Well, a school board member, Ms. Wolfmeyer, has sent a letter to CJ(?) or wherever saying she isn't going to meet one on one with Mrs. Vespa or anyone for that matter. Of course she is being raked over the coals for this at a few blog sites locally. OK, I too thought the letter was a bit condescending and went to CJ's site to see what all the comments were about. It was the usual commenter's with their usual dose of hang em high or my way or the highway opinions. I truly believe blogs in this area have a big influence on the masses despite what the "real" journalists say. This can be good and it can be real bad. Now...
There was this guy named Christopher who made a comment against the local "group" as it were. Of course it didn't take a post or two before he was berated and called a name by a commenter. CJ even went so far as to post excerpts from the U.S. Constitution and from the Illinois Constitution. Yes CJ, most of us know our rights to bitch. I get the impression that other than voting these people off the Board, we should maybe take up arms and revolt with violence. What other reason could CJ have for posting those excerpts? Because Christopher used a Biblical quote? Because he had an differing opinion? Christopher didn't agree with the status quo in the blog sphere. That'll will get you the virtual knife every time Chris and an education in Constitutional law. This is a School Board, not a law making body. They have rules for addressing this body and taking issue with them but some just want it their way. The hell with rules if it goes against your opinion. (You can read the thread here.) Here's a thought...
Just maybe, Christopher let the fire go to his head. (None of us have done that, right?) Just maybe, he is right because all he sees is a few blogger's and maybe a dozen parents always tearing down the school board. Maybe Ms. Wolfmeyer just doesn't want to meet with Mrs. Vespa. Just maybe, a majority of the teachers and parents agree with the Board's recent decision and don't see this as the apocalypse. Just maybe.
I can't name names on how I got my info, so take it for what's it worth but it is my understanding that a majority of the teachers favor this 45 minute cut or planning time (depending on what side of the fence you are on) even an award winning teacher. Since there aren't many nationally known award winning teachers in our district, that one won't be hard to figure out. The teachers, after all, are the ones who have to work in the schools and last I checked, you can't get a degree to teach in this State from Wal-Mart online.
You know, I can't speak for Ms. Wolfmeyer, but if I had to sit there and hear the parents that showed up and complained about this 45 minute class cut, read about it in some of the local blogs, even got dissed by the local paper, I don't think I would need to sit down with anyone that represents a blog or a paper or already spoke to the Board on this issue. I would be afraid that discussing a decision that has already been made, these people would twist and put words in my mouth. Noooo, that would never happen. Maybe that is Ms. Wolfmeyer's concern when she declined to meet with Mrs. Vespa. Maybe her choice of words weren't the best but then neither are mine when I am trying to convey how I feel about an issue. Ahh, but some blogger's know best and by God if she isn't meeting, she is useless.
I'll tell you what is useless. People using blog sites to put down every single action the Board of Education has taken since I have been reading blogs. Not one blog, (please show me one if I am wrong) has published what they think should be done to manage the District. A District with a huge poverty problem, money funding, old buildings that cost a fortune to heat and most that aren't even cooled. Hell, this District can't even remodel a toilet without being slammed for something. I don't mean an opinion on a subject, I mean a comprehensive plan that would show just how to structure this District.
I couldn't do it. I don't think Mrs. Vespa could nor CJ and not even Billy Dennis could and we shouldn't have to. We have people on the Administration that have Doctorates in education to do this. (although some never seem to agree with them no matter who they are at the time)
We all have our little fights and we all pick them as we see fit. I commend Mrs. Vespa efforts and even CJ's reporting on these issues but if they want to change policy at the District, then they need to meet with the Administrators, not try and change policy already voted on by meeting each Board member individually and then raking that person when she or he declines on a blog and garnering hate from commenter's who may or may not even have an interest in this District which sometimes influences those that read those comments.
