Hillsborough County

August 7, 2020

In the Midst of COVID-19 and the Public School Shutdown, Has Anyone Noticed Hypocrisy?

The Hillsborough County School Board has voted to shutdown public school classrooms for students until October.

Studies of COVID-19 have shown that most children are symptom free and hardly susceptible to Coronavirus. In spite of that fact, all education in Hillsborough County public schools will move online to e-learning until at least October 2020.

What will change between today and early October when the Hillsborough County School Board proposes to reopen the schools?

Photo from TampaBay.com.

The School Board gave the Teacher’s Union what it demanded, but where does that put single parent households or households that demand both parents go to work?

For taxpayers, we see monolith school buildings in our communities that remain empty. We also have children in our community who have not had a day of classroom education since March 2020.

Finally, the hypocrisy of some public educators is stunning. I was an early proponent of the right to homeschool and championed homeschooling as an option beginning in the 1980’s. The right of parents to determine their child’s education was a crusade that faced a formidable adversary combining the power, influence, and finances of Teacher’s Unions, politicians, and state and local school officials. That same adversary is now a proponent of homeschooling themselves as they demand the right to stay at home, teach students online, and continue to draw their salary and benefits.

Hillsborough County needs School Board members who are not tone deaf to parental concerns. Our community needs school board members who put students first. We need school board members who are listening to the majority of teacher professionals who are ready to be back in the classroom with their students.

Is it not time to stop placating Teacher’s Unions and put children first?

Copyright 2020 – Travis D. Smith

February 13, 2018

Hillsborough County Public School Teachers…Before You Vote

Only today did I become aware that public school teachers in Hillsborough County are voting for the next president of their Teachers Union.  While I would generally give little thought to a Union election, this one I cannot ignore because it bears heavy influence on who will be leading thousands of public school teachers in Hillsborough County and the moral and political agenda they will pursue in our county.

Because the Teachers Union bears heavy influence on curriculum choices for our public schools in Hillsborough County, every parent, teacher, and taxpayer should be concerned with who the teachers choose as their president. Why?  Because the president of the Hillsborough County Teachers Association will bring his\her own political agenda and moral standard not only to education, but also to the lives of Hillsborough County public school students and employees.

As a Public School teacher, you face the evidences of a decaying culture and the consequences of moral corruption every day.  With the exception of Law Enforcement, I believe you have the most difficult job of any I might imagine.

Sadly, a breakdown of discipline in the home has introduced the same in our schools. Every day you face students, many of whom have no concept of discipline in their studies, nevertheless, you seek to inspire them.  You engage with parents who are disengaged from their children’s education and exhausted from holding down jobs while struggling to pay bills. 

I am aware there are times the administration is less than supportive and the School Board falls short in fulfilling promises and expectations.  I understand the activities of a Union can be a powerful force and you seek leadership that will strive to put forward your interests and that of your schools and students.

I urge you…please do not divorce the moral component of your decision as you cast your vote for the next president of your union.  The president of the Hillsborough County Teachers Association will set the tone and political agenda for your Union.

It is not my role or purpose to endorse anyone, but to caution you to choose a leader who reflects not only your career aspirations, but also the moral character that will command the respect of students, parents and peers.

Travis D. Smith

www.SpiritualMinutemen.org

P.S. With his permission, I am copying below my blog an email from Mr. Terry Kemple of the Community Issues Council concerning Ms. Valerie Chuchman, candidate for president of the Hillsborough County Teacher’s Association.

From: Terry Kemple <tkemple@integrity.com>

Subject: This Woman Is Running For Teachers’ Union President !?!?!

Date: February 13, 2018 at 8:44:25 AM EST

February 13, 2018

Community Issues Council – This teacher is mocking religion in her classroom. And she wants to be President of the Hillsborough County Teachers’ Union.

This is Valerie Chuchman, one of two candidates for President of the Hillsborough County Teachers Union! She is a high school teacher and wore this outfit to school one day. Although it’s not distinct in this picture, the necklace she has on is a “crucifix” made out of little human skulls.

The Facebook comment box is back and forth between her and other teachers commenting on how “creepy” the outfit is and how that’s the impression Chuchman wants to create.

