I’m sorry to say because of Hollywood films like the Indiana Jones series, many people still believe archaeology is the same as tomb robbing and treasure hunting. And, it’s true that many archaeologists in the past were more treasure hunters and antiquarians than authentic scientists. Several of our early archaeologists cared more about the search for burial chambers containing golden objects than the answers for urgent scientific questions.

Even though the authentic science of archaeology can be exciting in its own right, genuine archaeological research is not really the vocation portrayed in Hollywood films such as Raiders of the Lost Ark. Inside the Hollywood movie machine, films like Indiana Jones are usually centered around the discovery of a golden idol — the “Academy Award” — not about the diverse workings of a vanished culture. As Indiana Jones did in the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark, qualified archaeologists often work for universities, as well as museums. Also, both the federal government and state governments employ many archeologists as expert forensic advisors.

It’s also true — as in the film Raiders of the Lost Ark — locating the lost Holy Ark of the Covenant has truly been one of the noble pursuits of various individuals, including genuine archeologists, biblical scholars — plus, greedy treasure hunters.

For centuries the location of the Ark has been a source of an ongoing debate. It’s considered the most prized treasure of biblical history. More important, it is at the center of a dispute about the question: should archaeology record the rise and fall of culture or study the boundaries between religious myth and valid Biblical history? What’s even stranger, today, German scientists are still looking for the Ark. These scientists feel the Ark was stolen from Jerusalem and built into the altar.

More than a few authentic archaeologists consider the fact that reliable scientists should not be in the profession of myth-chasing. Authentic scientific archaeology is a way to evaluate genuine science vs. phony science and religious myth. That’s why many social scientists and biblical scholars are trying to conduct proper research on religious artifacts.

Unlike what is portrayed in many Hollywood films, authentic archaeology is not traveling around the world having amorous affairs like a romantic adventurer. While Dr. Jones is kissing the girl and fighting the bad guy, authentic archeologists are determining research concepts, developing tactics and establishing a chronological sequence for their dig site.

More to the point, locating the lost Holy Ark of the Covenant is much like proving the authenticity of the famous Shroud of Turin. If these German scientists actually recovered the authentic Ark, it would be impossible to establish scientifically if it was, or wasn’t, the valid vessel for the Ten Commandments. And even if they could confirm it was the legitimate Ark, they still couldn’t prove the existence of the supernatural or God.

These movies are all great fun; but in reality if someone does find the Ark, it will be a great accomplishment. And hopefully, it will help our true understanding of history and the way humans have developed and evolved their religious beliefs.

Kevin McKenna is the Executive Director of IDEAS (Investigative Documentaries Educating American Society), a 501C non-profit corporation. If you have any comments, ideas or need more information on how you can help or contribute, please write to IDEAS: 1015 W. Clark Suite C. Burbank, CA 91506, call him at (818) 5883047 or e-mail ideasfilm@charter.net.

Earthquake and Plate Tectonics Earthquakes around the world at 23:01:14 GMT on July 7, 1999. Data from National Earthquake Information Center. Chart from IRIS Consortium, U.S. Geological Survey, University of Colorado, Reel Illusions, Inc., and the University of Washington. Chart modified for web use. Earthquakes that have occurred within the last 24 hours are shown in red circles. The circles fade through orange to yellow within 15 days. Green squares are 15-30 days, and light purple squares are 30 days to 5 years. The distribution of seismicity over the past 5 years demonstrates how earthquakes define the boundaries of tectonic plates. The green/yellow “ball” is a magnitude 5.1 event of July 3, 1999, located 5 mil

I’ve been watching the devastation in Japan on the TV news, along with reading about the gruesome earthquake in the newspaper. Some of the shocking film, as well as many of the still pictures of Japan’s ravaged landscape, is reminiscent of startling shots from a horrifying science fiction film. Comparable to the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, I’m almost certain this staggering incident will go down in infamy as the “Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011.”

