META, MONOPOLIES AND THE MISADVENTURES OF THE MODERN PUBLIC SQUARE

 
META, MONOPOLIES AND THE MISADVENTURES OF THE MODERN PUBLIC SQUARE

Meta. The company formerly known as Facebook, which rebranded itself with a name that sounds like a yoga studio but acts more like a corporate empire. If you’ve been following the drama, you know that Meta has been accused of hoarding the digital public square like a dragon guarding its treasure. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken them to court, alleging monopolistic behavior, and the trial is shaping up to be a showdown of epic proportions. Think "Game of Thrones," but with fewer dragons and more lawyers.

Let’s break this down. Meta owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—three platforms you probably use daily to procrastinate, argue with strangers, or share pictures of your dog. The FTC claims that by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp, Meta effectively squashed its competition and turned the social media landscape into its personal monopoly playground. Meta, of course, denies these allegations, insisting that they face plenty of competition from TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, and perhaps your grandmother’s knitting circle on Pinterest.

But here’s the thing: calling TikTok or YouTube "competition" is a bit like saying a cat competes with a goldfish because they both exist in your house. Sure, they’re both there, but they serve wildly different purposes. TikTok is where teenagers go to learn dances they’ll regret in five years. YouTube is where you can find tutorials on anything from fixing your sink to building a rocket (seriously—look it up). And LinkedIn? Well, it’s where people pretend to be professional while secretly hoping their posts go viral. Meanwhile, Meta’s platforms dominate the market for personal social networking, where everyone from your best friend to your weird uncle shares their unsolicited opinions.

The Public Square Problem

Meta likes to position itself as the digital public square—a place where people can gather, share ideas, and engage in democratic dialogue. But let’s be real: it’s more like a digital shopping mall where free speech comes with an algorithmic price tag. The company’s algorithms decide what you see and what you don’t, creating echo chambers that reinforce your existing beliefs. If you think the earth is flat, guess what? Meta will show you more flat-earth content until you’re convinced NASA is part of the conspiracy.

And let’s not forget the censorship issue. Meta has the power to deplatform users or suppress certain viewpoints, which is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, nobody wants their feed flooded with hate speech or misinformation. On the other hand, who gets to decide what qualifies as hate speech or misinformation? It’s like letting one person control the playlist at a party—they might think they’re doing everyone a favor by playing ABBA on repeat, but not everyone wants to dance to "Dancing Queen" for three hours straight.

Algorithms: The Invisible Puppeteers

Meta’s algorithms are the secret sauce behind its success—and its controversies. These algorithms are designed to keep you scrolling by showing you content that aligns with your interests (or at least what Meta thinks your interests are). The result? You spend more time on their platforms, see more ads, and make Meta more money. It’s a brilliant business model but a questionable one for democracy.

The problem is that these algorithms prioritize engagement over everything else. If outrage gets clicks, you’ll see more content designed to make you angry. If cute cat videos keep you scrolling, prepare for an endless parade of felines. It’s like being trapped in a funhouse where every mirror reflects your worst impulses—or your love of cats.

And because these algorithms are proprietary and secretive, there’s no way to know exactly how they work. It’s like trying to solve a mystery where the detective refuses to share their clues. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to hold Meta accountable for its role in shaping public discourse.

Monopoly or Misunderstanding?

The FTC’s case against Meta hinges on whether the company is a monopoly in the "personal social networking" market. If they win, Meta could be forced to divest from Instagram and WhatsApp, essentially breaking up the empire. This could lead to a more competitive social media landscape—or it could create chaos as users navigate multiple platforms that no longer integrate seamlessly.

Meta argues that breaking up the company would hurt consumers by disrupting their services. It’s a classic "if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it" defense. But critics argue that the system *is* broken—it’s just broken in Meta’s favor. By owning multiple platforms, Meta can cross-promote its services and collect data across all of them, giving it an unparalleled advantage over competitors.

The Bigger Picture

The debate over Meta is part of a larger conversation about the role of Big Tech in our lives. Social media platforms have become essential tools for communication, activism, and even governance. But they’re also private companies with their own agendas—and those agendas don’t always align with the public good.

