An Open Letter to Barack Obama

Dear Mr. Obama.

Although I have not decided whether to vote for you or for Hilary, I do like the idea of change.  So, for real change to our American economy, let's bail out the taxpayer. 

Let's begin with student loans.  Forgiving student loans for anyone making less than $200,000 per year in combined family income could put up to two thousand dollars per month into the pocket of the consumer.  The middle class needs some help.  My generation still bought into going to school and paying our bills.  Personally, I wouldn't even have student loans if I had not had to go back to school under the No Child Left Behind law.  I already had a master AND a doctorate.  I did not owe any student loans, until NCLB.  I was forced to incur debt to meet all the stipulations of the law.  So please, lets forgive some, if not all, of this debt.

Next, what could 700 billion dollars do for the taxpayer? If you put the money directly into our hands, you would not need to bail out the financial institutions.   People could pay off all their loans and debt.  No one would have to lose their home.  Banks would not lose their money from the sub-prime lending mistakes they made, as well as their lavish lifestyle and bonuses.  I would certainly replace my 16 year old car with a newer model.  I might take in a movie from time-to-time, or actually go to a restaurant with a friend, for dinner, once in a while.

If I take a look at all services I have eliminated from my budget, and the ways that I have cut back, I am convinced that $55,000 in tax-free bail-out money per taxpayer would turn the economy completely around.  Let's take a look.

1) I stopped having my nails done.  I never had all the fancy artificial tips because my nails grow rather long on their own, but I enjoyed having a manicure twice a month.  I paid $40 per month, plus gratuity for the privilege.

2) I stopped having my hair professionally done.  $200 per month,  is what it cost, because my hair is so long.  That doesn't even include the coloring, that I need even more frequently, as the birthdays whosh by.

3) I stopped my summer projects on my house.  Each summer I have made a major repair or renovation to the house, or some special summer fix-up project.  It was one of the first expenses to go.  I have trimmed this down to necessary repairs, only.  And, I rarely use an outside contractor, but, instead I keep the money in the family by hiring my son-in-law or my grandson. 

4) No more take-out or pizza.  Every two weeks I would treat us to something special on Friday Night.  Relinquishing this pleasure saved a quick $100 per month.

5) I knocked down my religious contributions by $5.00 per week.  This is the one cut about which I feel guilty.   But it helps with the gasoline expense for my car.  It buys an additional gallon.

6) My clothing allowance of $1200 per year has been cut to the replacement of stockings and underware.  I don't mean the beautiful fancy lingerie, but instead I am sticking to basics.  I haven't bought a new pair of shoes this year, and I am wondering if my work shoes will make it through the winter. 

7) Although I work for the largest school district in our state, I do not currently have any health care. It is a long story, and one for a separate blog, but I cannot afford the more than $550 per month that I would have to pay. 

 8) My personal physician is less than thrilled with my attention to check-ups.   Avoiding check-ups saves me about $120.00 per month in the short-run.  We will not discuss what may happen in the long-run if I should need hospitalization.  I do, however, need to augument my life insurance, even more.

 9) The same issue is reflected in my cut back of dental care to once per year, and the reduction of my vision check-ups to once every two years.  Although this might be acceptable in an healthy young adult, I am past sixty and it may have a negative impact in the future.

10) I still have my dogs and my cats.  I have changed their brand of food which has saved me about $13 per week per dog, and $7.00 for both cat. The dogs function as absolutely wonderful guard dogs and companions.  The cats just sleep a lot, but I love them just the same.

By my calculations, I supported 13 separate industries, excluding the banking industry, the mortgage industry, the heating industry, the telecomunications industry, and the electric lighting industry.  I have not been able to significantly reduce any of these fixed expenses.

And, although I have cut back my household expenses by more than $24,000, I, like most middle class American's, find ourselves struggling to meet the rising cost.  I am swiming against a strong current of spiraling prices.  So, please Barack Obama, if you are voted in to office, please remember your promise for change.  Bail-out the American people, for real change.  We need help. 

Mosetta Penick Phillips-Cermak, Ph. D.

"A teacher affects eternity; 

  he can never tell, where [her] his influence stops"

 (Henry Brooks Adams, 1838-1918 )

 

The foundation of this writer's philosophy of teaching is predicated on one simple belief, which is that all children can learn.  When I write for my audience it is another way of imparting information and affecting a child's life. 

