March 21, 2007
NC Smart Start
"Smart Start." It sure sounds nice, doesn't it? Heck, if you're opposed to "smart start," then you must like "Dumb Start." You must be a racist if you oppose this one. It fits in the same category as "Smart Growth." SURELY you wouldn't DARE to oppose a program with such a wonderful name as that, would you?
Wait, before you answer, I need to tell you one more thing -- it's for the children. No, wait, it's for the POOR children. If you haven't heard anything about this program, don't worry, you will. There's no way ANYONE can oppose this. It has a good name and it's not just to help the children, but it's to help poor children. Do you support it yet?
Well, it costs billions of dollars and produces absolutely ZERO measureable results. Sounds like a Democrat's dream come true, doesn't it? Well, it is. And socialists gathered by the thousands hundreds dozens last week to "celebrate" this wonderful program that sucks tens of millions of dollars out of the pockets of working people to help the poor children, yet produces absolutely no results -- to ask for more money. And it's being held up as a model for the rest of the socialist nation. Just try to hold on to your wallet.
The concept is that since poor black children are doing bad in school, if we just give them money and train them before they enter school, since their parents aren't doing it, then they will do better. The concept sounds great. Let's take those who are "pre-disposed" to do poorly in school and get them up to the level of everyone else so that everyone starts at the same level. Then everyone will be wonderful.
One problem: it doesn't work. There has been no decrease in dropout numbers for participants. And the reports in the linked article are blatant lying -- they actually claim that a program started in 1991 produces people who are "more likely to ... be employed at age 40." For those slow on math, those who started the program in 1991 at age 4 are now only 18 or 19. So even graduation rates cannot even be measured yet! But dropout rates can. And they're bad.
But, like any good socialist program, all they need is a little more money. They measure success by how much money they spend, not by how many people are actually helped. Smart start is nothing more than yet another income redistribution plan that punishes the working and rewards the lazy.
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March 20, 2007
Total Hypocrisy in Education
It's perfectly okay, according to the United States government, the government of Idaho, and the education establishment in America, to tell captive students to
assassinate those who vote Republican. According to the members of the ruling class and the education bureaucracy, that's fine because it's "to get ... students to think."
However, if someone tries "to get them [students] thinking" -- but DARES to refer to the Bible, you're out the door as fast as the very same people can throw you.
Can someone please explain to me how this is not a double standard? If the educrats are trying to induce students to think, why is it okay to suggest murder to get one to think, but not okay to refer to a book that's sold more copies than any other book in the history of the world?
Go ahead, try and convince me that Christianity isn't under attack in America. Someone please explain to me that suggesting outright slaughter of vast numbers of people in America is fine, while using a book that has provided a pathway to freedom, prosperity, and peace for millions is bad.
Once again -- when government gets involved where they should not be -- education -- they can do absolutely nothing but make a horrible mess of it. This provides yet more evidence that government is completely incapable of education. They cannot do it. They were never authorized to educate the populace. They should not be in the business because they absolutely stink at it. Go ahead, trust your children to be educated by a system that openly despises the Bible, yet praises those who suggest mass murder.
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I don't trust them... not one centimeter.
That prof is just predicting the future. When the Dems get hold of government again, they will rewrite our laws to reflect socialist values and we'll become another USSR. Isn't that what the USSR did? Assassinate political dissenters when they got their hands on them?
And yet, when I say we're headed for another civil war people think I'm crazy even though the proof of the future is in front of their faces and in their ears.
Posted by: Steph at March 20, 2007 02:09 PM (AC9Dc)
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I don't know that we're headed for a civil war because there would have to be people willing to fight. And I just don't think there's enough today in America that are willing to. As long as they get little Johnny to soccer practice on time, they're happy slaves.
Posted by: Ogre at March 20, 2007 03:02 PM (oifEm)
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Well, the thing about that willingness is: A lot of people just don't realize what the situation is and how bad it's going to get. I have a feeling that when reality does strike there are going to be a lot more willing than unwilling.
Posted by: Steph at March 20, 2007 05:19 PM (AC9Dc)
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Denial is a POWERFUL emotion and ability. Denial of reality is a hallmark of the left and those who oppose freedom.
You see, the natural state of man is free. People long to be free. If they can convince people they are free, even if it's an illusion, people will believe that. Look how many people believe we live in the "Land of the Free" today.
Posted by: Ogre at March 20, 2007 05:26 PM (oifEm)
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I hope you like the opinions of old dead guys as much as I do:
"The members of a civil state or society do retain their natural liberty in all such cases as have no relation to the ends of such a society. In a state of nature men had a right to read Milton or Lock for their instruction or amusement: and why they do not retain this liberty under a government that is instituted for the preservation of their persons and properties, is inconceivable. From whence can such a society derive any right to hinder them from doing that which does not affect the ends of that society? Should a government therefore restrain the free use of the scriptures, prohibit men the reading of them, and make it penal to examine and search them; it would be a manifest usurpation upon the common rights of mankind, as much a violation of natural liberty as the attack of a highwayman upon the road can be upon our civil rights."
Elisha Williams, The Essential Rights and Liberties of Protestants, 1744
Posted by: Dana at March 21, 2007 04:43 AM (AKUBA)
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Very nice. It seems many who lived before this century really understood freedom. And few who live now do.
Posted by: Ogre at March 21, 2007 09:28 AM (kft0e)
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March 15, 2007
Gays Use Government
The march for forced acceptance, no matter the cost, continues for the gay movement in America. They continue to use the absolute force of government to demand that you completely and totally accept and approve of their lifestyle choices. This time, they're doing it in
Deerfield, IL.
The militant gays are using the power of government schools to not only force 14-year olds to listen to graphic depictions of gay sex acts, but they are using that same force of government to force children to lie to their parents. And if the children dare disobey the all-powerful government, you can be assured that they will be severely punished. There's no word from the school district as to whether they will require all students to start wearing brown shirts. It was not clear at the time of this writing whether students are being asked to turn in any parents who attempt to pry the truth out of their children.
There is a reason that Ogre supports homeschooling. No matter how much you might think that YOUR government-run school isn't this bad, it is. I bet every single parent of every child in Deerfield High School thought that THEIR school was just fine and that they wouldn't have to put up with the radical leftist agenda being forced down their throats before this.
EVERY single government school in the country is suceptible to this truth-twisting by the left. The left will continue to work and penetrate every school they can get to -- and as you can see, they have absolutely no qualms about lying to get their agenda forced down the throats of the young people. You can be that in this secret presentation, in which children were forced to LIE TO THEIR PARENTS, there was no equal time for any other side of the debate. The entire discussion appears to have been about how being gay is wonderful, including graphic descriptions of gay sex acts -- and you can be sure there was NO discussion of the risks and societal consequences of those same acts.
