Okay, teachers. It is put-up or shut-up time. Political candidates are out and about the state of Georgia trying to convince you and me that they are public education’s best friend. If you feel you have been cuffed around, disregarded and disrespected by the same politicians who now solicit your vote, this is your moment. Just as you do in class, ask them hard questions and … [Read more...] about June 14, 2010: Campaign Season Is Put-Up Or Shut-Up For Teachers
Columns
June 7, 2010: Tommy The Swami …Explains ‘Kakistocracy’ And Other Big Words
OK, class. Our word this week is Kakistocracy. It is from the Greek word “kakistos,” meaning “worst” and “kratia,” another Greek word meaning “power, rule, government.” Put them all together and you have “a government under the control of a nation’s worst or least-qualified citizens.” In plain English, it means Welcome to Washington Tommy the Swami, an astute political … [Read more...] about June 7, 2010: Tommy The Swami …Explains ‘Kakistocracy’ And Other Big Words
May 31, 2010: Would Somebody Tell The Mexican President Where Arizona Is?
Would somebody tell that guy that runs Mexico to buy a map? President Whoever had the audacity to come to our country and tell Congress he doesn’t like Arizona’s tough new immigration laws. The last time I looked, Arizona wasn’t in Mexico so he should mind his own beeswax. He reminds me of the guy who came to Atlanta as the French consul-general and promptly announced that … [Read more...] about May 31, 2010: Would Somebody Tell The Mexican President Where Arizona Is?
May 24, 2010: Far-Sighted Advocates Prove Arts Are Good For Business
Up until the final days of the 2010 legislative session, Georgia was about to become the only state in the union without an arts council. The Georgia House had dropped all funding for the arts and it wasn’t until the State Senate under the leadership of Senate Appropriations Chair Jack Hill (R-Reidsville) stepped in and restored $860,000 for the Georgia Council for the Arts. … [Read more...] about May 24, 2010: Far-Sighted Advocates Prove Arts Are Good For Business
May 17, 2010: Lack Of Shared Vision Has Made Georgia’s Public Education A Barren Wasteland
Kathy Cox has resigned as State School Superintendent to take a new job in Washington. I have no way of knowing who will win the job this fall, but I do know that what public education lacks more than dollars is a strong and effective advocate. No one – not Cox, not the State Board of Education, not the Georgia School Board Association, not the Georgia Association of Educators … [Read more...] about May 17, 2010: Lack Of Shared Vision Has Made Georgia’s Public Education A Barren Wasteland