I am freedom (for some)

I Am Freedom (for some)

I am freedom for some

I wonder for the rest, will it come?

I hear prayers and gunshots in my name

I see flags and bodies, crosses and graves

I want no more blood, arrogance isn’t brave

I am freedom for some

I pretend that I’m for everyone

I feel empty and lost

I need so much at a cost

I worry for the forgotten

I cry for the down trotted

I am freedom for some

I understand that I’m rare

I believe that I’m shared

I dream that you care

I try to be there

I hope it I swear

I am freedom for some

I’m the trigger, you’re the gun.

4-28-11

1. We will be talking a lot about MLK and Malcolm X in class. Many would argue that these men were vastly different in their methodology.Yet others would argue that there were no differences between the two. Check out this doc, which provides you with quotes from both men. Using what we discuss in class and also what you infer from the doc/quotes, discuss in a blog post whose methodology was more effective in accomplishing goals set by the Civil Rights Movement.

Dr. King and Malcolm X shared many ideas. This can be seen in the quotes as well in any of their speeches. They believed in equality. In the fight for freedom – however their styles and methods of change and progress varied. Malcolm X had turned to a radical movement. Empowering blacks by violence believing that by resisting arrest and fighting back they would achieve their goal – Dr. King however used civil disobedience and peaceful methods to not only obtain the support of the people but the respect of them as well. I am a firm believer that Dr. King’s method of peace was by far more affective and has ensured that future generations do not carry the hostility that armed conflict would have brought.

4-28-11

1. Gain an understanding for the term meritocracy. The ideology that anyone who works hard enough can acheive the American Dream has been touted by many organizations throughout American history. Evaluate whether or not you believe that this ideology is true, based on the testing results of the third graders in A Class Divided, where the students perform better on the phonics task when they are in the group labeled superior than when those same students are in the group designated as inferior.

American Dream is something that is defined by the individual. However the basic idea is that people can achieve life, liberty, happiness and wealth through working, believing and overcoming challenges. Yet not all people can be included in this category. For some Americans it is impossible to achieve the American dream simply by working hard. For those who are black or Hispanic they face the idea that they are inferior and that they are stuck in poverty. For gays they believe they must be sheltered or they cannot get jobs or advance in the workplace. Women as well face similar struggles. De Facto Discrimination plays a huge role in this. A Class Divided highlights this. It proves that young people’s discrimination stems from what they learn from adults. Now in American society we tend to look at the groups like this.

Black People – Angry, uneducated, poor and rebellious.

Hispanic – Illegal, cheap labor, don’t speak English.

Woman – Emotional, weak, good for sandwich making.

Gays – Odd, drag and heretics.

These concepts that we’re taught by society have raised us to be that way. Regarding grades and the inferiority complex that is not a surprise to me at all. Black students and Hispanic do poorly because they are made to think that is all they can do. In reality there is no, no scientific reason why Hispanic and Black people shouldn’t doing just as well in school as your standard white student.

4-28-11

1. We recently discussed the events that took place at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Fifty years after those events, there is still a civil rights struggle going on; one example of this took place in Jena, Louisiana. Read the NY Times article "Louisiana Protest Echoes the Civil Rights Era". In a blog post, discuss your reaction to the Jena article and also discuss how the Jena and Little Rock incidents are similar. Be sure to answer both parts of the question for full credit.

It sickens me that in this modern day racism like this can persist among the youth of America. It is interesting however. That reverse racism is now occurring. In place of whites segregating and mistreating blacks it would appear years of oppression and de facto segregation have led to hostility. This has been seen for as long as racism has occurred. Malcolm X practiced this method. Which proved to only cause more hatred on both sides – I thought this compared well to the Little Rock incident at least regarding the involvement of the President and the hostile tensions that followed. However times are different and this article doesn’t mention whether the attacks were race motivated. As far I could tell it happened that five black kids beat up a white kid. I’m interested to read the testimonies of the case.

April 15th

Our family was as old as the republic itself. As long as it has existed we defended it. I am proud of my heritage. Being the only son I couldn’t help but wonder what great conflict I would fight. I’d read the news every so often. Keep hearing about the Communist. I wonder if I’ll fight in Moscow or maybe Minsk. I hear it’s pretty beautiful when it isn’t buried in thick snow. Can’t help but feel bad for the Jerry’s who froze during the battle of Stalingrad. Regardless I’m almost ready to head off to West Point. I’m hoping that the GI Bill pays for all of it. It’s amazing how past all the wars and conflicts not a single member of my family has died. I hope I’m not the first. Anyway we’re getting a visit from Senator McCarthy this evening so I should get gear and head out. Till we meet again.

