Monday, March 30, 2009

Letter to the Editor re Senator Grassley's AIG "Suicide" Comments


Dear Editor:

In response to Senator Grassley’s declaration that the AIG executives who received bonuses should either resign or commit suicide, I believe an apology is in order. He claims that people should recognize his comment as “rhetoric” and not an actual suggestion that AIG executives should complete suicide. He was just trying to prove a point that the executives should show “remorsefulness” and “contrition” for accepting bonuses with the federal bailout money. Senator Grassley ought to show “remorsefulness” and “contrition” for his thoughtless comment. Suggesting that someone kill himself or herself cannot be dismissed as rhetoric. What is Senator Grassley going to do if one of the executives actually does complete suicide?

The feelings of betrayal and, subsequently, anger toward AIG executives are understandable. However, no actions, not matter how despicable they are, justify the suggested use of violence, and no matter how “rhetorical” the comment is. Money is not so important that it outweighs the value of any human’s life, nor should it ever be suggested as such. Every suicide is a tragedy, not an act of honor. When someone loses a loved one to suicide, his or her life is turned on its axis. It is not a subject that can be used so casually as in rhetoric.

As a senator, and a representative of the people of the United States of America, Senator Grassley ought not to have said those things. An apology is in order for his rash comments and treating such a heavy topic so lightly.

Sincerely,
Brittany Schumann
Suicide Prevention Coordinator
Mental Health America of Licking County

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Got Ahead


From: Jason mehringer
Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2009 8:27 AM
To: Judith Allee
Subject: GA


Judith,
It is hard to ascertain everything that the GA class did for me but I will give it a shot.

Working with this class first eliminated any bias I may have had constructed towards people in poverty. Working with them one on one demonstrated to me how driven and resourceful the working poor are and how willing and driven they are to elevate themselves, given the proper tools, out of poverty (so many times you hear in society that many are lazy, and working the system). Through my interaction I was also able to look at my problems through a different lens and was able to take their suggestions to help achieve the goals I have placed for myself.

The class really solidified to me that I am on the correct career path and that I truly do want to work within the field of social work and mental health. It helped me set goals of my own and work towards them. The class also gave me a real sense of accomplishment because I learned that I have useful knowledge to assist people in realizing their potential and that I can teach and be a useful member of our community.

Throughout this class I watched as many of the participants blossomed. So many of them started the classes in sweet pants and T-shirts and by the end were dressing up and putting on makeup. This to me demonstrated that many of them had found a new sense of optimism in their life. Many of them also started using a more formal register to speak to both myself and their classmates reinforcing the techniques they had been taught and would need in the world outside of class. Throughout the class I also witnessed many of the class members going above and beyond their assignments and seeking out new information that would be helpful for both themselves and their classmates. They openly supported one another and, if any prejudices were there to begin with, they consciously let them go, excepting each individual as their equal and partner in the fight to reach out of poverty.

I witnessed many of these individuals regain their passion for life and success. The class really seemed to invoke a new type of thinking. Switching from that I can't to I can attitude. The class really fostered positivity in all of us, both teachers and students. The GA class gave them back, I believe, their sense of power over their lives (internal Locus of Control). They already knew it would be a hard road, but through class I saw them realize that things are obtainable. The techniques the class and you taught us all about baby steps to goals are goals themselves, as well as the idea of writing things down, and that learning the language is ever on going and useful endeavor, I believe will continue to be a valuable asset to them the rest of their lives.

Through it all I witnessed a large change in their behaviors. No longer did they seem beaten but charged up for what ever life had to offer them, both good and bad. The same way I feel from participating in the class.

I hope this is what you are looking for Judith the class really did have a profound effect on me, as did you. I am forever grateful that I was able to be a part of the GA class and for the opportunity to work with such a driven and knowledgeable mentor.As a side note how is my letter or recommendation coming??? If you need anything further let me know, I am as ever at your service just as you were there for me. Talk to you soon.

Jason

"Life is either a Daring Adventure or Nothing"
Helen Keller

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Walk 4 Wellness

My coworkers and I are a little tired of the cold gloomy weather so we are only talking about summer now...specifically August.

Tentatively planned for Saturday August 22nd from 9am -1pm will be Mental Health America of Licking County's First Annual Walk 4 Wellness.

What is a Walk 4 Wellness you ask? Well, as of right now we are having a 2 mile walk and a 5k jog simultaneously (going different directions). Exercise is good for your physical and mental health, and so is having a dog! That is why Mental Health America is teaming with Angel Paws Animal Assisted Therapy Group to put this on. Angel Paws is a non profit organization in Newark that uses animal therapy in hospital and nursing home facilities. They also do a program called Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D. ©) that helps kids learn to read. To learn more about Angel Paws, go to http://www.angelpawstherapy.org/ Details are still in the works so be on the lookout for additional information.

Registration and payment options will be set up on our website. After payment and registration, you will receive an envelope in that mail to help collect sponsor donations if you choose. It’s $20 to register before August 15th and includes a free t-shirt. After August 15th it is $25 to register. Proceeds Benefit Mental Health America of Licking County and Angel Paws.

Bring Your Dog! We hope the Walk 4 Wellness makes you feel this happy:


--Anna Hagley