THE FAT LADY SINGS: IS ANYONE LISTENING

THE FAT LADY SINGS

IS ANYONE LISTENING

Hold on to your hats, folks, because the 2024 presidential race just got a whole lot more interesting. That's right, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has announced his bid for the White House, and he's not holding back.

In a town hall in New Hampshire, Christie declared his candidacy, surrounded by his supporters and a new super PAC called "Tell It Like It Is." And boy, does he plan to tell it like it is.

Christie is no stranger to presidential campaigns, having run in 2016 and briefly being a close ally of former President Donald Trump. But now, he's one of Trump's most outspoken critics and rivals in the Republican primary field.

And he's not just going after Trump. Christie has a whole list of charges against other Republican presidential hopefuls, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

But let's be real, the real target here is Trump. Christie believes he's best-positioned to take on the former president in the primary while also appealing to independents in a potential general election showdown with President Joe Biden.

And he's not afraid to call out Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, his refusal to accept his 2020 election loss to Biden, his role in inciting the January 6 Capitol riot and his cozy relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But wait, there's more! Christie has also taken aim at DeSantis, who is widely seen as Trump's heir apparent and his biggest threat in the primary. He's mocked DeSantis for his handling of the pandemic in Florida, his lack of experience and his reluctance to challenge Trump.

"Ron DeSantis' campaign is spiraling," Christie said in a tweet on Monday. "He has no vision for America other than being Donald Trump's puppet. He has failed Florida on Covid-19, education and the economy. He is not ready to be president."

Ouch. But wait, there's even more! Christie's blunt style and willingness to confront Trump and other GOP hopefuls has earned him a lot of enemies within the party. According to a recent NBC News poll, only 18% of Republicans have a favorable view of him, while 50% have an unfavorable view.

But hey, that's not stopping Christie. He's confident that he can win over Republican voters with his record as a governor and his fearlessness in taking on Trump.

"You better have somebody on that stage who can do to him what I did to Marco [Rubio], because that's the only thing that's gonna defeat Donald Trump," Christie said at a town hall in March. "And that means you have to be fearless, because he will come back, and right at you."

So get ready for a wild ride, folks. The 2024 presidential race just got a lot more interesting with Chris Christie throwing his hat into the ring. Will anyone be listening? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure, it's going to be one heck of a show.

Chris Christie attacks Donald Trump as he launches 2024 presidential bid... https://youtu.be/jm-D-JHWkd4 via @YouTube 

Christie takes aim at 'self-serving' Trump as he launches White House bid | Reuters https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-backer-turned-critic-chris-christie-make-white-house-run-official-2023-06-06/ 

Trump Responds to Chris Christie Attacks With … Fat Jokes https://news.yahoo.com/trump-responds-chris-christie-attacks-150436146.html 

DOLLY PARTON DOING MOTHER GOOSE'S WORK: IMAGINATION LIBRARY MILLIONS OF BOOKS FOR KIDS

 

DOLLY PARTON DOING MOTHER GOOSE'S WORK

IMAGINATION LIBRARY MILLIONS OF BOOKS FOR KIDS

Move over Mother Goose, there's a new book lady in town and her name is Dolly Parton. That's right, the country music legend is not only known for her angelic voice and epic wig collection, but also for her philanthropy work with the Imagination Library.

For those of you who don't know, the Imagination Library is a program that provides free books to children from birth to age five. And let me tell you, Dolly is not playing around when it comes to getting books in the hands of these kiddos.

In California alone, millions of children have benefited from Dolly's generosity. That's right, millions. And let's be real, with the cost of living in California, parents need all the help they can get. Thanks to Dolly, kids are able to expand their imaginations and learn valuable lessons through the power of literature.

But let's not forget about the real hero here, Dolly Parton herself. This woman has not only blessed us with iconic songs like "Jolene" and "9 to 5", but she's also making sure the next generation is well-read and educated. Can we get a round of applause for this queen?

And don't think for a second that Dolly is just throwing any old book at these kids. Oh no, she hand selects each and every book that goes out through the Imagination Library. That's right, Dolly Parton is basically the Oprah of children's literature.

So next time you see a child with their nose buried in a book, thank Dolly Parton for her tireless efforts to promote literacy. And if you happen to come across a child who doesn't have access to books, direct them to the Imagination Library website where they can sign up for free.

