Defining Black Republicans
Two Facebook friends of mine… Catherine Z…. She’s a young black woman who is supportive of the current NFL player protests, solid approval of President Obama, and is indifferent regarding universal healthcare. One of her profile pictures was the 2008/2016 split Obama first family portrait. And her most current post states “Yessss ‘Auntie Maxine,’ get em!” Safe assumption – she either votes Democrat or leans to the left. She also has a master’s degree in finance and works for an accounting firm.
Second Facebook friend… Matt Y… Despite Matt only having a high school diploma with no college education, he actually works for the same accounting firm with Catherine. Surprisingly (or maybe not surprisingly), they have the same title and role. Matt is nearing retirement at the age of 56. He thinks the NFL player protests are inappropriate for a sporting event, doesn’t agree with universal healthcare (though will take part in Medicare), and feels the media has attacked Trump more than any other president. His Facebook profile pic is a bald eagle, in fact, none of his profiles pic are of his face, just run of the mill patriotic stuff. His most current post states Trump has eliminated 5 trillion dollars of debt (which if he did do that, it would be 25 percent of the 20 trillion-dollar national debt) since taking office. Spoiler alert, Matt votes Republican.
They argue on Facebook, well, their respective friends argue, about everything from climate change, Hilary Clinton’s emails, and the ultimate fun-filled topic ‘Black Lives Matter.’ Catherine and Matt represent the viewpoints of people who look like them, with very little middle ground.
So how did we get here as a nation?
Our nation is divided politically into a two-party system. Both the Republican and Democratic parties have stockpiled their support mainly based on demographics that currently exist due to the racial and gender divisions in our nation’s history. The Democrats don’t make any secrets about who they’re for. They’re for freedom of sexual orientation, women, Black folk, Latinos, and those born after 1970.
The Republican party profoundly professes the opposite. They promote the adages of “small government,” “states’ rights,” and “fiscal responsibility,” and they claim not to see color, gender, or other demographics. However, the recent history of Republican talking points and policies show the exact opposite of the aforementioned adages. Republicans have made significant efforts in derailing the progression of any group or person that doesn’t identify as a White Christian male. Historically, Republicans were the party against prohibition, the party in which 80% of its members voted to pass the 1964 civil rights bill, and of course, started as the party for emancipation. Fast forward, and the Republican party since Nixon has doubled-down on its whiteness in every sense of the word. With that being the situation at hand, “You a Black Republican?,” was a very common response I received from all walks of life between 2006-2012. I know Q Tip on an old tribe record once said,”Never give a date.” However, I want to make it clear that I was a Republican only for a certain period of my life.
So how does a young black man born in the Democratic stronghold of Maryland end up being a Black Republican? Like most Black Republicans, I think it’s important to state that my political ideology at an early age was shaped by personal political preference without the thought of demographics.
I strongly believe the government should be conservative in its actions. I believe the government should not be quick to act or change without careful review, which is the very definition of political conservatism. I believe the federal government should be small, tax in an appropriate manner, and spend on services that directly benefit the people. Fiscal conservatism and social progression was the hallmark of the Republican party. The party was hijacked by extremists and flat-out racists in the late 1960s. From that point forward, the ranks of Christian conservatives and now the Trumpbots have taken over the party. Black Republicans don’t personally harbor those radical feelings, so they ignore the ape pictures of Obama and extremists like Representative Steve King who pose questions like, “Where did any other subgroup of people (other than white) contribute more to civilization?” Yes, he said that without any pushback or criticism from his fellow party members.
Unlike Trump surrogates, when Black Republicans talk about “fiscal responsibility” it’s safe to assume they truly are talking about the government mismanaging resources. They really do think the Democrat party has been a crux to black people via sponsoring aid programs like food stamps and housing aid. For this, they reject social programs and reject the party of help, the Democrats. Their outlook and desire for a Black America, nondependent of any government resource, is their calling – it was mine. Black Republicans don’t want to tackle racism. They don’t want to accept the fact most political mindsets and policies in this nation are the product of demographics, not pure ideology. Lastly, Black Republicans have a strong belief that overly presenting race as an issue is a pillar of the issue itself.
