Charlie's Concerns And Views

All written, oral, and videos are of my own personal views.

[croberts72-blog]

American Veterans before Syrian Refugees

In today’s world as the years pass the United States seems to be drifting further and further away from the values that once made this nation so great.  The very values that America was built on is one of the reasons that people around the world came looking for the opportunity to chase that dream of a better future and better life here in the United States of America.  The American Dream once was realized by making a great living while being rewarded with a wage that allowed them to provide for their family and live their life without worries of whether they could afford to continue to live where they were, whether they can afford to see the doctor, whether they could go to the grocery store or worry about who their neighbor really is.

The American Dream no longer exists for most people mainly due to the over reaching arm of the government interfering in the amount of earnings that a family can keep to provide for their lively hood and to be able to better their family’s life by chasing a dream.

The people of our country once made it great and it is time we made it great again.  Our nation was founded on the belief in working hard for what you have, respecting others, and Christian beliefs which had us in a position to help other nations in their time of need.  Unfortunately our nation is not as prosperous as it once was due to the decline in the citizens belief of working hard for what you have, lack of respect, and lack of Christian beliefs.  As we have over the years dismissed God out of schools and our daily lives, created more and more programs compensating for no work ethic, and the ever increasing lack of respect to our elders, our neighbors, our communities, and our law enforcement we have become a country deep in debt and no longer able to finance the world problems.  With our new generation attitude of everybody owes me something we a have our work cut out for us as we try to regain our world power of strength and prosperity.

The latest of the world problems that is taking it’s toll on Americans is the instability overseas.  With this president allowing refugees and seeming to continue to make non-Americans his priority we have put our nation in grave danger.  When our country puts other countries economic status ahead of our own this is a problem.  When our country contributes military aid and weapons to other countries while our own military is in need there is a problem.  When our country is more worried about third world poverty than the same very problems in our own country there is a problem.

In 2013 there were estimated to be 49 million Americans living at or below the poverty line yet we are worried about other countries so we sent an estimated 23 billion dollars to help them with that.  In 2013 there were about 19.6 million veterans with 7.7 million of them in the workforce yet only about 7.1 million of them employed.  This means that there were an estimate 600,000 veterans in the workforce yet are not working, however, we continue to have open boarders and accept refugees placing them in the workforce over our own.

In America we thank our Veterans for protecting us and defending our freedom but when it comes time to take care of them we seem to fall way short.  Our veterans don’t fall short when they carry out their missions so why is our country falling short of caring for them?  Why can we spend 14 billion on foreign military assistance as we did in 2013 but we can’t keep our veterans off the streets, feed them, or provide the medical care they deserve for defending us?

Our veterans served in all branches of the military and are trained very well in their respective fields to carry out their assigned mission in the military life.  Many times some of the skills learned in the military life are not transferable to the civilian life.  This contributes to making them more at risk of poverty and becoming homeless.

On any given night in the United Sates there are about 50,000 homeless veterans with another 1.4 million that are at risk of becoming homeless.  Veterans are twice as much at risk of becoming homeless than other Americans because of the skills that made them successful in the military are not the same needed to be successful in the civilian world.  So I will ask this again, how can we as a country afford to spend 14 billion on foreign military assistance but we can’t afford to get all of our veterans off the streets and keep them off the streets?

My problem with bringing in Syrian refugees and allowing any other immigration at this time when our country is desperate need of a leader who can make America great again, is that under the Refugee Act of 1980 they get taken care of better than our veterans and our American children living in poverty currently in the United States.

As it is written int he Act that when refugees enter the United States they are given employment training and job placement as soon as possible to help them achieve economic self-sufficiency as quick as possible.  The children that need special education are provided grants providing them the special education services that they need while our children are taught in a public education system that fails our children because of government regulations.  Also, they are given welfare payments and free healthcare until they are 18 allowing them to become part of America’s problem generation of the thought everybody owes me something and I don’t have to work for it attitude.

The United States spends about 23 billion dollars on humanitarian assistance each year in addition to what it spends in the United States on refugees.  It is time that America takes care of the citizens that provides the money that it spends in foreign countries.  Our borders should be closed until all funds limited or eliminated to foreign aid until we make our country great again.  Until all veterans are cared for with housing and healthcare, our own children are fed and don’t go to bed hungry we should not be funding and caring for other country’s inability to care for their own.

[croberts72-blog]

Cooleemee Elementary:  What is the problem

I was reading through some of my prior blogs and realized I never updated this one so here is the update.

