. TOO PEAS IN A POD!
Scum bags!
Michele,
The SAUSD Superintendent is a white woman, Jane Russo. Not sure where you are getting your facts from.
“1) I Don’t Know. Why don’t you ask a representative of the Irish, French etc consulates, if this is a concern of yours.”
MQ says:
I know why? American kids need to learn the laws of this country and the history of this country not the laws or history of a foreign nation.
In short the Mexican government in any form has NO business sending books to indoctrinate any American child. We can argue whether or not a lot of these kids who are reading these books are even entitled to live in this country, but for now lets just tell the Mexican government to educate its own kids who quiet often don’t get the chance to be educated in Mexico… Cheeky Baskets!
3) In my opinion, Creating a negative stereotype or assuming that people living in Santa Ana are “a bunch of foreign nationalists”
MQ says:
In MY opinion if we stop being politically correct and realize that Santa Ana is just a suburb outside Mexico. Most of the residents are either illegal or born of illegal parents. In my opinion what you call stereotyping I call the truth. Lets take a poll and see who agree’s with me!
Right, right polls don’t matter when it comes to “YOUR PEOPLE”.
“I think students need to learn to think critically, and to also have comparative history rather than learning “rose colored” history that may not have a basis on reality or on true history. If they don’t, then they are being misinformed.”
MQ says:
We must have met in a past life because I can read you like a book OR you are the typical leftist… Passive aggressive!
The sentence at the end translated would be: You want them to learn from MEXICAN books because they are Mexicans. You do not trust American to educated the Mexican kids here regarding the Mexican American war etc….. Other words you trust a foreign Government over your own!
“My Response:
What if the “dinner discussion” is such that students are having a discussion with their parents that compares US Constitution with Mexico’s Constitution or the Constitution or ruling system of any other country? Opposite to being confusing to the child, this might rather open their eyes to the existence of differences and to also have an appreciation for our US Constitution and our values. I think an appreciation of something is more apparent when contrasted with an opposite. Besides, children posses such an intelligence that their brains can handle. We do not need to dumb things down for them.”
MQ says:
What is missing is the fact that the American kids are TEACHING their MEXICAN parents the Mexican constitution! Why did the parents not learn the Mexican Constitution in Mexico? Because the POOR in Mexico Cannot effort to go to school!
“We do not need to dumb things down for them.”
You are right about this point! The world as well as this country has been so DUMBED DOWN by political correctness that this country allows a foreign government to send books into classes rooms to indoctrinate and ROSY up history!
“The SAUSD Superintendent is a white woman, Jane Russo. Not sure where you are getting your facts from.”
MQ says:
Yeah, and that’s just great… crooks and left wing whack jobs come in all colors. You Mr. Art is the one with the problem with color. I have a problem with behavior and destructive ideology!
@Michelle Q:
1) You and I agree. “American kids [AND ALL STUDENTS] need to learn the laws of this country and the history of this country”.
2) But we disagree, because you state, but “not the laws or history of a foreign nation”. IGNORANCE. What you are proposing is keeping students ignorant and uninformed. Ignorance makes our citizens and youth less competitive. “If you think education is expensive try ignorance”.
@Michelle Q:
You state, “In short the Mexican government in any form has NO business sending books to indoctrinate any American child.”
My Response:
3) CENSORSHIP. Turning down donated books or trying to keep certain books from students is a form of censorship. “A mind is like a book, it works best when open”.
Engaging in censorship is a form of indoctrination.
@ MQ:
You state, “but for now lets just tell the Mexican government to educate its own kids who quiet often don’t get the chance to be educated in Mexico… Cheeky Baskets!”
My Response:
4) I know I shared this with you before, and I do it again, in case you forgot.
EDUCATION COMPARISONS & FACTS:
By comparison what has Mexico done with respect to SPENDING on EDUCATION:
Mexico spends 5.5% of GDP VS US spends 5.3% of GDP (2005)
Mexico ranks 49 in the world and the US ranks 57 in level of expenditures (percent wise and not absolute dollars) for education (a lower number is better)
LITERACY of Total Population: Definition: age 15 and over can read and write
Mexico 91% vs 99% US
(above from CIA Factbook comparisons of US and Mexico.)
