Still Sunday night

 

So there I was watchin' the final episode of American Rust, which at long last served up the kind of entertainment promised from the start. The last scene was super-cool: Jeff Daniels looks into the camera and says, —well, I don't wanna give anything away.

But then they played this song and I was completely sold. All is forgiven! This show is great!

I just love these guys. Their live shows are legendary.

Who knew this song could sound so great?

It's almost laughable how great that gal sounds after hearing a minute of Mr. Cohen's minimalist warblings.

Magnificent.

Gettin' real in the classroom (the real patriots)

     In my "Philosophy 1" courses this semester, as usual, I have a unit on "collective action problems," which segues into a discussion of Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan and his notorious argument that, in the "state of nature" (a hypothetical condition prior to the institution of government), people, pursuing security, would inevitably find themselves in a war of "all against all" in which an individual's life is "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short."

     It's hard to discuss these things and not see the obvious connection to our current circumstances. So I wrote to my students, saying the following:

Something I want you to consider: is the Covid-19 crisis (i.e., the current pandemic) a “collective action problem”? 

A collective action problem … is a situation in which all individuals would be better off cooperating but fail to do so because of conflicting interests between individuals that discourage joint action (Wikipedia)

Free rider: a benefit obtained at another's expense or without the usual cost or effort (Merriam-Webster)

Some history: 

     On Dec 7, 1941, Japan declared war on the US and attacked our naval base at Pearl Harbor. The next day, the US Congress declared war on Japan. Soon thereafter, in response, Italy and Germany declared war on the U.S. At that point, the US was at war with the formidable Axis powers. 

     Cue America's “greatest generation”: people from all walks of life were immediately inspired to do their part in the defense of their country. Men joined the military; children organized to collect construction materials for the war effort; women replaced men in factories; etc. Sacrifices were made by virtually everyone. 

     We wonder: faced with a similar threat, would we witness that kind of patriotic or civic-minded response today? 

The Covid-19 pandemic: 

     Well, some say we have an answer. In the face of the national crisis—a public health crisis—represented by the Covid-19 pandemic, many Americans voluntarily and happily joined in the effort to combat COVID: they socially distanced, wore masks, and got vaccines. —Not much of a sacrifice, but that's what was called for and many happily came through.

     But many Americans have refused to do so, greatly hampering the pandemic response, helping cause the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans and endangering the lives of hundreds of thousands more. 292,000 American lives were lost during WWII; so far, 750,000 Americans have died from Covid-19, in great part owing to the government’s failure maximally to control the spread—a failure largely caused by citizen resistance to the suggestion that they should do their part in the pandemic effort. 

     One might suggest that the latter phenomenon represents classic “free riding” of the kind discussed under the heading “collective action problems.” Some people selfishly refuse to limit their freedoms (by social distancing, etc.) for the sake of the public good. A willingness to make sacrifices for the public good seemed very common in 1941, but it seems less so today. 

     Is that a fair picture? Many think so. It’s complicated by special motivations among these  free riders: beliefs that the pandemic is a fraud, that measures (such as mask-wearing) are inefficacious, and that the government is engaged in nefarious efforts to control citizens via mask-wearing and the like. 

     Once one states these beliefs out loud, it is hard not to recognize their absurdity. I suppose I can tolerate some quibbling about whether masks are as effective as they are supposed to be and how safe vaccines are, but given the level of risk or sacrifice involved (apparently little), it seems that, for most of us, we ought to just shut up and wear the damned mask already. No?

SOCCCD Board of Trustees meeting, September, 2021: Discussion of the proposal to 

mandate vaccines among students (which passed).

Public remarks start at about 1:54 (i.e., 1 hour and 54 minutes into the meeting).

See SOCCCD: vaccine mandate adopted at tonight's board meeting! (But Whitt loses her freakin' marbles) 

SOCCCD Board of Trustees meeting, October 25, 2021: HERE

Public comments start at 6:35 or so.

Perhaps owing to the rain, there weren't the same number of crazy remarks that we encountered at the September meeting. No real fireworks.

At 2:24:30, Milchiker indicates that Chancellor Burke is "leaving" that post. Burke "agreed to work with us until the end of August."

"We'll soon begin the search for a new Chancellor," says Marcia.

