In Search of Excellence in Colorado City

I'm on my way to Colorado City soon... and so excited.
My Quest... to learn the secret sauce that makes Colorado City #1 in our county

More to come after I visit our colleagues in Colorado City

Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA)

While there are no reports that explore the impact of ESA's on individual counties, this data may be secured via the AZ Dept. of Education. Leveraging other publicly available data sets, the calculations as to statewide fiscal impact can be made using a variety of different inputs based on desired presentation of data.

For this analysis, none of that was done. Instead, the data was entered based on AZDOE data, then their average award was used to calculate total value of ESA's. 

I find the data has wide variance in the early quarters. I attribute this to the "newness" of the project, different leadership and a "shaking out" of the new ESA program which now has over 75,000 students enrolled statewide.

Based on estimates, one can project the fiscal impact as follows;

I'm getting ready to head to a forum, so I am not including further quantitative data at this time and, as you can see, scant if any qualitative analysis. 

More to come

George Washington - He Who Honored Everybody

Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior

George Washington wrote out 110 “Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation.” These rules are believed to have been written down the father of our country when he was around fourteen years of age. His father, Augustine Washington passed away when George was about 11 years old, so he had to grow up fast. 

These rules were drawn from a popular English text, Youth’s Behaviour, or Decency in Conversation Amongst Men, which was itself an adaptation of a 1595 work written by French Jesuit priests. The rules instruct students to practice consideration and respect towards others by paying careful attention to body language, dress, and speech.

The first English translations of the French rules appeared in 1640, and are ascribed to Francis Hawkins, the twelve-year-old son of a doctor. Richard Brookhiser, in his book on Washington wrote, "all modern manners in the western world were originally aristocratic. Courtesy meant behavior appropriate to a court; chivalry comes from chevalier - a knight." Yet Washington was to dedicate himself to freeing America from a court's control.

Could manners survive the operation? Without realizing it, the Jesuits who wrote them, and the young man who copied them, were outlining and absorbing a system of courtesy appropriate to equals and near equals. When the company for whom the decent behavior was to be performed expanded to the nation, Washington was ready. Parson Weems got this right, when he wrote that it was "no wonder everybody honored him who honored everybody.”

In placing these rules here, a few very minor edits have been made, but none so as to change intent or meaning. The original writings may be viewed in the Library of Congress

Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior

 

1. Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those who are present.

2. When in company,  put not your hands to any part of the body, not usually discovered.

3. Show nothing to your friend that may affright him

4. In the presence of others sing not to yourself with a humming noise, nor drum with your fingers or feet.

5. If you cough, sneeze, sigh, or yawn, do it not loud but privately; and speak not in your yawning, but put your handkerchief or hand before your face and turn aside.

6. Sleep not when others speak, sit not when others stand, speak not when you should hold your peace, walk not on when others stop.

7. Put not off your clothes in the presence of others, nor go out your chamber half dressed.

8. At play and at fire it is good manners to give place to the last comer, and affect not to speak louder than ordinary.

9. Spit not in the fire, nor stoop low before it nor put your hands into the flames to warm them, and do not set your feet upon the fire especially if there be meat before it.

10. When you sit down, keep your feet firm and even, without putting one on the other or crossing them.

11. Shift not yourself in the sight of others nor gnaw your nails.

12. Shake not the head, feet, or legs. Roll not the eyes nor lift not one eyebrow higher than the other. Wry not the mouth, and bedew no man’s face with your spittle, by approaching too near him when you speak.

13. Kill no vermin as fleas, lice ticks in the sight of others, if you see any filth or thick spittle put your foot dexterously upon it if it be upon the clothes of your companions, put it off privately, and if it be upon your own cloths return thanks to him who puts it off.

14. Turn not your back to others especially in speaking, jog not the table or desk on which another reads or writes, lean not upon any.

15. Keep your nails clean and short also your hands and teeth clean, yet without showing any great concern for them.

16. Do not puff up the cheeks, loll not out the tongue, rub the hands, or beard, thrust out the lips, or bite them or keep the lips too open or too close.

