WHO'S WATCHING OKLAHOMA PUBLIC SCHOOL CHICKEN COOP

WHO'S WATCHING OKLAHOMA PUBLIC SCHOOL CHICKEN COOP

OKLA STATE SUP RYAN WALTERS CAUGHT CHOKING PUBLIC SCHOOL CHICKENS

Ladies and gentlemen, gather around and hear the latest scoop on what's happening in Oklahoma's public education system. It seems like there's never a dull moment in this state, especially when it comes to our beloved chickens.

Yes, you read that right. Chickens. Apparently, someone has been caught choking these feathered creatures for funding. Who could it be, you ask? None other than the Superintendent of Schools, Ryan Walters.

Now, I don't know about you, but I never thought I'd see the day where a grown man would resort to such tactics for money. I mean, what kind of person chokes chickens? And in public schools, no less! It's a scandal of epic proportions, folks.

But that's not all that's been going on in the Sooner State. Governor Stitt and Superintendent Walters have been under fire for their handling of COVID relief funds. Rumor has it that they've been using the money for personal gain, like buying fancy cars and taking lavish vacations.

I mean, come on guys, we were in the middle of a pandemic here. The money is supposed to go towards helping those who are struggling, not lining your own pockets. It's enough to make you want to pull your hair out.

But wait, there's more. Superintendent Walters recently attended a Moms for Liberty event. Now, I don't know about you, but the last time I checked, he wasn't a mom. So what's he doing there? And what did he say about their agenda?

Well, according to sources, he's all for it. He believes in giving parents more control over their children's education. Which sounds great in theory, but what about the teachers? Don't they have a say in this too?

And let's not forget about the funding behind Moms for Liberty. Who's really pulling the strings here? Is it some secret society of moms who are trying to take over the world? Or is it just a group of concerned parents who want what's best for their kids?

In any case, it seems like Oklahoma's public education system is in a bit of a pickle. From chicken chokers to COVID fund scandals to Moms for Liberty, it's enough to make your head spin.

But hey, at least we can still laugh about it, right? After all, laughter is the best medicine. And with everything going on in the world right now, we could all use a good laugh.

So here's to you, Oklahoma. May your chickens be safe and your education system be sound. And may we all learn to laugh at ourselves a little more often.

Big Education Ape: RYAN WALTERS: THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN IN OKLAHOMA https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/ryan-walters-most-dangerous-man-in.html

Big Education Ape: OKLA GOV. STITT, STATE SUP. WALTERS YOU HAVE SOME SPLAININ TO DO https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/okla-gov-stitt-state-sup-walters-you.html 

Big Education Ape: RYAN WALTERS + MOMS FOR LIBERTY: MY MOMMIES CAN BEAT UP YOUR MOMMIES https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/ryan-walters-moms-for-liberty-my.html 

Big Education Ape: OKLA ED SEC RYAN WALTERS FANS OSDE DUMPSTER FIRE - TEACHER PAYOLA SCHEME https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/okla-ed-sec-ryan-walters-fans-osde.html 

Big Education Ape: OKLAHOMA STATE EDUCATION SUPERINTENDENT MY ASS, MAGA HITMAN IS MORE LIKE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/oklahoma-state-education-superintendent.html 

Big Education Ape: OKLAHOMA ANTI WOKE ACTIVIST SSPI RYAN WALTERS DUMBER THAN STITT https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/oklahoma-anti-woke-activist-sspi-ryan.html 

Big Education Ape: SSPI RYAN WALTERS PROVES HIS MAGA CHOPS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/sspi-ryan-walters-proves-his-maga-chops.html 

Big Education Ape: OKLA. STATE SEN. GEORGE YOUNG NAMED A TERRORIST SYMPATHIZER https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/okla-state-sen-george-young-named.html 

Big Education Ape: RYAN WALTERS - TEACHER TURNCOAT: PROMOTING PRIVATIZATION TO DESTROY OKLAHOMA PUBLIC EDUCATION https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/ryan-walters-teacher-turncoat-promoting.html

THE DEFT DIVE

The situation in Oklahoma according to several news sources¹²³⁴⁵, the main elements of the scandal are:

• - The state auditor reported that **$1.7 million** in federal funding meant to help children from low-income families learn at home during the pandemic was **misspent** on various non-educational items such as kitchen appliances, power tools, furniture and entertainment².
• - The federal audit found that proper system controls were **offered** by the digital wallet vendor to limit the families’ purchases to education-related items but those controls were **declined** by the individual placed in charge of the Bridge the Gap program². That individual was **Ryan Walters**, the education secretary and a candidate for state superintendent¹.
• - The federal audit also found issues with another program, Stay In School, meant to help low-income families keep their children in existing private schools. The audit uncovered a **deliberate operation** to give selected private schools and individuals preferential treatment by allowing early access for application submission prior to the date this program was offered to the general public².
• - The audit also determined that awards were provided to **1,073 students** whose family attested that they had not suffered an economic hardship due to the pandemic. As a result, **657 students** of low-income families who qualified for the program did not get the financial assistance they requested because the funds were exhausted².
• - The federal auditors want Oklahoma to **return** at least $650,000 of Governor Stitt's COVID-19 relief funds⁴. The state attorney general said he is conducting a criminal investigation into the matter and he refuses to tolerate what amounts to a pervasive culture of waste, mismanagement and apparent fraud².

Bing, 7/1/2023

(1) Federal audit slams Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt's administration. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/education/2022/07/21/oklahoma-governor-kevin-stitt-administration-slammed-federal-audit/65378587007/.

(2) Oklahoma auditor: Millions in pandemic education funding misspent. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2023/06/27/oklahoma-covid-federal-education-funding-audit-nearly-2-million-misspent/70361260007/.

(3) Federal audit criticizes Oklahoma’s use of COVID relief funds. https://kfor.com/news/local/federal-audit-criticizes-oklahomas-use-of-covid-relief-funds/.

(4) Federal Auditors Want Oklahoma To Return At Least $650,000 of Governor .... https://oklahomawatch.org/2022/07/19/federal-auditors-want-oklahoma-to-return-at-least-650000-of-governors-covid-19-relief-funds/.

(5) Federal audit criticizes how Oklahoma spent education relief funds .... https://www.fox23.com/news/federal-audit-criticizes-how-oklahoma-spent-education-relief-funds/z42weoxrlbff5npxvbt5osw7gi/.

Oklahoma AG: Criminal charges for state leaders aren't off table after audit identifies alleged misspending https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-ag-drummond-criminal-charges-state-leaders-audit-misspending/44390277

Ryan Walters and Moms for Liberty. According to several news sources¹²³⁴⁵, here is what I found:

• - **Ryan Walters** is the Oklahoma state superintendent of public instruction and a Republican candidate for the same office in the 2022 election¹.
• - **Moms for Liberty** is a national organization that advocates for parental rights and endorses school board candidates with conservative political views. Its members are known to speak at school board meetings against mandatory COVID-19 precautions, critical race theory and gender-nonconforming identities¹. The Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil rights organization, listed Moms for Liberty as an extremist group for its support of book bans and limiting discussions of race and gender in schools².
• - Walters spoke at the **Moms for Liberty 2023 Joyful Warriors National Summit** in Philadelphia on Friday, June 30, on a panel with Nikki Haley and others on the "Future of Education in America"¹. He said he was proud to be fighting alongside Moms for Liberty and that they are the most patriotic, pro-American group in the country right now³. He also said he was excited to share the vision and progress that Oklahoma has made in pushing back against woke indoctrination in the classrooms¹.
• - Walters defended Moms for Liberty from the extremist label and said it was incredible the lengths that the radical left will go to attack parents and moms⁴. He also supported a more patriotic education in public schools and opposed books with LGBTQ+ themes¹.
• - The summit also featured former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, among other political officials and conservative figures. Trump, DeSantis and Haley are all seeking the Republican nomination for president in 2024¹.
• - It is not clear who is behind the funding of Moms for Liberty or whether any taxpayer dollars are paying for Walters' travel and lodging to attend the summit. The Oklahoma State Department of Education did not respond when The Oklahoman asked about it, and Moms for Liberty did not immediately return a request for comment¹.

 Bing, 7/1/2023

(1) Oklahoma state Superintendent Ryan Walters to speak at Moms for Liberty .... https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/education/2023/06/29/moms-for-liberty-summit-oklahoma-ryan-walters-donald-trump-ryan-desantis/70365542007/.

(2) Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters to speak at Moms For Liberty .... https://kfor.com/news/local/ok-supt-walters-to-speak-at-moms-for-liberty-conference/.

(3) State Superintendent Ryan Walters rubs elbows with Moms for Liberty. https://tulsaworld.com/news/state-regional/education/state-superintendent-ryan-walters-rubs-elbows-with-moms-for-liberty/article_70dd99d2-1770-11ee-8cb0-5ff2a9a3ba7e.html.

(4) Oklahoma State Superintendent defends 'parental rights' group named .... https://kfor.com/news/local/oklahoma-state-superintendent-defends-parental-rights-group-named-extremist-by-civil-rights-watchdog/.

(5) Superintendent Walters to speak with 'Moms for Liberty' in Philadelphia .... https://ktul.com/news/local/superintendent-walters-to-speak-with-moms-for-liberty-in-philadelphia.

Ryan Walters calls Moms for Liberty conference the most important to happen in Philadelphia since 1776 https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-ryan-walters-moms-for-liberty-national-summit/44397461 

SUPREME COURT TAKES A HUGE DUMP ON AMERICANS WITH STUDENT DEBT

 

SUPREME COURT TAKES A HUGE DUMP ON AMERICANS WITH STUDENT DEBT

The recent Supreme Court ruling on student debt relief has left many Americans feeling like they just failed a pop quiz they didn't even study for. The fallout from this decision has been nothing short of hilarious, if not downright depressing.

