Thinking Right

By WFC

March 20, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

AMEN! If the voters of Clayton Co. go for these insane financial demands, they will only be confirming the rank stupidity that created this problem in the first place. God save us from “educational messiahs!”

By Inherit America

March 20, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

Yes, I’d hire him.

Obama got to address the nation. He got to act very presidential, as his own man, making up his own mind, saying his own words in front of 8 american flags, searing his presidency into the minds of 300 million americans, who were focused upon him as their next president. What fall guys you conservatives are, honestly.

You cant stop Obamamania. It’s America, stupid.

By Akima

March 20, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

This is the most annoying thing. This idiot demands 24 hour security, an on-call driver and a lincoln town car. Is this a life threatening job for him? He may have turned other schools around, but wasn’t there something about him abrupty “resigning” amid controversy at two other jobs? Oh, but he won’t comment on that.

What a arrogant man. Who does he think he is, God? Tell him to don on a police officers uniform, go lay his life on the line every day, and earn less than $70,000/year. Then come talk to me about 24 hour security.

The sad thing is, Clayton county residents will vote him in. Just like the article says, probably just and only because he is black. Qualified to do the job? Probably not, but he’s black so let’s get him in and pay whatever HE wants.

By jbmlaw

March 20, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

Good morning all. If anyone in Clayton County (other than our friend @@) read this blog, the county would hire our friend Glenn. Surely Thompson and Wood are well-qualified candidates, but I cannot envision anyone knowing the field better than Glenn. I’ll bet they could get Glenn for $175k.

By BadOleBoys

March 20, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Well of course these folks in Clayton County that caused all this mess are stupid. Do you thing smart people get into this kind of trouble. Heck no. Smart people get themselves into “smart people” trouble. It’s a whole different class of trouble that requires a whole different class of pay scales. But no matter what the class of trouble or the class of pay scales, you have to know where to draw the line — make whoever is hired buy their own gas. It’s the smart thing to do.

By ron

March 20, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

Good Morning Jim and all,The American way of solving problems is to throw large sums of money in the general direction of the irritant.A portion of the consultant fee will be paid directly to the board to get them aligned in the right diretion and the rest is downhill from there.A car and driver and perhaps a couple of armed body guards doesn’t sound like a bad idea.This guy has been there before.He’s just telling it like it really is.

By Shar

March 20, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

Judging by the behavior of those concerned over the last month, it seems that the only attractive feature of the Clayton County job is the students. With a flamingly incompetant Board, decamping teachers and administrators and an electorate that seems bound and determined to put the worst possible people into office (and then threaten their personal safety when forced to admit the inevitable fiasco), to say nothing of impending loss of accreditation, it’s something of a surprise that anyone is interested in the job at all.

I am not familiar with the credentials of the two candidates in question, but there is some truth to the adage that you get what you pay for. Plus, there is a greater likelihood that the Board will listen to a person who they are paying exorbitantly. If I were considering stepping into the Clayton County mare’s nest, I’d use any trick at hand to establish some authority as quickly as possible, and I’d also want generous compensation for a job that is likely to be a low point in a professional resume.

Bottom line, the Clayton County students who stood up to the Board with courage and eloquence last month deserve the best available leader to shove the incompetant adults aside and concentrate on their welfare. And the best is not cheap. However, the difference between usual and customary compensation packages and whatever Clayton ends up having to pay should be extracted from the pockets of the idiots that created the need for extraordinary inducements.

By Glenn

March 20, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Jim,

I’d be happy to do it for a dollar. Instead of negotiating a contract, I’d take the State’s oath of office, and negotiate instead a district-wide charter compact, to clear out state red tape. And the feds would have to be dismissed from the playing field, taking their Spitzer moneys with them; no pimping out the little ones to federal molestation. We’d agree on a single exam, and test admin. windows, for each testable grade level (3-12)—-whatever the State people would specify—-and then challenge that exam at High Noon.

By alohavampire

March 20, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

UNBELIEVABLE !!!!!!!!

The voters of Clayton County got exactly what they deserve.

Noting matters anymore you idiots. It’s too late !!!!!

Property values in Clayton County will soon be $0.00

Nobody will save them. Nobody can save them. They don’t even deserve to be saved. Let them drown in their own vomit.

I feel empathy for the kids. this isn’t their fault… I blame the stupid parents and voters. These kids are already screwed.

Next…. Think about national health care. Obama and Clinton are promising to make it a reality here in the US. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT WE CAN EXPECT IF THAT HAPPENS. The lowest common denominator of human pond scum will be running the show. Uneducated, verbally challenged, arrogant, racist, inept, incapable and just plain dumb leadership.