17. Be no flatterer, neither play with any that delights not to be played withal.

18. Read no letters, books, or papers in company but when there is a necessity for the doing of it you must ask leave: come not near the books or writings of another so as to read them unless desired or give your opinion of them unasked also look not nigh when another is writing a letter.

19. Let your countenance be pleasant but in serious matters somewhat grave.

20. The gestures of the body must be suited to the discourse you are upon.

21. Reproach none for the infirmities of nature, nor delight to put them that have in mind thereof.

22. Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another though he were your enemy.

23. When you see a crime punished, you may be inwardly pleased; but always show pity to the suffering offender.

24. Do not laugh too loud or too much at any public spectacle.

25. Superfluous compliments and all affectation of ceremony are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be neglected.

26. In pulling off your hat to persons of distinction, as noblemen, justices, churchmen etc., make a reverence, bowing more or less according to the custom of the better bred, and quality of the person. Amongst your equals expect not always that they should begin with you first, but to pull off the hat when there is no need is affectation, in the manner of saluting and re-saluting in words keep to the most usual custom.

27. 'Tis ill manners to bid one more eminent than yourself be covered as well as not to do it to whom it's due likewise he that makes too much haste to put on his hat does not well, yet he ought to put it on at the first, or at most the second time of being asked; now what is herein spoken, of qualification in behavior in saluting, ought also to be observed in taking of place, and sitting down for ceremonies without bounds is troublesome.

28. If anyone comes to speak to you while you are sitting, stand up though he be your inferior, and when you present seats let it be to everyone according to his degree.

29. When you meet with one of greater quality than yourself, stop, and retire especially if it be at a door or any straight place to give way for him to pass.

30. In walking the highest place in most countries seems to be on the right hand therefore place yourself on the left of him whom you desire to honor: but if three walk together the middle place is the most honorable while the wall is usually given to the most worthy if two walk together.

31. If anyone far surpasses others, either in age, estate, or merit yet would give place to a meaner than himself in his own lodging or elsewhere the one ought not to except it, so he on the other part should not use much earnestness nor offer it above once or twice.

32. To one that is your equal, or not much inferior you are to give the chief place in your lodging and he to who 'is offered ought at the first to refuse it but at the second to accept though not without acknowledging his own unworthiness.

33. They that are in dignity or in office have in all places precedence but whilst they are young they ought to respect those that are their equals in birth or other qualities, though they have no public charge.

34. It is good manners to prefer them to whom we speak before ourselves especially if they be above us with whom in no sort we ought to begin.

35. Let your discourse with men of business be short and comprehensive.

36. Artificers & persons of low degree ought not to use many ceremonies to lords or others of high degree but respect and highly honor them, and those of high degree ought to treat them with affability & courtesy, without arrogance.

37. In speaking to men of quality do not lean nor look them full in the face, nor approach too near them, and at least keep a full pace from them.

38. In visiting the sick, do not presently play the physician if you do not know therein.

39. In writing or speaking, give to every person his due title according to his degree and the custom of the place.

40. Strive not with your superiors in argument, but always submit your judgment to others with modesty.

41. Undertake not to teach your equal in the art himself professes; it savors of arrogance.

42. Let thy ceremonies in courtesy be proper to the dignity of his place with whom thou converses for it is absurd to act the same with a clown and a prince.

43. Do not express joy before one sick or in pain for that contrary passion will aggravate his misery.

44. When a man does all he can, though it succeeds not well, blame not him that did it.

45. Being to advise or reprehend anyone, consider whether it ought to be in public or in private; presently, or at some other time in what terms to do it and in reproving show no sign of choler but do it with all sweetness and mildness.

46. Take all admonitions thankfully in what time or place soever given but afterwards not being culpable take a time & place convenient to let him know it that gave them.

47. Mock not nor jest at anything of importance break no jest that are sharp biting and if you deliver anything witty and pleasant abstain from laughing thereat yourself.

48. Wherein you reprove another be unblameable yourself; for example is more prevalent than precepts.

49. Use no reproachful language against anyone, neither curse nor revile.

50. Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any.

