Education First!

Hats off to the liberal democrat county supervisor Peggy West of Milwaukee, who embarrassed the Wisconsin voting process when she publicly stated that Arizona isn't a border state with Mexico, while trying to support a boycott. Beautiful! What a testament to whatever school system she attended! Let's not also forget the informed electorate who opted for this geographic genius as a representative who votes on education policy. Perhaps this and the very telling incident in South Carolina will awaken voters to their responsibility to be informed when they go to the polls. Let's hope this is used as a learning tool!

Let's put aside the geographic illiterate with no vocal restraints, and ask....Why is a school board meeting in Wisconsin considering a boycott on Arizona? Isn't that just a little outside of their circle of concern? Wouldn't it be more prudent to have them focus on the curriculum? Maybe with some emphasis on our nation's geography? Then might I suggest they teach the Constitution, highlighting the oath of office where our nation's elected officials swear to defend our country from enemies both foreign and domestic. You know like people penetrating our borders bringing in illegal drugs, guns, and aliens sidestepping the immigration process.

Okay, now that I've vented let's use this as a learning tool. While leadership is the influence of people in a hopefully positive direction, there is also focus on your job description. A school board meeting in Wisconsin should be focused on their mission statement first, then if everything is in order you can reach out and influence the world. Does the school system have a balanced budget, with every school's needs attended to? Is the drop out rate zero? Teenage pregnancy rate at nil? Gang violence eliminated? Every student is getting an "A" rated report card, and being moved into further education opportunities? Is every school as modern and up to date as can be, with the curriculum at an advanced level? I'm thinking they had some other priorities to address before they jumped state borders and tried to influence Arizona's policy.

I'm sure Arizona's policy is very troubling to Ms. West, but there is an issue of doing the job you were elected to do first. It's called responsibility. Breaking that down, it's your response to what your able to do. Arizona has a problem, as a leader is boycotting their attempt to solve it, helping the issue, or just another obstacle to solving it? A real leader knows the difference.

Any leader who has a foundation based upon principles has no problem answering that question. Remember, a leader guided by principle will choose the proper method to address any issue. When you allow an issue to drive your response you get exactly the result cited above. There are always many options to use to respond to everyday challenges, use the one that reflects your character, your morals, and your values, and your reaction will never be called into question. But should it ever be, you have a ready answer to defend your method.

God Bless!
Capt. Bill