Editors brief note

Note: Often readers send email messages to the editor which include comments that could be beneficial to all of the Fieldtrip readers. All comments are welcome, and input is appreciated. Fieldtrips also features a reader comment opportunity at the end of each 'blog' message. You are welcome to leave a message there as well. One aspect of the end-of-blog comment section is the ability to leave a comment anonymously. When that option is chosen, even the editor is prevented from knowing the identity of the comment author. Readers are encouraged to use any of these options.

Regards,
Lloyd

Giving thanks IS good for you

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude." --Denis Waitley

A growing number of studies indicate that saying 'thank you' or expressing gratitude otherwise is good for your health.

Almost every foreign language class offered has a common thread beyond declension and verb forms, and that common thread is courtesy. Traveling around the world, in almost every locale basic please and thank you is nearly a second nature practice.

But for some reason this is less likely the case when we learn our own language. And even though there is a national holiday dedicated to the idea of giving thanks, it often ends up being a study in the glory of gluttony, a day of feast and football. 

Gratitude: It's good for you

As it turns out, if actually taken as the Thanksgiving Day holiday's name implies,  it can be a matter of public health. It could almost be part of a campaign, "Stop smoking, eat healthy foods, exercise and say thank you."

More and more studies are backing this up with evidence that expressing gratitude is good for your health and well being.

In an article Rx for life: Gratitude (click) Greg Easterbrook delineates:

* People who describe themselves as feeling grateful to others and either to God or to creation in general tend to have higher vitality and more optimism, suffer less stress, and experience fewer episodes of clinical depression than the population as a whole. These results hold even when researchers factor out such things as age, health, and income, equalizing for the fact that the young, the well-to-do, or the hale and hearty might have "more to be grateful for."


* Grateful people tend to be less materialistic than the population as a whole and to suffer less anxiety about status or the accumulation of possessions. Partly because of this, they are more likely to describe themselves as happy or satisfied in life.


* In an experiment with college students, those who kept a "gratitude journal," a weekly record of things they should feel grateful for, achieved better physical health, were more optimistic, exercised more regularly, and described themselves as happier than a control group of students who kept no journals but had the same overall measures of health, optimism, and exercise when the experiment began. (Researchers use frequency of exercise as a barometer for general well-being because it is an objective measure that links to subjective qualities; people who exercise three or more times per week tend to have better indicators of well-being, even when health conditions that affect the ability to exercise are factored out.)


* Grateful people are more spiritually aware and more likely to appreciate the interconnectedness of all life, regardless of whether they belong to specific religions.

It is becoming a major area of the study of psychology and the contributing factors to mental health.

In another article the at the American Communications Project, Gratitude Theory is discussed:

The results of the study indicated that daily gratitude exercises resulted in higher reported levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism and energy. Additionally, the gratitude group experienced less depression and stress, was more likely to help others, exercised more regularly and made more progress toward personal goals. According to the findings, people who feel grateful are also more likely to feel loved. McCollough and Emmons also noted that gratitude encouraged a positive cycle of reciprocal kindness among people since one act of gratitude encourages another.

It is interesting to note that psychology really doesn't focus on peoples' problems until it is in a clinical setting. The rest of the field is analytical and studies what is in human behavior -- that people generally are designed to know satisfaction and to be happy.

A key to happiness

Being thankful is a key to happiness, another area of expanded psychological study. A UC Davis study by Robert Emmons cites evidence that gratitude contributes to both a higher level of happiness, but also a greater sense of physical well being.

The study itemizes characteristics of people who incorporate a sense of gratitude into their lives:

* Well-Being: Grateful people report higher levels of positive emotions, life satisfaction, vitality, optimism and lower levels of depression and stress. The disposition toward gratitude appears to enhance pleasant feeling states more than it diminishes unpleasant emotions. Grateful people do not deny or ignore the negative aspects of life.

* Prosociality: People with a strong disposition toward gratitude have the capacity to be empathic and to take the perspective of others. They are rated as more generous and more helpful by people in their social networks (McCullough, Emmons, & Tsang, 2002).

* Spirituality: Those who regularly attend religious services and engage in religious activities such as prayer reading religious material score are more likely to be grateful. Grateful people are more likely to acknowledge a belief in the interconnectedness of all life and a commitment to and responsibility to others (McCullough et. al., 2002).

* Materialism: Grateful individuals place less importance on material goods; they are less likely to judge their own and others success in terms of possessions accumulated; they are less envious of wealthy persons; and are more likely to share their possessions with others relative to less grateful pesrons.

Many of the techniques used by researchers and psychologists include keeping a gratitude journal, which one speculates is just a way of getting people in the habit of having this frame of mind. One may be able to regain the habit of gratitude in a variety of ways.