From this concept springs all other aspects pertaining to this philosophy. A secondary theorem is that all learning springs from a desire to develop understanding of the world, and it is the responsibility of the teacher to nurture this desire within her/his charges. As a writer I create a world where children can reach out and test the limits of their imagination in safety. 

  Good teaching is primarily based on the premise that every student can learn, show concern for one another, and choose to act responsibly in the classroom.   As an author I allow the child to take their classroom with them.  They carry it with them in their backpack.  The survey it under the covers, flashlight in hand, as they read in the dark of night.

The purpose of teaching is to provide a positive environment where all students can learn and the purpose of my writing is to construct a positive universe for the children who read my books.  

Self-control, respect, cooperation and individual responsibility are the foundation of teaching, and as such, is one of the most important factors for the transfer of learning and future academic success. Students develop abilities and incorporate knowledge through their interactions with texts, other people, and their own critical reflections and insights. My writing is designed to mirror those reflections and insights.

This growing cognition and these attributes are necessarily mitigated according to the students’ background, values, needs, and desires.

  To teach is to inspire, to motivate, to protect, and to serve the new generation.  It is a commitment to the improvement of life and to the human condition.   To teach is to accept the difficulty of the job, knowing that one can never be fully prepared for the experience. (When experienced teachers were asked if their college methods courses truly prepared them for what they are actually teaching today, virtually all said "no".)

The role of teacher is closely related to the theories and views of Dr. Albert Ellis, but also incorporates the work of Dr. William Glasser, Dr. Carl Rogers, and Dr. Thomas Gordon.  As such, the teaching method employed is one of teaching by example. Thus the teacher's role is one of demonstrating appropriate behavior, providing strategies for the students to solve their problems, and pointing out to students when their behavior is inappropriate. Therefore, it then becomes the responsibility of the teacher to develop rational-emotive therapeutic interventions that combine the cognitive, behavioral, and emotive components to teach students that they can effectively combat their own uncomfortable feelings and develop discipline and self-control.

 To be a teacher requires a large investment in time, energy, and money.  It requires a deep commitment, a multitude of talents, and a full measure of patience.  Anyone who directs the learning of others knows that it can be rewarding, but also constantly demanding. Teaching is the wisdom to be able to say the right thing at the right time so a child's self esteem and self-image is not dashed to bits in moments of confusion. Teaching is a natural outgrowth of a commitment to children, to life and to the search for truth.  Teaching is an additional way to contribute to posterity.  To teach is to put into reality the values, beliefs, and knowledge that are central to one's very being.

 

   Mosetta M. Penick Phillips-Cermak, Ph.D.

 The Wishing Flower

When I try to analyze my writing and those elements that are contributing factors, a number of life’s memories are obvious determinates.

  First and foremost, I am a Baby Boomer.  Although the US Government defines us as being born between 1946 and 1964, I think that the dates need to include those  "pre-boomers" born or conceived at the onset of the USA entry into World War II.  There are many baby boomers who were much more than a mere twinkle in their father's eye as the new soldiers said farewell to their new wives.  So, for the purpose of this litany, a baby boomer is anyone born between 1942 and 1964. 

               Born in the 1940's means that I remember TV in its infancy.  I remember sock hops and when Studebaker and Packard became one company, and the day the McDonald first opened in our city.   We parked our car and walked up to the window to buy their ten cent hamburgers.   

               It further means that I remember the "real"  Mickey Mouse Club, Walt Disney  the man, and Rin Tin Tin.  I still miss Rin Tin Tin.

  I learned to hula-hoop (without the “shoop-shoop”noise), and my bike had coaster brakes with balloon tires.  I went to the drive-in-theater with my family, and they charged per car, and not per person.  

 I also remember the "Police Action" in Korea, putting “black out” curtains up to the window, and "The Bay of Pigs” incident.   Being born in the 1940’s afforded me  the privilege to see Martin Luther King, Jr. when he came to Cleveland to speak, but I had to suffer through his assassination, the death of JFK, and Bobby Kennedy. 

            I saw The Greatest Show on Earth (1953) and Ben Hur(1959)  as first run movies at our local theater.  I listened to “Ballad of Davy Crockett”, and begged for a coon-skin cap.  I watched the first broadcast of "The Wizard of Oz", on our huge floor model television with the tiny screen, on a grey, cold November evening.  It was all in black and white. 

