Higher Learning

When did you seriously begin to think about college?  For me it was the seventh grade.  It was at this time I learned from my dad that there was no college fund for me.  I wasn't hurt by it- I mean, I really didn't understand what it meant (at the time).  My interpretation? Somehow money, in and of itself, could prevent me from getting the education I know they wanted me to have.  In my 12 year old mind, the only way to ensure I went to college was to make good grades, get accepted into a school, and the rest would work itself out.  Actually, it's still working itself out- yes, I'm talking about student loans. 

The purpose of this blog entry is not about student loans per se, but parents' role in planning for their children's education and economic future. The inspiration for this topic came from a twitter post: The money u borrow for your college loan should not exceed what you plan to make 1st year in the workplace. Don't live in debt!  My immediate response was this sounds good in theory, but it's easier said than done. For some reason the discussion in general stayed in my head, which can only mean one thing. And thus, this blog post was born....

The only way to decrease college expenses, such as student loans, is for parents to plan ahead.  Of course there are amazing stories of children overcoming adversity to pay their way through college; and while admirable, this isn't the norm.  Unfortunately, student loans are a necessary evil.  Understanding how to make sensible financial choices is just necessary.  College is more expensive. Families are losing jobs and their homes, some even their retirement savings.  Planning for your child's future can be done, but at all costs?   Planning will always take a second seat to reality.

Am I in debt because of my student loans? Yes.  Should my mom and dad have saved for college? My parents would give their life for me, so throwing dollars in an account for my higher education was never the issue.  Taking care of my sick grandparents, feeding four children, making sure we had a home....was always the issue, always the reality.  Single parents have it even harder [my sister Kim- chime in here!].  Parents lead by example, and if that includes a college fund- perfect! If it doesn't-for whatever reason, as long as you have that conversation (maybe not as bluntly as my father ;-), I foresee a bright future.

Side note: This is not to diminish the importance of saving for your child's future.  Parent education on the types of planning options available would be a step in the right direction; rather than a do it or else approach.

Side-Side note: I know my blog entry title is pretty lame, but it's 3am and I couldn't think of anything better.  I'm open to suggestions!

Introducing the "This is Some Bullsh*t" Party

Reasons to join: If you agree with any of the following (or have your own bullsh*t to share):

-Why is 'bi-partisan' such a dirty word? Working with the opposition to bring resolution for the masses is at least worth trying, isn't it?  The House democrats rejecting President Obama's negotiation with republicans over tax breaks and unemployment benefits really rubbed me the wrong way.  It was rejected because the bill would continue to give tax breaks to the wealthy.   Here's a newsflash.  The wealthy will always have a break: they are wealthy.  While politicians sit in a carpeted room with comfy chairs and discuss the future of our country, we are living it.  This is some bullsh*t.

-Every day as I walk the city of New York, I see tons of landscape rejuvenation projects, new buildings, new stadiums, etc.  Yet, city officials increase fares for mass transit and now the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) wants to charge a fee for coming to the scene of an accident!  This is some bullsh*t.

-Wikileaks.  This is some bullsh*t.

-Sara Palin being named one of Barbara Walters' Most Fascinating People 2010.  This is some bullsh*t. 

To be continued...

Me: Unscripted. Ep01

The phrase I use to describe my blog is 'a perspective on existing in all that life is, does, and will be.'   I also feel that my blog is schizophrenic- in a good way (if there is such a thing).  I am affected by everything from pop culture to CNN to strangers on the street. When I feel, I write.  The only niche I need to make my blog successful are living, breathing, imperfect you.  With that being said, this post is completely random.  I just want to share what's going on in the colorful mind of Tiff.

Random thought #1- Jimmy Kimmel is hilarious.  I've come to love him since I only have 10 channels- 5 in Spanish. 

Random thought #2- I am having the absolute worst week at work (with the exception of decorating my office for Christmas).  I won't even elaborate.  Just know it was @#^$^&%&*@ (insert any word, I'm sure it applies). 

Random thought #3- My love life sucks.  Well, I take that back, it's not that bad.  It's in the danger zone though.

Random thought #4- I'm really ready to find a new apt.  I like my studio in Jersey.  I don't like the candy cane ornament made of bells that my landlord put on the door, or her dogs that bark every time I turn my key, or the pictures of her family in the hallway (it's a converted 2 family home).  It's nice, don't get me wrong, but I just want an actual bedroom. With a door.

Random thought #5 (associated with #4)- a new apt with more space will make me and NuNu a better family.  He is on his 8th life.

Random thought #6- This wikileaks situation is out of hand.  I will definitely post a full blog on this later.

That's all I have right now. I am working on 4 hours of sleep and though insomnia has no intentions of leaving me tonight, my fingers are fighting the power.  This was fun- I think I will give my Unscripted posts a recurring role.  When I get my official-official website, my schizo posts will be on meds, and much more organized :-)  Until then.......

Speak For Yourself

Patti Samone/The Star-Ledger

The latest report for New Jersey, released November 18, 2010, shows an overall decline in the state crime rate. Based on 2009 statistics, the most significant decline is murders, which dropped 15% from the previous year [2008].  These improvements are in direct relation to the number of police officers we have on the streets.  However, these stats are in jeopardy, and guaranteed to drastically spike, if state and/or federal officials don't step in. 

Though crime is down, the highest rate of murders occur in Essex (2009 murders=117), Camden (2009 murders=40), and Hudson counties (2009 murders= 30).  Despite these figures, Essex/Hudson county has made a decision that will result in blood on their hands.  On November 30, 2010, the city of Newark- the state's largest police department, finalized layoffs of 167 police officers.  These layoffs primarily account for officers hired to the force since 2006.  Jersey City police department is on the brink of laying off 82 officers.  What is the rationale for the largest police layoff in over 30 years?  Money.  These are the facts, now it's time for my opinion.

