Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
5-12-25

Michael Tomasky: Why No One Cares that Trump Is Raking in $1 Billion a Month https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/11/michael-tomasky-why-no-one-cares-that-trump-is-raking-in-1-billion-a-month/ via @dianeravitch 

Michael Tomasky discusses the financial and ethical scandals surrounding Donald Trump’s second term as President, particularly focusing on his exploitation of the presidency for personal profit. Trump’s cryptocurrency venture, which has funneled billions into his family’s pockets, and his cozy relationship with right-wing media shielding him from accountability, are central themes. The article critiques the lack of effective opposition from Democrats and Republicans, as well as the complicity of a disinformation-driven media environment.

### Key Points

- Trump’s cryptocurrency initiative has generated billions for his family, raising concerns about emoluments violations and corruption. 

- Right-wing media, including Fox News, plays a critical role in shielding Trump from criticism and enabling his actions. 

- Democrats and Republicans share some blame for their failure to effectively counter Trump’s unethical actions, though right-wing media remains the primary enabler. 

- The lack of leadership and effective opposition from Democrats is highlighted, with calls for stronger strategies to combat Trump’s influence. 

- Trump’s exploitation of his presidency extends to international deals and questionable policies, further enriching him and his allies. 

Republicans Planning Major Increase in Tax on College Endowments https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/11/republicans-planning-major-increase-in-tax-on-college-endowments/ via @dianeravitch 

Republicans are planning to significantly increase taxes on college and university endowments to fund tax cuts for the wealthy, continuing a trend initiated by Trump’s 2017 tax bill. This proposal targets elite institutions with large endowments, which traditionally fund scholarships and provide financial stability. Critics argue the move is short-sighted, punitive, and could harm low-income students. The proposed tax rates would vary based on endowment size, with some institutions potentially facing rates as high as 21%.

### Key Points

- Republicans aim to raise taxes on college endowments to subsidize tax cuts for billionaires, targeting elite institutions. 

- Current proposals include increasing tax rates to as high as 21%, with varying rates depending on endowment size. 

- Critics argue that these measures could harm scholarships and financial aid for low-income students. 

- Trump’s 2017 tax bill introduced the initial 1.4% tax on certain university endowments, which is now being expanded. 

- The exclusion of foreign students in tax calculations may have negative cultural and financial impacts on universities. 

Jeff Tiedrich: MAGA Doesn't Like the New Pope! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/11/jeff-tiedrich-maga-doesnt-like-the-new-pope/ via @dianeravitch

Jeff Tiedrich humorously critiques MAGA supporters' outrage over the election of the new Pope, Leo XIV, an American who embodies progressive values aligned with the teachings of Jesus. MAGA's discontent stems from Pope Leo's stances on issues like immigration, gun control, and racial justice, which contrast sharply with their ideologies. The article also highlights broader political and social tensions, including Trump’s preferential treatment of white refugees and the Vatican’s financial struggles.

### Key Points

- Jeff Tiedrich mocks MAGA supporters' reaction to the new Pope, Leo XIV, who promotes progressive and inclusive values. 

- The new Pope’s actions, such as supporting immigration reforms and gun control, have provoked backlash from MAGA supporters. 

- Trump’s administration prioritizes white refugees while seeking to expel Black and Brown refugees, revealing racial bias in immigration policies. 

- Speculation arises about wealthy American Catholics attempting to influence the papal election amidst the Vatican's financial struggles. 

Qatar Gives Trump a Super-Luxury Airplane to Replace Airforce 1 https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/11/qatar-gives-trump-a-super-luxury-airplane-to-replace-airforce-1/ via @dianeravitch 

A blog post on Diane Ravitch's site discusses the controversial gift of a $400 million luxury airplane from Qatar to former U.S. President Donald Trump, intended to replace Air Force One and for his personal use after his presidency. The article highlights ethical concerns, referencing the Emoluments Clause in the Constitution, and critiques Trump's actions and the lack of accountability from Congress. The post also includes reader comments expressing outrage and humor at the situation.

### Key Points

- Qatar gifted Trump a $400 million luxury airplane for personal use, raising ethical concerns. 