The 9.0 magnitude earthquake, which occurred on Friday, March 11, off the coast of Japan, was the biggest earthquake ever recorded in Japan’s celebrated history, plus one the five greatest earthquakes ever recorded on earth. To date there are almost 14,000 confirmed as dead; and, as of my writing this, there are over 14,000 people still missing. The earthquake, along with the tsunami aftermath that followed it, is now expected to cost around $309 billion dollars, making it the most expensive natural disaster in world history.

This tragic event is almost certainly the most devastating incident to happen in Japan since the atomic bomb was dropped on them more than 65 years ago. They had to deal with the horror of radiation then; and, now with the danger from the two Fukushima nuclear power plants — they just might have to deal with that uncontrollable peril once again!

I’ve heard some imprudent people say this tragedy was an act of God. I’ve even heard some tactless people claiming it was pay back for Pearl Harbor. Come on! This catastrophe was no act of God: it was merely an act of Mother Nature. And, after this, we should all take heed just how fragile life on planet earth can actually be. I’m sure that Japan will pull through; but, it will take a lot of time, stacks of money — together with a copious amount of courage.

When I was taking classes for my undergraduate degree in anthropology, I took some courses in geography; where I learned about plate tectonics and the causes of earthquakes. I also discovered that faults are almost everywhere on the planet, and that earthquakes are typically triggered by a sudden slippage on a fault. They can also be set off by volcanic activity: when magma rises or recedes in a volcanic chamber. Just take a look at a map showing the locations and centers of earthquakes around the world. You can immediately see that earthquakes are prevalent along the coast lines of most countries.

Moreover, I just finished reading that by living in Los Angeles we have about a 50 percent chance of experiencing a major earthquake within the next 30 years. When I think about it rationally, the whole earthquake thing is somewhat scary… It now seems as if living in LA is much like playing a protracted game of Russian roulette. I’m not suggesting we all move to Arizona; but I do feel we should all be prepared — for what someday terribly soon just could go down.

In 1987, I worked as a faculty instructor for LAUSD, where I taught first aid together with earthquake preparedness. At that time every school in the district was required to have people on staff trained for this type of major catastrophe. Schools were also required to have a big blue rubber canister filled with crucial stores. These fundamental and essential supplies should include: food and water provisions, warm clothing, plus some basic tools — like a wrench to turn off gas lines, along with first aid materials.

For your very own good: I would like to convince all my readers to also put together some of these necessary items in a sturdy heavy-duty container. What’s more, try to remember the most important item in a first aid kit is a pair of scissors… So, always keep a pair handy. With scissors you can make bandages, splints, ties, holders and an assortment of other usages…

To donate to Japan relief, visit www.unicefusa.org/japan or www.redcross.org.

Kevin McKenna is an award winning writer/filmmaker, a social scientist, along with the Executive Director of IDEAS (Investigative Documentaries Educating American Society). If you have any comments, ideas or need more information on how you can help or contribute, call him at (818) 588-3047 or email ideasfilm@charter.net.

Ed Asner and Kevin McKenna

Once more, for the eighth year strata, I would like to congratulate International Student Film Festival Hollywood president Robin Saban and festival director Dorothy Surpi on a truly wonderful film festival and a lot of fun. I’ve been volunteering for and entering festivals since film school at the San Francisco Art Institute way back in the 1970’s. An actress I liked at the time was a volunteer usher at the San Francisco Film Festival and suggested I volunteer. I did and got the girl and saw a lot of real good films for free. I also entered some short films in some small festivals at the time and won a couple. As a result, film festivals have always been fun for me.

In 2003 the student festival’s first year, I was asked to be a judge in the documentary category. My friend Gene Brunstein, who was a writer and producer on the hit TV show Who’s The Boss, called me and asked if I join him in being a judge. I was so impressed by Robin’s dedication to young filmmakers I promptly accepted a seat on the festival’s board of directors. The board believes that by combining our efforts to aid student filmmakers both here and abroad we bring the world of cinema closer together and also contribute in helping to unite the world through the art of film.