Government schools stink. They have absolutely NO redeeming value AT ALL. There is absolutely NO reason to send your child to ANY government run school anywhere in the country. Those that run the school only want your child because it gives them cash from your pocket. The left only want access to your child to ram their viewpoint down their throat while unopposed. YOUR CHILD WILL SUFFER if you send them to ANY "public" school in this country. You can teach your child everything that is taught in a government school in about 15 minutes a day -- seriously.
For those who are going to cry about your child not getting to "socialize" with others -- keep in mind this gay lobby assault. Your child is learning to socialize by being told to lie to you and to approve and participate in gay acts.
There is absolutely NO VALUE at all to any government school. They should all be shut down immediately.
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I just left another heated debate on gay issues. I cede they have issues alright, but they aren't issues that can be fixed by legislation.
I'm ready to give up... honestly, I am. I'm ready to die... not as in committing suicide but I know that war has been declared on Christianity and not just from places across the sea. Why don't they just go ahead, shoot us and be done with?
Posted by: Steph at March 15, 2007 04:01 PM (AC9Dc)
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Steph: "Why don't they just go ahead, shoot us and be done with?"
Um, Steph, please don't make suggestions like that. Some of these hard-left nuts may actually take you up on that. Historically that has happened. Leftists do tend to kill groups of people that disagree with them, sometimes in the millions of people.
Posted by: David at March 15, 2007 04:35 PM (fXOqq)
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Yes, I know but what's the point of delaying it when it's inevitable? A year, 2, a decade, or couple of decades... doesn't matter... it's going to happen. It's getting to a point where the only choice is give them utter control or die. So... I'm ready to die.
I think I'm just tired today. I have been doing a lot of research on a big piece and some of it is really depressing as well as the fact that all the news and events are really depressing... I'll probably be alright tomorrow. I'll find something that will brighten the outlook and keep on keeping on (OMG, how that dated me, lol.)
Posted by: Steph at March 15, 2007 04:52 PM (AC9Dc)
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david, first they'd have to pick up guns. Lefties in this country are scared of guns.
As for what public education produces... well, it produced me, and almost every well-balanced thinker I personally know. Baby and bathwater, here. We need to have public education, but I agree, it needs to be tremendously overhauled. Maybe blown up and start over again?
(*)>
Posted by: birdwoman at March 15, 2007 04:53 PM (vR7Sl)
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I think the odds of a lefty shooting themselves if they tried to shoot a gun are about 50/50. Unfortunately, in many places they control the military -- who know how to use guns and follow orders.
Birdwoman -- the public education you got and the one that's being delivered today are DRASTICALLY different things. They are so different that I bet you wouldn't even recognize "education" if you saw it up close today. I do, and it is NOT what it was even 10 years ago.
Posted by: Ogre at March 15, 2007 06:59 PM (oifEm)
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sheesh Ogre...when will it all end!..Calgon take me awayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!
Posted by: Angel at March 16, 2007 03:47 AM (ahy9h)
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I don't know where it will end. But the left is winning because they ARE wearing us down.
Posted by: Ogre at March 16, 2007 02:42 PM (oifEm)
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David said: "Leftists do tend to kill groups of people that disagree with them, sometimes in the millions of people."
PLEASE! More people have died in the name of Christianity that in all the world's wars combined. It is time to keep religion out of politics, as was intended by the founding fathers of this great nation.
Posted by: In the Middle at March 16, 2007 03:20 PM (UMvqO)
9
Where did that comment come from? Not only is it inaccurate, no one said anything about religion, either in the post or in the comments.
Posted by: Ogre at March 16, 2007 03:26 PM (oifEm)
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February 21, 2007
Observer Opposes Freedom
For those who read the Charlotte Observer,
their socialist position should come as no surprise. For those who actually read that paper and expect unbiased news, you'll be in for a rude awakening.
This time, they're supporting socialist education. They honestly believe that everyone else should pay for ANYONE who wants to go to college. They think that college should be completely "free" -- which means working people will have to pay for it, instead of the people who will actually attend and benefit from it. But that's how socialism works -- a few people work to support those who do not.
They're complaining not that the cost of education has gone up -- including salaries to their pals in the education bureaucracy -- but that the tuition might go up. They think that their friends and allies that work in education should get a lot more money, but they don't think that students who will gain the education and degrees should pay for it. Instead, those who are working should pay.
They do not care that the costs of higher education are rising across the country -- they don't think students should pay. Oh, and if you're not from North Carolina, they support you getting a free education here, too. Socialists unite in North Carolina behind the Socialist Charlotte Observer. Productive working people? Get out while you still can.
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Here's the solution. Don't move. Everybody in N.C. stop working and go to college, you can be a student, too.
Posted by: Steph at February 21, 2007 01:25 PM (AC9Dc)
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It's worse. Want to know some of the latest plans? Some representatives want to create new scholarships. Any person who works for 18 months at a minimum-wage job will not only get a free ride for college (all tution, fees, room and board, etc), they will ALSO continue getting paid their minimum wage without actually working! And yes, the taxpayers will foot that bill. So yes, it may be time to give up and just start being a leech on society. It may soon pay better than working.
Posted by: Ogre at February 21, 2007 02:02 PM (oifEm)
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how else do you expect the government to raise the next generation of sheep?
Posted by: chris at February 21, 2007 04:45 PM (rBjHa)
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But, but, if they all quit working to go to school, who's going to be left to pay the taxes except for the government officials that told them they get a free ride... how long do you think it would take for the state to go bankrupt? Who wouldn't work for the 18 months(even at minimum wage)if they can ride for free for at least 4 years?
Posted by: Steph at February 21, 2007 05:42 PM (AC9Dc)
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I'm actually looking into it. If the rules are as simple as they describe, I'm taking a second job at minimum wage so I can get 4+ years of free room, board, tuition, AND still free minimum wage. After all, the state will never run out of money -- it's run by Democrats -- they just raise taxes more.
Posted by: Ogre at February 21, 2007 07:22 PM (oifEm)
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But who are they going to tax if everyone is in school? The disabled? The too old or physically unable to attend college? The mentally disabled?
Posted by: Steph at February 21, 2007 08:12 PM (AC9Dc)
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Every last person who is NOT in school -- anyone who is productive.
Posted by: Ogre at February 21, 2007 08:15 PM (oifEm)
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But that's the point of everyone quitting work to go back to school... there won't be anyone who is productive.
Posted by: Steph at February 21, 2007 08:49 PM (AC9Dc)
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Well, once you finish school, presumably, you can work and pay for everyone else to go.
Posted by: Ogre at February 21, 2007 08:52 PM (oifEm)
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Nah... they can move out of the state where their degrees might mean something.
