by Donald J. Trump A sixth-grade teacher in Seattle was suspended for refusing to give his students a federally-mandated standardized test. Science teacher Carl Chew said for years he watched his students suffer with test anxiety. Some, he said, got physically sick and others actually cried. He said the test created an atmosphere he called “rife with fear,” so he just decided not to give it. This didn’t sit well with his principal who suspended him for nine days without pay for insubordination. The teacher’s actions made him a hero for a lot of parents who sent him letters from as far away as Hawaii and Canada. A lot of people think the tests are harmful to students because of all the pressure put on them by schools, teachers and sometimes parents. But others argue that we need some way to know where students stand academically. There are several teachers across the country who have taken a stand like this Seattle teacher. His act will cost him about $1,000 dollars. It may go on his permanent record and, ultimately, he could lose his job. I applaud him for standing up for what he believes in but he has to be ready for his consequences. The fact of the matter is…he didn’t do his job so he might have to hear the words, “You’re fired.”   Donald J. Trump is Chairman of Trump University.

Are Economic Stimulus Checks Working
by Donald J. Trump I have to admit I wasn’t so sure the government’s economic stimulus plan was going to be the perfect solution to all our nation’s woes. I still don’t think it’s much more than a temporary Band-Aid but at least it seems to be helping. The Commerce Department reports that the millions of economic stimulus payments sent out in the first wave gave a huge boost to household finances in May, boosting consumer spending by the largest amount in six months and sending after-tax incomes up by the largest amount in more than three decades. The Bush administration hopes that the $106.7 billion in stimulus payments being made to some 130 million households will offset serious economic problems arising from everything from a seemingly unending housing slump, rising debt, soaring energy issues, and more. However, many people are concerned that this economic boost will only be temporary. Once the checks are spent, the risks of more economic downturn are still there. They may even increase. Just look at the financial markets. Recently, the Dow Jones industrial average plunged 360 points in one day, its lowest level in nearly two years. The economic impact obviously can’t be good, stimulus checks or not. So what’s next? If you got a check and didn’t spend it yet, consider making some well-thought-out purchases, at least with some of the money. If you need it to pay bills, then do that. I’m glad the checks are making an impact but I know it’s no long-term economic cure. We need a serious fix, not a short-term solution.   Donald J. Trump is Chairman of Trump University.

A Fine if You’re Fat
by Donald J. Trump Tired of a nation that just keeps getting less and less fit, lawmakers in Japan are beginning to fine companies that employ overweight workers. They hope to take a proactive approach to good health, preventing diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases. The country has established waist measurements set by the International Diabetes Federation in Belgium - 33.5 inches for men and 35.4 inches for women. (Personally, these guidelines seem odd to me because women tend to have smaller waists than men. But I digress.) If people exceed those guidelines and then don’t manage to lose their extra inches, their employers could face fines. I know the intention is good. Everyone wants a healthier society. But I don’t think there’s any way they could get away with that in the United States. Americans are much less tolerant of government involvement in personal issues. And you can’t get much more personal than our waistlines. A better idea, say healthy experts, is positive reinforcement. Instead of threatening people if they don’t shape up, why not reward them when they do? Many companies are already doing that, implementing programs that reward incentives when employees actively attempt to improve their health. They earn everything from prizes to cash. (In fact, a recent survey conducted by ERISA Industry Committee and the National Association of Manufacturers, showed that 71 percent of employers offer incentives for health and wellness programs, which is a 15 percent increase over last year.) I think this is a much better idea than fining businesses when their employees aren’t fit. Instead, let them implement their own programs. When in doubt, cash always motivates.   Donald J. Trump is Chairman of Trump University.

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