Take Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, for example. This law shields tech companies from liability for user-generated content while allowing them to moderate that content as they see fit. It’s the legal equivalent of having your cake and eating it too. Critics argue that Section 230 gives companies like Meta too much power without enough accountability.

Then there’s the question of whether social media platforms should be treated as public utilities or common carriers. If these platforms are essential for modern communication, should they be regulated to ensure fairness and accessibility? Or would that stifle innovation and create new problems?

What’s Next?

The trial against Meta is ongoing, and it could take years before we see a resolution. In the meantime, the company will continue to operate as usual—dominating the market, tweaking its algorithms, and making Mark Zuckerberg even richer.

But this isn’t just about Meta; it’s about the future of the internet and how we navigate our digital lives. Do we want an online world controlled by a few mega-corporations? Or do we want a more open and competitive landscape where diverse voices can thrive?

One thing is clear: the digital public square isn’t going away anytime soon. Whether it remains a mall owned by Meta or evolves into something more democratic depends on how we address these challenges—and whether we’re willing to confront the giants of Big Tech.

In the meantime, enjoy your memes and cat videos—but maybe think twice before liking that post about flat-earth theories. After all, you never know what the algorithm will serve up next.

Is Meta a Monopoly? What to Know About the FTC's Antitrust Case - CNET https://www.cnet.com/news/social-media/is-meta-a-monopoly-what-to-know-about-the-ftcs-antitrust-case/ 

Meta and the FTC face off in court over monopoly claims - OPB https://www.opb.org/article/2025/04/14/meta-and-the-ftc-face-off-in-court-over-monopoly-claims/ 

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg takes the stand in historic antitrust trial | AP News https://apnews.com/article/meta-ftc-antitrust-instagram-whatsapp-facebook-f602a09e86c9eb4538949572f72e8380 

BLUESKY: THE RISING STAR THAT IS POOPING ON X'S PARADE

 

In the ever-dramatic saga of social media platforms, one plucky underdog is soaring above the wreckage of Elon Musk's Twitter rebrand, "X." Enter Bluesky—a decentralized, user-centric platform that has seemingly emerged as the hero we didn’t know we needed but now can’t stop rooting for. If Twitter is the grumpy old man yelling at kids to get off his lawn, Bluesky is the cool neighbor hosting a backyard barbecue with free vegan options and an open mic for poetry slams. And boy, is it catching on.

The Origin Story: From Twitter’s Basement to the Big Leagues

Bluesky was born as an experimental project in 2019 under the Twitter umbrella, back when Jack Dorsey was still sporting his Gandalf beard and dreaming of a decentralized internet. Fast forward to today, Twitter has morphed into "X," a dystopian playground of algorithmic chaos and questionable leadership, while Bluesky has spun off into its own independent platform. Think of it as the rebellious teenager who left home to start a punk band—and now has a record deal.

At the helm of Bluesky is CEO Jay Graber, who has taken Dorsey’s initial vision and turned it into something truly revolutionary. Built on the open-source AT Protocol, Bluesky is all about decentralization, interoperability, and giving users control over their online identities and data. Translation: it’s like a social media buffet where you get to pick what you want without being force-fed ads for protein powder or conspiracy theories.

What’s the Deal With Bluesky?

Bluesky’s rapid growth—now boasting over 34 million users—proves that people are tired of the same old social media nonsense. The platform offers customizable communities, balanced free speech (no fascists allowed, thank you very much), and features like verification that don’t require selling your soul—or your data—to the highest bidder.

Unlike "X," which feels like a chaotic blend of doomscrolling and digital gladiator fights, Bluesky is more like a well-organized town hall meeting where everyone gets a say. Want to join a community focused on cat memes? Go for it. Prefer a space dedicated to deep philosophical debates? Have at it. The platform’s community-driven moderation means you can curate your experience without worrying about trolls or bots ruining your day.

