An interesting way to get Kids Attention

[Recidiva]

I never ever have been a "military" worshipper - even if Choker Whites are HOT!

I get what you are saying - my thing was the responsibility part - not the political correctness or incorrectness of it...

I am a great fan of "drama" per say - lolol - but in an informed and educated manner. With out being there we cannot say what "really" happened.

On the one hand she didnt present the WHOLE picture only a part (small bloody part)... on the other - she proved a point - whether we like how she did it or not....

America's young lads and lasses- better than flipping burgers- attitude - well good grief - I wouldn't that person to come and defend me! But I've always said and have proven it out a time or too --- I do not seek conflict nor do I give the value of my life to it... But you come to my door - I will cut your fucking balls off and feed them to you.

I am a living history teacher - I teach the social mores behind the "facts" the dress, manners, goods, foods, skills, class, laws and punishments of the time as a "character" from the time period I am interested in educating some one on. The wonder and the marvel on these kids faces make it very gratifying. and I dont get paid! I do this because I love the subjects and truly enjoy the "drama" of "lecturing" a bunch of bored to death kids...by the time I am done with them they are talking about all kinds of things and how they relate todays society and social mores.....

Sigh -

I am glad she did it - but in reading everyones comments I guess I missed the propaganda, I missed the stupidity, the policital hooha that must be dragged out every time some one farts too loudly.

So ===== just a question ====== how would YOU have taught this particular lesson....

She didn't prove a point. She didn't even demonstrate a point. She dictated a point without any proof.

Again, that's why I'm equating this as 2+ 2 = 7.

If she were teaching 4+3 = 7, fine. But she wasn't.

I've already stated that I teach by example. If you want to teach responsibility, be responsible. If you want to teach love, be loving. If you want to teach sacrifice, be sacrificing.

This is just self-serving crap that is masquerading as content.

I think going to school every day and teaching what needs to be taught without fanfare and while being engaged and interested in your kids is a noble thing and doesn't need any makeup to make it attractive.

Dressing it up in a clown suit pisses me off.

Would you rather have a mom who changes a diaper and tickles her baby's foot to make them smile and show them the world's a good place, or a mom who takes off the diaper and shoves it in the kid's face and says "BAD. You're BAD. Inherently. Ew. Now when you stop doing that, I'll like you again."

I know my vote.

And I think your assumption about "bored to death kids" is an insult to kids. And I'd take more offense, but you know, there's enough offense here already.

If you don't like kids - don't teach them. I like them.

 

[Stella_Omega]

This wasnt really a shocking thing - it took all day so the shock of it was paling by the time she brought in the soldiers. Putting two and two together like that - sometimes it does take a bat to accomplish the connectivity.

Ah, that makes the story very much different. I thought the kids, by which I think of elementary school children, suddenly and without warning got loaded with this guilt trip out of the blue.

That is a baseball bat. And like a baseball bat, its message really doesn't have much to do with it's wielder's intentions.

And I agree most the crap out there is shock-value twisted and thats it... its not about education its about ennuring us to the harsh reality of being human and how long you can dance on someone elses pain or loss... money - yeah pain and shock make money -

Chris, think about the way you introduced this thread. You used shock; telling us the most dramatic incident of the class, without any background, no information about the class. We didn't know if these were six year olds or seventeen year olds (whom I, personally, would never think of as 'kids' in this context). We did not know this was social studies, we didn't know nothing.

Except what you chose to tell us.
(eta)

I am a great fan of "drama" per say - lolol - but in an informed and educated manner. With out being there we cannot say what "really" happened.

You didn't report it as 'what might have happened", you reported it as what did happen.

I am a living history teacher - I teach the social mores behind the "facts" the dress, manners, goods, foods, skills, class, laws and punishments of the time as a "character" from the time period I am interested in educating some one on. The wonder and the marvel on these kids faces make it very gratifying. and I dont get paid! I do this because I love the subjects and truly enjoy the "drama" of "lecturing" a bunch of bored to death kids...by the time I am done with them they are talking about all kinds of things and how they relate todays society and social mores.....

That is a much better example of teaching by example.

 

[3113]

I am glad she did it - but in reading everyones comments I guess I missed the propaganda, I missed the stupidity, the political hooha that must be dragged out every time some one farts too loudly.