It’s bad enough that she chooses to ridicule religion by wearing an outfit that mocks Catholic Nuns when the only ones she influences are the students at the school where she teaches. Imagine what it will be like if she wins the election and is able, through her leadership of teachers as Union President, to influence teachers at every school in the District.

The hostility toward God and His people in our schools is already oppressive enough toward students, teachers, and staff who are believers. Having this woman in this key leadership position would only heighten the persecution against expressions of faith and those who believe in God!

I looked at her campaign literature and it doesn’t mention that she’s “married” to another female teacher at Riverview High School. You may remember her spouse’s name, Lorajane Reidas.

Reidas is the RHS teacher who forced students in her class to remove their cross necklaces (I guess it would have been alright if the students had worn crosses made of skulls)! She also has coercive homosexual material all around her classroom.

If you’re a teacher, please take all of this into account when you cast your vote for CTA President. If you know other teachers, please share this information with them so their votes are fully informed.

Together we can make a difference!

God bless you!

Terry

Community Issues Council

2312 Cherry Ridge Lane

Brandon, FL  33511

813 368-9077

Website: www.CommunityIssuesCouncil.org

E-Mail: CIC@integrity.com

February 9, 2018 Gallery

You Call This Education? I Don’t Think So!

A confession before an observation: I could care less whether or not there is a Daddy-Daughter school dance in New York City public schools or anywhere else for that matter!

I am, however, very concerned our public school systems and parents are squabbling over “political correctness” and “Inclusion” while education in the public school system has become a national crisis.

Parents and American taxpayers should be infuriated over the failure of our education system to carry out their principle charge…educating America’s youth!  The disgraceful education received by our youth is one from which this nation may never recover.  America’s public-school system needs a total re-start beginning on the local level.

Let’s be real, the duty and responsibility of training and discipline begins at home and it is not the schools’ system’s duty to teach moral values, an appreciation for learning, or acceptable behavior.  The American family is in crisis.  More than 20 million children are fatherless and many more (estimate 33%) have never known the guiding hand of a father.  Too many mothers are bearing the burden of not only parenting, but also struggling and sacrificing to supply basic needs for their children.

Sadly, there is a breakdown of discipline in our schools and survival seems to be the measurement of success for students and teachers.  Administrators order teachers to promote students through the school system, giving them passing grades for nothing more than showing up for class!

No wonder America’s youth are ignorant of phonics, cannot write cursive, are unable to read, conduct simple math, and have no knowledge of history or understanding of American government.

School administrators and teachers fret over “Inclusion” and parents seem oblivious to the reality their children’s education is being sacrificed.  Politicians and liberal media beat the drum for irrational Gender-Neutral matters, while students lack textbooks of their own and have no concept of homework.  Education has been usurped by liberal indoctrination and “political correctness” and America’s youth are the losers.

Tell the students the truth…they do not and never will live in a “fair world”; the best evidence of that is what today’s public schools’ call “education”!

Copyright 2018 – Travis D. Smith

February 8, 2018

TRAGEDY STRIKES THE HEARTLAND OF AMERICA

After a 9-year assault on “white America” (I hate to use that term…I am an American!) led by the Obama Administration and gleefully embraced by liberals who hate America and Judeo-Christian values (marriage, family, and home), we now read the largest drop of life expectancy in America is among middle-age “White Americans”.

Liberal educators, politicians, and media buffoons, got their “Hope and Change” in 2008 with the election of Barack Hussein Obama and by 2016 America became a nation feeling hopeless, believing nothing would change…on the brink of spiritual, moral, and economic bankruptcy.

Only by the sovereignty and providence of God have we seen Donald Trump elected President (and no, he is not perfect) and a non-politician take the helm of state and begin to push back against a “hate ideology” that left so many Americans despondent.

Why have Americans turned to drugs, including the epidemic of opioids, alcohol, and pursued sexual depravity at the risk of their health and future?  Why is the heartland of middle America morally imploding?

Yesterday’s report in USA Today suggests, “The problem is concentrated in rural, largely white counties that have often struggled for many years with stagnant wages, unemployment, poverty and the loss of major industries that fueled local economies…”

Predictably, Steven Woolf of Virginia Commonwealth University, suggests a change of policy “directed at strengthening the middle class” will be the answer.