And let’s not forget Skylight, Bluesky’s TikTok-esque cousin that’s built on the same AT Protocol. Launched in record time (just 10 weeks!), Skylight offers short-form video content with features like duets and playlists. It’s like TikTok but without the looming fear of a government ban or an algorithm that thinks you really need to see another dance challenge.

Elon Musk: The Antihero of This Tale

Of course, no story about Bluesky would be complete without mentioning its accidental PR agent, Elon Musk. Since taking over Twitter and rebranding it as "X," Musk has made one questionable decision after another. From mass layoffs to algorithmic throttling of links, his reign has been less "visionary genius" and more "The Grinch Who Stole Twitter."

Users have flocked to Bluesky in droves, disillusioned by Musk’s antics and desperate for a healthier digital environment. It’s as if Musk is playing a game of “how many people can I alienate before breakfast” while Bluesky quietly builds a better mousetrap.

Why Bluesky Works (And Why It’s Winning)

Bluesky’s success lies in its commitment to user empowerment and innovation. The platform’s open ecosystem encourages developers to experiment and create new apps, fostering a sense of collaboration that’s rare in today’s competitive tech landscape. Whether it’s Skylight or other ATProto-based apps, users can move seamlessly between platforms while retaining their followers and content. It’s like having a digital passport that actually works—take that, TSA!

Monetization is another area where Bluesky shines. Instead of bombarding users with ads or selling their data to shady third parties, the platform is exploring subscriptions and developer services. Imagine paying for something you actually want instead of being subjected to yet another ad for that weird gadget you Googled once at 2 AM.

And then there’s the moderation system. Unlike "X," which seems to thrive on chaos, Bluesky strikes a balance between decentralization and necessary rules. Users can choose their moderation preferences or even create separate spaces with different guidelines. It’s like having a bouncer at your party who knows exactly when to kick out the guy trying to start a fight over pineapple pizza.

The Future Looks Bright (And Blue)

As Bluesky continues to grow, its potential seems limitless. The platform is already attracting creators, celebrities, and organizations looking for better engagement and less toxicity. With plans to introduce new features like customizable feeds and additional verification options, Bluesky is positioning itself as the social media equivalent of a five-star resort—luxurious but accessible.

Meanwhile, "X" feels more like a crumbling amusement park where the rides are broken, and the popcorn machine is on fire. Musk might have rebranded Twitter as "X," but Bluesky is proving that sometimes sticking with your original name—and your original values—is the smarter move.

In Conclusion: The Sky’s the Limit

Bluesky isn’t just another social media platform; it’s a movement. In an era where online spaces feel increasingly hostile and algorithm-driven, Bluesky offers a breath of fresh air. It’s a place where users can connect meaningfully, share ideas freely (but respectfully), and maybe even have a little fun along the way.

So if you’re tired of doomscrolling through "X" or dodging political rants on Facebook, give Bluesky a try. Who knows? You might just find yourself part of the next big thing in social media—or at least enjoying some really great cat memes.

Bluesky Is Plotting a Total Takeover of the Social Internet | WIRED https://www.wired.com/story/big-interview-jay-graber-bluesky/ 

Skylight | Skylight | Digital Picture Frame and Smart Calendar https://www.skylightframe.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqq6AVnpoIAw3cudhBCFMoFp4DR3OP2QicGPylh19oFjMBLrenw 

Mark Cuban backs Skylight, a TikTok alternative built on Bluesky's underlying technology | TechCrunch https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/01/mark-cuban-backs-skylight-a-tiktok-alternative-built-on-blueskys-underlying-technology/ 

Big Education Ape: ELON, WHY DID YOU KILL THE BIRD PART 1 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2024/11/elon-why-did-you-kill-bird.html 

Big Education Ape: ELON, WHY DID YOU KILL THE BIRD PART 2 #EDUSKY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2024/12/elon-why-did-you-kill-bird-part-2.html 

Big Education Ape: UPDATE: X-TWITTER BIRDS FLOCK TO BLUESKY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2024/11/x-twitter-birds-flock-to-bluesky.html 