The recent surge of radical divisions along demographic lines during the 2016 Presidential campaign has caused many Black Republicans to reconsider their affiliation with their party, or at least with a party that does not denounce blatant racism. Wedge issues like the NFL player protests and the removal of Confederate flags and monuments have exposed the true mindsets of many. A danger most Black Republicans ignored; yet, prominent Black Republican’s like Michael Steele to Colin Powell, have publicly denounced such sentiment and have thankfully not sided with their party. With that being said, they are still Republicans – a decision and position that speaks volumes.
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Catalonia: Do Not Ignore Us [Update | Part III]
This tidbit may come as a surprise, but no one outside of Spain knew anything of Catalonia’s historical struggle and aspirations for independence a few years ago. Even today, most people have at the very least a minimal concept about this region and the dream that its people have of being free. When an internal struggle like Catalonia’s current fight for independence in Spain reaches its boiling point, it’s not shocking to see the conflict expand beyond its national borders.
Due to all the attention, Catalonia is receiving now; it has given the small state some punch behind its demands to be heard all over the world. Has this type of scrutiny made it possible for the region to gain independence without violence being its driving force?
No one could have presented this better than the president of the region, Carles Puigdemont, when he addressed the Catalan Parliament on October 10. His speech, in which he halted the declaration of independence and called for rational dialogue with the Spanish state, demonstrated a value that the people of Catalonia are known well for, its aptly named “Seny Catala” (Catalan Sanity). Comically enough, you as the reader should know that throughout this entire situation, Spain has contributed significantly to the perception that Catalonia is the “sane side” in this conflict.
It started with Spain’s response to the referendum of Catalonia. It showed a clumsy, and savage Spanish government that had no idea of how to de-escalate matters. With the support of its state media, Spain’s central government tried to hide any favor of ideas that contradicted the state’s point of view, which showed a darker side to Spain that resembled the Franco dictatorship. Throughout that chaotic October 1st day, images of violence and bedlam filled television screens all over the world, showing the international audience what the Spanish central government was capable of doing.
When you think about it, images are the most powerful tool in any communication, and with Spain’s brutal tactics, the government of Mariano Rajoy, clearly communicated a strong message: We will use any force necessary to keep stability against our citizens and maintain the status quo. This tactic was not the only dark action taken on that day. The Spanish government also proved how foolish they could be by using all possible measures to stop a referendum, and they failed miserably.
On the other hand, the Catalan Government proved to be much more strategic by aligning with the current political culture of the European continent, which proved in some ways why the Catalonia people deserve independence.
Where is this all leading? Well, the strategy of the Catalan state was simple: to officially request a referendum, and, when this would most certainly be denied, to go ahead and do it anyway. The most important part of this strategy was to do it without violence. The next part of this plan, and by far the most crucial role is to demand dialogue after the Speech that President Carles Puigdemont gave at the Catalan parliament.
What was said in Puigdemont’s speech?
Catalonia’s leader stated that he accepted the “mandate from the people” to “become an independent state,” but stopped short of declaring independence as he pursues an open dialogue with Spain. This gesture showed a sense of practicality and it’s in line with the political behavior model of the EU. A model that is firmly based on dialogue, agreements, and respect for the tenents of democracy. Unfortunately, Spain chose to ignore Puigdemont’s gesture, so his impassioned speech did not have the effect he had hoped it would on the central government’s attitude towards the Catalan people.
Catalonia is at the fork in the road now. They have two options: Disobey the Spanish central government and declare independence regardless of what the government says, or give up and withdraw its proposal for dialogue on full autonomy.
Currently, it’s a stalemate for both sides. On one hand, the Catalans view the suspension of the declaration of independence as a type of betrayal of the astounding results of the referendum they fought so hard to achieve. On the other hand, some sections of the Spanish population want the central government to take a more forceful action against any current or future demands for secession.
We will all have to see what will be the next steps Spain takes towards the Catalan state. They must not forget that the world is watching, and with each forceful clampdown of liberty, another revolution sows into the ground to one day come bursting through the doors.