Thank god I have a real job and leave in a county where BS like this isn’t tolerated. GO COBB !!!!!

As for this jerk who needs a 24hour bodyguard, Lincoln Town Car with driver and way too much money….. First I laugh at his face. Next I spit on his shoe. Third, I punch him in the mouth. Forth, I look for another applicant. VERY SIMPLE !!!

Cobb County Voter.

By Georgia 74

March 20, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

You are absolutely right Jim. There are plenty of educators in this state, if given the chance, who could striaghten out Clayton County schools if given the chance.

By Inherit America

March 20, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Mind’s eye to Obama in front of those 8 flags speaking directly to us as our president, looking and acting the part, searing his presidency into our hearts. “God Bless America”.

Obamamania. It’s America, stupid.

By Shar

March 20, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Georgia 74, I have no doubt that you are right. The problem is that no one will be “given a chance”. Any chance to improve the situation will have to be wrested by force from the selfish fools - parents, voters, Board members, administration - who created it in the first place. Remember, the Board is so intent on feathering their nests that they claim there is no reason for them to resign (other than Mr. Haynes, who had the poor taste to live clandestinely outside the county and who had to be escorted out of the Board room by police after his seat was declared vacant). Even if they all resigned, the voters have proved themselves unlikely to elect anyone significantly better. The next superintendent can’t just be an educator; he or she must be a commando chief executive with a bulletproof vest.

Glenn, I’d come and work with you for that same dollar.

By HIDT

March 20, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

This Thompson guy sounds like a confidence man, and a realy dandy to boot. Just Clayton County’s kind of guy. He and Victor can hang out.

By Inherit America

March 20, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Obamamania. It’s America, stupid.

By Dusty

March 20, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

What a mess!!

If Glenn and @@ don’t get this outstanding job, I will be glad to offer my services for a mere one hundred thousand (a million would be better) and a VW bug for the first year of freefall.

Credentials? Ha! This is a sick school system and medical science is my field. Experience? You get five children through high school and into college and see if you don’t learn something! Budget experience? Did I mention FIVE hungry children?? Teachers?? I can talk, tribulate and triumph with the best of them.

Now, before some of you envious ones get all bent out of shape, I have not applied. But just in case Clayton County is listening, that salary is open for discussion. I might even settle for a Saturn if they throw in some M & Ms.

So grab the backpacks,Clayton kiddies. You are headed for the big time in the halls of higher education. Just give me a call.

By BadOleBoys

March 20, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Hey, quit picking on these people. Where do you expect the new rank-and-file of the Future Floor Sweepers of America to come from — an educated public? Once they get as smart as a fifth grader, the elected officials start to fear for their jobs. So, keep ‘em stupid.

By Aurora

March 20, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Thank god I have a real job and leave in a county where BS like this isn’t tolerated. GO COBB !!!!!

That is exactly why my kids are in Gwinnett Schools…..

By Thunder Noodle

March 20, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

No amount of money (or consultants) can fix an uneducated, unsophisticated, irrational, uninvolved and irresponsible voting populace.

By Inherit America

March 20, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

Obamamania. It’s America, stupids.

Did you all get a load of Obama looking and sounding presidential? Those were his words. He’s a leader. He spoke directly to me, one on one, like he was FDR or Mr. Rogers, or something. I kinda like that. I kinda like that real good.

Obmamania. it’s america, stupid.

By Dennis

March 20, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Mr. Wooten writes, “…a superintendent who insisted on a security guard and a specific vehicle with driver is one who’d have to walk to town across the Chattahoochee River before I’d hire him.”

I have no idea what the Clayton County school budget is. However, if it’s comprable to what a small corporation might have, then I wonder if Mr. Wooten would object to paying that same salary to its CEO to get it out of trouble?

I doubt Mr. Wooten would give it a second thought.

You don’t have to be a blind conservative not to see it, just an ignorant one to deny it.

By BadOleBoys

March 20, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

The pre-requisite for high school graduation in Georgia is to be smart enough to know your place. If we are not careful, our teachers will start to fail us. Perhaps the teachers are getting too smart for their own good. I find it odd that we have imposed requirements on teachers and even on students wishing to pursue a higher education (i.e., being smarter than a fifth grader) while we let just about anything get elected to office. All it takes is the fee to get put on the ballot. Then, to add insult to injury, these elected people are allowed to appoint others to positions of influence. All the while, the educated amongst us try to figure out what went wrong. Pardon me while I laugh for a while. I will follow that up with a brief period of sadness before I return to join Jim in dishing out more well earned ridiculing. Bunch of dumb a*******es.