51. Wear not your clothes, foul, ripped or dusty but see they be brushed once every day at least and take heed that you approach not to any uncleanness.

52. In your apparel, be modest and endeavor to accommodate nature, rather than to procure admiration and keep to the fashion of your equals such as are civil and orderly with respect to times and places.

53. Run not in the streets, neither go too slowly nor with mouth open go not shaking your arms kick not the earth with your feet, go not upon the toes, nor in a dancing fashion.

54. Play not the peacock, looking everywhere about you, to see if you be well decked, if your shoes fit well if your stockings sit neatly, and cloths handsomely.

55. Eat not in the streets, nor in the house, out of season.

56. Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for 'is better to be alone than in bad company.

57. In walking up and down in a house, only with one in company if he be greater than yourself, at the first give him the right hand and stop not till he does and be not the first that turns, and when you do turn let it be with your face towards him, if he be a man of great quality, walk not with him cheek by jowl but somewhat behind him; but yet in such a manner that he may easily speak to you.

58. Let your conversation be without malice or envy, for 'is a sign of a tractable and commendable nature: and in all causes of passion admit reason to govern.

59. Never express anything unbecoming, nor act against the rules moral before your inferiors.

60. Be not immodest in urging your friends to discover a secret.

61. Utter not base and frivolous things amongst grave and learned men nor very difficult questions or subjects, among the ignorant or things hard to be believed, stuff not your discourse with sentences amongst your betters nor equals.

62. Speak not of doleful things in a time of mirth or at the table; speak not of melancholy things as death and wounds, and if others mention them change if you can the discourse tell not your dreams, but to your intimate friend.

63. A man ought not to value himself of his achievements, or rare qualities of wit; much less of his riches virtue or kindred.

64. Break not a jest where none take pleasure in mirth laugh not aloud, nor at all without occasion, deride no man’s misfortune, though there seem to be some cause.

65. Speak not injurious words neither in jest nor earnest scoff at none although they give occasion.

66. Be not forward but friendly and courteous; the first to salute hear and answer & be not pensive when it is time to converse.

67. Detract not from others neither be excessive in commanding.

68. Go not thither, where you know not, whether you shall be welcome or not. Give not advice without being asked & when desired do it briefly.

69. If two contend together take not the part of either unconstrained; and be not obstinate in your own opinion, in things indifferent be of the major side.

70. Reprehend not the imperfections of others for that belongs to parent's masters and superiors.

71. Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of others and ask not how they came. What you may speak in secret to your friend deliver not before others.

72. Speak not in an unknown tongue in company but in your own language and that as those of quality do and not as the vulgar; sublime matters treat seriously.

73. Think before you speak pronounce not imperfectly nor bring out your words too hastily but orderly and distinctly.

74. When another speaks be attentive yourself and disturb not the audience if any hesitate in his words help him not nor prompt him without desired, interrupt him not, nor answer him till his speech be ended.

75. In the midst of discourse ask not of what one treateth but if you perceive any stop because of your coming you may well entreat him gently to proceed: if a person of quality comes in while your conversing it's handsome to repeat what was said before.

76. While you are talking, point not with your finger at him of whom you neither discourse nor approach too near him to whom you talk especially to his face.

77. Treat with men at fit times about business and whisper not in the company of others.

78. Make no comparisons and if any of the company be commended for any brave act of virtue, commend not another for the same.

79. Be not apt to relate news if you know not the truth thereof. In discoursing of things you have heard name not your author always a secret discover not.

80. Be not tedious in discourse or in reading unless you find the company pleased therewith.

81. Be not curious to know the affairs of others neither approach those that speak in private.

82. Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.

83. When you deliver a matter do it without passion & with discretion, however mean the person be you do it too.

84. When your superiors talk to anybody hearken not, neither speak nor laugh.

85. In company with those of higher quality than yourself speak not 'til you are asked a question then stand upright put off your hat & answer in a few words.