The Board members aren't paid, their terms are too long, and yes, we feel that some of them don't deserve to be there. Saying that, remember, people voted them in and to say they are useless because they won't meet on a topic that is policy, then too damn bad. These Board members are people of our community. I really don't believe they are there to tear down our schools or hurt our children or get that special parking place with a free meal before each meeting. I really believe they are there to help our children. The trouble is that we as a society have become way to cynical. We each got to have it our way and that makes for more opinions and less unity. You could stick a pole in the middle of the Board room and I'll bet an argument will break out on what color it should be. Yes, a pole doesn't affect a child's education, but neither does this 45 minute prep period IMO. One thing that does affect children's education is how they perceive their parents (or parent) care about the school. If they don't give a shit, then the child doesn't give a shit. If the parent is always arguing and demeaning the school, so goes the child. Children are very perceptive and by high school, they know what people think of our District. So goes the arguing over everything else from building new schools to where they should be. Perception is everything and if you think it isn't, then ask why the City of Peoria is paying $30 grand for a new logo? The real problems take a back seat.
This constant bickering over everything that comes down the pike serves to those who may think of locating here or thinking about moving out to say the hell with it and/or leave. I'm not saying people shouldn't question our elected people, but since the Internet has grown to a big source for news, things easily get out of hand and news gets distorted quickly. This 45 minute issue isn't going to change. It is going to be implemented in K thru 4th grades and it won't be the end of the world or your child's education. According to that award winning teacher, it may even improve it but what does an award winning teacher with a highly educated background know? Certainty not as much as bloggers. Feh.
Folks, you made your point. You all got on TV, went before the Board, got it in print, were quoted on blogs and even stated on your own blog. It is a done deal but if you still think it's wrong, then go after the Administration. They are the highly paid, highly educated ones that are implementing this whole deal. They are the ones getting our tax dollars. They are the ones you should email and ask for their resignations.
You know, I thought this was an issue that I might support at first but there is a lot of hate going around. Not an issue of disagreeing but hate. Hate towards the Superintendent and to the Board. I know if I commented on someone's blog and said I disagree and I'm in favor of the 45 minute class prep time, I would be blasted and the hate would be on me too. I have been blasted before on other blogs which is why I have my opinion here, on my blog. Hate me here if you must. All comments have been turned on, on ALL my posts. All that is happening here is that a few people who think that they are dead right (maybe they are, maybe they aren't) are tearing apart this school District at each and every turn. All that is needed are torches and rope and an unruly mob. (We are close to that now)Ms. Wolfmeyer, you did the right thing. I don't think you are useless.
That is how I see it. Does this make me a bad parent? Nope. Did I see injustice and complain about the Board when my kids first started? You bet! I also ate a lot of foot too. Well, these are my thoughts on this, don't like them? Too bad. By the way, get some mustard, the foot tastes better that way.
45 comments:
Randall, disagreement or frustration with someone does not equal hatred for someone. I'm sure Wolfmeyer is a nice person, but she's wrong. And her e-mail to Vespa was ridiculous -- and I mean that literally, as in "inviting ridicule."
You too have it completely backwards. The parents should not have to go to the administration to plead their case. They should be able to go to their REPRESENTATIVES to do that, because, you know, they REPRESENT the parents. Or are supposed to, anyway.
And no, I don't hate you. You're just wrong, that's all. :-)
Well, maybe hate is too strong a term. I'll concede that. I'll reconsider my position.
... and I'm still waiting for the outcrying of support for the schedule change. Bring on the "award winning teacher". I could use a good laugh right now.
to whom it may concern:
"the more you talk the less relevant you are". you have made a mockery of this whole situation with your hateful and confrontational comments.
your coalition is not growing. the majority does not have to call you.
since you think you are qualified to give parental advice - I have some of my own for you: spend less time blogging, play with your children they can get some exercise or try coloring a picture with them. help a teacher out in that way.
you have the wherewithal, if you don't like the district leave. any of you who keep raising hell should just go - get out. the majority would be better off without you.
you are to disrespectful to negotiate with. your handling of this situation does not make the district want to "give" on anything and they shouldn't. the "power of blogging" has gone to your head.
Ken, is that you?
Finally, a blog about this issue that hits back at the bullies. Thanks, Em! :)
Is Christopher Ms. Wolfmeyer's or one of the other school board member's child? Something doesn't smell right here!