By Dennis

March 20, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

By Georgia 74 March 20, 2008 9:22 AM

“You are absolutely right Jim. There are plenty of educators in this state, if given the chance, who could striaghten out Clayton County schools if given the chance.”

If it was to be all that easy, the superintendents (and losing football coaches) in every small school system in this state would be beating down the doors to get the Clayton Co. job.

You don’t have to be a blind conservative not to see it, just an ignorant one to deny it.

By gafarmer

March 20, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Since this is turning into a bidding contest for the position, a John Deere, a Glock 40,2 hours helicopter time per day,and $100,000 per year.

Plow it under and start over(charter schools), I can defend myself and will buy my own ammo, I WILL NOT sleep in the place and the commute is to far for automobile,and the salary should be just about right to dispose of the systems assets over a couple of years.

By Inherit America

March 20, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Obama responded like a leader and sure did look like our president during yesterday’s speech.

Obamamania. It’s America, stupids.

By Glenn

March 20, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Hey Shar, thanks, and let’s do. Let’s draft @@, who’s got the Clayton thing down, and let her keep her beloved job doing her good work, but give her all the credit for the Clayton make-over so we can proceed to get the district’s students to get the job done. Does that sound like a plan? What, is @@ the wrong color for those deep thinkers in Clayton? OK, well, my business partner’s black, and a big wheel from Howard. He’d probably head it up for no more than the cost of reimbursing him for the relocation to Georgia. He’s busted more crooked districts than Rudy’s busted made membahs. So let’s count him in too, and we’ll run @@ for School Board. There. Anybody else?

If we get Jim Wooten on board, will that then just open the door for all the riff-raff, like Tuck and Luckovich? Mm-mmn.

By TEACHERS ARE IDIOTS

March 20, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

NO so called educator is worth more than 60k per year, and the bureaucrats are worth even less. If Clayton County wants to fix their schools, then fire the idiots currently teaching there, and hire math, science, and computer graduates to take their places, at say a 20% premium over what surrounding counties are paying their teachers. The talking head at the top is just a worthless figure head trying to take all the credit and money for any success, while bullying the underlings. POWER TO THE WORKERS, PINK SLIPS TO THE MANAGERS! REVOLT, REVOLT, REVOLT

By Glenn

March 20, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

OK, I’ll sweeten the deal. I’ll do it for TWO DOLLARS, include Shar in the package, and GIVE YOU my old Shaky Jake, a still fairly tight Model 1911 with only slight holster burn.

By Dennis

March 20, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Why doesn’t Mr. Wooten take the Clayton County superintendent’s job?

By BadOleBoys

March 20, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

What is wrong with our education system in America. First of all, keep the questions simple — ask what is not wrong with it.

*One person talking to another, “Are you smarter than a fifth grader?”.

“That depends. How much does it pay”.*

America (much less, Georgia) can’t figure out our problem with education. DUH. That’s because America is too dang stupid to figure it out.

We have spent generations now rewarding people to be sports heroes, movie stars, singers, CEOs, ….All the while, we offer teachers, engineers, scientists, etc., the reward of knowing that they have helped their fellow man. Well, guess what. That don’t pay the over-inflated bills. Bunch of dumb a*******es.

By davey

March 20, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD!!!

By Inherit America

March 20, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

I’m sure after reading your erudition Clayton County would retain you 2 salvage the school system’s accreditation, Glenn. I’m equally convinced that any collegue you’d recommend would be more than a match to the challenge that is Clayton County Schools.

I could make a couple of phone calls. Up 2 U….

But back to more pressing matters, Obama certainly seared the instantly-iconic image of him in front of those 8 flags as our president yesterday. You see, a leader is judge on qualities that have to do with how you look and sound while you say what you say. True, he didn’t impress as well as McCain did when he fingered that new terrorist cell in Litchenstein, but Obama looked very very presidential.

Mainstream McCain: It’s the Shias, stupid.

By DebbieDoRight

March 20, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Uh oh. Jim’s bloggership must be down again……he’s brought RACE back into his rants!!

I still think the problem in Clayton County is the voters of Clayton County. They make bad choices, initially on the basis of race.

I can say one thing about Jim, he sure knows how to keep up the Repuglican mantra of ignorance and intolerance. Go Jimboy Go!!

PS: Don’t forget to push evangelical doctrines in your next “commentary”. Evangeical… which in christian terms; doesn’t mean squat. But in repuglican terms is the new name for Manifest Destiny.