This year’s International Student Film Festival Hollywood again received hundreds of submissions from over many countries. The festival screened middle school, high school and college students worldwide. Film screenings took place at the historic Beverly Garland Hotel. The festival presents an outstanding platform for the student filmmaker to increase the exposure of their work; and also for the pubic to discover some amazing new talent. These student filmmakers are the future of cinema and this might be the public’s only opportunity to see their amazing work before they become really big. This festival is a great place to network and meet other people who are into films and filmmaking.

Also, each year, the festival honors a member of the Hollywood community for their outstanding achievements in the art of filmmaking. Past honorees have included Michael Greenspan, A.C. Lyles, Mike Medavoy, Bonnie Bruckhemier, Lainie Kazan, Jennifer Lynch and a special award to James Coburn in 2003.

This year we honored Iris Yamashita, who was a Golden Globe winner for her screen play Letters From Iwo Jima. She has also been nominated for four Academy Awards. I would like to thank the great actor Ed Asner for speaking to the students filmmakers about the fine art of show business.

Remember, it’s not easy to change the world, but, in time, one step at a time, one town at a time, maybe we can, so let’s take that first small step and go the distance.

Kevin McKenna is an award winning filmmaker and the executive director of IDEAS (Investigative Documentaries Educating American Society), If you have any comments, ideas or need more information on how you can help or contribute call him at (818) 588-3047 or e-mail ideasfilm@charter.net

The madcap story line involves a radical young draft dodger who joins the Psychedelic Army, commits treason and then spends 1967 – the “Summer of Love” – hiding from the FBI in Haight/Ashbury. It mixes sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll with a staggering anthropological analysis of western culture.

Since I’m trying to create a buzz about the book I’m giving a copy to all my readers who ask. Just send me an e-mail. And, I’ll send any of my readers an online copy of the book.

The following is an excerpt from the first chapter.

I can hardly believe it. Today is my birthday! How did time go by so fast? It seems like yesterday, I was only seventeen. And even though I don’t feel like it; I’m currently sixty years old. Over these years a river of water has passed under my bridge. Some of the torrent was extremely hot! Some of it incredibly cold… A lot of the water was mixed with tears! While, much of it was simply lukewarm and hung out to dry…

Since you’re hopefully going to read this unconventional book, let me tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Dr. Steven Oliver Shaw Ph.D. I’ve been working as a psychological anthropologist for about five years now. Currently, I’m writing a research paper on the beneficial use of mind altering drugs, and their association with healing certain mental illnesses in tribal societies. At present, I’m preparing to leave for South America to carry out epic research on this noteworthy and significant subject matter. During the next eighteen months, I’ll be living with the Kofan tribe (Los Cofanes). More to the point of my research, these natives employ shamans. These men are spiritualists, as well as of healers. They use an incredibly powerful mind altering mixture of organic substances, called Yage. These shamans utilize this mystical mixture in curative ceremonies, also in the course of their religious rituals…

The old-school administration at the foundation where I am receiving my current research grant, considers me a bit off balanced. Maybe, even a little mad! You see, I still have notably long gray hair, along with a full beard. I also have the feeling a selection of my cynical friends think, I’m a genuine screwball. The product of a miss-spent idiosyncratic youth… “I totally disagree!” I have no regrets or apologies for my past life. And I will not make atonement, or voice penance for my indulgences or indiscretions. It was merely the radical times, along with my yearning to make the world a better place. For I was a rebel who was sure he had a cause… You see, when I was an adolescent, I lived in one of the most earth-shattering, forward-thinking cultures on the planet; we were the authentic “Wild Bunch!”

