Adoptions by Gay People in Tennessee

Adoptions by Gay People in Tennessee -- Mikhail Brown

At any given time, the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS), is caring for some 800 children who are wards of the State. The reasons that the children are in State custody are varied, but typically include abandonment by the biological parent(s) and revocation of custody when deemed in the best interest of the child. These children live in foster homes, group homes, in the homes of relatives, and in state-supported institutions.

DCS oversees the adoption of approximately 1200 children each year.

Given the difficulty in finding suitable homes for these children, I have to wonder what meaningful purpose some members of the Tennessee Legislature hope to achieve by preventing gay people from adopting children. In the 2006, 2007, and 2008 Legislative sessions, bills have been introduced in both the House and Senate restricting the ability of gay couples from adopting any of these children. Each year, the bills were killed in Committees – often by fair-minded Committee Chairs who put the needs of the children first; the needs of the children, in fact, as opposed to the personal and political agendas of the bills’ sponsors.

Study after study has shown that gay and lesbian adoptive families have an equal chance of supporting and producing successful adoptive children as their heterosexual counterparts. The commonality of wanting these children, and having the means and the desire to provide a loving, structured home life outweigh any minor differences in the make-up of the adoptive parents.

If the goal of the legislators is truly what is best for the children, they would support any efforts to further – not hinder – the adoption of children in need of a loving family.

After the failures of the gay-directed bills failed to get much traction, the 2009 Legislative session saw a new approach to the “problem”: A bill that prohibits any cohabitating (unmarried) couple from adopting. In particular, the bills mention being married as recognized by the State of Tennessee. Given that just last year an amendment was added to the Tennessee Constitution defining a marriage as only “between a man and a woman” and further mandating that same-gender marriages conducted outside of Tennessee would not be recognized by the State, these bills specifically precludes gay people from adopting. Reasonably, opposite-gender, cohabitating partners wishing to adopt could marry and bypass the restrictions – gay people do not have that option.

In the end, this concerted effort to ban gays from adopting, only hurts the children who are waiting for a loving home.

The Memphsi Pyramid...A waste or a goldmine?

The Memphis Pyramid….A waste or a goldmine? With all the political turmoil that is surrounding the city of Memphis, the boost of revenue should not be one of them. In 1989 the development of the Memphis Pyramid took place. Many politicians had their doubts on what the Pyramid could do for Memphis, but the production continued to take place. Since Memphis had a negative reputation ever since the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., politicians assumed that the creation of a landmark would become the voice of Memphis, and give something for tourist to look forward to on their visits to Memphis. The Pyramid was suppose to have a host of amenities and attractions including, a glass inclinator leading to an observation deck, Dick Clark’s American Music Awards Hall of Fame, a Stax Recording studio reproduction, the Grammy Awards Hall of Fame, the College Football Hall of Fame, Rakapolis Egyptian theme park on Mud Island (another failed project), a Hard Rock Café, Omnimax Theater, Island Earth Ecopark, and a shortwarve radio station broadcasting Memphis music internationally 24 hours a day 7 days a week ( D. Duncan, 2007). The Memphis Pyramid was supposed to be a place that concerts and expo’s could be held, instead of utilizing the Mid-South Coliseum. Since the Pyramid was a 32 story, 80 acre complex that could seat 20,142 thousand people that seemed like a wonderful idea….right? Wrong! The Memphis Pyramid opened in 1991. The first event to grace the stage of the Pyramid was the Judd Concert. Opening night the toilets overflowed in the complex, the food at the concession stands was nasty, the sound system for that concert, and all future concerts was so bad, that the City of Memphis sued the contractor for faulty acoustical design (D. Duncan, 2007). The promised amenities and attractions were not brought to the Pyramid. Over a few years the Pyramid was only used for sporting events, and become home to University of Memphis men’s basketball program, and the Memphis Grizzlies. But with the horrible acoustics, bad lighting, and poor seating this soon failed. In 2003, the build of the FED-Ex Forum was underway. The FED-Ex Forum would become the new home for the University of Memphis men’s basketball, and the Memphis Grizzlies. The sound system, seating, concession, and all other amenities that were promised to be delivered with this building were carried out. This blew the pyramid out of the water. Once the FED-EX Forum opened, the Memphis Pyramid closed. $30 million dollars down the DRAIN!!! What should be done to rectify this problem? The building has been sitting in limbo for the past 6 years. Churches, organizations, and outside agencies have made bids on purchasing the building, but nobody has successfully carried out the deal. In 2009, Shelby should its share of stock that they had in the building in 2009. There has been talk about opening a casino, an aquarium, and even a branch of the Smithsonian Institute. Currently Bass Pro shop is renting the Pyramid with plans of opening a Mega Store. Bass Pro Shop has been a prosperous sporting goods store since 1974, originating in Springfield Missouri by Johnny Morris who set across the country to find tackle, and brought it back to his father’s corner store to sell, so that others would not have the same trouble looking for fishing supplies as he did. Bass Pro is now one of the largest sporting good stores in the United States, brining in $2.65 billion in 2009, and ranking # 138 on Forbes list for largest private companies (J. O’Donnell, 2009). This could be wonderful for Memphis. Not only would that eventually resolved the debt from the build of the Pyramid, but it would also assist with a boost in jobs for Memphis, as well as help boost the revenue in the Mid-South area. I think the development of a Bass Pro Shop Mega Store in the Memphis Pyramid would be a great idea for the already failed building. People will travel from surrounding states to make purchases from this location, or place large orders to be shipped to them. This will create jobs for the city, and eventually rectify the debt from the construction of the building. Bass Pro Shop is currently paying $35,000 a month, showing commitment in bringing the Mega Store to the Pyramid however, they have not made plans to purchase the building, as of yet, but hopefully once they get in there, and business gets booming the plan will change.