By Elton's John

March 20, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

OK, I’ll sweeten the deal. I’ll do it for TWO DOLLARS, include Shar in the package, and GIVE YOU my old Shaky Jake

Hmmmm I could take that in soooo many ways! Two dollars huh? I would love to come and get you for a job interview later on tonight; however I’m kinda dubious about “Shaky” Jake. How “shakie” is Jake?

By Inherit America

March 20, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Clayton County Schools? First define the problem. Is it a rogue county? Or a national condition? Johnny cant read for the same reason Johnny cant shoot: he doesn’t have to. Pictures inform us. The Buffalo is delivered to us. The Indians cover our bets. We click on icons instead of writing.

Basically we are inventing a chinese character-based new alphabet. the smiley face. the lol. the <=3.

I’d start over with “See Jane”. Except in New York, where it should be, “Get a load a Jane”.

I’d ban onomatopoeia. I’d ban punctuation. If I hear one more person use an exclamation point….I’d ban alliteration too…..ditto metaphors, similes, palindromes, anagrams and acronyms.

Let stick to the basics. Subject. Predicate. Object. No gerunds. No past participles, i hate past participles.

Fix Clayton County? Sure, patch it up. Give Johnny another supersized book to drag around on his back. Tote that load. Pick a bale o cotton. Pick a bale o hay.

Why not ask Johnny what’s wrong? Let Johnny tell us. Johnny get angry, Johnny get mad. Give us the biggest lecture we’ve ever had. We want a brave boy, we want a cave boy, Johnny tell us why you always forget your “P”.

“I gotta go to the can, man.”

‘muff said.

By deegee

March 20, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

If the quote below from candidate Wood is exactly as he spoke, then I can see why he is working for a cut rate salary. Both candidates carry some heavy baggage acquired during previous superintendent gigs.

“The district has got caught up in a political hail storm from SACS and it has tainted the district in a negative way,” Wood said.

All of the money, experience and good intentions go out the window the first time the new superintendent gets a call from a ruffled Mr.or Ms. so-and-so on the board threatening extortion if he follows through on his decision to “__” (fill in the blank).

By Ted P

March 20, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

I have an idea; why not pay them that wild amount of money, contingent on results. This is how we should pay ALL public employees. No results, no pay.

By Kenneth

March 20, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

When are people going to learn, you don’t vote someone into office because they are black…..Apparently Clayton will never learn…..can’t blame the white man on this one!!!

By Glenn

March 20, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

All right, then, let’s get down to business on this Clayton deal. We’re prepared to make the following guarantees for Year 1:

• Not only will Clayton’s dropout problem be eliminated, we’ll ensure a dramatic increase over current attendance levels;

• Every high school student, regardless of the student’s collegiate intentions, will be gainfully employed PRIOR to high school graduation;

• The incidence of school violence will be cut by more than half;

• Whatever standardized tests are imposed for each grade (no more than one blanket test per grade), Clayton students will beat the scores of the nearest county taking the same grade-level exam;

• Full-time nurses and librarians will be assigned to each school site, regardless of its size;

• Visual and performing arts programs will be revived at every school and will demonstrate record levels of participation;

• State and federal expenditures on the district will decrease in 2008-09, and every year thereafter for the duration of the term of the contract;

• The following will be eliminated: NCLB participation; assigned homework; all “zero tolerance” policies;

• Students in the middle and secondary grades will be eligible to design and own, without cost to them, clothing produced by leading sportswear manufacturers;

• And, notwithstanding any of these guarantees, and in spite of all governmental mandates and artificial constraints, all Clayton students will come to know the truths, achieve the core fluencies, and use the tools that shape their futures.

COST: $2

By Ted P

March 20, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

I have an idea; why not pay them that wild amount of money, contingent on results. This is how we should pay ALL public employees. No results, no pay.

By Inherit America

March 20, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Obama’s speech in front of those flags: instant icon of his presidency. And the conservatives gave it to america on a silver platter.

Obamamania: It’s America, stupid.

By ???

March 20, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Glenn, who is your dealer, you must be smokin the cronic.

By Gerald

March 20, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Aloha Vampire:

How’s that Iraq War coming along?

By Inherit America

March 20, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Mainstream McCain: he’s not concerned with where Osama Bin Laden is either. He’s concentratin’ on the Sunni and Shia and Kurd, (oh my).

By Dusty

March 20, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Well, I see the competition in Clayton County is getting very heavy here. I must amend my proposal:

I promise a chicken in every pot and catfish on Friday.

I promise a rainbow every afternoon whether it rains or not.