Posted by: Steph at February 21, 2007 09:01 PM (AC9Dc)
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Hey, I don't make up these things, you'd have to ask the Democrats. I KNOW they don't work in a world filled with reality. But the Democrats DON'T CARE.
Posted by: Ogre at February 21, 2007 09:04 PM (oifEm)
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February 01, 2007
More Forced Association
Absolutely incredible. You are an innocent, law-abiding citizen. You're minding your own business. You're not breaking any laws and you're not disturbing anyone. Then, some government bureaucrat decides to tell you to be somewhere at 10am on Tuesday. No, it's not even to investigate wrongdoing. It's not as a witness to a crime. In fact, no crime has been committed.
In addition, the bureaucrat is not from the executive branch, nor are they associated in any way with law enforcement. They have nothing to do with taxes (other than living off yours). They have absolutely no force of law behind their request at all.
You, being rather busy doing something like working to earn enough to pay that bureaucrat's bloated salary, decide that you cannot get the time off from work and so you choose not to follow the bureaucrat's "request" to meet them on their terms at the time of their demanding.
In a free country, that would be the end of the story. However, the United States is not a free country. Instead, in Texas, if you DARE to refuse a non law-enforcement bureaucrat, they want to make that a misdemeanor crime that will cost you $500 and possible jail time.
Now go ahead and read the story and claim "it's for the children." That's crap. It's damn wrong, no matter how you frame it. To give unelected bureaucrats the power over people's lives like that is completely and totally wrong. If you want to hold parents responsible for their children, kick the children out of the school.
Of course, that will NEVER happen because schools don't do that at ALL any more. Short of committing a murder on school property, no child is ever removed from a public school. Heck, Charlotte openly welcomes convicted sex offenders into the classroom so others can experience diversity.
Some days I really wonder if there is any hope for freedom left anywhere on this planet.
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Why don't these democrate liberals just take all our childern an put them in a school/Camp
and give us visition rights once a year. They
come up with these ideas just so people like them think there great, its just another way to that money and your childern away.
Fine, money.
Posted by: Terri Garr at February 01, 2007 03:25 PM (tIyxL)
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They'd like to do that -- well, except for the part where you get to visit them once a year. But yes, all they want is your money and the ability to force-feed your children the idea that they should also give them money.
Posted by: Ogre at February 01, 2007 03:56 PM (pHUVv)
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December 29, 2006
Education Spending "Gap"
Once again, we see the bias apparent in the press if you only look.
An article that doesn't appear on the opinion page, says
The gap in funding between North Carolina's richest and poorest school districts is among the widest in the nation, an advocacy group for low-income and minority students reports.
A much more accurate first sentence might be
If you twist the numbers just right and hold your head the right way, it would appear that there's a tiny difference in spending between poor people and rich people -- rich people apparently spend more, a bunch of scum-sucking slimeballs that rely on greed and jealousy to steal their income from taxpayers and works full-time to take from those who work to line their own pockets report.
Well that's certainly quite a bit more accurate, isn't it?
The most appropriate response, yet again, to these envious, lazy bastards is, "SO WHAT?" You know what? People who work hard and earn money actually spend more. I know that the "Education Trust" people actually seriously HATE that people who work hard earn more money. They despise that people work and earn money -- they sure don't do it, I'm sure they wouldn't know how. But they sure do work at taking money AWAY from those who earn it.
And more importantly, show me ONE STUDY, go ahead ANY study that actually shows ANY difference in the level of learning based on money. There isn't one. Every time a scholarly group actually tries to find a causal relationship between money and education, it simply CANNOT BE FOUND. Money DOES NOT equal education.
But these scum at "Education Trust" not only know that, they honestly don't care. They want money for their own pockets and they're perfectly willing to take it from those who produce it. Scum-sucking leeches, the lot of them.
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November 11, 2006
Ban Evil at Schools
Lexington schools
are considering banning evil at schools. And of course, when I speak of evil, I'm not talking about The Great Evil (Bush), but all that is evil, smoking.
They are considering making their school "100% tobacco free," meaning no one, including teachers and administrators, will be able to use any tobacco on school grounds. Since tobacco is a legal substance, I'm not quite sure how this is possible for a government agency to ban a legal activity on it's own grounds. Of course, this is perfectly legal for a private company to do this, but government isn't a private company and has it's own rules.
In addition, since this is government, they don't have to follow ANY rules, because they just make up any rules as they see fit. As long as NC is led by Democrats, no one will complain -- especially since this is not only evil, it's "for the children" which means it's perfectly okay, no matter what.
I wonder what it would be like to live in a truly free country.
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It has been this way a longtime in Florida. You may not even smoke within 500 feet of the school. If a parent has tobacco in their car they can be fined.
Posted by: Mindflame at November 12, 2006 04:32 AM (iYK18)
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In their CAR? That's utter insanity. I don't even know what to say to that one. They can fine ME for driving by a school, smoking IN MY CAR? I'm beyond words.
Posted by: Ogre at November 12, 2006 03:28 PM (GPb4I)
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Now the kids will bring airplane bottles to school instead.
Don't you just love liberalism?
Posted by: William Teach at November 12, 2006 03:42 PM (doAuV)
Posted by: Ogre at November 12, 2006 05:52 PM (GPb4I)
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I was going through the different blogs and i happen to find this one. I really enjoy reading it. Great job, keep up the good work. I have a few blogs but the content are not as good as this one, in fact if i were you i would go to http://www.autosurfmonster.com and submit this blog so thousands of others can see it for free. I use them for all my blogs, well, I will look forward to all the updates and i have added your blog to my favorites. thanks again.
Jessica
Posted by: jessica kardon at November 13, 2006 05:13 AM (wrB6+)
Posted by: Ogre at November 13, 2006 09:34 AM (GPb4I)
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IN NH Ogre it's illegal to smoke on school grounds...even in your car.
Where I work, we DO have a school on our grounds but we CAN smoke in our own vehicles....for now.
It's been this way for about 3 years now.
Before there were no laws, but now....
***sigh***
Posted by: Raven at November 13, 2006 08:40 PM (n3Tzy)
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I think I see an option for non-violent resistance. That's absolutely absurd. There is absolutely no possible way that I can injure a child while chewing tobacco in my car while driving past a school. Utter and complete insanity. How do people defend such total crap?
Posted by: Ogre at November 13, 2006 08:45 PM (oifEm)
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October 25, 2006
Democrats Dream for Education
Have you seen the
recent happenings in Germany related to education? Oh, the left in America would absolutely LOVE this to happen here. Seriously. I'm not trying to be funny or exaggerate at all:
On Friday 20 October 2006 at around 7:30 a.m. the children of a home educating family Â… were brought under duress to school by police
In America, this is the dream of the educational establishment. Homeschooling is the enemy of the state in this country. Homeschoolers are actually educated, which is dangerous to any society that relies on keeping it's constituents dumb, which the left and the Democrats need to survive.
