Shame or Game?! Reforming Public Education

The reform of our public education system is critical, and the federal government is not the only player in this huge task.  Each of us is a stakeholder.  We have a shared responsibility. In our various neighborhoods, we all have a job to do.  We should serve as volunteers and bring our personal expertise to the important work of educating our children, whether they be our own or others’. 

The reasons are simple and, again, shared.  We owe it to our children.  They are a gift, and we as adults, all of us, are their teachers.  The strength of our relationships can carry our communities and our nation.  I remember the adults who made it a point to support me when I was a teenager.  Only now, do I begin to appreciate just how much their attention and support has meant for me personally and what a difference they have made in my life.  These people did nothing more than give me their attention, to see me as the individual that I am.  Can I do anything less today?

Our public education system has the opportunity to be a primary incubator for pluralistic democracy.  Our system of government is still an experiment.  We remain in the process of building what Lincoln called a “new birth of freedom.”  Government of the people, by the people and for the people cannot be taken for granted.  Such government can, and most certainly will,  perish from this earth if we do nothing to nurture and cherish it, if we do not teach it assiduously to our children.   Starting in our own homes and on our own streets, giving attention to children is a first step. 

Our public education system is the ideal environment in which we continue the education which makes our government and our prosperity possible.  Young people must be exposed to those who are different from them.  Children need to be exposed constructively to all human difference whether it be color of skin, class, sexual orientation, ability, gender, sex, culture, nationality, or religion.  Our diversity as a nation can make us strong if we work at strategies for inclusion,  finding our common ground, and defining what unites us a people, what constitutes us as the people of the United States of America. 

We cannot forget that our leadership among free market economies depends on an effective education system.  A strong education system insures that we have the leadership, knowledge, expertise, and innovative strength to compete in a growing set of global markets and a complex international economic system.  We must learn to build a growing, strong, and engaged middle class.  Education plays a central role in creating strong economic performance, ensuring our continued growth and viability as a democracy.

So, for these reasons, we all have a vested interest in our public education system, and in the work we do with youth throughout our communities.  As a director in a shelter, I know it is my responsibility to strengthen the relationship of my shelter to the St. Louis Public Schools and to other resources for providing education enrichment for the children in our shelter.  Another part of my leadership is to ensure that our Continuum of Care to End Homelessness is constantly aware of its responsibilities to provided strong education opportunities to the children currently being served in our organizations.  As a member of the Shaw Neighborhood and the Garden District, I have the opportunity to become personally engaged in our communities’ outreach to youth and to our schools, both public and private.

Instead of the blame and shame process that has been a part of our ongoing debate, I recommend being “game,” that is “getting into the game of education personally and at a place where we, ourselves, can learn about the great issues facing our public education system.   One opportunity now available to those of us in the Shaw-Southwest Garden-Botanical Heights-Tiffany neighborhoods is to volunteer at the Visual and Performing Arts High School at Arsenal and South Kingshighway.  For information on volunteering there, contact me at mjr9201@swbell.net or call 314-258-0452.  I will put you in touch with Renee Racette, a dedicated science teacher there who is organizing people from the neighborhood to work directly with kids in the high school.

Let us commit to doing work in the schools so that we can better understand the nature of the problems facing public education and do more to ameliorate them.  If we understand the issues better by being a part of the reality on the ground, we will know how best to bring our personal and community resources into positive relationship with our schools, thereby creating transformative change.

See the article below from the New York Times online:

Op-Ed Columnist
Our Greatest National Shame
By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF
Published: February 15, 2009
America’s educational system that once created prosperity is now an embarrassment. That makes the stimulus package a landmark, for it takes steps toward reform.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/opinion/15kristof.html

Shame on US!

Republicans should be ashamed of themselves.  President Obama has reached out to them to engage them in a process of uniting to create a recovery package that will work for the American people.  They have chosen the path of obstructionism and obfuscation.  They have good reason.  Their political lives are at risk.   However, the real shame is on US, the people of this nation.  We continue to be led down the primrose path by our inability to see the truth about ourselves, our inability to know reality.