No, Mr. Woolf, a change of policy is not what America needs.  America needs a spiritual revival.  Our nation needs to humble herself, return to God, repent of our sins, and embrace the fundamental spiritual principles that made us the greatest nation in the world.

Although addressed to Israel, I close with a verse that should be the passion of every believer.

2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Copyright 2018 – Travis D. Smith

September 28, 2017

The Naivety of “Taking the Knee”

I purposed to allow this blog to lie dormant except for the most pertinent concerns; however,  the continuing offense and collusion of NFL management, owners and players provoked me to offer my view (if only for my well-being).

I hope the majority of Americans recognize the “take the knee” protests practiced by NFL players is staged and encouraged by liberals promoting a socialist, anti-American ideology, using young millionaire athletes for their own ends.

The majority of professional athletes “taking a knee” are little more than young naive college graduates.   They have been the objects of praise and adulation their whole lives for no other reason than they can run faster, jump higher, and hit harder than the average.  Apart from playing football and the wealth that comes with stardom, they are like the majority of young Americans…searching for purpose and core values.   Many of these bigger than life athletes have been coddled by parents, pampered by coaches and are ill-equipped for anything more than the games they play.

There are a few athletes in professional sports who have a story to tell and inspire others to rise above mediocrity and become successful, productive citizens; however, they are the exception.

The “take the knee” gang inspires nothing and no one.  They inflame prejudice, provoke division, and dispirit the downhearted.   They live in gated communities, enjoy the luxury of multi-million dollar estates, and on Sunday “take the knee” piously suggesting they identify with millions of fans who cannot afford the expense of parking at the stadium let alone the price of admission!

Who is to blame for giving naive young men the privilege of offending an American public?  

We are!  We are guilty of idolizing professional athletes, showering them with applause and adulation, and nurturing in them a misguided notion their underdeveloped thoughts and opinions deserve expression on America’s biggest stage.  We are guilty of paying taxes that build stadiums and then privilege these misguided young adults with an opportunity to offend sons, daughters, spouses, and parents whose loved ones died in the line of duty!

We are to blame for electing politicians, Democrats and Republicans, who are anti-American liberals, socialists, and marxists!  We are to blame for being silent when politicians, main stream news reporters, teachers, professors, community leaders, and professional athletes denigrate our nation, erode our Constitutional liberties, and assault America’s core-ideals with impunity!

Reflecting a Marxist ideology, liberals veil the offense of “take the knee” protests in the principle of “free speech”, but loathe those who point out their ignorance and hypocrisy.  

The 1st Amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press…”  Americans are protected from a repressive government that would silence its citizens; however, the right of “free speech” does not extend to a private work place, whether it is a Mom and Pop Pizzeria, local McDonald’s franchise or an NFL stadium.

The hypocrisy of the NFL on this point is undeniable.   As a corporation, the NFL did not hesitate to silence the Dallas Cowboys when they wanted to display a miniscule helmet decal in support of law enforcement after five police officers were slain in the line of duty in 2016.   However, the same NFL management supports and tacitly encourages its players to “take the knee” supporting liberal, anti-American speech that offends patriotic Americans.

Wake up America!  You will not give a kid wearing a McDonald’s uniform a free pass on offensive speech.  You will not allow a police officer to disparage you and justify his actions as “free speech”.   Why then will you give the NFL and its players the right to defame America’s flag and National Anthem?

A liberal, socialist ideology is driving the dialog and young NFL players “taking the knee” are pawns of those whose goal is the denigration of American patriotism and the erosion of American Constitutional liberties.

Copyright – Travis D. Smith

May 22, 2017

The Tragic Consequences Of Silence

* The following article is generated out of concern for the absence of pastors and Christian laypeople in the democratic process.  At a time our Constitutional liberties are under assault by the progressive, militant left, professing Christians are MIA.  Last Wednesday evening, May 15, 2017, my wife and I spoke before the Florida Constitution Revision Commission, a committee that is formed every 20 years and tasked with hearing the voice of Florida citizens concerning revisions to the Florida Constitution.  The progressive left dominated the meeting in their attendance and agenda, while the presence of conservative voices was pathetically minuscule.