Of course, remember, the education establishment in America is also honestly NOT interested in education. Their primary purpose is to spend money and secure teacher jobs (to be paid with MORE government money). In case you didn't know, the amount of money given to all government (public) schools in America depends DIRECTLY upon how many students attend. Therefore, the more students you have at your school, the more money you get. Homeschoolers are the enemy to the state.
Go ahead and elect Democrats and watch them crush this enemy, too.
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They've already tried in California. They wanted to require teaching certificates for parents to homeschool.
Texas is very homeschool friendly. Our local park has different groups of homeschool families populating it several times a week. They have groups which allow for what the left likes to use against them; socialization!
IMHO, they are the hope for our future in America.
Posted by: DagneyT at October 25, 2006 10:09 PM (LbULG)
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"Homeschooling is the enemy of the state in this country."
I would say in EVERY country. State school systems have as their first, overriding goal the inculcation of an attitude of submission to the state. Homeschoolers don't get that course in servility, in consequence of which they're psychologically better prepared to resist intrusions on their liberty.
(By the way, why does your comment system's anti-bot filter object to a dot-info domain address?)
Posted by: Francis W. Porretto at October 26, 2006 09:06 AM (PzL/5)
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Dagney, I'd insist they may be the only hope for America left. Have you seen what is taught in the public schools these days? I HONESTLY cannot tell. I have been talking to high school graduates, and I cannot find ANYTHING they know that the average 8-year old knows. They don't know taxes, percents, fractions, anything about the American Revolution, anything about government, the difference between a verb and an adverb -- seriously.
And Francis, I agree with one qualifier -- every country that's not free. If a country were truly free, this would not be an issue!
As for the dot.info, I don't know, I'll check into that one. Thanks for stopping along!
Posted by: Ogre at October 26, 2006 11:02 AM (oifEm)
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September 21, 2006
Education in NC
Govn'r Easley has decided that to fix education, he needs to spend some money. Since it's For The Children (TM), then it's okay. He
wants to audit all the schools in the state.
The audit, Easley said, was an effort to ensure that money was being spent wisely. The review is expected to cost the state $300,000.
Am I the only one who sees the contradiction of spending $300,000 to audit schools as a way to spend money wisely?
Look, government has failed. Government cannot educate our children. It really doesn't matter how much money is spent, they are completely incapable of completing the task at hand. The education system across the country, not just in North Carolina, is not even interested in educating children. They're interested in passing tests so they can get more money. The government school system should be shut down. It simply does not work. It's the largest waste of money in the entire state budget. Since it cannot educate children, it's alleged purpose, then why should we keep paying for it?
Of course, if you ask anyone in the education system, they will claim they are a success -- and they are if you accept their terms. To the average person, the purpose of the education system is to educate children. If that's your view, then clearly the program is a complete and total failure. However, if you accept that the purpose is to obtain and spend money, then it's a monumental success! And that is the purpose of the education system to Democrats and bureaucrats.
So, if you want a system to raise and spend money, be happy with the education system in North Carolina, because it's a complete success. However, if you want a system that educates people, the North Carolina education system is an utter failure. Shut it down. And yes, I'm serious.
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Well, I guess that shuting down the system is not the way out

However, I noticed when living in Sydney the education system down there is something completely different
Posted by: Jane at September 26, 2006 06:55 AM (IjaK0)
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But it would work -- no question about it.
Posted by: Ogre at September 26, 2006 09:07 AM (QmGzr)
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May 26, 2006
Education Problem? Throw Money At It!
Oh, the poor children. It's the end of the world for children because the state is utterly incompetent. Therefore, the state needs to raise taxes and spend more money to hide their inability to educate.
That's the summary of this article that describes a potential plan to pay even more money to teachers in North Carolina -- as much as 57% more. They claim that there is a retention problem with teachers and by spending more money that problem will go away. It hasn't worked in the past, but like every other Democrat program, the solution is always just a little more money.
Teachers aren't leaving the industry due to lack of money. They're leaving the public education system because it stinks. They have no control over their classrooms. They're punished if they say the wrong thing at the wrong time. They're not allowed to throw disruptive students out of the classrooms. They're punished if they don't pass enough students. More money isn't going to solve that problem.
In addition, in a capitalist system, you earn money for doing one of two things -- doing something no one else can do, or something that no one else wants to do. Programming a computer is something few people can do -- therefore those who CAN do it get more money. Picking up trash is something few people want to do -- so they earn more money. Brain surgery is something that few can do and few WANT to do -- so they earn even more.
Teaching is not a difficult thing to do -- and there are currently a lot of people willing to do it -- so it does not command a high salary in a capitalist society. Government is interfering with the supply and demand, so the rules don't completely apply. But throwing more money will simply allow the people who are already doing it to earn more -- but that's not going to solve all the other myriad problems associated with public education.
If you don't believe me, compare the attrition rate of government school teachers and private school teachers -- it's not about the money.
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April 27, 2006
UNCC Demands Students
"Of the bureaucracy, For the bureaucracy, and By the bureaucracy..."
That is how the government of this United States is set up, right? It certainly has nothing to do with the PEOPLE today. Just an example, a few quotes from a GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE, who is supposed to work for the people:
UNC Charlotte Chancellor Phil Dubois plans to convene a committee this summer to study how rapidly the campus should grow over the next decade or two.
In other words, HE will decide how much it will grow -- not the people, not the students, not the demand that people put on it, not the value of the education received, just he and his committee.
Dubois has previously said he thinks UNC Charlotte's student population probably needs to be much larger
No matter what, the population will increase. What if I don't WANT to be a student there? Will I be forced, against my will? How will others be forced to go there? What if there's not enough? What punishment will be received by those who refuse to go there?
Dubois also told trustees that he's confident that the N.C. General Assembly will approve UNC Charlotte's request for a $45.8 million
Well, after all, if the government is forcing attendance at a school, they've got to have more money to pay for it, don't they? Again, what the actual people want or need has nothing to do with this equation -- it's what the government decides is best for you.
This is 100% backwards from how this country was founded. The government was supposed to work for the people. The people were to tell the government what to do, not the other way around. This just gives further proof that the government is absolutely, completely, beyond control.
The only remaining question is whether the government can be brought back subservient to the people with or without violence.
