Screaming Penguin - Source Does Matter

Jim Barksdale, former Netscape man, has given and given and given again money to a reading program in Mississippi. With my vote, I proclaim Mr Barksdale man of the year. The Barksdale program in Mississippi has several objectives that include provide resources to kids (books), provide resources to teachers (books, classrooms, etc) and provide time and resources after and away from school to help PARENTS learn how to read and how to read to their kids (there is a difference.)

The problem of illiteracy is profound in Mississippi (where Barksdale is from.) 25% of adults cannot read. A large percentage of kids enter school and have never SEEN a book. Children show up for kindergarten and cannot read, cannot color within the lines, cannot interact with other children, etc. Statistically if children do not read by the third grade, there is a 75% chance they will never read (source, NPR, Morning Edition, today.)

If that 75% number is not alarming enough, consider what happens when a child cannot read. Many states (Arizona, New Mexico, California, according to NPR) predict how many PRISON units they will require in the future based on third grade reading levels. And, as it turns out, that prediction is quite accurate. As many as 80% of the 75% end up in trouble with the law.

It is my belief, that MOST of these kids CAN be taught how to read, how to learn, how to earn and can get out of the trouble areas. These kids arent dumb, they are ignorant, their parents are ignorant and they NEED this help. It is unfortunate that the state cannot provide this with the kabillions we already provide for education, but if the state cannot (which they have proven, and its not just MS) then we are ALL very lucky that philanthropists like Mr. Barksdale care enough to step up and help with dollars and time.

On a side note, we now also REALLY NEED a millionaire to provide the same type of service in Alabama. Probably for the kids yeah, but first for the SUPREME COURT. Somebody needs to teach the clowns in the AL supreme court how to read, including how to read the constitution and the law. (Reference to the recent debacles over homosexuality being a "sin" because the "bible" says so, and the 10 commandments being in the courtyard by decree of one of the justices. These people really really need some help and its just next door, maybe the supreme court could attend "Read the Constitution 101: Learn to Understand what Separation of Church and State Means and How to Spell it."   Barksdale Program Details