86. In disputes, be not so desirous to overcome as not to give liberty to each one to deliver his opinion and submit to the judgment of the major party especially if they are judges of the dispute.

87. Let thy carriage be such as becomes a man grave settled and attentive to that which is spoken. Contradict not at every turn what others say.

88. Be not tedious in discourse, make not many digressions, nor repeat often the same manner of discourse.

89. Speak not evil of the absent for it is unjust.

90. Being set at meat scratch not, neither spit, cough or blow your nose except when there be a necessity for it.

91. Make no show of taking great delight in your victuals, feed not with greediness; cut your bread with a knife, lean not on the table neither find fault with what you eat.

92. Take no salt or cut bread with your knife greasy.

93. Entertaining anyone at the table, it is decent to present him with meat; undertake not to help others undesired by the master.

94. If you soak bread in the sauce let it be no more than what you put in your mouth at a time and blow not your broth at the table but stay till cools of itself.

95. Put not your meat to your mouth with your knife in your hand neither spit forth the stones of any fruit pie upon a dish nor cast anything under the table.

96. It's unbecoming to stoop much to one’s meat keep your fingers clean & when foul wipe them on a corner of your table napkin.

97. Put not another bit into your mouth till the former is swallowed. Let not your morsels be too big for the jowls.

98. Drink not nor talk with your mouth full; neither gaze about you while you are drinking.

99. Drink not too leisurely nor yet too hastily. Before and after drinking, wipe your lips; breathe not then or ever with too great a noise, for it is uncivil.

100. Cleanse not your teeth with the tablecloth, napkin, fork, or knife; but if others do it, let it be done without a peep to them.

101. Rinse not your mouth in the presence of others.

102. It is out of use to call upon the company often to neither eat; nor need you drink to others every time you drink.

103. In the company of your betters, be not longer in eating than they are; lay not your arm but only your hand upon the table.

104. It belongs to the chiefest in company to unfold his napkin and fall to meat first, but he ought then to begin in time and to dispatch with dexterity that the slowest may have time allowed him.

105. Be not angry at the table whatever happens & if you have reason to be so, show it not; put on a cheerful countenance especially if there be strangers, for good humor makes one dish of meat a feast.

106. Set not yourself at the upper of the table; but if it were your due or that the master of the house will have it so, contend not, least you should trouble the company.

107. If others talk at the table, be attentive but talk not with meat in your mouth.

108. When you speak of God or his attributes let it be seriously & with reverence. Honor & obey your natural parents although they are poor.

109. Let your recreations be manful not sinful.

110. Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.

 

K-12 Safety

Introduction

In recent years, ensuring safety in K-12 schools has become a top priority for educators, parents, and policymakers. The need for a secure and nurturing environment in schools is paramount to promote effective learning and development among students. This article aims to explore various aspects of safety in K-12 schools in 2022, including best practices, strategies, and challenges. By implementing effective safety measures, schools can provide a conducive environment for students to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.

The Importance of Safety in K-12 Schools

Ensuring safety in K-12 schools is of utmost importance as it directly impacts the well-being and overall development of students. When students feel safe and secure, they can focus on learning and growth without distractions. Safety measures also provide reassurance to parents, fostering a sense of trust in the educational institution. By prioritizing safety, schools create an environment where students can flourish both academically and personally.

Best Practices for Safety in K-12 Schools

1. Developing a Comprehensive Safety Plan

A well-defined safety plan is the foundation of an effective safety program in K-12 schools. This plan should include protocols for emergencies such as fires, natural disasters, or intruders. Regular drills and training sessions should be conducted to ensure that students and staff are well-prepared to respond appropriately in such situations.

2. Implementing Access Control Measures

Controlling access to school premises is crucial for maintaining a secure environment. Schools should invest in access control systems such as ID cards, key fobs, or biometric systems to regulate entry and exit. Additionally, visitor management protocols should be in place to monitor individuals entering the premises.

3. Enhancing Physical Security

To prevent unauthorized access and ensure the safety of students and staff, schools should have robust physical security measures. This includes installing surveillance cameras, securing entrances and exits, and implementing fencing and gating systems. Adequate lighting should be provided in parking lots and other outdoor areas to discourage potential threats.