First, let's talk about the student debt crisis. It's like a horror movie where the monster is a giant pile of money with interest rates that keep growing. Millions of people are struggling to repay their loans, and the total amount owed is over $1.7 trillion. That's enough money to buy a small island nation or at least a really nice yacht.

So, how did we get here? Well, it's a complicated story involving rising tuition costs, declining state funding, lack of financial aid, predatory for-profit colleges, and an inefficient federal loan system. It's like a game of Jenga where every block is a different problem, and if you pull out the wrong one, the whole tower collapses.

Who supported decreasing state contributions to colleges? Probably the same people who think pineapple belongs on pizza or that socks with sandals are a fashion statement. It's hard to say for sure, but it seems like states that had fiscal crises, lower tax revenues, and more conservative tax policies tended to cut higher education funding more than others. It's like they forgot that investing in education is the key to a prosperous future.

Now, let's talk about the recent Supreme Court ruling. It's like getting a detention for something you didn't even do. President Biden's plan to cancel up to $50,000 of federal student debt for certain borrowers was struck down because apparently, he didn't have the legal authority to do so. It's like the Supreme Court is saying, "Sorry, we can't help you with your crippling debt, but we can give you a participation trophy for trying."

The impact of this ruling on students is uncertain. Will Congress pass any legislation to reform the student loan system or provide more funding for higher education? Will states step up and offer more financial aid and grant programs? Will colleges and universities lower their tuition and fees? Who knows? It's like trying to predict the weather in a world where climate change is real and unpredictable.

The effect of this ruling on the US economy is also unclear. Will student debt continue to weigh on borrowers' financial situations and decisions? Will it affect their mental health and well-being? Will it influence their civic and social engagement? Will it widen the gaps between different groups based on race, gender, class, geography, and other factors? It's like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded.

In conclusion, the student debt crisis is like a bad joke that keeps getting worse. It requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach from various stakeholders, but it also requires a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best medicine, unless you're laughing so hard you forget about your student loans. But, now onward to the Deft Dive.

Opinion | The Supreme Court Is Harming the Economy by Cancelling Student Debt Relief | Common Dreams https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/the-supreme-court-is-harming-the-economy-by-cancelling-student-debt-relief

THE DEFT DIVE

What is the student debt crisis?

The student debt crisis refers to the situation where millions of Americans are struggling to repay their student loans, which have reached a total of more than $1.7 trillion. According to the Federal Reserve, about 43 million borrowers owe an average of $39,000 each. Student debt can have negative impacts on borrowers' financial well-being, mental health, career choices, homeownership, family formation and retirement savings.

What caused it?

There is no single cause of the student debt crisis, but some of the factors that contributed to it include:

• - The rising cost of college tuition and fees, which outpaced inflation and income growth for decades. According to the College Board, the average published tuition and fees for in-state students at public four-year institutions increased by 212% from 1988 to 2018, after adjusting for inflation.
• - The decline in state funding for public higher education, which shifted more of the cost burden to students and families. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, state spending on higher education nationwide fell $1,448 per student, or 16 percent, after adjusting for inflation, between 2008 and 2018⁷. Per-student funding rose in only five states: Indiana, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming. Eighteen states cut funding per student by more than 20 percent, and in eight of those states the cut exceeded 30 percent⁷.
• - The lack of adequate financial aid and grant programs for low- and middle-income students, especially those from underrepresented groups. According to the Institute for College Access and Success, Pell Grants — the main federal grant program for low-income students — covered only 29% of the average cost of attendance at public four-year colleges in 2019-20, down from 79% in 1975-76.
• - The proliferation of predatory for-profit colleges that target vulnerable students with low-quality programs, high fees and deceptive marketing practices. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, for-profit colleges enrolled about 10% of all undergraduate students in 2018-19, but accounted for about 22% of all federal student loans and 34% of all loan defaults.
• - The complexity and inefficiency of the federal student loan system, which offers multiple repayment plans, forgiveness programs and servicers, but often fails to provide clear information, guidance and oversight to borrowers. According to the Government Accountability Office, about 2 million borrowers who were eligible for income-driven repayment plans — which cap monthly payments based on income and family size — did not enroll in them as of September 2017.

Who supported decreasing state contributions to colleges?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as different states have different political dynamics and budget priorities. However, some general trends can be observed:

• - States that experienced severe fiscal crises during and after the Great Recession of 2007-09 tended to cut higher education funding more deeply than others. For example, Arizona slashed its per-student funding by 55%, Nevada by 36%, Louisiana by 34% and Florida by 32% between 2008 and 2018⁷.
• - States that have lower tax revenues or more conservative tax policies also tended to reduce higher education spending more than others. For example, Alaska cut its per-student funding by 31%, Oklahoma by 26%, West Virginia by 25% and Mississippi by 24% between 2008 and 2018⁷.
• - States that have higher proportions of Republican lawmakers or governors also tended to support decreasing state contributions to colleges more than others. For example, a study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that a one percentage point increase in Republican representation in state legislatures was associated with a $0.60 decrease in per-student appropriations between 1987 and 2011.

What effect will the recent Supreme Court ruling have?