Benefit to all

An interesting factor in expressing gratitude is that it is mutually beneficial. The idea of expressing anything implies that one is giving something away, and that can be a concept adverse to many. But in this case a commodity is given or shared where both members of the transaction benefit.

Seems like a good deal.

Thanks to all,

Lloyd

FFA follow-up

Ah, when constabulary duty's to be done, to be done,
A policeman's lot is not a n'appy one, n'appy one.
-From Pirates of Penzance
by Gilbert and Sullivan

There are times when these lines from the G&S comic operetta could very well have been written about writers or journalists.

Something like:

When journalistic duty's to be done, to be done,
A reporter's lot is not a n'appy one, n'appy one.

The vast majority of writing and shooting photos for readers is satisfiying, but every once in a while a straw is thrown on the payload that just snaps ones camel.

For those of you just getting here, back up one blog to
Wisconsin State FFA officers minus three (click)
This one refers to that one.

Seemingly, this was a straight forward piece of news. Having started in Wisconsin as an ag journalist, previous contacts in ag publications were a consideration in what was possibly significant news. Likewise, it was of interest to local mainstream news, because it involved local individuals.

News people develop a thick skin about many matters. One day we are doing a feature about a thimble collection, but on that same day may have to cover a fatal traffic accident, and be on the scene for both. No matter, because with some warning one can adjust a frame of thought to be prepared for both.

We strive for objectivity, but are still human. So reporters strive for complete objectivity, while balance can indeed be maintained. Still, would we want a fourth estate that was not human? Otherwise there would be little concern over the poignant efforts of the human condition, nor would journalists still in the field care about sharing inhumane conditions in various parts of the world.

News writers are merely the messenger, but it appears that simplistic thought has started to return to the "kill the messenger" mentality.

The piece referring to a shakeup in the Wisconsin FFA state officer team was written weeks after the situation emerged. Journalistic integrity put a hold on anything being written about the matter until there was a final outcome. Aware of the developing situation, the filter "is it news?" made it an easy bit of information to step away from.

When the final outcome surfaced the answer to the filtering question became an easy and explicit "Yes."

You may see journalists at meetings or public events and note that they are working, but most forget that gathering the data is about one-third of the work. After everyone else has left, people in the media are charged with doing follow-up homework and turning hours of talk into 500, 800, 1000 or more words. This is usually done under the thumb of a deadline.

It is easy to become impervious to comments or corrections, or even having a piece tossed out or torn up - and that can just be an editor's reaction. Commentary, correction and criticism of one's work is not a problem, because it must pass quality assessments that any product is subject to.

But, like any other position, personal attacks because one doesn't like the product are the journalistic equivalent of hitting below the belt in pugilistic terms

People should be encouraged to comment on issues with a printed piece, especially if there are legitimate inaccuracies. This is a luxury of community news - those who gather and report the news will be available in the future and have an accountability incentive to their subjects and their readers.

But there really is no excuse or reason for attacking a reporter personally because he/she wrote something an individual considers bad news.

Simply put:

The reporter can't help it if you simply don't like the news!

And such is the case with the recent news of the FFA state officer team.

There are times when it is better to get something out in a timely manner with fresh information before time can dilute a story. And of course if news sits, it really is no longer news. Note that the time stamp on the piece is shortly after 4 a.m.

After completing the piece, various news outlets were notified of the information on a 'take-it-or-leave-it' basis. All expressed their gratitude for the info, but said it is likely they'd make their own story, using this blog as an original source.

Monday a DPI representative sent an email that attacked the reporter and made a judgement on the motives for writing the piece. It was again, one of those times when the attack was on the person and not the work. Such actions can be hurtful and leave an impression that is slow to depart.

Email from DPI (click)

The response speaks for itself:

Response to DPI letter (click)


The next morning the official press release came attached to a subsequent empty email:

Offical press release

The well written press release created a sense of bewilderment, because the original article said essentially the same thing as the press release.

Speculation remains over where the article is inaccurate enough to be considered a seditious act against the FFA.

One possibility is a reference in the article that Robert's Rules were not followed. It was hard to believe as it was written because the organization as a whole excels in procedure. But four sources present at the event and an independent concurred that according to Robert's, to deny the rights of a member, or to dismiss someone in a "Trial of a Society Member," a two-thirds vote is required. Not to further pick nits, but this also almost requires the presiding officer to divulge the vote count. So the initial conflict to question was that Robert's would be used, BUT majority would determine.

Another point that may deserve clarification is the difference between resignation and dismissal. This was a point of mutual confusion, but in a situation where a governing body determines if you should or will resign, is it not tantamount to a dismissal? Additionally, the FFA policy specifically uses the word dismissal.