4. Strengthening Cybersecurity

With the increasing reliance on technology in schools, it is essential to address cybersecurity concerns. Schools should have measures in place to protect sensitive student information and prevent unauthorized access to digital systems. Educating students and staff about online safety and responsible internet use is also crucial.

5. Promoting Mental Health and Well-being

Safety in K-12 schools goes beyond physical security; it also encompasses the mental health and well-being of students. Schools should prioritize creating a supportive environment that fosters emotional and psychological well-being. Implementing counseling services, promoting anti-bullying initiatives, and offering resources for students' mental health are essential components of a comprehensive safety plan. This is supported by research that shows selected strategies and the effectiveness of each.

Challenges in Ensuring Safety in K-12 Schools

1. Limited Resources

One of the significant challenges in ensuring safety in K-12 schools is the availability of limited resources. Many schools struggle with budget constraints, making it difficult to invest in advanced security systems or hire additional personnel. Finding creative solutions and seeking partnerships with local communities and organizations can help alleviate this challenge.

2. Keeping Up with Evolving Threats

Schools face the constant challenge of keeping up with evolving threats and adapting safety measures accordingly. As technology advances, so do the methods used by potential intruders or cyber attackers. Schools must stay informed about the latest safety trends and continuously update their protocols and systems to address emerging risks.

3. Balancing Security with a Positive Learning Environment

While ensuring safety is crucial, it is essential to strike a balance between security measures and maintaining a positive learning environment. Excessive security measures or an atmosphere of constant vigilance can hinder students' ability to feel comfortable and free to express themselves. Schools must adopt strategies that provide security without compromising the overall educational experience.

FAQs about Safety in K-12 Schools 2022

Q: What role do teachers play in ensuring safety in K-12 schools?

Teachers play a crucial role in ensuring safety in K-12 schools. They are responsible for implementing safety protocols, conducting drills, and being vigilant during school hours. Teachers also play a vital role in promoting a positive and inclusive classroom environment, addressing student concerns, and identifying signs of potential threats or bullying.

Q: How can parents contribute to the safety of K-12 schools?

Parents can contribute to the safety of K-12 schools by actively engaging in their child's education and school community. They can participate in parent-teacher associations, attend safety-related workshops or meetings, and communicate any concerns or suggestions regarding safety measures to school authorities. It is also essential for parents to educate their children about personal safety and encourage open communication about their experiences at school.

Q: Are there any specific safety measures for K-12 schools during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes, the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated additional safety measures in K-12 schools. These may include social distancing protocols, regular sanitization of classrooms and common areas, mandatory mask-wearing, and increased ventilation. Schools may also implement hybrid learning models or remote learning options to minimize the risk of virus transmission.

Q: How can schools address the issue of bullying and ensure a safe environment for all students?

Schools can address the issue of bullying by implementing comprehensive anti-bullying policies and promoting a culture of respect and empathy. This includes educating students about the consequences of bullying, providing counseling and support for victims, and implementing disciplinary measures for the perpetrators. Creating a safe reporting system and encouraging students to speak up about instances of bullying is also essential.

Q: What should schools do to prepare for natural disasters or emergencies?

Schools should have well-established emergency response plans in place to prepare for natural disasters or emergencies. This includes conducting regular drills to familiarize students and staff with evacuation procedures, establishing communication protocols with local authorities, and maintaining emergency supply kits. Collaborating with local emergency management agencies can provide valuable guidance and resources.

Q: How can schools address the issue of online safety and cybersecurity?

To address the issue of online safety and cybersecurity, schools should educate students about responsible internet use and digital citizenship. Implementing filters and monitoring systems on school computers and networks can help prevent access to inappropriate content. Schools should also emphasize the importance of strong passwords, secure online behavior, and the potential risks associated with sharing personal information online.