At this time of great national crisis, you would think that the American people would take a close look at the record over the last several decades (and that includes the era of Bill Clinton) to understand that “trickle down economics” is a sham that destroys good government and establishes a corporate welfare system that sustains the privileges of extremely rich people and tramples the lives of middle class and lower income people.  The outcomes of such policy are now evident.  Thousands are losing their jobs and their homes.   The “American Dream” as it has been sold to us is now, for many, the “American Nightmare.”

We learned yesterday from the New York Times online of the hardships being faced by those who might have to live on $500K annually, the failed CEO’s who continue to take their bonuses after losing billions of dollars.  What is completely remarkable, however, is the arrogance of the Republican minority.  In the face of a strong mandate for change in the last election and the fact that the very foundations upon which they have built their political capital have collapsed into the sink hole that’s swallowing our entire economy and destroying thousands of peoples’ lives, they remain adamantly committed to the policies that are producing such destructive outcomes for all of us.   And, we are giving them credence for God’s sake! 

The time for change has come.  Nothing to be afraid of.  It is what it is.   We will learn, although our suffering will have to be great.  The policies that our Republican friends say are the “solution to our country’s economic meltdown,” simply don’t work.  Yes, we can take some measure of learning from these policies – personal responsibility, good stewarship, an understanding that government can’t solve all of our problems.  These values are always in style; however, let’s put away the voodoo economics, the favoring of the privileged, rich and well-connected, and the shaming of good government.   These are not our nation’s values and they certainly are bad policy. 

Alexis de Toqueville said that in a democracy, the people get a government they deserve.”  Let’s make sure that we get good government back and eliminate once and for all the thinking that says that ”government is the problem” and  if we keep unproductive rich people rich, things will be OK.  Obama is right to fight for accountability and stewardship in government.  Let’s help him achieve this important goal – for our own sake and the sake of the future of our democracy.

See the article below from the New York Times online:

White House Memo
Already Back on the Trail, Now to Sell a Stimulus Plan
By JEFF ZELENY
Published: February 9, 2009
President Obama will travel this week in an effort to build support for his economic stimulus plan.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/09/us/politics/09obama.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Support Housing Trust Funds!

The United States is a land of opportunity.  Most poor and low income people who are interested in ownership can get into the equity game by buying a home, increasing its value through hard work, neighborhood involvement, and, hopefully, taking advantage of an economy that is strong enough to increase the home’s value.  This has been a recipe for success and a proven method for building the middle class throughout the the last half century. 

If one believes in this “American Dream,” home-ownership has been a good bet for most people.  Of course, we’ve seen that “dream” dashed by the greed and opportunism of a rapacious, unregulated financial sector that has preyed on the poor and the middle class for quick profits.  They’ve just about destroyed our economy in the process with thousands of people losing their jobs and their homes. 

The premise of people “buying into” the economy through homeownership, however, is still a good idea. When people have a stake in their own economic well-being and a place to be engaged in community-building, everyone wins.  This is how the promise and responsibility of our democracy should be empowered. 

A national housing trust fund is an idea whose time has come.  Well, it has come already, but the government hasn’t seen fit to really fund it properly.  In Missouri, the state Housing Trust Fund, created by a small amount of money that comes through every real estate transaction ($8, I believe) provides funding for affordable housing, transitional housing, renovation, and investments in Continuums of Care to End Homelessness.  These efforts are badly needed in Missouri and throughout our nation. In addition to spurring the economy by rapidly disbursing funds for construction and housing-related jobs, a trust fund would strengthen the ability of local Continuums of Care to End Homelessness to create and operate transitional housing and permanent supportive housing for those in need, cutting our homeless populations, and saving taxpayers millions of dollars in spending on social services that are incurred when homeless people access emergency rooms and city services.