Big Education Ape: ELON MUSK: THE GRINCH THAT STOLE TWITTER https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2024/12/elon-musk-grinch-that-stole-twitter.html 

 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
5-20-25

Why Does the Trump Administration Want to Deport or Imprison This Cancer Researcher? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/19/why-does-the-trump-administration-want-to-deport-or-imprison-this-cancer-researcher/ via @dianeravitch 

The article discusses the case of Kseniia Petrova, a Russian-born cancer researcher detained by U.S. Customs for failing to declare frog embryo samples after returning from a conference. Her visa was revoked, and she faces felony smuggling charges with a potential 20-year prison sentence, despite unclear legal grounds and minimal evidence. The article criticizes the Trump administration for politicizing her case, suggesting it reflects broader authoritarian tendencies and targeting of dissenters, scientists, and institutions like Harvard.

### Key Points

- Kseniia Petrova, a cancer researcher at Harvard, was detained for failing to declare frog embryo samples and now faces felony smuggling charges with up to 20 years in prison. 

- Petrova fled Russia due to her opposition to the Ukraine war and risks persecution if deported back. 

- Legal experts question the timing and validity of the charges, suggesting they are retaliatory and politically motivated. 

- The case highlights the Trump administration's alleged authoritarian tactics, targeting dissenters and undermining democratic norms. 

Now Will They Leave Joe Biden Alone? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/19/now-will-they-leave-joe-biden-alone/ via @dianeravitch 

A reflection on the presidency of Joe Biden, comparing his tenure to that of Donald Trump. The article defends Biden’s leadership despite criticisms of his mental and physical health, highlighting his administration's economic successes and governance stability. It critiques Trump’s policies and actions, emphasizing the damage caused to federal institutions and democracy under his leadership.

### Key Points

- The article defends Joe Biden against criticisms of his mental and physical health, asserting his presidency brought economic growth and stability. 

- It contrasts Biden’s governance with Trump’s, criticizing Trump for damaging federal institutions, undermining democracy, and prioritizing personal interests. 

- Biden’s economic achievements include significant growth in the Dow Jones, Nasdaq, and household net worth, despite challenges like pandemic-induced inflation. 

- The article critiques the media’s focus on Biden’s health while overlooking Trump’s governance failures and economic mismanagement. 

- It calls for reflection on Biden's tenure and the implications of unfairly targeting him post-presidency. 

Heather Cox Richardson: Trump's Politics of Distraction https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/19/heather-cox-richardson-trumps-politics-of-distraction/ via @dianeravitch 

Heather Cox Richardson analyzes the Trump administration's media strategies, highlighting how it uses distraction and narrative control to shift focus away from significant policy issues. The administration employs tactics like "narrative warfare" to dominate public discourse, leveraging outrage, disinformation, and media manipulation. These strategies aim to consolidate power, promote unpopular policies, and benefit the wealthy while undermining democracy.

### Key Points

- Heather Cox Richardson critiques Trump's strategy of distraction, calling it "narrative warfare," designed to control public perception and drown out criticism. 

- The administration's media tactics include over-the-top outrage, such as "shellgate," to divert attention from critical policy issues. 

- Trump’s economic policies, including high tariffs and tax cuts for the wealthy, have led to economic uncertainty, rising prices, and a downgraded U.S. credit rating. 

- Cuts to government programs, such as Medicaid and disaster preparedness, have harmed ordinary Americans while benefiting the wealthy. 

- Critics draw parallels between Trump's consolidation of power and historical authoritarian regimes, warning of the risks to democracy and corporate influence. 

Vouchers, Vouchers Everywhere, by @TheAndySpears https://open.substack.com/pub/theeducationreport/p/vouchers-vouchers-everywhere?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

Vouchers, Vouchers Everywhere And no more funds for public schools

### Key Points

- A federal voucher bill, titled “Qualified Elementary and Secondary Education Scholarships” (ECCA), is moving through Congress. It aims to divert public funds to private schools, costing taxpayers $20 billion over four years while cutting Medicaid and food stamps. 

- The bill provides significant tax incentives for nonprofits and wealthy donors who support private K-12 schools, including a tax shelter for capital gains. This favors the privatization of education. 