Conclusion

Ensuring safety in K-12 schools is a multifaceted endeavor that requires the collaboration of educators, parents, and the wider community. By implementing best practices, addressing challenges, and prioritizing the well-being of students, schools can create a safe and supportive environment for learning and growth. With continuous evaluation and adaptation to emerging safety concerns, K-12 schools can meet the evolving needs of their students, providing them with a secure foundation for their educational journey.

============================================

"Safe Schools: A Best Practices Guide." National Center for Education Statistics

"School Safety and Security Guidelines." U.S. Department of Education

"Cybersecurity in K-12 Education: Current Challenges

c

Forgotten Presidents

Peyton Randolph ought to be remembered. He was the very first President of the very first Continental Congress. He also signed the Continental Association, a trade boycott in response to the Intolerable Acts that were instituted to punish the colonists after the Boston Tea Party. Peyton was seen by the British as ringmaster amongst instigators… 

Peyton Randolph

He was accorded the reception of any troublesome colonist amongst the court of St. James… which is to say, none whatsoever. To make matters worse, Peyton Randolph was also seen as the titular head of the troublesome colonists, and in May of 1775, when the 2nd Continental Congress began, it was once again, Peyton Randolph who was elected President. During his time as President, Peyton Randolph fell ill and stepped down to recover. It was John Hancock who replaced him as President when Congress put quill to paper and signed the Declaration of Independence. 

Each person who signed understood, in no uncertain terms, they were essentially signing their own death warrant. Of course, this could apply to their families also. Given the dim prospect of defeating the World’s greatest military force with a group of different militias, and with limited capacity to produce war materials and vulnerable to naval blockade… they signed. Such was their passion for the idea of a truly representative government.

The declaration was also designed to demonstrate, in the most practicable way, the very depth of American dedication and commitment to the cause. Such commitment greatly amplified support in the Court of Versailles and was well received by King Louis XVI.

King Louis XVI

 The French allied formally with the American cause on February 06, 1778, with the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance thanks, in large part, to Dr. Benjamin Franklin, our first diplomat. For Washington whose troops were suffering at Valley Forge at that time (February), this was cause for great optimism.

Smuggling routes that ran from Europe to the West Indies, and then into the southern ports where the Spanish looked the other way had kept the American Revolution afloat. When the Treaty of Aranjuez was signed on 12 April 1779, it called for French support to assist Spain in recovering its former possessions of Menorca, Gibraltar, and Spanish Florida (East and West Florida). In exchange, Spain would support the revolution.

In October 1781, the French naval blockade was instrumental in forcing a British army under Cornwallis to surrender at the Siege of Yorktown. When news of this reached London in March 1782, the government of Lord North fell and Great Britain immediately sued for peace terms. France delayed the end of the war until September 1783 in the hope of overrunning more British colonies in India and the West Indies. 

Nevertheless, when the Marquess of Rockingham was appointed Prime Minister, he immediately pushed for an acknowledgment of the independence of the United States, initiating an end to British involvement. 

What price was paid by the signors of the Declaration of Independence?

1) Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. 

2) Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. 

3) Two lost their sons in the revolutionary army.

4) Another had two sons captured. 

5) Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the revolutionary war.

Samuel Huntington

When John Jay left the Second Continental Congress to become Minister to Spain, my 3rd Cousin 7x, Samuel Huntington, was elected to succeed him as President of the Continental Congress. He signed the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. His autograph was small but neat and precise. You can find his signature on the right side underneath Roger Sherman. On the same line higher up were John Adams and Samuel Adams.

Huntington was President of the Continental Congress when the last state ratified the Articles of Confederation (Maryland) on March 01, 1781. Thus, our first form of government was born. Upon ratification by Maryland, the transition was uninterrupted, and Huntington immediately became the first President under the Articles of Confederation. He resigned shortly thereafter having assured the new country was properly born of the Articles of Confederation. He returned to Connecticut to convalesce. Between 1784 and 1796, he served as Lieutenant Governor, Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court, and, eventually, the state's Governor. During his time, he oversaw the transition of Connecticut into statehood, the adoption of the Federal Constitution, and the beginnings of the building of a State House in the newly made capitol, Hartford. 