           I watched the advent of the computer and the Internet.  I remember that only our University had a computer, and that it had its own two story building to contain the components.  I even remember the announcement of the development of the personal computer.

             I watched "The Many Loves of Dobbie Gillis" on TV along with the very first episode of  "The Flintstones."  I rushed home from my part-time evening job at the local library just to see it. 

            I was a Beatnik,  before there were any Flower Children.  My rebellion included (or was limited to) 1) wearing all black, all the time; 2) going to college (most women didn’t) to get an education that valued knowing all that was knowable, rather than finding a husband, and 3) cutting my hair without permission. 

             We watched "The Western" on TV, and yet we never threatened anyone with a gun or shot anyone.  No one wanted to be the bad guy.  You were only the bad guy when you lost. 

Coming of age in those days meant turning 21 years old, and until then you obeyed your parents and teacher,  and followed the rules.  After 21, you still followed the rules, but your opinion counted, becaused you voted.

             I wrote my school and college papers, along with my short stories on a manual typewriter, without white-out or correction tape.  Boy, how I love my computer.  

            The flag under which I was born only had 48 stars.  I remenber when two more states were added.  I actually said the Pledge to our flag in school every day.             

            I grew up with a moral code of honor that is emphatic about right and wrong.  I believe that integrity counts, that there are consequences for every action,  the USA is still "One Nation Under God", and that God is as viable today as any time in human history. 

            Mahatma ("Great Soul") Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi said that the seven deadly sins are 1) wealth without work, 2) Pleasure without conscience, 3) Knowledge without character, 4) Commerce without morality, 5) Science without humanity, 6) Worship without sacrifice, and 7) Politics without principles.  

            I believe in these, and I infuse this into my life, and my writing. 

 

Mosetta M. Penick Phillips-Cermak, Ph.D.

Like most authors, writing is a labor of love.  But writing "The Wishing Flower" was based on a set of belief first formulated as my mother read to me ever night. 

When I wrote this fairytale, I wanted to share with others the feeling that I remembered of being special. 

"The Wishing Flower" represents every child in the world.  From the flower, the children see that you don't have to be perfect to be loved and valued

If , as the poster says, "Children learn what they live", then "The Wishing Flower" will help children to feel safe and develop the positive self-esteem that they need to survive the twenty-first century.

I work in an inner city school system.  Many of the children do not even own a book of their own. Recently I learned that their are no libraries in the area in which I work.  They have all been shut down!  The kids tell me that they are afraid to walk to the library in a close-by community for fear that they will be attacked by gangs. 

I may not be able to change that situation, but I can try to get my book into the hands of as many children as possible.  I'll never get rich from this book because I keep buying them from the publisher and giving them away.

So what is my challenge?  Invest in a child.  Buy a book, or borrow it from the library, and read it to a child.    Buy a class set of books, if you can afford it, and give them to an inner city neighborhood school.

I believe it is the little things that we do for children that can have the most impact. If we start early enough reinforcing our love, maybe we can curb some of the violence we see in young people.

What do you think?

Visit and take a look at the book.

Mosetta M. Penick Phillips-Cermak, Ph. D.

Dear reader,

Since this a first posting, I thought I would post my vitae.

Why, to present my credentials that say that maybe, just maybe, I have something to say that is worth reading.

No, I am not bragging.  I don't feel that there is anything about which to brag!

Tomorrow is my birthday, and this also allows me to look back on my life to view whatever I may have accomplished.

As I look through the list, I still don't see the million dollar best selling book.

I have written sixteen (16) books, and not a one is a best seller.

I am currently under contract for six. 

The only white lie in this list is that I have removed the dates.

I don't want to be confronted with how much time has transpired since I started school.  I am still vain enough to not wish to address this new birthday. 

Okay, so here goes.  This is my shortened Vitae. 

MOSETTA M. PENICK PHILLIPS-CERMAK, Ph.D.

http://www.maiasworld.com

 

 

CURRICULUM VITAE

 

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION:

 

Program Development and Consultation

Teaching

Community Service; Fundraising; Grant Writing

Counseling:

Medical Psychotherapy

 

Program Development: Specialist in the development and implementation of community-based programs; Twenty-six years of experience in higher education; Research and Grant Writing.

Specialist in the Psychology of Children and Adolescents, Child and Adolescent Development and all human and Animal Behavior, Human Relations, Social Institutions, Social Services, and the Psychology of Public Relations.

Considerable experience developing, implementing and teaching parenting classes.  Experience working with adult offenders and reentry.  Thorough knowledge of community agencies and resources.

 

Teaching: College Instructor

Instructor in  General Psychology, Behavior Modification, Child Growth and Development, Marriage and Family, Sociology, and Social Institutions.

 

Middle School Teacher (substitute)Teaching: Science, Reading, Math, and Social Studies; Proficiency Preparation and Intervention, Computer Assisted Instruction, Desktop Publishing, Computer Applications, and Systems.

Computers: Operations and Systems Analysis, Internet Development, Website Design, Computer Applications, and Desktop Publishing.

 

Instructor of Psychology and Sociology, Behavior Modification, Child Growth and Development, and Marriage and Family. Specialist in Behavior Modification and Learning,

Instructor in Computers, Word-processing, and Computer Applications.

Specialist in Proficiency Preparation and Intervention, Computer Assisted Instruction, and in Windows 98, 95, 3.1 and Microsoft Office Professional 4.3.  Office 97, and 2000

Experienced with Windows NT, Novell and other Networks, as well as all DOS from 2.1 to 7.0 (win 95).  Knowledge of WordPerfect 5.0, WordStar and WordStar 2000.

Familiar with most system up-grades and configurations.  Able to troubleshoot most hardware and software concerns.  Considerable experience building PC systems and installing hardware and software. Experience with billing and accounting procedures. Internet experience and website design including HTML, and JAVA script and applets.

 

 

 

Penickphillips/2

 

EDUCATION:     A.A.     CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE,

                 4250 Richmond Avenue

                 Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44128

                 (216) 987-2000

 

     B.A.     URSULINE COLLEGE , Psychology

                  2550 Lander Road

                  Pepper Pike, Ohio 44124

                  (440) 449-4200

                 

     M.A.    JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY , Counseling and Human Services

                  20700 North Boulevard

                 University Heights, Ohio 44118

                  (216) 397-1886   

 

POSTGRADUATE STUDIES: UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

                                                    302 Buchtel Common

                                                    Akron Ohio

                                                    (303) 972-7111

                Doctoral Teaching Assistant to M. J. Alderman, Ph.D., Department of Education

                Teaching small group instruction to undergraduate Education Students

 

Additional Post-Graduate Studies:

         

                                                  BALDWIN-WALLACE COLLEGE

                                                  275 Eastland Road

                                                  Berea Ohio

                                                  (440) 826-6536

                                                  KENT STATE UNIVERSITY

                                                   121 East Main Street

                                                   Kent Ohio

                                                   (330) 672-2121

 

                                                 CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY

                                                  1983 East 24th Street

                                                  Cleveland, Ohio 44114

                                                  (216) 687-2000

 

 

 

 

 DOCTORATES:

Carlisle Institute

Counseling and Religious Education. Ministerial ORDINATION

Case Western University

University of Akron

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPERIENCE:  (a partial listing)

 

ANTUTA CENTER FOR TEEN TRAINING AND YOUTH REINTEGRETION, INC, 1998-2003

10403 Thrush Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44111

(216) 376-5111

(216) 391-4447

Executive Director 2000-2003

Program Developer1998-2000

 

 

CLEVELAND BOARD OF EDUCATION: 1991-PRESENT

 

Teacher:  Building Sub; William Rainey Harper Elementary School, 2001-2004

Permanent Position teaching PreK through 5^th grade.

 

Teacher/Sub in Open Position;

                                        Franklin D. Roosevelt Middle School, 2000-2001

                                                                DH Science

                                           Clare Westropp Elementary School, 1999-2000

                                                                Sixth Grade Social Studies

                                      Joseph M. Gallagher Middle School, 1994-1998                                        1) Proficiency Preparation and Intervention

                                        2) Computer Assisted Instruction, Applications, and Desk-top Publishing

 

 Miles Elementary School, 1993-1994

               Kindergarten Assistant

 

Youth Resource Counselor: Alexander Hamilton Middle School, 1991-1992

                Crisis Intervention, Advising, and Tutoring At-Risk students.