My life back then…Was like a madcap pipedream, swirling around in some type of candid reality… I took a magnificent adventure through the Doors of Perception! Where I embraced “True Love”… Brawled with Hell’s Angles! Participated in love orgies! Partied with Janis Joplin! Even met George Harrison… To top it all off! I opened in concert for the The Grateful Dead. Plus, I did all this, before I was nineteen years old.

Kevin McKenna is an award winning filmmaker/social scientist and the executive director of IDEAS (Investigative Documentaries Educating American Society), a 501c Non-profit Corporation. If you have any comments, ideas or need more information on how you can help or contribute, please call him at (818) 588-3047 or e-mail ideasfilm@charter.net.

Youth can be an incredible and wonderful time in our lives. A lot of my best memories are from my childhood. It is a time when life is uncomplicated and dreams still can come true. That’s why I am a supporter of after school enrichment programs.

During the two years I ran an after school program, I saw these children develop a genuine spirit of community, as well as what I believe, the feeling of belonging to something important, something good, a place that could change their young lives for the better. I became conscious that children in these programs become more positive, confident and are also learning self worth, usefulness, teamwork and how to express themselves more effectively.

This is a place where any child can fit in. It is a very special place for the young person; sometimes it is the only place a child has where someone will listen to them and their problems.

With all temptations, like gangs, drugs and sex, parents are fortunate to have dedicated programs to help our children resist these enticements

Kevin McKenna is an award winning filmmaker/social scientist and the Executive Director of IDEAS (Investigative Documentaries Educating American Society), a 501c Non-profit Corporation. If you have any comments, ideas or need more information on how you can help or contribute, please call him at (818) 588-3047 or E-mail ideasfilm@scharter.net

English Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli once said, “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.”

I’m presently taking a college course in statistic analysis for the social and behavioral scientist. It is taught by the reflective and inspired professor, Dr. Sally Raskoff.

Every year statistics are used in deciding the curriculums for schools around the country. As a result, the curriculum is often modified by these numbers to help the learning process. That means the classes that I am taking today are based on data assembled in the past. Therefore the proper analysis of statistics is crucial in my receiving a high-quality education.

Also, as a journalist and filmmaker, I use statistics almost daily. As a result, I realize just how important valid facts can be in telling a proper story, together with hopefully changing the world for the betterment of mankind. However, unfortunately, statistics are not always used for altruistic principles. That’s why every conscientious American citizen should have a proper comprehension of deceptive numbers and ambiguous statistics. For without an undistorted knowledge we as a culture could easily be hoodwink – then double-cross by the powers to be.

Just think back to all the statistical misinformation that has harmed us as a society in the past. Many governments in the history of modern civilization have deceived its citizens by using statistical propaganda and half truths to bamboozle its gullible citizens. The Nazis could never have made it out their subversive closet if it was not for the misinformation put forth by bogus data and statistics. That’s because, statistics can be drawn upon to sell us a double-dealing bunch of crap! You see, more often then not, sham statistics are used to send some minor criminal to prison for life. And every so often there are used for something even worst: like sending the country’s young men into a bloody and deadly war!

In spite of this potential deception, the true purpose of statistical analysis is to review and scrutinize a mixture of genuine and distinctive characteristics and diverse components of life on planet earth for the rightful benefit of mankind…

In calculating and evaluating this unadulterated information the researcher should be able to ascertain various factors: including gender, social stratification, and religious believes, as well as economic and societal trends of the person…

For the most part the statistician’s assessment is achieved through various forms of surveys and a precise system of random sampling. As well they employ a straightforward scientific method, together with a systematic formula to review the ingenuous research findings. That’s because the responsible researcher must always formulate a carefully worked-out assessment of the research question. Then they must make an evaluation of which type of algebraic calculations to employ in order to prove or disprove the correlation or the relationship in question. In addition, the statistician must frame that appropriate algebraic approach applied in the examining and questioning of their statistical conclusions. By doing this one can measure the degree of the relationship in the study. What’s more, they can also discover what percentage of the situation under question is caused or affected by the independent variable in the condition. Along with, what percent of the circumstance may have been shaped by outside causes – or trigger by additional external factors…