- In Pennsylvania, lawmakers are pushing a school voucher bill that expands eligibility but largely mirrors previous proposals. It risks reducing funding for public schools and undermining equitable education access. 

- Critics argue that vouchers often fail to cover full tuition costs, disproportionately affecting less privileged children, particularly BIPOC students, while benefiting wealthy interests. 

"Didn't do *that*," part 1: new Schofield case developments reveal crucial 10th Circuit/Ledger lie, by @BillyTownsendEd https://open.substack.com/pub/billytownsend/p/didnt-do-that-part-1-new-schofield?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

The article delves into the wrongful conviction of Leo Schofield for the 1987 murder of his wife, Michelle Schofield, highlighting judicial and journalistic misconduct. It focuses on the 2017 evidentiary hearing where convicted murderer Jeremy Scott confessed multiple times to the crime, but a judicial ruling and a misleading article by journalist Suzie Schottelkotte misrepresented Scott’s testimony. The article accuses both the judiciary and The Ledger of perpetuating lies that uphold Schofield's conviction, despite clear evidence pointing to Scott as the true perpetrator. The author emphasizes the need for justice, transparency, and accountability from the judicial system and the media.

### Key Points  

- Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield at least 40 times during a 2017 evidentiary hearing, but Judge Kevin Abdoney falsely claimed Scott denied the crime.   

- The misrepresentation of Scott’s testimony was perpetuated by journalist Suzie Schottelkotte in her article for The Ledger, which falsely claimed Scott contradicted himself.   

- The phrase “I didn’t do that,” used by Scott, referred to a reaction to an autopsy photo and was not a recantation of his confession. This was misinterpreted intentionally by the prosecution and media.   

- The author accuses the 10th Circuit judiciary, particularly Judge Abdoney, of fabricating evidence and protecting their own reputation rather than seeking justice.   

- The article criticizes The Ledger for failing to correct its factual errors, particularly the mislabeling of an autopsy photo as a “crime-scene photograph,” which distorted the narrative.   

- The 10th Circuit judiciary is described as a corrupt system heavily influenced by former State Attorney Jerry Hill, with judges and prosecutors protecting their own interests.   

- The article highlights the need for a new trial for Leo Schofield and calls for the case to be removed from the 10th Circuit due to its history of misconduct.   

- The author reached out to The Ledger’s editor to demand corrections and accountability, emphasizing the importance of truthful journalism in exposing judicial corruption.   

- Jeremy Scott’s reaction to the autopsy photo was consistent with his confessions, as he clarified in later interviews, including on the podcast “Bone Valley.”   

- The author argues that public pressure and media corrections could lead to a domino effect, ultimately exposing the corruption in the Schofield case and securing justice. 

Apply Here for the Watchlist: Academia’s New Mark of Courage @TPUSA #ProfessorWatchMe https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/05/19/apply-here-for-the-watchlist-academias-new-mark-of-courage-tpusa-professorwatchme/ 

### Key Points  

- Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig calls on educators and scholars to confront injustice openly, emphasizing the importance of education as a liberatory act and rejecting complacency in the face of systemic issues.   

- He critiques the Turning Point USA Professor Watchlist, which he describes as a political tool aimed at silencing educators advocating for equity, justice, and critical perspectives on race, gender, and inequality.   

- Dr. Heilig positions himself as a proud advocate for public education, justice-centered scholarship, and critical inquiry, openly requesting inclusion on the watchlist as a form of resistance and validation of his work.   

- He highlights his academic and public contributions, including teaching, publishing, and activism, which challenge power structures and promote equity in education.   

- Dr. Heilig urges other scholars to join him in resisting attempts to suppress academic freedom by making their own applications to the watchlist public, turning the list into a symbol of collective resistance. 

Teacher Tom: When Our Words are "Loose Parts" https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/05/when-our-words-are-loose-parts.html 

Teacher Tom discusses the concept of "loose parts" in play and learning environments, emphasizing the importance of granting children the freedom to explore, create, and think independently. He critiques how adult-imposed rules and commands often stifle children's curiosity and creativity, advocating for a shift in how adults communicate with children to foster their autonomy and problem-solving abilities.