Ebenezer Huntington was my 8th great-grandfather and he had the privilege to serve with General Washington. He was present at the siege of Yorktown and is depicted mounted on the horse closest and to the right on the American side in John Trumbull’s famous painting that hangs in the U.S. Capital Rotunda.

 

Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown

Ebenezer initially joined the 2nd Connecticut Regiment and rose to Lt. Col. in the Continental Army serving with General Washington. He later became a Brigadier General in the US Army. On the Groat side, my 5th Great Uncle, Peter Groat, served with the New York 8th Albany Regiment, and his brother John served with the 3rd Albany Regiment. Six other family members are also on the rolls of the Albany Regiments.

Brigadier General Huntington

3.5 Trillion Reasons

No country can be strong whose people are weak and poor

                                      ~ Theodore Roosevelt

In 2018, it is estimated that 18% of GDP would represent an industry with an impact of 3.5 trillion dollars, and yet Americans are going without healthcare, expenditures are rising, and more than 70% of the electorate now prefers the idea of single-payer healthcare. The Tfight in front of the United States will be epic. There are about 3.5 trillion reasons why. 

The United States of America leads all other wealthy countries in expenditures per person.

As the 20th century dawned, the United States had yet to form a health care system, there were no retirement benefits, no social security, the young nation was just being able to forget a bloody civil war, the west had been opened, and the young nation was gathering steam as an economic power. As the United States came of age; healthcare became an ongoing topic of political discourse. Americans moved away from their farms and headed toward the big city. The era of doctors making housecalls in a horse-drawn buggy were at an end.

As the twentieth century moved out of the WWI era, the cost of healthcare had already skyrocketed beyond the affordability of most Americans, this led to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) trying to establish a Medicare for all program and the creation of old age pensions. Political compromise saw the healthcare provisions removed while Social Security was established. It was a political tradeoff.

Harry Truman tried to revive FDR’s health care plan, amplifying it to allow for coverage for everyone. The opposition howled that it was right out of the communist playbook. Truman abandoned the plan as the Korean War broke out, but years later he saw Medicare come to exist as President Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) signed Medicare into existence in a ceremony he conspicuously decided to hold at the Truman Presidential Library. It was a nod to the efforts of President Truman for his efforts to find a way to provide more healthcare to the American people.

In 1960 the federal government began to track national healthcare expenditures (NHE), this is when we started linking it to the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) and it started tracking at 5% of GDP; today it’s over 18%. 

President John F. Kennedy (JFK) tried for universal coverage, but instead of through the normal channels, JFK went directly to the American people. The American Medical Association (AMA) opposition was harsh, well funded, and very strong. The AMA lobbying efforts dragged the fight out. It was a fight JFK would not be able to finish. LBJ was a gifted legislator and used the legacy of JFK to expand coverage through Social Security for seniors and disabled citizens, ushering in the Social Security Act of 1965, crafting the foundation of Medicare and Medicaid.

Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy, in the 1970s, proposed single payer healthcare similar to Canada, but President Nixon wanted corporations to provide healthcare instead. The thinking was that working-age citizens would have healthcare from their employers and seniors would get healthcare from the government. Kennedy and Nixon were able to work together across the aisle before Watergate erupted, HMO’s were created and social security was expanded. As Reagan came to power, the US was spending nearly 9% of GDP on healthcare. The Reagan White House facilitated the removal of numerous regulations while creating COBRA, a benefit still available today.

By the time Clinton was president, the NHE had passed 12% of GDP. The Clinton administration had strong hopes for a state-based cooperative. The Clinton plan enshrined the concept of not allowing pre-existing conditions to be considered. Corporations would be required to supply healthcare for all full-time employees. The Clinton administration was unable to attain their goals regarding healthcare, but Clinton did usher in CHIP and Medicaid for uninsured children. George Bush started when NHE was at 13.3% of GDP, and he facilitated Medicare Part D. Every President that tried to move America towards single payer healthcare met unsurmountable resistance on a number of levels. But each did leave a legacy that helped more American citizens get healthcare.