In conclusion, Dolly Parton is a national treasure and we should all strive to be more like her. She's a woman who knows how to use her fame and fortune for good and we could all learn a thing or two from her. So go ahead and blast "Islands in the Stream" while you sign up for the Imagination Library, because there's no such thing as too much Dolly in our lives.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library | USA, UK, IE, CA, AU https://imaginationlibrary.com/ 

Dolly Parton, country music legend, is helping millions of children across California | CNN https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/06/entertainment/dolly-parton-book-program/index.html?utm_term=link&utm_source=twCNN&utm_medium=social&utm_content=2023-06-07T03%3A30%3A09 

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH: PRIDE PARADES ARE WAY MORE FUN THAN SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRAWLS

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH

PRIDE PARADES ARE WAY MORE FUN THAN SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRAWLS

Brawl Erupts Outside L.A. School Board Meeting on LGBTQ+ Rights - It's like a scene from a bad movie, but unfortunately it's real life. People are fighting over the rights of others, and it's not pretty. The Glendale Unified School District is at the center of this controversy, and it's not looking good.

So why do Christians hate LGBTQ+ rights? It's a question that has been asked time and time again, and the answer is not a simple one. Some say it's because of their religious beliefs, while others say it's because of fear or ignorance. But whatever the reason, it's clear that there is a problem when it comes to acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.

One thing that is often overlooked in this discussion is the role of white Christian nationalism. This ideology promotes the idea that America is a Christian nation, and that anyone who doesn't fit into that mold is a threat to the country. This includes LGBTQ+ individuals, who are seen as going against traditional values and therefore must be suppressed.

But let's take a step back and do a deep dive into why this is all happening. First of all, it's important to understand that the LGBTQ+ community has been marginalized for centuries. They have been discriminated against, persecuted, and even killed simply for being who they are. And while progress has been made in recent years, there is still a long way to go.

So when we talk about LGBTQ+ rights, we're really talking about basic human rights. The right to love who you want, to express yourself how you want, and to be treated with respect and dignity. These are things that everyone deserves, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

But unfortunately, there are still people out there who don't see it that way. They see the LGBTQ+ community as a threat to their way of life, and they will do anything to stop them from gaining equal rights. This includes spreading lies and misinformation, using fear tactics to scare people into submission, and even resorting to violence.

Which brings us back to the brawl outside the L.A. school board meeting. It's a sad reminder of just how far we still have to go when it comes to acceptance and understanding. But it's also a reminder that we can't give up the fight. We have to keep pushing forward, even when it feels like we're taking one step forward and two steps back.

And maybe, just maybe, we can start to change hearts and minds along the way. We can show people that love is love, no matter who it's between. We can educate them about the struggles that the LGBTQ+ community has faced, and continues to face, on a daily basis. And we can work towards a future where everyone is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

So let's keep fighting the good fight, even when it feels like we're fighting against the odds. Let's stand up for what's right, even when it's not easy. And let's remember that laughter is sometimes the best medicine, even in the face of adversity. Because at the end of the day, love will always win.

Brawl Erupts Outside School Board Meeting on LGBTQ+ Rights https://www.thedailybeast.com/brawl-erupts-outside-glendale-school-board-meeting-on-lgbtq-rights?source=twitter&via=desktop via @thedailybeast 

Big Education Ape: JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH - LET'S ALL CELEBRATE AND HAVE SOME FUN (HERE ARE SOME RESOURCES) #PrideMonth 🌈 #Pride2023 🌈 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/june-is-pride-month-lets-all-celebrate.html 

Big Education Ape: IF YOU ARE NOT WATCHING CHARTER SCHOOLS SCANDALS, YOU ARE MISSING A GREAT CRIME SHOW https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/if-you-are-not-watching-charter-schools.html 

NEW BULLSH*T FROM CREDO: ONCE MORE THEIR CHARTER SCHOOL LUST GUSHES

 

NEW BULLSH*T FROM CREDO

ONCE MORE THEIR CHARTER SCHOOL LUST GUSHES

Greetings, fellow readers! Today, we're going to take a deep dive into the world of charter schools and their billionaire backers. Let's start with the basics. Charter schools are publicly funded schools that are run by private organizations. The idea behind them is that they will provide more innovative and effective education than traditional public schools. Sounds good, right? Well, not so fast.

Enter the billionaires. These guys (and yes, they're mostly guys) have a serious lust for charter schools. They see them as a way to make a profit and promote their corporate reform agenda. And they're not afraid to use data to back up their claims.

But here's the thing: when billionaires buy research, it's usually to validate their own beliefs. They're not interested in objective truth or what's best for students. They just want to make sure their investments pay off.

So what happens when billionaires get their hands on charter schools? They do anything they can to destroy public schools. They pour money into research and propaganda organizations like The 74 Media, the Thomas Fordham Institute, and the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). These organizations churn out glowing articles about charter schools and attack anyone who dares to question their effectiveness.

But let's not forget about the students. While charter schools may work for some students, they often leave others behind. They cherry-pick the best students and leave the rest in underfunded public schools. And when things go wrong (which they often do), charter schools can close down without warning, leaving families scrambling for alternatives.

So what's the solution? We need to invest in our public schools and support our teachers. We need to stop letting billionaires dictate education policy and start listening to the people who know best: educators, parents, and students.

