Coexist

The following represents an incomplete thought, that I will edit a bit later to fish out what it is I want to say about it:
Driving to Thanksgiving dinner at my parents this evening, I was following a vehicle that had a blue bumper sticker that used pictures representing different religions and genders to spell out the word Coexist. I have seen the bumper sticker before, and remember thinking, "The owner/driver of that car might be a head-in-the-clouds optimist thinking that there can actually be world peace.
Today when I saw the bumper sticker, I immediately thought the same thing, but then quickly reminded myself about the optimist part. Haven't I proclaimed myself an optimist when it comes to education and other things of national import? So how can I stand in such judgement of this type of sentiment?
Since the light was red, I had a chance to look carefully at the bumper sticker to notice the detail. My previous judgement of its having been about world peace may or may not be accurate. I saw what appeared to be a Jewish Star of David, a Christian cross, the Chinese symbol of yin and yang, the peace sign, and the male and female symbols. Without assuming I know it's true meaning, I attached the following meaning:
Coexisting means being able to respectfully (perhaps peacefully) be side by side with others of opposing schemas, opinions, beliefs and aspirations. I do not believe this can happen in the world. I barely believe it can happen here in the United States, but I believe it MUST.
The United States teeters on the cusp of uncharted territory as a rebublic. We are a people of more diversity than any other country I'm aware of. We have, for so long, used words to welcome immigrants and slaves to a country dominated by a "ruling class" based in European ideals. As we continue to diversify, will we be able to change according to what's best for ALL people of this country? Or will the variances be diametrically opposed? Interesting question for which I don't know the answer. I find myself thinking about it more and more? What will we look like as a country in 10 years?
I see many of the "ruling class" support such things as vouchers for education, knowing fully that this will resegregate our country and put us back many, many years. Is this really where we want to go? The power base in the country will shift. Will we all be able to coexist peacefully here? How will we coexist is what I want to know. To say we should isn't enough. We must start thinking about how it will be accomplished successfully!

In Search of my tail

Being an Assistant Principal gives new meaning to my old saying in regard to "how things are going." My standard answer alluded to being like a dog chasing my own tail. The difference is that I used to have my own tail in sight, but now, I know it's there, I just can't see it.
The increase in expectations and responsibilities is great ( I mean that in an oh-my-gosh-can-I-do-this kind of way.) It's wonderful. Exhilarating, yet exhausting. Tonight, I know that I am going to wake up with the same pile I left on my desk. I walked away at about 6:00 tonight, and knew I needed to walk away. When I start making mistakes, it's time to walk away.
I am now acclimated to the building, though being in the office really does keep you from feeling part of the pulse of the building. The staff at the school is great (and that's being said, knowing that the honeymoon phase is over.) I finally have more time to reflect meaningfully on where we are going as a school. For a while, all I could do is figure out the politics, the academics, and role in my new setting. Now, I can reflect on everything in order to make decisions based on what's in regard to our vision. My two intern supervisors, Jeff and Jennifer gave me wings, and my present supervisor/team-mate let's me fly.
I can't wait to see what we can accomplish. I hope to be able to have more time to blog about my first year as an AP. It will help reflect on what's working and what needs to be done better.