Update:  ***This principal was no longer the principal in the fall and my understanding was given her retirement from the school district.***

The following is my assessment in the failure of Cooleemee Elementary school. This year is by far the worst I have had the unfortunate pleasure of dealing with this school system. Before I get into the problem and my conversation with the school principal and also the district superintendent, I will give you a few numbers and stats to back up my questioning of this school as to “What is the problem?”. Last year this school had 479 students in their school with an average of 511 students in the district for the elementary schools. The average class size for the 4th grade level was 23 in the district, while this school only had 22. Last year this school had a total of 37 classroom teachers which was 1 more than the district and state average. 100% of these teachers were fully licensed equal to the district and 2% higher than the state. Of these 37 classroom teachers 19% of them had advanced degrees which is far less than the district at 27% and the state at 28%. However, this school has 9 national board certified teachers which is 2 more than the average in the district and 4 more than the average in the state. With this it also has the highest turnover rate at 13% which is 3% higher than the district and 2% higher than the state. For the past two years our daughter has had problems with the end of year testing in the reading category. Last year in this school the 3rd grade class end of year test scores for reading were at 61.6% while the rest of the district was at 74.6%. The 4th grade class scores were at 65.2% while the district was at 82.6%. If this school has less students than the average in the district and less students per classroom than the district then the teacher interaction with each individual should be better. i would think that teachers would be able to have a better recognition of the students needs and fix any problems arising before that student gets behind since 100% of the teachers in this school are fully licensed with 9 of 37 teachers being national board certified. However, this is not the case and probably because only 19% of the teachers in this school have advanced degrees and there is a 13% turnover rate. If the teachers that teach in this school couldn’t apply themselves enough in their chosen profession to go on and get their advanced degrees and get national board certified to better teach our kids and prepare them, then how can we hold the child accountable for not knowing what is needed to pass the test given by the state. The overall reading scores for grades 3 thru 5 for this school was 68.5% while the entire district was at 79.7%. These numbers all mean something leading up to the end of year testing this year with my 4th grader. She got A’s, B’s, and C’s all year. A good student and never in trouble. She applies herself but just doesn’t test well. The reading test at end of year she had trouble with scoring the same on the re-test as the original test. As of the last day of school we still have not heard whether she would move on to the 5th grade. I called the school to speak with the principal that morning, however, she was not available to talk. She thought it was more valuable to hand out some awards at an assembly than to make sure that each of her students were set academically and knew before they went home if they passed or not. I left a message for her to call me back as soon as she was available. I then called the district superintendent to speak with him about this situation. My daughter was at home now sick to her stomach. She hadn’t slept well in couple days worried to death about her test and if she passed. So, I called the district office to speak to the school superintendent about the situation and to fined out why these kids and parents don’t know by end of school year. He was not available due to graduation rehearsal and I left message to call me when he got in. Around lunch time is when I really got upset with this school and has led me to ask the question “What’s the problem?”. I received a call back from the principal. She said that I must have talked to the superintendent because he called her. I advised her no but I did leave a message with my concern and I am awaiting his call. I then proceeded to ask her why we don’t have an answer as of now which was within the last hour or so of school on the last day when the conversation went down hill fast. She informed me she was awaiting all the test results back. I advised her what the score was and she sounded a little shocked that I knew and she said “Oh you have it?” I advised her yes we have them so why do we not have an answer yet and why is my daughter sick and worried not knowing. She then began to tell me she got the scores late the previous night and hasn’t had time to talk to the teachers yet because of her handing out awards that morning. I then proceeded to ask when we would know and she said monday they would hold a review board in which we could come talk for 10 minutes and tell them why our daughter should move on to the 5th grade. Are you kidding me? Is this how the education system works? The child can get good grades all year and because of one test at the end of the year we have to go to a review board so that this principal can play ruler of the school and say yes or no. I had already done my research before I called her. One thing I can guarantee if i’m going to grill you and question your decisions or choices or lack their of I will guarantee you I already did my research and know the answers to my questions. i asked her how many children were in her school. She told me 479 (I believe is the number she told me). I asked her how many of her students had to retest. She said she didn’t know how many in the district and I corrected her with I asked you about your school and again asked her the question. She tells me 25%. My response was so you don’t think there is a problem with 25% of your student body having to retest because they failed the test. Of the 479 students K thru 2 don’t test so only 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders test. So the total number of students testing was less than the 479 and 25% of them failed. Are you kidding me you really don’t think you have a problem in your school with that much failure. This principal really hit me wrong when she immediately responded to my question with the statement that 83% of her student body is on free or reduced lunch program and the teachers are teaching them the best they can. OH HELL KNOW!!! Did you really make a reference implying my child is a slow learner or stupid. I immediately responded “I don’t give a dam if your whole school is on free lunch program, you teach those kids the same way and make sure they know the material”. Who the hell is this person? Obviously she is about to know my name really well. So back to my question of “What’s the problem?”. I believe it probably starts with the profiling that this principal is doing. She basically implied since my daughter is on a reduced lunch program she is not capable of learning and the teachers are teaching her best that she can learn the material because she can’t afford to pay full price for lunch. Are you kidding me? So a school that has a 13% turnover rate and only 19% of the teachers with an advanced degree and the fact that you profile the kids wouldn’t be the problem in the low testing scores compared to the district and the state? I called the superintendent back immediately and caught him just walking into his office. I advised him again of the situation and also advised him of my conversation with the principal and that I was pissed. He told me that she should probably not have said teaching them the best they can. I went off immediately and said that no your statement should be that she was wrong and should have never made a statement like that. I reiterated my position on every kid in that school. He said that he would talk to her. I am still awaiting a phone call back on that matter. Today my wife went and sat at a review board to get our daughter into the 5th grade. After waiting over 1 1/2 hours with many angry parents she finally got to speak. The principal advised her they decided to place her in the 5th grade because they believe she can do the work. The didn’t pass her but they placed her. Again, who the hell is this principal trying to play the almighty. (you may go on and no you can’t). What happened to school conferences with the teacher and parents sitting down and discussing it. The teacher is with the student and knows them and what they can do and the parents also know this. They should decide what is best not some principal that profiles a child’s intelligence by whether they pay full price for lunch or not. When she mentioned the test score the principal did tell my wife that she had a conversation with me already. My wife advised her oh yes you did and he is not happy. I will be in contact with the superintendent again over her statements and when I get done I will be in touch with the state. This matter will be done when her resignation is read at a school board meeting. You will not profile my child or any other kid in this school. Free and reduced lunch program are not synonymous with slow learner or stupid.