October meeting of the SOCCCD Board of Trustees: Lack o' Wackos

Maybe it was the rain. The much-dreaded return of the anti-vacc wackos was a bit of a fizzle tonight. Some of 'em showed up—even some faculty representatives of that benighted perspective—but, as far as the Board Meeting was concerned, they didn't have much of an impact, in part perhaps because of the new "20 minute per topic" rule. Meanwhile, staff and student support of the mandate (see last meeting) remains strong; it's stronger than ever.

* * *

6:54 - I've been waiting for Trustees to start the open session for some time now. The cameras are on, and some folks are having private conversations that are being broadcast into all these lovely homes out here. I wonder if they realize this?

Looks like the board is finally returning from closed session.

6:55 - Marcia Milchiker calls the meeting to order.

They take attendance. Evidently, one of the trustees is joining from home, i.e., via Zoom.

Terri Whitt Rydell is at home.  She seems to have the sniffles.

Marcia alerts the public to their ability to comment by raising their hand via Zoom. 2 minute time limit, she adds.

Chancellor Burke notes that we've jumped ahead of agenda order, let's get back on track. 

Turns meeting over to Marcia. Marcia calls the meeting to order again.

Chancellor reports action in closed session: 7-0, board took action to release a classified administrator 

Chair Marcia Milchiker

7:00 Prendergast does moment of silence over Cancer Week or Month or some such thing.

Jemal leads the Pledge of Allegiance.

Absurdly, Rydell is heard loudly pledging alone at home, seemingly a few seconds later than the rest of the board. Is she in a time warp?

Marcia lays out public comment rules. 20 minutes tops on any topic. No doubt that rule was devised to prevent the kind of endless clueless Trumpian commentary with which many other legislative bodies are afflicted these days. [Whew!]

5 speakers have turned in requests. Marcia lets 'em loose:

Nancy Rucker: Teaches in district; in support of vaccine mandate. Reads statistics that persuaded her to get vaccine, support mandate.

Most Covid deaths are among the unvaccinated. In Calif., unvaccinated were seven times more likely to get Covid. 18 times more likely to die... Etc.

Thanks board for decision (in favor of mandate)

Roy B: (Huh?! How did that happen? Don't know. I must have hit the "raised hand" button by accident.) I said I supported the mandate.

Melanie H: been faculty for 25 years. Thanks the board for vaccine mandate. Wanted to provide voice of faculty.

Lindsay Steinreid?: Teacher here at Saddleback. Speaking on mandate. Please reconsider options provided in it. She doesn't think people should be forced to get injections against their will. Students urged options for testing, etc. Please give more options!

Seth Hochwald: Longtime IVC instructor. Asking for weekly testing option for those with grave concerns over Covid vaccine. Covid-19 vaccine fails to.... (goes through dubious list of alleged risks, failings). Must allow testing for those who do not want vaccines. So put in place a weekly testing option. [He then says:] My wife would like to speak, too. Also: Will employees be fired if they don't get vaccines?

Wife: No vaccine mandate for Congress.... vaccine does not eradicate the disease.... tyranny of the majority... Covid vaccine can cause disease. Blah blah blah, she says. Need a weekly testing option. I will hold you responsible for any side effects my husband suffers!

Marcia: sure, we'll look into all these things.

Deanna Scherger: full time English instructor. Strong support for mandate. Thanks. Deanna's the coordinator of the writing center. A beautiful space, but no windows open and must keep doors closed. 120 capacity. Sheesh! Students shouldn't have to fear Covid. Mandate good. Thanks for your leadership.

Kurt M: I want to thank you for taking reasonable steps to insure that all employees have a safe working environment. Thank you for following the law. Thank you for following the science. (Gives details.) Thanks for following vast majority of district staff, who support vaccine mandate. Thank you for fulfilling your obligations, safety measures, etc.

Hunter H: Marine Corps veteran, employee in kinesiology program. Refers to harshness of mandate. GI bill requires...that students take in-person classes, but no can do. Veterans will be negatively impacted by this mandate. I'm also a Christian, he says. (He appeals to First amendment. Religious beliefs, teachings of "Holy Bible.") Stem cells were used to develop of Covid-19 vaccines. He gets cut off, 'cause he's over his two minutes.

