Home > Thinking Right > Archives > 2008 > February > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWinds shifting in the debate over education
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wandering on the edge of the wilderness, uncertain about whether the material difference between the two dominant political parties is the route they choose to more and bigger government, I find inspiration and hope.
It comes in a public hearing before the Georgia House Education Committee.
State Rep. Jan Jones (R-Alpharetta) is testifying. Before the committee is her bill to give state-level relief to parents who find themselves stymied by local school boards when they seek charter school alternatives — and, most importantly, enact the principle that the money follows the child.
Jones is a particularly interesting legislator — and an example of the promise that the transfer of power under the Gold Dome held. That promise is that talented, creative legislators could emerge and, once empowered, could invigorate change. They would be different — different in that they were fresh eyes and engaging intellects not invested in the status quo.
Jones, a Warner Robins native with a master’s in finance from Georgia State University, is a former marketing executive and small-business owner who first came to the General Assembly in 2003. My first impressions were that she was a serious, hardworking legislator with an interest in education — but largely along conventional lines.
Sometimes when I wasn’t paying attention, a different — and hence much more interesting — legislator emerged, the one passionately arguing for the reforms in her bill, House Bill 881. Employing the skills honed in business, she digs. She gathers facts. On policy. On procedure. On outcomes.
Those facts, meticulously researched, have led her to the kind of advocacy for parents and for public school alternatives that, when combined with the work of others, engenders hope that on education, at least, the party of Ronald Reagan can materialize and make a difference in Georgia.
Two other education bills introduced this session are a part of that promise of change.
One of the earlier and more determined advocates for giving parents options — especially the parents of children in nonperforming public schools — is Eric Johnson, a Savannah Republican who is president pro tem of the state Senate. This year he’s introduced Senate Bill 458, which would give scholarship-vouchers to children in chronically nonperforming public schools and those that lose their accreditation. Clayton County could on Sept. 1 become the first district in Georgia to lose accreditation. Another education bill that inspires hope was introduced last week by State Rep. David Casas (R-Lilburn), who teaches high school classes on government and economics in Cobb County. He, too, is interesting in that he is a prime example of those who once were the obstacles to any real reform in public education — legislators connected to school systems.
Born in Spain to Cuban parents, he took office with Jones in the class of 2003. And, like Jones, he has emerged as a legislator who deviates from the expected course.
The bill he introduced a week ago, House Bill 1133, would give a state income tax credit to individuals and corporations donating to school-choice scholarship organizations. It’s similar to programs in Arizona, Florida, Pennsylvania, Iowa and Rhode Island. It would allow individuals to contribute $1,000 and couples $2,500 annually to nonprofits offering grants to public school students to attend private schools. Listening to Jones testify on HB 881, I am suddenly aware that, indeed, the center of gravity on the education debate has shifted. No longer are we stuck on inputs and debate about how one government can best grow another, which the input set chooses to define as “local control.”
“It is a unique opportunity,” Jones says of her bill establishing a state commission to grant charters, along with a fairer funding model. “This enhances local control by letting the consumer decide. To narrowly define local control [as] government monoply control does a disservice to Georgia.” And to children who either drop out or struggle through bad schools that show no promise of improving.
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By Luckoduh
February 16, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this
{{{{Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki proclaimed on Friday that Al-Qaeda had been routed in Baghdad thanks to a security plan launched a year ago, and would soon be defeated throughout the country. }}}}
{{{{“Thank God, we destroyed the cells of Al-Qaeda. They have been chased out of Baghdad and this has opened the way for their defeat throughout Iraq,” Maliki said at a ceremony marking the launch on February 14 last year of the Baghdad security plan, known as Operation Fardh al-Qanoon (Imposing Law).}}}}
The United States may have acted “unilaterately” in Iraq but al Qaeda damn sure didn’t; scumbag terrorists from all over came crawling in, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemeni, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Palestine, you name it, they came from there, and we kicked their as-ses right into the loving arms of allah, where they belong.
Bwa.
~~~~~
{{{{Although Mughniyeh inflicted more carnage against America than he did against Israel, the Israelis have never forgotten his involvement in the Buenos Aires bombings and, just as they hunted down the perpetrators of the Munich Olympics massacre, they were never going to allow Mughniyeh to die peacefully of old age in his bed.}}}}
{{{{So far as the Israelis are concerned, he who lives by the car bomb, dies by the car bomb.}}}}
No groveling for the “rights” of terrorists here, like you find in the gutless wonder United States Congress, just simple justice brought to those who deserve it when they least expect it.
So which one of these POS is next?
~~~~~
{{{{True, there are countervailing factors. Wisconsin is a wide-open primary, and with John McCain now the presumptive nominee, independent and Republican crossovers may weigh in on the Democratic side of the ticket. (They made up nearly 30 percent of the 2004 primary vote.) Obama has the support of Gov. Jim Doyle and—perhaps more significant—the support of longtime Rep. David Obey, originally a John Edwards backer. Obey has been one of the strongest voices against the free-trade policies that so anger the unions.}}}}
Hehehehe.
Another large “democrat” turnout on tap.
~~~~~
Kalifornia is the most goofball state in the Union, home to San Franfreako, millions moving the hell out everyday, massive budget deficits, ever wonder why?:
{{{{The measure, by state Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, also would mandate that future science textbooks approved for California public schools include climate change.}}}}
Earth worship, junk science, wimpering cowards, transvestites r us, the land of fruits and nuts.
I thought an earthquake was supposed to break this hovel free from the U.S. and set it adrift in the Pacific, isn’t that what you pinkos claimed?
When will this happen?
What are we waiting for?
~~~~~
So what excuse do you sorry liberals have for this one:
{{{{After years of resisting the newsroom cuts that have hit most of the industry, The New York Times will bow to growing financial strain and eliminate about 100 newsroom jobs this year, the executive editor said Thursday.}}}}
{{{{The cuts will be achieved “by not filling jobs that go vacant, by offering buyouts, and if necessary by layoffs,” the executive editor, Bill Keller, said. The more people who accept buyouts, he said, “the smaller the prospect of layoffs, but we should brace ourselves for the likelihood that there will be some layoffs.”}}}}
I thought your websites were growing?
Keep on with your anti American, treasonous, partisan political BS, see where it gets you.
Like I said it would.
We aren’t as stupid as your voters are.
