Our oldest son Chip (Tim, Jr.) who has contributed to this blog is currently four terms away from graduating from UC-San Diego with a Bachelor’s degree in economics. Even taking into account a proposed term abroad in The Netherlands next fall, he stands to graduate one term earlier than scheduled.
Unfortunately, I cannot really envision his life past college, especially after visiting his bachelor apartment in the Mission Bay area of San Diego on December 30 to pick him up for the Holiday Bowl game between Nebraska and Arizona and seeing all things strewn about which is a pretty good representation of his mind regarding life a year and a half from now. While he has been successful academically, he cannot really articulate his next move coherently and that train is a comin’. Interestingly, I can much easier envision our youngest daughter’s future past college even though she has only completed one semester since she plans on becoming an elementary school teacher and has a current aptitude for teaching young children.
Now successful people finish college and proudly display their degrees and wear spirit wear from their alma mater. There are also successful people who never spent a day in an institution of higher learning. In between there is that amorphous group of folks who “attended” college.
Now I personally have trouble figuring this group out. I know many people who did not finish college, and their reasons range from the bizarre to the heartbreaking. Some are quite honest they were just not cut out for academic pursuits and some were forestalled by family or personal issues, but nearly all are not proud of the fact they did not complete the experience.
Of course, the most heroic stories in my mind are those of people who grind out bachelor’s degrees under extremely difficult family and personal issues. My own Nebraska bride possesses such an heroic story which could fill a novel.
Now everyone possesses a basic understanding of a bachelor’s degree. To get one a person needed to finish high school, meet certain requirements for acceptance, and then complete four to five years of education, obtain a certain GPA and meet other requirements. It is a big thing since 73% of the population does not have a bachelor’s degree. (Further distinction occurs when one possesses a graduate degree, with over 90% of the population not having one.)
But their is less understanding of the mysterious resume item of “attended” college , which can mean anything from the range of ”I dropped out in the first semester” to “I was 12 credits short and got kicked out for cheating.” Still, people do include this “attendance” in their resume.
Which brings us to the case of David Gauny, candidate for City Council. At his very stylish campaign website, electdavidgauny.com, complete with a Shepard Fairey type photogrpahy, one finds out that David Gauny is a Naval veteran (thank you for your service) and “attended” college in Chico and San Francisco. What does this mean exactly, and do people realize this probably means that he did not finish a degree program?
Steve Mehta, a local attorney, endorses David Gauny citing his “dedication.” My Nebraska bride is dedicated, slogging out a 4.0 bachelor’s degree over a six year period while working full time and caring for two small children. That is dedication. How dedicated is “attending college.”
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I think what I would be interested in hearing is why you should be elected to the City Council? What are you bringing to the table that isn’t currently there? What are your strengths?
Critical thought and a 30,000 foot view for where our valley could be in 20 years. We are applying projects out of reactive desperation rather than a real strategic plan for growth. I give credit to our city for operating in the black but we’re doing it the easy way. Without better oversight, this short term bliss will ruin us in another decade the same way many other poorly planned LA cities have been ruined. There is no question that OVOV requires more critical thought than many of the major projects recently approved by the council. Keeping tax dollars coming in is important but we should not sell out the investment of the thousands of homeowners here or the unique future opportunity we have to be a well-planned commercial AND cultural center. We should be a destination for the growth that will soon define the 126 corridor– let’s plan for it now!
What is your position on the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 and John McCain’s belief that we need to reenact the Glass-Steagall Act?
This question is way out of the purview of a CC candidate and I don’t know McCain’s positions well enough to comment on what he’s said. Personally, I would like to see Volker replace Geithner and reenact Glass-Steagall. If there is one factor here that I could apply to CC issues, it’s the destructive power of lobbyists and the increasing campaign moneys coming from outside of our valley. Like GLBA, such influences are stripping our residents of their protections and keep those who depend on them in power – ensuring only more of the same.
What are your plans to help create more jobs and make the most of the money made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act?
I see this more as a question of process then ideas. I would like to see more involvement of community –business and residents- involved in the agenda here. Our city sought grants for many ARRA projects that never came before the council or the public – they were chosen by staff. These are public monies and the public should have more say in their pursuit. This is fair and it eliminates perceptions of favoritism in certain areas or projects. Once we get the monies, I would like to see fewer government workers on these jobs and more private enterprise going to bid and getting to work.
Some financial analysis have suggested that the economy could take another dip in the second half of this year, they have suggested a second stimulus to help counteract it. What is your position on that?