@ MQ:
You state, “In MY opinion if we stop being politically correct and realize that Santa Ana is just a suburb outside Mexico. Most of the residents are either illegal or born of illegal parents. In my opinion what you call stereotyping I call the truth. Lets take a poll and see who agree’s with me!
Right, right polls don’t matter when it comes to “YOUR PEOPLE”.”
My Response:
5) NEGATIVE STEREOTYPES and DIVISION.
I find it amazing, but not surprising that you choose to try to pass off stereotypes as “truth”. This is a continuation of ignorance.
5A) Rather than suggesting limited and unscientific SUBJECTIVE “polls”, I ask that you offer the FACTS that support your view . . . after you provide the facts, and I were to ignore this, then you could claim that not only POLLS don’t matter, but that FACTS don’t matter to “YOUR PEOPLE”.
5B) Michelle, Michelle, Michelle . . . “MY People – in other words – ME” prefer facts over opinion. Knowledge over ignorance. Critical thinking over indoctrination.
5C) Your statement above, demonstrates your willingness to CREATE divisions and very likely antagonism against a group of people (MEXICANS in particular), and I think you try to hide this antagonism by trying to “disguise it” by trying to imply that it is all about being “against Illegal Mexicans” and not “legal immigrants”.
5D) The US SUPREME COURT has ruled over 100 years ago and continues to do so, Children born of illegal parents, ARE US CITIZENS, HAVE BEEN US CITIZENS and WILL CONTINUE TO BE US CITIZENS, unless the Constitution is changed, but this would affect only those born AFTER the US Constitution is changed. Thinking otherwise ignores our US Constitution and our American values.
Since “your people” want to deport these so called “anchor babies”, I ask you, since many of these “anchor babies” have grown up, served in our military, DIED for our country – THEIR country, would you also deport their dead bodies?
But if this is too macabre for your taste, would you deport those “anchor babies” that are currently serving in our US Military, in service to their nation?
@MQ:
You reply, “We must have met in a past life because I can read you like a book OR you are the typical leftist… Passive aggressive!
My Response:
6) LABELS and MISCONSTRUING.
6A) Please don’t stop at the LEFTIST label to describe me.
How about: Communist, Socialist, Fascist, Dictator, Propagandist, Corrupter of our Youth (aww shucks, that is already taken by Socrates . . .and since he is already dead and you claim we met in a past life, you must be confusing me with him . . . thank you for the honor, but I am not worthy to be compared to Socrates!) . . . and I am sure you can come up with other labels, but while you do so, let’s get back to reality and deal with facts.
@ MQ You also state, “The sentence at the end translated would be: You want them to learn from MEXICAN books because they are Mexicans. You do not trust American to educated the Mexican kids here regarding the Mexican American war etc….. Other words you trust a foreign Government over your own!”
My Response means exactly what I said:
6B) “I think students need to learn to think critically, and to also have comparative history rather than learning “rose colored” history that may not have a basis on reality or on true history. If they don’t, then they are being misinformed.” . . . So STOP MISCONSTRUING.
I want students #1 to Learn, and #2 to Learn ACCURATE history. For me, it is irrelevant who is doing the teaching as long as truth and accuracy is taught. But most importantly, in the absence of facts, I want them to be able to Learn to think critically and to challenge assumptions and to ALWAYS ask: “How do you know that what you say is true?” This simple question will lead anyone to seek and hopefully find the truth.
@ MQ:
You state, “the POOR in Mexico Cannot effort to go to school!”
My Response:
7) Isn’t amazing that in spite of this, that those age 15 and over can read and write in Mexico 91% vs 99% US
(above from CIA Factbook comparisons of US and Mexico.)
@ MQ:
You state that because of “political correctness that this country allows a foreign government to send books into classes rooms to indoctrinate and ROSY up history!”
My Response:
8A) If a book from any source or country, is historically correct but this is censored, then this is indoctrination.
