RESEGREGATION: THE "REAL" REASON FOR VOUCHERS

 

RESEGREGATION: THE REASON FOR VOUCHERS

As the old saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas – including the controversy surrounding school vouchers. While Republican lawmakers in the Lone Star State are currently pushing for a voucher program, it turns out that this isn't the first time Texas has flirted with the idea.

Believe it or not, back in the 1950s, Texas almost approved a school voucher program – but not for the reasons you might think. You see, at the time, desegregation was becoming a hot-button issue in the state, and some lawmakers saw vouchers as a way to avoid integration.

Yes, you read that right. Rather than face the uncomfortable truth that segregation was wrong and needed to be dismantled, some Texas politicians thought it would be easier to just give white families the option to send their kids to private schools with public funds.

Thankfully, the voucher plan never came to fruition back then. But fast forward to 2021, and it seems like some things never change. Once again, Texas Republicans are pushing for a voucher program – and once again, it's a controversial move.

So what's the big deal with school vouchers, anyway? Well, for starters, they're essentially a way to funnel public money towards private schools. Proponents argue that this gives families more choice and can improve education outcomes, while opponents worry that it will drain resources from public schools and exacerbate inequality.

But let's be real – the real reason vouchers are so contentious is because they're often seen as a way to undermine public education altogether. After all, if families can use public funds to send their kids to private schools, what's the incentive to invest in public schools? It's a slippery slope that could ultimately lead to a two-tiered education system where only the wealthiest families can afford quality schooling.

Of course, Texas Republicans would never admit that they're trying to dismantle public education. Instead, they frame their voucher proposal as a way to help families who are struggling to find the right school for their kids. But as with most political issues, the devil is in the details.

For example, the Texas voucher bill would only be available to families who meet certain income requirements – meaning that it's not exactly a free-for-all. And while proponents argue that this will help low-income families access better schools, opponents worry that it's just a way to funnel public money towards private schools without actually addressing the root causes of educational inequality.

So where does that leave us? Well, it's hard to say for sure what the future holds for school vouchers in Texas. The bill still has a ways to go before it becomes law, and there's sure to be plenty of debate and discussion along the way.

But one thing is clear – the issue of school vouchers isn't going away anytime soon. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a fierce opponent, it's worth paying attention to what's happening in Texas – because as goes Texas, so goes the nation.

Texas almost approved a school voucher program in the 1950s – to avoid desegregation. | TPR https://www.tpr.org/education/2023-05-11/texas-almost-approved-a-school-voucher-program-in-the-1950s-to-avoid-desegregation

WHY ARE THEY TRYING TO DESTROY PUBLIC EDUCATION

STOP THE WAR ON DEMOCRACY: CONGRESSIONAL RULES - A BRICK WALL IN THE PATH OF PROGRESS

STOP THE WAR ON DEMOCRACY:  CONGRESSIONAL RULES - A BRICK WALL IN THE PATH OF PROGRESS 

The United States Congress is supposed to be the voice of the American people, but it seems like they're just a bunch of old farts who can't get anything done. Why? Because of their outdated rules, of course! These rules are so ridiculous that they're almost funny. Almost. Let's take a look at some of the most absurd rules that are making the government not work for the American people.

First up, we have the filibuster. This rule was designed to give senators a chance to debate and discuss legislation, but it's being used to block any legislation that the minority party doesn't like. It's like watching a bunch of toddlers throw a tantrum because they didn't get their way. "No, I don't want to vote on this bill! Waaah!" Come on, guys, grow up.

But it gets even better. There's a rule that requires a 60-vote majority to end a filibuster. This means that a small number of senators, even if they're in the minority, can block any legislation. It's like watching a bunch of old people playing king of the hill. "Nope, you can't come up here! We're in charge!" Sorry, grandpa, but it's time to step down.

And let's not forget about the time Republicans in the Senate filibustered a bill to protect Dreamers from deportation. The bill would have given Dreamers a path to citizenship, but the filibuster allowed Republicans to block the bill and keep Dreamers in limbo. It was like watching a bunch of old people trying to stop a train by standing in front of it. They were going to get run over, but they were determined to do it anyway.