- The Constitution prohibits presidents from accepting gifts from foreign nations (Emoluments Clause), but Trump replaced federal ethics officers with his appointees. 

- Readers criticize Trump's behavior, question Congress's inaction, and express concerns about his international ties. 

- Speculation arises about Trump’s future plans involving Qatar, which lacks a U.S. extradition treaty. 

Big Education Ape: WILL HISTORY HOLD BILL GATES ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF PUBLIC EDUCATION IN THE UNITED STATES https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/05/will-history-hold-bill-gates.html 

A deep dive into Bill Gates’ impact on U.S. public education. The article critiques Gates’ education reforms, particularly his role in promoting standardized testing, charter schools, and the Common Core. It highlights the unintended consequences of these initiatives, such as increased segregation, inequality, and the undermining of public schools. The piece questions whether Gates will be held accountable for the negative outcomes of his well-intentioned but flawed educational interventions.

### Key Points

- Bill Gates’ education reforms, including Common Core and charter schools, have caused harm to public education, increasing segregation and inequality. 

- Gates’ focus on standardized testing has turned schools into test-prep factories, stifling creativity and critical thinking. 

- Billionaire-led education reforms often lack accountability and dismiss the expertise of educators. 

CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: Mom's Day Edition (5/11) https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/05/icymi-moms-day-edition-511.html 

Mother's Day reflections and a roundup of articles on education, politics, and societal issues. The blog covers topics such as democracy's decline, the impact of AI in education, segregation linked to school choice, and public education challenges. It also highlights personal stories, policy critiques, and cultural commentary.

### Key Points

- Julian Vasquez Heilig identifies eight factors contributing to the intellectual decline in the U.S. 

- Legal scholar Derek Black discusses the potential consequences of religious charter schools on public school funding. 

- AI's role in education is critiqued by Irina Dumitrescu and Guillaume Thierry, emphasizing its limitations and misconceptions. 

- Erica Perl shares her fight against censorship after her school visit was canceled over a non-binary snail character in her book. 

- Studies reveal increasing segregation in large districts due to school choice policies. 

- Mark Fernald critiques New Hampshire's growing reliance on school vouchers, predicting harm to public education. 

- Bruce Lesley outlines four major budget cuts in Trump's proposed budget that negatively affect children. 

- Jennifer Berkshire analyzes the political battles over school vouchers and culture wars in Texas. 

- The impact of tariffs on education technology and Chromebooks is explored by Mercedes Schneider. 

- A study on AI in education highlights its use as a tool for awe rather than understanding, explained by Audrey Watters. 

- Faribault soccer league exemplifies community-building efforts by Somali leaders, blending sports with cultural connection. 

It's Time for New Blood in the UFT https://open.substack.com/pub/arthurgoldstein/p/its-time-for-new-blood-in-the-uft?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

It's Time for New Blood in the UFT

### Key Points

- The author criticizes the Unity Caucus leadership of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), particularly Michael Mulgrew, for undemocratic practices, lack of transparency, and poor negotiation outcomes. 

- Amy Arundell is highlighted as a respectful and effective leader who prioritizes helping members and is proposed as a better alternative for UFT President. 

- The Unity Caucus is accused of fostering a toxic culture, including ageist stereotypes, personal attacks, and disregard for dissenting opinions. 

- Concerns are raised about the integrity of UFT elections, including issues with ballot secrecy, delays, and the vote-counting process. 

- The author urges members to vote for the ABC slate, advocating for change and a return to a supportive, member-focused union. 

glen brown: Two Notable Victories for the Rule of Law https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/05/two-notable-victories-for-rule-of-law.html 

Two notable victories for democracy are highlighted: one in North Carolina, where legal challenges to overturn election results were defeated, and another involving the withdrawal of Ed Martin's nomination as US Attorney for DC due to his controversial actions and affiliations. The article also critiques Trump’s administration for undermining expertise, promoting loyalty over competence, and fostering autocratic tendencies. It emphasizes the resilience of democracy amidst ongoing challenges.

### Key Points

- A Republican candidate's attempt in North Carolina to overturn election results was thwarted, reaffirming the integrity of free elections. 