For more on Catalonia and their fight for independence…
Catalonia: The Rebel State
Catalonia: The Rebel State [Update | Part II]
Catalonia: When Catalonia Wants Space And Spain Doesn’t Seem To Get It [Update | Part IV]
Hurricane Trump
The last 10 months of the Trump Administration have been fraught with upheaval, uncertainty, and unpreparedness. It’s one thing to have a president who doesn’t know what he’s doing; it’s quite another to have a president who doesn’t know what he’s doing and sabotages the efforts of the people who do.
Trump is the enemy who doesn’t realize he is the enemy. Blustering his way around the White House, the country and the world, he seeks only his own glorification, and is oblivious to the damage he inflicts while doing so. His extreme self-centeredness is not unlike that of Kim Jong Un, another self-centered narcissist who just happens to be the leader of a country with nuclear capability. And he is not afraid to flaunt it.
Trump’s dismantling of the Paris Accord, the multiple efforts at dismantling the Affordable Care Act, the ham-fisted attempts at diplomacy and as “comforter-in-chief” – all of this pales in comparison to the very real threat he has become.
De-certifying the Iran nuclear deal takes the cards out of the hands of all of the countries supporting it, and into the hands of the Iranian government in one swipe. Sanctions will take its place, which will produce the opposite effect intended. Iran will find a way to work around those sanctions and step up its uranium production.
Ladies and gentlemen, we now have a trifecta of nukes.
Playing one-upmanship games with North Korea, while his top diplomat is trying to calm the waters, is proof positive that the US president has no understanding of the world. He is crippling any attempt to prevent a conflict, merely because he wants to be right.
This childish chest-beating between Trump and Kim is likely to escalate now that the Iran deal is slotted for dismantling – because there will be a third player in this dangerous triad. John Kelly, brought in to try to rein in Trump’s disastrous behavior, is not likely to have much, if any, effect on how Trump plays his games. Believing that anyone can control such an uncontrollable force might as well try to stop a hurricane.
Similar content from Registered Independent Voter: The Trump Train Wreck
Catalonia: The Rebel State [Update | Part II]
Catalonia: The Rebel State Updated…
Catalan President accuses the King of Spain for being the government’s puppet.
President Carles Puigdemont has called for dialogue with Madrid, but after little to no response, he has publicly stated his plans for a declaration of independence.
Catalonia’s President Carles Puigdemont has blamed the King of Spain for acting as a mouthpiece for the Spanish government as the nation delves deeper into conflict. Puigdemont has vowed to move forward with plans to declare independence over the next week.
Speaking just three days after his government’s highly controversial independence referendum, which was met with extreme police violence, Puigdemont said that his people were united more than they have ever been before; but added he was disappointed by the King’s lack of diplomacy and insight into the situation.
“The king endorses the discourse and policies of the government of [prime minister Mariano] Rajoy, which has been catastrophic for Catalonia and deliberately ignores the millions of Catalans who do not think like them,” he said.
Sending a message directly to the king, Puigdemont said: “Not like this. Your decision yesterday disappointed many people in Catalonia.”
“I have to represent all of Catalonia’s citizens,” Puigdemont said. “On Sunday we had a referendum under the most difficult circumstances and set an example of who we are. Peace and accord is part of who we are. We have to apply the results of the referendum. We have to present the results of the referendum to parliament.”
Close to 1000 people were injured after the Spanish police attempted to prevent the vote by raiding and destroying polling stations, assaulting would-be voters and firing rubber bullets into the crowds.
Though the Spanish authorities’ tried their best to prevent the referendum, as well as the government of Spain and the country’s constitutional court declaring the referendum illegal, 2.26 million Catalans of the 5.3 million registered to vote took part in the elections. According to the Catalan government, 90% of the participants voted for the region to become an Independent state.
The Spanish government was quick to respond to this outcome. The deputy prime minister, Soraya Såenz de Santamaria, said that the Catalan president had squandered an opportunity to steer the region back toward coexistence, adding: “If Mr. Puigdemont wants to talk or negotiate or send mediators, he knows perfectly well what he needs to do: get back on the legal path that he should never have abandoned.”