In Missouri, the Real Estate lobby has opposed increasing the $8 fee.  They see it as a “tax” and have furiously and vociferously argued against any increase.  I believe that if most people understood what these dollars are used for, they would gladly pay a much larger fee.  As a part of a real estate transaction that may be worth 100′s of 1,000′s of dollars, what’s an additional few dollars when you understand that these dollars are going to programs that leverage and provide gap-funding for the homebuilding industry, supporting low-income and middle class people so that they can buy into the “American Dream.”  The Real Estate industry is being short-sighted.  These extra dollars build their business but they would rather play politics than do something that would be good for all of us, including their own sector.

The time has come for adequate funding of housing trust funds.  Funding the National Housing Trust Fund through the stimulus package is one direction.  Increasing the funding for the Missouri Housing Trust Fund is another. 

Benjamin Franklin was right.  Either we all hang together or we will assuredly all hang separately.  Obama’s message of unity is needed now more than ever.  Let’s work together to build new homes, strengthen the prospects of the poor and the middle class and rebuild our economy.

See the editorial below from the New York Times online:

Editorial
A Stimulus for the Poor

Published: February 7, 2009
Congress could help low-income Americans find homes — and create jobs doing it — by providing money in the stimulus package for the National Housing Trust Fund.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/07/opinion/07sat3.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

The Word from DC

We arrived in Baltimore on Thursday morning and got settled into the home of friends in Tacoma Park by Thursday afternoon.  As we got out and around on Friday, we noted very busy traffic patterns throughout this part of the city.  I’m not sure if it’s due to the inauguration but we are certainly feeling the vibe of craziness as the city prepares for festivities throughout the region that are of unprecedented proportions.  Just the trip of the Obama’s to DC has caused a stir through the area and his whistle stops have people talking.

The New York Times online has a great set of articles and maps and pictures related to the inauguration.  This is a good place to start if you want to learn about the many events taking place here and to see how they are being covered through various internet sites (for those who have access to broadband, this will be a great supplement to TV coverage – also, there is text messaging, YouTube coverage, etc. for the first time).  I certainly recommend the NY Times online for a great combinations of history, practical information about the inauguration, and interesting stories related to this historic event – even games and puzzles!

The Crowds Have Grown Bigger, the Hats Shorter
By JIM RUTENBERG

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/18/weekinreview/18spectacle.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Published: January 18, 2009
A short history of inaugural-week customs — what has changed, and what remains the same.

Should Rick Warren Be Part of Obama’s Inauguration?

The following article from DiversityInc.com presents a viewpoint on President-elect Obama’s choice of Rick Warren to do the opening prayer at the Inauguration.  I agree with the author’s opinion that Rick Warren is not comfortable with gay people.  He comes from and is a leader within a tradition that has denigrated and oppressed gay people on the basis of a very narrow interpretation of the Christian Scriptures.  I think Rev. Warren is uncomfortable because he knows his position is not right or just; however, in an institution (the Christian Church)  built on such social conditioning, change will come slowly and will take some time.  I know this path personally, so I have empathy for Rev. Warren.  I do, however, believe in Rev. Warren’s desire to do right and good and his growing awareness.   I agree with President-elect Obama’s desire to reach out to all people because we are in different places on the road to liberation and justice for all.  I believe he respects our various places on this journey and wants to unite us in the midst of our difference. 

Should Rick Warren Be Part of Obama’s Inauguration?
By Luke Visconti
January 12, 2009

Question:  I’d like to hear your thoughts on Rick Warren’s role in the inauguration. I’m troubled by the message it seems to send about equity for LGBT citizens.

Answer:

I’m troubled also. I took some time to look at video interviews of Rick Warren, including the one where he endorsed Proposition 8.

I simply don’t agree with him–limiting the definition of marriage because of a modern perception of “5,000 years of tradition” is a fallacious argument. For most of that 5,000 years, slavery was a tradition, as was the complete limitation of women’s rights. Further, polygamy is also in the Bible and is STILL a tradition in many parts of the world. I’ll also note that chemotherapy and MRIs have not been a tradition for 5,000 years.

