TO STAND OR NOT TO STAND, THAT IS THE QUESTION

HERE'S THE STORY FROM THE STATE JOURNAL REGISTER...

A Glenwood Middle School parent says she will appeal her daughter's suspension for a "tagging" incident and also seek an apology after two school employees allegedly ordered her daughter to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance and place her hand over her heart.

Okay, although Illinoisdoes require schools to lead students in the Pledge, courts have upheld students' right to not participate.

FINE. NO PROBLEM.

But what are we teaching our students? What are we teaching our children and future leaders of America?

I don't have a problem with this family if indeed their reasoning behind their child not participating in the Pledge of Allegiance is because of their Chilean background.

I do, however, have a problem with parents and schools teaching children and students that it's okay to do whatever you want to do.

It's okay, kids, if you don't feel like saying the Pledge, then don't do it. It's okay, kids, if you don't feel like doing your homework, then don't do it. It's okay, kids, if you don't feel like answering your teacher when they speak to you, then don't do it. (*sarcasm*)

I have to ask you. When these kids are out in the real world and these kids get a real job, what are they going to do when their real boss says that there is a meeting every Monday at 8am that requires attendance? Are those kids going to say, "well, I don't' really feel like it and it's my right to be there at 8:15am?"

If you don't want to say the Pledge, then DON'T. But unless it's an act of protest, then STAND UP. Show that you respect others who are taking a moment to pledge their allegiance to their country. I don't believe you're being unpatriotic for not standing, you're just being rude to the rest of the class.

Obviously, if, as stated in the article, the teachers made the comments they made to this particular student, then they should be reprimanded for it.

WHAT IS IT WITH MEN?

I just don't get it. I JUST DON'T GET IT. Can a man not EVER be wrong? EVER??? Can he not be wrong and just leave it at that?

"I was wrong and I admit it."

That's all that a "real" man has to say when he is wrong.

However, I'm finding that those "real" men are few and far between. Instead, I'm presented everyday with men who have to qualify their admission of inaccuracy with an explanation of their wrongness.

Here's an example from the most recent admission of wrongness from my co-worker Jim Leach:

I admit it. I was completely wrong about this year's "American Idol" competition. I absolutely misread the public mood. Having temporarily repressed my memories of Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Jessica and Ashlee Simpson, and Rob Schneider, I foolishly allowed myself to believe momentarily that America would prefer a classy, talented, warm and charismatic singer to a goofy flash-in-the-pan novelty act.

I, of course, as a southern lady, a gracious soul, and a kind human being will try very hard not to mention every five minutes that what Jim is truly upset about is the fact that I WAS RIGHT. He just can't say it. HE JUST CAN'T BRING HIMSELF TO SAY THE WORDS, "Pamela, you were right" and leave it at that.

He owes me a four-course lunch at Robert's Seafood. Let's see if he's man enough not to hedge on his bet. Obviously, he'll qualify his losing to me with some sort of wordy mumbo-jumbo. Just don't lose sight of the real truth... JIM WAS WRONG -- and Taylor Hicks is an American Idol.

(oh yeah, and I was right.)

THIS IS ME

It's been an interesting week for me, to say the least. I've gone from the top of an emotional scale to the bottom all in a span of about 4 days. No need to go into details, but if you listened to my show at all on Wednesday or Thursday or even Friday, you get the idea of what could have possibly happened. BOTTOM LINE IS THIS, I'm 37 years old. I've lived a full life...I'm looking forward to living so much more. I've made INCREDIBLE mistakes over the years. Those mistakes could make tabloids look tame. I've lost friends, family and my own self-respect because of those misakes. BUT I LIVED THROUGH THEM. They made me who I am today...and today I'm someone that I actually like. With the exception of the extra pounds I have on my body, I LIKE ME... I know who I am and what I am and what I want out of life. Unfortunately, there are those who can't handle that. There are those who don't want to be around that. I won't judge. That's fine. I don't want anyone in my life that really doesn't want to be there. But rest assured, I will NOT apologzie for who I am and what I expect out of other people. I will NOT apologize for how I expect to be treated by friends, family and co-workers; and I will NOT apologize for being a strong, opinionated, passionate, God-fearing woman. I will celebrate it! It took me a long time and a lot of heartache to get to this place in my life and I will shout it to the heavens - THANK YOU LORD FOR MAKING ME WHO I AM!! These lyrics to a Faith Hill song say it better than I could ever say it..."This Is Me"

I HAVE MY ADDICTIONS
I KEEP MY SHARE OF SECRETS
AND THINGS YOU'LL NEVER SEE
I GET SELFISH AND DEFENSIVE
AND PAY TOO MUCH ATTENTION
TO MY INSECURITIES
I'M JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE
I TRY TO LOVE JESUS AND MYSELF

YES, MY HEART BREAKS FOR THE HOMELESS
I WORRY ABOUT MY PARENTS
AND ALL MY BILLS ARE LATE
YES, I'M DEALING WITH THE CHANGES
THIS COMPLICATED STRANGENESS
OF SEEING LIFE THIS WAY
I'M JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE
I TRY TO LOVE JESUS AND MYSELF

I LAUGH AT SILLY MOVIES
TEAR UP WHEN I SEE BABIES
AND I'M STUBBORN AS A STONE
I CRITICIZE MY BODY
I WONDER IF I'M READY
TO EVER BE ALONE
I'M JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE
I CRY JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE

I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE
OR WHAT YOU THINK OF WHAT YOU SEE
BUT THIS IS A PART OF ME
OF WHAT I DO AND WHO I AM
ALL OF MY IMPURITIES
ARE RIGHT HERE ON MY SLEEVE
THIS IS ME

PAMELA FURR'S WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE

Here we go, ladies and gentlemen...
LET'S GET HEALTHY.

As I've mentioned on the show, I am determined to get this weight off my body. I've been motivated for the past 6 weeks to make some real changes in my life that will effect my health.

So, I'm challenging you to hold me accountable to get 50 pounds off by Christmas. Will you help?

May I help you in any way? Post here your problems with weight and excercise, and let's help each other live healthier, happier lives.

AND GET THIS --

Alderman Frank Edwards wants to get in on the challenge.

He's putting $500.00 on the table and vowing that he will lose 50 pounds before Christmas...so he and I are in a race to win!!

Whoever loses, has to give the money to a local charity. He'll lose, so I'm not worried at all. :)

Post your thoughts, problems, advice, recipies for food and success.