Again, way beyond scope of any CC candidate but I would like to avoid more stimulus if possible. Cash for Clunkers and the $600 rebates of the Bush years create a false economy. Like a heroin addict that needs to be weaned off – the sooner the better. To date, roughly 20% of the ARRA monies have been used and many economists feel that the remainder will be ample. Let’s see how that plays out in the next few months – hopefully the addict can go cold turkey.
These are good questions Blazingmonk and I have answered as thoroghly as possible for the moment. If you have more, please bring them to the debates so we can all come forward to answer. Please understand that I am otherwise put at a disadvantage.
Blazingmonk asks: Berta González-Harper – Again how does any of this have anything to do with this position? My step dad that adopted me some how qualifies him for public office? I am confused? Enlighten me?
BHG in previous post above: In my opinion, good parenting speaks to good character. I also applaud those who recognize they are not cut out for parenting. Argue with that.
Blazingmonk do you not believe good character is something desirable in a City Council member? If your stepdad is a man of good character then yes he would potentially qualify depending on his other qualifications. Good character is but one qualification of many that I look for in anyone representing me. You seem to intentionally ignore salient points within my posts. It appears you want to argue for arguments sake. I pass thanks.
Blazing Faint-Heart (AKA: Confused) I don’t need to stock you; I have plenty of nuts in my pantry.
I think those are great answer. Shows me you know more then most people with degrees. That is what I wanted to know was David Gauny just a slick talker with a good story which seems to sell pretty easy here in Santa Clarita or is he a guy that sees the big picture.
Thanks for taking the time to give intelligent answers. I think the Santa Clarita would be better with you.
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Berta González-Harper – like I have said before I am not discounting anything in parenting or his story. I think it speaks volumes about Mr. Gauny as a person. But being a good parent / person doesn’t mean they are going to be a good leader in this position.
Berta what you ignore is that we elected someone that openly admitted she doesn’t know what she was going after the fact… they voted on here because her story said she was a good mom and had a son die in Iraq… it turns out it was a suicide. While I feel horrible that she had this happen… she shouldn’t be elected to a position because she has a good story.
An argument I don’t want… I already know my position is the correct one. If you vote on someone because you think they are a good parent. You are a fool.
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Bill – LOL I am totally confused… I hope you have the same position about West Ranch Beacon, I wouldn’t want you to be a hypocrite. We all know the anonymous source is BS. He gave himself away when he took a swipe at this website and the radio. Trying to give the impression that he is the only one giving straight news. I did find a bit of irony in a website that until recently posted news from other sources and never cited the original right. He was always trying to pass himself off as some kind of legit news source.
What is this guys deal? I think he ate to much lead paint chips as a child.
Dear Confused Faint-Heart, nice juvenile texting. What position are you referencing regarding this site and West Ranch Beacon?
Never mind Bill… everything must be spelled out for you. I don’t have time or energy to spoon feed you.
This guy is dense.
Dear Confused Faint-Heart, you are a wimp.
GaryH: I appreciate your comments for both sides of the college degree issue. I believe Tim works for you and it was fair of you to show a little balance here. In humor, I must add that your math was wrong. If 99.9% are “regular, normal people” who think a degree is crucial, then there can’t really be .5% of “non-normal” people leftover. Unless the non-normals use different math!
BM: thanks for hearing me out. Also, for the record, I did not ask Tim for an apology. He has every right to question my background. However, I do think he strayed from the true point of his original post and misrepresented my responses in forthcoming posts. It was only then (which was far down the chain here) that I thought it appropriate to call out what I believed were his real motives. I believe this is what Tim apologized for – and it was appreciated.
ALL: I too owe an apology here. It was wrong for me to make an assumption that the contributions to HM Foundation from Landscape Development were done so to get business there. I’ve talked with Tim offline and he assured me that this was never the motive. So, I too am guilty of making statements based on assumption and offer apologies to both Tim and GaryH for this.
This was a time-consuming thread but it was also satisfying. Nice to see it result in understanding rather than backbiting and partisan politics.
Now you are making my mascara run..
Mr. Gauny I think you defended your self very well. I appreciated you taking the time to address these questions which were really just to see where you are at how you think.
I also do applaud you stepping in and taking care of your step daughters like your own. I have a soft spot for that but as you know there is more to these positions then being a good parent. I appreciate you not taking it personal.
I made the mistake of reading this thread prior to retiring for the evening. I didn’t sleep well and quite frankly I’m a bit cranky this morning.
