You can't always get what you want....

A colleague and I were talking yesterday about the folks in Washington who have made total asses of themselves and our country.

I had been thinking, then said it aloud, "Why is it we have to teach that bullying is wrong, but it's ok if people who represent us and our country to be bullies?" Great role models, Washington.

We here in schools around the country teach our children (our future) that we need to be respectful, responsible, and safe citizens. Why is it then that our leaders, people who our children, as well as adults, are to look up to as role models for our country, are so disrespectful to each other and to themselves?

We also teach our children to work together and to play fair. Why can't the "adults" in Washington learn how to work together?

I had a student last week that had a bit of a tantrum and I had her go take a time out. When I talked to her about why she had to be in a time out, I quoted the wonderful Rolling Stones- "You can't always get what you want... but you find sometimes, you get what you need." (I must admit, I made myself laugh... and got my student thinking I was a big fruitloop, but anyways...)

The folks in Washington need to heed to the Rolling Stones epic words. That's why we sent them to Washington- to get work done! We did not vote these folks into office to dig in their heels and not compromise! We didn't vote for people to point fingers and blame each other!

It doesn't matter whether we are republican or democrat, rich, or poor. We all had the choice to vote for who we think should represent us- our communities, our state, our country. It doesn't look like ANYONE has done a good job of representing us.

Or have they?

Is this what we've become? Adults acting like young children- pointing the blame at everyone else but them? Not working together for the common good? No respect? No teamwork? No responsibility? Having tantrums because the can't have things just the way they want? Seriously?


Folks in Washington, here's some tips from my students.

Always be respectful by playing fair at home and at school with your friends.

Doesn't sound like Washington is playing fair with their "friends".
 

Always be responsible by bringing your homework back, finished (most days).

Where's that budget that was due for "homework", Washington???

Always be fair by not cheating in games.

Hey Washington- you're cheating the American public by playing games!!

 

So, on behalf of my second graders (also known as THE FUTURE), be respectful, be responsible and be fair. These kids are watching.