8B) And attempting to censor and indoctrinate, this is DESTRUCTIVE IDEOLOGY, especially for a democratic system.
8C) But I grant you, as a parent you are entitled to censor and “indoctrinate” your kids as you choose, but we should not attempt to impose our own personal values on others. Our focus should be full, complete, accurate, and transparent education, where our citizens and youth think critically, and for themselves.
Francisco “Paco” Barragan (my opinions only and not those of any group)
Santa Ana, CA
Almost forgot:
Adios..Au revoir….Lebt wohl… Ciao
Cheer’s
I want to be an example of self reliance and self motivation!
I meant the super of the Orange County Department of Education!
He is a man and a very rich man!
“2) But we disagree, because you state, but “not the laws or history of a foreign nation”. IGNORANCE. What you are proposing is keeping students ignorant and uninformed. Ignorance makes our citizens and youth less competitive. “If you think education is expensive try ignorance”.
MQ says:
40% graduation in LA. Santa Ana has a poor rate of children who are ELS advanced and math proficient. I think concentrating on the basics is more important!
I think learning world history is very important, but to single out one country to learn their history and laws is suspicious. Mexico is no friend of this country and nor are their elitists. I would not trust anything Mexico gave this country and nor should we!
MQ says:
She it is negative to say Santa Ana is a city of foreign nationalists who are being cared for by the American taxpayer.. Yeah, it sucks… But is this stereotyping?
The truth is very obvious: The language spoken in Santa Ana homes is Spanish, and the vast majority are Mexican or South American.
Are Irish people Drunks? Not all but the country has a very well know problem with alcoholism. Are black children born in to a single parent family in this country more often than not? Approx. 80+% of all black children are born into single families.
Santa Ana is a very troubled city, because its population are the imported poor of another country period. With the poverty and low expectations comes crime, drop outs, teen pregnancy and all of societies bad elements!
Yes, there are great people who aspire for the best and there are great kids that do well in school. We just need to foster that instead of foresting confusion ,division and a welfare mentality!
My children will learn the history and laws of my country from me. I don’t need the Irish government’s help. My children will learn their history and their laws and I will teach them what the want to know about Euro history along the way!
Math and English come first and the rest is just gravy!
MQ says:
40% graduation in LA. Santa Ana has a poor rate of children who are ELS advanced and math proficient. I think concentrating on the basics is more important!
My Response:
A) I think we agree that some of Santa Ana’s High Schools have a very poor graduation rate. And it is because of that that I decided to volunteer, and burn my own savings while I do that to help present opportunities to our youth with various programs made up of volunteers (Youth Motivation Task Force; Junior Achievement; and High School Inc.)
B) I think a strong education and a MOTIVATION for learning requires a focus on Reading, Writing, Math, Sciences, History, and the Arts as a given; and not limiting education. If you limit education and learning, the unintended negative consequence is that students will be further put-off, thus further eroding the graduation rates.
@MQ:
You state, “I think learning world history is very important, but to single out one country to learn their history and laws is suspicious.”
My Response:
C) To deal with your suspicions and “paranoia” perhaps you should get other countries and their consulates to donate books, as the Mexican consulate did.
@MQ:
You state, “Mexico is no friend of this country and nor are their elitists.”
My Response:
D) You are entitled to your opinion, and others are entitled to theirs . . . but in the face of differences of opinion it is best to consider the facts:
E) Fact: Mexico is a very important economic partner of the US. And because of this economic partnership the USA’s, and in particular California’s, economy has benefited significantly.
F) Fact: Since I know you to have undocumented immigrants in mind, and since a little over half come from Mexico, it is a fact that undocumented immigrants PAY MORE in TAXES than they receive in services, whether this be emergency medical, schooling, etc (several independent studies bear this out – White House Council of Economic Advisors under Bush Jr.; Congressional Budget Office; National Council of State Legislatures); undocumented immigrants also have a POSITIVE impact to the US economy and to the individual pocketbook of American households.
@MQ:
You state, “I would not trust anything Mexico gave this country and nor should we!”