Deafening silence, detachment, distance, disengagement, disorganization and moral desensitization are but a few words that come to mind when I ponder how far the average American stands from the political arena.   There is an even greater lack of participation in our democracy among those who profess to be Christians .

I have attended school board meetings, city and county commissioner meetings, and political party meetings for more than a decade, and can attest that few pastors or professing Christians in Tampa Bay engage in public forums to express opinions, concerns or outrage over laws, ordinances and public policies that not only assail biblical morality and freedoms, but left unchallenged are tools to advance the erosion of our families, communities, state and nation.

Those of us who attend and participate in the democratic process have had our eyes opened to the organized forces of liberal socialists whose ideas and politics are antithetical to America’s heritage.  Many who practice liberal politics are strongly adversarial toward traditional marriage, family, morality and decency.  Their efforts are often demonstrated in forms of mob violence, attacks on free speech on college campuses, and shutting down conservative ideas in the public forum.  School boards, city and county commissioner meetings, along with political rallies have become the staging ground for militant liberals.

The enemies of Biblical morality and conservatism have taken control of our schools and institutions of higher learning, eroding the foundations of our homes and culture.  While the moral fabric of our society hangs tattered and torn, the majority of pastors and professing Christians are dismissive of those sounding the alarm warning our families, churches, schools, and society are under attack.

Christian friend, the time for political ambivalence is passed.  If we do not awaken to the imminent threat of being silenced altogether, we will be relegated to the dismal heap of irrelevance.

It is time for all who love American freedom to awaken out of sleep!  We must become active citizens for the sake of our homes, churches, schools and our beloved nation.  It is time for pastors to assail the ideology of liberal indoctrination.   It is time for Bible believers to support pastors and churches that dare to be faithful to God’s Word and stand with them in private and public forums.

Be forewarned; history will judge us harshly for failing to be stewards of liberty and defenders of biblical morality.

  • To stay informed on issues that impact your life in Tampa Bay, subscribe to Mr. Terry Kemple’s “Community Issues Council” for Christian Citizenship in Action Tampa Bay.

Copyright 2017 – Travis D. Smith

May 17, 2017

Standing Up for Freedom of Religion in Hillsborough County

One would think the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution is simple enough for anyone in the United States to grasp.  It reads:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

It appears there are some employees in Hillsborough County Parks who fail to understand the fundamental right of religion because a county employee recently informed a church group they could not hold Vacation Bible School classes in a county public park unless they were willing to not use the Bible!  Fortunately, that egregious assertion that would have denied religious liberty has been addressed; however, it does not “fix” the perceived adversarial posture some employees of government have taken towards Christianity.  Because this is not the first time County Employees have taken a less than friendly position regarding religious liberties, Dr. Stacy White,  chairman of the Hillsborough County Commissioners, is proposing that Hillsborough County Park Employees undergo awareness classes on Religious Liberty.

Today I spoke briefly before the County Commissioners in support of Chairman White’s proposal; however, I also asserted that the County Commissioners’ 2014 decision essentially mandating Christian  businesses (ex. – caterers, photographers, bakers, florists, musicians, printers, to name a few) will either serve the demands of the LGTBQ community (example, Gay Marriage) and capitulate their Christian convictions or be punished with crippling lawsuits, set in motion an adversarial tone against churches and Christians in the County.   The following is my brief exhortation to our County Commissioners:

May 17, 2017

I understand the issue before you this morning is to consider a vote on requiring Hillsborough County Park Employees to undergo awareness classes on Religious Liberty. I am here to not only support those classes, but suggest the same be taught to all County Employees.

I find it appalling that anyone employed in Hillsborough County would undermine basic 1st Amendment Rights of Freedom of Religion; however, this is not the first time and the slights against Christianity in this county is growing…from County Park officials daring to tell a church they cannot hold a Vacation Bible School if they use the Bible, to a teacher in Riverview demanding students remove crosses in her classroom.

To assist you in finding the source of this adversarial attitude toward Christians and the free practice of their faith and convictions in this county, I suggest this board of County Commissioners look into your own misguided legislative decisions.

