[NLA] Neo-conservatives

[Pam Creighton]

Nancy Hansen writes, "I also wish other teachers and volunteers of real people would feel more free -- more liberated -- to speak out for what they believe to be truth."

Nancy, it is odd that you mention this.  I was showing a posting to my husband last night because I can discuss many of these postings and ideas with him.  However, he is one of those *conservatives*, and he is a pure *scientist*.  It often becomes frustrating for me to read many of the posts to this list serv because I wonder how I could be working in the same field as so many of the writers.  Other than those we serve, it seems we have little in common.

I have been told many times by funders, supporters, critics, volunteers and staff that I should never lose the passion I have for the learners who come to our program.  They are the only reason this organization exists, and I constantly worry about them and for them.  They are tremendously important folks.  I want for them what they want for themselves, whatever that is.  It is also very important to me that my staff stay abreast of what is going on in the field, participate in professional development opportunities as often as they want, continue their formal studies and remember our corporate mission and values.

All this to say, I don't always feel free to express my opinions or speak out for what I want for our learners.  Yes, I feel passionate; however, I also feel isolated.  The bias that is so often shown on this list often makes me feel like the Lone Ranger.  Yes, I sometimes feel challenged by the direction that our political leaders are taking some of our professional organizations; however, I embrace that challenge and don't look upon it as a doomsday threat.  

This is a wonderful country, made up of many types of people: liberal, moderate, conservative, etc.  Nothing ever stays the same, nor should it.  The program that is embraced by one political party today will be owned by the opposing party tomorrow.  Bush will be out and perhaps Daschle, Gore, Edwards or some other liberal will be in.  

Just because so much emphasis is being placed on the K-3 reading programs today should not be such a cause of terror for those of us serving those children's parents, siblings, grandparents, etc.  We should only hope their efforts with our children are highly successful; we should hope that we will be out of jobs in another generation or two.  Of course, that won't happen to all of us.  But is it so wrong to hope for that?  When we feel threatened by something, shouldn't that motivate us to work harder and smarter for that which we believe?  

Yes, I am a proud and successful "moderately conservative businesswoman."  I have to believe that I am not the only one who takes exception to many of the NLA postings and doesn't feel beleagured by accountability, science, political change or change in general.  Perhaps others will feel empowered enough to add their two cents worth.

Pam


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