PRIVATIZED DEMOCRACY - GOVERNMENT SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER

 PRIVATIZED DEMOCRACY 

GOVERNMENT SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER

Welcome to America 2.0, where democracy is no longer a government "by the people, for the people," but more like "by the corporations, for the profits." Picture this: Uncle Sam trading his iconic top hat and finger-pointing poster for a corporate logo and a LinkedIn profile that says, “CEO of Privatized America, Inc.” Sounds dystopian, right? But this isn’t some Black Mirror episode—it’s real life. Buckle up, Kids, because we're diving into the trash fire that is privatized democracy.

The Rise of Privatization: Democracy on Clearance Sale

Once upon a time, the government did government stuff—building roads, managing parks, enforcing laws. You know, boring but important tasks. Then came the 1980s, a decade of big hair, neon fashion, and Ronald Reagan telling everyone that government was the problem and privatization was the solution. Suddenly, the government wasn’t just trimming fat; it was selling off its organs on Craigslist.

Privatization was marketed like the iPhone of public policy—sleek, efficient, and innovative. Why have messy public services when you could outsource them to "nimble" private companies? The sales pitch was simple: Private companies would do it cheaper and better. Spoiler alert: They didn’t. What they did do was prioritize profits over people and turn public accountability into an optional feature—like paying extra for guac at Chipotle.

Accountability? Never Heard of Her

Here’s the thing about private companies taking over public services: They don’t have to answer to you. Government agencies are supposed to be transparent because they work for us—key word being “supposed.” But private companies? They work for their shareholders. When they screw up, they don’t hold town halls or issue public apologies; they just lawyer up.

Take Chicago’s infamous parking meter fiasco. The city leased its parking meters to a private company for 75 years in exchange for a quick cash grab. The result? Sky-high parking fees and zero control over how those meters are managed. It’s like selling your car to pay rent and then having to Uber everywhere at triple surge pricing. Genius.

And let’s not forget the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). There were talks of privatizing parts of it, which sounds totally fine until you realize that private companies might charge you to check the weather. Imagine having to Venmo $5 just to find out if it’s going to rain. Peak capitalism.

Workers Get the Short End of the Stick (Again)

Privatization doesn’t just screw over taxpayers; it also screws over workers. When public services are handed off to private companies, employees often lose benefits, job security, and any chance of unionizing. Why pay someone a living wage with health insurance when you can hire contractors for peanuts and call it “cost efficiency”?

Take welfare programs run by private firms like Maximus, Inc. Instead of actually helping people climb out of poverty, these companies focus on meeting quotas and cutting costs. They enforce rules with all the empathy of a DMV clerk on their lunch break. Meanwhile, the workers running these programs are underpaid and overworked because hey, profit margins don’t grow themselves.

Infrastructure: From Public Good to Private Playground

Let’s talk infrastructure—the roads you drive on, the bridges you cross, the water you drink. These are things that should be managed by people who care about public safety, not by corporations looking to turn potholes into profit holes.

The Biden administration’s infrastructure plan includes public-private partnerships (PPPs), which sound collaborative but often end up being corporate cash grabs. Sure, private companies might build a shiny new bridge faster than the government could, but at what cost? Higher tolls? Reduced access for low-income communities? A bridge that collapses because cutting corners is cheaper than following safety regulations? Hard pass.

Corporate Capture: Democracy’s Evil Twin

Here’s where things get really messy: Corporate capture. It’s when private companies have so much influence over government that they basically write the rules themselves. Think Citizens United, the Supreme Court decision that turned political campaigns into GoFundMe pages for billionaires. Now corporations can spend unlimited amounts of money on elections, drowning out the voices of regular people like you and me.

And don’t even get me started on lobbying. Big corporations spend millions convincing lawmakers to pass laws that benefit them—laws that often lead to more privatization. It’s like a snake eating its own tail, except the snake is capitalism and the tail is democracy.

The Elon Musk Problem

Speaking of corporate capture, let’s talk about everyone’s favorite tech bro: Elon Musk. Under President Trump, Musk was appointed head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE—yes, like the meme coin). His job? To make government more “efficient,” which apparently meant dismantling civil services and handing everything over to private contractors.

Musk’s companies have received billions in government subsidies, so his whole “government is bad” shtick is peak hypocrisy. It’s like biting the hand that feeds you while simultaneously asking it for seconds. And under his leadership, DOGE targeted agencies that dared to regulate his businesses—because nothing says democracy like using public office to settle personal vendettas.

The Myth of Efficiency

Proponents of privatization love to talk about efficiency, but here’s a hot take: Efficiency isn’t always a good thing. Sure, cutting corners might save money in the short term, but it often leads to long-term disasters. Case in point: privatized prisons. They’re cheaper to run because they skimp on staff training and inmate care, but they’re also more violent and less effective at rehabilitation. Efficient? Maybe. Ethical? Not even close.

And let’s not forget the COVID-19 pandemic. Years of privatizing public health systems left us woefully unprepared for a global crisis. Underfunded agencies couldn’t keep up with testing and contact tracing, while private companies hoarded resources or charged exorbitant prices for basic necessities. Turns out “efficiency” doesn’t mean much when people are dying.

What Can We Do About It?

Okay, so privatization sucks. But what can we actually do about it? For starters, we need to stop treating government like a business and start treating it like what it is: a collective effort to serve the public good.

Here are some ideas:

1.Ban Corporate Political Spending: Citizens United needs to go. Corporations shouldn’t have more influence over elections than actual citizens.

2. Increase Transparency: Private contractors running public services should be held to the same accountability standards as government agencies.

3. Invest in Public Institutions: Instead of outsourcing everything, let’s fund our schools, hospitals, and infrastructure properly.

4. Support Unions: Workers deserve fair wages and benefits, whether they’re employed by the government or a private company.

5. Elect Leaders Who Care: Vote for people who prioritize public welfare over corporate profits. Easier said than done, I know.

Final Thoughts: Democracy Is Not For Sale

Privatization might seem like a quick fix for budget shortfalls or bureaucratic inefficiencies, but it comes at a steep cost—our democracy. When we hand over public services to private companies, we lose control over how those services are run and who they benefit. Accountability disappears, inequality grows, and the gap between “we the people” and “they the corporations” widens.

So let’s stop pretending privatization is some magic cure-all and start treating it like what it really is: a scam. Because at the end of the day, democracy isn’t just about voting every four years—it’s about having a government that works for all of us, not just those who can afford to buy it.

Stay woke, kids. The future is ours—if we fight for it.

Big Education Ape: WE DON'T DO KINGS: NATIONWIDE PROTESTS TO RAIN ON TRUMP'S $45M BIRTHDAY MILITARY PARADE #NoKingsDay #DefendDemocracy #AmericaStrong https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/05/we-dont-do-kings-nationwide-protests-to.html 

 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
6-7-25

It's Dangerous to Call Him "TACO" Trump https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/06/its-dangerous-to-call-him-taco-trump/ via @dianeravitch 

### Key Points

- Tim O’Brien critiques the nickname "TACO Trump" (Trump Always Chickens Out), which highlights Trump’s pattern of making bold tariff threats but retreating soon after. 

- Trump’s fragile ego is discussed, emphasizing his need to appear strong and fearless despite past actions, such as draft evasion. O’Brien recalls Trump’s failed $10 billion defamation lawsuit against him. 

- Trump’s inconsistent tariff policies, which harm the economy, are linked to his need to project toughness and avoid being labeled as weak or a "chicken." 

- Commentary from readers describes Trump as a schoolyard bully whose actions will have long-term negative consequences for the U.S. 

- Discussions include humorous takes on the "TACO Trump" nickname and its variations, as well as concerns about Trump’s vindictiveness and insecurity. 

Florida: DeSantis Degraded Education at Every Level https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/06/florida-desantis-degraded-education-at-every-level/ via @dianeravitch 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has implemented policies that critics argue have undermined public education at all levels. He expanded voucher programs benefiting private and religious schools, appointed political allies to leadership roles in universities, and prioritized ideological conformity over academic freedom. His actions have led to increased spending on controversial initiatives, politicized higher education appointments, and diminished independent thought in Florida's educational institutions.