A possible area of more speculation has since emerged. In addition to admirably arguing on behalf of his colleagues, the third officer to resign first stated that he too had committed an infraction that warranted dismissal. None of my sources divulged specific information beyond the fact that he had resigned.

Reiterating a support for FFA, writing the article was a difficult task where absolute diligence was used to neither favor nor detract.

Instead of complaining about any specific discrepancies in the article, the letter sought decidedly to figuratively hit below the belt. Among the personally demeaning statements used by a person of authority in this situation was the explicit inference that there was a motive to see the demise of an important and fine organization. Nothing could be further from the truth, thereby multiplying the insult.


# # #
Lloyd

Wisconsin state FFA officers minus three

The Wisconsin state FFA officer team is without a treasurer, a sentinel and a vice president after a special closed session meeting of the state FFA executive board in Mauston Wednesday. The board dismissed two of the state officers, and a third resigned.

During a special closed session, the state FFA executive board dismissed sentinel Jake Cramer of Johnson Creek and vice president Kristian Schmalzer of Mazomanie from the team of officers. The state FFA executive board consists of the officers, their home advisors along with ex-officio members Cheryl Zimmerman, executive director of the FFA center in Spencer, and Dean Gagnon ag education consultant with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Immediately after the meeting treasurer Josh Duley of Merrill resigned.

The state FFA officer team is made up of FFA members, most of whom are sophomores and juniors in college, who often take off a year from school to serve at the state level. They are duly elected by members of their section, one of the ten geographical divisions in the Wisconsin FFA organization. The organization has more than 16,000 members statwide.

The special meeting was called after Cramer and Schmalzer were accused of drinking at a private function near the University of Wisconsin River Falls in mid October. State officers are required to sign acknowledgement of a policy for state officers that disallows alcohol use during their year as state officers.

The policy signed by each state officer lists reasons for dismissal. One of them states:

Any use of alcohol, and/or supply of alcohol to members or others. State FFA officerswill forego all alcohol while involved in official or unofficial FFA activities from the day the officer is elected until he/she installs a new state officer. This means 24 hours a day,
7 days a week for 365 days. This means anywhere within the United States and any International travel.

The policy does not differentiate between 'unofficial FFA activities' and non-FFA activities.

Later in October, the afternoon before the Wisconsin FFA officer team was to travel to the national FFA convention in Lousiville, KY, Zimmerman called Cramer and Schmalzer to inform them she had learned of the infraction. Zimmerman notified the two that they were on suspension, preventing them from accompanying their fellow officers to the convention. She also instructed Cramer and Schmalzer to email a letter explaining why they weren't a part of the trip, and gave them explicit instructions not to send the message to their colleagues. The FFA officer team was notified of the reason for their absence after their arrival in Louisville.

Shortly after their letters arrived Gagnon supported the decisions of the two officers in question by communicating via a return email and concluding:

I am very pleased that you admitted your misjudgment and did not attempt to deny your actions. That is a sign of a strong character.

After returning from the convention Zimmerman communicated with Cramer and Schmalzer informing them she had made appointments for them each to meet separately with Gagnon at the DPI office on November 4.

Zimmerman did not notify the officers of the nature of the appointment. She too was present at the meetings. Upon their arrival on November 4, Cramer and Schmalzer were asked to sign pre-written resignations.

Both Cramer and Schmalzer refused to sign the resignations, and their decisions were supported by their home advisors Ed Bielinski, FFA advisor and ag instructor at Johnson Creek Schools, and Kim Houser, FFA Advisor and ag instructor at Wisconsin Heights High School.

Cramer cited lack of due process as his reason for refusing to sign. Additionally, both Cramer and Schmalzer noted that they were caught off-guard by the resignation requests. Neither of them, however denied the policy infraction, and remained apologetic for the lapse in judgment.

Looking into the state officer policy, directly after the behavior stipulations the language states:

If any of the above violations occur, the state officer or officers will be asked to appear before the entireState FFA Executive Board to give a complete explanation of the incident which occurred. The StateFFA Executive Board will then rule on a dismissal of the officer or officers involved.

While allowed to restate their admission, Cramer and Schmalzer were not allowed to hear or be part of debate on the matter.

"We were told to stay out in the hallway," Cramer said, explaining that it was all in closed session and that they were excluded.

A communique setting the time for the special executive board meeting noted that Roberts Rules would be the parliamentary authority, but many attending maintain that the rules weren't adhered to. Again, members of the team were instructed not to communicate with each other about the matter, even though administrative personnel maintained communication.

Bielinski noted procedure barely followed a form of order pointing out more than one discrepency. The Johnson Creek Agriculture instuctor has coached parliamentary procedure teams, many to the state level competition. He stated that advisors who couldn't attend the special meeting were called and asked to vote even though they weren't present for debate. Additionally the vote count was not disclosed to those in attendance except to reveal that the two members had been dimissed.