From a concerned parent:
The decision for "middle class" folks to fight this is all about money alright - child care.
Our teachers are not babysitters. Our schools are not daycare centers. I know it's hard when you have a full time job, plus if you have more than one child under the age of 7 - it's stressful.
School can be a wonderful reprieve for a working parent - especially when you are also an active blogger who blogs at all hours of the day and night.
Some other parents might think you need to stop blogging and spend some time with the children.
Yes I am talking to you - you know who you are - see below (this is just a small sample)
From Peoria Rocks
SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2008, Posted by __ at 5:57 AM
FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2008, Posted by __ at 7:45 PM, Posted by __at 7:05 PM
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2008, Posted by __ at 6:10 PM
SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2008, Posted by __ at 3:02 PM, Posted by __ at 12:05 AM
THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2008,Posted by __ at 9:18 PM
The Peoria Chronicle
Left by __ on May 26th, 2008
Left by __ on May 26th, 2008
Left by __ on May 26th, 2008
Left by __ on May 26th, 2008
Left by __ on May 26th, 2008
Left by __ on May 27th, 2008
Left by __on May 27th, 2008
Left by __on May 22nd, 2008
Left by __ on May 22nd, 2008
Left by __ on May 23rd, 2008
Left by __on May 23rd, 2008
Left by __ on May 24th, 2008
From the Anti-Pundit
__ said... May 16, 2008 10:47 PM
__ said... May 17, 2008 10:23 AM
__ said... May 21, 2008 8:44 AM
__ said... May 22, 2008 9:07 PM
__ said... May 27, 2008 7:52 AM
Not to mention active blogging in the PJS and on other blogs.
Keep on blogging for the children,Di! There are so many people who need to start caring! The code of silence is kept sacred when some people want to hide the truth! Be firm and stand for the cause! Too many parents are afraid to speak up so they just "shut up!"
They will even blame and bully the victims(anyone who wants to resolve the problems)! Blogging and posting are important ways to get the community interested and involved!
Diane: most teachers will not speak up publically or on a blog. They fear the Administration of this District maybe more than you know. I have received a lot of emails I assume are from teachers that support my view. I wish I could print them here but they were sent in confidence so I won't. Laugh now, they don't think it is funny at all.
In general: I have nothing against bloggers using this medium to state their cause but there seems to be some hate more than just opinions. As for CJ stating that they should be able to go to their school board rep. and state their case, yes, write a letter, address the board, but to expect a member to meet with you to discuss a policy that has been voted on, well, maybe that is too far for some Board members. They have the right to refuse.
It will be to laugh when this is finally hashed out and the policy is implemented as voted on by the board and none of them resign. None of them should resign either. If they did because a group demands it, then we wouldn't have a board. If all this does get them to change their minds, then great, that is democracy in action. Pouting and making demands is not.
Of course, the teachers will not speak up or they will loose their jobs or be forced to quit! Teachers will also suffer the consequences of being black-balled by the Union! They must keep a code of silence or else!
I bet most teachers are not in favor of the 45 minute shortage! This is why it is so important that the parents speak up! The teachers need the parents to fight it because they can't!
wow! ROFLMA
victim - surely you jest.
the victim is the school board who continues to get bashed by a bunch of irate, belligerent special interest groups. the board put theirselves out there because they believe in something, they get slammed.
a few "caring" (but belligerent parents) put theirselves out there because they believe in something, they get slammed. unfortunately the belligerent parents can give it better than they can take it - now THEY are victims.
by the way, school can also be a wonderful reprieve for parents who don't work.
Randall, If the teacher agrees with the administration on this issue, what do they have to fear? I'm sure the administration would be thrilled to have an award-winning teacher on their side. Let's hear the reasoning.
And, boy, for a bunch of people who preach against hate, I've seen nothing but mean-spirited personal attacks on bloggers from the commenters here. Take the log out of your own eye, people.
CJ: The policy has passed and unless your group changes it, the teachers have no need to speak up. I am positive that the Board is awware of the techers who support this. the silence from the union plays that out although I am sure they are watching this issue very close.