The EU has called for the Spanish and Catalan governments to bridge the gap and begin talks to come to a peaceful resolution. However, the EU has stated that Madrid has the right to use “proportionate force” to uphold the law, which seemingly feels like that they do not recognize the struggle of the Catalan people or its need for more autonomy.
The EU has stated that violence does not resolve any problem, but in the same breath does not want to side with Catalan, providing support for the Spanish government.
This lack of support from the EU and the King of Spain, has given the people of Catalonia an uphill battle to gain its independence and identity.
Money, Language, Respect Link: Catalonia: The Rebel State
Catalonia: The Rebel State
This is a developing story. We will continue to update this article to provide you the most up to date information about Catalonia and its struggle for independence.
[Catalonia’s fight for Independence + historical context.]
Developing News:
In a TV address, Spain’s King Felipe VI condemned organizers of Catalonia’s independence referendum for having put themselves “outside the law;” stating that the situation in Spain was “extremely serious” and calling for unity.
Hundreds of thousands in Catalonia have been protesting since the Spanish police violence that took place during Sunday’s historic vote for independence, in which 893 people were hurt.
Meanwhile, Catalonia’s leader has told multiple news organizations that the region would declare its independence in a matter of days.
In one of his first interviews since the referendum, Catalan President Carles Puigdemont said his government would “act at the end of this week or the beginning of the next.”
When probed on what he would do if the Spanish government were to intervene or try to take control of the Catalonia’s government, Mr. Puigdemont said it would be “an error which changes everything.”
As of now, there is no contact between Mr. Puigdemont and the government in Madrid. These comments were made shortly after the Kings televised speech.
Context…
Over the past few weeks the northeastern region of Spain, known as Catalonia has been fighting a great fight for independence against Spain. This is the breakdown of what is happening currently, and what brought about this dangerous split.
As of now, reports state that 893 people and 33 police officers have been hurt since Sunday, Oct 1st, as the Catalan referendum for more autonomy has been passed by the Catalan government. The protests leading to this day have been violent and without regard to human safety or democratic values. What has led to this split? Well, here’s a bit of a history lesson that will explain why Catalonia has always viewed itself as a free state.
History…
Catalonians have always believed that their state is a separate nation from the very beginning. With a population of 7.5 million people, it is the wealthiest of Spain’s 17 semi-autonomous regions. In the 12th century, its kingdom came under the rule of the neighboring Spanish kingdom of Aragon. In the 15th century, when King Ferdinand of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castile married and united their domains, it became part of a unified Spain. Throughout its history, Catalonia has always had varying degrees of autonomy protecting its distinct culture, language, law, and customs. That all came to a grinding halt when the war of the Spanish Succession took place during 1702-1714 when Catalonia fell to Felipe V’s Franco-Castillian army after a 15-month siege. As a result, the nation-state lost its charters and institutions, and Catalonia was officially abolished. With the state being heavily oppressed by the ruling class, the Catalans have had difficulty maintaining their culture and language ever since.
Fast forward to 1931, relief came in the form of new elections that brought broad autonomy to Catalonia, which again fell apart when Spain fell into civil war during the mid-1930’s and the succeeding Franco regime. Franco’s ultra-conservative rule curtailed the states autonomy and restricted the use of the Catalan language as well. After the end of the dictatorship in 1978, Spain had a democratic transition and Catalonia became one of its 17 autonomous communities. In this period of finally gaining back some control, Catalonia established its own parliament (Generalitat), Police force (Mossos d’esquadra), and education system; but calls for full independence have still continued.
The Euro economic crisis saw high unemployment among the Catalonia youth and further exposed the mass inequality between the rich and poor.
3 Reasons for the split…
Money:
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Pro-independence supporters claim that Catalonia is being robbed by Spain when the central government taxes the region. Catalans state that the gap in what they pay in taxes and what they get back in services is an insult.
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Spain’s financial crisis and the austerity that followed has only fueled this discontent. Catalans claim that Catalonia would be much more sufficient and prosperous on its own.
