A Sense of Purpose

The central purpose of this blog is Children's Advocacy. My area of expertise is education. I will discuss any and all issues in education any time, any place, beyond the limits of everybody else's tolerance for it. The emphasis will be on the effects of domestic violence on children and how it pertains to their educational prognosis, as well as the problems in special education. A significant number of students in special education are DV kids, and their needs are not well understood by the professionals who work with them.

I believe that the best way to advocate for children is to get the adults to shape up. To that end, I will also cover issues that affect parents. It seems that issues in women's advocacy are fairly well covered, with the notable exception of domestic violence. In this case, attention does not equal results. I expect to spend more time on issues in men's advocacy because it appears that they are underrepresented and in rough shape. I will not leave anyone decent behind.

The peripheral purpose of this blog is to provide a nonpartisan, neutral space for anyone who wants to attempt a reasoned, objective discussion. I plan to take an integrative approach to the issues. I will cover whatever political issues and current events that seem important and/or interesting to me and to anyone who dares to support this blog. People shouldn't expect too much from me there. There are already many talented bloggers doing a much better job with that than I could ever hope to do. Prior to 2004, I was completely apolitical. During the past few years of reading the blogs, I didn't comment on any of them because I didn't know anything. I didn't have anything smart to say. Now that I have studied up, I might have a few smart things to say. It is my hope that this blog will become a model for constructive conflict resolution.

Advance warning to anyone who wants to have fun here. I am not good at fun. If you want fun, you will probably have to bring some with you. I will need a lot of help with that.

The Chameleonic Code

The chameleon is a symbol for the main theme of this blog. The ability to change one's circumstances, hopefully for the better. The qualities needed to overcome adversity in life. These qualities are initiative, adaptability, persistence, resourcefulness, and the ability to delay gratification.

Obviously, these qualities can be used for a higher purpose or for very dark purposes. Some chameleons succumb to the dark forces, and the light chameleons spend much of their lives trying to keep one step ahead of them. The light chameleons and the dark chameleons are destined to collide with each other at various points of their lives.

What makes the difference to those who use their talents for constructive purposes is the quality of the conscience.

The essence of conscience is empathy.