Yes, there seems to be some "hate" in the comments here but then I don't control them. I guess I could go ahead and delete the whole mess but I can't bring myself to silence opinions. You just have to take them for what they are worth. Also, I am the only one here preaching there seems to be hate, not my commenters and I am sorry that "anonymous" commenters are spewing hate. But then, I take anonymous comments with a grain of salt over someone who will use their name or link to their blog if they have one.
By the way, I have Comcast Phone which I found out I can block calls from numbers whose phone is blocked. That will cut down on some of the hate spewing from your side of the issue CJ. To the caller that called last night, that was my son and not me so you wasted your time. Sorry....
Nice post. People have turned to posting anonymously because putting one's name "out there" leads to more aggravation than it's worth. Those who are unhappy always shout the loudest. We have lost the ability to agree to disagree, discourse and debate have fallen by the wayside...many act like so many radio and television blow-hards who belittle and demean anyone with a differing opinion.
The sad thing is that this entire thread appears to be motivated in changing the subject. Rather than address the issue, attack those who oppose. I see no problem with the majority of people stating their disagreement over someone interjecting vitriol and accusations over simple opinion and facts to back them. Perhaps offering eternal damnation from God is "getting caught up" but that doesn't make it acceptable to most thinking people. And it is simple nonsense to say there are rules about how one MUST communicate with elected representatives. Misdirection again. The only bullies I see in this are those who accuse dissenters of being hateful for simply using their right to dissent. We have so few rights left in this country because if you don't use them ... you lose them.
The only bullies I see in this are those who accuse dissenters of being hateful for simply using their right to dissent.
Right on Michael! Parents do have a "VOICE" and the powere to make choices for their children!
It should say: "A few parents have a voice!"
I don't see many parents volunteering in the schools these days and I see even fewer at school functions. Visit a school on Parent-Teacher night. Unless the school is handing out free hotdogs, the place is empty.
But wait, the Board does something these concerning parents dislike and BAM! Hear the roar. Hey it's ok and I'm glad there are parents that care but some of the faces in this group have been "roaring" for years.
ALL of the people in the school district have a voice, even if they aren't parents ... they are taxpayers. It just depends on whether they choose to use that voice. And it doesn't (and shouldn't) depend on whether they volunteer at the school either. I quit going to the parent / teacher meetings long ago. Why bother? They never listen to anything from the parents and I have a low tolerance for being preached at and taken for granted. I simply decided it would be better to make sure my children got a REAL education and left the useless nonsense to the school system.
Michael: I never said you had to volunteer to be supportive nor have I said that not everyone should have a voice. People keep twisting what I say and maybe I am not being clear enough.
This District is at the point it is because of low scores, a whole load of mis management going back farther than this board (Royster??) and the fact that the majority of this districts students come from lower income, single parent families most of which don't give a fuck and use the schools as a baby sitting service. Such are the demographics.
This isn't like a private school like (for example) Notre Dame High where there are parent groups that have an active membership and take interest in their school. Rightfully so, they paid a lot of money to send their kid there. In District 150, parent and public support doesn’t exist unless of course an issue like the 45 minute deal pops up, then yes, a group is fighting it. I have seen groups come and go. Same with the location of Glen Oak for Glen Oak. I thought at the time the park was a sweet location. Dumpy park, and an area that needs it gets a new school but I was wrong there. We shall see how it plays out now at the current location and the property buy up. That’ll be interesting.
I don’t have a problem with the 45 minute issue at all apparently others do. This issue just didn’t pop up, it was years in the making and I wonder where the good people were then? I knew years ago, that as scores fell, money became tight, loss of interest in voting for and running for Board seats, sooner or later people would be fed up with the way the schools are going. I can’t fix them and I don’t think this 45 minute issue is going to either. There are bigger problems for this District ahead and in July, things will start to pop. Watch and see. BTW, the Board will not go back on this no matter how much Vespa and Co. dance.
To start to fix this, the District needs a complete over haul of the Administration but that always costs more money. One other thing, I like to pull chains.