Photo: New Jersey State Police http://www.njsp.org/

I understand that cities across America are feeling the financial crisis.  I also understand that in order close budge gaps, city officials have to make drastic changes, which 99% of the time require layoffs.  However, to lay off over 200 officers in a county that has proven year after year to have one of the highest murder rates in the state is unacceptable.  By laying off these workers, they have literally signed the death certificate for countless citizens in Newark and Jersey City.  While I fault the city for making this disastrous decision, I do feel they were left with no choice.  Who do I blame the most?  The organization that is supposed to protect police officers: Policeman's Benevolent Association.  The PBA claims they advocate for workers, yet they allowed 167 police officers in one of the most dangerous cities in America to be released from duty.  The local news has been filled with concerned citizens who are now afraid to leave their homes, or keep their businesses open at normal hours because they fear violence is going to increase with less police presence.

The union was involved in negotiations with Newark Mayor Cory Booker, and despite proposed concessions to at least save some jobs, the union refused to negotiate further.  I find it appalling that this union advocates for "the people," but the members are the ones who end up losing. Mayor Booker and union president Derrick Hatcher still have a job.  Neither of which requires them to physically protect our community from the gangs and murderers ready to take over local neighborhoods.  The final email exchange between the union and the mayor's office was written as follows, This e-mail is to inform you that our membership has expressed no interest in re-opening the contract or executing any side agreements with the City of Newark regarding the Lay Offs.  Does this sound like high officials negotiating, or two men fighting over whose ego is bigger? 

I'm sure the police department is corrupt; show me one that isn't.  Fighting corruption by making our community more dangerous isn't a results-driven mission; isn't that the purpose of unions? To get results for their members?  This decision is unethical and immoral at best.  I want police officers to get equal rights and equal pay, but what is the primary goal here?  To protect and serve, of course, but who? Not only have the mayor's office and PBA put the community at risk, they put 167 officers on the unemployment line.  Almost 100 more will follow suit if the city of Jersey City can't come to an agreement.  We need unions to maintain work-life balance; but giving violent criminals the upper hand is a futile attempt at success.  Union members need to stop eating the bullsh*t they are being fed and realize when it comes to protecting your community and taking care of your family, you have to speak for yourself.

America: Slaves of Freedom

As you all know, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented advanced imaging technology at airports. Walk-through metal detectors have been replaced with full body scans, and opting out of the scanner will subject you to a pat-down.  These new security measures have been cause for great debate, even petitions and boycotts.  My job is not to convince you about how safe the scanners are or how the pat-downs are necessary, so feel free (and I encourage you ) to visit the TSA website.  I am here to voice my opinion on how absolutely ridiculous and selfish Americans have become.  Not only do we take the freedom we have for granted; we have in fact become a slave to it. 

In 1996, I went on a school trip to Europe.  My mom was able to walk me all the way to the gate, watch me board the plane, and bid me adieu as I took off.  How times have changed.  Today, unless you have a plane ticket, there is no need to even go inside the airport.  After September 2001, our lives as Americans changed as we knew it.  Traveling was never going to be the same.  Anyone who wore a turban, or even appeared to resemble middle-eastern decent was considered a potential threat.  As recently as last month, Fox News contributor Juan Williams came under fire for saying he still gets nervous when on a plane with anyone wearing Muslim garb.  I don't recall anyone (aside from Muslims themselves) raising concern about being unfairly targeted in airports. I don't remember seeing petitions, FB groups, boycotts, etc.  I'm not surprised.  It's the classic case of American selfishness- if it doesn't apply to you, it's not a problem.  As long as you look American as apple pie and your privacy isn't the one being invaded- it's not a problem.  But now that we all have to show TSA agents our goodies through a scanner, or be subject to a stern fondling (all to make sure we don't get blown up by the way) it's the biggest violation of individual privacy in the history of this Unites States?  Interesting.

What's ironic about this issue is if you ask children in inner-city schools about being scanned and patted down, they may wonder why no one ever petitioned for the removal of scanners and full body searches they endure.  And we're not talking vacations or business trips: we're talking just getting to class. Everyday. More than 30% of urban schools use some form of advanced security measure, compared to less than half of this percentage for suburban schools.  Think if all the schools in the US were required to have this security measure.  Can you imagine the PTA riots that would ensue?  But what makes a certain type of person/community more susceptible to advanced security measures if the objective is to potentially save lives, especially when it's statistically proven that young people aren't lost just in urban areas?  Where have mass school killings and hostage situations occurred? Suburbia.  How many of these schools have advanced security measures? Right. Again, interesting.

We are the land of the free and the home of the brave, but when are we going to collectively say enough is enough?  Sure, the bark was bigger than the bite: there have been no major flight delays as a result of the more stringent security measures, but why did the media (aka the matrix) take this story and run with it to begin with?  On the flip side, why has there never been a mainstream new story to cover the disparity of advanced security in American schools?  We are so used to being free, we take it for granted.  And because we feel a sense of entitlement and control, we do it at the risk of blowing the #%^ up!  I can't get with that, and I wont.  I believe in freedom to the infinite degree, but we have no idea what it's like to be terrorized in the sky.  I never want to find out. Get over it already!

Sidenote: I am not versed enough in world politics to write a full blog entry on the subject, but because I have wonderful Asian friends, I would like to extend my blessings of world peace over North/South Korea.  Give Peace a chance!