Posted by bmac on May 01, 2007 at 18:14:32 (EST):
In Reply to: Re: Think NEA (Teacher's Union) posted by Joe on May 01, 2007 at 14:52:32 (EST):
: : From the Manufactures Web Site
: :
: : Behold the NEA Legislative Program -- Education, Anyone...?
: : Thanks to Jason Riley of the Wall Street Journal, who noted in the Political Diary last Friday the NEA's Legislative Program for the next (110th) Congress. As we noted a few days ago, according to its website, the NEA exists, to "advanc[e] the cause of public education."
: : Good thing it's on the website, 'cause it's not entirely clear from the elements included in their legislative platform. While you'll see the garden variety stuff on education -- presumably their bread and butter, it also wanders into territory seemingly far from their mission, including:
: :
: : * A nuclear freeze;
: : * The development of a national energy policy that stresses conservation and "reduces dependence on foreign sources of energy";
: : * The establishment and maintenance of federal wilderness areas;
: : * Stronger federal action in solving the problem of toxic waste dumping;
: : * A tax-supported, single-payer (i.e., Canadian-style) health care plan for all residents of the United States, its territories and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
: : * A moratorium on capital punishment at the state and federal levels;
: : * U.S. participation in and equitable financing of the United Nations and related bodies;
: : * A progressive tax system and restoring the estate tax.
: :
: : Riley notes that last year, the NEA spent $25 million on "political activities and lobbying," and another $65.5 million on "contributions, gifts and grants" to other left-leaning groups. We earlier noted the $8 million they spent to beat the No Child Left Behind Act.
: : Why do we care? Because we are the biggest end-users of the product of our Nation's schools. The NEA has long stood in the way of the real reforms needed to make sure our schools crank out kids who are prepared for the work world of today. They've been so busy coddling up to lefty causes out of synch with their membership that they've lost their way in terms of their stated goal. Along the way, we all lose.
: : Might be time for some hard-working teachers to ask where their money is going.
: Do you realize how few people read this board? If you have a problem with the schools, administrators, policies , etc., make an appointment to go to the school board meeting.You post here hoping someone will do your job for you, if you are sincere in what you say go to the board meeting.Thi taking care of people, relatives etc. an well as people in jobs that they are not qualified for goes on in the jobplace everyday, it is called patronage. Sure the woman shouldn't be getting $50 a day, I am sure there are people out there that would drive the kid to class for $25 or less.But get your word out to someone who can do something, this board is not the place.
No one ever said this board will solve problems or in and of its self cause anything to be any different. But, it can certainly be used to chew on some issues, discuss solutions, and plan for progress.
Maybe "so few read this" primarily because of the way it has been in this massage board. Of course once someone makes a choice in regards to a plan of action they then have to take the step and get it going.
So, your suggestion could have just read - "go to school board meetings, take some people with you and get informed," That is helpful. This board can be a place where people who all want the Kittanning area no be a nicer get together and solve some problems and make some plans. Imagine that!