P.S. I respectfully disagree about them never listening to parents. They do and sometimes they act. Maybe if parents were more interested in the going ons at the District, thsi 45 minute deal could have been shut down long before it was voted on. I put two kids through District 150 and they got a great education. Of course as parents, we were there in the schools for almost 18 years, 8 of which were at Manual and when I was President of the Booster's, we had maybe 10 parents that would even take an interest and volunteer. 10! Of course when Manual was winning basketball championships, and the Booster's got first pick at playoff tickets, we had over 200 members.
Randall, the overall theme of your original post is exactly the reason I quit commenting (for the most part) on area blogs. Too often people who disagree with the blog poster are raked over the coals. Too much "anti-everything" in Peoria, especially things like District 150, Peoria Parks, Caterpillar, etc. The discussion very often is not productive, it just serves to raise people's blood pressure by presenting one side of the story and refusing to even THINK that there may be another valid point.
childcare is expensive. i don't begrudge vespa and co. the opportunity to try to work with the district, but they didn't and they aren't, they just seem to think they get to control everything.
they are in a review with the district, yet they continue to bash the board in a way in which i think is unethical when you are hoping to negotiate in good faith.
hinton and co. are not idiots and they don't deserve to be treated as such. FACT - the majority of the district is impoverished, more than likely these families are headed by stay at home moms (and yes they count even if they are on welfare). whatever the district wants to do with a time change is more than likely fine with them - no money out of their pockets.
i understand that working parents are concerned about child care expenses, but guess what, you are now the minority in the district. unfortunate but true. is that a reason to go private, perhaps. should the vocal minority continue to run everything just because they are loud - no. of course not.
you think these impoverished stay at home moms won't rally when they need to? just look at current voting trends, i think they will.
i know ms. vespa is from the hillary clinton cajones training camp and that's commendable, but guess what, times are changing, there is a new voice in the equation.
For those who accuse me of name calling because I described d150 board member Debbie Wolfmeyer as useless, consider the context:
It is her responsibility as a member of the school board to represent the voters in her district.
How can she possibly represent the needs of her constituents without actually meeting with them and listenign to her concerns. Note that I didn't describe other members of the board (with whom I disagree on this issue) as "useless." I simply disagree with them.
Because Wolfmeyer BY HER OWN ACTIONS choses to not listen to parents' concerns, she cannot address them with the administration, making her useless as the public's representative to the district.
It's an apporpriate use of the word in this circumstance.
Frankly, I'm astonished ... not only because she thinks that the she need not meet with taxpayers and voters, but that she would be so politically naive to say so in print.
"Too much "anti-everything" in Peoria, especially things like District 150, Peoria Parks, Caterpillar, etc."
Are you a "glass half empty" kind of person? Or should people just shut up and obediently take their medicine? Taking away class time is not pro-education and no matter how it is presented ... it is not a "valid point" for quality education.
Tony: I agree. Many times I have wanted to shelve this site and call it a day. I only started it when I contracted a neuro disorder in 03/2005 and had little else to do but sit in front of a computer.
Some bloggers in this area think they are God's gift to journalism. Some are decent folks that really do turn over some rocks on issues. I am neither.
I wonder how many of this group have gone down to Tyng or Garfield Primary and see the kids this District has to deal with. Many with no coats in cold weather, no shoes, dirty, hungry, and yes, I once disarmed an 8 yr old kid of a knife at Tyng. Their parents don't bother to show up and get these kids when they are sick, if they can even be called. There are a lot of problems this District has, and demographics or poor single parent mobile familes is the biggest next to money. Yet, we got a group of "mom's", mostly with working husbands that are afraid that Sally won't get to color her papers during the day. Apparently, we need a special teacher to teach that. Hand out crayons and paper. Wow.
What I find funny (really sad) about this latest "group" of concerned parents is that in the backround, the same people are there from when I was in the "Group" of concerned parents back in the early 90s. Different leader but lo and behold, there is Mimi. (you have to know her I guess) This woman was there fighting the school board when my oldest was in 4th grade many years ago. Now I wonder if this person wasn't bitching to be bitching. I don't know but me thinks she'd chase an ambulance. Yeah that was cruel and I will hear about it but that is how I feel. Sorry. Thank you for commenting here. My days of commenting on other blogs are over. I'll resign myself to this little hole here.