On June 30th, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Biden's plan to cancel up to $50,000 of federal student debt for borrowers who earned less than $125,000 a year or received a Pell Grant. The court ruled that the president did not have the legal authority to do so under a 2003 law that allowed him to waive or modify certain provisions related to federal student aid programs.

The ruling will have a significant effect on millions of borrowers who were hoping for relief from their student debt burdens. According to an analysis by the Department of Education, Biden's plan would have erased debt for about 36 million borrowers (84% of all federal loan borrowers), including about 9.4 million who were in default or delinquency as of March 2020. The plan would have also reduced racial and gender disparities in student debt, as women and people of color tend to owe more and earn less than their counterparts.

The ruling will also have an impact on the broader economy and society, as student debt affects consumer spending, saving, investing, entrepreneurship, innovation, health, education and social mobility. According to a study by the Levy Economics Institute, canceling all student debt would boost GDP by up to $108 billion a year, create up to 1.5 million new jobs and increase tax revenues by up to $86 billion over 10 years.

How will it impact students?

The impact of the ruling on current and future students will depend on several factors, such as:

• - Whether Congress will pass any legislation to reform the student loan system or provide more funding for higher education. Some lawmakers have proposed bills to expand Pell Grants, simplify repayment plans, increase oversight of loan servicers and for-profit colleges, and create a pathway for bankruptcy discharge of student debt.
• - Whether states will increase their support for public colleges and universities or offer more financial aid and grant programs for students. Some states have implemented or proposed initiatives to make community college tuition-free or reduce the cost of attendance at public four-year institutions.
• - Whether colleges and universities will lower their tuition and fees or offer more scholarships and discounts for students. Some institutions have announced tuition freezes or cuts, increased financial aid or eliminated loans from their aid packages in response to the pandemic and the economic downturn.
• - Whether students will make informed choices about where to go to college, what to study, how much to borrow and how to repay their loans. Students can use tools such as the College Scorecard, the Net Price Calculator and the Loan Simulator to compare different options and estimate their costs and outcomes.

How will it affect the US economy?

The effect of the ruling on the US economy will also depend on several factors, such as:

• - How much student debt will continue to weigh on borrowers' financial situations and decisions. Student debt can limit borrowers' ability to buy a home, start a business, save for retirement, pursue further education or switch careers.
• - How much student debt will affect borrowers' mental health and well-being. Student debt can cause stress, anxiety, depression, lower self-esteem and lower life satisfaction among borrowers.
• - How much student debt will influence borrowers' civic and social engagement. Student debt can reduce borrowers' participation in voting, volunteering, donating, protesting and other forms of civic action.
• - How much student debt will exacerbate existing inequalities in income, wealth, education and opportunity. Student debt can widen the gaps between different groups based on race, gender, class, geography and other factors.

Conclusion

The student debt crisis is a multifaceted problem that has no easy or quick solution. It requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach from various stakeholders, including the federal government, state governments, colleges and universities, lenders and servicers, employers and philanthropies, researchers and advocates, and most importantly, students and borrowers themselves..

Bing, 7/1/2023

(1) A Lost Decade in Higher Education Funding - Center on Budget and Policy .... https://www.cbpp.org/research/state-budget-and-tax/a-lost-decade-in-higher-education-funding.

(2) Throwing Money at Colleges Is No Answer. A GOP Proposal Can Actually Address the Student Loan Crisis | Opinion. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/personalfinance/throwing-money-at-colleges-is-no-answer-a-gop-proposal-can-actually-address-the-student-loan-crisis-opinion/ar-AA1dgsVr.

(3) Supreme Court ruling on student debt will ‘devastate’ borrowers. No, it would have ‘punished’ poor Americans. Who’s right?. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/careersandeducation/supreme-court-ruling-on-student-debt-will-devastate-millions-of-borrowers-no-it-would-have-punished-poor-americans-who-s-right/ar-AA1dh3KE.

(4) Biden student loan relief plan struck down. What’s next?. https://www.mlive.com/reckon/2023/06/biden-student-loan-relief-plan-struck-down-whats-next.html.

(5) What Is the Student Debt Crisis and Who Caused It? – The Elective. https://elective.collegeboard.org/student-loan-crisis-more-complicated-number.

(6) 5 takeaways from Supreme Court's student loan relief decision : NPR. https://www.npr.org/2023/06/30/1176839127/supreme-court-student-loan-forgiveness-decision.

(7) About Us | Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC). https://studentdebtcrisis.org/about/.

(8) 529 Plan Deductions for Every State - SmartAsset. https://smartasset.com/taxes/529-plan-tax-deductions-for-every-state.

(9) State university system - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_university_system.

(10) Getty Images. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/student-debt-with-sad-face-written-on-white-sticky-royalty-free-image/1273212865.