After reading Mr. Myers thoughts about Mr. Gauny’s website where he indicated he ‘attended’ college and didn’t ‘finish’, and reading the many posts there after (including Mr. Gauny’s articulate one’s), it resurfaced many negative feelings I’ve had regarding this topic.
I am one of those that attended, but did not finish college. I could say that ‘life’ got in the way (which it did on many occasions; my mothers early, sudden death, my brothers homelessness, etc.), but those are excuses. See, I enjoyed making money! I enjoyed ‘learning’ at college, but it was not necessary for me in order to make money.
Mr. Myer’s has written before about his ‘Nebraska Brides’ accomplishments (as well as his own) and it is apparent he has a great amount of pride when referring to them. At times he comes off as a braggart, which often happens when one brags about themself or their loved ones. It usually goes out one ear and out the other with me;I don’t hold them to any bigger standard then I do anyone else, degree or no degree.
What hit home for me was the following: “Now successful people finish college and proudly display their degrees and wear spirit wear from their alma mater. There are also successful people who never spent a day in an institution of higher learning. In between there is that amorphous group of folks who “attended” college.”
Due to my lack of degree, I too was looked at as being an ‘amorphous’, not having any
character, or being ‘formless’ if you will. My father in-law who was a very intellegent man and succeeded in getting a multidude of degress, despite the many obstacles he faced in his life.
He was an intellectual snob. If you did not have a degree, you were not on his level. If you were not on his level, you had no place discussing ANYTHING with him. You might as well as been the ‘hired help’.
I was not good enough for his child, do simply to the fact that I didn’t have a ‘higher’ education. It was a subject of contention for the 26 years I knew him. I knew him; I knew his accomplishments; I heard him play the piano, bass and drums. I knew of his hardships when he was a young man ‘fighting’ to get the recognition he felt he deserved and education he and everyone else deserves.
Unfortunately, because I was not real, he never bothered to get to know me. If he had put aside his prejudices about those that are not as educated as him, he might have SEEN what his child fell in love with!
Thank you for your apology Mr. Myers; though it was directed to Mr. Gauny. See, I understood that Mr. Gauny only ‘attended’ college. I was not ‘ignorant’ enough to think he was trying to mislead anyone. People who recieve degrees will most often announce it proudly, and they should be proud of their hard work and dedication. However, that does not make Mr. Gauny, myself or those others that merely ‘attended’ college any less of a hard worker or dedicated in who they are and it certainly doesn’t make them ‘amorphous’.
Darn! Above is loaded with spelling errors:
intellegent s/b intelligent
do s/b due
recieve s/b receive
there after s/b thereafter
multidude s/b multitude
Perhaps if I had gotten that degree in ‘child psychology’ (before money becoming my goal), I would not have made so many mistakes? Nah!, chances are I would have made them anyway, and that would have been fine because I’d have that document validating how dedicated and intelligent I am.
This indeed has been an informative thread. The bottom line is that David Gauny will be a great Council Member.
His charachter and accomplishments fit one of my favorite quotes. It is from Calvin Coolidge:
“Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
Calvin Coolidge
BlazingMonk – you have indeed shown yourself to be a leftist elitist. You indeed feel that eductaion is the most important thing when it comes to solving our nations problems. The generation that took us out of the Great Depression, through victory in WWII, and then the prosperity that followed was largely not college educated. (My father did not even complete high school and did very well in life). When it comes to conservatives who express inteligent arguments you simply write them off as ‘wing-nuts’. Let’s wait until November and see how much of the nation has shifted back to the ‘wing-nut’ philosophy.
“This was a time-consuming thread but it was also satisfying. Nice to see it result in understanding rather than backbiting and partisan politics.”
I was so glad to see this closing statement from Mr. Gauny. Unfortunately, it did not remain ‘unpolitical’!
Lvogel:
Sorry I took it back into the political realm. I came in late so wanted to get my points in, but your point is well taken. No more politics today, there will be plenty of time for that in the future. Hope all had a great Christmas and New Years.
I appreciate your honesty Lvogel. It is a shame that your father has what many would call an elitist attitude. As I said before I was adopted, so I grew up in a family environment that was much different from my own natural tendencies and abilities. My brother and Step Dad didn’t like traditional school. I always felt that my brother could do anything he wanted to do, but he only wanted to do was work in construction.
After reading one of the intelligence books by Daniel Goleman, I believe it was Social Intelligence. Goleman outlines I believe 26 different types of intelligence that people possess. After reading this shed a whole new light on my view on this issue. I viewed college degrees as more of a test of ones inner strength rather then head knowledge. I had a lady while working for Verizon Wireless years ago tell me that because i didn’t make over $100,000 my opinion didn’t matter, oddly enough she claimed to be a teacher at Csun.
