Moral Issues Under Fire

This is a republication of an article I wrote last year. The ideals here still need to be implemented:

 

Through out our country’s history, we were known to be a people of prayer, religious conviction and those who promote life.  We prayed before meals, before school started, before Congress, and before sport games. George Washington prayed during Valley Forge as well as many other military leaders and men in combat. Congress would pray before each session. So why has the media jumped all over Tim Tebow when he drops to a knee to thank his Heavenly Father for his blessings?

Religious convictions, especially Christianity, have come under fire in many areas including entertainment, sports, education and government. Respect for the divine in our country is on a downward slope. The standard of what used to be acceptable in religion is slowly being undermined. In 2006 a public school teacher was forced by a federal judge to remove Christian-themed posters from his bulletin board.  One of them was the picture of George Washington kneeling in prayer at Valley Forge. We remember the Ten Commandment fiasco when a monument showing the Ten Commandments had to be removed from our own state courthouse. There is a lack of regard for what we used to call respect for God’s authority. It is slowly taking over all those who are opposed to those who choose to keep this reverence.

           

As I researched this phenomenon, there was another issue which arose. In the wake of the 39^th March (2012) for Life in Washington D.C., where hundreds of thousands will walk to support the birth of unborn babies this week, the issue of pro-life is under attack.

 Apparently Tim Tebow’s mother Pam had courageously chose to carry Tim to full term despite doctors’ recommendations that she abort him. An abortion never was even considered as Pam knew she was carrying a person within her.  The attacks of their family from certain women’s groups who were opposed to a Focus on the Family TV ad that ran during the 2010 Super Bowl game explaining their pro-life life style was under attack. Pam made her choice but apparently was not the choice others thought she should do.

We all have choices to make in our own life without others judging us and these choices are based on our experience and knowledge.  If the media reports that it’s okay for young mothers to abort their babies, those without the conviction that it is killing an innocent person, will follow the crowd.  But if the true message of what an abortion is all about is revealed, then this knowledge will help women embrace moral understanding; which is why there will be an anti-abortion commercial during the Super Bowl next weekend.

It makes sense to me: praying, religious convictions and choosing pro-life are moral issues which made our country great. In the words of one great American, Ronald Reagan, he said this: "I've noticed that everyone who is pro-abortion has already been born." These standards need to be kept at the forefront of our society and taught to our children at home.

Thankful for Thanksgiving....

 Through out the whole month of November, I've been posting what I am thankful for in my life.  It's funny how we are as a people.  With the holiday  of Thanksgiving, we are reminded of what we have that is so precious to us. If Thanksgiving didn't exist-we might not be so bold as to proclaim what we are thankful for. Sure during the year we might think about it once in a while, but having a special holiday just to remember that we are thankful is a great blessing.  A great blessing especially for those who don't take the time to say thank you....

 Here are several quotes from church leaders and friends who remind us of what we are thankful for in our lives:



Elder Helio Camargo
“I am grateful as I contemplate the years that have passed and the happenings that have unfolded, measuring what the Lord has given me and considering the sure promises for a happier future—a future made even happier by the company of relatives and friends who have preceded me in passing to the other side of the veil. I am grateful for those loved ones with whom I still enjoy living every day—particularly the extraordinary woman that God allowed me to have as a wife in mortality and throughout eternity. Also, I am grateful for the wonderful children and grandchildren he sent to our home to be the joy of our life. As I contemplate all these blessings, gratitude is the predominant feeling that comes to my heart.” (General Conference, October 1990)

 Today I am thankful for all of our friends. All of you from my past on FB and all of my current friends in Daphne. We have truly been blessed with wonderful people in our life. Tasha Smith Quinnelly, Linda Christensen Pam Worsham, Valerie Bashein Steimle Foy, Sabrina Nimmer, Beverly Giles I am especially thankful for you ladies. Such strong examples.
 Connie Frank--Daphne, Alabama


 Yesterday, I watched two baby cousins squeal with delight as they saw each other for the first time in months. I smelled peanut butter breath exit lips curled in a smile, and felt strong hugs from growing muscles. I tasted diverse chocolate dishes until I longed for a salad. Ever had those days? Yes, I'm grateful for the five senses, and that last one, the inner sense that reveals the unspoken need, or unexpressed concern. These blessed tools in our arsenal of humanity, the conduits through which we experience our world and soak in its wonders, also help us record these moments for days when distance and health reduce us to memories alone for a time. And so, for these six senses, I am so very grateful.
   Laurie Lewis--Maryland 


So let's remember through out the whole year to be thankful for all that we have and our lives on earth......

