I am in China. In Weihai, Shandong Province. My friend Kit Kung is in partnership with Weihai Houdong Automation Co, Ltd., and I'm watching them build the industrial future. I've not visited China for nearly a decade, and anything about extraordinary, mind-defying progress I could say has been said by so many others. But it is... -- Mr. Tang Xhixian, Chairman, and Mr. Ning Youwei, General Manager, treated me to a banquet tonight, and it was.
Mr. Tang Shixian:
What Else But Home has been banned ! Banned. A Parent Group in a New York City public school, proud of their school, dedicated to their children and familiar with the story of education my book tells, invited me to a reading there. They wanted to organize it in the school library, and to involve two other schools sharing the same building. BUT the principal banned my book. He forbid the reading.
I write about this school in What Else But Home. I deeply respected the principal there, who has moved on since our children were young. That principal and the teachers built an important school, a good place of learning for our neighborhood children.
And the new principal? What is the lesson he is teaching our children, and our community?
This is part of the school's mission: "Tompkins Square Middle School (TSMS) is a learning community with high academic standards dedicated to fostering ethical, caring, self-reflective, and critical thinkers. Relationships and communication among staff, students, and parents are at the core of our community. TSMS celebrates the diversity of all its members, supports their different learning styles, and encourages them to express their individuality and pursue their interests. Community members are challenged to analyze different points of view and build skills within a meaningful context. " (emphasis added)
Did I say the name of the school?
Sonhando Estwick - did I say the name of the Principal?
So I'm going to reach out to our local press. And to some of our locally elected representatives. Such as NYC Councilmember Rosie Mendez, who hosted my book reading at the National Arts Club. And to some of the people in the larger school community, to get an understanding from them about book banning. And I will read from What Else But Home on the school steps of Tompkins Square Middle School, because I do not believe that books should be banned, nor ideas forbidden.
Carlos update: Dr. Warren Hammerschlag examined Carlos' hand. Carlos needs a MRI, but he'll wait for his insurance to become active before getting it. In the meantime, Warren says Carlos can swing a bat, but to tape up his hand.
Clay Snellgrove has arranged for two managers from Frontier League teams to watch Carlos at the May tryout.
And Todd Marlin has arranged the same with his team.
So Carlos couldn't ask for more, now. Now is in his and Greater hands.
Love, Michael
________________________________________________________________________
