Policemen Stalking Flagmen
Unbelievable! The policmen vs. flagmen controversy is getting more heated. This week policemen staged a protest by shadowing the flagmen with picket signs. Yes, they actually were standing next to the flagperson who was trying to direct traffic. Now, if a lay person were to stand next to a policeman who was at a traffic detail, that person would probably be arrested. Maybe that's the argument...the police can arrest folks, but flagmen can't! If the police are so concerned about public safety, how do they justify this recent action?!
In the News: Flagmen vs. Policemen
Before the end of 2008, it is expected that Massachusetts will join the other 49 states and have citizen flagmen direct traffic and provide safety oversight at road construction sites. Currently, only policemen (and women) provide this service. Making this change is supposed to save the state approximately $5 million dollars a year or more. Sounds reasonable, right? The money saved could be used to improve the crumbling bridges and roads across the state. Surveys of Massachusetts residents show that 70% of them favor the change. But not so fast... The policeman's union strongly opposes this change and site that it will compromise public safety AND that the $$ savings has been inflated. But wait....keep in mind that a police person can basically double his/her annual salary by working overtime on police details. It has also been said that the money made on police details helps to offset substandard wages. Learn more.
Lets talk about Public Safety. Surely there is a ton of data available from the other 49 states to either support or refute the issue of public safety. Instead of the anecdotal comments about "public safety", perhaps some legitimate data could be sited. Why do a majority of MA residents support the legislation? I think it is because of their observations on the road. Citizens observe police at these road construction sites reading the newspaper, chatting with the construction workers, having coffee, etc. and doing very little, if any, "traffic" control. One afternoon this month, I was traveling on a major MA highway and 1 local road and I passed 4 different construction sites. On the 65 mph highway there were police cruisers with their lights flashing, one officer leaning on his cruiser reading the newspaper, one officer appearing to be text messaging and one officer standing on the grassy shoulder having a conversation with one of the construction workers. The police detail on the local road was a little better, one was directing traffic, one was looking down a large hole in the road, and one was having coffee. I was listening to the radio last week and actually heard a police representative say that for every police officer who is having a cup of coffee, etc. a "robber" was being captured and CPR performed by other police details. Now come on....! The police may have legitimate arguments, but comments like this compromise their credibility.
Bottom line is this. Surely there can be a balance between public safety and the taxpayers dollar. We can no longer afford to just accept these sacred cow/entitlement programs.
Lets talk about Public Safety. Surely there is a ton of data available from the other 49 states to either support or refute the issue of public safety. Instead of the anecdotal comments about "public safety", perhaps some legitimate data could be sited. Why do a majority of MA residents support the legislation? I think it is because of their observations on the road. Citizens observe police at these road construction sites reading the newspaper, chatting with the construction workers, having coffee, etc. and doing very little, if any, "traffic" control. One afternoon this month, I was traveling on a major MA highway and 1 local road and I passed 4 different construction sites. On the 65 mph highway there were police cruisers with their lights flashing, one officer leaning on his cruiser reading the newspaper, one officer appearing to be text messaging and one officer standing on the grassy shoulder having a conversation with one of the construction workers. The police detail on the local road was a little better, one was directing traffic, one was looking down a large hole in the road, and one was having coffee. I was listening to the radio last week and actually heard a police representative say that for every police officer who is having a cup of coffee, etc. a "robber" was being captured and CPR performed by other police details. Now come on....! The police may have legitimate arguments, but comments like this compromise their credibility.
Bottom line is this. Surely there can be a balance between public safety and the taxpayers dollar. We can no longer afford to just accept these sacred cow/entitlement programs.
Community in Online Classrooms - Reflections
My online classroom experience is limited, INSDSG 619 is the second course I have taken online. In my first online experience there was student-student interaction/contact via discussion boards and optional synchronous sessions, but of the class work was independent. I found it difficult to remain engaged and felt isolated and disconnected from my coursemates. Although we came together with a "shared purpose", minimal opportunities for collaboration existed which reinforced my feelings of isolation. Paloff/Pratt talked about collaboration being cyclical in nature, that collaboration supports the creation of community and community supports the ability to collaborate. For me, collaboration is essential in promoting community. Collaboration makes me feel more connected. I feel more a part of the group and a member of a team.
Factors that I feel contribute to a sense of community include trust, shared experiences, social presence, instructor presence, interactivity in small groups, group/team work that promotes shared goals and shared responsibility.
Factors that I feel contribute to a sense of community include trust, shared experiences, social presence, instructor presence, interactivity in small groups, group/team work that promotes shared goals and shared responsibility.
Why I Am Taking INSDSG619
The main reason I have chosen to take this course is because of my limited knowledge and experience with on-line courses in general. The courses I have taken previously have been boring and lacked the components that would keep me engaged. In addition, there is an identified need in my company to utilize a more blended approach to education but there is little expertise in developing on-line programs. I hope to use the knowledge gained in this course to begin to be able to facilitate a move toward on-line learning as a viable option.
Those Who Know Me, Know That
- I inherited my mother's salt & pepper shaker collection and now have over 500 sets.
- Having decided that downhill skiing was not for me (at the TOP of the mountain), I put my skis on my shoulder and walked down the slope.
- I tend to be a perfectionist and can be much harder on and expect more of myself than others do of me.
- I enjoy tasting wine. Salute!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