My, my. Classic. Miminalize our objections as silly and stupid and dragging out hooha. So, we shouldn't give a shit how teachers are teaching our kids, so long as they get a message? Ends justify the means? Let's go back beating kids with canes and standing the ones who fail to answer questions correctly up in a corner with a pointed cap.

Hey. They'll learn their lesson. Ends justify the means...so long as they *learn* something and who gives a shit if what they learn is a good lesson, right?

The lesson matters and the method of teaching matters, too. I had a teacher with problems when I was eight who, because I was a day dreamer, pulled my hair and screamed in my face when I got a math problem wrong. That was a dramatic lesson--and I should have told my parents about it but I didn't and I was suck with that teacher for the rest of the year. That dramatic lesson didn't improve my math skills, but it sure kept me from asking her any questions. I learned a lesson. Is that all that matters?

So ===== just a question ====== how would YOU have taught this particular lesson....

What lesson am I supposed to be teaching them? Because if I was a history teacher, my responsibility is to teach them history. Period. This was not a "responsibility" class.

Is the lesson "be grateful for the benefits you have thanks to those who fought wars for you"--well, that's a war-by-war basis. I could dramatize what life would be like for them now as British citizens if the founding fathers hadn't gone to war, I could dramatize life with slavery if the Civil War had not occurred, and I could have them read "Man in a High Castle" for WWII.

And I could take their pocket money, give them each back a penny and show them how little they're going to have thanks to the Iraq war which is going to take away their future. Funny that. All that spending on war and what is left for education? I think dramatizing to them the future they're going to have paying off the debt we've sunk ourselves into fighting that war would teach them a lot.

Do you still think this is all hooha? Because these kids are going to have to pay off that debt and they're not going to have health care or money to raise their kids or send them to college because of it. They are going to be seeing those vets homeless and on the streets because there's no money for benefits. This is not hooha. This is reality.

 

[glynndah]

As I recall, my history class met for about one hour and then the next class moved into the room. We didn't stay in the same room with the same teacher all day. What were these kids supposed to learn in that amount of time except to meet at lunch and discuss the "weird" teacher?

 

[Recidiva]

As I recall, my history class met for about one hour and then the next class moved into the room. We didn't stay in the same room with the same teacher all day. What were these kids supposed to learn in that amount of time except to meet at lunch and discuss the "weird" teacher?

One day we tortured our history teacher by everyone in the class refusing to talk, or answer any questions in any way.

She was so freaked out she fled halfway through the class.

 

[glynndah]

One day we tortured our history teacher by everyone in the class refusing to talk, or answer any questions in any way.

She was so freaked out she fled halfway through the class.

We did that in a college psych class. We spent the entire hour in that lecture hall smiling every time he left the podium and walked towards the side of the room where the door was located and frowned every time he went back to his usual place. He was almost out the door by the time the class ended.

 

[Recidiva]

We did that in a college psych class. We spent the entire hour in that lecture hall smiling every time he left the podium and walked towards the side of the room where the door was located and frowned every time he went back to his usual place. He was almost out the door by the time the class ended.

Kids can manage to not be bored.

 

[fieryjen]

One day we tortured our history teacher by everyone in the class refusing to talk, or answer any questions in any way.

She was so freaked out she fled halfway through the class.

I just thought about this one, and I honestly don't think it would freak me out that much (probably because of the variety of behaviors I do have to deal with in my classes). I'd be pissed because of them wasting my time and theirs, and then I'd announce that it was a good day to grade them on their class participation.

 

[fieryjen]

We did that in a college psych class. We spent the entire hour in that lecture hall smiling every time he left the podium and walked towards the side of the room where the door was located and frowned every time he went back to his usual place. He was almost out the door by the time the class ended.

This one I like. It doesn't take time away from the class, and it's actually a pretty good application of the material learned.

 

[Recidiva]

I just thought about this one, and I honestly don't think it would freak me out that much (probably because of the variety of behaviors I do have to deal with in my classes). I'd be pissed because of them wasting my time and theirs, and then I'd announce that it was a good day to grade them on their class participation.

Yeah. See, those were the teachers we paid attention to. Go you.

 

[cloudy]

My, my. Classic. Miminalize our objections as silly and stupid and dragging out hooha. So, we shouldn't give a shit how teachers are teaching our kids, so long as they get a message? Ends justify the means? Let's go back beating kids with canes and standing the ones who fail to answer questions correctly up in a corner with a pointed cap.