Denay M: mother of 4. I failed math at Saddleback years ago. But, owing to some legislation, I can take those classes again. But it is against my religion, she says, to be vaccinated. Having to be tested at own expense is unacceptable. I am required to take 1 in-person class per semester, GI Bill. (She's audibly tearful.) If this is implemented, I will be turned away from school yet again. Why do we have to be tested twice a week next semester? This will take away people's education! (Tears.)

Stacy: you're already directing unvaccinated students to enroll in online classes, without informing them about legal options for exemption! Help me understand why you are segregating students in this way. I watched last month's meeting. What you're doing is illegal and you will be held accountable!

Marcia: thanks, we do want our students to know their options.

One of the trustees asked: hasn't it been 20 minutes on this topic? Almost, but not quite, says the Marcian.

Zimbalist: please do have weekly option of testing. You should remain neutral about whether a student should or should not get vaccinated. (She seems pissed.)

Diangelo Hunter: student body president, IVC: As a veteran, as student, commend you for passing the mandate. People are dying, too many people. All voices heard at IVC. Thank you all for stepping up, saving lives. Thank you. [He was pretty eloquent, despite my minimal notes.]

Marcia: that's 20 minutes: we appreciate your thoughtful comments, everybody. Will now be moving on.

They call for a break owing to "technical difficulties."

. . .

7:32 - We're back, says Marcia

Now reports:

Student trustee speaks. (Selana?) Pumpkin carving contests, etc.

Trustee Inmon: Ain't we got marvelous student leaders? Went to grand opening of stadium! Wanted to provide "the university experience," said Pres. Stern. Liked that. Alluded to breast cancer month. Mentions domestic violence month as well: the "silent killer." We need to be willing to talk about it, she says.

Trustee Jay: Oct. 2, attended opening of new stadium. A great event. Oct 21 - IVC Annual giving day. IVC's 36th anniversary. Mentions student refugee fund.

Trustee Jemal: don't have much to add. Agrees about opening of the stadium, which was fabulous. (Refers to "our college." Sheesh.) Building a sense of community, etc. It's a destination now. I did attend the sneak peak for the Saddleback College Foundation.... Star of show was Gabby Jackson...a powerful performance by talented young lady!

Trustee Prendergast: I won't repeat what others said about the Stadium... [He concurs, natch.]

Trustee Wright: Saddleback College opened new stadium "of arts"? Alludes to remarks there by members of the board. All seven trustees were there and local elected officials too. "The football team is not doing very well right now," he bluntly declares. Lays out their miserable record. Also attended SC Foundation "sneak peak" reception. (Wright seems really to be missing a beat or two, gosh.) Finally: I got my third shot, Moderna (seems to slur speech?).

Trustee Rydell: mentions the "plant sale." Blah blah blah. (That's what I heard.)

Trustee Marcia Milchiker: fabulous new stadium opening. "I did a lot of standup comedy," she says. Also mentions Foundation event, talented singer there. Attended SC literary magazine event; magazine called "the Wall." The Wall has won many awards, including the Pacemaker Award. The plant sale was great. Theatrical plays are coming up at the colleges. Thank you.

Associated student government reports:

SC students: still support mandate. Applauds those who take a differing view, their courage. But I disagree, says this kid. But also support free speech, all freedoms.

IVC students [Hunter]: talks about upcoming "online" retreat. Awesome. Title 9 training. Respectful communication training. Day of Dead festival coming up, located behind IVC PAC. Working on web designs to get our voices heard. Special shout-out to IVC Foundation reaching goals. Volleyball team is killing it, he says.

IVC Faculty Academic Senate Prez, Dan D: four things tonight. I will be attending (with others) the Plenary Session for state Ac Senate. I'd like to mention 4 words of thanks. Vice Chanc. Bob B—thanks to him, providing leadership, the difficult immediate switch to online. Thanks Kathleen Burke for great leadership. These leaders are under great pressures, given Covid, etc. Special thanks to ASIVC and especially to Hunter for his public comments. Civic engagement as a civic virtue—or some such thing. Thanks to Board of Trustees: exercised fiduciary responsibilities. Thanks for leadership!