Decriminalization of Marijuana Nationwide

I think the decriminalization of marijuana in this country would be very beneficial to the economy and our nation as a whole. I recently came across this article on the internet, and find it to be very interesting. The name of the article is great which is: Presidential Candidate Barack Obama Backs Federal Decriminalization--"I think the war on drugs has been a failure, and I think we need to rethink and decriminalize out marijuana laws." I completely agree with President Obama on this topic for sure. If the so called drug was decriminalized, one who got caught possessing it would only get a fine similar to a traffic ticket. He's not supporting the full legalization of marijuana, but merely decriminalization so people who got caught with it could pay a fine and go on about their day. The money paid from the fines could help a lot in our economy and government's current situation. The war on marijuana alone costs American tax payers billions of dollars annually. Why keep spending money on something that to me is considered a national money pit, when you could capitalize and make everyone happy. Isn't that what this country is based on anyways? Currently, more and more states are becoming more lenient toward decriminalizing marijuana and using it medically, while other states are not as liberal classifying it as an illegal narcotic. It doesn't make sense to me that over a third of the country is liberal on marijuana laws, and the remaining states are so harshly against it. If you take a look at the states that have decriminalized or approved medical use of marijuana, the proceeds from this are being put to use in ways that can be very beneficial. I don't know how many others feel this way, but I am entitled to my opinion and don't want to offend anyone. I'm not an activist nor do I support the illegal use of marijuana. I just think that it could be beneficial to make laws less brutal toward it, and capitalize like we do on alcohol and tobacco but even more-so with marijuana because it could be the nation's number 1 cash crop.

School Uniforms

I have a four year old in Pre-K. It is so difficult to find clothes she likes. However, the teacher required that the students wear long sleeves all winter long and since the teacher required it, I have no problem with putting long sleeves on my four year old. There is no more fussing in the mornings. I think that school uniforms would be a great way to also cut back on the time it takes for all students to get ready. This goes into my topic of having school uniforms in Tennessee. A safe and disciplined learning environment is the first requirement of a school. Due to violence in many Tennessee schools, school officials are starting to see school uniforms as a positive way to reduce discipline and increase school safety. There are many potential benefits of school uniforms. School uniforms can decrease violence and theft among students over designer clothing or expensive shoes. School uniforms also help prevent gang members from wearing gang colors and insignia at school. Uniforms help to instill students with discipline and can help them get ready with ease for parents. Uniforms help the students resist peer pressure and concentrate on their school work rather than who is wearing what. School uniforms cut back on the amount of discipline over clothes and increase the amount of teaching. School uniforms help school officials easily recognize intruders who come to the school. School uniforms can also assist families who need financial help. School uniforms are usually less expensive than the name brand clothing that students typically wear. I feel this could be a benefit for students, parents, and teachers.