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April 25, 2006
For The Children (TM): MORE
I seriously, honestly, want to know if ANY government-run school has EVER NOT asked for more money because it was the end of the world and all children would fail or die if they weren't given more money. Johnson schools
has asked for a 15% increase for the year. And of course, it's a major crisis if they don't get it:
Some of this is not even break-even, weÂ’re just trying to keep our heads above water
It's a bare-bones budget
Government-run schools are a total and utter failure. They are incapable of functioning and cannot educate students. We should entrust the education of our children to a system that works -- the free market.
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April 19, 2006
The Dukes of Cary?
The Ogre received an email entitled, "The Dukes of Cary?" As most people who get piles of email every day, I thought, "Spam,"
got hungry and readied the "delete" key. But I missed the delete key and read the email by mistake.
I found a reference to a printed letter to the editor in the Raleigh News and Observer. If you've followed politics in NC at all and know the politics behind the current Duke Lacrosse team, you'll get a kick out of the letter.
Nice one, Mike!
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Gimmie More Money
That's the message to the North Carolina General Assembly from the North Carolina Community College System. They want
more than $1 billion, an increase of THIRTY percent over last year's budget. Why?
Because we've never been fully funded
So what would be considered "fully funded?" More. No dollar amount will ever be enough, only MORE.
Community college officials said they would prefer to keep tuition affordable for working people, so the extra money needs to come from taxpayers.
Nope, can't have those people who will actually BENEFIT from something have to pay for it. What ever happened to the concept of people working and earning things for themselves? Nice job, community colleges -- you're teaching that people should NOT rely on themselves, but instead suck working people dry. The concept of responsibility is completely dead in "higher" education today.
The theory is that the students will get higher-paying jobs and generate more state tax revenue in the future to ease the burden on the taxpayers who now being asked to foot the bill.
Holy crap. Are people really that utterly stupid? Is there anyone who actually believes that lie, even for a second? Well, I suppose the people who are being educated at such institutions at MY expense might.
If that theory is so true, can anyone tell me the last time that ANY education system EVER asked for less? At what point will there be a reduction in burdens on the taxpayer? In North Carolina? The morons who run this state can't even make do with cost of living increases -- they're asking for THIRTY PERCENT MORE. No, that's not a theory, that's a blatant lie.
The Community College system might have a purpose, but it's no longer being used to educate -- it's being used to redistribute wealth from those who work and earn money to those who do not. It's wrong -- but the Socialist Democrats running the state disagree. As long as you support Democrats in North Carolina, they will continue to spend and waste money taken from those who work.
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Ogre...
We hear the same thing here in Texas about our public schools! The other day when I was trying to find an address for one of MajorTeen's counselors I realized just how bad the problem is.
Looking through a directory of just the high school I saw more "fluff" jobs that I think the administration just thought up.
I graduated from high school 26 years ago...and I believe that the number of staff...above and beyond the teachers was probably around 10. I didn't take the time to count MajorTeen's high school administration...but I'd bet it was 2-3 times as many.
Until we force programs (not just education) to live within their means and perhaps cut back from time to time, we're never going to make any progress. It's like you or me losing our jobs...then going to Best Buy to pick up a new big screen TV (when there's nothing wrong with the old one).
See you on the high ground.
MajorDad1984
Posted by: MajorDad1984 at April 21, 2006 12:45 AM (j7S/Q)
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The education establishment has become a means for employment and no longer has anything to do with education.
Posted by: Ogre at April 21, 2006 11:39 AM (/k+l4)
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April 18, 2006
Jobs -- For The Children(TM)
Remember, later this year, as across North Carolina you are absolutely inundated with calls for increased spending, increased taxes, more funding, and bond package support that's For The Children (TM) and government-run "education."
Since the 1997-98 school year:
Cartaret County lost 300 students through decreased enrollment -- but gained 117 new employees.
Craven County lost 278 students -- yet gained 142 new employees.
Rutherford County lost 115 students and gained 146 new employees.
In a total of 36 of North Carolina's school districts, there was a reduction of nearly 10,000 students -- and an increase of 800 new "administration" and other employees. Across the North Carolina system, enrollment is up 11% while the number of employees has increased 19% -- to a tune of over $1,000,000,000.00 in the last TWO years.
Remember that the next time an elected official tells you that ANY increase in taxes or education funding is "For The Children" or even for educating the children -- they're just outright lying.
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March 31, 2006
NC Conservative Agenda: Point 4
Continuing the discussion regarding the
7-point NC Conservative Agenda. Today is Point 4:
Help Communities Build Schools
Once again, feel free to weigh in either for or against this idea for North Carolina (even if you're not from North Carolina).
The lottery is a fact. It was named “The Education Lottery” and sold that it would be new money to help improve education. Now Governor Easley has admitted that the largest portion of lottery proceeds for lower class sizes and “More at Four” will be used to replace the money budgeted for these categories.
Both lower class sizes and More at Four will require additional classrooms, but the lottery proceeds barely address the problem of providing new classrooms. Conservatives should amend the lottery law establishing the distribution of lottery funds and designate more money for school construction. More at Four and lower classroom sizes will not be affected because they are already funded in the budget while school construction is not.
Local school districts that are experiencing phenomenal growth should receive preference in the distribution of funds, instead of the present formula that gives extra lottery dollars to counties with declining school populations.
In case you've never read this site before, I'll let you know my position on so-called "public" schools: they stink. It's a government-run monopoly that is interested in promoting itself and expanding, with zero emphasis on education.
Now I do realize that these agenda items are items that people have a hope of getting through the General Assembly THIS YEAR, so they can't put up there "Removal of the public school system" -- even if they should. This agenda items suggests that conservatives modify the lottery law to distribute funds differently. I disagree.
If you want to modify the lottery law, just remove the damn thing. It's state-sponsored, monopolistic gambling. If you want gambling in North Carolina, just legalize gambling and be done with it. You would get much better establishments than just the "lottery" if you did -- and there'd be competition and much less blatant lying if you did that.
This item also doesn't mention much about these "smaller class sizes" and "more at four" programs. Those are governor Easley's pet projects that he loves -- because they give him more power, more control, and more money -- not because they actually DO anything, because they DON'T.
After years of reducing class sizes and years of Easley's trademark "more at four" programs, there is absolutely ZERO correlation between participating in those programs and educational process. In other words, reducing the class size from 30 to 18 has NO effect on education -- other than making it cost more because more teachers are required.
There's supposedly a teacher shortage in North Carolina -- yet no one seems to make the connection that it's because of smaller class sizes -- which, once again, has NO EFFECT on the actual education received. NONE. Same with the "more at four" programs -- they're supposed to give "more opportunity" to "disadvantaged" youths. While there may be evidence of very short-term benefits, over the long run (into middle- and high-school) there's NO effect when comparing those who participated and those who didn't.
Of course, this fits into Easley and the Democrat's plans -- they WANT education to cost more. They WANT more money and more power for education -- and they don't care in the least that their ideas and programs don't actually educate. In their mind, the education system exists so they can spend money and spread power around, and for no other reason.