~~~~~
{{{{MIDEAST DEVELOPMENTS- A powerful blast went off at the house of senior Islamic Jihad activist Ayman Atallah Fayed in Gaza on Friday, killing him and five others. At least 40 people were wounded, including nine who were in critical condition. Islamic Jihad claimed Israeli warplanes blasted the house and threatened reprisal attacks against Israel.-Urinal}}}}
OOooohhh, we really p** of Islamic Jihad this time, didn’t we, Urinal?
How much you want to bet that the wormy reporter for this story didn’t even talk to Islamic Jihad, they just added their own little hate message against the Jews; We’re gonna get you this time, na-na-na-na.
Just STFU and report the news, you stupid spineless cowards.
Maybe soon enough you will be able to report the follow up story the proper way; Islamic Jihad launched a rocket today that came hurtling back to Earth and harmlessly crashed into the Ocean in retaliation for Israel blowing up a whole house full of high ranking ragheads. Take that, Infidels
~~~~~
{{{{Urinal Iraq “Developments:” The U.S. said six insurgents, including two women, died, but local Iraqi officials said those killed included two female civilians and four U.S.-allied fighters.}}}}
Notice how there are no “alleged” or “suspected” used in this filthy blurb, like there would be if the Urinal was reporting on al Qaeda atrocity that was captured on video tape, but instead it’s the word of the anonymous Iraqi “official” against the brave soldiers of the United States.
Pretty shi-tty, isn’t it?
~~~~~
Rehashing old news to propagandize against America:
{{{{Study: Slow decisions hurt help for Marines- Tougher truck may have saved troops, Urinal}}}}
If we had bombed Iran back to the stone age that would have saved quite a few American troops too but I distinctly remember a bunch of pinkos whining about it.
How about all that talk about cutting and running that gave the terrorists so much aid and comfort?
What about all the “news” paper stories accusing Americans of being oil mongering rapists in search of women and children to kill? That probably didn’t upset any Iraqis and make them vengeful, huh?
~~~~~
{{{{The lights will go out in Atlanta for one hour on Saturday, March 29, as part of a symbolic effort to combat global warming. The World Wildlife Fund is organizing the event, called Earth Hour 2008…Georgia Power plans to measure the drop in electricity use during the event. Most of Georgia’s electricity is produced by coal-fired power plants, a major contributor to greenhouse gases, which scientists say cause global warming.}}}}
Idiocy in action:
{{{{WWF strongly opposes this view. Solutions to energy-related problems such as global warming can only deliver long-term benefits if they reduce instead of merely displace humanity’s damaging impacts on the environment. Nuclear energy is still unsafe - for both humans and nature. The argument that the world should re-embrace nuclear power is seriously flawed.}}}}
No form of energy production will ever meet the requirements of the junk science global warming scare mongers, only reducing humans will appease these terrorists.
There is absolutely no good argument against nuclear energy, see France, 80% energy production.
If these whiny feminists sissies have no solutions, then why are we letting them coerce us?
This is how reservoirs get emptied. This is why coal miners get killed. This is why smog gets belched from smokestacks.
Where have the intelligent people gone, Long time passing
Where have all the thinkers gone, When will we ever learn?
When will we ever learn?
Ignorance kills.
By Political Foreskin
February 16, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
No wonder you wander, Mr. Wooten. When you’re the only one who’s Right, and everyone else is big government or liberal, or unpatriotic, then you’re what’s wrong with the picture, sir..
The country evolved into something you despise, Mr. Wooten.
I wonder what part of the bible the navy will use when they calculate the interception trajectory for that missile they’ll fire to knock down that spy satellite. Tell the navy to also knock down the satellite which relayed the Grammy broadcast.
By Ron
February 16, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Good Morning Jim,I don’t know a lot about charter schools,but it seems to me that there must be a tipping point where education expenses go up dramatically because of them.Surely ,once enough of them are established,they will want their own oversight board instead of being governed by the public school board.Charter schools now are supposedly underfunded,so costs are going to go up.If there is enough improvement over the public system for charter students this is money well spent,But is the improvement enough to warrant addtional expense?There is little doubt that the public system is broken,but is abandoning it the correct way to fix it?
By @@
February 16, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Clayton County could on Sept. 1 become the first district in Georgia to lose accreditation.
You forgot to mention that it will be the second time within the last five years.
You can forget about the advocacy of parents down our way because they don’t seem to care enough to attend school board or PTA meetings. Their own kids are left to the mercy of the B.O.E. members they elected to replace the first incompetent bunch.
I’ll go with State Rep. David Casas bill. Heck, I’m ready to say let local business and U.S. corporations build and fund private schools where they can educate America’s future workforce. Who better motivated to invest than them? Let them set up the curriculum that serves their interest and the interests of the kids.
This problem has become old and stale. Kids don’t go for stale.
By Glenn
February 16, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
At long last, new blood, fresh thinking in our admiralty! A new generation of leaders to speed that day when all America can salute its sparkling new Great White Fleet!
Admiral “Maverick” Jones, “The Pride of the Naval Academy”, charts a new course for the Service with her innovative plan to permit each state to build its own battleship according to its styling choices and specifications. Think of the money to be saved when not every nut and bolt need be crafted to military spec!
And as long as we name battleships in honor of the states, why shouldn’t states have the honor of styling them? Moreover, with this single initiative the brilliant Adm. Jones puts us one-twelfth of the way to our 600-ship goal.
Admiral “Gavel” Johnson, current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is an interesting example of a crusty commander who will never take “No” for an answer. He says he’s damned if he’ll ask the Commandant to order Marines aboard leaky, obsolete “deathtraps”.
His characteristically incisive solution? Permit every Marine, under standing order, to book passage on any vessel of his choosing if the Navy’s Inspector General rates the officially assigned vessel “a danger to all who board her”.
And then there’s the interesting case of Admiral Casas; interesting in that he actually came up through the ranks to earn his admiral’s stars, all the while braving the hazing he took for the ridiculous tattoo he received on his first, youthful shore leave.
All the more interesting, then, that Admiral Casas should be the officer to propose a tax credit for civilians who contribute to their state’s new battleship program.
Together these officers uphold the finest traditions of the Navy. What’s more, they not incidentally make civilian critics of the Navy look all wet.
The Academy’s Professor Graham, for example, is one of a growing number of “experts” who, despite never having served, take it upon themselves to suggest that costly battleships are themselves somehow “obsolete”. Prof. Graham last week took this folly to new heights when she told this reporter: “The trouble with a 600-ship Navy is that we probably don’t need 600 ships. We might need only 60. On the other hand, we might need 6,006. And they might not all need to be ships, or even all Naval vessels. More importantly, they must not be battleships.”