My Response:
G) This is why history is important – it helps in having the knowledge of, and the acknowledgment of contributions to the well-being and success of America by people of different cultures, ethnicities and nationalities . . . and since I think you have a “tunnel vision” focus on Mexicans
i) Four Medal of Honor recipients were born in Mexico;
ii) Spain (and Mexico) were critical in America being able to win its independence from Britain – read up on Governor Bernardo de Galvez and his contributions to America’s independence;
http://www.lasculturas.com/biographies/220-politicians/123-bernardo-de-galvez
iii) immigrants from Mexico continue serving in our US military;
iv) Many undocumented immigrants who were granted Amnesty in 1986 by President Reagan have gone on to serve in the military and die for America, for example our first casualty in Orange County of the Iraq war (March 23, 2003) was a Mexican born Marine who had been granted Amnesty, and there are many more like him . . . I’ll accept and take these contributions from people from Mexico and any other country over paranoia and bigotry.
@ MQ
You state, “. . .foreign nationalists who are being cared for by the American taxpayer.. Yeah, it sucks… But is this stereotyping?”
My Response:
Yes, Not only is this stereotyping, but it also ignores the FACTS. See item F) above.
@ MQ:
You state, “The truth is very obvious: The language spoken in Santa Ana homes is Spanish, and the vast majority are Mexican or South American.”
My Response:
H) Ok. I speak Spanish at home. Therefore this is the cause of alcoholism; or single parent-hood; or a crime; or high drop-out rates; or INSERT your Negative Stereotype here_____. Ummm the logic doesn’t compute.
The City of Santa Ana does have its problems, with legal and undocumented immigrants that are low-income, but to transfer the majority of the ills of Santa Ana to this group is “scapegoating”.
For example, the economy of the US is suffering, are we to also blame this fiscal meltdown and global recession on the low income legal and undocumented immigrants? I doubt that that is the root cause.
Another example, other cities in Orange county whether large or small have about the SAME percent of teen-age pregnancies as Santa Ana, even though the majority in these cities are NOT low-income immigrants, nor of Latino/Hispanic/Mexican descent.
@ MQ
You state, “Yes, there are great people who aspire for the best and there are great kids that do well in school. We just need to foster that instead of foresting confusion ,division and a welfare mentality!”
My Response:
I) I agree with the overall sentiment.
And I would add that contrary to myth, Latinos have the LOWEST use of welfare, and the greatest participation in the Private sector.
I have shared this with you before, and I share it again:
“On a related note, there are negative and false assumptions and stereotypes of the economic participation/contributions by Latinos and of our values.
Looking at California for example where the greatest majority of Latinos reside.
For example, “in 1990 Latinos had the lowest welfare use of any group; Latinos receiving public assistance represented 29% percent of all Latinos in poverty. By contrast, in other groups, those receiving public assistance formed a much higher percentage, ranging from 61 percent for non-Hispanic Whites, to 75% for African-Americans. Thanks to welfare reform in the late 1990s, by 2000 the welfare rates for all groups had dropped. Still, continuing the 1990 picture, a far lower percentage of Latinos in poverty received public assistance in 2000 than non-Hispanic Whites or African-Americans.” This was 17.2% for Latinos; 36.8% for Non-Hispanic Whites, and 24.5 for African-Americans.”
For 60 years, three generations, from 1940 – 2000, the data shows “that Latino males have been the most active element in the state’s labor force”.
“Employment in the private sector generates wealth, while employment in the public sector basically redistributes wealth. From 1940 to 2000 Latino males counted in the census have been by far more likely to be employed in the private sector than non-Hispanic whites, Asian/Pacific Islanders, or African-Americans. Again, for nearly three generations, Latino males have been the most active element in the workforce participating in the wealth-generating private sector.”
“Also from 1940-2000, Latino households were far more likely than non-Hispanic white, African-American, or Asian/Pacific Islander households to be composed of couples with children.”
Based on Census data…see “La Nueva California – Latinos in the Golden State” by Dr. David E. Hayes-Bautista pages 74-76.
@ MQ:
You state,”Math and English come first and the rest is just gravy!”
