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<DIV>Visionaries:</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>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. <A
href="http://reading.indiana.edu/chared/rsrchschol.html">http://reading.indiana.edu/chared/rsrchschol.html</A></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>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.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>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.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>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.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>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.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>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 <<A
href="http://www.virtuesproject.com/index.php">http://www.virtuesproject.com/index.php</A>> 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.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Okay, I am just a old crab pot.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Rose Huskey</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
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