An Amazing Early Holiday Blog Giveaway....

Congratulations to Anna del C. Dye!!!  She won the book set Simplify and Savor the Season by Connie Sokol....

What can I say about Connie Sokol that hasn't been already said?.... We have been on the same blog as authors (mommyauthors.blogspot.com) for a season and she is an amazing example to me on motherhood and womanhood. Here is her newest creation:

 Simplify and Savor the Season

         by Connie Sokol

 Here is my official review:

This handy little gem has come just in time to save you from the holidays.  I say “save you from” because we all know how crazy everyone gets when Thanksgiving is upon us and we are rearing our motors for “Black Friday”.  All of a sudden somebody somewhere says: GO! We don’t stop moving until New Year’s Day when we crash and sleep in hibernation until Easter.

I’ve had conversations just recently with so many people—grocery check-out ladies, customers at Wal-mart, church friends, mailmen, Ect. Ect. Ect.  They are all in agreement that they hate the holiday season because of all the craziness people put upon themselves to over extend into oblivion. Enter Connie E. Sokol’s book Simplify and Savor the Season. This book is a collection of sensible, easy to follow directions on how to focus on the family while keeping the season simple. The first half includes simple planning pages for all the fall holidays from Halloween to New Year’s Eve. 

Connie Sokol’s four step plan using PADE: Plan, Abbreviate, Delegate and Eliminate is a life savor as this guide keeps all of the stress and busy work at bay while helping the reader to not feel guilty in not doing enough for everyone else. The planning pages and master gift list are written right into the book so you don’t even have to run and get paper.

 In the second half of the book, there are wonderful “Savory Snippets” of holiday messages to warm your heart and really help families everywhere to feel the true holiday spirit.  There are anecdotal quips and stories which help those searching for some enlightenment on how to keep the holidays from going over board yet find time to really savor the true meaning of spending time with family.

This book is a must read now before the craziness begins as it will give you a head start on how to keep the holidays from becoming an overbearing boss we hate to deal with at work. So “Savor the Season” and enjoy the fruits of your labors in Connie E. Sokol’s Simply and Savor the Season.

Back Blurb from Connie:

Ready for the holidays? Would you like to be?

This year, organize and re-energize with Simplify & Savor the Season, a three-part holiday planner to help you savor the celebrations!  

First, get ready by brainstorming what’s needed for each of the Big Four—Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Then detail the to-dos, including menu and gift planning, with quick tips on how to lose the unnecessary and focus on the essential. Keep all your notes in this book or its workbook companion, Simplify & Savor Take-along.

After organizing, sit back and enjoy the season with “5 Holiday Juicers”—tips that teach how to keep life joyful, not stressful. Then curl up and relax with “Savory Suggestions, Snippets, and Stories,” a collection of laugh-out-loud anecdotes including “How the Real Halloween Fright Happened the Next Day,” “Thankful for Warbling,” and “Let Go of the Cookie-Cutter Christmas.”

Make your holiday celebrations meaningful and memorable as you Simplify & Savor the Season!  

 Simplify & Savor Take-along is the second little gem which comes with the first book.  It's a companion book which is especially published to keep all of your holiday planning notes.

 For a sneak peak: Check out Connie's blog for a sneak of both Simplify & Savor AND Simplify & Savor Take-Along companion book on November 5th only:

 Connie Sokol's Blog

 Now for the giveaway:

OUR THANK-YOU BLOGGERS CONTEST! Enter to win a free e-book from this blog (The Blessings of Family Life) AND enter to win an additional contest—our Back to Basics Holiday Gift Set. This festive collection includes three e-books, each with a specific tool to create a meaningful season: Simplify & Savor the Season to organize; 40 Days with the Savior to spiritually focus; and the Life Is Too Short collection to lighten up as needed. 

Visit www.conniesokol.com and either 

1) email a way you’ve simplified the holidays, 

or 2) sign up for our weekly e-letter. 

Winners chosen weekly! 

To have the chance to win a free e-book and print copy of the take along planner from me--post in the comment section below of your favorite Christmas tradition with your family. Your name will be added to the giveaway.
Comments will be taken until the 15th of November.

 Two wonderful ways of winning....

 Here are what other people are saying:

“Connie's inspiring stories and practical tips will help you do exactly that. She has a wonderful way of speaking to women's souls, and de-cluttering our minds and hearts.”