Hey. They'll learn their lesson. Ends justify the means...so long as they *learn* something and who gives a shit if what they learn is a good lesson, right?

Indeed.

So, Christabell: I should be thankful for the soldiers that herded us on cross-country trek in the middle of winter during which one third of those on it died?

I should be thankful for the soldiers that came and took our children away, forbid them to speak their native tongue, cut their hair, and beat them if they cried for their parents?

I should be thankful that my children speak English now instead of Choctaw? That there are so few native speakers left that it's almost an extinct language?

Excuse me while I puke.

 

[christabelll]

My, my. Classic. Miminalize our objections as silly and stupid and dragging out hooha. So, we shouldn't give a shit how teachers are teaching our kids, so long as they get a message? Ends justify the means? Let's go back beating kids with canes and standing the ones who fail to answer questions correctly up in a corner with a pointed cap.

Hey. They'll learn their lesson. Ends justify the means...so long as they *learn* something and who gives a shit if what they learn is a good lesson, right?

The lesson matters and the method of teaching matters, too. I had a teacher with problems when I was eight who, because I was a day dreamer, pulled my hair and screamed in my face when I got a math problem wrong. That was a dramatic lesson--and I should have told my parents about it but I didn't and I was suck with that teacher for the rest of the year. That dramatic lesson didn't improve my math skills, but it sure kept me from asking her any questions. I learned a lesson. Is that all that matters?


What lesson am I supposed to be teaching them? Because if I was a history teacher, my responsibility is to teach them history. Period. This was not a "responsibility" class.

Is the lesson "be grateful for the benefits you have thanks to those who fought wars for you"--well, that's a war-by-war basis. I could dramatize what life would be like for them now as British citizens if the founding fathers hadn't gone to war, I could dramatize life with slavery if the Civil War had not occurred, and I could have them read "Man in a High Castle" for WWII.

And I could take their pocket money, give them each back a penny and show them how little they're going to have thanks to the Iraq war which is going to take away their future. Funny that. All that spending on war and what is left for education? I think dramatizing to them the future they're going to have paying off the debt we've sunk ourselves into fighting that war would teach them a lot.

Do you still think this is all hooha? Because these kids are going to have to pay off that debt and they're not going to have health care or money to raise their kids or send them to college because of it. They are going to be seeing those vets homeless and on the streets because there's no money for benefits. This is not hooha. This is reality.

Wait a minute here.......... This is/was NOT an attack on YOU- why do you make it personal? this is a debate not a target practice room.

I made a comment about it because that is WHAT IT BOILS DOWN TOO - Politics and who thinks their way is better and can get it voted into law..... its not what you would do - okay - its not what recidiva or cloudy would do - great... (and by the way less than a generation ago most of my maternal family still spoke Cherokee and practiced those traditions. And the Same goes for the Paternal - Gaelic and German...) English is the national language and yeah - soldiers of one sort or another made that possible - never mind not being able to read the signs in certain neighborhoods because I can't read philipino or cuban.... )

Maybe that teacher intended way more than you are giving her credit for. A snippet from a freaking article is NOT what happened... only how it was protrayed for us stupid naive types.
Did she scream? did she belittle those students? Not really...
I too had a teacher like that a couple as a matter of fact... from stripping me naked in the hallway to make sure I hadn't messed myself (I was very ill as I recall) to destroying my personal property in a fit of pique because I talked back. yeah it sucked and yeah I will always remember them...but those were mere moments in time - and would I tolerate it to happen to MY KIDS... fuck no... but she didnt threaten or coerce or yell or scream... she demonstrated a valid point of the military history of this nation.

Military history - has been about protecting "us" against "them" no matter who the us or them or the right or the wrong ... in a very real sense that is what we have ALL been taught us against them. In my opinion THERE IS NO GOOD WAR. These soldiers volunteered their time and efforts to help this teacher to show ONE ASPECT of what it took to form this nation to be its hypocritical, irresponsible terroristic self it is today. And in the same BREATH Be one of the most generous and altruistic cultures on earth. It is a sad and unfortunate truth that We are a bloody lot and it did and it does cost time, money and lives to keep it this way. You object to her only representing the military and the earned right to go to school in safety... (now thats a joke now ain't it)...In a Way we must all earn the right to be here and bring children into the world. Other wise we really are just sheep and cattle living consuming and procreating aimlessly for no other reason than to do it.

