Drawing a Line on Common Core
Author and advocate Mike Klonsky again writes to Deborah Meier today. The two are currently co-blogging on Bridging Differences.
Deb,
Your last post took me all over the world in time and space. But there's no time or space here to discuss the rise of fascism in Europe or Stalin, Hitler, Ribbentrop, Chamberlain (not Wilt), or any of that good stuff. Isn't it funny how so many discussions end up using Hitler to make a point?
It's difficult enough to bridge differences when we are arguing about the same point. Is this about engaging people, like the conservative couple you met at a dinner party? Or is it about allying with right-wing groups like those backed by the Koch Bros. in order to oppose the common core? If it's the former, I'm right there with you. As a gregarious human and as a political activist/organizer, I love the give-and-take with lefties, conservatives, and independents alike, as do you. I suppose that's the reason we're on this blog together.
But the question I raised (and don't want to beat this thing to death) has to do with anti-CCSS activists, with Bill Gates and the corporate reformers attacking on one side, allying ourselves with right-wing, Tea Party, or racist and anti-immigrant groups, who also happen to oppose common core. From what I can tell, you are OK with such an alliance and even think it's necessary because of the dire and dangerous times we're in. I understand your argument, but I'm not OK with it.
The groups I've mentioned are not just against common core, but against public education period. They also come down on the wrong side of the ongoing battle for racial and gender equity and Drawing a Line on Common Core - Bridging Differences - Education Week: