Hi Jeff,

Are you going to do something about these things or just rant?

I will offer you the same challenge I offered the folks I read on the
blogosphere:

http://doug-johnson.squarespace.com/blue-skunk-blog/2006/5/11/doin-something
-about-dopa.html

"Here is my challenge to each of you serious, influential, and well-meaning
people. Please serve as a positive example by:

1. Letting everyone know what professional organization(s) you belong
to which will provide organized lobbying against such legislation. I belong
to MEMO at the state level and am the legislative chair. I belong to ALA and
ISTE at the national level and serve on the board of ISTE.

2. Sharing the sample letter you will be writing to your House
representatives explaining why such legislation is wrong. I am guessing most
of us faithful readers already are in your camp. I am working on mine
tonight and will post it tomorrow.

(Mine can now be found at:
http://doug-johnson.squarespace.com/blue-skunk-blog/2006/5/12/dopa-oppositio
n-letter.html)

3. Passing along any other actions readers might take to actually
influence this process.

Jeff, I know this sounds mean, but I have to say it: rants are meant for
one's spouse or cat, not for colleagues. As I tell my co-workers, I'm always
happy to listen to your solutions, but I don't get paid to listen to your
problems.

I just hope you invest the same energy in writing your congressional
representatives as you do this list. Join ALA and/or ISTE. Get active on a
local level with state lobbying/information efforts.

Yeah, I agree with every problem you list. Now lets all DO something about
them.

All the best,

Doug


Doug Johnson
Director of Media and Technology
Mankato Area Public Schools
Box 8713, 1351 S Riverfront Dr.
Mankato MN 56001-8714
Phone: 507-387-7698 x 473
E-mail: dougj@...
Web: www.doug-johnson.com
Blue Skunk Blog: http://doug-johnson.squarespace.com/

The mind that is not baffled is not employed. The impeded stream is the one
that sings. Wendell Berry