In October 2014, five of the sitting commissioners on this board took an adversarial posture against Christians in this County when you voted to appease the LGTBQ community and attack the free exercise of religion of Christian business owners and businesses. You demanded that every private, family owned business that embraces traditional moral values either cave to your ordinance or face the threat of crippling lawsuits for daring to not capitulate to the invasive demands of the LGTBQ community.

If you are going to take up the requirement that County Park Employees undergo awareness classes on Religious Liberty, I suggest you do the same and fix your own misguided decision to demand by government fiat, that Christian businesses set aside their own religious and moral convictions.

Copyright 2017 – Travis D. Smith

April 6, 2017

An Open Letter to the Citizens of Tampa

Dear Tampa Residents,

Today your City Council, consisting of an Insurance agent, a Racehorse breeder, a retired jeweler, two lawyers, and an English major decided they know more about parenting your children then you.   In fact, they know so much about parenting your children they made it illegal for you to seek the guidance of a licensed mental health professional to counsel your minor children struggling with their sexual identity.

Perhaps you are comfortable with the heavy hand of Tampa government, but I am not!  Is there anyone who honestly believes an Insurance agent, Racehorse breeder, retired jeweler, two lawyers, and an English major know more than City of Tampa parents when it comes to deciding what is best for their minor children?

I am appalled, outraged, and incensed that your elected officials have no respect for parental authority or the sanctity of your home.  Regardless of their good intentions, the Tampa City Council’s decision to make it illegal for parents to seek the counsel of licensed mental health providers for sexually confused minors is egregious and one parents should not accept as tolerable.

The following was my appeal to the Tampa City Council before today’s vote:

Thursday, April 6, 2017

My name is Travis Smith and I am the Senior Pastor of Hillsdale Baptist Church at 6201 Ehrlich Rd., Tampa, FL.

I have heard several reference the Bible today and I will share a verse with you myself: “a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (Proverbs 29:15b).  The topic before us seems to be one area government is bent on rejecting the rights of parents to seek guidance and counsel for their children.

I am outraged the Tampa City Council is considering a law, an ordinance making it illegal for parents to seek the counsel of licensed mental health professionals for their minor children struggling with same-sex attractions.

I am appalled by your arrogance that elected officials… an Insurance agent, a Racehorse breeder, a retired jeweler, two lawyers, and an English major presume to have the right or wisdom to demand by fiat that your will be imposed on the families and licensed mental health providers and counselors of Tampa.

How dare you attack the sanctity of the home and family under some misguided notion you either know better or perceive you have the authority to usurp the role, wisdom, and authority of parents.

How dare you interfere with the God-given role and responsibility parents bear in knowing, training and guiding their own children!

On behalf of the membership of Hillsdale Baptist Church of Tampa, FL, I ask that you not abuse the public trust by thrusting yourself into a role that you have no place and no business.

Regardless of your “good intentions”, a vote for a law that limits or prohibits loving parents from seeking counsel and guidance from licensed mental health professionals is an incorrigible action and an overreach of your office and responsibility to this community.

Respectfully…get out of our homes; stop meddling with our children; and don’t you dare use the heavy-heeled boot of government to crush the freedoms and liberties of the citizens of this community to have the right to seek counsel, help and guidance for their children.

* Today’s Update: The Tampa City Council approved by a 7-0 vote to make it illegal for parents to seek the counsel of Licensed Mental Health Professionals for minor children struggling with their sexual identity.