With armchair admirals like that, who needs navies at all?
By WFC
February 16, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
Luckoduh defines verbosity. First flame ever for me.
By Craig also
February 16, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
And a worthy first flame it was, Mr. WFC.
By W
February 16, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Make America a better place. Deport the right wing.
By WTH? wfc
February 16, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
who or what is stopping you from saying what you want in as many or as few words as you choose?
Ignorance and envy is my best guess.
By catlady
February 16, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Give the right wing their own country. I vote to let them have North Dakota. Heck, if there are enough of them, they can have South Dakota, too.
By Luckoduh
February 16, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
{{{{By catlady February 16, 2008 10:00 AM Give the right wing their own country. I vote to let them have North Dakota.}}}}
catlady: How about Wisconsin?
That way we could really give Obama a fat victory this Tuesday against the Klan Hag.
We have no one else to vote for.
Bwa.
By W
February 16, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Great idea catlady! When the rest of us got tired of their cross border cross burnings we could invade them, round them all up, and deport them to Guantanamo and waterboard the hell out of them. Now that would be justice. Give them the treatment that they advocate for others.
By OneForTheRoad
February 16, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Captain, UFO approaching at Mach 5 off port bow, Sir. We are awaiting your orders, Sir. Shall we commence evasive maneuvers, Sir.
Sirens blaring.
Abandon Ship! It’s not your fault, Sir. She was a lost cause, Sir. You’ll command a newer and better ship some day, Sir.
By Prof. Graham
February 16, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Now that’s not fair in the least. You imply that I care nothing for this country’s defense, when the truth is that I care as much as anyone does. I simply think we’ve been doing a deadly dangerous job of it for far too long. We ought to think about how to do it better. Especially since other nations already have done it better—-and far less expensively.
But for us to reason together about a better defense, I’d ask that you first hold in abeyance your notions of how a battleship should be. However foreign or daunting it may seem to you, the era of the glorious teak-bedecked dreadnought has passed.
To understand warships, you must be sure that you’re clear on this: they are weapons platforms, and projections of power. Admiral Mahan taught us that more than a century ago.
We now have the benefit of many other, far more effective, naval weapons platforms. Not all of them are even surface ships, or seagoing vessels at all.
A modern navy is not composed of a surface fleet. Today’s navies are three-dimensional entities. By thinking only in terms of scho—-excuse me—-battleships, we are missing an entire dimension.
Moreover, by assigning our able naval architects to design nothing but battle wagons, we are depriving our nation of its best opportunity to dream up new defenses. If the architects are not doing the dreaming, then, why don’t we do it?
I say let’s go!
Just please leave your battleship in its berth. We are going where battleships cannot go.
By Idiots move"O"n
February 16, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
MoveOn.org opposes a sensible plan for Iraq
It’s time Iraq’s leaders began to shoulder more responsibility. So why are those who have been making this case longest and strongest standing in their way?
Here’s the situation: American forces in Iraq today operate under the authority of a Chapter 7 U.N. mandate. As long as that mandate is in place, Iraq has “diminished sovereignty,” a status the country’s elected leaders find demeaning - as well they should.
The mandate expires at the end of the year. At that point, Iraq’s leaders want normal relations with the United States: “Bilateral arrangements agreed to by two sovereign nations,” as Iraq’s ambassador to the U.S., Samir Sumaidaie, recently phrased it.
With that in mind, American diplomats plan to begin talks on a Strategic Framework Agreement to shape the two nations’ security, diplomatic, and economic relationship. Negotiations in pursuit of cooperation: Who could oppose that?
The answer is MoveOn.org - the group that infamously called Gen. David Petraeus, the U.S. commander in Iraq, “General Betray Us” - as well as MoveOn’s followers and fans in Congress.
*Their arguments range from the specious to the slanderous. In the latter category, MoveOn charges that the Bush’ administration’s goal is to provide a “huge windfall” for “U.S. investors” from Iraq’s oil wealth. Baseless as that obviously is, it helps stir anti-American anger in the Middle East which, for MoveOn, is no doubt a plus.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senators Hillary Clinton, Chris Dodd and Barack Obama haven’t gone that far - but neither have they criticized MoveOn for doing so. Instead they have been railing against what they say are President Bush’s plans to establish “permanent” American bases in Iraq.
*MoveOn’s hyper-partisans - deeply invested in seeing Bush (and America) defeated in Iraq - may prefer such a scenario to diplomacy, cooperation and increased Iraqi freedom and independence. But no politician who is either savvy or principled - of either party - should stand with them.
By AmVet
February 16, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
catlady, there would need to be a fence around Mt. Rushmore though. (Preferably thirty feet high with towers and remote sensors periodically manned by “minutemen”!) Some of the more “faithful”, Taliban style, would blow up the four faces and replace them with one gigantic Reagan!
As for those initial demented diatribes here and at Luckovich,s, it merely gives my scroll button some extra use.
Looks more and more like McCain and Obama doesn’t it?
Not AT ALL a bad thing for America I suppose.
A dramatically clear choice between two decent men and more significantly NO neo-cons and no one with either a last name of Bush or Clinton.
Some of the talking heads and pundits keep referring to CHANGE as the item of the day in our national politics.
And that is true, as far as it goes.
But I think a better mantra would be INTEGRITY. It speaks more accurately to the lack of it in our national government for a long while now.
And with the fallout, especially with this incredible large-scale repudiation of the more immoral and irrational elements of the GOP, that seems to be the soup de jour.
By TW
February 16, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Glenn - great post. Almost scrolled right by it, breezing by liberal troll Luckoduh’s ten-page tease. Anyhow - with regards to the topic today - would you say ‘drop-out rate’ is an education issue? If so, to what extent? If not, who do we hang it on? If anyone? Maybe just natural selection running its course? Very much appreciate your thoughts on this. Have a great day.
By OneForTheRoad
February 16, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Knock. Knock.
Enter. Sir, Are you enjoying another of those classics from the 20th Century Collection?
Sometimes I cannot help myself. I yearn for a simpler time at times. Sometimes I think back to events such as the dis-mantling of Ma Bell. Breaking up was hard to do. There are some even to this day that long to re-construct the beast. I keep trying to tell them that land lines simply have no meaning in this day and age. Do they listen to me? Sir, excuse me Sir. You asked to see me Sir.