 

–Trina Boice, author of How to Stay UP in a DOWN Economy

 

“Re ading Simplify & Savor the Season is like getting an early holiday gift: permission to let go of meaningless frills and pageantry and instead, focus on family and love. And it helps the most diehard procrastinators get organized in time to enjoy the holidays.”

—Elyssa Andrus, author of Happy Homemaking: An LDS Girl’s Guide

“Love it!  I don’t have to hold my breath anymore. Connie is the master at bringing clarity to the chaotic. This book brings to light the little things that make all the difference. I want to tell all women that serenity during the holidays really can happen. What a gift!

–Kalli Wilson, International Wellness Coach

 Connie Sokol

Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, a national and local presenter, and a favorite speaker at Education Week. She is the Motherhood Matters contributor on KSL TV's “Studio 5 with Brooke Walker”, and regular blogger on www.ksl.com. She is a former TV and radio host, newspaper columnist. Mrs. Sokol is the author of several books including The Life is Too Short Collection, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Create a Powerful Life Plan, 40 Days with the Savior, and Caribbean Crossroads. She marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats. For her blog, TV segments, podcasts and more, visit

 www.conniesokol.com

For a November 5 only see this link to down load for free:

Simplify and Savor the Season

New Book Blog Tour...."The Earth Bleeds Red"

A new fiction writer is on the scene: Jackson Baer published his first novel with Pandamoon Publishing which has been our since October 2013... The Earth Bleeds Red

Check out the story:

Book Blurb:

Scott and Jessie are a couple in love. Ashley, their only daughter, is 17-years old and has vanished; leaving behind nothing but a pool of blood. Her strange disappearance is quickly thought to be a homicide. Her cozy, northwest town is stunned when police find the body of another girl at the bottom of the Willamette River. The eerie signature found on the girl links to a monster dubbed the Hail Mary Killer. While Scott searches for Ashley, the FBI feels convinced that she is the killer’s latest victim.

In spite of three other bodies with the same distinct marking, no one prepared themselves for the discovery in southern Oregon. Local hikers stumble upon a car in the mountain brush and a tattooing needle with an evil history surfaces inside. A cabin appears nearby with another gruesome discovery. Scott finds some solace in his friendship with Father Henry as he and Jessie try to salvage their marriage and move on beyond the loss of Ashley. The FBI finally catches a break when they unearth the dark past of the Hail Mary Killer’s family. What emerged in his basement is more terrifying than anyone could have possibly imagined.

What happens to the Miller family and Father Henry will shake your soul and keep you reading till the last page.

Author Jackson Baer:
Originally from Woodstock, Ga; north of Atlanta, Jackson Baer is a huge Braves and Georgia Tech fan. He lived in Oregon for the past 5+ years and recently moved back to North Georgia after spending the past 12 years all over the country. He loves the Trailblazers as well as Oregon State, where he will graduate with a B.A. in English in June 2014. Jackson has been married for 11 years and him and his wife have 4 beautiful children together, aged 4-9.

He graduated from a Bible college in 2003 and that is where he met his wife. He spent 7 years as a youth and teaching pastor, but have not been a pastor for the past 3 year. Though not very religious himself, there are spiritual themes within his writing due to a large part of his life. His characters, much like himself, struggle with faith, doubt, and love as a part of their everyday lives. This newest novel is by no means a Christian novel, however, the language in the story is more of what you would find in real life, as well as situations not suited for a church service.

Interview with Jackson Baer:

 

When did you first start writing and why?

I used to write poems as a kid and titles of books I wanted to write. I never got around to writing any of those books when I was younger. I started to write songs as a young adult and also discovered my love for reading. It wasn't until around year ago that I began to write. Once I did, I found that I just couldn't stop. 

What was the inspiration for this murder mystery book?

To be honest, it's a bit different than a murder mystery. It's an even blend between a literary fiction and a suspense. There is a mystery that runs throughout and the inspiration came from some of my favorite writers like: Joyce Carol Oates, Sherman Alexie, and Junot Diaz. 

How do you find the determination to continue to write?

I love stories. Writing allows me to create this brand new world that didn't exist only seconds ago. There's not much like it in this world. It's a mixture of art, learning, and exploration that makes me whole. 

How do you come up with ideas for your books? 

I'm not exactly sure. Ideas pop into my head and I write down the good ones. Sometimes, I write down the bad ones too :)

 What do you love about writing?

The thing I love most is that is lets me express my innermost thoughts. 

What do you dislike about writing?