Television and film had widely altered the way we think and act. This has been present numerous times in history. During the Vietnam War the people of the United States watched live as we saw our soldiers getting shot and blown up. It has also made us naïve at the same time. Nowadays people watch ‘reality television’ which actually has been counterproductive to society. Shows like the Jersey Shore have replaced the classic shows which promoted family and humor. Political pundits and plain out imbeciles like Glen Beck have plagued the ‘news’. Feeding their opinions into what should be non-partisan, plain and simple news. Since the founding of television, broadcasters and writers have been able to alter the way we think and view things. In many occasions it has been positive in others it has been negative.

http://www.adclassix.com/ads/62logcabin.htm

This not only features racism but sexism as well. Portraying the classic Aunt Jemima whom personifies the typical “mammy” or southern servant or slave – she cooks and judging by her head piece she also cleans. This ad shows a woman’s place and shows the stereotypical image of what society thought a black woman’s place was in the world.

McCarthyism Impact on Society: McCarthyism was fundamentally a witch hunt of Communism which restricted the right of Freedom of Speech. People whom were innocent were trialed in front of Congress and had their lives and careers ruined. It was caused by a fear of communism and the sheer stupidity of Senator Joseph McCarthy.

Communist “Witch Hunt” and impact on those accused: It ruined many lives and forbid the film and music industry from producing ‘questionable’ material which should be protected under the United States Constitution.

Space Race impact on government policies : Space race led the launch of Sputnik and the Apollo missions. In 1969 the United States successfully landed a man on the moon. Our flag still waves there today.

Cold War mind set for the United States Government and public: People lived in fear of what would happen to them, their family, their friends and their neighbors. A possible impending nuclear threat looming as well.

Relationship of suburbs, automobiles, and roads: Caused by the baby boom and growth of Middle Class, an excess of automobiles followed by roads made suburbs more practical.

Baby Boom: Following a lack of babies being born during World War II a huge number of births occurred more commonly known as the baby boom.

Urban-Suburban Pattern: While urban areas still grew. Suburbs now became the optimal place to live and play, while many places became ‘commuter towns’.

GI Bill: Following WWII members of the military now received special benefits such as medical care and free finances to go to cool.

Expansion of the Middle Class (why were things “affordable”): Global competition was halted following World War II the United States had numerous factories that were reworked for the purpose of producing goods. New Deal polices led to the birth of unions and employee benefits.

Obama lives in the CASABLANCA

CASABLANCA – A review by Michael Tessler

General Storyline: Taking place following the Nazi occupation of France. Casablanca the beautiful seaside city in non-occupied French Morocco is a place where a little bit of luck and a lot of money could find you a one way ticket out of the WW2 decimated Europe and African continents. It was a place of opportunity. A place of corruption – this classic story is the tale of a man who in the midst of horrid world war finds himself torn on his allegiance and his love. In Paris he fell in love. He was divided from her as the Nazis began their invasion. He found a way down to Casablanca where he opened a club. There he remained neutral. Trying to disregard the global conflict – he appealed to no factions other than himself. Rick was free to go about his business until one day a beautiful familiar face reappears in his life. His love interest from Paris who appears to be married to the leader of the resistance movement, he had dodged and escaped many concentration camps.

As time goes on anger begins to grow as the Nazis grow weary of Rick and his club operation. When the Nazis in his club begin singing the National Anthem of the Reich, Rick commands his band to play the National Anthem of France. This great showmanship is the first time we see Rick choose sides. His club is closed down shortly after.

While being in possession of tickets out of Casablanca. Rick has the choice of either leaving himself. Or letting his former love interest and her resistance leader husband leave – this compelling story was written during World War Two. It’s a classic love story and no doubt the great film of its time.

Characters:

RICK – He is the attractive, cynical, entrepreneur who left the United States and moved to France where he then was forced to flee to the Moroccan city of Casablanca where he opens a nightclub. He operates as non-partisan. He doesn’t like to “stick his head out for others”. However upon the arrival of Ilsa his former love interest. A series of events occurs which shows another side of the classic American bad boy.