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The counter-argument comes from Xavier Albiol, who is the leader of the Catalan Branch of Spain’s ruling People’s party. He states that in many countries the wealthy regions prop up the poorer ones, “At the moment Spain is the country in the EU which is growing the most; more jobs are being created and that directly benefits Catalonia, all told, united we are strong.”
Language:
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Under General Franco’s dictatorship, Catalan could not be used in any official context. Since Democracy was restored in 1978, the language has rebounded, which has sparked a new surge of pride in the Catalan culture and identity.
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However, in 2010, the Spanish courts rejected a change to the constitution that would have given the Catalan language preferential status, further alienating the state’s uniqueness, which many Catalans viewed as an insult, again strengthening pro-independence feelings.
Respect:
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“First of all, we are democrats which means that when we demand to be treated a mature society, we mean this. When we demand that the opinion of the people should be taken into account, we mean this.” – Raul Romeva (Member of the Catalan parliament which favors independence)
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As you can see the Catalonia’s pro-independence leaders see the referendum as a democratic right, and Madrid’s refusal to acknowledge this infuriates them.
Do all Catalans want independence?
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Catalans seem to be divided about leaving Spain.
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With 49.4% of its population wanting to stay
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And 41.1 of its population wanting to break away from Spain.
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This break in unity within the state itself has caused mass debates to take part in towns and villages across Catalonia. Though the referendum has now gone in favor for Independence, Spanish authorities have dismissed the referendum as unconstitutional and a ‘farce’; 90% of those who came out and braved against the brutal tactics of the Spanish police voted in favor of the split. Though, protests leading after the vote have only been able to turn out about 42% of supporters due to the police crackdown.
The Catalan President stopped short of declaring independence from Spain on Monday – a move that would have further deepened the crisis, and has instead requested for an international arbiter to mediate the issue, ideally someone from the European Union. “This moment needs mediation,” Catalan President Puigdemont said, “We only received violence and repression as an answer.” Puigdemont said Catalonia did not want a “traumatic break” with Madrid. “We want a new understanding with the Spanish State,” he said.
When the governing body of a nation fails to listen to its people, regardless of how small or big the population of those said people are, unrest and calls for extreme action will take place. Spain has the opportunity to heal the pain and anger it has caused with the Catalan state by simply addressing this problem for what it is – a call to be understood and listened to by the Catalan people. Taking it for anything else will only stiffen the resolve of the pro-independence supporters and further divide the Catalan state from a peaceful resolution.
Catalonia: The Rebel State Update
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Independent Responds to Conservative… Transgenger Ban Revisited
On August 29, 2017, LCR Contributor Right Army Veteran published an article about Trump’s decision to ban transgender service members. He suggested that both administrations (Obama and Trump) dropped the ball regarding the policy implementation and ban. He also mentioned costs as a driving factor for the ban.
“Military service members retire after 20 years and then collect benefits for a lifetime. That’s an expensive investment- especially if 2 years may make them non-deployable for surgery at a minimum, and for years after they continue with guaranteed medical needs and lifetime complications (and sanitary requirements) that may be difficult to ensure in the filthy, harsh business of war in dark places.”– Right Army Veteran
His full article can be viewed here: Transgender in the Military – A Case in Political Hijackings by Democrats and Republicans
I disagree…
This is a farce of epic proportions. Using medical costs as a reason to exclude a person from serving in the military is a coverup for bigotry and hate against a group of people too many are unwilling to fully understand. The medical costs excuse is a smokescreen. If the military really wanted to curb or prevent medical costs they wouldn’t allow our presidents to get us involved in unjust wars. Iraq and Afghanistan are already costing us $1 trillion, that’s with a T, in medical costs. And most veterans from those two wars aren’t even 40 years old yet. If it’s really about costs, then why not completely cut medical benefits after retirement? Find me a profession in the private sector in which merely retiring at any level provides healthcare benefits for you, your spouse, and family, until death. So let’s be honest, it’s probably not about the costs. Becuase if it was then the military wouldn’t spend $41.6 million annually on Viagra alone, which according to the Military Times analysis that figure is five times the estimated spend on transgender transition-related care.