In conclusion, charter schools may seem like a good idea on the surface, but when you look closer, you'll see that they're just another way for billionaires to make a profit. Let's put our faith in public schools and invest in our future. And let's not forget to laugh at the absurdity of it all – because sometimes, laughter really is the best medicine.

National Study Shows Charters Outperform Traditional Schools https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/06/charter-schools-evidence-study-national-better-credo-stanford.html 

4O MILLION AMERICAN TO RESTART STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS: DONATE PLASMA $20-$50

 

4O MILLION AMERICAN TO RESTART STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS: DONATE PLASMA $20-$50

It's time to dust off those calculators and start budgeting again, folks! After a three-year vacation from student loan payments, it's time to face the music. But fear not, my fellow borrowers, for the Biden administration is here to shake things up. Here are three big changes we could see when payments restart.

1. Loan Forgiveness for All...Just Kidding!

Let's start with the most exciting change that could happen: loan forgiveness for all! Just kidding, that's not happening. But hey, we can dream, right? In all seriousness, there has been talk of targeted loan forgiveness for certain groups of borrowers, such as those who attended for-profit schools or those who were defrauded by their schools. So, if you fall into one of those categories, there's a glimmer of hope for you yet.

2. Income-Driven Repayment Plans

One change that's already in place is income-driven repayment plans. These plans allow borrowers to make payments based on their income, rather than a fixed amount. This can be a great option for those who are struggling to make ends meet, as it can lower your monthly payments and make it easier to stay on top of your loans. Plus, after a certain number of years of making payments, any remaining balance may be forgiven (yes, this time we're serious).

3. The Return of Interest Rates

The final change we could see is the return of interest rates. During the pandemic, interest rates on federal student loans were set to 0%, which was a huge relief for borrowers. However, that relief is coming to an end, and interest rates will likely start creeping back up again. This means that your loans will start accruing interest again, which can add up quickly if you're not careful.

So, there you have it, folks. Three big changes that could be coming our way when student loan payments restart. But don't worry too much - we're all in this together (whether we like it or not). And who knows? Maybe one day loan forgiveness for all will become a reality...just don't hold your breath.

student loan borrowers could see when payments restart https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/06/3-big-changes-student-loan-borrowers-could-see-when-payments-restart.html 

40m Americans will soon restart student loan payments | Fortune https://fortune.com/2023/06/07/40-million-americans-restart-student-loan-payments-experts-fear-levels-default-never-seen-before/ 

NEBRASKA SAYS "HELL NO" TO SCHOOL CHOICE: PARENTS AND STUDENTS LOVE OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

 

NEBRASKA SAYS "HELL NO" TO SCHOOL CHOICE: PARENTS AND STUDENTS LOVE OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

In a shocking turn of events, the state of Nebraska has decided to say "hell no" to school choice. That's right, folks, parents in Nebraska are standing up and proclaiming their love for public schools. They want public money for public schools, and they're not interested in any of that fancy charter or private school nonsense.

Now, you might be wondering what exactly school choice is. Well, let me break it down for you. School choice is a policy that allows parents to choose the school their child attends. This includes options beyond traditional public schools, like charter schools, private schools, or homeschooling. Essentially, it gives parents more options when it comes to their child's education.

But apparently, the good people of Nebraska don't want any part of that. They believe that public schools are the way to go, and they're not interested in any of this "competition among schools can drive improvement" nonsense. Nope, they want their public schools just the way they are, thank you very much.

Of course, there are those who disagree. Billionaire proponents of school choice argue that it gives families more options and are much more profitable than public schools. They believe that competition among schools can destroy public schools and that parents should have the freedom to choose the education that is better funded than public schools, that have fewer poor undesirable kids.

But apparently, those people are in the minority in Nebraska. The majority of parents believe that public schools are the way to go, and they're not interested in any of this school choice business.

So what does this mean for the future of education in Nebraska? Well, it means that the effort to repeal the school choice bill is gaining steam. This would roll back the provisions that support the concept of school choice and limit parents' options when it comes to their child's education.

Critics of school choice argue that it can exacerbate educational inequities by diverting resources and students from public schools, particularly in lower-income communities. They believe that public funds should be focused on improving the quality and accessibility of traditional public schools for all students.

But let's be real here, folks. We all know that the real reason parents in Nebraska love their public schools is because they're just so darn good. 

So there you have it, folks. The people of Nebraska have spoken, and they've made it clear that they love their public schools. Will the effort to repeal the school choice bill be successful? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: as long as there are public schools in Nebraska, there will be plenty of laughs to go around.

Nebraska nonprofits launch school choice recall petition at State Capitol https://www.wowt.com/2023/06/06/nebraska-nonprofits-launch-school-choice-recall-petition-state-capitol/ 

Effort to repeal school choice bill begins in Nebraska https://youtu.be/vbr4B8a2VIc via @YouTube