The Extinction of Freedom

During my trip to Prague, I reunited with a former student, Jeff Weller.  Jeff was my student 35 years ago.  He’s an ex-patriot and owns a Hotel near the Legion Bridge.  His sons, Emil and Damek study political philosophy At Charles University, founded in 1348. I spent hours with the boys in the Evropa Café, on     Wenceslas Square discussing the philosophies of the great thinkers and political reformists.  It was the intellects that influenced the Prague Spring of 1968, a period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia. “Dr. Joe,” they said.  “Look out the window in front of the National Museum.”  On the ground I saw a cross made of bricks imbedded in the street.  “That’s where Jan Palach set himself ablaze protesting the Soviet invasion.” In 1968 the students of Prague under the mentorship of Alexander Dubcek rebelled against Soviet oppression.  Russia sent 200,000 soldiers and 200 tanks to extinguish this flame of liberty. I was curious why students born 20 years after the Prague Spring still carry the memory of 68’ and of Jan Palach. So I asked. I learned that the struggle for liberty and equality is humanity’s greatest initiative. Emil quoted Ayn Rand, “The smallest minority on earth is Read more

We Sing Through Europe with the LCHS Choir Part II

I’m still at loss for words trying to express the essence of the LCHS Choral Artists’ Cantemus tour through Central Europe.  If you remember, the choir had just finished singing in Bratislava, Slovakia. Keith Eddins, the Chargé d'Affaires of the American Embassy with teary eyes proclaimed, “You are cultural ambassadors for America.”  Even the Greek Heroes Prometheus and Hercules couldn’t prevent the divisiveness between the Titans and the Olympians.  I hope the choir understood, it’s not power that unites us but rather heart and gesture.  Their voices spread goodwill winning the hearts and minds of those present.   My story continues as we sailed the Danube to Vienna on a cold and blustery Easter Monday.  The music of Mozart and the philosophy of Goethe resonate in this monumental city, the gateway to Central Europe. Vienna’s streets are paved with culture.  During the students’ third performance, Mr. Brookey brought their final note to a climatic crescendo in Saint Francis Cathedral famed for its acoustics.  The choir stood breathless as they listened to a five second echo and marveled at their beautiful voices.  It was a musical moment and all present were wrapped by an epiphany that we had witnessed something remarkable. We docked Read more
••

     Welcome to my web-site/Blogue… I’m Dr. Joe.  I’m still under construction so if you find any misspelled words go easy on me.

     My logo denotes that I’m a writer.   I’m more of a hacker but nevertheless I built this site to showcase the stories I’ve written.  Hit the link, “Thoughts from Dr. Joe,” you’ll find about 400 stories.    I’m also trying to get the word out about my private practice.  I have a link that will describe what I do.

    I’m about 6 months out from publishing my book consequently I’m trying to increase my readership.

    I have a penchant for stories.  The words, “Once upon a time,” opens the door to infinite possibilities.  What I have learned along the way is worth tellin’.  I’ve been teaching and advising college students for 37 years.   Before that, I worked the docks in New York City, was a boxer, a student, got my ass kicked, a writer, a teacher, a street gang worker, hustled peanuts and beer at Yankee Stadium, failed, hopped an east bound freight, fought a war, been a friend, been a sinner, a mid-night dancer and a sweet romancer, fell in love, been a dad, and all throughout I’ve raised some holy hell.  My boots have been over the dance floor a few times, so I’ve learned a few things along the way.  I graduated Suma Cum Laude from the University of Hard Knocks.  There’s a lot of rhetoric bottled up in side of me, and if I don’t have a few stories somewhere in me…who does?  

     I began working with adolescents as a junior in high school.  I was a street gang worker, trying to keep the gangs of the South Bronx from killing each other.  We used athletics particularly boxing as a means to mediate wayward souls.

     I graduated from Mount Saint Michael High School and attended the University of Dayton.  After graduation, I became an Officer in the Marine Corps.  I did 9 years.  My experiences as Marine shaped who I am today.  After a tour in Vietnam I will never be the same.  I am a Marine through and through and I still wear the colors of the Corps.

     After the Corps I received a Masters in Science in counseling and was hired as a teacher and counselor at Glendale Community College.  For the past 37 years I’ve been a professor at Glendale Community College.  I’ve taught English, Psychology, Social Science, Western History, Leadership and created an Outward Bound Program teaching Wilderness Skills and Western History.

     This past summer was the 30th year of taking students on mountaineering adventures and living off the land.  This year we’re going to canoe the Upper Missouri in Northern Montana.  We’ll follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark.  I have a link to this experience. Check it out later as it is still under construction.

     I am married to Kaitzer and have two daughters, Sabine 15 and Simone 14.

     I’ve been changing lives for a long time… My students refer to me as the Mechanic of the Soul.  But I like Dr. Joe better.