Strawman Argument Is All They Have
EducationJun 24, 2011In the comments of Diane Ravitch’s recent EdWeek Bridging Differences, “Why I Am Marching on July 30,” one comment captures the bankrupt support for the new reformer movement coming from Secretary Duncan, Bill Gates, and Michelle Rhee.
paulhoss@hotmail.com takes this swipe at those such as Ravitch challenging the new reformers:
“What to say about SOS? In theory it could have promise. In reality SOS will have little to no impact. Jonathan Kozol, Monty Neill, Deborah Meier, Diane Ravitch, etc., are of a common mindset, the bottom line of which is anti-accountability for everyone and everything in our schools.”
The problem? This is a classic strawman argument: Misrepresent those you want to demonize and then banter on about your misrepresentation.
To hold someone accountable who has autonomy and has control over outcomes is something everyone supports. Ravitch, et al., would and do