Subsequently, formulating a high-quality method of analysis will assist in the assessment of the information, in company with forming a true and logical opinion on the subject matter under investigation. In view of that underlying fact, the researcher must always be competent to utilize as well as appraise the underlining data. Subsequently, they can develop an authentic hypothesis in relation to the evidence in question. If not we could be wasting a lot of time and money trying to fix a preconceived notion – along with the wrong social problems. You see, causation is not always evident and understandable without proper scientific study. Many facts can be ambiguous, especially if you’re not sure if there is a bona fide cause and effect for what might seem at the time clear and obvious. What might basically appear to be as plain as the nose on your face, may just be as blurred and indistinguishable as the nose on your face really is… However, using statistical analyzes certain correlations and relationships, along with the enigmatic and unexplained, materialize in front of your very eyes. It almost seems like genuine magic; or maybe, perchance, authentic and accurate mathematical science!

To many of us students of the social and behavioral sciences, the study of statistics is like leaning a foreign language. However, we can no more avoid statistical data than we can stop verbal communication and the use of essential dialogue. That’s why research students must learn how to interpret data analytically using a systematic methodology. We must also discover how to produce data that imparts understandable solutions to significant questions. This is the reason why extracting empirical conclusions based on confirmed pragmatic data is so very crucial. Moreover, I feel we must always remember one extremely vital and notable aspect about exposing certain facts & figures… Statistical evidence can, beyond a doubt, transform the way we think, act and live our lives.

You see, I believe that revealing the truth about essential facts cannot harm anyone. However, by the same token, conveying lies about critical figures can hurt countless people – and perhaps, even unhinged a biased and dogmatic western society!

Kevin McKenna is filmmaker, social scientist and the Executive Director of IDEAS (Investigative Documentaries Educating American Society) a 501 c non profit corporation. If you have any comments, ideas or need more information on how you can help or contribute, call him at 818-588-3047 or e – mail ideasfilm@charter.net

Dear Mr. President,

I hate to admit it! Nevertheless, I believe a great evil haunts America’s justice system. Although we try to hide it behind barbed wire fences and concrete walls, there is widespread sickness in our courts. It is a problem that infects cops, prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges. The fact is there are two kinds of justice in America: one for the rich who can afford bail and a good attorney, and an incredibly different form of justice for the poor, who can’t afford bail and are given a public defender. America’s justice structure is trapped between two ages, and two classes.

Thousands of disadvantaged prisoners are suffocating in the savagery of an outdated and archaic legal system. This is an extremely vicious cycle, and something should be done to end it. I believe Lady Justice must no longer turn a blind eye, as well as remove the thirty silver pieces weighing down her scales. America’s judicial system must strive for impartiality, evenhandedness and integrity for all its citizens, prosperous or poor.

We are spending billions of dollars each year on our prison problem. However, as you already recognize, more shackles and larger jails are not the solution to crime. The answer, of course, is an enhanced educational system and better jobs. We need to instill a pride of community and self-worth in our “at risk” children and young adults. We must also need to provide more leadership, guidance along with job training for our underprivileged offspring who are often tempted by the glory of gangs and the smell of easy money.

At present there are over two million people in America’s detention centers. If they were all together in one place it would be one of the most populated cities in this country. And, according to The Sentencing Project, America’s incarceration rate is the highest in the world. You can bank on it; without some kind of change in our current perspective, the prison population will continue to rise regardless of the tremendous cost to the tax paying public. Moreover, as you know, our prison system is an iniquitous merry-go-round. Each day thousands of dejected and penniless convicts are released from our country’s prisons and jails, most of them without job skills, or any kind of honest employment waiting for them on the outside.