Posted 13th June 2011 by Charlie

[croberts72-blog]

Fathers Day

I originally posted this in 2011 but as I think of my family, I wanted to share again.

As I am sitting here in Brooklyn, MI at the Michigan International Speedway I am thinking about my grandfathers who have both passed on, my dad, my son, and now my two daughters. I remember growing up just down the road from both of my grandparents so I got to see them daily. As a child unknowingly you take for granted that your grandparents and your parents will always be there for you. As we grow older things happen in life and you look back and sometimes wish you would have done something different or done more. My grandfather on my dad side was a great man. I used to see him all the time and spent a lot of time at his house. I learned a lot from him now that I look back at the different things that I did there with him. It’s funny how later in life you can look at some things and say “man he was right that is how you can do it and make it work”. I sure wish kids were as smart as we become later in life. I sure would have listened to him more when I was growing up. My grandfather on my mom’s side was another great man whom I learned a lot from. Usually if I wasn’t at one grandparents house doing something or eating I was at the others doing something and mooching food. After I ate at their house I usually went home and ate some more. I was probably a little closer to my grandpa on my moms side because he traveled with us during the years I was in the Brigadiers Drum and Bugle Corps. He drove one of the buses for the band that we traveled in all over NY and Canada. I was also in the fire department with him so after I got out of the Marines we spent a lot of time together doing fire department stuff and fire safety at the local schools.

My dad has always been there for me right, wrong, or in different he always stood beside me. He taught me how to live life the right way. My dad would do anything for anybody and they didn’t even have to ask before he was there assist. I probably realized this at a young age but didn’t know the depth of it and how much he cared. My dad and mom opened their home and took in children through the foster children. They didn’t just do this but sat with myself and my brother even though we were very young at the time to get our opinion and explain how fortunate we were and how they wanted to assist other children who weren’t as fortunate. This probably would be one of the most important things that was done to me at a young age. Through the years all through my graduation I got to see many children with a wide range of problems and severities of neglect. I learned a lot as a person and how to live through this. My parents I believe taught me a very important lesson in life through this. My dad was also in the fire department for over 20 years and I had the fortunate opportunity to serve with him also. My dad is definitely one of my hero's in life. Whether it was during my youth years growing up or as an adult when I got out of the Marines my dad has always been my number one fan and supported me in all my decision while giving me advice and guidance or just support he has meant a lot to me. Thank you dad for everything you have done for me!