TN Child SupportEnforcement

I chose this topic because it has hit home for me in many ways. First of all, I was a product of a single parent household. My father was not with my mother and did not pay any child support to help with my care as a child. My mother was the the head of household for three childreen and did not get child support for either one of us. I remember my mother attempted to collect some type of support from our father, but she was always unsuccessful. I grew older and I married a man that had two children before our union. Juvenile Court took actions to attack my funds as well as my husbands. We had to keep separate accounts and file taxes separate at all times. I do understand that it is the total responsibility of a man who has fathered a child. In fact, I say that is should be no other way for a mother to find means to support a child except through the funds of the father. The system has truly made it hard for men in Tennessee. Men are trying to take care of more than one family. The State of Tennessee Juvenile Court System takes as much as 32% of a man's pay and then will make him pay for additional aid if the mother of the child chooses apply for it without his consent or knowledge. This in turns increases the child support debt with the State of Tennessee almost making it impossible for a man to ever get off the system. If the primary caregiver,normally the mother, applies for food stamps and AFDC for her and any additional children, these monies have to be paid back by the non-custodial parent, normally the father. This makes it very hard for a man of lower-middle class or less to afford to take care of himself or his new family. Men often have to get second and third jobs to stay afloat. Is the Tennessee Child Support System making me pay for going on with their lives? We will see.

A Public Policy addressing Obesity in Public School

Childhood obesity is a growing national problem in public schools. Federal, state, and local policymakers and practitioners recognize the need to take strong action. Public schools are playing a central role in fighting childhood obesity despite both political and financial constraints. But schools should do even more to reduce the availability of junk food, make school meals more nutritious, and increase students' daily exercise. Today, nearly a third of children and adolescents are overweight or obese. That's more than 23 million kids and teenagers. I have always had an interest and concern with obesity in children that attend public schools. If we don't act to reverse this alarming trend, we're in danger of raising the first generation of American children who will live sicker and die younger than the generation before them.

Obesity is one of the nation's most serious health problems. Until recently, most Americans regarded weight as a matter of personal choice. But as the number of obese children has tripled over the past three decades, that view of obesity has grown to seem unhealthy, if not dangerous. The serious health risks of obesity, combined with rapidly rising obesity related health care costs, warrant not only public attention but also public action and spending. Below is an article that I found to be very enlightening.

http://www.wjcc.k12.va.us/content/admin/studentservices/ship/index.html

Metal detectors should be used daily in schools

Guns in schools are starting to ring bells. There has been an increase in school violence and the community is starting to worry. More and more weapons have been found in schools and the safety of our children are in jepordy. The majority of schools in the United States do not use metal detectors on a day to day basis. There hasn't been a proven number o schools using metal detectors but the use of metal detectors on a daily basis has been limited to large urban schools with a history of weapon-related issues. Using metal detectors on a day-to-day basis in schools are not mandatory but an option. So the question remains, are metal detectors in school necessary and should all schools have detectors to improve school safety. Parents,the media, and other caring citizens are starting to have concerns about the safety of their kids while at school. Most schools don't even consider the use of metal detectors until after high-profile incidents of school violence, such as school shootings or stabbings occur. What happened to prevention and the safety of our kids while at school? Why should a parent, sibling, or friend, loose a love one before schools take the necessary precaution to protect their students. Parents understandably want some type of guarantee that their children will be safe while at school. The use of metal detectors will some what put their minds at ease. They know that metal detectors will not stop school violence 100% but the detectors will help reduce some of the violence. Children spend most of their time at school. They not only come to school to learn but also to spend time with their friends and to socialize. If students as well as the school staff don't feel safe at school, education will often take the back seat. School should be considered a safety nest for our children and they shouldn't have to worry about life and death while at school. Metal detectors can be effective in preventing some of the violence in today's schools. These devices helps to reduce the amount of knives and firearms brought into school building. In a study it was proven that students who attended a school that used metal detectors daily were half as likely to carry a gun, knife, or other weapons to school as students who attended schools without metal detectors. Metal detectors can be a very valuable item to use in schools to reduce school violence. School violence has taken over the schools and it time the community step up and put our children's safety our number one priority.