Do you think I like whats going on in THIS COUNTRY? Jesus christ - Economics and trade deficits and the TRUE costs of war are a whole other critter and is RARELY taught or relayed accurately. Its the same arguement time and again - Our Gov. is bankrupting this nation and WE VOTED THEM IN... We are taxed exactly how much it takes to keep us EXACTLY where we are. Fearful, Doubtful, Confused, Uncertain. A "Lack" mentality. God(dess) help this nation when the general populations wakes up and figures it out. And they said that about OUR Generation and the Generation before that! On and ON in the dark and murky past - and the not so bright and murky future.

All I have seen in our government and this nations policies are a willful destruction of our school systems to breed an ever increasing ignorant population, and a whole lot of finger pointing and forming of committee's ni bureaus to deal with the outcome of greed and mongering showing everywhere you look. And Our media follows suit ...What did John Mayer say
"When you own the information you can bend it all you want." The increase of "shocking our sensibilities with graphic detail and a spin on someones tragedy." has systematically increased to the point where seeing a man struck by a car and nobody does a thing is NORMAL... and We scream no it aint! thats just wrong.... Well today - it IS normal whether we want it to be or not.

We as PARENTS Supersede ANY thing taught or shown or dramatized or characterized in school, media, the streets, etc. Its the parents job to give another viewpoint - and live by that view point - dont agree with what the child is being taught then show them the "real" answers yourselves. Dont agree with the viewpoint in class room or the viewpoint of the teacher - okay then explain your view point to your child - Mom and Dad's words are gods to them - not the teacher.

Why are you jumping on me with such pissyness? I am not pissy - and maybe I really dont get it... I happen to like what she did - so fucking what? does it really matter in the larger scheme of things?

If I dont agree with what my children are being taught I teach them differently. thats my bottom line.

 

[3113]

Indeed.

So, Christabell: I should be thankful for the soldiers that herded us on cross-country trek in the middle of winter during which one third of those on it died?

Hey! There's a way to teach the lesson. Here's how I'd do it. I'd have members of remaining American Indian tribes bring in the desks. And I've have them each tell about how their people were robbed of their land, killed, put on reservations and such so that all the immigrants from other countries could have the land and create the U.S.A.

I think it'd be very moving to remind these teens that they are now living in the U.S. and getting such a good education (in English!) thanks to all the Natives that lost their lives and lands. And that it is the responsibility of each teen to remember when they get older that murdering natives and taking their land is the American way and we shouldn't be ashamed to do it, brutally and mercilessly, to anyone else whose resources we want. What do you think? Great idea? Brilliant?

And yes, I'm being sarcastic, but no, I'm not kidding. You asked how I'd teach the lesson, and I think this would be a very good way to teach it.

Or would that be propaganda?

 

[cloudy]

The difference, Christabell, is that you don't identify as Native...I do.

It's not anything against those serving in the military today. Heaven knows they only do as they are told.

But excuse me if I don't celebrate speaking English. Why is that something to celebrate? We could have been speaking Swahili all our lives, and still been the same people.

No, I'm sick of seeing messages that say "if you can do XXXX, thank a soldier."

No. I won't. They're doing their jobs, thankless as they may be. But the last war on home soil was the civil war. They haven't "saved" us from anything, other than by possible invasion by their very presence. Again, not their fault, and I have nothing but respect for the job they do.

But thank them? No.

 

[cloudy]

Hey! There's a way to teach the lesson. Here's how I'd do it. I'd have members of remaining American Indian tribes bring in the desks. And I've have them each tell about how their people were robbed of their land, killed, put on reservations and such so that all the immigrants from other countries could have the land and create the U.S.A.

I think it'd be very moving to remind these teens that they are now living in the U.S. and getting such a good education (in English!) thanks to all the Natives that lost their lives and lands. And that it is the responsibility of each teen to remember when they get older that murdering natives and taking their land is the American way and we shouldn't be ashamed to do it, brutally and mercilessly, to anyone else whose resources we want. What do you think? Great idea? Brilliant?

And yes, I'm being sarcastic, but no, I'm not kidding. You asked how I'd teach the lesson, and I think this would be a very good way to teach it.