My son I miss all the time. He is now 16 and still living in NY. I wish I seen him more and did more things with him. I miss our summers together especially the years he spent on the road with me as I traveled the NASCAR circuit. I would never give up the dad and son time riding around the country in a big truck. A lot of good times. I am so proud of everything he has accomplished so far in life. From his bowling accomplishments to his TBF Junior Eastern Division Championship in fishing and everything in between that he takes on. Some of the things we have been able to do together other kids can only dream about. I have always tried to do the right thing with him and surprising at age 16 he understands a lot of things. He surprises me some times during our talks on what he wants to do and how he will do it. I’m proud of him.

I am now married and my two step daughters where do I start. I love them as much as I love my son. I have always considered them as my daughters and would do anything for them. The youngest one was only crawling when I started coming around and now is headed to kindergarten. My oldest daughter is now headed into 5th grade. Yes I’m protective of them and don’t want anybody messing with them or making them upset. And as I have been accused and I do deny all the time but will say yes the little one has me wrapped around her finger and unfortunately she knows it and loves to push my buttons and then hug and kiss me. I really miss them especially this year for some reason.

It’s funny how some things just happen or you have that kind of day where you sit and just think about things and try to put stuff in perspective. I sure miss the old days when life seemed to be easier. I know that statement sounds old but its true.

Happy Fathers Day to all the fathers out there! Remember your fathers and be thankful for where you came from, how you were raised, and what you have. Remember to tell your children how much you love them and show them. Its not always the material things they need rather than the father son or father daughter time just paying attention to them. Quality time means a lot.

Happy Fathers Day!

​

Charles Roberts

June 17, 2011

[croberts72-blog]

Do You Postcron

As a business owner of Coyote Corner Group, I try to keep all of our news in the social media as well as promote not only our pro angler but also the products from the sponsors he has and it is important to be able to do this from one program.  I have searched and used many different programs to do this and have found that postcron is the best and easiest one to use.  When dealing with sponsors it is important for them to get their value for their money and social media is the biggest free advertisement value out there currently and postcron allows me to post to all social media platforms at once.

With postcron I am able to post at pre-schedule times that I set up on each day of the week.  This allows me to be able to send out a similar message at various times on different days.  I am also able to send the social media broadcast immediately across all platforms allowing it to send it in 5 minute increments so that it doesn't appear as spam.

I currently use postcron to broadcast to our company Facebook page, our company Twitter page, but also am able to broadcast it to our pro angler Andrew Roberts Facebook page and his Twitter page.  When sending content out in a social media post I am able to select prior to the broadcast which accounts I would like to send them to allowing me to tailor the message across the social media platforms.  Some posts that I would send to Andrew's Twitter page I might not want to send to my LinkedIn account or our Pinterest account.

Postcron has multiple plans available to suit your needs.  Whether you want to just try it out and use it on a small scale basis or you run your social media platform for your company and need a mega plan for 100 social media accounts and 12 team members to manage the posts this is the program for you.  I am just a small company decided it was time to find a program that I could hit the platforms I needed to with the content I am pushing but minimize my time going to each social media platform to broadcast.  I found that in postcron.

In the free version you are only able to manually input your content to be broadcast.  In the paid versions you able to upload a .csv file with preloaded content to be broadcast at the times which you choose.  This is a great added value for small company's like mine who don't have the time to always go to the platform to get content written and posted.  I am able to make a spreadsheet with simple messages that may or may not include a picture URL or a web link address.  Within this spreadsheet I can choose the year, month, day, and time to which the message will be broadcast.  This is perfect for simple messages such as known company events to be preloaded or a message of the day to be automatically sent without any time being taken away from your current tasks.

If you are fundraising such as we are for our pro angler, you are able to set different messages in your spreadsheet to link to your fundraising page to be broadcast at different times on each day of your fundraising event.  Then just upload your spreadsheet and not worry about missing out one a social media blitz for your fundraiser.

As a business owner and manager I find great value in knowing that I can spend time creating a spreadsheet for all the known broadcasts that will go out for the month or for the year and not have to take away from productivity to make sure I got a message out.  On my spreadsheet I might start with the knowns for the year such as Holidays or wishing an employee a happy birthday or maybe a work anniversary.  Then I would include any of the known's that my company does each year.  Maybe it is an annual fundraiser and we might want to start at a certain date to start getting the buzz out that our fundraiser is coming up and then on the start date the messages start getting out but our audience has already seen it coming and now it is just a reminder to contribute.

Maybe your company hosts an event later in the year that requires sponsorships.  Being able to create a spreadsheet promoting the event and asking for sponsors and allowing it to send the messages out at different times of the day on different days leading up to the event will help alleviate the blitz of trying to find sponsors.

I recommend giving postcron a try and make your social media broadcasts easier to manage.  You can try it by clicking here.

​

Charles Roberts

Owner

Coyote Corner Group, L.L.C.