Looking for love in the wrong places

A couple of weekends ago, I was at home channel surfing for something entertaining to watch on the television to cure my boredom. I came upon a documentary about the black youth of Memphis. At first I watched only a few seconds and decided to switch to another channel but something told me to flip back and watch the show. It was titled “Babyland” and its focus was on the infant mortality rate among the black teenage girls around the city of Memphis. I felt all kind of emotions while watching the show. They ranged from anger, sadness and a longing desire to reach out and help these young girls in anyway I can. I was angry because most of these young girls were out looking for love among young men, an unhealthy love that resulted in unwanted and unplanned pregnancies. Why are young black females in Memphis having babies at an alarming rate, way before they are physically, emotionally and mentally ready to take on the responsibilities of childbirth? Who is at fault? Is it the schools for not providing the best sexual education classes, lack of communication between black teens and their parents or the absence of a male figure in the home? During this semester, I hope to come to a conclusion on how to begin to solve this problem that plagues the city of Memphis… Eboney W.

Memphis City School Uniform Policy

The School Uniform Policy School uniforms range from the formal to the informal. Some schools that have implemented school uniforms have chosen what one usually thinks of in connection to private schools: nice pants and white shirts for boys, jumpers and white shirts for girls. However, most public schools are turning to something more casual and more acceptable to parents and students: khakis or jeans and knit shirts of varying colors. The latter appear to be more affordable too because they can be used outside of school. Many school districts that have implemented school uniforms have provided some sort of financial assistance for families that cannot afford the extra expense. In the U.S. today different schools have enforced uniform policies throughout the country. It is said that uniforms promote a sense of professionalism and safety throughout the school system, In fact according to Dr. Alan Hilfer, senior psychologist in the Children's and Adolescent Unit at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn says, "Uniforms do eliminate competition, pressure, and assaults perpetrated by older kids on younger kids for their sneakers and other possessions. Several say that a child in a school uniform is more likely to take school seriously. Putting on the school uniform signals he or she is going to school just like dad dresses up to go to work. Schools report that when students dress in "work clothes" rather than "play clothes" they take a more serious approach to their studies. Now from my experience form having two school aged kids, I love that they wear uniforms, it gives them a sense of direction and it teaches them about order and professionalism. Uniforms in the school system also decrease school system violence. Schools report that school uniforms decrease fighting and violence that arise out of arguments over fashionable clothes. Children invariably tease those who do not have trendy clothes. Those who can't afford name brand clothes are often sensitive about their clothing. Schools struggling with gang problems report that school uniforms help ease tensions. I believe that students wearing school uniforms look nicer and that a school uniform policy ensures that children will come to school in appropriate clothing, avoiding distractions such as fads considered to be outlandish or overly revealing. Some students have turned school into an unending fashion show. This distracts from learning, as some kids spend more time focused on their clothes than on homework. Uniforms provide students with school uniqueness. Students will stand out in field trips and other school activities feeling a sense of belonging. A bond will then forms and unite more students together. In the Memphis tri-city area uniforms were implemented in 2003 and since the violence in the school system has dropped, in fact according to the STANDARD SCHOOL ATTIRE: RESEARCH, ANALYSIS & RECOMMENDATIONS there a negligible increase in attendance with standard uniform policy. With that being said I agree that The city uniform policy kelps prevent gang colors, etc. in schools, decreasing violence and theft because of clothing and shoes, Instilling self control among students, reducing need for administrators and teachers to be 'clothes police' (for example, determining whether shorts are too short, etc.) Reducing distractions for students, instilling a sense of community, helping schools recognize those who do not belong on campus. I have attached a link to The City of Memphis school dress code policy. http://web.commercialappeal.com/ed/memphis_dresscode.pdf