Even if these former convicts wanted to go straight, they frequently feel they have no choice but to go back into crime. You see, after conviction of a drug felony (under 21 U.S.C. 862a) the criminal can no longer obtain state programs funded under the Social Security Act or Federal Food Stamp Act. Subsequently, they felt doomed and often attempted to make money by street crime – or dealing drugs!

What’s more, these drug dealers are not always making big money. Current research finds the average drug dealer only makes $24,000 a year. Just calculate this: it costs an average of around $30,000 to house a person in prison. If we could just offer employment in building up America to half of our present convicts and allow them to earn $25,000 a year, we would be saving a good deal of money while building America’s infrastructure.

Don’t get me wrong, Mr. President! I’m not excusing drug dealers or saying it is right to break the law. I only know that sometimes when a man feels desperate, it often clouds his judgment.

As we both know not every criminal can be saved from a life of corruption and vice. Some convicts are just too far into crime to come back and function in society. Others have been treated so badly that as a result, they have become too brutal and violent to change. Scores of men and women could be saved from this horrific life if we will just educate them with useful job skills, then help them find decent employment.

Moreover, this is what I find truly outrageous: it costs annually more to send a young man to jail then it does for him to attend Yale. It’s too bad, because many of these young men are smart and should be going to Penn State, not the state pen.

Always yours,
Kevin P. McKenna
Executive Director, IDEAS

Kevin McKenna is a filmmaker/ social scientist and the Executive Director of IDEAS (Investigative Documentaries Educating American Society), a 501c non-profit corporation. If you have any comments or ideas or need more information please call him at (818) 588-3047 e-mail ideasfilm@charter.net.

Dear Mr. President,
I feel it is urgent that we change America’s present drug policy!!! As I’m sure you already realize; the government’s official strategy on drug use has been based on dishonesty. What’s more, this propagation of deceit began way back in 1914 with the passing of the Harrison Act; which first criminalized drug use – as well as addiction. At that time the Harrison Act made millions of law abiding drug Addicted (sick) American citizens into instant criminals. Furthermore, if you look deeply into the reason for the Harrison Act, along with the government’s standpoint on drugs at that time, you’ll find more often than not it was based around “racism…
Currently there are more than a half a million people in American prisons because of drugs. Furthermore, our country has spent hundreds of billions of dollars trying to win the “War on Drugs“. And, I’m sorry to say, we are losing this crucial crusade, battle after battle… More important, Mr. President, the authentic battle is actually with addiction!!!  More to the point, should the billions of dollars spent on the “War on Drugs” be diverted into research, education and rehabilitation? Or should it be spent on more law enforcement and tougher jails? The fact is most drug addicted offenders, if not properly medically treated, return to drugs and often crime soon after their release from prison.
Over the last forty years, the dishonesty about drugs like marijuana, along with the misclassification of these substances has cost America trillions of dollars fighting a war against the wrong drugs – and the wrong enemy! Also, I have discovered the government’s deceit has caused more addiction then it has alleviated… If you don’t believe it, just take a closer look at the DARE program. It again lied to young students about marijuana. And, according to current research: because of the dishonesty in the core curriculum, the program has caused more addiction then it has cured.
Our government actually had the audacity to tell its citizens that they would have deformed babies if they took LSD! In addition, the government claimed if you smoked pot you’d become sterile. Consequently, not knowing the truth about addiction America’s naive adolescents embraced hard drugs as they would marijuana. Looking back, I feel it’s now absolutely apparent that the all-embracing lies, told to my callow generation in the “1960’s”, about the effects and consequences of these drugs more then just facilitated the hard drug hell we find in America at present… They indubitably caused it!
That’s why I feel it is extremely important to separate hard drugs from marijuana. As you must be aware, marijuana, as well as heroin and cocaine are still all classified as “Schedule One” drugs by the federal government. Linking the three together, in the first place, was a grievous mistake, along with the government’s incredible error in lying to the public about the affects of the marijuana.
This is all part of the reason, why today in America we have the most serous drug problem in the world. Simply put, you just can’t lie to kids!!! If they catch you they will never believe anything you tell them again. And like kids everywhere; it seems America’s children had to learn the hard way just how lethal hard drugs, like heroin and cocaine, truly can be.
I believe, revealing the truth about drugs and their affects can not harm anyone. However, by the same token, conveying lies about drug use does hurt countless people!!! Starting with our own children…