Yes, I did. Plot a course for Earth will you? I think it’s time we gave the old hulk a fly-by for old time’s sake. Yes Sir! The crew will be delighted, Sir!
By Glenn
February 16, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Oh HAY-yell yeah it is, TW! And it’s uh, “huger” (quoth McC) than anyone who wants to remain employed in the field can admit. Roughly 50% in the big urban school systems, spiking upward from there for blacks and Latinos. The lid that keeps this batch of worms canned is definitional control by the power that must not be. Who controls the definition of “dropout” or “school leaver” controls the issue.
This issue is itself an ideological smokescreen. I use that oxymoronic term to imply that it is not deliberate, but ethereal: it’s in the water in which educational fishies swim, that fully one-third of the clientele of the system (taken macro-statistically) must be expunged from the system, and some of them stigmatized. There is simply no other way. And besides, that’s the way it was done when Jim Wooten was in school, and just look where he is now.
To keep my borrowed naval metaphor, that’s like accepting that one-third of the personnel aboard the battleship will never reach the ship’s (not necessarily their) destination. So what if a lot of them fell or were tossed overboard, or stripped of rank and branded and set adrift in the boats? That very fact is what distinguishes the brave souls still aboard, and what keeps them in line in the first place.
Besides, there weren’t enough rations for all of them.
By getalife
February 16, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
The RW should be deported to Gitmo so they can waterboard each other for not being Christian enough.
Saw Charles Barkley say they are fake Christians with fake values on CNN. Welcome to the reality based community Chuck.
Anyhoo, w is spewing we will all die id he does not get his corporate amnesty for telco law suits. McConnell agrees it is all about corporate amnesty but you have ask yourself how many times has w played the fear card and has it all been bs?
Why anybody still supports this lying loser and his party is beyond me.
By Apocalypse
February 16, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
HOUSTON CHRONICLE ENDORSES OBAMA (Largest circulating paper in Texas).
“For Obama”
The presidency of the United States is a powerful bully pulpit. The occupant of the White House must not only issue orders, but also inspire and advocate for all Americans.
Of the two finalists for the Democratic presidential nomination, the Chronicle believes Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois is best-qualified by life experience, skill and temperament to be the standard bearer for his party. In a conference call, Obama told the Chronicle editorial board that “more than any other candidate, I can bridge some of the partisan as well as racial and religious divides that have developed in this country that prevent us from getting things done.”
Those who have viewed the numerous campaign debates know there’s not much to separate Obama from his opponent, Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York. Either could ably represent the Democratic Party. Both candidates favor ending the war in Iraq by withdrawing combat troops and initiating regional negotiations to stabilize the country. Both would press for dramatic strides toward providing all Americans with health insurance.
Both support a cap and trade system to begin reducing America’s carbon emissions that contribute to global warming. Each promises to initiate multibillion-dollar efforts to promote conversion of the economy to clean energy technologies. They favor securing our borders, initiating comprehensive immigration reform and creating a path to earned legal status for those already here who are working and contributing to their communities.
However, there is a decisive difference. Obama vows to reach out to independents and Republicans with a message of inclusion and cooperation. He offers a historic opportunity to elevate national political dialogue to a higher ground. Those who insist on vitriol and obstructionism would be marginalized.
On several issues vital to Houstonians, Obama’s positions need elaboration. He recognizes the need to maintain U.S. pre-eminence in space but said he wanted to study the costs and benefits of human space exploration — an exercise that should convince him of the space program’s long history of indispensable contributions.
Obama said he did not expect the leaders of the energy sector to vote for him. He needs to realize that the energy sector must be a large part of a cooperative effort to develop alternative fuels and avoid an energy crunch.
The 46-year-old Obama has expanded his base of support, winning new legions of supporters. The more people see and hear him, the more they like him. As the Hawaiian-born son of a Muslim Kenyan father and an Anglo Midwesterner, the devoutly Christian Obama transcends race and religion. His life has been one of involvement with disadvantaged Chicago residents, excellence at Harvard Law School and eight years as an Illinois state senator. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004, only the third African-American to serve there since Reconstruction.
Obama is both the epitome of the American Dream and well-positioned to reach out to an international community alienated by recent U.S. go-it-alone policies.
The passion and excitement that Obama has brought to the race can only stimulate more citizens to participate in the electoral process. The Chronicle urges Texas Democrats to cast what could be decisive ballots for his presidential nomination.
By Glenn
February 16, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Actually it is Jim who is ridiculously verbose. We don’t need to be told how highly to think of these legislators’ programs by virtue of their irrelevant virtues. The programs alone are what matters.
If Jim wants to draw a profile of one of these godsends, then he should do so. Readers like human interest stories, and Jim is more than qualified to give us good feature writing.
Meanwhile, I don’t care if one of these people holds five doctorates and taught Mother Theresa a thing or two. Charles Lindberg was one of this nation’s greatest and most legitimate heroes. He also was a dangerous arse for a time.
By Luckoduh
February 16, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Ahhh, yes, waterboarding, the new favorite mewl from the moonbat weak sisters:
{{{{The relevant Democratic congressional leadership for intelligence — including current House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, and former Sen. Bob Graham — were briefed on CIA operations more than once. “Among those being briefed, there was a pretty full understanding of what the CIA was doing,” Porter Goss, who chaired the House Intelligence Committee from 1997 to 2004 before becoming CIA director, told the Washington Post. “And the reaction in the room was not just approval, but encouragement.”}}}}
The libs got to enjoying it so much, now they are waterboarding America.
{{{{Less than five minutes.}}}}
{{{{That’s the total amount of time the United States has waterboarded terrorist detainees. How many detainees? Three. Who were these detainees?}}}}
{{{{One was Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, “the principle architect of the 9/11 attacks” according to the 9/11 Report, and the head of al-Qaeda’s “military committee.” Linked to numerous terror plots, he is believed to have financed the first World Trade Center bombing, helped set up the courier system that resulted in the infamous Bali bombing, and cut off Danny Pearl’s head.}}}}
I know three prisoners that would have rather been waterboarded:
Al Qaeda’s latest display of terror has made its way onto the Internet, showing horrifying images of what appear to be prisoners in Iraq being doused with an inflammatory liquid and then burned alive.
And who is it the “brave” and “courageous” “patriots” on the left would rather fight against?
Their own country?
Sick.
By Apocalypse
February 16, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
We firmly believe that the candidate who has won the most pledged delegates — the result of having more voters in more places supporting your campaign — will be the Democratic nominee.