Saddleback College Ac Senate, Margot Lovett: echoes Dan's remarks, thanks to Bob B, et al. Wants to thank board for leadership re Covid and the mandate. [At the last meeting,] we heard many who were opposed to mandate. Some of them didn't even know the name of the college—Saddleback Valley or some such—or even that outs is a college district! Evidently, some of these people are not residents. Here are the statistics of district employees: 93% of admin 91% of classified mangers, 88% of full-time faculty, 81% of police officers — fully vaccinated. The overwhelming majority of district, majority of staff in favor of vaccination, mandate. "You did the right thing last month," and your actual constituents are more than grateful!

Marcia: thanks for the stats. Couldn't have said it better.

Lewis Long of faculty union: colleagues have stolen most of my thunder. Echoes gratitude to Bob B, Kathleen Burke, leadership during difficult time. Much attention to support of vaccine mandate. I just want to point out that faculty members are in unique position: often in close proximity to many students. Overwhelming majority of faculty support vaccine mandate, also necessary for safety of students. 88% of full-time faculty have uploaded proof of vaccination (real number actually higher). I deeply respect others' differing views. But we need to rely on science, not conspiracy theories, etc. Thanks to board for decision....

7:58 - IVC Classified Senate: Desiree O: raising funds for scholarship,... Supporting first generation college students. Huge marketing campaign online. Thank you.

No board requests for reports

Item 5.1 - solicit inputs: Composition of trustee areas.

Opens the hearing.

Chancellor Burke provides an introduction....

Marcia: Paul Mitchell will speak. "Mr. Mitchell, the floor is yours!"

Mitchell: (we hear nothing) Marcia suggests that Mitchell is muted. Still nothing. "Can you unmute yourself?," someone asks. 

SNAFU

He finally can be heard. He says he's back, but then again we hear nothing. 

Some technical snafu persists. 

Finally, we see Mitchell, though he seems unable to control his slide show.

He proceeds, now visible. What is redistricting? A: undergone every 10 years. True for many things, not just college district. To ensure equal voting rights. This has become very political. Continuing law suits. 

Redistricting principles: basic principle: based on residents, not voters. Mitchell says a series of reasonable things about how to redistrict. Mentions various issues.

Shows current district areas: map. Then chart with data. 

This is less-than-scintillating. So I'm gonna bail.

You can watch the meeting yourself: https://socccd.zoom.us/j/98051988626?pwd=endNSEZNclRUclFScVNFbFFNRndiUT09

Here are some graphics I was planning to use for tonight's meeting:

Tonight, I was pleasantly surprised by the Lack o' Wackos, the Dearth of Dunderheads, the Paucity of Pea-brained Pillocks.

Obviously, I'm a bit of a C. Crumb fan, despite his, um, issues. I'd use more images of men but, in my haste, I couldn't find many that I liked.

Today, in advance of tonight's SOCCCD Board of Trustees meeting

 

Remote Learning and Rampant Online Cheating

 

In today's Los Angeles Times: "Rampant online cheating is the dark side of remote learning" by Karen Symms Gallagher.

excerpt:  

Since there seems to be an app for everything, it may come as no surprise that there is an app for cheating. But it isn’t just one app. It’s hundreds of companies and apps that actually can be used to complete students’ homework, tests, writing assignments and even dissertations and exams. But what surprised me most as an educator playing this cat-and-mouse game for decades is that cheating is now scaled and outsourced internationally and powered by venture capitalists, Wall Street investors and billion-dollar companies..

...

...Cheating is so rampant that Stanford University’s Graduate Student Council recently announced it had approved revisions to its academic honor code to allow test proctoring. If the changes go through, they will represent the first revision to the code since 1977, according to the student newspaper. Reported honor code violations there went up 114% in the last two years...

...

...Countering this cheating requires a coordinated effort by educational institutions and their accreditors, with accreditation agencies possibly changing online professional entrance exams to prevent cheating. Fields such as engineering, science and nursing will lose in the long run if newly minted students cheat their way into the professions.

 Indeed, our society loses the most from this cheating in plain sight. Cheating corrupts the individual who cheats, yes, but it also erodes the faith we have in our educational system, its honest graduates and the people we depend on to build tech that truly serves human interaction, decision making and achievement.

David Blatt [Jay Black] (1938-2021)

 

Do you have a question about the school district's COVID policy or your child's safety?