Billy, noted. But seriously, would you meet with this group on a policy decisson that has already been voted on and made?
According to the qualifcations (posted by Ms Alsm) to be a school board member, a chimp can do it. Why would you even be surprised by her refusal? Besides, some people have told me they fear some of the bloggers locally and avoid them at all costs. Please don't twist this, of course not everyone is scared of us, but maybe, just maybe, Mrs. Wolfmeyer is???
People are afraid of bloggers? You know, as little as people seem to listen to us, I find that amusing.
Folks, I might nibble, but I rarely bite.
When bloggers print things like names, telephone numbers, occupations and places of residence, others DO feel intimidated. Especially if those same people have lawyers at their disposal. More than a few people have been threatened because they have opinions that differ from "local internet personalities."
It's just like high school. If you don't run with the "in" crowd (at least in their own minds) then everyone wants to meet you after school.
I'll also bet that some of these same parents will be the one's petitioning the school board when their child gets a low grade on an assignment 10 years from now.
Billy I agree. But just maybe Wolfmeyer is. I don't agree with her letter not to meet, in fact, like I said before, I'm not surprised either.
There is also a lack of parent involvement in schools across War Memorial. The SUVs who drop all of these wonderful little children off are pulling out of the parking lot just as fast as the school buses.
A large number of children OF ALL RACES are showing up at schools with no homework help or anybody to read a book to them - ask the teachers about that.
Anonymous 8:23 said: "When bloggers print things like names, telephone numbers, occupations and places of residence, others DO feel intimidated."
This information is available from the D150 Website.
And, as I forever tire of repeating, those who hold elected office are SUPPOSED to be hearing from the public.
I can't believe I continue to get respond to this, but here I go: "Anonymous", I get it -- you don't like Diane Vespa. I don't know why you have such an axe to grind. I've been working with Diane on this from the get-go and have found her to be passionate and caring and determined to get this bad decision overturned.
Did you read our proposal to the District. Honestly, what did you think? Given the constraints of the current PFT contract, do you think that the Administration will have the success they predict with common planning periods that might not get used? Seriously, I'd like your honest critique, not more bitching.
We have worked hard on this issue, and remain committed. The "group" such as it is, has not been "bashing" or mean. Sure, some individuals have said harsh things, but we are all trying to get this resolved. Yes, some "outed" Debbie Wolfmeyer on her email to Diane. Maybe that was harsh, but Ms. Wolfmeyer's email was, at best, poorly worded. I would welcome hearing and talking to her personally.
Again, there is no hard feelings from me. I don't hate Hinton or Gorenz. I just think they are making the wrong choice.
Common prep times are vital to developing school improvement plans.
Collaboration is the name of the game and as ISBE looks at troubled districts like 150, they are looking to see that a school is working as a cohesive unit to align curriculum to predefined state standards. It's important that there is continuity among classrooms of the same grade level and in order to accomplish that, those teachers must have time to meet together. Additionally, teachers providing special services to exceptional learners must also have opportunities to collaborate with classroom teachers so that goals and objectives are being met.
Some schools actually have early dismissal once a month so that teachers of the same grade level throughout a given district can meet and align curriculum among building.
So the notion of unified planning time is not a novel concept and it's something that's practiced in many districts.
What is unusual having a separate science teacher and art teacher. Most teachers teach science as a core curriculum subject and integrate art. Lakeview Museum has a great "Picture Person" program that you can volunteer to take in to your building.