### Key Points

- The "loose parts" theory highlights the value of environments where children can manipulate and shape their surroundings freely, promoting creativity and exploration. 

- Over-regulation and adult-imposed restrictions, like forbidding certain play activities, diminish children's joy and engagement. 

- Providing flexible materials for children to build their own structures fosters creativity and ensures play remains dynamic and self-directed. 

- Adult language often limits children's freedom, with commands and questions steering them away from their natural curiosity. 

- Shifting from commands to informational statements allows children to think independently and use information as they wish. 

- The blog promotes a course on transforming adult communication with children to create environments that nurture cooperation, independence, and critical thinking. 

The Heritage Foundation, Project Esther and the NYC race for mayor., by @fklonsky https://open.substack.com/pub/fredklonsky/p/the-heritage-foundation-project-esther?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

### Key Points

- The article criticizes the Heritage Foundation's "Project Esther," which claims to combat antisemitism but is seen as a right-wing, neo-fascist agenda that marginalizes dissent and aligns with evangelical Christian beliefs. 

- Project Esther promotes policies like canceling visas, deportations, revoking university funding, and reshaping academic curricula, evoking comparisons to McCarthyism. 

- The initiative was created without input from Jewish organizations, and many prominent Jewish groups have denied involvement despite claims by the Heritage Foundation. 

- The article highlights political exploitation of antisemitism in the New York City mayoral race, with candidates Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams using it as a campaign strategy without a history of combating real antisemitism. 

- The author shares a personal connection to the issue through his grandmother, Esther Wainer, a Jewish immigrant, feminist, and socialist, who would oppose such misappropriations. 

Malcolm X at 100 years old! | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2025/05/19/malcolm-x-at-100-years-old/ 

### Key Points

- The article celebrates Malcolm X's 100th birthday, emphasizing his enduring impact and relevance. 

- It invites readers to share and spread the message about Malcolm X's legacy. 

- Mentions related posts and archives, including teaching Malcolm X and other educational content. 

- Lists categories such as articles, book reviews, education, and podcasts, including "Under the Tree." 

- Provides an extensive archive of posts ranging from 2006 to 2025. 

Education Research Report: Results of College Course Shutouts https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/05/results-of-college-course-shutouts.html 

Education Research Report: Impact of College Course Shutouts

### Key Points

- A study at a large public university reveals that being shut out of oversubscribed courses reduces the likelihood of students ever taking a course in the same subject by 30%. 

- Course shutouts have a particularly negative impact on female students, lowering their cumulative GPAs, likelihood of majoring in STEM, on-time graduation rates, and early-career earnings. 

- Male students' long-term outcomes are generally unaffected by course shutouts, except for an increased likelihood of choosing a major in the business school. 

Education Research Report: Changes in the College Mobility Pipeline https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/05/changes-in-college-mobility-pipeline.html 

### Key Points

- The wage premium for attending college has halved for lower-income Americans since 1960, highlighting growing inequality in higher education returns. 

- Three primary factors explain 80% of this rise in collegiate regressivity: the decline of teaching-oriented public universities, the disproportionate diversion of lower-income students into community and for-profit colleges, and higher-income students shifting towards lucrative majors like computer science. 

- Before 1960, college-going provided equitable economic returns, but current regressivity limits higher education's ability to reduce inequality and contributes to 25% of intergenerational income transmission. 

Schools Matter: Trump & The Press: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/05/trump-press-last-week-tonight-with-john.html 

### Key Points

- The article critiques the influence of Donald Trump on the media, labeling him as a "Gangster-in-Chief" who profits from corporate media coverage. 

- It highlights issues like poverty being a critical factor in education, overshadowing teacher quality, and critiques the increase in standardized testing. 

- The blog includes references to political and social commentary, such as Hillary Clinton's involvement in corporate charter schools and the need for systemic change in education. 