Discouraged with the outcome, and previously supportive of his colleagues, Josh Duley of Merrill resigned his office.

In an earlier communication Duley made a several pleas on behalf of Cramer and Schmalzer.

"You likened your choice to not let them attend the National Convention off of the WIAA sports book. When an athlete breaks the code of conduct they are asked to miss the next game," he wrote to Zimmerman and Gagnon. "I urge you to look at Jake and Kristi's passion and and dedication to the organization."

Duley noted that it should be a time to celebrate, because the National FFA President is from Wisconsin.

"Firing two FFA state officers will definitely not add to the positive image of the FFA," Duley added.

Currently, plans are for the remaining eight officers to finish the year. The state FFA geographically divides the state of Wisconsin into 10 sections, with each officer representing their section and holding state office. The president is elected from the previous year's team of officers. Each officer is elected through an interview process, then elected by FFA members from their section.

Advisors from each officer's home chapter host and arrange for section workshops and training sessions. Their responsibilities in light of the current situation is not defined.

According to Zimmerman, in the 70 plus year history of the state FFA organization, this is the first time state officers have been caught or admitted to this level offense.
# # #

(NOTE:Contacts - feel free to verify.)

Dean Gagnon - DPI - 608.267.9255

Cheryl Zimmerman - FFA Center - 715.659.4807

Ed Bielinski -
FFA advisor Johnson Creek Schools - 920.699.3481school

Kim Houser -FFA advisor Wisconsin Heights High School -608.767.2586

Jake Cramer - cell 920.219.1272

Kristian Schmalzer - 608.795.9869

Losing sight of the basics

Is our government a three legged
or one legged stool?

In the ferver of a political campaign one can become blind to the basics. In fact there were times during the most recent political contests, on both sides, when a pervading need to win superseded the need for studious reasoning to back up a vote.

That kind of thought is acceptable during the Super Bowl game, but when you are one of the electorate populace deciding the future of the nation, and possibly the planet, voting one way without studied reflection is like taking a side based on the color of the uniform.

It is not difficult to accept the outcome of an election. In many ways, no matter what the outcome it is a reason to celebrate. Still the outcome of the most recent elections should be of concern to everyone, not necessarily because of a difference in political ideology, but because it runs against proven models of success found in social, business, scientific and environmental settings.

In nature it is essential that a variety of animals and organisms exist to give a base to the environment. Adding too many of one species or removing too many of another makes the system unstable. Conditions such as these may be the cause for the predominance of Chronic Wasting Disease among the deer population, as an example.

Communities must also be diverse to remain dynamic and viable. A community with nothing but dwellings is little more than modern day ghost town, and doesn't promote the social or economic needs of a healthy municipality anymore than a city that is made up of a variety of factories, two homes and nothing else. That mix or lack of mix would more than likely be called an industrial park.

In business and finance, among the basic tenants is the need to remain diverse in order to stay flexible and to keep options open, so that all ones' eggs do not end up in the same basket.

Recently philanthropist George Soros gave a talk at the National Press Club. He said:

An open society such as ours is based on the recognition that an understanding of reality is inherently imperfect.

Nobody is in possession of the ultimate truth.

As the philosopher Karl Popper has shown, 'The ultimate truth is not attainable even in science. All theories are subject to testing and the process of replacing old theories with new ones never ends.'

Faith plays an important role in an open society. Exactly because our understanding is imperfect, we can't base our decisions on knowledge alone. We need to rely on belief - religious or otherwise - to help us make a decision.

But we must remain open to the possibility that we may be wrong so that we can correct our mistakes. Otherwise we are bound to be wrong.

The outcome of the recent election concentrated on the presidency. While the choice was satisfactory to some and unacceptable to others a larger concern exists.

We now have a national government in the control of one party - the legislative, the executive and the judiciary - all three branches (albeit the judiciary is supposed to be impartial). It doesn't matter which party it is, this is a situation that by all models is unstable. This is a situation that is very dangerous, because, like the models in nature, sociology and finance, it lacks diversity. It is an imbalance that lacks stability like a one legged milking stool. It is one that will be less likely to promote discourse and render creative solutions.

This leaves us, their collective boss, to remain vigilant. To insist on open debate, and above board decision making. We need to make sure that they do not get too comfortable, and we need to remind them constantly that their work should result in a collective wisdom and NOT the lowest common denominator.

Even debating among colleagues from the same party '... they must remain open to the possibility that they may be wrong, so they can correct their mistakes. Otherwise, they are bound to be wrong.' And we must be vocal and immediate in pointing out those possibilities.

Best to all,

Lloyd