If pushed, I will do something about the drought. So there!!

By RightRev

March 20, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Clayton county is getting what it deserves for abandoning the teachings of god. God d* Clayton County. May that cesspool sink straight down to Hell.

By jm

March 20, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

I wonder why Mr. Wooten feels that local control is bad for the citizens of Clayton County but is the cure-all for the citizens of Sandy Springs, Johns Creek and the rest of North Fulton.

By Inherit America

March 20, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Dusty, you had rainbow, and pot. You missed a really great post.

try again.

By Glenn

March 20, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Ted P @ 11:37,

We get the two dollars up front, half of it refundable for non-performance of any of these guarantees, or no deal. You can throw in a 10% bonus for over-performance, though, and we’ll foreswear any golden handshakes or the old “school district shuffle” of intentionally screwing things up so badly that you have to pay us a premium to go away prior to expiration of the contract. (Let’s continue to leave the “Kimbrough Scam” to the big urban districts.)

Also, at this juncture in these negotiations, we are willing to offer the following codicil to the proposed terms:

Every high school student, regardless of the student’s collegiate intentions, will be gainfully employed in a job of his or her own choosing PRIOR to high school graduation.

You don’t see how it can be done, do you? They seldom do. Very few realize that they’re enschooled in a glass box. It’s quite remarkable.

By MV7

March 20, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Obamamania: It’s stupid, American.

By Glenn

March 20, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Yay, jm @ 12:11! A homer for Spring Training season!

By Inherit America

March 20, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

D’OH!

By BadOleBoys

March 20, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

KISS. If you want to inherit America, Keep It Simple Sucker. OK. No one complained about acronyms. Did they? By the way, what ever happened to the meek and their inheritance?

Johnny needs education. Even if Johnny doesn’t want it? Yes. Even if Johnny gets angry? Yes. Even if Johnny is 18 years of age or older? No. Even if Johnny’s parents say no or get angry? Yes. Even if Johnny’s really Jane? Yes. Even if the state and local elected and appointed officials are incompetent a*******es? Oops!!!!! Now, keep those Yes/No questions coming.

By Hendriks

March 20, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Atlanta homes at a fraction of the price and

insurance costs of south Florida homes

By MD 20/20

March 20, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Clayton County makes Fulton County look competent. And that’s saying a lot.

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Thursday shows John McCain’s lead growing against both potential Democratic opponents. McCain currently leads Barack Obama 49% to 42% and Hillary Clinton 51% to 41% margin (see recent daily results). African-American support for Clinton has collapsed, falling to 55% in the general election match-up. An interesting tidbit here is that 20% of both Obama and Clinton supporters would vote for McCain if their candidate lost the nomination. Now that’s the change I’m talking about. Stay on board as long as possible Hillary. We need ya. * toe tap] [la de da de da]* Are any Clinton sheeple still on board?

By Glenn

March 20, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

No BadOleBoys, Johnny doesn’t need educaton. That’s just it. You want it kept simple, fine. Because that perception, that simple three-word sentence, IS the sociopathy that is liberalism.

Johnny doesn’t need education, but Johnny’s gonna get it. Because we love Johnny, and because he’s our homeboy and will get a vote in the gang some day. Best part is, Johnny IS going to dig it.

By DebbieDoRight

March 20, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Just a quick question, since Wooten said that the RACE of the county voted for the RACE of the School board regardless of INTELLECT or COMPETENCE — They threw out a veteran district attorney widely respected for his competence, apparently on the basis of skin color, to choose a black woman

— how many Non-Brown people ran for the School Board in the last 4 elections?

If he answers NONE or ONE than his answer just blew his stupid comment out the water………

PS: I think Jim is still peeved because he got passed over for promotion by Cynthia T, (one of the dreaded black women), and now she’s HIS boss. Those dang black women!

By Glenn

March 20, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Inherit America @ 11:02, right on. That little analysis of yours does give a glimpse of how dystopian things will be, by this time next week. And in the end, all emoticons devolve into One: \:=)

davey @ 10:56, yes, please do make them. And thanks. We’re prepared to sweeten the deal quite a bit, but much more would strain cred.

By jbmlaw

March 20, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Dear Debbie @ 12:48, you grossly misquoted Jim’s closing paragraph, and created a false picture of his argument. I also think your interpretation is not true. I think there is a racial problem in Clayton County government employment practices, and the county suffers. Perhaps more to the point, instead of addressing the issue, you start throwing the race card. At a minimum, you ought to answer Jim’s question before you go off on your lunatic tirade. Would you hire John Thompson?