This is a very interesting discussion, not about whether the school day should be shortened, or whether a school board member should meet with an individual constituent, and not even whether the school administration is competent. This discussion illustrates a need to review a fundemental question: are blogs relevant? I'm not sure. All this talk about bloggers as jounalists and bloggers as somehow representing the people at large, I'm not so sure. Maybe blogs don't represent the concerns of the public, maybe they only represent themselves. A few weeks ago, I followed a vibrant discussion of the Keller trail on CJ's blog. I even weighed in with a couple of comments myself. Based upon that blog and Peoria Pundit and others, you might have thought that the Keller trail was the hot topic of conversation everywhere in Peoria. But, guess what. If I wanted to talk about the Keller trail, I had to go back to the blogosphere, because nobody that I talked to in the flesh had any idea what I was talking about. We think that was is important to us is important to everbody and that just isn't true. So who does Diane Vespa represent on this particular issue? Well, maybe she represents a grassroots majority of parents who are tired of the schools not educating our children and are mad as hell and aren't going to take it anymore. Or maybe she represents of bunch of upper middle class SUV drivers who just want the schools to babysit their kids an extra 45 minutes a day. Or maybe she and the other bloggers who have opinions on this or any other issue just represent themselves. Not that there is anything wrong with that.
anonymous says:
dear dd: you said it! i love you! right on!
p.s. ms vespa is in the latter group (SUV).
Thank you for your kind words, but my point was and is that until we know more about blogging as a form of expression, we have to assume that Ms. Vespa and "dd" and "anonymous" and all other bloggers speak only for themselves, regardless of their motives, and we cannot extrapolate any kind of "public" consensus from their comments.
dd: exactly! Some bloggers think they are the "source" for local news. They're not. At work, people I ask about bloggers look at me like my dog does when I yell at it for peeing on the floor. Their heads tilt and a blank look comes on their face. "What's a blog?"
If we all disappeared tomorrow, would anyone notice? News wise? Doubtful
As for Mrs. Vespa and her group, she is trying to right a wrong as she sees it. It is not a majority of parents, it is a group and it is a loud minority group.
If I ever decide to start my own blog, instead of just commenting on others, I think I'll call my blog:
Peeing on the floor
Were it not for "loud minority groups" — women would not be voting, people of color would have far fewer "rights", the FDA would not exist (as well as a number of other federal departments of oversight), etc. The fact is every individual has the right to make their feelings known to their elected representatives. They need not be a member of any group, minority or otherwise. I find it odd that a "minority group" of school board members can ignore the input of a greater group of concerned parents and anyone would give the parents flack. The parents have a right to be heard. If they aren't happy with the board they have the right to do whatever they wish to legally to have those board members removed. As to "Peeing on the floor" ... hey, whatever floats your boat.
Michael: By MINORITY I mean a small group in number. With Women's Rights, 100's of thousands march and protested. With Civil Rights 100's of thousands marched and protested.
Of course the parents have a right to be heard. Only in this case, if a majority of parents were involved in the schools in the first place, this whole issue never would have come to a vote. That has been my underlying point all along. It is too late to switch course after you have been torpedoed. That’s how I know that this is a small group.
Even though there may have been "100's of thousands" they were still a VERY small minority of the US population.
You may well be right to be cynical but I still applaud anyone who tries to right a wrong ... and removing class time from the students is plain wrong. I cannot be convinced there is any scenario where less is more. It sounds an awful lot like "in order to save the villiage we had to destroy it".
Micheal and Randall, this is my point. You can't use the terms "majority" and "minority" when you talk about these issues that are largely a function of blogging. Of course many of the greatest changes in our society started as the opinions of one and then several individuals, until their opinion ulitimately became the majority. Of course an individual has the right to speak to his/her elected representative as an individual. But as soon as he or she says "I speak for more than myself because look at all the support I've stirred up on the internet" that person has is on very shakey ground. To say that I speak for the majority because look at all the support I have on my blog, well like I said earlier, if you scientifically polled the community at large you would probably find that the MAJORITY doesn't have the slightest idea what you are talking about.
Michael Says: "Are you a "glass half empty" kind of person? Or should people just shut up and obediently take their medicine? Taking away class time is not pro-education and no matter how it is presented ... it is not a "valid point" for quality education."
Kudos for completely missing my point and proving it all at the same time.
DD - You are dead wrong. If you think this is only a blogging issue or my issue then you are standing alone somewhere with your fingers firmly plugged inside your ears, eyes squinted shut and repeating "La La La La La La". Come to think of it, so is the admin.
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