So no, I don't support "rewriting" the lottery to build more schools. If we want to change school funding at the state level, how about completely eliminating any funding for "English as a Second Language?" Seriously! There's BILLIONS being spent on that, and we shouldn't be spending a dime. If you can't figure what amounts are being used there, it's even easier -- if a school district even HAS an "English as a Second Language" program, that district gets no state money. Can anyone give me a reason why not?
Will this pass? It's hard to say. The lottery is such a hot topic up there, I'm thinking the Democrats will be afraid to touch it at ALL.
Previously:
Introduction
Point 1
Point 2
Point 3
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I am glad that some "adults" realize that class size and learning don't connect. I wish that these people would at least ask the student's what should be done. NOT the teachers. All the teachers want is more money so they can afford wants not needs.
Also note that not all teachers are like that just a majority/young.
Posted by: Arbitratorofall at March 31, 2006 04:22 PM (5+Jvh)
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It sounds good. It's hard to deny it. When you say, "Gee, won't people learn more if they're in a class of 5 as opposed to an auditorium?" It's hard to say no. But reducing from 30 to 28, or even 30 to 18 really has ZERO measurable effect! None!
Posted by: Ogre at March 31, 2006 04:25 PM (/k+l4)
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NC CC Officials Clueless
I sure hope that the North Carolina Community College system doesn't teach economics. They just
demanded asked for more money because
Growth has created challenges. Those challenges can only be conquered with an infusion of financial support.
And yes, this guy IS "vice president for business and finance for the community college system."
So the complaint is that there has been an increase of 50,000 students in the system (since 1999), and they don't have enough money to teach them all. Anyone with a 6th-grade education that wasn't supplied by the government-run monopolistic school system can see the simple answer: charge more money.
But no, not anyone associated with government. Instead of actually asking the people who are getting something from the state, they want everyone ELSE to pay -- through more taxes. And they don't want a little, no, they want $141 million. Of that, only $31 million is to pay for students.
According to the NC state library, there are over 750,000 students enrolled. The average number of courses taken is 2, with the an average credit enrollment of 6. So, if the students paid a whopping extra $7 per credit hour, they'd pay for their own education. What a concept.
But that's not all they want. They want $33.5 million to give "faculty and staff" a seven percent raise. When is the last time YOU got a 7% raise? And being state employees, don't think for a minute that they're not already getting an annual cost-of-living raise -- that's built in for all state employees.
Once again, government fails to make any sense in a free and capitalist society. I think community colleges are a good system -- but the state is utterly incompetent in running that system.
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March 28, 2006
More GOOD NC Homeschooling News
The education system in North Carolina is really, really broken. Those who work inside it have zero interest in fixing it -- only in obtaining more power, money, and control. Keep that in mind when dealing with the government-run monopoly education system -- they are NOT interested in education, just money and power.
That's why I love reading about homeschooling, especially in North Carolina. I've mentioned before how much homeschooling is growing in North Carolina, mainly because of the poor "school environment" in North Carolina.
This news is regarding sports -- North Carolina Homeschooling just held the largest state championship for homeschoolers in the country for basketball -- there's over 42 teams in 11 cities. So much for the homeschoolers and their "lack of social interaction," eh?
There's other good news in the report, too, including music, debate, and other arts. Go read the good news!
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Thanks for posting this! We're considering moving to North Carolina in the near future, and since we homeschool, I was wondering what the homeschooling climate is like there.
Posted by: writewingnut at March 28, 2006 07:52 PM (/xuNG)
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It's not bad. Socially, its damn HUGE. In some counties, like Mecklenburg, the Homeschooling organizations are bigger than many other entire school DISTRICTS.
Legally, it's shaky. They require you to maintain attendance records and can inspect them at any time. They require your children take yearly standardized tests. Strangely enough, they don't require you to pass them, just take them, but still.
There's plenty of states worse, but there's many that are better, too.
Posted by: Ogre at March 28, 2006 08:01 PM (/k+l4)
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I live in Texas which now officially has the worst schools in the nation. And homeschooling is really on the rise here. Had my son not been accepted into his schools gifted and talented program I'd have pulled him out of there and sent him to a private school. Since I'm a single (male) parent homeschooling isn't really an option unless I strike it rich.
Posted by: Dyre42 at March 29, 2006 04:47 AM (3cuHr)
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Or -- some families have gotten together to do homeschooling together! Here in NC, that's only legal if you are secretive about it, but people can still do it sometimes.
Yes, the laws here actually state that you can only homeschool your OWN children, and not others. That's the government education establishment crushing any competition with the force of law.
Posted by: Ogre at March 29, 2006 12:35 PM (/k+l4)
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March 16, 2006
Good School News!
...So you know it's got nothing to do with the hopeless cesspool that is government-run "public" education system.
Homeschooling is on the rise in North Carolina. It's up 36% in the last 5 years and continues to grow each year at a rate of about 8 to 10%. That's awesome. This shows that more and more people are acknowledging that the government is incompetent at teaching, well, anything.
And no, for those who know nothing about homeschooling other than what the liberal news media will tell you, it's not just religious nuts. The #1 reason that people are giving for homeschooling in North Carolina is "concern about the school environment."
Gee, you mean parents disagree with Mecklenburg County's School Board king Joe White, who says that children should experience the "diversity" of sitting next to convicted sex offenders in public school? Or maybe it's the arbitrary division of people by age, rather than by ability.
Homeschoolers ARE a success, by all measures. They are more educated, they are more well-rounded. They score higher on standardized academic tests and they are more socially adjusted (see here, and here) than those who have been sheltered in the walls of a school.
I used to say that homeschooling isn't for everyone -- I don't think that's quite right. You should get your children out of, and away from, the filth and waste that is the government school. If you can homeschool, that IS the best option -- I have yet to meet ANYONE who has tried homeschooling that did not like it.
Oh, and in North Carolina? You won't be alone -- at least 63,000 children are being homeschooled. If that were one school district, it would be the 4th largest in the state -- and that really is good news.
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Home schooling is good, but the real difference between home schooling and government schooling to me is still the parents. I think this countries biggest problem is that parents don;t care about their children's education or are to busy working two or three jobs. Home schooled kids should do better since their parents support them.
Posted by: Arbitratorofall at March 16, 2006 04:24 PM (5+Jvh)
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And know why both parents work? To pay taxes. Seriously. I've looked at the numbers, and all married couples should, too. If add up all the taxes you pay in a year, including just property taxes and income taxes (federal and state), you will often find that number meets or exceeds the take-home pay of the lower salary -- and that's a real shame.