- Ed Martin’s nomination as US Attorney for DC was withdrawn after backlash over his extreme affiliations and misuse of prosecutorial powers. 

- Concerns about the Trump administration’s devaluation of expertise and promotion of unqualified individuals, such as the new Surgeon General, were raised. 

- Patterns of intimidation within the justice system, including arrests of public officials under dubious pretenses, are emerging. 

- The Democracy Index tracks key metrics to assess the health of democracy, highlighting both resilience and ongoing threats. 

My Mother in Images | dr. p.l. (paul) thomas https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/05/11/my-mother-in-images/ 

This article is a collection of topics, writings, and reflections by Dr. P.L. Thomas, covering a wide range of themes such as education reform, critical literacy, social justice, memoirs, and cultural commentary. It includes discussions on systemic issues like racism, poverty, and inequity, as well as literary and philosophical explorations through the works of authors like James Baldwin and Paulo Freire.

### Key Points

- The article highlights Dr. P.L. Thomas's work as an educator, scholar, and writer, focusing on topics like academic freedom, critical pedagogy, and education reform. 

- It emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic inequities in education, such as the opportunity gap, racism, and poverty. 

- The content includes reflections on personal experiences and memoirs, such as "My Mother in Images" and poems, blending personal and societal narratives. 

- The article references critical discussions on media literacy, fake news, and the challenges of post-truth America. 

- Literary and cultural critiques are woven throughout, with mentions of influential authors and figures like Paulo Freire, James Baldwin, and Howard Zinn. 

The Uppity Minority: Executive Leadership, Power, and the Price of Speaking Up https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/05/11/the-uppity-minority-executive-leadership-power-and-the-price-of-speaking-up/ 

The article discusses the systemic challenges faced by leaders of color in academia, focusing on the case of Dean Frances Contreras, who was removed from her position despite a record of success. It examines how institutional racism and power dynamics often undermine leaders of color when they challenge inequities, labeling them as "uppity" for disrupting the status quo. The article calls for redefining leadership in education to prioritize equity, courage, and collective action.

### Key Points

- Dean Frances Contreras’ abrupt removal highlights a recurring issue in academia where leaders of color are punished for challenging institutional norms despite their accomplishments. 

- The term "uppity minority," historically used to demean Black Americans, is now coded in modern academia to undermine leaders of color who challenge power structures. 

- Institutions often recruit diverse leaders for appearances but resist their efforts to disrupt systemic inequities, labeling them as divisive or problematic when they advocate for change. 

- The emotional and professional toll on leaders of color includes silencing, retaliation, and erasure, often leading to their removal under the guise of institutional concerns. 

- The article calls for building support systems to protect leaders of color, redefining leadership to value courage and equity, and fostering collective action to resist systemic bias. 

- It emphasizes the importance of unapologetic leadership and the need for leaders of color to remain committed to justice and systemic change. 

Do Smaller Class Sizes Produce Varied Teaching Practices and Higher Academic Achievement? | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/05/11/do-smaller-class-sizes-produce-varied-teaching-practices-and-higher-academic-achievement/ 

Larry Cuban's blog post examines the long-standing belief that smaller class sizes lead to improved teaching practices and higher academic achievement. While historical and contemporary studies, such as those conducted in Tennessee and California, have shown mixed results, the post concludes that smaller class sizes do not automatically result in varied teaching methods or significant academic gains. Teachers generally prefer smaller classes for better classroom management and individual attention to students, but shifts in teaching practices are rare. The article also highlights critiques of the over-reliance on quantitative studies and calls for a more nuanced understanding of teachers' lived experiences.

### Key Points

- The belief that smaller class sizes improve teaching practices and academic performance is widely held but not strongly supported by evidence. 

- Historical studies, such as Tennessee's experiment, showed benefits in specific contexts, but California's efforts in the 1990s revealed no significant academic gains. 

- Researchers found little difference in teaching practices between reduced and non-reduced class sizes. 

- Smaller classes are favored by teachers for easier management and differentiation but do not inherently lead to student-centered teaching. 

- Critics argue that quantitative studies overlook the social-emotional benefits and the lived experiences of teachers and students in smaller classes. 

