[Vision2020] The Virtues Project

[Donovan Arnold]

I actually agree with Rose and others on this one. I
am all for instigating a program that teaches virtues
using private donated funds. However, I am just
skeptical of a program that can only be taught by
someone who can only be taught by two people in the
world that happen to be married and to pay $75,000.

I would much rather see that money go to the homeless
shelter that is underfunded. Or even for busing of the
kids since the state is cutting our funding. Or maybe
even for the development of a comprehensive city plan
or further water research. 

But I thank John Dickinson and Linda Pall for their
request for our input. 

Donovan J Arnold

 

--- DonaldH675 at aol.com wrote:

> Visionaries:
>  
> In a previous email I asked City Council Member,
> John Dickinson, about the  
> quantifiable effectiveness of "The Virtues Project."
>  I have found a  website 
> that provides more information on current research
> about the many  character 
> programs available. 
> _http://reading.indiana.edu/chared/rsrchschol.html_ 
> (http://reading.indiana.edu/chared/rsrchschol.html) 
>  
> Although I am not a city residence, and consequently
> this program would not  
> be supported by my tax dollars, I did want to share
> some thoughts.
>  
> It is hard to imagine anyone who is opposed to the
> notion that virtuous  
> behavior is a good thing.  In fact, we probably all
> like to see more of  it.  But, 
> I'm not convinced that the best way to achieve it is
> through  publicly funded 
> character development programs.  How does this
> program, or  others like it, 
> differ from all those wham, bam, I'm a superman (or
> women)  presentations from 
> the Steven Covey crowd? (That fad, IMO, made a lot 
> of money for Steven Covey, 
> but what did it really accomplish?) How is it 
> different from the "Promise 
> Keepers"  marriage program?   And, no, I am not
> referring to the sectarian 
> nature of Promise Keepers, but  rather the ambiance
> and silly cheerleading aspects.
>  
> If the city (and by extension the university and the
> school district) have  
> spare money, why not spend it on programs that might
> have concrete  results?  I 
> wish there were job programs for at risk local kids.
>  The  hope of a better 
> future based on the acquisition of practical job
> skills is a  concrete way to 
> reduce anti-social behavior.  Why not use spare
> money to  fund school lunch 
> programs year round so that children who have relied
> on free  or reduced school 
> breakfast and lunch programs can have full bellies
> during  the summer?  Being 
> polite is socially graceful, but being fed  is
> essential.
>  
> I don't like to sound cynical, but it does seem to
> me that if your mom,  dad, 
> grandpa, grandma,  a nice neighbor, or your
> religious  leader, hasn't let you 
> know that telling lies, stealing, and being a bully 
> is just plain wrong, I 
> think it is really unlikely that anyone else, or any
>  well intended program, 
> will be convincing.
>  
> Is it just me, or does this seem like another feel
> good package with a  great 
> marketing program?   When I go to the Virtues
> Project  website, click on the 
> Virtue of the Week button
> <_http://www.virtuesproject.com/index.php_ 
> (http://www.virtuesproject.com/index.php) > and  see
> a photo of a sappy looking guy 
> oozing the word "Humility" and a little  homily at
> me, I just remember my own 
> bitter experiences in learning  that "Pride goeth
> before a fall." And, guess 
> what, it didn't cost the City  of Moscow a thing.
>  
> Okay, I am just a old crab pot.
>   
> Rose Huskey
>  
>  
>  
> >
_____________________________________________________
>  List services made available by First Step
> Internet, 
>  serving the communities of the Palouse since 1994. 
>  
>                http://www.fsr.net                   
>    
>           mailto:Vision2020 at moscow.com
>
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
> 


		
__________________________________ 
Yahoo! Mail Mobile 
Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Check email on your mobile phone. 
http://mobile.yahoo.com/learn/mail