But to be safe, we are working to attract the support of “superdelegates” — party officials and Democratic officeholders from across the country — who also have a vote at the Democratic National Convention.
You may already know some superdelegates — they include senators, governors, and even former presidents and vice presidents. But many others are ordinary people who hold positions in the state and local party operations.
These nearly 800 superdelegates will vote alongside the more than 3,000 pledged delegates who are chosen in the various state primaries and caucuses. The candidate that gets a majority of all delegates (superdelegates and pledged delegates combined) will be the Democratic nominee for president.
Right now, Barack is ahead in the contest for pledged delegates. We’ve won 23 contests out of the 35 that have been held so far — including the last 8 in a row. And with our decisive victories in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC on Tuesday, we now lead by more than 135 pledged delegates in the race for the Democratic nomination.
While we intend to continue winning states and expanding our lead among the pledged delegates, and believe that will likely ensure that Barack is the Democratic nominee, we’re also doing the work of reaching out to superdelegates and making sure as many as possible support Barack Obama.
Here’s where you can play a key role.
Our work so far has taught us one important lesson: that your personal story about why you support Barack Obama is often the most powerful persuasion tool for someone who’s undecided. That’s true whether that undecided voter is your neighbor or a superdelegate.
The story of where you’re from, what brought you into the political process, the issues that matter to you, and why you became part of this movement has the potential to inspire someone who could cast a deciding vote in this contest.
Our staff will compile stories from supporters like you and make them a key part of the conversation with superdelegates as Barack asks for their support.
Share your story to help persuade superdelegates now:
http://my.barackobama.com/superdelegates
I’ve received a lot of email from folks asking how best to help with the superdelegate effort, and this is it.
Your note, combined with those of other Obama supporters, will tell the story of an extraordinary movement of ordinary people — a story with a common thread of hope that becomes all the more powerful when it brings together the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our supporters.
Together we’re building something historic, and your story can help make someone else a part of it.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you,
David
David Plouffe Campaign Manager Obama for America
By RW-(the original)
February 16, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Don’t you just love that this election is all about change?
Has there ever been a free election that wasn’t?
By Truthful
February 16, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
QBE - Quality Basic Education was the last pos to come out of the golden toilet: It was nothing more than a transfer of wealth from Metro Atlanta home owning taxpayers to rural Georgia deadbeat landowners. Here in Metro Atlanta, half the money we pay in property taxes for schools gets sent off to rural Ga. We pay 19 to 20 plus mils, while rural Georgia pays the minimum 6 mils, and claims poverty! Time to Flush the Golden Toilet…..
By AmVet
February 16, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Apocalypse, thanks for that op ed from the Houston Chronicle.
Damn fine stuff.
Personally, I am in a bit of a quandary, if he and McCain are the finalists.
Both have tremendous assets and both have significant drawbacks.
But either way, it is going to be the most refreshing and exciting presidential election perhaps, no, certainly, in my entire lifetime.
Especially given the nightmarish debacle of this current administration.
By Ace Mulholland
February 16, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Congratulations, Plouffe. We’ll be sure to recommend to Hillary that she appoint you Cheer King in the new administration.
Ra-Ra, Pom-Pom Boy!
By Apocalypse
February 16, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Amvet,
You said it bud.
By Apocalypse
February 16, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
RW,
Deliverance is still available to you too my friend.
Obama welcomes you.
By Prin. Margie
February 16, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Dear Mr. Plouffe:
While you are here, please tell us how Senator Obama’s education proposals compare to the compelling reforms Mr. Wooten describes.
Thank you in advance for your help.
I am an educator and I vote!
By Truthful
February 16, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
People who committed fraud on their mortgage application should be hunted down and made to pay, pay, pay or go to prison. If they lied about the property being owner occuppied when in truth it was a spec purchase, the otherwise non recourse loan must be repaid in full, with all penalties and interest, or the liar goes to prison for fraud. It is that simple, now get a back bone you lazy, cowardly prosecuters…
By RW-(the original)
February 16, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Apocalypse,
Will he even let me be one of the people that pretend to faint at every campaign speech so he can part the crowd and then throw me a bottle of water?
Are we electing a President or anointing a Messiah?
By Truthful
February 16, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Nurse, Time To Change RW’s Diaper….
By Apocalypse
February 16, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Prin. Margie,
Unfortunately Mr. Plouffe is not here. I am an Obama supporter and I am not sure if David even knows Wooten.
I do not pretend to be an expert on all the issues, including yours which is an important one, to say the least.
I merely deliver info and rally Obama’s cause. To attempt to engage you with an explanation or debate would not be fair to me or you because I am not fully abreast on your profession.
Continue to do the great job you’re doing and have a great weekend.
By Apocalypse
February 16, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
RW,
Based on reading the link you provided, there is no evidence of any pretending to faint. Similar occurences take place at any typical concert.
I for one am not a fainter, I prefer to stay conscience to hear what the speaker is saying.
The fact that others faint is not germane as it relates to the ability and competence that Obama has to be president of the United States.
By AmVet
February 16, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
An interesting look into the lunatic fringe’s complete despair. If you recognize the last name, it is the deity of radio Dufusdom’s brother.
http://newsmax.com/limbaugh/mccaingrassroots/2008/02/15/72927.html
By Dennis
February 16, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Mr. Wooten understands the problems of public education just like he understands liberal thinking.
I would like to see his success in a Clayton County classroom, for example.
He’ll continue to criticize those who are in those classrooms, but you can bet your sweet a.. he’s not going to try it.
Maybe if he would stop supporting tax breaks for corporations and the already rich, we could give that money to have the kind of public education he would support.
And while I will admit, from personal experience, that money does not solve all of the problems, it does help.
The setup for financing public education is a BIG part of the problem; those who control the purse strings set aside an amount for public education, divide it by the numbers of students, and then want all students to come out equally prepared. That never has worked, but those who are critics of public education either can’t see it, or refuse to admit it and make the adjustments necessary for public education to work.
The battle for adequate funding for public education and the criticism of it, has been going on for years and years, but the percentages for financing public education have changed very little.
Is the advent of charter schools intended to improve public education? Because, if so, it will not.
Your failing schools will continue to be failing schools. And then, who will Mr. Wooten and his fellow critics blame?
I’ll go back into the classroom if you will, Mr. Wooten. Ready when you are.
You don’t have to be a blind conservative not to see it, just an ignorant one to deny it.
By Prin. Margie
February 16, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Dear “Apocalypse”: (?)