Always yours,
Kevin P. McKenna
Executive Director IDEAS

Kevin McKenna is social/behavioral scientist, as well as a filmmaker/writer, and the Executive Director of IDEAS (Investigative Documentaries Educating American Society), a 501C non-profit corporation. If you have any comments, ideas or need more information please write to IDEAS 1015 W. Clark Suite C. Burbank, CA. 91506 or call him at (818) 588-3047 or E-mail ideasfilm@charter.net.

Dear Mr. President,
I am writing this communiqué to thank you for your notable effort. I applaud your historic and noteworthy service to America, especially this early in your first term and in these most difficult of times. In the same vein as our Founding Fathers, I feel you are a genuine pioneer as well as an inspirational leader more than capable of breaking new ground. You just might be the first American president, since our founders, who genuinely recognizes the “big picture.”
Moreover, our amazing nation is presently waging a number of deadly battles: the war on drugs, the war on terrorism, and the war on unemployment and poverty, along with a bloody crusade in the Middle East. As well, America is fighting an ongoing campaign against ignorance. And as you know, we desperately need an improved educational structure
In view of that, I will be writing and publishing a series of letters/columns entitled “Dear Mr. President” outlining my main concerns. Therefore, let me get directly to the point. First, being a father of four, I’m extremely concerned about America’s failing schools and educational system. It is one of the core causes of poverty and also the root of various other social problems, including drug use and crime.
Across the board, America’s educational approach is, beyond a doubt, archaic! And, because its framework is undeniably and totally behind the times, many of America’s offspring are in very serious trouble. As you may already appreciate, a number of our ghettos schools are like jungles where children play survival of the toughest. Several of these schools are understaffed, under-funded, and under attack by their own students. Countless children in these schools can’t write—or even read a simple sentence!
Our current method of teaching habitually undermines our children’s individuality and, often, their true creativity. It’s hard to comprehend that in 2010, America’s schools (like its detention centers and prisons) still run primarily on negative reinforcement and punishment.
Forced learning under duress and intimidation is aberrant and undeniably not the most optimal way to educate young children. Our schools demand too much brainless busywork along with overwhelming amounts of senseless homework. Moreover, we must address the tenure issue. Upon achieving tenure, many teachers believe it is a license to slack off. Because of all these inept and ineffective tenured teachers, coupled with the constant negativity pervading America’s schools, we are, in all honesty, failing countless children along with the future of this incredible nation. This tawdry type of teaching is one of the reasons the lure of gangs, drugs, and easy money is now corrupting kids who just cannot get by in school.
Our educators and administrators must appreciate that it is no longer the dark ages! Most do not appear to appreciate or understand the fundamental concepts. For example, isn’t it highly unnatural to have a young boy sit still all day long? Boys need to get up, move around, take part in learning games, and not spend five or six hours sitting like a zombie at an undersized school desk. It is simply not natural. Why do you think so many adolescent boys loathe school while there, and then drop out? What is your Secretary of Education presently doing about our ongoing educational problems? I cannot comprehend why we have failed to correct this highly corrosive composition of negative reinforcement, brainless busywork, and insipid teachers to date. All that this downbeat, unconstructive behavior does is turn our children off of school and education. That is why we should immediately set forth fashioning a brand new, innovative, state-of-the-art teaching approach.
Additionally, America must invest significant amounts towards a quality preschool program for our country’s underprivileged children. As it has now become perfectly clear, a well-run preschool curriculum will save us billions of dollars in the imminent future: cutting prison costs, drug rehab operating expenses, and welfare disbursements.
The first thing a child should learn in school is that education and knowledge can not only be a mind-blowing, cool experience, but also a bunch of fun! Only then can teachers honestly get down and teach America’s children the true love of learning.
With the foregoing in mind, here’s a no-nonsense proposal that is uncomplicated and almost effortless. In contrast to coercion, pressure, harshness, and hollering at kids, I believe an unassuming warm smile on every teacher’s face might just yield a world of difference.
Always yours,