I could accept a policy of not covering active service members who wanted to have the elective surgery; however, this ban is a universal ban – no matter what, if you identify as transgender you’re not eligible for military service.
If this ban stays in place, the irony would be noteworthy… We’d be the world’s freest nation, yet not everyone would be free to serve and defend it.
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No Hate, No Walls… Are DREAMers Here to Stay?
I come from an immigrant family.
My mother lived in Montreal, Canada before she decided to come to the United States to build a better life for her family. I was one of the lucky ones who had a parent whose situation allowed her to go through the proper channels to come here. She could have easily been a refugee coming from a war-torn nation or a country that had no positive outlook for her and her family. But again, we were lucky and now I have the full rights and liberties as any other citizen of this great nation. It is because of that freedom that I express in absolute rage and disgust of Trumps new plan to scrap DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).
What is DACA:
- DACA is a program that started in June 2012.
- It allows young illegal immigrants to register with the federal government and obtain a work permit as well as receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation.
- Most of the youth in this program came to the United States when they were babies, and toddlers and did not know they were illegal immigrants until they attempted to apply for a driver’s license or to go to college.
- The program does not provide lawful status or a path to citizenship, nor does it provide eligibility for federal welfare or student aid.
DACA eligibility:
- You cannot have a criminal record, which includes a felony, or misdemeanor.
- You must be enrolled in school, have a graduate degree, or be an honorable veteran.
- You must arrive in the U.S. before the age of 16.
- Be under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012.
To show proof of qualification, all applicants must submit three forms –
- I-821D: Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
- I-765: Application for Employment Authorization
- I-765WS: Worksheet
This policy was created after acknowledging that the youth that came here at such tender ages were “low priority” for immigration enforcement to pursue considering their good behavior, which is why the act of terminating it is so ridiculous. Freedom… the ability to choose how to live your life, in the way you wish to live it, free from tyranny, and prosecution, should not be of question for these young people who have done everything required of them.
Earlier this week (9/5/17) I spent most of my evening at the DACA rally in Foley SQ Park, NY trying to understand the sentiment of the people and how they are handling the latest jab to our nation’s identity, and I can proudly say that I was not disappointed.
I saw people from all walks of life holding up signs such as:
- No Hate, No Fear, Democracy is here
- F*&^ Trump
- Immigrants BELONG here
- Build Bridges NOT WALLS
It was amazing to see everyone come together and stand against a common threat to what makes this country great… Immigrants.
We are all immigrants in the U.S., and watching our leaders fail again and again is the main reason our country is so divided. It isn’t the Republicans versus the Democrats, or Christians against Muslims, or anything else that is being thrown around in the media. It’s a truth that is ingrained in our very history that is being ignored, and that truth is that we all came here to make our lives, and those we care about, better. If we can’t do that, what does it even mean to be an American?
More on DACA? Trump Ends DACA, America’s Top Universities Respond
Education Inevitably Judges Everyone
There should be no doubt in any rational thinking mind that education is how we separate class. In America, education creates a hierarchy. In India, one is born into that class. Here in America, supposedly, you can be born in public housing and go to a low achieving school and still become a millionaire. All you have to do is work hard and pull yourself up by the bootstraps? Um, let’s be honest… that sounds delusional in 2017.
Education is like a rubric, it will be used to judge you. Here in America education is used by society to create a narrative for one to follow. Being that one’s future is scaled based on acquired skills learned in school, it is imperative we understand that schools are not dumping grounds. Therefore, it is very important that Washington and their delegates revolutionize every demographic area, from inner cities to rural America. We should supply all children with the necessary tools needed to hone their skills in every subject area. Our main goal should be social and academic success, regardless of their family’s income or the location of their school district. However, schools continue to heavily weigh math and reading ability, which doesn’t present an accurate picture regarding a child’s potential. Rating these schools ineffective for not reaching “standards” is unacceptable, and it denies them proper resources and/or more incentives to help give children some form of extrinsic motivation to go to school and do well. Some of these schools are truly ineffective; yet, we see students that require special needs education and students who have poor attendance be the primary focal point for determining what nominal funds will be allocated to their school. Why? Well, you have to make excuses to cut money somewhere to spend it elsewhere.