THE AMERICAN POLITICAL PENDULUM: WHY IS IT STUCK ON RIGHT

THE AMERICAN POLITICAL PENDULUM: WHY IS IT STUCK ON RIGHT

Have you ever wondered why American politics seems to swing back and forth between liberalism and conservatism like a pendulum? Well, I've got a theory for you, and it involves a lot of tea parties, Reaganism, McCarthyism, and even a Cold War. But before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the pendulum theory, let's take a moment to appreciate the fact that we live in a country where politics is so predictable that we can compare it to a pendulum. I mean, it's not like we're living in a banana republic or anything. Oh wait...

Anyway, the pendulum theory in American politics suggests that the political mood and direction of the United States tends to swing back and forth between liberalism and conservatism over time. This theory is based on the observation that different periods in American history have been dominated by different parties, ideologies, and policies, and that these periods often alternate or contrast with each other. It's like one minute we're all about free love and flower power, and the next minute we're all about trickle-down economics and bombing brown people.

So why does this pendulum keep swinging to the right? Well, there are a few factors at play here. For one thing, conservatives are really good at marketing themselves. They've got catchy slogans like "Make America Great Again" and "Freedom Isn't Free," while liberals are stuck with lame slogans like "Stronger Together" and "Yes We Can." I mean, come on, guys, put some effort into it!

Another factor is that conservatives tend to be more organized than liberals. They've got think tanks, media outlets, and grassroots organizations that are all dedicated to promoting their agenda. Meanwhile, liberals are too busy arguing about intersectionality and trigger warnings to get anything done.

But perhaps the biggest factor is that conservatives are really good at exploiting people's fears. They've convinced a lot of Americans that they're under attack from immigrants, Muslims, feminists, environmentalists, socialists, and pretty much anyone who's not a white Christian male. And when people are scared, they tend to vote for whoever promises to protect them from the scary monsters.

So what does this mean for the future of American politics? Well, if the pendulum theory holds true, we can expect to see a swing back towards liberalism at some point in the future. Maybe it'll be sparked by a charismatic leader who inspires us to dream big again. Maybe it'll be sparked by a crisis that forces us to come together as a nation. Or maybe it'll be sparked by something totally unexpected, like aliens invading Earth and forcing us to unite against a common enemy.

In the meantime, though, we're stuck with this right-wing swing of the pendulum. So let's buckle up and enjoy the ride. Who knows, maybe we'll get lucky and the next conservative president will be someone cool like The Rock or Oprah. Or maybe we'll get stuck with another Trump. Either way, at least we can take comfort in the fact that we're not living in a banana republic... yet.

THE DEFT DIVE

Different historians may have different criteria and interpretations of what constitutes a conservative period in American history. However, based on some sources, here are some possible answers:

• - According to the Wikipedia article on the **History of conservatism in the United States**¹, one could identify four major conservative periods in American history: the **Colonial era** (before 1776), when conservatism was based on a landed elite and a loyalist merchant class; the **Gilded Age** (1870s-1900), when conservatism was based on laissez-faire capitalism and opposition to labor unions and social reforms; the **Roaring Twenties** (1920s), when conservatism was based on cultural traditionalism and isolationism; and the **Reagan era** (1980s), when conservatism was based on a fusion of economic liberalism, social conservatism, and anti-communism. These periods lasted for varying lengths of time, depending on how one defines their beginnings and endings, but they generally ended due to major crises or changes in the political landscape, such as the American Revolution, the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, and the end of the Cold War.
• - According to the Wikipedia article on **Conservatism in the United States**², one could identify three major conservative movements in American history: the **Old Right** (1920s-1950s), which opposed the New Deal and favored non-interventionism; the **New Right** (1960s-1990s), which opposed the Great Society and favored a strong national defense; and the **Tea Party movement** (2000s-present), which opposes big government and favors fiscal conservatism. These movements lasted for varying lengths of time, depending on how one defines their peaks and declines, but they generally changed due to internal divisions, ideological shifts, or electoral defeats.
• - According to the Wikipedia article on the **Timeline of modern American conservatism**³, one could identify several key events and milestones that marked conservative periods in American history, such as: the founding of the National Review magazine in 1955; the election of Dwight D. Eisenhower as president in 1952 and 1956; the publication of Barry Goldwater's The Conscience of a Conservative in 1960; the election of Richard Nixon as president in 1968 and 1972; the rise of the religious right in the 1970s; the election of Ronald Reagan as president in 1980 and 1984; the fall of communism in 1989-1991; the Republican Revolution of 1994; the election of George W. Bush as president in 2000 and 2004; and the emergence of the Tea Party movement in 2009. These events and milestones lasted for varying lengths of time, depending on how one measures their impact and significance, but they generally reflected or influenced conservative trends in American politics, culture, and society.
• - According to an article by Jennifer Burns on **Conservatism: A State of the Field**⁴, one could identify several themes and topics that have shaped conservative periods in American history, such as: anti-statism, constitutionalism, individualism, capitalism, religion, morality, nationalism, patriotism, exceptionalism, tradition, order, hierarchy, authority, natural law, natural rights, human nature, realism, pragmatism, skepticism, anti-utopianism, anti-radicalism, anti-communism, anti-liberalism. These themes and topics lasted for varying lengths of time, depending on how one traces their origins and developments, but they generally expressed or challenged conservative ideas and values in American thought and discourse.