It’s clear to me from watching the videos that he’s uncomfortable with gay people. This is underscored by his tendency to talk about his charitable work regarding people with AIDS when asked about gay people, as if there is a connection between a disease and orientation.

There are some things I like about Rick Warren, but he has a long way to go to represent the kind of change that I think most of the country voted for in this election.

To a large degree, I think this election was a response to the repercussions of how our country lost its way over the past eight years. You cannot be an American and believe in rendition, torture and eliminating constitutional protection against illegal search–and I see a direct connection between the destruction of constitutional values and the out-of-control predation of brokerage companies in the subprime-mortgage disaster that sparked a worldwide recession.

Our government derives its power FROM the people; it does not give power TO the people. Our LGBT citizens deserve the same rights as our heterosexual citizens. Extending human and civil rights STRENGTHENS our country.

As an American and as a veteran, I’m disappointed in President-elect Obama for making this choice. I think he has a lot of soul searching to do over LGBT rights.

Fighting Oppression Starting With Yourself

Here are the top five things you can do to fight bias, bigotry and all forms of oppression.  In doing so, you strengthen your personal leadership ability to build more inclusive community.  

1. Look in the Mirror

It is hard for most of us to acknowledge our own biases. Take the time to stop and evaluate how you interact with those who are different from you.

 2. Get Smart

Take the time to find out more about the people, cultures, societies and religions that are unfamiliar to you. Education is the key to eliminating the spread of bias, bigotry and all forms of oppression.

 3. Listen and Speak Up

Be aware of what you hear on TV, the radio, from your neighbor, teacher, colleague or friend. Speak up when you hear someone spreading bias, bigotry or any form of oppression.

4. Venture Beyond

When we think in new ways, meet new people, and embrace new ideas, we expand our capacity for understanding. Being open to different perspectives and lifestyles is one of the best examples you can provide for others to follow.

5. Make a Commitment

Do not stand still. Get involved. Join an organization in your community that inspires you. Participate in programs or honest conversations focusing on human relations issues that are important to you and your community.

Struggles Faced By the “Working Poor”

This morning’s New York Times online provides some perspective on the plight of the “working poor.”  It seems that the one way we can all support the working poor is to fight for workers rights and to build democracy in the workplace through effective unions that give workers a voice.  This movement has done more than any other to create the middle class and the fair treatment of working people, allowing them seek the resources which build their lives, promote stronger education for their children, and strengthen communities.  Supporting the Employee Free Choice Act is an important test of the new Obama government.  How will they support this movement, giving hope and a chance for a better future to our nation’s workers?

The Neediest Cases
Working but Struggling
By C. WARREN MOSES and DAVID R. JONES
Published: January 11, 2009
Answers to selected reader questions about the working poor.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/11/nyregion/11neediestanswers.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Let Fairness and Equality Rule the Land!

HOORAY!!  The movement continues.  Barack Obama lines up with Women leaders throughout our nation to defeat discriminatory practices in the workplace!   Let fairness and equality be the rule of the land!

US
House Passes 2 Measures on Job Bias
By ROBERT PEAR
Published: January 10, 2009
Taking aim at a Supreme Court ruling, the House voted to give women new tools against pay inequity.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/10/us/10rights.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Best of 2 Worlds?

Generally, I’m not a supporter of Charter Schools but this article opens my thinking a bit.  There are times when special needs require special attention.  Would it be better if all children could be in a diverse environment in which there is respect and understanding even in the midst of difference.  Of course, but is the case now?  Parents are left with very difficult choices and I can see how parents would opt for a charter school for very good reasons.  The question becomes how we can make Americ’a public education system one that is inclusive, the source of teaching our country’s most cherished ideals and our common heritage, where students can come together to learn about and resepct the diverse cultures our our country.

Education
For Immigrants, Best of 2 Worlds in Charters
By SARA RIMER
Published: January 10, 2009
For immigrant families, some charter schools have become havens from American youth culture.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/10/education/10charter.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Democracy in the Workplace? YES!