Your Patriot Parson,

Travis D. Smith

Copyright 2017

November 16, 2016

PRINCIPLES AND PROMISES, NOT PERSONALITY, DIRECTED MY VOTE FOR TRUMP

trump-and-hillary
The rejoicing and the uproar over Donald Trump’s election in these post-election days is both amusing and heart-breaking.
I am amused that the media and liberal Democrats express outrage that “white evangelicals” voted for the president-elect and tout his “baggage” to justify their anger and resentment for the “basket of deplorables” who cast their vote for him in record numbers.  Be assured, like most conservative Republican voters, I am under no delusion that Donald Trump is a religious messiah or America’s political savior.   The administrations that precede the Trump administration have not been models of virtue and I will not be looking to Washington, DC for moral leadership.
america-divided
It is heart-breaking that there is a great divide in our nation between those who voted for Hillary Clinton and those who voted for Donald Trump.  The liberal media and Democrats have assailed Trump voters and suggested the root cause for the divide is race, gender, education, and “white prejudice\privilege”.  I don’t pretend to speak for all Trump voters; however, none of those insinuations are on my political radar screen.  My vote was fundamentally driven by principles derived from my Christian worldview and love for this nation.
two-worldviews
Donald Trump is the president-elect, not because he is a model of spiritual or moral virtue, but because the only other viable option was Hillary Clinton whose political platform was adversarial and diametrically opposed to my worldview.  
Hillary vowed to continue progressive policies that are destroying our nation; Trump promised to uphold Constitutional freedoms and appoint Supreme Court justices who will follow the founders’ intent in our nation’s founding documents.
Hillary’s desire to continue the erosion of our nation’s sovereignty and her opposition to securing our southern border was polar opposite to Trump’s commitment to “Build the Wall”, stop the flow of illegal immigrants, and establish a system of vetting.
Hillary’s embrace of radical groups that promote lawlessness, demean law enforcement, and risk anarchy gave law-abiding, patriotic Americans who respect the rule of law no choice other than Trump.
Hillary’s affirmation of “partial-birth abortion” in the third debate horrified many Democrats, while Trump championed a pro-life stance for the unborn.make-america-great
Hillary’s diminution of American exceptionalism and her globalist view of the world at the sacrifice of hard-working Americans was an unacceptable backdrop for Trump’s commitment and invitation to “Make America Great Again”.
No, I am not a poor, deluded, hate-filled, prejudiced, white evangelical who has abandoned spiritual and moral principles.  I am a color-blind, Bible-believing Christian who loves America and longs to see the spiritual and political virtues that made her great restored as guiding principles for our homes, churches, schools, and government.  I want our federal, state, and local governments, and the bureaucracies that oppress our freedoms, to get out-of-the-way and allow individual freedoms to ring once again.  I want to see political correctness vanquished and common sense restored.  I long for an unhyphenated-America that is “one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”.we-the-people
I long to see America great again and pray president-elect Donald Trump will keep his promises and prove worthy of my trust.
Copyright 2016 – Travis D. Smith
June 15, 2016

Call County Commissioners Before 9:00 AM Today

gay pride flagDear Hillsborough County Neighbor,

You must call Hillsborough County Commissioners this morning, before 9:00 AM, unless you want to see the rainbow “gay pride” flag of the Homosexual movement flying over your Hillsborough County Center this Thursday!

County Commissioner Kevin Beckner, a militant homosexual who has pushed the “gay agenda” throughout the County, at the last-minute, put on this morning’s County Commissioners’ agenda a motion to remove our nation’s flag that is flying at half-mast by order of the president in memory of those who died in the terrorist attack in Orlando, and fly the “rainbow flag” in its stead.

Our nation’s flag at half-mast is a statement of mourning and solidarity as a nation to the world, not because a gay nightclub was bombed, but because a militant Islamist attacked our nation murdering 50 of our fellow-Americans.

Commissioner Beckner using the occasion of the terrorist attack to politicize the LGBTQ movement is not only shameful, but also polarizing.

Please call or email the County Commissioners before today’s 9:00 AM meeting and leave a message requesting them to:

  • Table Commissioner Beckner’s motion to fly the “gay pride” flag and leave the American flag flying at half-mast as ordered by the president
  • Not use the tragedy in Orlando to make political statements

The following are the names, phone #’s and email addresses for the Commissioners…again, you must make your voice heard before 9:00 AM today.

Beckner                813-272-5730       becknerk@hillsboroughcounty.org

Crist                   813-272-5452       cristv@hillsboroughcounty.org

Hagan               813-272-5725          hagank@hillsboroughcounty.org

Higginbotham   813-272-5735            higginbothama@hillsboroughcounty.org

Miller                 813-272-5720         millerl@hillsboroughcounty.org

Murman             813-272-5470         murmans@hillsboroughcounty.org

White                   813-272-5740                whites@hillsboroughcounty.org

For love of country,

Your Patriot Parson