Or would that be propaganda?

It'd be a truer lesson than the one that was taught, at least.

thank you.

 

[christabelll]

Indeed.

So, Christabell: I should be thankful for the soldiers that herded us on cross-country trek in the middle of winter during which one third of those on it died?

I should be thankful for the soldiers that came and took our children away, forbid them to speak their native tongue, cut their hair, and beat them if they cried for their parents?

I should be thankful that my children speak English now instead of Choctaw? That there are so few native speakers left that it's almost an extinct language?

Excuse me while I puke.

My great (third or fourth) grandmother DIED on the trail of tears. As did several of my cousins aunts and uncles. My Great Great Grandma's Dad was Captain of a Cherokee Brigade in the Civil War and was killed in it.

As were My granfather in germany as he fled with his wife and children from the nazi reich. And Great Grandmother in Ireland fleeing English oppression and famine... Never say your people suffered more or less. They All Fucking suffered. We just happen to remember it better this time around.

I NEVER said I condone the actions of the military via our government! But I will NOT be held ACCOUNTABLE FOR SOMETHING I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH. I am a result of it!


And Cloudy - a sad but true fact is that languages do die regardless of who or what may have caused it. I mourn my Native history and its incalcuable loss, but damnit... This is NOW. Live Now.

Puke all you want. I wont dance in any parades thats for damn sure because most would have me shamed from ALL sides of my tree.

 

[cloudy]

My great (third or fourth) grandmother DIED on the trail of tears. As did several of my cousins aunts and uncles. My Great Great Grandma's Dad was Captain of a Cherokee Brigade in the Civil War and was killed in it.

As were My granfather in germany as he fled with his wife and children from the nazi reich. And Great Grandmother in Ireland fleeing English oppression and famine... Never say your people suffered more or less. They All Fucking suffered. We just happen to remember it better this time around.

I NEVER said I condone the actions of the military via our government! But I will NOT be held ACCOUNTABLE FOR SOMETHING I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH. I am a result of it!


And Cloudy - a sad but true fact is that languages do die regardless of who or what may have caused it. I mourn my Native history and its incalcuable loss, but damnit... This is NOW. Live Now.

Puke all you want. I wont dance in any parades thats for damn sure because most would have me shamed from ALL sides of my tree.

yet, you don't see how I'm disgusted by reading "Since you read this in English, thank a soldier"?

truly sad.

 

[Recidiva]

My great (third or fourth) grandmother DIED on the trail of tears. As did several of my cousins aunts and uncles. My Great Great Grandma's Dad was Captain of a Cherokee Brigade in the Civil War and was killed in it.

As were My granfather in germany as he fled with his wife and children from the nazi reich. And Great Grandmother in Ireland fleeing English oppression and famine... Never say your people suffered more or less. They All Fucking suffered. We just happen to remember it better this time around.

I NEVER said I condone the actions of the military via our government! But I will NOT be held ACCOUNTABLE FOR SOMETHING I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH. I am a result of it!


And Cloudy - a sad but true fact is that languages do die regardless of who or what may have caused it. I mourn my Native history and its incalcuable loss, but damnit... This is NOW. Live Now.

Puke all you want. I wont dance in any parades thats for damn sure because most would have me shamed from ALL sides of my tree.

If you don't get the difference between fact and universal values versus emotion and propaganda, please don't teach my kids.

 

[christabelll]

yet, you don't see how I'm disgusted by reading "Since you read this in English, thank a soldier"?

truly sad.

I never referred to that cloudy you did.
I dont thank a soldier at all speaking english. I thank my parents for teaching me english.

Recidiva- I do understand the difference. I just dont use it to Attack another person. There are many many ways to present this and they all spark controversy and as was clearly stated disgust.

we disagree- are you right maybe
am I right maybe---

maybe we will live long enough to see who is.

 

[cloudy]

My great (third or fourth) grandmother DIED on the trail of tears. As did several of my cousins aunts and uncles. My Great Great Grandma's Dad was Captain of a Cherokee Brigade in the Civil War and was killed in it.

As were My granfather in germany as he fled with his wife and children from the nazi reich. And Great Grandmother in Ireland fleeing English oppression and famine... Never say your people suffered more or less. They All Fucking suffered. We just happen to remember it better this time around.