My Response:
J) This might be a philosophical difference. I believe that the “Meat and Potatoes” of a sound education that will make our citizens and youth MORE COMPETITIVE and MORE SELF-RELIANT consists primarily of a focus, as I stated above on “Reading, Writing, Math, Sciences, History, and the Arts”.
To be successful in life and in this global economy our citizens need to use the various forms of intelligence that they are particularly endowed with . . . from IQ to EQ.
Francisco “Paco” Barragan (my opinions only and not those of any group)
Santa Ana, CA
“I think we agree that some of Santa Ana’s High Schools have a very poor graduation rate. And it is because of that that I decided to volunteer, and burn my own savings while I do that to help present opportunities to our youth with various programs made up of volunteers (Youth Motivation Task Force; Junior Achievement; and High School Inc.)”
MQ says:
THAT SOME???????? Are you kidding me?? That is all I can say on that one!
As far as the students needing “feel good volunteers” that would be a big NO!
What they need is: A district that is not corrupt with federal dollars, teachers that are made accountable and parents who are not lifted and laid!
The kids need a school run like a military camp, not a summer camp!
Santa Ana has a problem with gangs and poor parent involvement. It absolutely does not have a shortage of stupid feel good programs! Santa Ana students need what the military requires “absolute dedication” giving a kid the option especially with an atmosphere of irresponsibly is not an option. Children who walk through the doors of a Santa Ana class room should know that they are there to learn and to leave the victim mentality out side the door!
“And I would add that contrary to myth, Latinos have the LOWEST use of welfare, and the greatest participation in the Private sector.”
MQ says:
30% of all welfare recipients in the country are in California…. Need I say more!
You can spin this one anyway you want from healthcare to Calworks in Orange Country LATINO’s are the over all recipients… Why do you think all the Non-Profits are in Santa Ana… The underserved and the needy…. When translated “Welfare recipient!”
“F) Fact: Since I know you to have undocumented immigrants in mind, and since a little over half come from Mexico, it is a fact that undocumented immigrants PAY MORE in TAXES than they receive in services, whether this be emergency medical, schooling, etc (several independent studies bear this out – White House Council of Economic Advisors under Bush Jr.; Congressional Budget Office; National Council of State Legislatures); undocumented immigrants also have a”
MQ says:
Really… Well the true FACT is that a poor person does not pay federal or state taxes and buying clothes and food etc…does not even touch the billions we are out in just education alone… So without a doubt what you state is a fact is rubbish, the numbers don’t add up!
“H) Ok. I speak Spanish at home. Therefore this is the cause of alcoholism; or single parent-hood; or a crime; or high drop-out rates; or INSERT your Negative Stereotype here_____. Ummm the logic doesn’t compute.”
MQ says:
If you add foreign national parents who are as poor as dirt, do not speak English and don’t share the same values or culture of the country they inhabit, its a bit of a problem. Add welfare and entitlements to the mixture you will get alcoholism, teenage pregnancy, single mother’s (lots of them!) So it would be logical to assume that Santa Ana would be the perfect stereotype for the above to happen!
If you continue to keep your head in the sand regarding the poor behavior of hispanics in this country, whether it is parenting, school performance or crime. It will only encourage the status Quo to continue…
I expect only the best out of myself and my children… You see Santa Ana kids as victims and I see them brats with potential! Kids are a product of their environment, its not their fault that they grew up exposed to nothing but losers. I think the class room should be the opposite to what they are accustom too!
“To be successful in life and in this global economy our citizens need to use the various forms of intelligence that they are particularly endowed with . . . from IQ to EQ.”
MQ says:
No our citizens need to know how to count and read… Being able to pick up a girl because of a brilliant social sense is not going to allow you to compete in the world!
Please Mr. Francisco do not waste any more of your money unless its to buy a math book and teach math expecting only the best results from your students!
@Michelle Q:
Yes, Not all Santa Ana High Schools have the very poor graduation rates.
MISCONSTRUING. The involvement of business professionals, engineers, and entrepreneurs etc with the Youth Motivation Task Force; High School Inc.; and Junior Achievement is NOT about “feel good volunteers” although that may be a side benefit, but about inspiring the youth and presenting them with the tools and opportunities that come from higher education. The typical response of these young students:
• Now I really wanna finish high school.