Editing. I don't mind editing, but once it gets to the part with the actual editor, I'm just ready for the book to be published.  

What are your writing habits?  

I do most of my writing late at night. It's peaceful and quiet.

  
What do you do when you don't write?

I'm married to a beautiful woman and we have four kids together. Family is the most important thing to me. I am also finishing my English degree at Oregon State University.

Find the Rest of the blog tour here.......

Blog Tour list:

Sunday, November 3 http://ambergilchrist.com/ Monday, November 4 http://valeriesteimle.blogspot.com/ Tuesday, November 5 http://bonniegwyn.blogspot.com/ Wednesday, November 6 http://shelliproffitthowells.com/ Thursday, November 7 http://writtenbymikey.blogspot.com Friday, November 8 http://ourgrainofsand.wordpress.com/ Saturday, November 9 http://heiditighe.blogspot.com/
Links:

Website: www.jacksonpaulbaer.com

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/JacksonPaulBaer

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JacksonPaulBaer

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/JacksonPaulBaer

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Jackson-Baer/e/B0060BDIM0

Author Bio:

http://jacksonpaulbaer.com/about-2/

Common Core Standards: Threats and Dangers

From Freedom Project Education and the American Opinion Foundation comes a startling account of what the Common Core Standards really are about.

To receive your own 70 minute video for $5.00 click on this link:

 Freedom Project Education
                  OR

Watch it online free:

Click here to watch video 

Dr. Duke Pesta and Mrs. Mary Black present the Threats and Dangers of Common Core Standards.

Basically what the video says is this:

Our future education system is a program that will teach our children what to think and not how to think.  This program was put together by business people and lobbyists not educators.

This program is already being tested in several large city areas and not doing well. If enough parents fight it –then it will be put on the back burner.  What is really scary is that it’s linked to ObamaCare. 

Several years ago—the federal government promised each state millions of dollars in federal money IF the state will adapt the Common Core Standard, sight unseen.  That is scary. With Georgia pulling out of the common core curriculum because of what this teaches, Georgia will lose its funding received a few years ago.The Federal Government will take it back.

What state is next???  Texas pulled out—Florida wants to pull out—Indiana and South Dakota as well.  Just Google “States pulling out of Common Core Standards” and you will get an eye full of a lot of information. It is disastrous.

Public school teachers and administrators will think it’s a frame work for what should be taught but if it is not followed exactly how it is planned out—the federal hammer will come down on their state.  Better to reject it now in its early stages than allow it to infiltrate into the system.

Threats:

1. One program fits all—It is basically a nationalized curriculum backed by the federal government.
2. It is a mandated implementation of ObamaCare: ObamaCare documents show health care points for public school children which will be very controlling. Every aspect of the child will be aggressively captured and parents will no longer have any say of what their children learn.
3. Data Mining and Intrusive Record Keeping: There are buildings being constructed just for the keeping of documentation and records of every child in the country.   All actions of every child—whether it is a kindergarten warning to be better behaved or a failing grade on a high schooler’s test.  EVERY THING will be kept.

There was a 126 page report written by the Department of Education in how to measure student effectiveness through sensors and recordable instruments.

Here is the link:

Link to Promoting Grit, Tenacity and Perserverence

Pretty scary. In a nut shell there are four different kind of recordable sensors that students will have in the classroom.  Facial expressive cameras, Posture analysis seats, a pressure mouse for the computer and a wireless skin conductor worn on the wrist.  Some schools are already implementing them.

So the lesson is about how bullying should be taken from the schools.  If you believe that homosexuality is wrong—you are a bully.  Children hearing this in the classroom will squirm, make faces or their heart rate speeds up.  Parents are contacted and asked: “Why does your child feel opposed to homosexuality?  What is the parent going to do?  Children will become wards of the state.   

See page 62 of the link posted above.

4. Promotion of outside interest groups and lobbying: Planned parenthood, Agenda 21, United Nations, Environmental Protection Agency, etc. etc. etc.  Everyone wants to get in on the act and these groups promote their agenda through Common Core.  The blurring of health care and sexuality; teaching young children (age 7) that it’s okay to masturbate and that homosexuality is just fine.  If any parent teaches their children any thing else, it’s considered bullying.

5.  Socialist –Style educational approach and methodology: Everyone has the same grade. There is no achievement to be your best student.  No ambition is necessary. Students will be so ingrained to make approximations in answers (even in Math) that they will not really learn the correct answer.