By Dusty

March 20, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Well, what do ya know….seems we’ve gone from the Clayton County School System to insulting Jim Wooten. I’m really glad Jim’s around as he is the only leading editor brave enough to produce a blog. He can take the jolts ‘cause he’s got what it takes.

The good news is the Rasmussen Report telling us that America is waking up from the Obama occult and the Hillary Power surge. They see a strong man capable of leading and that is John McCain. Hey..you can’t fool Americans very long. McCain is ahead. America has chosen reality over the senseless seance.

By jbmlaw

March 20, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Have you guys heard Paul Shanklin’s new parody, of the old Hoyt Axton song, “Joy to the World?”

Last week I noted the surreal essay by David Mamet in The Village Voice, renouncing his leftism. The morning’s WSJ offers Dan Henninger’s amusing essay on Mamet’s amusing essay, http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120597148974950305.html?mod=djemEditorialPage Humorless souls should not bother.

By jbmlaw

March 20, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Jeremiah was my pastor/ He was a good friend of mine / I never heard a single word he said/ And I hope you’ll buy that line.

By Now ain't that sumthin'

March 20, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Hey Badoleboys, The meek WILL inherit the earth, but they sure won’t get the mineral rights with it!

By jbmlaw

March 20, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Shanklin has another one: “Love Client #9,” sung in the voice of Bill Clinton. Guess which former governor is the target of that parody?

By BadOleBoys

March 20, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Glenn. What do these children need. Do we need to continue to turn Johnny and Jane loose in the wild. Will their ensuing street education deliver unto you all that you deserve in your later years when you are looking to them to make sound decisions? Or, will they just look up at you and say “Would you like to Supersize that?” (I guess that is better than “Hand over your wallet, sucker”.) Perhaps you do not foresee a future where you might find them in decision-making roles? Or, at least not in roles where their decisions would impact you?

Johnny does need education. That education can be in basic “animal” survival skills or it can be of a form that more suits the capitalist society that this discussion would be better prefaced on. Or, we could keep on importing everything from Chindia — including educated, hard-working, motivated people.

Oh, the heck with it. Let’s just have a street brawl and winner take all.

By the way, Glenn, my post was originally directed at the blogger “Inherit America” but I appreciate the comments anyway. You don’t use that name, do you?

In closing, I’ll borrow an old saying that I would expect someone like Spitzer might have used, “We’ve established what you do for a living, now we’re just arguing over price”. Anyway, that’s pretty much what I got from Jim’s “soup du jour”.

By GayGreyGeek

March 20, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

jm @ 12:11 - Because in WootenWorld, the north Fulton towns are filled with People Like Him, while Clayton Country is filled with Those People. And, as all good People Like Him “know”, Those People aren’t smart enough to govern themselves.

By Dusty

March 20, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Here’s one for Hillary..

I don’t have a pastor/ But I still have Bill/In case you haven’t noticed/That is a bitter pill.

By BadOleBoys

March 20, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

What! No mineral rights! You mean I paid top dollar for this and I can’t even extract any gold from it? What about black gold?

By Glenn

March 20, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

BadOleBoys, no, I don’t use that name; I just get confused sometimes as to who’s who and who’s saying stuff to whom. I’d like to mull your questions, and deposit a little pellet here in a bit.

By BadOleBoys

March 20, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

OK, Glenn. Just try not to pelletize me too bad. Now see what you’ve done. I’m all anxious now. After all, your reputation does precede you from time to time.

By filster

March 20, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Let’s spice it up a bit, shall we. I haven’ seen either candidate, but should I bet both are black? I understnad Clayton’s population, but what, were no white guys in the U.S. considered? OK, enough messing around. How about Joe Clark? Bring ole Joe and his baseball bat to Clayton County. Hopefully the first people he’d use it on are the knucklheaded board of ed.

By OneForTheRoad

March 20, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

I was reading Bookman’s *Math vs. Myth editorial and I just felt like speaking out here on the subject — especially since Bookman has no blog and Jim is at least speaking somewhat about Math.

Anyway, I just wanted to agree with Bookman that Perdue, in this case, is the elected official speaking the words of wisdom. Georgia has a budget to deal with and if the dumb a*******es that are struggling for pole position and/or helping other party members in the upcoming election want to talk about tax cuts, then they need to talk seriously about spending cuts as well. Now, normally I would not care to agree with Perdue because I do not like what he did with the special tax break or his government led prayer for rain. In this case though, I think he is acting in our best interest by chiding the likes of Cagle and Richardson, etc. My only other critique would be that Perdue should just come outright and kick some dumb a*******es instead of simply scolding them.

