The Following History Has Been Modified To Fit This Curriculum

This is the reason I stopped pursuing a high school teaching degree in history. Though I lean toward the conservative viewpoint of the importance in teaching about those important figures and events that shaped our history, I also agree with the counterargument of teaching an all-encompassing history that does not gloss over key but neglected aspects. While in education school, one professor told me, knowing I had an interest in World War Two, that I might encounter a school district where I would not be allowed to teach about the Holocaust. I was flabbergasted by the revelation, unable to believe that such a key component to the subject could be left out of the curriculum. Yet, I eventually came to understand:  when the teaching, and subsequent re-writing, of history becomes arbitrary – chosen by "experts" with only certain, sanitized points taught – it is nothing more than an agenda. Plain and simple. It happened before in the fight over social studies curriculum, it is happening now and it will happen again. 

"Who Writes Your Kids’ Textbooks?," by Shannon Bream 

©2010 Steve Sagarra

An Open Letter To Citibank

Citibank
Box 6000
The Lakes, NV  89163-6000

RE:  Violation of Account Terms

To Whom It May Concern:

As written in a letter dated November 12, 2009, to me concerning changes in terms, of which I have enclosed a copy for your edification, I phoned not once but TWICE in November 2009 to opt out of the changes and have my account closed under the current terms. Those terms were for an annual percentage rate in effect since December 3, 2008 up until the billing cycle ending January 22, 2010.

Nonetheless, my latest billing cycle ending February 19, 2010, reflects the increased percentage rate – at the default rate, no less – as if I were to opt in for the change. Again, I opted out of the change in terms, because quite frankly the increased annual percentage rate is absurdly ridiculous. Further, there is absolutely no justification for the increase in percentage rate, as I have never defaulted nor been late with a payment. You expected me as a cardholder to adhere to these terms, and yet you failed to do it yourself. As far as I am concerned, as is my lawyer, you have violated not only federal legislation aimed at reigning in such devious practices – not least of which is the failure to notify me of the increase in a reasonable timeframe, as mandated by legislation – but also the terms of the account agreement, and have therefore made it null and void.

As a journalist, I have covered many atrocious news items, but never have I been a personal witness to a thing as your practices that are nothing short of modern-day indentured servitude. You take taxpayer money to bail your asses out of financial troubles that were yours alone, and then expect the very same card member taxpayers to continue funding your enterprise through absurd means as astronomical percentage rates. Your company and everything associated with it makes me sick.

A cardholder since 1999, I am appalled at the treatment I have received over these past ten years. As such, you can go to hell before you get another dime from me, and I vehemently refuse to pay any further on this or any future balance due to your violations of the card member agreement. Be advised that my lawyer is currently drawing up papers to put forth a class action suit due to these violations.

Sincerely,

Stephen R. Sagarra

Citi Jacks Credit Card Rates To 29.99% On Unsuspecting Customers

Citibank Raising Credit Card Interest Rates To 29.99% For Customers With Good Credit

Citibank Sticks It To Customers - And Congress

©2010 Steve Sagarra

Defining Idealogy

Whenever socio-economic policies are proposed, certain expressions are tossed around to illustrate the implication of such measures on society. Reflecting on this situation, I thought it would be an interesting exercise to generate a basic meaning for each of the major political ideologies.

So, here goes:

      Communism:  You own nothing, and everything belongs to the State.

      Socialism:  You own what is granted, and everything given for the State.

      Capitalism:  You own what can be achieved, and everything ensured by the State.

Perhaps simplistic, but perhaps that is what is needed in times of socio-economic uncertainty. After all, if one fails to understand the terminology, how is one to understand the affect?

©2010 Steve Sagarra