ILSA – Gorgeous and devious. She is torn between Laszlo and Rick. However she realizes that above her love. Her cause comes first. She is cunning and symbolizes the classic female protangist.

LASZLO – Intellectual and brave. Laszlo is above all else the classic good guy. Who seeks to the topple the Third Reich and restore freedom the people of Europe and Africa. Laszlo is quick and nimble. He has narrowly escaped death on more than one occasion and seeks refugee in America where he hopes to organize the resistance further.

STRASSER – Your stereotypical Nazi commandant. Serves the Third Reich with no discretion, he hates and attempts to destroy any resistance to Nazi Germany one of his biggest targets his Laszlo whom has continued to escape Nazi persecution.

RENAULT – A French-Casablanca officer who has been forced to follow Strasser among other Nazis he appears to be on good terms with Rick whose club he goes to often.

UGARTE, - He murders two German officers to obtain papers to leave the country he however is caught by Renault who wished to please Strasser and the Nazis.

SAM – Funny, classy and jazzy Sam is the best friend and accomplice of Rick. They have a brotherly relationship.

Historical Aspects:

A few things I enjoyed about Casablanca from a historical standpoint were first the ring featuring the sign of the French resistance. Shortly following the destruction of the true French government many people and former soldiers began forming an underground movement. Their symbol featured a cross with two horizontal lines rather than one. Eventually following the Allied landing at Normandy the French resistance helped the Allied forces recapture Europe for the control of the Third Reich.

Sources: (Most facts came from my 8th grade United States history class)

http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/french_resistance.htm

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FRresistance.htm

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1288305/Only-known-photographs-French-Resistance-fighters-facing-Nazi-firing-squad-public-display-time.html

http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/modules/ww2/index.cfm

(Google) About Me

Google Search: Michael Tessler Port Jefferson

(GOOGLE) ABOUT ME

http://www.tc-mccarthy.com/490/cooper.html - N/A: Port Jefferson Take Back the Streets Committee

www.northshoreoflongisland.com/Articles-i-2010-12-30-86663.112114-Special-Award-for-founder-of-Youth-Council.html - TBR: Youth of the Year award

http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1nmk2/ThePortJeffersonGaze/resources/5.htm - PJ Gazette: Dinner on the Harbor event and Tours and Concierge synopsis

http://www.teenyawards.com/2010nomineesall.html - Star Awards: Nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama

http://www.shantifund.org/Winners_2009.html - Shanti Fund: Second place for Peace Through Environment Presentation

http://content.yudu.com/Library/A19aj4/ThePortJeffersonGaze/resources/17.htm: PJ Gazette: “Tessler praised by Senator: That Tessler boy is a civic leader” article on First Annual Youth Summit

http://www.northshoreoflongisland.com/Articles-i-2009-11-05-82034.112114_Port_Jeffersons_Green_Information_Fair.html: TBR: Pathways to Peace presentation

http://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/senator-lavalle-sponsors-measure-allowing-students-sit-village-boards: NYS Senate: Announcement that Senator Kenneth LaValle will sponsor a bill which I fundamentally proposed

http://www.thesouthasiantimes.info/epaper/24_vol2_epaper_ks.pdf: SAT: Article on Shanti Fund event

Holocaust

http://cgi.ebay.com/German-WW2-COMPLETE-UNIFORM-from-AUSCHWITZ-camp-Dachau_W0QQitemZ160508385986QQcategoryZ36047QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D3%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7549151435591681096#ht_940wt_905

Auschwitz Concentration Camp Uniform

Adolf Hitler was a malevolent dictator who took a shattered German nation and turned it into the Third Reich which would be responsible for the death of millions of people both on the battlefield and in secret death camps placed all around the European continent.

His goal was to exterminate all opposition as well as all those who did not fit into his master race. Hitler led with an iron fist which was successful till the eventual fall of Berlin due to the advancing Soviet Army. Before his death Hitler initiated his ‘Final Solution’ to disenfranchise, humiliate, and murder millions of Jewish people as well as political prisoners, freemasons, homosexuals, gypsies and others who opposed the Third Reich. He nearly reached success. However due to the military actions of the Allies many people were rescued.

My item is a uniform from Auschwitz which was a Nazi death camp located in Poland. Auschwitz is the most infamous of all camps due to the amount of murders which took place there. Speculation as to who wore this is difficult. However the Red Triangle is a sign that it was a political prisoner most likely from Poland.