Supposedly Homeschoolers and private schools will be exempt from the common core standard but not to opt out of ObamaCare.  These children will be under the same scrutiny as public school children in health and what is learned. The ACT and SAT  college entrance exams will be changed to cover the Common Core standards.  Even Homeschool curriculum books are being bought out by the Common Core Standard to publish the same kind of learning material as public school.  If they want to stay in business, they have to accommodate Common Core. Even Bob Jones University Press has buckled under the pressure.

What can we do to stop this?

1. Educate yourself: Get that video (or watch online) and read the truth where ever you can online.  
2. Educate others: Spread the word to other parents. Teachers will probably not take you seriously as there have been new programs adapted all the time over the years and this might seem like a fad—but it’s not.
3. Contact your State Board of Education and tell them—You Do Not Want Common Core!!!

Another post about why parents DO NOT LIKE Common Core Standards....

Blog Hop from the 2nd Annual LDS Author's Giveaway....

A great way to find some great LDS authors:

You might be surprised by how many popular mainstream books are written by LDS authors. Shannon Hale, Orson Scott Card, Janette Rallison, Brandon Sanderson, Brandon Mull, James Dashner, Branda Novak, Richard Paul Evans, Jenni James, Ally Condie, Stephenie Meyer, Bree Despain, Jessica Day George, Aprilynne Pike, Kiersten White, Robison Wells, Jason Wright, Heather Dixon, Obert Skye, Richard Paul Evans, Julie Berry, Mette Ivie Harrison, Becca Fitzpatrick, Lisa Mangum, Amber Argyle, Jennifer Laurens, Brodi Ashton, Julianne Donaldson, Marcia Lynn McClure, Rachel Anderson, Karey White … the list could go on and on.
American Night Writers Association
The American Night Writers Association (ANWA) is a peer network for women who belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and are interested in writing. Our purpose is to encourage, assist, educate, and motivate members to write, and, if they desire, to publish their works.

So check out all of these blogs for a chance to receive a book and learn about a new author. (Scroll to the bottom for my giveaway)




Check out my books and free giveaway as well----
   With the click of your mouse you can check out my books which are listed to the right.  Each click will take you to Amazon for a overview of what my books are about. You can see what I'm passionate about and what I love to write.

Tell me about your family and why they are so important!!!
Anyone who leaves a comment here on  

The Blessings of Family Life

(why your family is so important) will be entered into a drawing to choose any one of my books you want AND a free copy of a really cool southern cookbook called Southern Remembrances which has some lost recipes of the old southern cooking and new recipes of the South.

Good luck!!!! 

 Winner Update!!!! October 16th---
Our winner of  the book give away is Rebecca Lamoreaux!!!  Congratulations for winning your choice of a book of mine and a Southern Recipe Cookbook!!!!

Thanks everyone for posting on my blog!!! Stay tuned for more family related topics of great importance!!!

Keep Your Spirits Up.....

Sure, summer is officially over but that doesn't mean we can't be content with the fall season. For us in the South, it's a big relief and a chance to go outside without being blasted by hot, sticky weather.

Depression is a tough bear to deal with but whatever situation you are in which affects your life, there are some tricks of the trade to undo the damage.

1. Remember your blessings: This idea is a great one if you can find a way to remind yourself when you are in the depths of self-pity.  It's like a snowball affect and once you start to remember, the reminder of the blessings in your life just come rolling out.  Keep it going once you start and you will find your sadness disappear.

2. Find a fun hobby:  Work has you down??? Tired of the grind?? Find something you have been wanting to do for a long time and start doing it.  Did you know that most people only dream about what they really want to do and never do it?? Check out the book: The Power of Doing Something Stupid by Ritchie Norton.  Always wanted to paint? Get started with paints and paper and be creative.  Love to crochet?  Start with easy stitches and crochet. Always wanted to remodel that old car in the back? Get out there and start.  This hobby of yours will release the stress that you feel every week and you will develop something you can be proud. It is amazing how keeping your brain occupied on something else besides what you are worried about can help your attitude. It might even be contagious and turn out some great memories for the rest of your family.

3. Start a "Happiness Jar": This idea is so smart. Find any empty jar you have in the house and every time you think of something that makes you happy, write it down and put it in the jar. It doesn't matter what the paper size or color. Any corner of a scrap piece of paper will work and after so long when you feel that depression coming on--read all the papers.  It is amazing how reading those little pieces of papers will lift your spirits and change the atmosphere for the rest of the day.