- The archive lists numerous posts over the years, indicating a focus on education reform, political criticism, and social justice. 

- Various essays and reviews are mentioned, discussing topics like testing, teacher renewal, and the impact of policies like No Child Left Behind (NCLB) on public schools. 

glen brown: “My whole life I’ve been greedy" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/05/republican-immorality.html

This article critiques the moral and political trajectory of the United States, particularly under the influence of Donald Trump and his administration. It explores themes of morality in governance, the erosion of democratic principles, historical examples of American values, and the contrast between democracy and "illiberal democracies" like Russia and Hungary. The article also emphasizes the need to return to foundational moral principles to protect democracy and ensure fairness for all citizens.

### Key Points

- The article quotes various thinkers about the role of writers and morality, emphasizing resistance to oppression and isolation. 

- Morality in governance is discussed, highlighting examples of oppression in other nations and the deviation of American values under Trump’s administration. 

- Legislative measures under the Trump administration, such as targeting nonprofits and free speech, are compared to tactics used in authoritarian regimes like Russia and Hungary. 

- Historical moments like Reconstruction and the New Deal are cited as key reforms that embraced equality and supported the working class, contrasting with recent right-wing policies. 

- The influence of greed and power in politics is criticized, with references to figures like Fred Trump, Reagan, and Ayn Rand, as well as the consequences of prioritizing wealth over public welfare. 

- Examples of America’s past foreign policy failures are mentioned to underline the importance of adhering to democratic principles globally. 

- The article underscores the need to educate future generations about morality and democracy, advocating a return to values that protect the weakest citizens and promote fairness. 

Radical Eyes for Equity: Buyer Beware: Marketing Education Often an Incomplete Story | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/buyer-beware 

### Key Points

- Media often presents misleading or incomplete stories about education, focusing on crisis or miracle narratives. 

- Charter schools, as part of the school choice movement, market themselves heavily, which can lead to biased or exaggerated claims. 

- A specific example involves a charter school claiming success due to gender-segregated instruction, but evidence suggests this is misleading and student achievement is more closely tied to socioeconomic status. 

- The highlighted charter school, Langston Charter Middle, has a low poverty index, which largely explains its academic success compared to schools with similar demographics. 

- Media and marketing strategies in education often harm public understanding by oversimplifying or distorting the reality of school performance and educational inequities. 

- The article emphasizes skepticism toward media narratives and urges readers to critically analyze claims about school success. 

Supreme Court to Rule on Religious Charter Schools - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/supreme-court-to-rule-on-religious-charter-schools/

### Key Points

- The Supreme Court is deliberating on the case St. Isadore of Seville Catholic Virtual School vs Drummond, which seeks to determine whether a religious charter school can be established. 

- The decision could have significant implications for the status and future of charter schools in the U.S. 

- The Network for Public Education highlights the importance of preserving and strengthening public schools for current and future generations. 

Weekend Quotables https://open.substack.com/pub/klonsky/p/weekend-quotables-abd?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

### Key Points

- The author reflects on their time in Canada, contrasting its progressive healthcare system with the U.S., where high costs, lack of universal coverage, and employer-dependent insurance create significant challenges for citizens. 

- During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was estimated that a universal healthcare system in the U.S. could have saved over 335,000 lives. 

- The author highlights Canada’s fewer issues with environmental protection, economic inequality, and racism compared to the U.S. while criticizing Trump’s imperialist ambitions. 

- Bruce Springsteen emphasizes the importance of collective action as a safeguard for democracy during his concert in Manchester, England. 

- Cecilia Culver, during her graduation speech, criticized the imperialist system and expressed shame over tuition funding violence in Palestine. 

- Trump boasts about his financial success, juxtaposing it with U.S. aid spending in Ukraine. 

- Jake Sullivan, former U.S. Security Advisor, faced criticism for his statements on U.S. arms transfers and was controversially appointed to a position at Harvard. 

- The article closes with reflections on resilience and hope, as symbolized by Springsteen’s performance of "Chimes of Freedom." 