I NEVER said I condone the actions of the military via our government! But I will NOT be held ACCOUNTABLE FOR SOMETHING I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH. I am a result of it!


And Cloudy - a sad but true fact is that languages do die regardless of who or what may have caused it. I mourn my Native history and its incalcuable loss, but damnit... This is NOW. Live Now.

Puke all you want. I wont dance in any parades thats for damn sure because most would have me shamed from ALL sides of my tree.

Again, you don't identify as Native. When was the last time you danced? Do you know why we dance?

My great great grandmother walked the trail of tears, too...as a very little girl, watching her relatives die around her. I remember. I won't ever forget, no matter how much you, and people like you tell me to.

As far as living in the present goes.....please. I don't live in a wigwam, I have two college degrees, and wonder of wonders, I even have hot and cold running water in my house. Funny how that argument never fails to come up, how people always tell me to live in the present, when what they present as a wonderful idea is shot full of holes, and they still won't back down. It's the only thing you have left....I understand.

Never thought I would see that straw man from you, but I've been known to be wrong from time to time.

Too bad, really....

 

[Recidiva]

I never referred to that cloudy you did.
I dont thank a soldier at all speaking english. I thank my parents for teaching me english.

Recidiva- I do understand the difference. I just dont use it to Attack another person. There are many many ways to present this and they all spark controversy and as was clearly stated disgust.

we disagree- are you right maybe
am I right maybe---

maybe we will live long enough to see who is.

I'm not attacking you. I'm not attacking the teacher. I'm defending my children from being taught the wrong message: That they're bored, unappreciative, and need to bow to authority to earn their spot on this earth.

 

[cloudy]

I'm not attacking you. I'm not attacking the teacher. I'm defending my children from being taught the wrong message: That they're bored, unappreciative, and need to bow to authority to earn their spot on this earth.

you forgot about how they need to learn that no matter what our soldiers are told to do, who to kill, what country to invade - we're always right, and it's done for the children's benefit.

 

[Recidiva]

you forgot about how they need to learn that no matter what our soldiers are told to do, who to kill, what country to invade - we're always right, and it's done for the children's benefit.

I'm proud of civil servants, including soldiers and police and yes, even some politicians.

But I don't idealize them. Some are horrid human beings. As are some teachers. My kids need to know the difference and be able to stand up for themselves. In the meantime, I'll help by using every letter available in every law to protect their rights.

That includes the right to dissent when your needs are not represented, whether it be in believing you need to go to war, or believing you need to abstain.

I'm raising my kids to think. Not to have poison poured into their ears.

 

[cloudy]

I'm proud of civil servants, including soldiers and police and yes, even some politicians.

But I don't idealize them. Some are horrid human beings. As are some teachers. My kids need to know the difference and be able to stand up for themselves. In the meantime, I'll help by using every letter available in every law to protect their rights.

That includes the right to dissent when your needs are not represented, whether it be in believing you need to go to war, or believing you need to abstain.

I'm raising my kids to think. Not to have poison poured into their ears.

Quite.

they're people, like everyone else. No better, no worse.

 

[christabelll]

Again, you don't identify as Native. When was the last time you danced? Do you know why we dance?

My great great grandmother walked the trail of tears, too...as a very little girl, watching her relatives die around her. I remember. I won't ever forget, no matter how much you, and people like you tell me to.

As far as living in the present goes.....please. I don't live in a wigwam, I have two college degrees, and wonder of wonders, I even have hot and cold running water in my house. Funny how that argument never fails to come up, how people always tell me to live in the present, when what they present as a wonderful idea is shot full of holes, and they still won't back down. It's the only thing you have left....I understand.

Never thought I would see that straw man from you, but I've been known to be wrong from time to time.

Too bad, really....

Straw man - shot full of holes...

hold on here... I did not ever assume you lived in a damn wigwam... good god... THis is now yes? But telling me I have to be guilty for the past is as full of holes as you say I am... I know why I dance. To connect with the earth and give all that I am through my connection with her. She holds me succors me and will hold and succor more to come. I follow a more european path its true however I greatly honor this earth and all her peoples. I wish I knew more than the small tales that filtered through my family. But I am not allowed to claim that part of myself through "cherokee" law... I am not real enough....

What I mean by living in the present is to honor the past but not wallow in it!