Or how about when Democrats in the House of Representatives passed a bill to expand background checks for gun purchases? The bill was supported by a majority of Americans, but it was filibustered by Republicans in the Senate. It was like watching a bunch of toddlers trying to put together a puzzle. They kept getting the pieces mixed up, and they were never going to finish.

And let's not forget about the bill to codify Roe v. Wade into law. The bill would have made abortion legal in all 50 states, but it was filibustered by Republicans in the Senate. It was like watching a bunch of clowns try to put on a play. They were all over the place, and they were never going to get it right.

And don't even get us started on the bill to create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. The bill was supported by a majority of Americans, but it was filibustered by Republicans in the Senate. It was like watching a bunch of people try to solve a Rubik's Cube. They were turning the sides all over the place, and they were never going to figure it out.

And finally, we have the bill to expand voting rights. The bill would have made it easier for Americans to vote, but it was filibustered by Republicans in the Senate. It was like watching a bunch of people try to get out of a maze. They were running around in circles, and they were never going to find the exit.

So there you have it, folks. The outdated rules of Congress are making it very difficult for the government to work for the American people. But hey, at least we can laugh about it, right?

Durbin to Republicans: Work with Democra... | United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/dem/releases/durbin-to-republicans-work-with-democrats-to-fix-our-broken-immigration-system

Blame outdated systems for another off-track budget season https://thehill.com/opinion/congress-blog/3952492-blame-outdated-systems-for-another-off-track-budget-season/

The gun legislation Congress has passed and rejected amid mass shootings: Timeline https://abcn.ws/3lXXieF

Gallagher, Kilmer Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Bring Transparency and Accountability to Online Political Ads | Congressman Mike Gallagher https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-kilmer-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-bring-transparency

OAKLAND TEACHERS AND DISTRICT REACH AGREEMENT ON SOME ISSUES, BUT IT AIN'T OVER YET

 

OAKLAND TEACHERS AND DISTRICT REACH AGREEMENT ON SOME ISSUES, BUT IT AIN'T OVER YET 

After weeks of striking, the Oakland teachers and the district have finally reached an agreement on some key issues. But let's not break out the champagne just yet, folks. The strike is still not over, and there are some major issues that need to be resolved. It's like being stuck in traffic and finally moving a few inches, only to realize you're still miles away from your destination.

On the bright side, the agreement that has been reached includes some important provisions. Smaller class sizes? Check. Increased pay for teachers? Check. More support for Black students? Check. A commitment to not close any schools? Check. These are all great steps in the right direction. I mean, who doesn't want smaller class sizes? It's like upgrading from a cramped studio apartment to a spacious penthouse.

However, there are still some major issues that need to be resolved. Teacher pensions? Health care benefits? The number of new teachers that will be hired? These are not small potatoes, folks. These are the meat and potatoes of the education system. We need to make sure our teachers are taken care of so they can take care of our students.

The teachers and the district are still negotiating these issues, and it's unclear when they will be resolved. In the meantime, the strike will continue, and students will continue to suffer. It's like being stuck in a never-ending game of Monopoly where you keep landing on Boardwalk and can't afford to pay rent. Except in this game, it's the students who are paying the price.

But fear not, my fellow Oaklanders. I am hopeful that the teachers and the district will be able to reach an agreement on all of the outstanding issues soon. With a fair and equitable agreement, everyone will benefit: students, teachers, and the community as a whole. It's like finally getting that promotion at work that you've been working so hard for. You feel great, your coworkers are happy for you, and your boss can finally stop hearing you complain about your measly salary.

In the meantime, I urge the teachers and the district to continue to work together in good faith to reach a resolution. The students of Oakland deserve better. They deserve a quality education that prepares them for the future. They deserve teachers who are valued and respected. And they deserve a district that puts their needs first. Let's make it happen, Oakland. Let's show the world what we're made of.

Oakland Unified School District, teachers break deadlock on 'Common Good' proposals but final deal still remains, strike not over - ABC7 San Francisco https://abc7news.com/union-bargaining-agreements-met-oakland-teachers-strike-common-good-demands-ousd/13244733/