I said all that to say that do I think a degree proves one is smart or their opinion matters? NO I have met some pretty stupid degree holders, I have met bachelor degree holders working retail, working as strippers [that one shocked me. My step-father is brilliant with his type of intelligence, he has been single handedly been building a house in mexico for our enjoyment and their retirement.
The degree doesn’t mean much to him. He has many opportunities to take a desk job but choose not to. Not having degree never stopped him, but again that didn’t mean that he tried to work in fields that require a degree. Which was really my point, these days there is really no excuse for not finishing ones degree if you really want to. If you don’t want to or need to them don’t. But with Night School, Online, Community college, I couldn’t accept quitting school. Unfortunately the religious school that attended and left was privates and non-accredited so I essentially had to start over!
Bottom line lvogel, if you want to finish school do it for you. That is the only reason I can see
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First of all Jim, You don’t know me so don’t even attempt to put me in a box. I was a loyal republican for years, I have voted Republican almost flat across the board. So you can take your Leftist Elitist comment and shove it. I am honest questions, questions that no one else thought to ask.
Your first flaw is your quote Calvin Coolage, the hard working president that took 14 hour naps then got up and played golf. He in many historian’s opinions is the main culprit responsible for the crash of 1929. He laize Faire attitude and illegitimate federal reserve bank that let the bankers do what they wanted to do. I am sure Hardening didn’t before him chasing woman around the white house. Hoover was left holding the bag. There is no escaping that the 1929 crash was proceeded by 10 years of Republicans in power. There is also no escaping that this crash was proceeded by 8 years of Republicans in power. Where democrats guiltless? Nope Republicans helped Bankers rob america and Democrats drove the getaway car. It is obvious you are not a history guy… Because anyone that understands that period would know that it was the educated people the Scientist and Engineers during and after that period that gave us the edge that we are slowly losing today.
Education and Science was encourage and we gained much of our military advantages that we still have today because of that focus. Much of our surge into the forefront of world power can also be attributed also to all our competition being all but completely wiped out. Roosevelt’s holding off on the war till absolutely necessary was probably the wises move a president has done this century. After the War our infrastructure was still in tact, we were able to continue as is with new life blood in the economy because of the many of the great minds who came up with solutions to war issues and problems.
If you are suggesting that winning that war was done by hard work alone… you are sadly mistaken. Reason I voted for Obama was because his book detailed this issues. The great minds back then went into science, math and engineering. Now our great minds are skipping school and going into finance because they can make quick money all the while not making the money greater!
Mr. Farley – I would like you to explain this statement which I find completely false – “When it comes to conservatives who express inteligent arguments you simply write them off as ‘wing-nuts’.” Who are you referring to? Bill Reynolds who did nothing but call names, never showed any intelligence at all? Or Berta González-Harper gets warm and fuzzy and thinks being a good father transfers into being a good politician. Where are these intelligent arguments that you claim I write off as ‘wing-nuts’.
I don’t find it intelligent when someone makes brash statements like you have. I don’t find it intelligent when someone judges another persons motive like many conservatives have done about me and about Tim.
BlazingMonk:
Go back through your last posting and look at all the gramatical and/or spelling errors. This does not speak well for someone as educated as you. Keep drinkin’ the leftist KoolAid, keep drinken’it Mr. BlazingMunster.
That is your response? Criticizing a guys typing on an iphone? Someone turned into the elitist grammar police when he got his ass handed to him.
I asked you to support you claims. Sir. You resort to the same type of name calling that Bill resorted to… then use the same typical “drinking koolaid” remark that is in reference to a right wing extremist group.
I don’t follow a political party… am I liberal? If you considering me thinking that all Americans regardless of their sexual, religious, ethical background should be treated equal and have the same equality and freedoms that we claim people have. Then yes I suppose I am more liberal, I view it as standing on the principles we so love to preach to the world.
I have no respect for you Jim Farley because you make statements you can’t support. You my friend are drinking the KOOLAID. Some day you may wake up and realize that your ideology will not save you or this country.
Blazingmonk, for a person who claims to be very intelligent you are exceptionally obtuse. You continue to ignore actual posts to make ignorant retorts aimed at insulting folks. As I have mentioned to you before, your message gets lost amongst the swearing, smart aleck cracks, and bravado. Some of us are old enough to be your parents and grandparents and I personally would appreciate a little less smart aleck and a lot more comprehension when reading my posts. Maybe read them a couple of times before you respond since you continuously miss my point.