Thank you for your reply and encouragement. I will try to contact Sen. Obama’s campaign. Perhaps I will be able to write back when I find their answers to my questions.
Maybe Mr. Wooten can find out?
By Dusty
February 16, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Awww could I make a request for some of you bloggers?
Write what you want to say and nevermind the editorials. Jim Wooten is the one to do that.
Make it clear what you are talking about. LuckoDuh makes his sources and his opinions quite clear and concise on each subject. You may not like what he says but you know exactly what he is talking about.
In all fairness, would someone please post several LONG political pieces about McCain saying how wonderful it would be if he were president. That he supports the war and the country, etc. etc. etc. Apocolypse should not be the only one to use this blog for political promotion.
Since President Bush is not running for election, refrain from making remarks that sound like the “ugly American”. If you want to promote terrorism, tell the terrorists what they want to hear. That is: George W. Bush is a failure because he fights the terrorists who want to kill us. And that is another CHANGE that Obama will make. He won’t fight.
I leave the school issues discussion to @@. She knows more about the present systems than I do. The better our educational systems, the better our future in America will be.
Bye now….
By Glenn
February 16, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
Truthful,
The details of QBE were hideous enough, but all my friends and fellow taxpayers, here and in my home state, who bought into it ought to hang their empty heads. Even on its face it’s a ridiculous play for control: Who’s notion of “Qality”? Who’s idea of what’s “basic”? Who’s definition of “education”?
For Whom? How and why?
You ask these kinds of questions as a journalist, you ain’t got nothing to build a column around. Might as well tell the editor to run blank newsprint with the cutline, “This sucking vacuum brought to you by the ed. industry.”
By Glenn
February 16, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
GO DENNIS!
Post o’ da Day goes to you, no matter what happens from here on out…
By John
February 16, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Please look at this video. Obama supporters are welcome.
[http://therightperspectivepodcastblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/larry-sinclair-interview-excerpt.html]
Obama has some explaining to do.
By Glenn
February 16, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Bye, Dusty!
By Ron
February 16, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Dear Sweet Dusty,How nice of you to impose rules.I’ll try to follow them.
By John
February 16, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
This is a good website. Obama needs to explain.
(http://therightperspectivepodcastblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/larry-sinclair-interview-excerpt.html)
By Truthful
February 16, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
A golden opportunity has arisen for the ajc to take a quantum leap forward in quality: The New York Times is laying off hundreds of reporters: We need a petition to Cox Enterprises to replace the poor writting uga graduates with a couple dozen of these former ny times reporters: cindy tucker will not be missed much, she can go work for President Obama as press secretary: woodenhead will be missed even less, he can retire on social security: Mike King is a nobody, hence he can go teach journalism at uga: Angela Tuck can go with cindy as an a*-istent: Bookman can stay on as a copyboy: LUCKOVICH can start drawing ObamaDocks in syndication. Sign those petitions people.
By who cares?
February 16, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
The agency’s report praised Clayton County’s teachers and administrators, but had few kind words for the county’s school board, whose members it said frequently acted in their own best interest or on behalf of special interest groups.
“As a result, the board operates in a constant of confusion and conflict,” it said.
The 25-page report accused school board members of hurling insults and derogatory comments at school administrators. And it alleged a pattern of possible conflicts of interest among its members.
In one case, it said a school board member who also serves as executive director of the teachers union pushed the board to abandon a curriculum program two-thirds through a contract because it wasn’t endorsed by the union.
The move cost more than $1 million and left students and teachers without a clear curriculum, the report said.
nobody that’s supposed to.
By Apocalypse
February 16, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Barack Obama holds a significant delegate lead after 35 contests — but the race for the nomination is far from decided.
Important upcoming primaries in Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania — along with more than a dozen smaller contests — will demand resources on an unprecedented scale.
Millions of supporters been generous with this campaign in the past, and now I’d like to ask you to take the next step by encouraging other Obama supporters you know to own a piece of our movement.
We’ve established a personal fundraising program that allows you to set a goal, reach out to friends and family, and get credit for the money you raise. Learn more and get started right now:
http://my.barackobama.com/fundraising
You know that our movement is driven by hundreds of thousands of people like you donating whatever they can afford.
By creating a personal fundraising page, you’ll be taking the financial future of this campaign into your hands. You set your own goal, do your own outreach, track your progress on a real-time fundraising thermometer, and then get credit for the results.
You don’t need to have any political or fundraising experience. You just need to be willing to reach out to your friends and family to help grow our grassroots movement.
Start your personal fundraising page now:
http://my.barackobama.com/fundraising
By Craig
February 16, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Dusty I know I’m wasting my breath here, but Dubya is a failure because he chose NOT to go after the terrorists who attacked us. Instead he bogged us down in a war with someone who was no threat to us.
Obama will go after the terrorists. Bush didn’t. Simple as that.
By getalife
February 16, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
“Maryland Delegate Robert MccKee (R) resigned yesterday after police confirmed he is being investigated for possessing child pornography. Sadly, he was also the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County - a post he also resigned from yesterday. Police raided his home on Jan.31 based on a phone tip earlier the same day. Computers, videotapes, and printed materials were found.”
What is wrong with these people?
Damn.
By OneForTheRoad
February 16, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Perdue for VP followed by 8 years of Perdue for President. Won’t that be fun. We can have National Pray for Rain Day and Go Fish Day and Perdue can buy a National Forest and not pay taxes on it and Perdue can come out of the closet and announce that he’s really a Democrat and Perdue can get caught in the Lincoln Bedroom working on his SonnyDo list.
By swOOOOOOOOn
February 16, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Obama’s recycling.
Obama has put forth a plan that would give college students a $4,000 tax credit if they volunteer for community service.
Growing Number of Colleges Provide Tuition Aid to AmeriCorps Alums
Washington, DC - A growing number of colleges and universities are providing tuition breaks, academic credit, and other assistance to students who have served their communities and country through the AmeriCorps national service program.
A breath of fresh air my arse.
By Apocalypse
February 16, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
getalife,
Can Obama count on you for a contribution?
By catlady
February 16, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Can someone tell me WHO is the lunatic fringe? I mean, is it to the right, or to the left? Or does it depend on where YOU sit?
By Apocalypse
February 16, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
sw000000n,
A $4000 tax credit isn’t the same as tuition breaks or academic credit.
Obama is adding to already existing benefits.
By James
February 16, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Is this true about Obama.