• He made me think that I do need an education past high school.
• I’m thinking about filling out the YMTF scholarship application for college.
• She helped me understand that to get what you want you have to get a good job and to get a good job you need to finish high school.
• I’m going to think positive from now on.
• She made me realize I can do something about my education.
• She opened my eyes.
• He helped me see I should be more motivated about college.
• Now I am thinking about going into the Army so I can go to college.
• She made me think about my goals and the future.
I think we agree there always has to be accountability on the teachers, parents and students.
And in addition the recognition that greater and better opportunities are needed in the community so that kids don’t see selling drugs, gangs, or crime as an alternative; or that parents are not absent from having to work in two or three low-paying jobs to make ends-meet.
@ MQ:
You state, “The kids need a school run like a military camp, not a summer camp!”
My Response:
Civilian education and Military training have different goals and objectives and the process and skill-set is different, and rightly so.
The mission for the military is generally dictated to it by the national leadership . . . we used to say in the military “that we fight for a democracy but we are a bureaucracy”.
@MQ says:
“30% of all welfare recipients in the country are in California…. Need I say more!
You can spin this one anyway you want from healthcare to Calworks in Orange Country LATINO’s are the over all recipients… Why do you think all the Non-Profits are in Santa Ana… The underserved and the needy….
My Response:
Michelle you can keep your false assumptions and “spin your wheels in them” and your narrow way of looking at the data, and I will sticks to the facts, which again are:
“Looking at California for example where the greatest majority of Latinos reside.
For example, “in 1990 Latinos had the lowest welfare use of any group; Latinos receiving public assistance represented 29% percent of all Latinos in poverty. By contrast, in other groups, those receiving public assistance formed a much higher percentage, ranging from 61 percent for non-Hispanic Whites, to 75% for African-Americans. Thanks to welfare reform in the late 1990s, by 2000 the welfare rates for all groups had dropped. Still, continuing the 1990 picture, a far lower percentage of Latinos in poverty received public assistance in 2000 than non-Hispanic Whites or African-Americans.” This was 17.2% for Latinos; 36.8% for Non-Hispanic Whites, and 24.5 for African-Americans.”
For 60 years, three generations, from 1940 – 2000, the data shows “that Latino males have been the most active element in the state’s labor force”.
Again, this is what the data shows for the WHOLE STATE of CALIFORNIA, that contrary to myth, Latinos (the majority of whom are of Mexican descent) have the LOWEST use of welfare, and the greatest participation in the Private sector.”
@ MQ – I think your problem is that you accept your misinformed opinion as a better measure than facts. Unfortunately, that misguided view is what prevents you from understanding the root-cause of issues and obstructs us from fully developing a solution.
Again, the fact is that undocumented immigrants pay MORE in TAXES than they RECEIVE in services.
You might believe that the numbers don’t add up, but your false belief does NOT change reality nor the facts.
On the one hand you have your false and misinformed opinion, and on the other you have the data from the Census; from the White House Council of Economic Advisors from Bush Jr.; the Congressional Budget Office; and the National Council of State Legislatures, the Office of Inspector General of the Social Security Agency, and other independent non-partisan studies.
By the way, I hope you realize that you changed the argument from undocumented immigrant to poor people. Within the undocumented immigrant you have highly educated people, entrepreneurs, and not at the poverty level. So not all poor.
Within the poor people, you have non-immigrant US Citizens, Legal Residents, and undocumented immigrants.
But again, no matter how you slice it, undocumented immigrants pay more in taxes than they receive in services.
@ MQ
You state, “If you add foreign national parents who are as poor as dirt, do not speak English and don’t share the same values or culture of the country they inhabit, its a [BIT] of a problem.”
My Response:
True, it would be a BIT of a problem. But again independent data shows that immigrants/”foreign nationals”, both documented and undocumented have a NET POSITIVE contribution TO TAXES as compared to the costs for services, a Net POSITIVE Effect to the Economy, and A Net POSITIVE impact to the American household pocketbook; and by in large the majority see learning English as a great priority. If you can take off your blinders and your “tunnel vision” glasses; otherwise you will continue to be misinformed and misguided.