The pendulum theory in American politics is a model that suggests that the political mood and direction of the United States tends to swing back and forth between liberalism and conservatism over time. This theory is based on the observation that different periods in American history have been dominated by different parties, ideologies, and policies, and that these periods often alternate or contrast with each other. The pendulum theory can be applied to different aspects of American politics, such as party control of Congress, presidential elections, foreign policy, social movements, and public opinion.

One version of the pendulum theory was proposed by historians Arthur M. Schlesinger Sr. and Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., who identified several liberal and conservative periods in American history from the colonial era to the late 20th century. They argued that each phase has characteristic features, such as the emphasis on the rights of the many or the few, the expansion or containment of democracy, the promotion of public or private interests, and the protection of human or property rights. They also argued that each phase is self-limiting, generating the opposite phase, due to factors such as exhaustion, accumulation of problems, or generational change. ¹²

Another version of the pendulum theory was proposed by historian Frank J. Klingberg, who focused on the cyclical patterns of American foreign policy. He argued that the United States has repeatedly alternated between foreign-policy extroversion and introversion, meaning willingness or unwillingness to go on international adventures. He identified several cycles of extroversion and introversion from the colonial era to the late 20th century, and attributed them to factors such as national mood, economic conditions, security threats, and moral values. ³

The pendulum theory is not a definitive or deterministic explanation of American politics, but rather a descriptive and interpretive framework that can help us understand some of the trends and changes that have occurred over time. However, the theory also has some limitations and criticisms, such as oversimplifying the complexity and diversity of American politics, ignoring the role of agency and contingency in shaping political outcomes, and failing to account for new developments or challenges that may disrupt or modify the cyclical patterns.

As for which periods were considered progressive or conservative in American history, this depends on how one defines these terms and which criteria one uses to classify them. However, based on some common sources and perspectives, here are some possible answers:

• - According to a website created by datascience@berkeley called **The Political Pendulum**⁴, which shows the party control and strength in Congress from 1968 to 2018, one could identify several progressive or conservative periods based on which party had more seats in both chambers. For example, one could say that 1968-1974 was a progressive period (Democratic majority), 1974-1992 was a mixed period (Democratic House vs Republican Senate), 1992-1994 was a progressive period (Democratic majority), 1994-2006 was a conservative period (Republican majority), 2006-2010 was a progressive period (Democratic majority), 2010-2018 was a mixed period (Republican House vs Democratic Senate), and 2018-present is a progressive period (Democratic majority).
• - According to an article by Jennifer Burns on **Conservatism: A State of the Field**, which reviews some of the recent scholarship on conservatism in American history, one could identify several progressive or conservative periods based on which ideas and movements were dominant or influential in American politics and culture. For example, one could say that 1890-1920 was a progressive period (Progressive Era reforms), 1920-1932 was a conservative period (Republican presidents and policies), 1932-1945 was a progressive period (New Deal liberalism), 1945-1960 was a conservative period (Cold War conservatism), 1960-1980 was a progressive period (Civil Rights Movement and Great Society liberalism), 1980-2008 was a conservative period (Reagan Revolution and New Right conservatism), and 2008-present is a mixed or uncertain period (Obama presidency vs Tea Party movement).

Bing, 7/1/2023

History of conservatism in the United States - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_conservatism_in_the_United_States.

Conservatism in the United States - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservatism_in_the_United_States.

Timeline of modern American conservatism - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_modern_American_conservatism.

Conservatism: A State of the Field | Journal of American History .... https://academic.oup.com/jah/article/98/3/723/684892.

The Political Pendulum - UCB-UMT. https://ischoolonline.berkeley.edu/political-pendulum/.

Cyclical theory (United States history) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclical_theory_%28United_States_history%29.

The Pendulum Theory of Art & Politics - LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pendulum-theory-art-politics-teresa-funke.

(4) The Pendulum of American Politics | National Review. https://www.nationalreview.com/the-morning-jolt/the-pendulum-of-american-politics/.

TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 7-1-23 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech

 

TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 6-24-23 

Big Education Ape: LAUSD BOARD PRESIDENT JACKIE GOLDBERG CALLED OUT ANTI-GAY EXTREMIST PROTESTERS IN VIRAL SPEECH #PrideMonth 🌈 #Pride2023 🌈 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/lausd-board-president-jackie-goldberg.html 

Big Education Ape: WHAT EVERY TEACHER NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT CHATGPT BEFORE THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/what-every-teacher-needs-to-know-about.html

Big Education Ape: BREAKING NEWS: RANDI WEINGARTEN JOINS OTHER DEMOCRATIC WOMEN AS THE NEWEST TARGET OF THE MAGA WOMAN HATERS CLUB https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/breaking-news-randi-weingarten-joins.html 

Big Education Ape: HAVING 'THE MAN' ON CAMPUS ARE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS (SROs) AND/OR CAMPUS POLICE NECESSARY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/having-man-on-campus-are-school.html