4. Enjoy a nature walk: The great thing about the fall season is it is cooler and there are wonderful smells outside. Taking a walk not only lifts your spirits, it helps your physical health. It doesn't have to be a long walk but just getting outside helps a depressed heart. There is something about getting in the out doors that really helps brighten the day.  Unless of course it's raining. But a walk on a beautiful autumn day is unbeatable for a depressed mind.

5. Do some service for others: It never fails. Whenever I get into a depression and I do something for someone else, it always helps me to feel great!! This lifts my spirits and I feel better the rest of the day.

Dealing with depression is not fun.   Remember to include good health and sometimes taking a good, long drink of water or eating an apple can help fight the blues as well.

Common Core Standards: What Good Are They?

We are in another battle for the good of our children's education. Federal mandates in public education written for county school districts are causing parent upheavals and teacher disagreements. What is Common Core and is it any good?  A question in the minds of many parents.

This statement is found on the Common Core website and explains in what seems to be logical and concise wording of what the Common Core Standards are in a short description. (www.commoncore.org) 

What are Common Core Standards:

"The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy."

The Common Core State Standards [CCSS] was funded by the Gates Foundation which the National Governors Association chose a group of individuals in 2009 to write educational standards:

What is Achieve?  It’s an approved guide of Education by the National Governors Association. So, in other words, they chose 4 from their own group. 

The rest were not educators.  

No teachers were chosen to work on this project although 35 more people were chosen as a feedback group for the findings which were predominately college professors.

Take a good look at this test:

I don’t think anything compares to what students learned over 100 years ago. 
From a 1912 eighth grade test in Bullitt County, Kentucky come questions that 
I have a hard time answering.  We have been “dumbed-down” from our own 
government standards of 30 years of education.  

What I don’t like about this whole Common Core Education is that there is no
 evidence whatsoever that this “core” standard will be more rigorous than what
 we have now.  There have been NO testing or trial periods of any kind. This
 curriculum was just slipped right through states eager to adopt this new standard.

My thought is if these policy elitists (top federal and state officials) are complaining
 so much about the low test scores and economic inequalities of our public school 
system, then why has the whole curriculum market regurgitated "dumbed-down" 
material for the last 30 years?? If they are so interested in the education of children 
why is that test shown above on a much higher level of education than what I 
have learned from the 60's and 70's?

Another idea from the Common Core Standard is that we will transfer
 public money from private corporations.  The estimate of cost to implement 
this Common Core Standard is between $8 to $16 billion dollars.

From a blog which discusses this very issue:

Click here for more info on this discussion....

Some of the Pros and Cons of Common Core Standards:

Pros	Cons
The Common Core Standards prepare  students for a competitive global economy	The Common Core Standards do not guarantee improvements in testing  on the global scale
The Common Core Standards provide  national continuity in education	The Common Core Standards  straddle the middle ground of  education – either better than  some states or worse than others
The Common Core Standards are not  finding the lowest common denominator  to build on, but are in fact designed to  build upon the best standards so that  even states with successful standards  will be taking a step forward in education	The Common Core Standards  is a program pushed by the  government – Adopt the  program or no money
The Common Core Standards have been  designed to leave room for tailoring to  specific state populations (states must  adopt at least 85% of the standards,  leaving 15% to tweak)	The Common Core Standards  cannot be tailored to all  of the diverse populations  of our nation
The Common Core Standards were  designed by a diverse group of teachers,  experts, parents, and school administrators  to reflect aspirations for student  achievement and an understanding  of the realities of the classroom	The Common Core Standards  is a program created on ideal situations/aspirations in  education by people who  have funding and students  already ahead of the  learning curve

As Cindy Lutenbacher, a teacher in DeKalb County Alabama public schools wrote on Wednesday (July 3rd):

Common Core … robust … rigorous academic standards … global economy … 21st century workplace … competitive … college-ready … Duplicitous buzzwords ad nauseum, We’ve heard them ten thousand times in the barrage of press releases about Common Core. And every one is bogus.

From:
http://www.geekpalaver.com/2013/07/06/chip-cherry-doesnt-understand-common-core/


From another part of the country-- Portland, Oregon area is another opinion for parents to consider:
Common Core will be Disastrous for our Children

Below is an interesting blog which exposes more about Common Core:
Link to another article exposing some of the more dangerous ideals of Common Core


So the controversy continues state by state.  To keep Common Core or not to keep Common Core. That is the question......

To add another brick in the wall there was a post on Facebook that really got my blood boiling against Common Core:

Check this out!!!!