Bruce is a Kea, a species of large parrot that is endemic to the forested and alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand. Carl Zimmer from the Times wrote about this remarkable 13 year old bird who is the alpha male in his group. The leader of the ‘circus’, the name given to their convocation, is a position earned from strength. Bruce has a disability, he lost he upper beak and has learned to utilize a rock as a substitute. The traditional duel for superiority involved biting the neck of the other suitors, Bruce developed a head butt technique, a joust, led by his broken beak to better his rivals. The kea are very smart. They demonstrate impulse control and forward planning, they will wait nearly 3 minutes for a more preferred reward. The bird utilizes trial and error tactics to solve puzzles and locks. The birds also work with other Kea and are curious and playful. The bird’s Māori name likely is an “onomatopoeic representation of their inflight call—‘Keee aaa’. The birds are endangered with only 3-7,000 left in the wild.
How many people do you know who have adapted to a disability? The para-Olympic games highlight those elite adaptive athletes. There are so many other humans who overcome those challenges to live productive and rewarding lives. In nature, animals are faced with obstacles that are overcome or end their lives. Bruce defied the survival of the fittest belief. A good person would encourage, support and admire those with disabilities while giving thanks that they are not faced with life altering circumstances.
I continue to be shocked by the dwindling but ongoing support for the Orange Wanker. You likely know that Anus Tangerinus makes fun of those that are physically handicapped, recently stating that dyslexia should be a disqualifying condition for any President. Fred C Trump, #47’s nephew alleges that his uncle stated that people with severe disabilities should “just die” due to the expenses involved. I feel confident that his views on John McCain, our Service Members, his critics, and the disabled take the Orange Wanna Be King out of the running for the second coming.
I am anxious to tell you about a new book titled, The Well Educated Child by Deborah Kenny. You may have seen her on several of the morning talk shows. Among the practical vision for education that focuses on “quality thinking, agency, and ethical purpose…. To cultivate intelligent, motivated, and morally grounded individuals” Humility and knowledge are the underpinning of independent thinking. A student must develop “informed skepticism” by considering multiple differing opinions. We should not strive for blind compliance and obedience from our children.
I mentioned last week that Governor Little and Debbie Critchfield, Superintendent of Public Instruction have embraced Turning Point. One critic called it grooming and questioned how they can endorse “one named partisan organization and encourage high school student to join.” This is another embarrassment for our State.
Join me in wishing Megan Elizabeth Mooney happy birthday. The year she was born, “Call Me” by Blondie was the number one song, Pink Floyd released “Another Brick in the Wall” but most memorable for me was the Queen Classic “Another One Bites the Dust”. Last hint, she is 30 years younger than her mother.
I hope we can all wrap our mailbox or a prominent tree in the Pride colors, the law banning that will be more hippy dippy baloney. Please take some time to get to know the candidates in the upcoming primary and get out and vote.
Mike