 

HUMAN SERVICES ASSOCIATES, INC.: 1985-1991

The Young Medical Building

11811 Shaker Boulevard

Cleveland, Ohio 44120

Director of Clinical Services

 

ASSOCIATED COUNSELORS IN HUMAN SERVICES: 1981-1985

 21515 Chagrin Avenue

Shaker Heights, Ohio 44120

Associate Director of Clinical Services

 

 

CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE: 1976-2002

Adjunct Instructor:  1) Psychology

                                   2) Sociology

                                   3) Research

 

 

MSKTRADERS WORLD: 1990-2000

Computer software and applications Instructor

 

 

Penickphillips/4

 

COMPUTER RENAISSANCE: 1995-1997

Account representative and technical support: Consultant

 

 

 

 Papers, Presentations, and Workshops:

 

 

Alumni Commencement Address, Cuyahoga Community College, June 27, 1982

 

"Interracial Relationships in Today's World."  A Workshop Presented at Boromeo Seminary, June 1983.

"On Hypnosis and Mental Health," Norma Quarrels Radio Show, Mothers' Day, 1984

" The Battering Male."  A Series of Six Workshops Presented as an Alternative to Aggressive Behavior.  July 7-August 6, 1984.

 

"Understanding Metaphysical, Holistic, and other forms of Alternative Counseling."  A Paper Presented to the Women's City Club, March 1984.

 

"Alternative and Holistic Counseling as Mediation of Violence in Today's Society."  The Bridge to India Radio Show, May 1984.

 

"The New Counselor and Social Work Law."  Presented at John Carroll University, January 1985.

 

"Credit Control and the Clinical Practice"  A Workshop Presented October 16, 17, and 18, 1986.

 

"Child Abuse Laws Revisited."  A Paper Presented at a Workshop at St. Rita's Hospital, February 17, 1987.

 

"Counseling the Urban Child"  A Paper Presented at a Workshop at Cuyahoga Community College, October 1989.

 

"The Counselor and the Computer." A Paper presented at a Workshop, January 1990.

 

" The Youth Resource Counselor and the Teacher." Presented as Part of a Teacher In-service at Alexander Hamilton Middle School, October 1991.

 

"Proficiency Preparation and Intervention." A Presentation at J. M. Gallagher Middle School Faculty In-service, November 1994.

 

 "Inclusion and the Service Dog in the Classroom." an In-Service Program developed for Teacher Training, as part of the Middle School Certification.

Baldwin Wallace College, Summer 1996.

 

"Discover It and Master It, Newton's Laws of Motion."  A Paper Presented to a Teachers Workshop as part of the Science Discovery Program.  June 1997.

 

 

 

Penickphillips/5

 

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATION:

 

 

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Ohio # E 315 (Inactive)

Licensed Professional Counselor, Texas # 22999 (Inactive)

National Certified Counselor

Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Registered Professional Hypnotherapist

 

Student Assistant Training-Prevention and Intervention in the Classroom (Ohio Department Of Education)

On-TASC Training (Ohio Department Of Education)

 

Middle School Certification Program, Baldwin Wallace College, Summer 1996

NOBUG (Northeast Ohio Business Users Group) Master Computer User Certificate, 1991.

Certified Internet Business Consultant (CIBC), January 1995

 

 

 

PUBLICATIONS:

 

Workbook:

 

Helping Your Child Pass the Proficiency Test (c)1996. Mosetta M. Penickphillips-Cermak, Ph.D.

 

Children's Books:  In Print or Currently contracted

 

Rajah and the Big Blue Ball ãDr. Mosetta M. Penickphillips-Cermak, 2003

Rajah, My Hero, Saved the DayãDr. Mosetta M. Penickphillips-Cermak, 2004

The Wishing Flower

The Magic of Laven-Rock

The Book of Moncoto

 

 

 Additional Experiences, Skills, and Organization Affiliations

 

Acting Chair, Board of Directors, Antuta Center for Teen Training and Youth Reintegration, Inc 2003-Present

President, The Association of Certified Internet Business Consultants

President, Maia's World of Services

President, Board of Trustees: The Bertha C. Moon Memorial Education and Scholarship Guild.

Executive Director and Chair, Board of Directors: Service Dogs, Inc.

Vice President, Ohio Coalition of Service Dog Trainers.

Independent Travel Agent (InteleTravel (tm)

Past President, The Ohio Mental Health Counselors Association, 1982-1983.

Past Board Member, The Catholic Interracial Counselor (Chair, Activities Committee) 1983.

 

 

 

 

REFERENCES,

WHEN NOT INCLUDED ARE FORWARDED UNDER SEPARATE COVER