Reflection: The Executive Decision

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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, joy, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. 

     The truth is that I was taking the time to think about the decision that President Trump made to Strike Syria, as a response to the Chemical Gas Attacks that caused innocent women and children to die a slow, cold, death. I thought about his decision and related this to a classroom experience. 

     I had asked our students to follow specific instructions with regards to an in - class assignment. This was an assignment that was to be completed in class. However, there were students who decided to complete this assignment at home. So when we were in class there was a group of students who had completed this task, and a group who had not. The students who followed the instructions, and who were ready to complete the task were genuinely upset, and felt it was unfair for me to accept the completed assignments. There was a tension among the teacher candidate students. I could sense this, that was for sure.

     Whilst I do believe in a democratic process, because of the tensions, and because the instructions were clearly given before - hand, I decided that it was better for me to make a decision. So I told the students that we will go through the in - class material, and then after I will make an announcement about the assignment. This strategy allowed me some time. I was firm and said that I would not accept any assignments that were completed at home, and that everyone would complete the task in - class. I did receive some upset faces, but I was ok. This is part and parcel of professionalism, and collegiality. How will you confront upsets, disappointments etc? I then decided to use this moment as a teachable moment. I received a good response, everyone was ready to complete the task.

     
​     This is what teaching is all about, as much as there is planning and preparation, there will always be moments where we have to think, act, decide, right on the spot. This will require internal deliberation. Whilst there can be times where we are much more likely to involve students within the democratic process, we must be willing to exercise authority as needed. There is a gentle balancing act, as teaching involves, leadership and teamwork.

     
​     These thoughts can be related to the air strikes that were carried out in Syria. Whilst many leaders were supporting this decision, there has also been some criticism. I am not going to side with anyone here at this moment. But I would like everyone to think about the innocent children who have suffered death. Did these children, women, human beings deserve to die? They were innocent 100%. A man in power has waged war against his own people, does not belong in power. It seems like he has been brought and paid for, and probably looking after his "comfy" friend leaders. The world does not need corrupt leadership. The world does not need leaders, or groups who are corrupt. Maybe they are used to being like this? Maybe it is time for a change? The world does not need groups that invoke terror on a daily basis, maybe it is time for a change?

     
​     This strike is significant because it shows that the President clearly drew a line with regards to the violations associated with the use of chemical weapons. He took a stand for humanity. He did not look at faith, religion, or ethnicity, he saw the atrocity. This is what to value life means. It means to love all. Leaders will go out of their way to stand by and adhere to their core values. This may not be a long - term operation, yet this action has sent a clear message to Assad and to world leaders. It is now also a moment for President Trump to begin to work with his team about how he will navigate future decisions related to this territory.  If United States of America is going to stand by and value all liberties, then other nations must also be supportive as well. It is vital to also protect our own national security. America cannot afford to tolerate threats on a daily basis. 

     It is my hope that world leaders begin to realize that all children matter. The future is not about going back and abolishing the many rights that humans have strived for and fought for. It is about trying to create unity, to push forth for more progress, for the purposes of the United States of America and for Global Peace.
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Every Child Is Special,
Ask A Mother,
She'll Tell You.
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Dedication:
In loving memory of all those who have served and sacrificed for the United States Of America. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

​Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on April 7th, 2017.
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