By Inherit America

March 20, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

LoL badoleboys

Obama 08. for leadership.

By Glenn

March 20, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

OK, BadOleBoys, brace for it then…

I needed to mull it because you aksed a book’s worth of profound questions, and my four stomachs need a little patience. We could fire essays back and forth about the difference between your preferred meaning of “education” and ours, and Jim’s and the State’s. So let’s not.

You: educ. = training.

My team: educ. = culture.

Jim: educ. = meeting standards

GA: educ. = meeting gov’t standards

So we say, rather than parse the meanings and relative values of these different approaches, we’ll just commit to doing the other three so we can get down to our business of getting Clayton’s young folks along a path that they and their parents and community—-and employers and colleges—-will really, really like. We’ll even get the students to challenge and ace whatever standardized, normed exams are required of them, and get that out of the way early in the testing windows to make time for actual learning.

As for the students’ role in “foreseeable” “future” “decision-making roles”, we’d start them off at once, and ensure that within two years all of them above the age of 8 will be accustomed to purposeful decision-making of real consequence. After the first two years, the high school graduates can be tracked to ascertain how many of them come to be entrusted with making decisions of consequence to others. We can assure you that that figure will be impressive.

We are above all committed to the guarantee bulleted last in the 11:34 post.

By Inherit America

March 20, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Nixon had his “Checkers” speech.

Obama had his “Crackers” speech.

By Glenn

March 20, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Inherit. Let’s call it “Cheese ‘n’ Crackers”.

By BadOleBoys

March 20, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

Glenn,

Not to belabor the point but I do equate education to more than just training. I would certainly incorporate culture (i.e, the capitalist tilt versus something one might find in the bid laden textbook) as well as standards. After all, therein lies the makings of a basis for any program that is ultimately inflicted upon the masses — whether through a liberal government outlet or the free market. After that it’s all in the definitions and their associated price tags.

By WTF

March 20, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

To Inherit America You are an idiot! This story has nothing to do with Obama. Since you’re on the subject. You’re making fun of McCain’s gaffe. What about Obama’s when he said that if AlQaeda established a base in Iraq he would go there. Which comment is worse? They are already there numbnuts. Quit posting Air America

By BadOleBoys

March 20, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Glenn,

Regarding the bullet items you posted, if I were in charge I would certainly be tempted to say “You’re Hired” given the 2 dollar price tag. However, being the skeptical, cynical, doubting whatever,…., that I am, I think I would be asking for some more in depth examination before jumping in head first. You know what I mean? Like, how deep is that water, how high is the diving board, etc.? Anyway, I’ve been around the block enough times to have learned, for one thing, that the end does not necessarily justify the means.

By mike70

March 20, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

By jm March 20, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this I wonder why Mr. Wooten feels that local control is bad for the citizens of Clayton County but is the cure-all for the citizens of Sandy Springs, Johns Creek and the rest of North Fulton.

That’s actually a very good question, but it’s at the wrong time. Since those two new townships mentioned - and possibly a third soon - are just starting out, ask that question again in about 25 years. Clayton County’s election history, governance failure, and the aftermath accordingly, speaks for itself. It is what it is. Time to try something else.

By Glenn

March 20, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

BadOleBoys, your anthro pants are down. Let me turn my back for a minute while you hitch up. I’m glad that you mean more than training—-since we can always do that to pigeons—-but culture can neither be invented by individuals, i.e. elites, nor “inflicted on the masses”. What we want isn’t “education” in the root sense of the word (breast feeding), but Paideia—-cultural transmission, one generation to the next. You don’t have to impose it; culture happens. Docenta, instruction, is to guide it where it will go, all the while imparting where it has been. (Thank you, Socrates!) And guess what? Inductive instruction gets fab results; really good things happen. Like literacy.

I realize that you wish to emphasize money and authority. Great. But the money can be stretched much farther, and a little authority made to go a long way.

You ask: “Do we need to continue to turn Johnny and Jane loose in the wild. Will their ensuing street education deliver unto you all that you deserve in your later years when you are looking to them to make sound decisions?” We don’t believe in leaving children to the wild streets. But neither do we believe in holding learning in captivity, and doling it out like meat rations. We believe in releasing learning into the wilds. You just have to know where and how it’s caged, and how to free it safely. We do.

You ask preeminently, “What do these children need?” They need to come to know the truths, achieve the core fluencies and use the tools with which they will shape their own futures and, together, that of the nation.

We can hand over those assets, quickly, painlessly, inexpensively, demonstrably. And that is why we’ll lose the job, even though we’d not only do it for free, but would bring moneys to Clayton for those very purposes.

