Academic Rants

--> The First 100 Days Part One-The Confidence Factor We have reached the magic number on how most modern presidents will be judged. The 100-day mark is a concept that is tied to the legacy of Franklin Roosevelt.   In his first one hundred days, Roosevelt tackled some of the most threatening problems in the history of America.   He acted to address the problems of the Great Depression and later World War II. Younger students typically learn that the nation rallied around Roosevelt and that his leadership brought America out of the darkness.   Students of history learn that it was far from simple and that Roosevelt faced numerous challenges from all spectrums of society and equally from members of his own party. Yet, we continue to stress the importance of the one hundred days even when situations are not as grave as they were in 1932.   I think it is unfortunate that Donald Trump is trying to claim this period as a referendum of his presiden...

“Are These Friends of Yours?”                         As we progress through the second month of the Trump presidency, the use of “confusing logic” and “alternate truths” have increased.   And, as this practice is used nearly every day, the role of the press is further weakened.   As the press responds with greater alarm, more of the Trump core are supporting the view that the press is the enemy of the state.             But in a democracy, the press has always been the voice of the people, especially the oppressed and downtrodden. So, what is going wrong and what went wrong?   Well, now the truth has been made unclear, and we now have different types of press.   In fact, there are at least three-a fact based content or traditional press, an entertainment press, and a contradictory press, and app...

  The Trump Administration and Education The National Agenda-The Overview             Every presidency ushers in change. In fact, presidents supporting educational reform are normal.   Since 2000, the national reform has included NCLB, ESSA, Common Core, and numerous national tests. However, because of the lack of depth provided by candidate Donald J. Trump, there is a greater sense of apprehension of the range of reforms that will be unleashed by this administration. So this commentary aims to synthesize the Trump Agenda and what needs to be done to protect the legacy of public education in America. Despite growing up in New York City, home of the nation’s largest public school system, Donald Trump never attended the city’s public schools.   He did not play a role in the city’s educational politics and his children never attended the city’s schools.   Nor did they attend public colleges or u...

Are we watching “The Hunt For Red October” or “From Russia With Love”?             History is the exploration of the past.   It relies on evidence to explain past events, which then form perspectives or interpretations of events, eras, and movements.   If we let the evidence speak for itself this is what I believe future textbooks will say about Donald J. Trump and his presidency. 2015-2016: Populist billionaire Donald J. Trump brilliantly tapped into the cries from the heartland and easily won the Republican primaries and then upset Hillary Clinton in the general election to become the 45 th President of the United States.   Many voted for Trump believing that he argued for wholesale change in America. Losers: the traditional political establishment, Republican Party, the Democratic Party, and Hillary Clinton Winner: Donald J. Trump 2017-2018: President Trump continues to blur the lines surro...

As American as Apple Pie By Alfred R. Johnson, Jr . The current presidential election has baffled many moderate and educated Americans. How can 40-44% of our citizens support Donald Trump?   How can they support a person who has insulted one of the largest immigrant groups in the country?   He is a person who has insulted a major religion of the world, Islam.   He has disrespected the family of soldier, a proud member of this religion, who died on the battlefield for the US.   He has repeatedly questioned the competency of our military on a basic level without any military or diplomatic experience.   He may have used money donated by others for charitable purposes for his personal and business gain.   He has never served in any government position elected, appointed or selected. Frequently, when Trump’s supporters are confronted with these and other facts, they acknowledge the possible truth of these allegations but say that they want change at any...