The attacks on 9/11 and the second Iraq war elbowed the health care debate to the sidelines. When the PPACA a.k.a. Obamacare was devised, the NHE was eclipsing 17% of GDP (17.4%). Almost ten years later, the rate of growth of healthcare expenditures has finally slowed but it still checks in at an estimated 18.2% (estimated for 2018).

Now, in 2019, after narrowly escaping the full repeal of Obamacare during the first half of the Trump administration and coming within a mere vote of seeing tens of millions of Americans lose their health care, the debate continues to rage. Only now the tide has turned. Democratic candidates beginning the process of lining up to run for President of the United States in 2020 are making single payer healthcare a debate that is front and center. 

The healthcare debate in the United States has been laden with drama during the Trump Administration. While data shows the rate of expenditure growth is starting to slow at the same time more Americans are getting coverage, nobody is talking about the data points. Healthcare has, and always will be, one of those wedge issues that can make or break a Presidential campaign. When over 70% of Americans want single-payer healthcare, you can be sure we will hear a lot about during this campaign cycle.

Good Manners

The spirit of the holidays is now upon us. Yet even though we have so much to be grateful for, our people continue to find themselves deeply divided. It’s not as pronounced where I live because of demographic similarities. I live in a place where similar views impact a very wide range of subjects. In this environment, it would be rather difficult to offer an unpopular or contrary viewpoint without inviting, shall we say, some hassles. As the old saying goes, “be careful not to invite that which bothers you”.

I sit here typing this with a business card from a national leader of the Sons of the American Revolution in front of me. I am considering joining their organization. I’m also considering the Mayflower Society, so this is something for me to think about. The Declaration of Independence was signed by one of my ancestors, Samuel Huntington. Our first ancestor to the New World preceded Samuel by one hundred and fifty-six years, arriving on the Mayflower in 1620. My family has a very long history in the colonies, and we've fought in every major conflict our nation has had; including my own service with the US Army.

Unlike military service, I’ve been cognizant that there have been some who have questioned the motivations of a person who chooses political office. I find many people take a dim view of anybody who serves in political office, and this seems to be a default position. I was introduced to that concept one fine day when I mentioned my interest in political office to somebody I admired, in hopes to gather some advice and wisdom. When that person asked why I’d care to denigrate myself and lower myself to join such a dishonorable club of miscreants, I was blown away. It never occurred to me that there would be any exploitation or self-enrichment.

Going on six years now, with tours as Deputy Mayor and Councilor in two different municipalities, I’ve seen different sides of similar issues several times. Ironically, there has been no enrichment and, as a matter of curiosity, I've kept close track of time spent in service and have estimated that council remuneration does not enrich someone. It is, instead, a function that probably returns a net between two and four dollars per hour, sometimes less, but never more. In fairness, I thought people might like to know that bit of trivia. If there are some politicians lining their pockets somehow, I have no idea how they do it.

I tend to focus on what is best for our constituents and the local economy. I like to support the economic development arena with enthusiasm. Kind of like instant replay, my default position is to say yes unless there are obvious reasons why something should not take place. Whether right or wrong, when the decision has been taken, that’s our direction. Sometimes there will be people who want to have decisions rehashed and, in some cases, they will fight for recognition of their views long after decisions have been taken.

The art of being able to move forward, with each other, is important. The difference between a political leader and a private citizen is that the political leader makes their decision in the public eye. They must be prepared to have their decision blasted by those who disagree whereas the private citizen is not required to make any pronouncement on dicey matters, thereby shielding themselves from the anger of those whose views align differently.

This all brings us full circle to the anger we have in our society. As the anger grows, the ability to express an opinion freely is diminished until finally, there are no dissenting opinions. Fear of retribution for honestly and openly discussing important issues is a powerful influence. While the current day issues come and go and leaders change, we should always keep an eye on the health of our core values of liberty and freedom. Allowing people to express themselves without fear of humiliation is important. It is an essential ingredient of our form of government; it’s also good manners.