By Apocalypse
February 16, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Obama currently leads the pledged delegate count by 136 delegates - 1139 for Obama – 1003 for Clinton…
After sweeping the past eight contests by large margins, it now appears that Senator Obama has an insurmountable lead in pledged delegates. Senator Clinton would have to get 56% of all the remaining delegates in all contests in order to take a pledged delegate lead. This appears extraordinarily unlikely given the history of contests so far. From February 5th through today, there have been 30 primaries and caucuses and the results are clear. Barack Obama has won 21 of those elections while Senator Clinton has won 8 with New Mexico still undetermined. In total, there have been 34 elections and Senator Obama has won 23, winning more than two out of every three contests. Obama is also ahead in the popular vote by 52-48%. Senator Obama has won landslide victories from Maine to Washington State, and from Maryland to Nebraska. In Virginia, Kansas, and North Dakota, Senator Obama won more votes than all the Republicans on the ballot combined, demonstrating the grassroots excitement of his candidacy and his ability to appeal to Republicans and Independents. Barack Obama continues to dominate among Independent voters. Continuing a trend, Senator Obama won 2-1 among Independents in Virginia (66-33%) and Maryland (68-24%), which is driving his lead over John McCain in general election polls. Senator Clinton’s weakness among Independents is her critical weakness versus Senator McCain in the general election. Senator Obama has won big states and small states, red states, blue states, and swing states. Senator Obama has won 12 primaries, while Senator Clinton has won 9. Senator Obama has won 11 caucuses to Senator Clinton’s 2. Senator Obama has won states across this country by appealing to Americans of all races, religions, and education and income levels. He has won the Hispanic vote in 5 states (CT, VA, MD, IL IA). Senator Obama has also won the women’s vote in 16 contests (IA, SC, AL, DE, GA, IL, MO, UT, LA, MD, VA, KS, AK, ID, Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia), while Senator Clinton has won the women’s vote in 11. On Monday, two polls confirmed what a Time poll recently showed – Senator Obama is the candidate best suited to win Independents, play well in Red States, and beat John McCain in November. A USA Today/Gallup poll showed Senator Obama defeating Senator McCain, and Senator Clinton losing to Senator McCain; and an AP/IPSOS poll showed Senator Obama beating Senator McCain by a wide margin and Senator Clinton edging out Senator McCain by a razor-thin margin.
By getalife
February 16, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
lips,
No. I donate to charity.
Omama screwed up agreeing with McInsane on general campaign funding.
He will not be the nominee and McMaverick has Freedom Watch.
Another rookie politician mistake that the corporate media will attack him on.
By Apocalypse
February 16, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
James,
That is a load of crap. Please do not circulate this any furthur.
By Apocalypse
February 16, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
getalie,
I think you need to refer to my 2:22.
It will bring you back to this planet.
By Apocalypse
February 16, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Barack Obama’s Plan Provide Middle Class Americans Tax Relief Obama will cut income taxes by $1,000 for working families to offset the payroll tax they pay.
Provide a Tax Cut for Working Families: Obama will restore fairness to the tax code and provide 150 million workers the tax relief they need. Obama will create a new “Making Work Pay” tax credit of up to $500 per person, or $1,000 per working family. The “Making Work Pay” tax credit will completely eliminate income taxes for 10 million Americans. Simplify Tax Filings for Middle Class Americans: Obama will dramatically simplify tax filings so that millions of Americans will be able to do their taxes in less than five minutes. Obama will ensure that the IRS uses the information it already gets from banks and employers to give taxpayers the option of pre-filled tax forms to verify, sign and return. Experts estimate that the Obama proposal will save Americans up to 200 million total hours of work and aggravation and up to $2 billion in tax preparer fees. Trade Obama believes that trade with foreign nations should strengthen the American economy and create more American jobs. He will stand firm against agreements that undermine our economic security.
Fight for Fair Trade: Obama will fight for a trade policy that opens up foreign markets to support good American jobs. He will use trade agreements to spread good labor and environmental standards around the world and stand firm against agreements like the Central American Free Trade Agreement that fail to live up to those important benchmarks. Obama will also pressure the World Trade Organization to enforce trade agreements and stop countries from continuing unfair government subsidies to foreign exporters and nontariff barriers on U.S. exports. Amend the North American Free Trade Agreement: Obama believes that NAFTA and its potential were oversold to the American people. Obama will work with the leaders of Canada and Mexico to fix NAFTA so that it works for American workers. Improve Transition Assistance: To help all workers adapt to a rapidly changing economy, Obama would update the existing system of Trade Adjustment Assistance by extending it to service industries, creating flexible education accounts to help workers retrain, and providing retraining assistance for workers in sectors of the economy vulnerable to dislocation before they lose their jobs.
By catlady
February 16, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Glenn, you are right about QBE. I live in one of those rural counties, and until we tax ourselves the max (The Reverse Golden Rule: do unto yourself as you would do unto others) we should not get any money from Affluent East Cobb County or anywhere else in Georgia. Until we are willing to do so (and quit giving these lovely tax breaks to large landowners also) we deserve the mess we have with lack of money for the schools. If our kids deserve better, WE should do everything we can to provide for them, instead of looking to others to do sol Any good Republican—which my county is—would tell you so.
I have real property, and I pay full taxes on them (less the homestead exemption). No special breaks, so special zoning or designations. I don’t relish paying more taxes for schools, but until we do we should not go begging or suing for more of the pie. Period. That should be a requirement. Of course, those in power at the county level are frequently the large landowners, and there is NO WAY they will do the right thing unless they are required to.
Maybe raising the school tax would keep out some of those Atlanta refugees we keep getting! : ) Right now we are being overrun with them because in part they love our lower taxes, but then they complain about lack of services!
By Apocalypse
February 16, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Technology, Innovation and Creating Jobs Obama will encourage the deployment of the most modern communications infrastructure to reduce the costs of health care, help solve our energy crisis, create new jobs, and fuel our economic growth.
Support Job Creation: Barack Obama believes we need to double federal funding for basic research and make the research and development tax credit permanent to help create high-paying, secure jobs. Obama will also make long-term investments in education, training, and workforce development so that Americans can leverage our strengths - our ingenuity and entrepreneurialism - to create new high-wage jobs and prosper in a world economy.
Invest in U.S. Manufacturing: The Obama comprehensive energy independence and climate change plan will invest in America’s highly-skilled manufacturing workforce and manufacturing centers to ensure that American workers have the skills and tools they need to pioneer the first wave of green technologies that will be in high demand throughout the world. Obama will also provide assistance to the domestic auto industry to ensure that new fuel-efficient vehicles are built by American workers.