Posted by: Ogre at March 16, 2006 05:31 PM (/k+l4)
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Awesome! I'm a homeschooling mom and we are moving (home) to the Raleigh area this summer when my husband retires from the Army - add me and my four kiddos to the statistic!
Posted by: Cate at March 18, 2006 12:47 AM (q/X8e)
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Great to hear, Cate!
North Carolina is "fair" in it's homeschooling rules. They require you to register with the state, keep attendence records, and take end of grade test -- strangely enough it doesn't require anyone to PASS the tests, just take them...
Posted by: Ogre at March 18, 2006 09:24 PM (CyQ4M)
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March 14, 2006
Academic Freedom -- for Leftists only
Michelle Malkin points out
Newsbuster's report on
scumbag honored, esteemed, exalted, and celebrated member of the education establishment, Jay Bennish. In case you missed the case, he is a government employee who advocates treason against the United States.
He has been reinstated without any visible punishment and is permitted to continue teaching anything he wants in his "World Geography" class, including continuing to advocate that enemies of the United States should bomb this country. If there was any penalty, it may have been a minor "letter of reprimand" -- or it could have been a letter of commendation -- the school district will not say.
Either way, the taxpayers who pay his salary have been told that he can and will continue to preach for the destruction of the United States and the taxpayer will continue to pay for it, allegedly in the name of "academic freedom."
Of course, academic freedom ONLY applies to the left and Democrats. You see, a teacher in Miamidared to mention words from the Bible in school. "Students are upset." "It is distracting." The principle has "discussed his comments" with him and has not yet determined if he has violated any school policies.
So, if you mention the Bible in direct response to other students mocking it, that's insensitive, wrong, and may violate district policies. But if you openly advocate treason against the United States, you get rewarded and celebrated.
Now do you see why I continue to tell you the ONLY way to educate students in this country today is homeschooling? The government school system is a total cesspool of ultra-liberal thought. It has NOTHING to do with educating. If you have children, you are seriously doing them harm by permitting them to attend a government-run school.
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This is why I WILL make sure my children are home schooled, or at the very least, sent to private school!
Posted by: Smoke Eater at March 14, 2006 05:11 PM (5LGKd)
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The very fact that these school officials elected to allow his students to have continued exposure to the treasonous, whiney shite says they do not belong in positions where they can make decisions affecting the education of children of any age.
The more of this crap I see, Ogre, the more I am convinced that you're absolutely right about home schooling being the answer.
Of course, these same leftists that fought the voucher program would undoubtedly do their best to fight home schooling, as forcing anti-American propaganda on America's young is a major part of their agenda. They need to keep the kids where they are captive audiences at all costs.
What they're doing, essentially, is integrating Komsomol into the "3 Rs".
Posted by: Seth at March 14, 2006 05:23 PM (asX5a)
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Ogre, I have to disagree with you somewhat. I do not know the whole story since I have never been in contact with Mr. Bennish or listened to other discussions from him. I have personal experience with his teaching method. I had a teacher who would take what was and is mostly still considered controversial sides in matters that were in the news, abortion for one. I believe this is a good way to teach. It make people stand for what they believe and voice their opinions for us all to see why people believe in what they do. In the end we all learned something about ourselves and what others think and why.
I must admit that some of Mr. BennishÂ’s statements do seem too left sided and thus should not be stated. Most of the statements from the tape are biased both in what he says and in many writers cutting. I have yet to hear the whole discussion since it is hard for me to find a whole reproduction of it online. (I wonder if anyone can help me there.)
Smoke Eater, I know several kids who went to private schools. Most went to religious based schools. Please make sure you choose one that is not religious based. The difference between public schools and religious private schools is a poor education but with the ability to quote the bible. Not all are bad but I have yet to hear of one that is good. Just be careful of which school you send them too.
Posted by: Arbitratorofall at March 14, 2006 05:36 PM (5+Jvh)
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Not a big fan of homeschooling. You don't know what is being taught and there is potential for all sorts of socialization issues.
Posted by: Jack at March 14, 2006 06:03 PM (aFawc)
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I have never been a fan of home schooling either, but if your local schools are not good then it should be an option. I am a fan of public schools in the sense that every child should have a school to go too. I agree with Ogre and many others that there is too much fat in most public schools. I would like to see the schools be more independent than they are now. I really think that school boards and superintendants be elected by the people. I also think that all established school districts be cut and earn money on their own. Besides what is the PTSA really for anyway?
The only reason I don't like Ogre's view on public schools is good (k-12 mind you) is that it will become a matter of money not your child's ability.
Posted by: Arbitratorofall at March 14, 2006 06:13 PM (5+Jvh)
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Arbitor - I do plan to stay away from parochial school, and the front-runner in my mind is Country Day in the Arlington/Fort Worth area (north Texas). I have never heard a bad word about this school in any area. They do have sports, and while their program is not as "important" as it is to most public schools, they do stress that being only athletic or only book smart is not good, but being active, athletic, smart (street and book), makes for a well rounded person.
Posted by: Smoke Eater at March 14, 2006 06:52 PM (5LGKd)
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Sounds good to me. Shame I didn't live there. My school was somewhat like that though.
Posted by: Arbitratorofall at March 14, 2006 07:20 PM (5+Jvh)
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The moron on the government dole supported treason. He suggested that enemies of the US should "bomb North Carolilna." That's not instigating discussion, because he didn't invite discussion -- he actively suggested that others should bomb the US.
As for a tape, I know it's online, as I've heard it. I think Michelle Malkin has a link to it, I'll see if I can find it.
Jack -- the socialization issues about homeschooling are all dealt with -- they don't exist. It's an irrational fear that's spread by those who support government schools. By ALL measures in all tests, homeschool children are BETTER socialized than government school children.
As for the religious schools -- there are plenty that are absolutely top-notch because they DO teach academics instead of the pap that the government schools teach.
Posted by: Ogre at March 14, 2006 08:08 PM (/k+l4)
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Oh, and don't forget, Arbitrator -- this was a GEOGRAPHY class! It doesn't require critical thinking to learn where the damn Amazon River is located!
Posted by: Ogre at March 14, 2006 08:19 PM (/k+l4)
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I listened to the audio of TEACHER JAY BENNISH CAUGHT IN ANTI-AMERICAN RANT, with great interest. Also, with sadness.
My name is Michael Class. I live in the Seattle area with my wife and two children. I am a retired "dot-com" executive turned author, photographer, and publisher.
I was appalled at how some teachers presented American history to my children. My son and daughter learned that Thomas Jefferson had slaves—before they learned that he wrote the document articulating our rights and duties as free people. European settlers killed Native Americans with blankets infected with smallpox, they found out. That allegation upstaged the stories of courage, perseverance, and curiosity that defined the pioneers. My children knew that more than a hundred thousand people died when the atomic bomb was dropped on Japan, but they were not made to understand the moral context and the enormous scale of the conflict called World War II in which the atomic bomb story fit.