__________________

Reaction to clips:

George Gottlieb: “Be proud of your heritage, be proud of your name.” Mr. Gottlieb symbolizes the struggle of my people during the Holocaust. His resistance mentally, allowed him to survive. You can see as he speaks. That although many years had gone by. Feelings, emotions, memories are just as permanent as the tattoo on his arm. This video nearly brought me to tears as you can hear the pain and suffering in his voice.

Erna Anolik: This clip was especially powerful. You can hear how the humiliation and sight of death affected her. Her description of the role call was painful to listen to as you can imagine how it must feel like. Hope kept her alive. Hope of finding her parents, hope of liberation.

___________________

Jacob Wasserman: (My family name. My great grandfather is also Jacob Wasserman.)

Did you ever believe you were going to be liberated? If so how long do you think it would take till it happened?

Did you make any close friends during your time in the labor camps? If not did you avoid making friends for fear of losing them to the Nazis?

After liberation did you still believe in Judaism? If so how? If not why?

Do you ever wonder what would have happened had you said “Good Morning” to the Polish officer?

Since you moved to Israel do you believe that the military actions against the settlements are wrong and unjust? If not, why?

The Scoop on Scopes

Education has been a great debate in this nation since its founding. Curriculum typically has consisted of arithmetic, social studies, and different forms of science. However both social studies and science have come under attack numerous times in regards to material. History can be perceived in different ways and in many cases biased ways. Culture, politics typically play major factor in what makes it into the textbooks and what doesn’t. A good example of this is the Boston Massacre in which numerous American colonists were ‘slaughtered’ by the British guards in Massachusetts. American history originally suggested that the British had antagonized the colonist who were unarmed and were not putting the lives of the British soldiers in immediate danger. In actual reality the British forces were being beaten with clubs and rocks were being pelted at them as an angry mob of Bostonians were protesting the Crown’s wrong doing. While the colonist were rebelling with fair reason; history has perceived the British for being savages firing upon citizens even though it can be considered act of self defense.

However an issue which persists today and continues to be an active subject for Right leaning political activist is the issue of Evolution v. Creationism. In 1925 a court case known as Tennessee v. Scopes brought a biology teacher against a law known as the Butler Act which fundamentally prohibited the teaching of evolution in the classroom. Debate spurred as to what should be taught my thoughts are simple.

First you must ask yourself is Science a religion or a faith or is it based on fact which has supported its claims with reasonable evidence which is tangible to the common citizen? Science to me is fact. Religion is a belief or faith in something that cannot fully be explained. It is a way of living not an answer to why the Earth spins or how humans became the way they are. Both occasional contradict each other and both should be open options either in unison or alone. The Pope of the Catholic Church has recognized that Science is a valid thing and that it does not mean that the word of God is any less true than it was when the Bible was first written. Professor Albert Einstein also recognized that there is no proof that God does not exist however the followers tend to clash often. I believe Science belongs in the classroom because people need to understand how things work. There is no Church or Temple to go to learn Science. However for Islam, Judaism, and Christianity there are clear houses of worship where you can learn about each faith. So in my mind to prevent bias towards any religion in a country with Separation of Church and State it is best that religious ideology be left to the individual to decide what they would like to learn and believe. So I’d take the side of Mr. Scopes. For the reason that Separation of Church and State prevent the teachings of any God in the classroom at least one that takes taxes from Atheists.

NEW YORK TIMES: Innocent?

THE NEW YORK TIMES

GUILTY, we think not.

An Opinion Piece

A team of twelve detectives, three well known firearms experts and an Italian translator, two lawyers met last month to discuss the case of two Italian anarchist who were charged with murder nearly three years ago. This private investigation took an interesting turn as new startling evidence emerged suggesting they might have been framed.

These domestic criminals both of Italian descent are known for believing in the practice of anarchism. Their anti-government feelings are believed to the motive behind the robbery and murders which they are said to have committed.

Sacco and Vanzetti have had two trials and have appealed for another. Evidence has shown that the bullet which had fired during the armed robbery had not come from the gun of Sacco or Vanzetti. Thus leaving many to believe they have been framed.

The Court refuses to see this case again, however current convict, Celestino Madeiros has announced that he was behind the crimes. He is a member of larger infamous Italian gang, led by Joseph Morelli who is nearly identical to Sacco.

Our verdict is that Sacco and Vanzetti are both not guilty and that Morelli and his gang are behind the brutal murders.