In a vote of 18 to 11, you and the House Committee on Education, pushed through a bill that would establish an ASD (Achievement School District) in North Carolina allowing the control of some of our low-performing schools to be outsourced to out-of-state entities. Why? It is egregious that a leading legislator who claims to … Continue reading Another Stupid Decision – An Open Letter to Rep. Rob Bryan Concerning ASD
Charter Schools
Walk Like An Egyptian, Not Like a Contradiction
The term “walking contradiction” describes someone who says one thing and then acts in a contradictory fashion. Nowhere do we get a better example of the “walking contradiction” than with politicians who knowingly and blatantly make statements that contradict their own actions. In North Carolina, we have our own walking contradictions. One of them is … Continue reading Walk Like An Egyptian, Not Like a Contradiction
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From the Vault – Imagine Them Apples / Why Teaching Is Like Farming
From exactly one year ago. The kind folks at the Winston-Salem Journal printed this. Considering the time of year and the issues facing public education, I thought I would put it on the blog. Last August, Business Insider published a report from the Brookings Institute highlighting the 15 cities where poverty is growing fastest … Continue reading From the Vault – Imagine Them Apples / Why Teaching Is Like Farming
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Going Barefoot When You Need Wading Boots or Legivangelism 101 – An Open Letter to Sen. Chad Barefoot
Dear Sen. Barefoot, No doubt many in your party have congratulated you on your recent appointment to the Chairmanship of the very important Senate Education Committee which oversees the state’s K-12, Community College, and UNC systems. Additionally, you were reaffirmed as the Chairman of the Senate Education Appropriations Committee. In your brief tenure as a … Continue reading Going Barefoot When You Need Wading Boots or Legivangelism 101 – An Open Letter to Sen. Chad Barefoot
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Oh Brother, Where Art Thou Reform? I Mean Re-Form?
In October of 2014 toward the end of the contentious and expensive Senate Race between Kay Hagan and Thom Tillis, I wrote a piece that Chad Nance and the Camel City Dispatch kindly posted entitled “Oh Thom Tillis, Where Art Thou?” It explored the use of the crossroads motif in the film Oh Brother, Where … Continue reading Oh Brother, Where Art Thou Reform? I Mean Re-Form?
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“License Plates For Lawmakers” or “Why I Live at the DMV”
As in most states, North Carolina’s Department of Motor Vehicles allows car owners to purchase a customized license plate and personalize it with individual text and numbers – as long as it is not already taken by another motorist or it is too inappropriate. Monies collected go to the state with a donation made … Continue reading “License Plates For Lawmakers” or “Why I Live at the DMV”
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House Bill 539 – A Surreptitious Trojan Horse Disguised as a Romance Novel With Actual Plot
This is in reference to HB539. It is a horrible piece of legislation for those who advocate for public schools. Please share. I have sent it to all legislators. Dear Legislators of the North Carolina General Assembly, I read with great disappointment that House Bill 539 would be brought up for a one-day concurrence vote … Continue reading House Bill 539 – A Surreptitious Trojan Horse Disguised as a Romance Novel With Actual Plot
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Governor McCrory, You are No “Eisenhower Republican”
Dear Governor, I have heard many national GOP candidates make mention of their affinity for President Reagan when addressing audiences. Simply channeling “The Gipper” has become almost a necessity to make a good impression especially on those who remember the two-term president from California. His calm voice, his presence, his speech on the Berlin Wall, … Continue reading Governor McCrory, You are No “Eisenhower Republican”
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North Carolina’s Playbook to Dismantle Public Education
When the GOP won control of both houses in the North Carolina General Assembly in the elections of 2010, it was the first time that the Republicans had that sort of power since 1896. Add to that the election of Pat McCrory as governor in 2012, and the GOP has been able to run through … Continue reading North Carolina’s Playbook to Dismantle Public Education
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Legivangelists and Others who Praise the Lard
Having grown up in a small town in the deep South during the 1970’s and 80’s, it was not uncommon to view televangelists on weekends, especially when only four or five channels were available to watch. Claims made by these people were seemingly noble and altruistic, but they always asked for money to do God’s … Continue reading Legivangelists and Others who Praise the Lard
caffeinated rage 