With a curriculum seemingly designed to instill guilt and shame, I wondered, how will my kids ever discover the lessons of history that inspire greatness and noble aspirations? Will they ever believe that they can make a difference? Will they have any heroes left at all? Then, I wondered: What would the heroes of AmericaÂ’s past say to the children of today?
I wrote, photographed, and published a book designed to set the record straight, to properly prepare our children for the future. My book is called Anthony and the Magic Picture Frame.ÂÂ
In the book, my real-life son, twelve-year-old Anthony, time-travels into the great events of the 20th century. Digital photographic “magic” places Anthony in the cockpit of the Spirit of St. Louis with Charles Lindbergh, on the moon with Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, in the laboratories of Thomas Edison and Jonas Salk, and on Normandy beach on D-Day. It looks as though Anthony really did meet Thomas Edison, Jonas Salk, FDR, Lou Gehrig, Charles Lindbergh, and Audie Murphy. And it’s all historically accurate: Even Anthony’s conversations with America’s heroes are based on things they really said. (See the photos: www.MagicPictureFrame.com)
While writing and photographing the book, I spoke with relatives of famous scientists and inventors, Holocaust survivors, award-winning biographers, and others who could help me ensure that the facts of the book were both accurate and vivid.ÂÂ
But the book goes beyond a simple recitation of historical facts: the book presents the moral lessons of American history. The chapter about Lindbergh’s flight is really about choosing one’s destiny. The story of Lou Gehrig is one of a virtuous life. The chapter about Thomas Edison is really about business. The story of Apollo 11 is about wonder, taking risks, and courage. The story of Dr. Jonas Salk and the cure for polio is really about dedicating one’s life to a higher purpose. When Anthony “meets” his immigrant great-grandfather at Ellis Island in 1907, it’s really a story about what it means to be an American. Anthony’s observation of D-Day and the liberation of the death camps during the Holocaust is a testament to the reality of evil and the need to fight it.
The book is meant to challenge the young reader. Many adults will find the book challenging, too. Anthony COMPARES the people and events of the past with the people and events of his own time. Anthony discusses the nature of good and evil, right and wrong, war and peace, what it means to be an American, honor and discipline, success and achievement, courage and destiny, marriage and family, God and purpose. AnthonyÂ’s observations prompt serious discussion of timeless moral questions. Anthony challenges the reader to think critically - to see the modern world in the light of the lessons of the past.ÂÂ
We can't afford to raise a generation of Americans who do not value their country, their heritage, and their place in the world. As Abraham Lincoln said: America is the "last best hope of earth."
Thank you.
Michael S. Class
Author / Photographer / Publisher
Anthony and the Magic Picture Frame: An American History Book for Right-Thinking Parents and Their Children
-----------------------
E-Mail: class@MagicPictureFrame.com
Web site: www.MagicPictureFrame.com
Posted by: michael class at March 14, 2006 10:24 PM (uQ06v)
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Wow, that book looks great -- I think I shall have to order one! Thank you for stopping by, Michael.
Posted by: Ogre at March 14, 2006 10:33 PM (CyQ4M)
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I listened to his speech and I can see where he does keep pushing his words and not letting anyone speak. It also seems as though no one is willing to speak up until later on. He did say things that shouldn't have been said. I still think that if he involved the students more and didn't say that the US was "bleesed by God." Many of the things he said were true. The bombing of North Carolina did actually make sense if you think of it the way he stated. Later on he did a good job of explaining how people believe we are the "terrorist." The Irag Iran conflict was rather well do from a third party perspective. He also explained how we have supported and commited acts of terrorism but didn't state why. I feel he desensitized the 911 attack but explained why the world believes different things. He did try to teach the students from different views.
All in all I am like everyone else in thinking that this should not be taught in a World Geography class. It was brought up over the State of The Union speech relating to current events which involves the class alittle but went too far. If he was teaching a civics class or politics class it would be acceptable.
Posted by: Arbitratorofall at March 14, 2006 10:39 PM (5+Jvh)
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I will have to take a look at that book too.
As a big fan of history and a recent college grad I still remember history classes and high school kids and their reactions. I just want to let you know that most of the history taught today will be forgotten tommorrow. I hate to say that but it is true. As for the losing of heroes, my school only taught alittle bit about the grief from WWII and more about the war itself. Infact we had a German exchange student who said it was taught similar to how Germany taught their students. We were taught many good things about Washington, Franklin, and Lincoln. Unfortunetly, like I said most will be forgotten.
Posted by: Arbitratorofall at March 14, 2006 10:47 PM (5+Jvh)
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The whole "official" complaint was that he presented all this ideas as facts and presented nothing for the other side. Statements like "Others should bomb North Carolina" are just wrong to make.
And Geography. Wacko leftist. Period.
Posted by: Ogre at March 14, 2006 10:50 PM (CyQ4M)
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F***in' hippies.
If I wasn't a Christian I'd probably drive over and set that treasonous mother****er on fire.
Homeschooling rules, regardless of the made-up crap about it.
I hope we have much more of it in the future...
Posted by: jimmyb at March 15, 2006 12:56 AM (e39Jv)
16
If you were Muslim, you'd be expected to set SOMETHING on fire.
Posted by: Ogre at March 15, 2006 02:30 AM (CyQ4M)
17
Jack -- the socialization issues about homeschooling are all dealt with -- they don't exist. It's an irrational fear that's spread by those who support government schools. By ALL measures in all tests, homeschool children are BETTER socialized than government school children.
Ogre,
Sorry pal, I can't buy that argument. It is not an irrational fear to suggest that children who are homeschooled may have socialization issues.
It is not a given that it will happen, but it is a distinct possibility. The question is what kind of interaction do they have with other children. Are they exposed to others? Do they play with other kids?
What kind of background do their parents have? I know a lot of kids who were homeschooled who are better educated and more well adjusted than others and then I know some whose education is just abysmal.
Anyway, I'd be curious to see where you are getting your information. Not saying that you are wrong, but I am not just accepting it either.
Posted by: Jack at March 15, 2006 11:48 PM (aFawc)
18
I'll have to look around because I read a couple studies a couple years back -- sure, homeschooled kids might not be socially adjusted -- but so might other kids. The studies showed that by every possible measure that children who were homeschooled were better able to adjust socially than government schooled children.
And if you think about what goes on in government schools, I sure don't want children exposed to the "social adjustment" that goes on there.
Homeschool children typically interact with a large range of aged people, not just drones of their exact physical age.
Posted by: Ogre at March 16, 2006 12:45 AM (CyQ4M)
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