Missouri aims to stop workers from democratically deciding how they would join a union in their workplace.  A business-backed group called SOS Ballot Missouri is making the sensational claim that a modest piece of proposed federal labor law reform called the Employee Free Choice Act would “do away with secret ballot elections for union representation.”   In fact that legislation restores democratic rights at a time when workers need a stronger voice in the workplace more than ever.

The Employee Free Choice Act does not end secret ballot elections.  In fact, the law would change nothing about how unions are formed.  Under current law, a union is recognized when employees demonstrate support from a majority of the workforce. That majority can be shown through signing authorization cards, signing a petition, or by having a secret ballot election. 

Pending legislation would only change who gets to choose how to form the union. It would make that the choice of the workers instead of the choice of their boss.  Under the Employee Free Choice Act, even as few as 30% of the workers can request a secret ballot election.

Why does putting the choice of how to form a union in the hands of the workers scare the funders of SOS Ballot Missouri?   A 2005 survey by national polling firm Peter D Hart and associations showed that 57 million workers would form a union tomorrow if given the chance.

It is very important that workers have a choice in how they form their union.  Most citizens don’t know that workplace elections work nothing like how we elect our mayor or state representatives or even the PTA president. The employer controls when and where the election happens.  They are allowed to bombard employees with anti-union messages anywhere, anytime in the workplace. Representatives of the union have no right to set foot in the workplace. We would never allow our politicians to continue to draw out their campaigns until they got to the point where they thought they would win, but that is exactly what we allow companies to do under the current National Labor Relations Board election system. 

United States workplace elections are so unfair that in 2000 Human Rights Watch issued a report on the abuse of workers’ freedom of association in the United States.[i]  Employers hold the livelihood of their workers’ families in their hands.  Shamefully, too many employers abuse that power.  Research by Cornell University showed that during union elections more than half of employers threaten to close the workplace if a union is formed.[ii]   The National Labor Relations Board’s own annual reports show that every 23 minutes a US worker is illegally fired or discriminated against for their support of a union.[iii]

While giving workers more rights may scare some business interests, it shouldn’t scare us.  The whole community benefits when unions are stronger.  It’s not a coincidence that as union membership has declined, we’ve seen a shrinking middle class, more low-paying jobs, and a huge increase in the number of people without health insurance.  The gap between rich and poor has grown wider in the U.S. than in any other industrialized nation. 

Higher levels of union membership help raise living standards for all workers.   Strong unions set a pay standard that nonunion employers follow. States where many workers are union members have lower poverty rates, better schools, more people with health insurance, and less crime than states where few people are union members.  Social Security, Medicare, the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act – unions united workers to win each of these important landmarks in American policy. 

SOS Ballot’s disingenuous rhetoric about “secret ballots” cloaks this Missouri ballot initiative’s very real attempt to further constrict the ways workers can regain some control of their economic future by forming a union.   Right now, Congress is debating billions in federal dollars for job creation as our best shot to turn the economy around.  Modest reforms like the Employee Free Choice Act would help ensure that new jobs bring a restored economic security for our families and our communities.

Bob Soutier is the President of the Greater St Louis Labor Council

Lara Granich is Executive Director of Missouri Jobs with Justice

Websites:  www.mojwj.org, www.aflcio.org

 

[i] Human Rights Watch, Unfair Advantage: Workers’ Freedom of Association in the United States Under International Human Rights Standards, 2000

[ii] Kate Bronfenbrenner, Uneasy Terrain: The Impact of Capital Mobility on Workers, Wages and Union Organizing, Cornell University, Sept. 6, 2000;

[iii] This figure was derived from the 1993-2003 NLRB Annual Reports, which indicate an average of 22,633 workers per year were ordered to receive backpay from their employers. The National Labor Relations Board orders backpay awards to workers who were illegally fired, demoted, laid off, suspended without pay, or denied work by their employers as a result of the workers’ union activity.  In other words, every 23 minutes, a worker is fired or discriminated against for their support of a union.

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