He's a little known name in Missouri, but in the coming months, Ward Connerly could spark one of the hottest debates since the Civil Rights movement - by changing the way your child applies to college. Connerly, who served 12 years on the Board of Regents of the University of California was the driving force behind California's Proposition 209, that was approved by voters in 1996.
Prop. 209 amended California's constitution, prohibiting to prohibit public institutions from discriminating on the basis of race, sex, or ethnicity. Last year, Michigan voters enacted similar legislation, and now Connerly intends to take this measure to other states that could include: Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. Next month, it is expected that he will announce which states he has chosen.
RESOURCES:
* Ward Connerly bio information: http://www.acri.org/people/
* New York Times Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/26/education/26affirm.html
* Prop 209 from Answers.com: http://www.answers.com/topic/california-proposition-209
I've heard it said by different folks that it's odd the first time you switch rolls with your parents, and you become the care giver instead of the recipient. Well, the validity of that statement didn't sink in until our recent ice storm. My house was without power for only 48-hours, but my mom's was down until last night and she's been staying with me during that time.
I have been very blessed. Unlike some kids, my mom and I have always been close, but do to a hectic work schedule, a growing family of my own, and everything else under the sun, we haven't spent a lot of time together in the past few years. It was good to have her there. But, the reversal of rolls has left me a little speechless. I want to be in denial that time is marching on, that we are all getting older, and that someday, I probably won't have her around anymore. That thought makes me so sad, I don't even know how to describe it.
But with every package, there's more than just the wrapper. This has been my wake up call, that I am happy to share with you. Enjoy the moment. Make as many of them as you can as often as you can, because someday, you won't be able to make any more.
With the death of President Ford, my list of "Top 5 People I Want to Interview" dropped to 4. There were years where I thought Gerald Ford's name should be placed with that of Benedict Arnold and every other traitor who sold his country out. Time passes, and it seems for the most part, to show the good decisions for what they really are.
I was wrong.
So, what fascinated me with the 38th President of the United States? Simple. President Ford had this moment of clarity that cut through time and prevailing politics of the day and with the wave of a pen, pardoned his disgraced predecessor. America was mad. Americans felt there was no faith left in government...and, Americans owe Gerald Ford a debt of thanks, and a sincere apology. We were all wrong and because of your sacrifice, we were able to move on as a nation. While I've often thought Jimmy Carter was a great leader as well, I would like to have seen what kind of mark would have been made by 4 more years of a Ford White House.
As for the remaining 4 that I want to sit down face to face with, they are as follows, in order:
4. Bill Clinton
3. Bill Gates
2. Mikhail Gorbachev
1. Jimmy Carter
So much blogging that I have wanted to do over the past few days, but, just not enough time on the planet to be able to squeeze it in. Really, it seems like that's just how things go with me anymore. If there were 30 hours in a day, some jackass would figure out how to clutter THOSE hours up as well.
Anyway, 2006 had not been the best year for me. It was filled with a few extreme highs but more lows and low blows than anyone should have to absorb. Yes, 2006 needed to go, and I thought it should go out in style. So, what better way to do that, then to spend New Year's Eve on the Titanic in Branson.
The weather was cold, the museum warm and inviting, and the character actors that were throughout made the whole experience. Owners John and Mary Joslyn have truly made what could have been another stuffy museum into a first-rate attraction. At midnight, rockets fired from the ship and when the smoke cleared, my disappointing 2006 had also vanished into that cold night. Make plans to be there New Year's '07. I'm sure they will make it even better.
Here is their website in case you would like to visit it:
http://www.titanicbranson.com/
He's a little known name in Missouri, but in the coming months, Ward Connerly could spark one of the hottest debates since the Civil Rights movement - by changing the way your child applies to college. Connerly, who served 12 years on the Board of Regents of the University of California was the driving force behind California's Proposition 209, that was approved by voters in 1996. 