Big Education Ape: THE NEW GILDED AGE: WHERE ARE THE TRUST BUSTERS WHEN YOU NEED THEM https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-new-gilded-age-where-are-trust.html 

Big Education Ape: CELL PHONES IN THE CLASSROOM: TO BAN OR NOT TO BAN THAT IS THE QUESTION https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/cell-phones-in-classroom-to-ban-or-not.html

Big Education Ape: TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 6-24-23 #PrideMonth 🌈 #Pride2023 🌈 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/top-banana-top-reads-this-week-6-24-23.html

Big Education Ape: AMERICA'S FAMILY SECRETS: REUTERS ASK WHAT'S IN YOUR WOODPILE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/americas-family-secrets-reuters-ask.html

Sunday, June 25, 2023 THE SUPREME COURT: HIGHEST COURT IN THE LAND OR A CONCLAVE OF BISHOPS IN BLACK ROBES https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-supreme-court-highest-court-in-land.html

Big Education Ape: FLORIDA SCHOOL SAFETY: GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/florida-school-safety-good-news-and-bad.html 

OTHER GREAT READS THIS WEEK FROM THE BIG EDUCATION APE

YESTERDAY

THE CHARTER SCHOOL MOVEMENT IS A VEHICLE FOR FRAUD AND CORRUPTION

by Mike Simpson / 22h

Privatization and corporate education reform have been touted as the saviors of our education system. However, as with any movement, there are always those who seek to exploit it for their own gain. And in the case of privatization and corporate education reform, that exploitation has taken the form of corruption, crimes, and scandals. Let's start with corruption. It's no secret that privatizati

JUN 29

SHOCKER: SAC CITY USD REVEALED THAT SUP JORGE WILL BE STEPPING DOWN

by Mike Simpson / 1d

In a shocking announcement, the Sac City Unified School District revealed that Superintendent Jorge Aguilar will be stepping down on Friday. This news has left many wondering what went wrong, but the truth is that Aguilar is just the latest in a long line of failed corporate education reform superintendents. Over the years, SCUSD has been reformed nearly to death by billionaire-sponsored sups he

OKLA GOV. STITT, STATE SUP. WALTERS YOU HAVE SOME SPLAININ TO DO

by Mike Simpson / 1d

Governor Kevin Stitt and State Superintendent Ryan Walters have some explaining to do after the Oklahoma State Auditor identified five schools that received preferential treatment in the 2021 fiscal year. The Oklahoma Capitol is buzzing after an audit revealed $30 million of questionable spending. The auditor's report has caused quite a stir in the state, with many people wondering how these sch

AI SAYS CHEATERS NEVER PROSPER

by Mike Simpson / 1d

Attention all students! Are you tired of actually studying and doing the work to get good grades? Well, fear not my fellow lazy comrades, because AI cheating is here to save the day! For those of you who don't know, AI (Artificial Intelligence) cheating is when a computer program or algorithm is used to cheat on tests or assignments. It's the perfect solution for those who want to get ahead with

JUN 28

BREAKING NEWS: SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS PROVEN TO TURN BLACK AND HISPANIC STUDENTS INTO CRIMINALS

by Mike Simpson / 2d

In a shocking report published in Criminology in June 2023, Benjamin W. Fisher and Alex O. Widdowson have found that school suspensions are turning Black and Hispanic students into criminals. That's right, folks, the very act of suspending a student from school is amplifying their risk of later arrest! Who knew detention could be so dangerous? According to the report, White students are immune t

WILL PUBLIC EDUCATION SURVIVE THE BILLIONAIRE'S CHARTER SCHOOL AND VOUCHER ASSAULT

by Mike Simpson / 2d

If you thought the future of public education in America was all doom and gloom, think again! There's a movement afoot by billionaires to privatize public education and turn it into a profit center for capitalism. And if that doesn't make you laugh, we don't know what will! But seriously, folks, there are pros and cons to this whole privatization thing. On the one hand, it could lead to more com

HOUSTON ISD: FIRST MONTH OF THE HOSTILE STATE TAKEOVER AND OCCUPATION BY MEATAXE MILE MILES

by Mike Simpson / 2d

Ladies and gentlemen, hold onto your hats because we have a wild story for you today. It's a tale of hostile takeovers, meat axes, and yes men. That's right, we're talking about the recent occupation of the Houston Independent School District by the state of Texas. The state decided to install their own guy, a certain MeatAxe Mike Miles, as the czar of the district. Now, if you're not familiar w

JUN 27

HAVING 'THE MAN' ON CAMPUS ARE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS (SROs) AND/OR CAMPUS POLICE NECESSARY

by Mike Simpson / 3d

Are you ready to hear about the latest craze in school security? That's right folks, it's the one, the only, campus police! Now, I know what you're thinking. "But wait, won't having police officers on campus make our kids safer?" Well, hold onto your hats because we're about to dive into the pros and cons of having these law enforcement officials patrolling our schools. First up, let's talk abou