Kevin P. McKenna
Executive Director, IDEAS

Kevin McKenna is a filmmaker/social scientist and the executive director of IDEAS (Investigative Documentaries Educating American Society), a 501c non-profit corporation. If you have any comments, ideas, or need more information, please call (818) 588-3047 or e-mail ideasfilm@charter.net.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Monday was Martin Luther King’s birthday! However, sadly it seems that many of the horrors that haunted Rev. King still endure in the world today. It’s 2010 and everyone in America is presumed equal, no matter their race or religion. On the surface it looks like times may have changed for the best. However, regretfully, bigotry is still alive and kicking on a number of different levels. You see, a significant amount of the planet’s population is still suffocating from the savagery of racial and religious bias.
The immeasurable sacrifices made by Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement, by all accounts, ended forty years ago. Thankfully, the black man won the grand prize and arrived in the promise land. Unfortunately, it is a promise land still filled with rundown schools, lethal ghettos and harsh prisons.
Unfortunately, it seems prejudice is still alive and well. Moreover, it is probably the most contagious and deadly disease plaguing our planet today.
According to the Uniform Crime Reporting Program, last year, law enforcement reported almost 10,000 victims of hate crimes in America. What’s more, there were over 5,000 victims of racially motivated hate crimes. Not surprising, 66.4 percent were victims of anti-black bias.
Clearly, we should no longer judge a book by its cover, or a person by their outer shell, but so often we do. As Rev. King often acknowledged, we should not judge someone by the slant of their eyes, their country of origin or by the way they worship God. He believed we should look at someone’s character before condemning or forming an opinion of them.
Rev. King also believed that, to stop discrimination, people must open their eyes to new ideas. He felt we should close our ears to the old lies, narrow-mindedness and the belief everyone should look, think and act just like we do. He wanted us to judge a person for their integrity instead of the way they speak, dress, look or pray! He recognized that the world would be a very dull place if everyone were exactly the same. He knew a man’s destiny should be determined by his courage, conscience and moral fiber instead of the tint of his skin or the color of his bible. And only after we can gaze past the fiscal looks of a person can we truly see the real beauty in their heart, soul and mind.
Rev. King felt that we are all brothers living on the same planet and that we must start acting like it. He knew it was important we forget the old stereotypes and labels that we attach to groups of people who are different from ourselves and, even though we have our differences, we are all basically the same. Also, he felt humanity was capable of achieving so much if we could only learn true tolerance and develop a genuine understanding of our fellow man. He truly believed we must share this small globe in brotherhood. Furthermore, he thought God desired all religions to live side by side in peace and brotherhood!
Since Rev. King’s death, man has walked on the moon, as well as found new cures for horrible diseases. However, if man could only achieve the simple feat of tolerance toward his fellow man, it would end all wars, plus stop the majority of violence in the world today. After that, citizens from all around the globe could work together and truly help humanity and change civilization for the better. Subsequently, every day could more or less be like a bona fide holiday. Happy Birthday Rev. King!

Kevin McKenna is the Executive Director of IDEAS (Investigative Documentaries Educating American Society), a 501C non-profit corporation. If you have any comments, ideas or need more information on how you can help or contribute, please write to IDEAS (1015 W. Clark Suite C. Burbank, CA. 91506), call (818) 588-3047 or E-mail ideasfilm@charter.net.