@ MQ:
You state, “If you continue to keep your head in the sand regarding the poor behavior of hispanics in this country, whether it is parenting, school performance or crime. It will only encourage the status Quo to continue…”
My Response:
Again, it is apparent that your negative view is formed out of ignorance, and from negative generalizations that are contrary to what the data shows.
Unfortunately, there are about 13 organizations out there, created by White Racial Supremacist John Tanton, who are generally creating FALSE and DISCREDITED data and spreading it with news services to portray immigrants (primarily Latinos/Hispanics/Mexicans) as criminal, gang-bangers, and disease carriers.
This is the greater threat to our free and democratic society, because this is leading to fear-mongering, which leads to hate-mongering, which leads to inciting violence, and denying our American Constitutional protections and which runs counter to our American values.
@MQ:
I see our youth and our citizens as full of potential and who when presented with the tools can seek out and create opportunities in the community, and because of that can feel vested in the community, and that with their success they can then add to and improve the community.
But these same youth and citizens can become the victims of hatred and violence which is instigated by FALSE and DISCREDITED data, as the type you are spreading.
@ MQ
You state, “No our citizens need to know how to count and read… Being able to pick up a girl because of a brilliant social sense is not going to allow you to compete in the world!”
My Response:
Again it is amazing and not surprising that you misconstrue, as expected. I stand by my statement, “To be successful in life and in this global economy our citizens need to use the various forms of intelligence that they are particularly endowed with . . . from IQ to EQ.”
Since it seems that you do not understand or intentionally misconstrue, I will explain:
Based on my professional and military experience, I have noticed that success depends on TECHNICAL COMPETENCY (tangible knowledge, ability, and IQ); and INTERPERSONAL SKILLS/CHARACTERISTICS (intangible ability, and EQ). Our schools and universities need to refine these Technical and Interpersonal skills in our citizens and youth, and a narrow view on
ONLY knowing how to read and count shortchanges them and their potential to succeed.
Francisco “Paco” Barragan (my opinions only and not those of any group)
Santa Ana, CA
When I stated losers in Santa Ana its only fair for me to list the possible suspects:
Parents #1
Relatives
Teachers
peers
government
non-profits
social services
cops ( the brass)
If I missed any, I am sure you get the picture!
So let’s see what you are implying.
Since you say that all these groups are losers, Let’s assume we get rid of them all:
Lets get rid of PARENTS
Lets get rid of RELATIVES
Lets get rid of TEACHERS
Lets get rid of PEERS
Lets get rid of GOVERNMENT
Lets get rid of Non-profits (in other words, get rid of Volunteers)
Lets get rid of Social Services (BUT I ASSUME KEEP SOCIAL SECURITY OR MEDICARE for the ELDERLY in Orange County, except for those in Santa Ana)
Lets get rid of COPS (the brass)
And the further implication:
No Parents, therefore ORPHANS
No Relatives, therefore NO FAMILY STRUCTURE (or no children if you get rid of the Orphans since children are related to their parents)
No Peers, therefore NO SOCIAL STRUCTURE
No Teachers, therefore, IGNORANCE
No Government, therefore ANARCHY
No Not-for-profits, therefore NO VOLUNTEERS WILLINGLY SHARING OF THEIR PROFESSIONAL Skill-set to improve the community; and greater burdens on the Taxpayer and Non-existent govt
No Social Services, therefore more hunger, more homelessness, more diseases, more of a bleak society
NO COPS (brass), therefore LEADERLESS police officers whose personal and professional development and progress is impaired, and the Taxpayer paying for ineffective and inefficient police services.
You took me back in time, a trip down memory lane . . .
Michelle Quinn you sound like: /“Bill Cosby on Prejudice Part I”
Bill Cosby part II:
Bill Cosby Part III:
ONCE YOU SEE THE VIDEOS, YOU’LL REALIZE BILL COSBY COMPLETED THE LIST FOR YOU.