The leaning would likely be considered Left of Center, "right" without being "Right" . . . as though a correct or wrong exists. Even directions such as up or down are dependent on where one stands. Smiles.
Most at the March would probably be defined as Middle Class and Middle Aged. I thought of who attends Netroots Nation Conferences. While countless of every age, near a half a million or more read Daily Kos, Caucasians of a certain age and financial status gather. Even the more extreme philosophically seem to appear less often.
I think this is a reflection of society. Mobility correlates to money. Those who have, can and do. Those with less do not have the opportunity to be present. If perchance the poorer find a way to a walk, a talk, or a forum, there will be but a few in attendances. The reality that lives large in our schools and society, is economic slavery survives and thrives. Most Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. A trip costs time and depletes the dollars put aside to merely live.
20. If you were to summarize the overall impression this March has made on you, what would it be?
Wow!!!! Not only did the March make an impression on me, one that is permanently etched into my being, I have yet to speak to a single person who did not think the event, the experience was essential!!!!
I trust that every participant was energized and expanded, even those not present on that toasty July 3oth day.
All of us spoke as one, and part of the many. Indeed, I believe, the sum was far greater than the parts! The total effect, for everyone will be felt as we walk with others to build a broader movement. As individuals we will, as I did speak to persons who never knew of the March. This action will advance further awareness, participation, and conversations . . . The garden created for future generations will grow.
Last week, as I entered a plane, I spoke with the man behind me in line. I told this stranger about the March. Possibly, the tune that plays in my head ever since the demonstration prompts me to share what I still see and hum. "Show me what democracy looks life. This is what democracy looks like!" Perhaps, never have I felt so empowered as a citizen . . and I have been an Activist since Middle School.
Nonetheless, that aside, the gentleman responded well. As I said, he thought the March vital!!! As the other passenger reflected further, I learned he thinks Tenured Teachers are responsible for Communism. He warned, persons such as paid sages and the political philosophy he strong and loudly opposes are coming.
"So true," said the Flight Attendant who overheard the comment. The Airline employee expanded the thought. She offered, "We were just speaking about "Bad Teachers" and how they are the worse!" The two happily engaged as I expressed my dissent, stored my luggage and sat down.
Thus, my impression, my belief, my thoughts and feelings . . . nothing I have ever done was as crucial. I may help a child or children love learning. I may nurture growth in toddlers, teems, tots, tweens, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty sixty, seventy, eighty and ninety something's; still, as one person, I can never speak to the masses in the way I might when I am part of a whole far bigger than any I can easily measure.
21. Will today's events cause a shift, a rupture, interruption, mutation or otherwise in the current conversation about public school teachers? Shift, rupture, interruption, mutation, or otherwise? Explain.
Absolutely! Shifts, I believe, are eternal, invisible, subtle, seemingly slight, and sensationally huge! Sadly, most do not realize what occurs. We are each too close to fully comprehend the changes we create. However transformations are constant! Every conversation is a cause. Reflections, ruptures, interruptions, just as interpretations, are the effect.
I cannot predict what will occur, how, when, where, or why, what will be will be. However, I am certain, whatever becomes of what we began will also evolve, as will we. Our education system will also progress. I can only hope that in time the Movement will be a wise one . . . one that opens hearts, minds, souls, and society.
May we see each other as uniquely whole beings, to be honored and revered rather than counted, scored, standardized, and seen as statistics!
22. Reasonably, what will you need to see in the long-term in order to think that this March made a difference regarding the American public school teacher and/or the American public school system?
There is nothing specifically I need to see in the short or long-term to think the March made a difference. Years ago, I wrote of another frustration, action, and movement, Peace.
I offer that thought to help illustrate why I look for nothing in particular, and why I do not think one moment is the only cause with a singular effect. Boca Peace Corner Participants Cultivate Harmony  © copyright 2008 Betsy L. Angert
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