uninsured

Tennessee has a law in which you must have car insurance if you are on the road driving. The idea is good for having this not only protect you but also the people in your vehicle. The reason behind this is to make sure people understand driving is a privilge and not a right you are intitled to. If you could just image having a wreck and the person that hits you has no insurance you would be forced to take them to court to cover your bills and if you are lucky you didn't miss to much time from work recovering. But if you have insurance it would be taken care of by it. I know alot of people think it is a racket for insurance companies because for every accident you turn in you will pay more when it comes time for renewal. But this is just a small price to pay for it could cause you to lose everything you worked for. People driving without it are taking a big chance with their future and in a way playing russian roullette so the next time you get mad when it time to pay car insurance ask yourself if you don't pay can you afford it if something happens whether your fault or someone elses.

Merger of City/County Governments in Knoxville - DeDe Heitmann Hughes

For my project topic choice I deliberately stayed away from issues on which I already had a strong opinion or some degree of knowledge. I thought it would be a good idea to throw myself into an issue I am completely unfamiliar with, to step outside my box and look at something new from the environment around me. I am beginning to ask myself what in the world was I thinking! People stay in comfort zones for a reason; it is easy, comfortable and for someone juggling an ungodly schedule one could justify that it is more efficient. The truth is, I firmly believe we should take every opportunity presented to us to find a way to think differently. So, here I am admitting to everyone that I have next to zero knowledge about the inner workings of the city I live in. I am embarrassed to say that I could not tell you anything about how Knoxville is run, what policies are in dispute, what our greatest economic and socioeconomic challenges are. This semester, however, I am about to become more familiar than I may be excited about with all things Knoxville government. I will be analyzing the pros and cons for merging Knox County and The City of Knoxville administrations. I know so little I do not have an opinion one way or another.

I have spent the past several days reading analysis of cities that have gone through mergers similar to the one proposed for Knoxville. What an incredible number of components of administration to take under consideration! My preliminary impression is that Knoxville should maintain the separate structures. By and large the research does not support the arguments often presented in favor of the consolidation. Costs of administering the city actually increase instead of decrease, bureaucratic entanglement increases and the level of services actually decreases just to name a few.

As I move forward I will take the major issues and challenges other cities have faced and compare them with the issues that are concerns for Knoxville. I am excited about the project and hope to view my city with a new set of eyes and commitment as a resident.

The Study of Administration

The study of Administration by Woodrow Wilson is an effort to determine what government can do, and how it can do it in the best way. Wilson States, “Administration is the most obvious part of government; it is the government in action, it is the executive, the operative, the most visible side of government, and it is as old as government itself”. The science of politics was started over 22 hundred years ago but it has only been in the last century that the science of administration has taken shape in this country. Wilson wrote this piece in 1887. Up to current times, administration had two considerations: how will laws be made, and who will administer these laws. In the beginning government was simple. Now due to the complex nature of government the study of administration plays an ever increasing role to help guide complex issues concerning governing, and to keep government on the correct path. Public Administration is a foreign construct. Many of its component structures must be fitted to our decentralized form of government. European government have been highly centralized, and mostly a monopoly. European leaders studied effective leadership to maintain control. At this time, Wilson believed that our government had just become big enough to need Public Administration. Wilson believed the United States was at a disadvantage with Europe concerning Public Administration. Wilson believed that democracy is much harder to organize in administration than a monarchy. However, Wilson believed that the correct Administration could correct this problem. He wrote, “Better to be free in spirit, and proficient in practice. Public Administration must deal with various groups and convince them to act. The goal of Administration is to prevent confusion, and to base its foundation on wisdom, truth, and stable government. Public Office is a public trust and Public Administration should be nonpartisan.” Public Administration is the detailed and systematic execution of public law. Public Administration must discover the simplest ways to govern, and it must discover the best principles for distribution of authority under a democratic system. Public Administration must be sensitive to public opinion. Wilson’s words are still true today. The public must be willing to act on matters that are important to them, and have government officials who share their concerns. This is the great disconnect today: Bridging the gap between the individual voter and the politicians in change of government. James Orr