CELL PHONES IN THE CLASSROOM: TO BAN OR NOT TO BAN THAT IS THE QUESTION

by Mike Simpson / 3d

CELL PHONES IN THE CLASSROOM TO BAN OR NOT TO BAN THAT IS THE QUESTION Ah, the age-old debate of whether to allow cell phones in the classroom. It's a topic that has been discussed by educators, parents, and students alike for years. Some say that cell phones are a valuable tool for learning, while others argue that they are a distraction and should be banned altogether. So, what's the verdict? L

AMERICA'S FAMILY SECRETS: REUTERS ASK WHAT'S IN YOUR WOODPILE

by Mike Simpson / 3d

AMERICA'S FAMILY SECRETS REUTERS ASK WHAT'S IN YOUR WOODPILE Ladies and gentlemen, gather around! Do you know what's hiding in your woodpile? No, it's not just termites and spiders. It's something much more sinister - slavery's descendants. Yes, you heard that right. According to a recent investigation by Reuters, over 100 of America's leaders - lawmakers, presidents, governors, and justices - ha

FLORIDA SCHOOL SAFETY: GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS

by Mike Simpson / 3d

FLORIDA SCHOOL SAFETY GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS Attention all Floridians! As of July 1st, permitless carry will be the law of the land. That's right, no permit and no training needed to legally carry a concealed weapon. Because who needs safety training when you can just wing it, am I right? But fear not, dear citizens. The good news is that there will be fewer active shooter drills in schools. Beca

JUN 26

THE NEW GILDED AGE: WHERE ARE THE TRUST BUSTERS WHEN YOU NEED THEM

by Mike Simpson / 4d

THE NEW GILDED AGE WHERE ARE THE TRUST BUSTERS WHEN YOU NEED THEM If you think that the billionaires of today are bad for society, you might want to take a look at the history books and see how the robber barons of the Gilded Age were even worse. Or were they? The robber barons were the wealthy industrialists who dominated whole industries like railroads, banking, oil, and steel in the late ninet

BREAKING NEWS: RANDI WEINGARTEN JOINS OTHER DEMOCRATIC WOMEN AS THE NEWEST TARGET OF THE MAGA WOMAN HATERS CLUB

by Mike Simpson / 4d

In a shocking turn of events, Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), has become the latest target of the MAGA Woman Haters Club. Yes, you read that right. Apparently, there's a club for that now. Weingarten, who is a lawyer, an educator, and a political activist, has been accused of everything from promoting "filth" and "Marxist indoctrination" in public sc

JUN 25

THE SUPREME COURT: HIGHEST COURT IN THE LAND OR A CONCLAVE OF BISHOPS IN BLACK ROBES

by Mike Simpson / 5d

Ah, the Supreme Court. The highest court in the land, the final arbiter of justice, the...conclave of bishops in black robes? That's right, folks. The Supreme Court may be the ultimate authority on legal matters, but it's also a group of people who wear some seriously fancy dress. But let's not get distracted by the fashion choices of our esteemed justices. There's a more pressing issue at hand:

WHAT EVERY TEACHER NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT CHATGPT BEFORE THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

ChatGPT KNOW AI

•

by Mike Simpson / 5d

If you are a teacher, you may have heard of ChatGPT, the new artificial intelligence tool that can generate text on almost any topic or task. You may also have some questions or concerns about how it will affect your classroom and your students. In this article, we will give you a brief overview of what ChatGPT is, what it can do, and what it can't do. We will also share some tips and best pract

JUN 24

LAUSD BOARD PRESIDENT JACKIE GOLDBERG CALLED OUT ANTI-GAY EXTREMIST PROTESTERS IN VIRAL SPEECH

by Mike Simpson / 6d

School Board President Jackie Goldberg calls out and destroys homophobic protesters. She showcases the book titled "The Great Big Book of Families" and gives a heartfelt, powerful speech about the importance of love and showing respect to lgbtq+ individuals . For more from TYT Investigates, SUBSCRIBE at: / tytinvestigatesre... You can read our stories at https://www.TYT.com/investigates LIKE and

BILLIONAIRE'S PRIVATE ARMIES - BILLIONAIRE'S CHARTER SCHOOLS: WHAT COULD GO WRONG

by Mike Simpson / 6d

BILLIONAIRE'S PRIVATE ARMIES - BILLIONAIRE'S CHARTER SCHOOLS WHAT COULD GO WRONG Have you ever wondered what billionaires do with their money? Well, besides buying islands and gold-plated toilets, some of them have decided to invest in two of the most absurd industries in the world: private armies and charter schools. Private armies are like the Avengers, but with less spandex and more guns. They

TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 6-24-23 #PrideMonth 🌈 #Pride2023 🌈 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech

by Mike Simpson / 7d

TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 6-24-23 Big Education Ape: TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 6-17-23 #PrideMonth 🌈 #Pride2023 🌈 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/top-banana-top-reads-this-week-6-17-23.html Big Education Ape: WHY POOR KIDS GET SH*TY SCHOOLS AND/OR WHY ARE PROPERTY TAXES ARE THE ULTIMATE SOURCE FOR FUNDING PUBLIC EDUCATION https://bi