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Transportation Event for Kids with Intellectual an... https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/05/transportation-event-for-kids-with.html?spref=tw 

### Key Points

- A transportation safety event for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities will take place on June 7, 2025, offering activities like bike helmet fittings, car seat demonstrations, and sensory-friendly activities. 

- The event includes therapy dogs, adaptive bikes, face painting, and a teddy bear check-up, welcoming all families while prioritizing those with disabilities. Free helmets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

- Discussion on nepotism within Seattle Public Schools highlights issues of promotions and job transitions based on personal connections, particularly among principals and senior staff. 

- Concerns about potential school closures in Seattle focus on the lack of transparency and the district's rationale, with skepticism about cost-saving claims and the future use of closed school buildings.

Choosing Democracy: The plan to crush the Pro- Palestinian Movement in the U.S. https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-plan-to-crush-pro-palestinian.html 

Scoop: Internal documents from the Heritage Foundation's Project Esther reveal a controversial plan to combat antisemitism, portraying Jewish "masterminds" like George Soros and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker as working to undermine Western values. The project focuses on left-wing critics of Israel, ignoring far-right antisemitism, and proposes aggressive tactics against progressive groups it labels as the "Hamas Support Network." These tactics include legal actions, deportations, and legislation to counteract these groups, but the plan has struggled to gain support from major Jewish organizations.

### Key Points

- The Heritage Foundation's Project Esther identifies Jewish figures like George Soros and JB Pritzker as part of a conspiracy to dismantle Western values. 

- Project Esther focuses on targeting left-wing critics of Israel, ignoring antisemitic threats from far-right groups. 

- Tactics include using law enforcement, deportations, and legislation to neutralize progressive activists labeled as part of a "Hamas Support Network." 

- The plan has not garnered significant support from major Jewish organizations and was primarily developed by evangelical Christian groups. 

- Figures such as Neville Singham and activist organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace are also targeted in the plan. 

- The project has faced criticism for its one-sided focus and controversial strategies, with no major endorsements since its release. 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
5-18-25  

The article is a compilation of educational, political, and societal issues, highlighting controversies, legal battles, reforms, and systemic challenges. It covers topics such as public education policies, civil rights, healthcare, religious charter schools, and the impact of political decisions on marginalized communities. Key discussions include the erosion of constitutional protections, the privatization of education, and the consequences of authoritarian tendencies.  

### Key Points  

- The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Trump’s immigration policies, affirming due process for all individuals in the U.S., regardless of citizenship.   

- Georgia's abortion law mandates keeping a brain-dead pregnant woman alive, raising ethical and financial concerns.   

- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faces criticism for war crimes in Gaza, while Trump avoids addressing the humanitarian crisis.   

- Florida courts ruled against DeSantis’ attempt to ban drag shows, emphasizing free speech rights and opposing political censorship.   

- Peter Greene plans to write a book on authentic teaching methods, reducing blogging activity.   

- The Network for Public Education reports $1 billion wasted on failed charter schools, raising concerns about privatization and public funding misuse.   

- Donald Trump secured personal business deals in the Middle East but ignored humanitarian crises, such as the Gaza blockade.   

- Religious charter schools, like St. Isidore Catholic School, challenge the separation of church and state by seeking public funding.   

- Trump’s DOJ stated it could selectively obey court orders, undermining the rule of law and constitutional checks.   

- Cyberbullying is a significant trauma source for adolescents, emphasizing the need for trauma-informed approaches in schools.   

- Glen Brown critiques Trump’s personality traits through the lens of Narcissistic Personality Disorder and warns of authoritarian tendencies.   

- Predictions of a paperless future remain unfulfilled due to the practical benefits of paper in various fields.   

- The Seattle School Board’s superintendent search emphasizes inclusivity, transparency, and community engagement.   

- UFT Spring Conference 2025 discussed Tier 6 pension reform, mayoral candidates, and challenges in public education.   

- Boys outperform girls in STEM post-COVID, reversing prior gender equity gains.   

- Walmart raises prices due to Trump-era tariffs, highlighting economic struggles tied to billionaire tax cuts.