Create New Job Training Programs for Clean Technologies: The Obama plan will increase funding for federal workforce training programs and direct these programs to incorporate green technologies training, such as advanced manufacturing and weatherization training, into their efforts to help Americans find and retain stable, high-paying jobs. Obama will also create an energy-focused youth jobs program to invest in disconnected and disadvantaged youth.
Boost the Renewable Energy Sector and Create New Jobs: The Obama plan will create new federal policies, and expand existing ones, that have been proven to create new American jobs. Obama will create a federal Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that will require 25 percent of American electricity be derived from renewable sources by 2025, which has the potential to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs on its own. Obama will also extend the Production Tax Credit, a credit used successfully by American farmers and investors to increase renewable energy production and create new local jobs.
Deploy Next-Generation Broadband: Obama believes we can get broadband to every community in America through a combination of reform of the Universal Service Fund, better use of the nation’s wireless spectrum, promotion of next-generation facilities, technologies and applications, and new tax and loan incentives.
Protect the Openness of the Internet: Obama supports the basic principle that network providers should not be allowed to charge fees to privilege the content or applications of some web sites and Internet applications over others. This principle will ensure that the new competitors, especially small or nonprofit speakers, have the same opportunity as big companies to innovate and reach large audiences. Invest in Rural Areas: Obama will invest in rural small businesses and fight to expand high-speed Internet access. He will improve rural schools and attract more doctors to rural areas.
By Apocalypse
February 16, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Prin. Margie,
Early Childhood Education
Zero to Five Plan: Obama’s comprehensive “Zero to Five” plan will provide critical support to young children and their parents. Unlike other early childhood education plans, Obama’s plan places key emphasis at early care and education for infants, which is essential for children to be ready to enter kindergarten. Obama will create Early Learning Challenge Grants to promote state “zero to five” efforts and help states move toward voluntary, universal pre-school.
Expand Early Head Start and Head Start: Obama will quadruple Early Head Start, increase Head Start funding and improve quality for both.
Affordable, High-Quality Child Care: Obama will also provide affordable and high-quality child care to ease the burden on working families. K-12
Reform No Child Left Behind: Obama will reform NCLB, which starts by funding the law. Obama believes teachers should not be forced to spend the academic year preparing students to fill in bubbles on standardized tests. He will improve the assessments used to track student progress to measure readiness for college and the workplace and improve student learning in a timely, individualized manner. Obama will also improve NCLB’s accountability system so that we are supporting schools that need improvement, rather than punishing them.
Make Math and Science Education a National Priority: Obama will recruit math and science degree graduates to the teaching profession and will support efforts to help these teachers learn from professionals in the field. He will also work to ensure that all children have access to a strong science curriculum at all grade levels.
Address the Dropout Crisis: Obama will address the dropout crisis by passing his legislation to provide funding to school districts to invest in intervention strategies in middle school - strategies such as personal academic plans, teaching teams, parent involvement, mentoring, intensive reading and math instruction, and extended learning time.
Expand High-Quality Afterschool Opportunities: Obama will double funding for the main federal support for afterschool programs, the 21st Century Learning Centers program, to serve one million more children.
Expand Summer Learning Opportunities: Obama’s “STEP UP” plan addresses the achievement gap by supporting summer learning opportunities for disadvantaged children through partnerships between local schools and community organizations.
Support College Outreach Programs: Obama supports outreach programs like GEAR UP, TRIO and Upward Bound to encourage more young people from low-income families to consider and prepare for college. Support English Language Learners: Obama supports transitional bilingual education and will help Limited English Proficient students get ahead by holding schools accountable for making sure these students complete school.
Recruit, Prepare, Retain, and Reward America’s Teachers Recruit Teachers: Obama will create new Teacher Service Scholarships that will cover four years of undergraduate or two years of graduate teacher education, including high-quality alternative programs for mid-career recruits in exchange for teaching for at least four years in a high-need field or location.
Prepare Teachers: Obama will require all schools of education to be accredited. He will also create a voluntary national performance assessment so we can be sure that every new educator is trained and ready to walk into the classroom and start teaching effectively. Obama will also create Teacher Residency Programs that will supply 30,000 exceptionally well-prepared recruits to high-need schools.
Retain Teachers: To support our teachers, Obama’s plan will expand mentoring programs that pair experienced teachers with new recruits. He will also provide incentives to give teachers paid common planning time so they can collaborate to share best practices.
Reward Teachers: Obama will promote new and innovative ways to increase teacher pay that are developed with teachers, not imposed on them. Districts will be able to design programs that reward accomplished educators who serve as a mentor to new teachers with a salary increase. Districts can reward teachers who work in underserved places like rural areas and inner cities. And if teachers consistently excel in the classroom, that work can be valued and rewarded as well.
Higher Education Create the American Opportunity Tax Credit: Obama will make college affordable for all Americans by creating a new American Opportunity Tax Credit. This universal and fully refundable credit will ensure that the first $4,000 of a college education is completely free for most Americans, and will cover two-thirds the cost of tuition at the average public college or university and make community college tuition completely free for most students. Obama will also ensure that the tax credit is available to families at the time of enrollment by using prior year’s tax data to deliver the credit when tuition is due. Simplify the Application Process for Financial Aid: Obama will streamline the financial aid process by eliminating the current federal financial aid application and enabling families to apply simply by checking a box on their tax form, authorizing their tax information to be used, and eliminating the need for a separate application. Barack Obama’s Record Record of Advocacy: Obama has been a leader on educational issues throughout his career. In the Illinois State Senate, Obama was a leader on early childhood education, helping create the state’s Early Learning Council. In the U.S. Senate, Obama has been a leader in working to make college more affordable. His very first bill sought to increase the maximum Pell Grant award to $5,100. As a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committee, Obama helped pass legislation to achieve that goal in the recent improvements to the Higher Education Act. Obama has also introduced legislation to create Teacher Residency Programs and to increase federal support for summer learning opportunities.
For More Information about Barack’s Plan Read the Pre-K to 12 Plan Read the College Affordability Plan Speech on Pre-K to 12 Education Speech on College Affordability
By Apocalypse
February 16, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Attention:
Due to the low volume of traffic on this blog today,Obama’s specific positions on key issues will also be posted on Luckovich’s on Monday.
Glad to be of service to all of you.
Obama in’08
By Van
February 16, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
yawn
By James
February 16, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this