For example… There are three schools in America within a few miles of each other. One school is failing and ineffective and doing much worse than the other two schools. That failing school is going to be phased out and their students will get dumped into the second school, which performs slightly better than the failing school. Now all of a sudden there are two schools in one building forced to share and use the resources meant for one, which over-populates that school and makes each class size larger, subsequently reducing the teacher’s ability to reach each student. This is exactly how students fall behind. Oh, and the third school performs the best so they’re going to get the necessary funding. Now consider this new two-in-one school and the other school that received their funding; which school is going to perform the best moving forward? Why does performance matter? Well, whichever school performs the best is going to get the Mac computers, smart boards, grants for art programming to pay teachers, and so on. It doesn’t take an advanced degree to figure out that the third school is going to continue to perform the best, and the new two-in-one school will probably do worse if you just consider the larger classroom sizes. But why wouldn’t the new two-in-one school with larger class sizes receive the funding? Surely, they need more resources, right? It’s evident that certain kids are left behind regarding the tools and resources needed to academically thrive and keep pace with their generation. Technology is taking over and experimental learning is the way to go. Standard based testing does nothing but perpetuate a bias system, which allows the rich to get richer and the poor to get poorer.
The federal government allows states to control the majority of educational funding in an attempt to escape the blame for dismal school systems. So who do we blame… the states, Washington, or both? Bottom line, our school systems are failing many of our children while others prosper and prepare for a competitive job market in an ever-changing economy. Educational segregation is what you call it, and when resources are withheld from groups of people that clearly need them the most we should question leadership and inefficiencies on every level. If education inevitably judges everyone, which seems to the case in our capitalist society, how about we give everyone a fair and equal opportunity to reach their full potential?
The Trump Train Wreck
The Trump Administration is on a collision course, hurtling headlong into the relative normality of the GOP. All of the unpalatable, offensive things that many of us saw so plainly long before Donald Trump was elected, are apparently now crystal clear to them for the very first time.
I have always had cause to shake my head at the GOP and the religious right on occasion, but I have never constantly been aghast at the behavior of their leaders as I have been over the last couple of years. And only now – when their “prince who was promised” has, for all intents and purposes, endorsed the politely termed “alt right” (aka racists who call themselves patriots) – are they abandoning the ship in droves.
That was the last straw for them.
Do you know what the last straw wasn’t?
The last straw was not that Trump had dealings with Putin’s shady administration, endangering national security and putting our entire country in jeopardy (don’t tell me it’s not proven; the evidence is simply being ignored by his followers).
It wasn’t the fact that he built his cabinet largely of Wall Street fat cats and coal magnates, who have the sole objective to enrich themselves, damned the poor souls who are crippled with the burden of making them richer.
It’s not the fact that he has, with the stroke of a pen, hobbled our efforts to clean up the environment by crippling the very agencies charged with that task and installing a climate change denier to head the EPA, nor by brazenly walking away from the Paris Accord.
It wasn’t the firing of James Comey, for doing nothing more than his job, nor was it the fact that he threatened to fire Robert Mueller for investigating any collusion with the Russians in his bid for the White House.
It wasn’t for praising Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte for his murderous campaign against suspected drug criminals without evidence or trial.
It wasn’t that he effectively and efficiently disintegrated the United States’ credibility on the world stage, dragging our country from respectable to laughable during his first trips abroad.
It wasn’t the patently dishonest statements he has made on Twitter, in interviews and speeches, and at press conferences – all on camera – and denies having done so even when presented with the evidence.
It wasn’t the on-camera braggadocio in claiming that he can grab a woman’s genitals with impunity, or the number of lawsuits against him for sexual assault.
It was not the literally dozens of lawsuits against him for fraud and failure to pay his contractors.
The GOP and religious leaders drew a line in the sand when Trump became inconvenient and unprofitable for them. Displaying sympathy for racists was that last straw.
All the above mentioned straws before then were okay, I suppose.
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