By BradleyB

March 20, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

@mike70: JM was referring to towns that don’t control education when the subject at hand is a county that does control education. A rational person who thinks outside of emotions wouldn’t even try to make comparisons there.

By GayGreyGeek

March 20, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

mike70 and BradleyB - No, I belive jm was calling out Wooten’s hypcrisy about how self-governance is not just Jim-Dandy-Fine but preferred when it’s People Like Him, but is a bad Bad BAD thing when it’s Those People.

By Inherit America

March 20, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

So close glenn. Y is nixon cheese? Find the nixon association that sounds like cheese, maybe, but let others do the jokes, and we’ll all let you do the weirdly-phrased vaguely-referenced indecipherable pedantic prattle that read like scrotal rash, but which I’m sure is entertaining for the calibre of individual who frequents this blog.

The audience is always right. SO blog on, my fine friend. ~

new emoticon, dig it. ~

By Glenn

March 20, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

BadOleBoys,

Skepticism, good. Clayton schools, bad. I don’t blame you for wondering whether I’m Steve Jobs pitching Blue Sky to the shareholders. Our methods are very simple, and we use technology only when it represents the best tool, and not an end in itself. We would remix Clayton County’s existing educative resources, and use them to restructure instructional delivery (and other necessary school functions) with streamlined curricula. Every aspect of Clayton’s educational endeavor would be augmented at no cost to the County. We guarantee to hit our marks so that we can then get the students to dance their dance, and not e.g. Sonny Perdue’s dance only. We’re choreographers. So to us, the point of the thing is the means, the dance.

In musical terms, all you got to do is hum a few bars of the melody and cut us loose to blow some real JAZZ wit’ da kiddies. Just tell us what marks to hit. Set ‘em as high as you like. We’ll hit ‘em. And then we’ll keep going right straight on through ‘em, and the children will teach you not to mistake the marks for sweet music. Dig?

By Glenn

March 20, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Don’t mess with me, gargoyle, or I’ll hit your boy’s speech so hard his grandmother will die. Oh. Yeah.

Glad you at least liked the emoticon. Wish I’d come up with it.

By Inherit America

March 20, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Sure glenn, we followed THAT along, really. ~

Bookman’s piece today defrocks the Reagan myth about cutting taxes. He only raised them. He didn’t tell us, though, but Mondale did. ~

That’s why Obama is the defacto next president. We elect people we look like. or want to look like, or sound like, or tell the best fairy tale, or maybe we just want to crank their wives, I dont know, why R U asking me? I’m just a average schmoe, who makes his own beef jerky, what? ~

I’m wearing a jockstrap for the first time in forty years. Feels like a cross your heart bra. But it is tidy. ~

By Inherit America

March 20, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Hey, my emoticon is showing up right. The emoticon I just invented should have that wavy line, yes, but the eyes are the accent grave that’s shown on the same key, but you have to press shift to get it? WTF? my keyboard’s messed up.

Not fair. You know, nothing cyber works for me. Most of my posts get lost. Some real beauties gone forever, and I’m too lazy to rewrite them.

~~~“““““““~~~~’~’

I hate emoticons. What am I thinking?

By Inherit America

March 20, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Hey, my emoticon is showing up WRONG. The emoticon I just invented should have that wavy line, yes, but the eyes are the accent grave that’s shown on the same key, but you have to press shift to get it? WTF? my keyboard’s messed up.

Not fair. You know, nothing cyber works for me. Most of my posts get lost. Some real beauties gone forever, and I’m too lazy to rewrite them.

~~~“““““““~~~~’~’

I hate emoticons. What am I thinking?

By The Truth

March 20, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Clayton county is a result of true a true democracy….Give people a vote and they vote emotion, not logic. This is the precise reason only certain people should be allowed to vote (i.e. state taxpayers)

By BadOleBoys

March 20, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

You are right, Glenn. There’s no easy way to carry on this conversation on a blog without opening oneself up to mis-interpretation. Do you have a practical example of this methodology that is readily accessible such as a place where it is currently in use?

By Glenn

March 20, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

BadOleBoys,

Sorry, we’re not the leave-the-money-on-the-bureau type. That’s about as much leg as we show for free, over the blaring voices of trolls.

I’ll leave you with this, though. For 60 years the test of educational change in Georgia has been to ask whether it’s proven with enviable people elsewhere—-next district over, next state over, next diocese. Keeping up with the Joneses at children’s expense. That’s what really got Clayton into this mess; it all started a long, long time ago.