Are we supposed to “log in” somehow to post? Posted a comment that is not here…not sure what i did wrong so I guess this is a test…
Berta González-Harper – Frankly I am tired of you being such a hoyty toty snob. You always acting like the victim, so shocked at someone that disagrees with you yet you say nothing of Bill Reynolds or Jim Farley’s straight out attacks. Why? I can only see it as being a hypocrite, you are ok with people you like attacking, calling names and being a smart ASS to someone you don’t like, but if someone calls you on your illogical incoherent thoughts you whine and complain.
You, Jim Farley an Bill Reynolds are all the same. You think you going to win an argument by boxing me into the “liberal box”. I have said it over and over again, I am not liberal. I use to be a Republican, I know how you little you people think. You say democrat or liberal like that is an insult… which is just arrogant, you believe your brand of ideology has everything figured out.
I got your point, but you missed my point. Being a parent doesn’t AUTOMATICALLY equal a good leader of men. John McCain was a horrible husband to his first wife, does that transfer over into his leader ability? Sarah Palin preaches family values and had her 18 year old get knocked up, does that transfer over into her leadership ability? Where was the judgement for that? Principles are the same regardless of the person, if you are going to judge one person by his family you must judge them all by their family. I prefer to judge an individual on their individual character. I have already acknowledged that I respect a guy that raises his family right but that doesn’t mean every good father is a good law maker, politician or leader. We need thinkers like Ron Paul that aren’t afraid to ask the tough questions, they don’t just get euphoric of over family values. Quit rely on the government to raise your kids, do it yourself. So sick of everyone blaming video games, TV, movie, musicians, media and public school when their kid goes off the deep end because they had a mother like you that didn’t have a grasp on reality. Why don’t you try being a real person for once, see how far that gets you in life.
Now if you just wanna come in every blog and scold me… save it because I don’t respect you. Just like I don’t respect Bill Reynolds or Jim Farley. I respect guys like David Gauny who wasn’t afraid to give his position, I can vote for him. I respect lvogel for being honest and sharing her feelings on this matter. I respect Tim Myers for asking the questions and apologizing when he felt he cross the line. These guys are honest, they aren’t phonies that hide behind different usernames trying to pelt people they don’t like with insults and shaming them for whatever. Amazingly we haven’t seen SCVFAN again? Perhaps that person would like to come in and scold me too.
I almost wish I were posting under SCVfan also. That would give me two opportunities to say I think you are a disrespectful smart aleck kid who has a lot to learn, grasshopper. I won’t engage with you again since it really isn’t a discussion with you anyway but a waste of time and effort. Bye, bye.
AND SCENE!
Dear Confused Faint-Heart, just read your letter to the editor this morning and found it to be very telling as to your mindset. The word naivete comes to mind. Wake up and smell the coffee, son!
David Gauny must be laughing in his beer at how easy it was to win you over. Ha!
Reynolds I would rather talk to a really smart rock and you aren’t brave name calling over the internet…
I’m failing college. Do I try harder or should I just go and work. Then come back to finish college?
CSUF Student:
This is a complex question that requires you to answer many questions, and I would encourage you to speak to the academic advising staff at CSUF. However, the primary question you need to ask yourself is if you could really do better if you applied yourself more. If that is the case, then you should stick it out until you obtain your bachelors degree.
I’ve been helping my Fiancee out a lot lately with taking her to school because she lacks the transportation to her College, spending some hours staying with her there, and when I take her to school, sometimes I stay over at her school studying. Do you think that minimizing these stuff would help me more on focusing on my education? I feel like I’m not focusing enough on my education and I’m lacking off to much. Like as in fixing cars, web surfing, watching movies, I also spend lots of my time with my Fiancee whenever I take her to school and back to my place. Have anybody or you ever have these kind of problem before? I’m in a disqualification over at my University right now that requires me to take a course and also my grades + GPA isn’t so well… do anybody thinks college is for me? I know college isn’t for everybody. I’m starting to think I’m one of those people.
-Thank you Mr. Myers for responding. That was really Helpful.
CSUF:
You know how to fix cars? Do you enjoy working on cars? I would suggest contacting a service head at a big car dealership and ask for their suggestions concerning the best path to becoming an auto mechanic. Many just require an AA degree to enter their apprenticeship programs. Once you have experience you can start your own business and have a very nice life.
Example: Our son who has a cumulative GPA above 3.5 at a UC school texts me wheneverhe has problems with his vehicle because he has no clue. If you have an affinity for keeping things running this is a real valuable skill.