Mothers and Children Should Be Welcomed and Protected in America! - Nancy Bailey's Education Website https://nancyebailey.com/2025/05/11/mothers-and-children-should-be-welcomed-and-protected-in-america/ 

Mothers and children deserve compassion and protection in America, especially on Mother’s Day. The article highlights the struggles of immigrant mothers and children, the flawed immigration system, and the lack of humane policies. It calls for a better approach to immigration, emphasizing the need for due process, support for public schools, and a return to American values of empathy and inclusivity.

### Key Points

- Mothers share a unique bond and often support each other through challenges, including advocating for children with special needs or in marginalized communities. 

- The article criticizes the inhumane treatment of immigrant families, including arrests and separations at the border, and calls for a more compassionate immigration system. 

- The author reflects on their immigrant heritage and the need for a fair border protocol to process immigration humanely and efficiently. 

- Public schools should be supported to address the needs of immigrant children, including language education, to help them integrate. 

- The article lists disturbing headlines about the deportation of mothers and children, highlighting the failure of the current system to uphold human rights. 

- It condemns America’s shift toward a police state and urges the nation to return to its values of justice and humanity. 

Why Mother’s Day founder came to hate her creation (and more on moms, gifts, baby names etc.) wapo.st/3Z88ERq

Mother’s Day, originally established by Anna Jarvis in 1908 to honor mothers, became a national holiday in 1914. However, Jarvis later resented its commercialization, criticizing greeting cards and floral sales. She protested and even spent family assets trying to abolish the holiday. Key statistics about motherhood, fertility rates, and societal trends were also highlighted, including the number of mothers, birth rates, and employment data.

### Key Points

- Anna Jarvis founded Mother’s Day in 1908, but later opposed its commercialization. 

- Mother’s Day became a national holiday in 1914, influenced by Anna’s mother’s work during the Civil War. 

- Jarvis criticized the holiday’s commercialization, particularly greeting cards and flower sales, and protested against it. 

- Statistics on motherhood include 85.4 million mothers in the U.S. (2009) and varying fertility rates across states. 

- Employment and education trends of mothers, including 55% of mothers with recent births in the labor force (2010). 

- Single motherhood increased significantly from 1970 to 2011, with 10 million single mothers by 2011. 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
5-11-25

The article is a compilation of blog posts and articles covering various topics, including education reforms, political activism, reproductive rights, and systemic societal issues. It highlights critiques of Trump administration policies, the influence of corporate interests in education, and grassroots efforts for reform and inclusivity. Key themes include standardized testing, public education advocacy, abortion rights, and the impact of socioeconomic factors on education.  

### Key Points  

- Qatar gifted Trump a $400 million luxury airplane for personal use, replacing Air Force 1.   

- Smaller class sizes do not necessarily improve teaching practices or academic achievement, despite common beliefs.   

- The Trump administration plans deep budget cuts to the Interior Department, particularly affecting the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and Bureau of Land Management, raising concerns about operational failures and morale.   

- Senator Chris Murphy accused Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem of illegal practices, including overspending and deporting individuals with legal status.   

- Arkansas abortion rights advocates persist despite legislative setbacks, with Planned Parenthood adapting to restrictive policies.   

- The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is criticized for perpetuating a false narrative of educational crisis and being influenced by socioeconomic disparities. Proposed reforms include renaming achievement levels for clarity.   

- Paul Vallas critiques Trump’s Department of Education but supports privatization, charter schools, and weakening teacher unions, aligning with broader MAGA policies.   

- Blogs criticize corporate-driven education reforms, such as "No Excuses" teaching and charter school models, for exacerbating systemic issues like poverty and inequality.   

- Expanding NAEP into an annual, universal standardized test is criticized for federal overreach and failing to address systemic educational challenges.   

- Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, continues a progressive legacy focusing on social justice and inclusivity, receiving polarized reactions.   

- Critiques of Trump-era policies include weakening protections for marginalized students and dismantling civil rights offices, along with proposals like reopening Alcatraz prison.   

- Grassroots activism and community schools are highlighted as transformative models addressing systemic inequalities.   

- Persistent challenges in public education include teacher disrespect, over-reliance on standardized testing, and privatization efforts.