### Key Points

- Governor DeSantis expanded voucher programs, subsidizing private and religious schools, while public education funding remains strained. 

- DeSantis reshaped Florida's higher education system by appointing political allies to university leadership positions, often bypassing merit-based searches. 

- The governor's takeover of New College transformed it into a politically-driven institution, increasing costs per student significantly. 

- DeSantis targeted individuals and institutions perceived as promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), favoring conservative ideologies in their place. 

- Critics argue these policies prioritize political agendas over educational quality and independence. 

Glenn Kessler Fact-Checks Marco Rubio’s Claim that No One Died When Foreign Aid Stopped https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/06/glenn-kessler-fact-checks-marco-rubios-claim-that-no-one-died-when-foreign-aid-stopped/ via @dianeravitch 

Glenn Kessler from The Washington Post fact-checks Marco Rubio's claim that no one died due to the suspension of USAID under the Trump administration. Rubio dismissed allegations of deaths as false, despite evidence and reports of humanitarian crises caused by abrupt cuts to U.S. foreign aid. Experts and studies suggest significant loss of life due to these cuts, particularly in global health programs like PEPFAR. Rubio's statements were deemed misleading, earning him a "Four Pinocchios" rating.

### Key Points

- Glenn Kessler analyzed Marco Rubio's claim that no one died from USAID cuts, finding it misleading. 

- Reports indicate deaths occurred due to abrupt suspensions of aid, including closure of hospitals and loss of access to HIV/AIDS treatments. 

- Studies estimate tens of thousands of deaths caused by reduced funding, with a model showing 103 deaths per hour due to cuts. 

- Experts criticized the abrupt and unplanned nature of the cuts, emphasizing preventable deaths and broken supply chains. 

- Rubio's dismissal of death claims as "lies" was refuted by evidence, earning him a "Four Pinocchios" fact-check rating. 

Big Education Ape: GODZILLA VS. MEGALODON: THE TRUMP-MUSK BROMANCE BREAKUP THAT AMUSED THE WORLD https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/godzilla-vs-meglodon-trump-musk.html 

A feud between Trump and Musk unfolds, marked by a public fallout over policy disagreements, social media drama, and economic repercussions. Their once-promising alliance, centered on mutual interests, deteriorates into a spectacle of petty disputes, impacting Tesla, SpaceX, and public perception. The feud highlights the absurdity of modern political and corporate dynamics, with late-night comedians and meme-makers thriving on the chaos.

### Key Points

- Brennen School in Delaware sees lawsuits and the arrest of a paraprofessional. 

- Trump-Musk bromance begins with Musk supporting Trump’s campaign and joining his administration. 

- Musk resigns from his role, citing creative differences and criticizing Trump’s legislation. 

- The feud escalates with social media attacks, conspiracy claims, and economic impacts on Tesla and SpaceX. 

- Public figures and institutions react, urging maturity, while comedians capitalize on the drama. 

- The feud symbolizes Trump’s chaotic second term and the absurdity of power struggles. 

"No Honor Among Thieves": What the Trump–Elon Feud Teaches Us About Education Reform https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/06/06/no-honor-among-thieves-what-the-trump-elon-feud-teaches-us-about-education-reform/ 

“No Honor Among Thieves”: What the Trump–Elon Feud Teaches Us About Education Reform explores the fragility of alliances built on opportunism across politics and education reform. The article examines the Trump-Musk fallout as a metaphor for the instability of transactional relationships, particularly in education privatization, where coalitions often fracture due to competing interests over money, power, and control. It advocates for community-driven, collaborative reform over top-down, profit-driven approaches.

### Key Points

- The Trump-Musk feud highlights the collapse of alliances based on self-interest and opportunism, reflecting similar dynamics in education reform. 

- Education privatization coalitions, such as charter and voucher advocates, are fracturing over competition for resources and control, undermining their shared agenda. 

- Texas' voucher bill controversy exemplifies how opportunistic alliances in education reform break when financial interests clash. 

- Teach For America’s decline shows how straddling ideological divides and prioritizing self-preservation over mission leads to loss of legitimacy. 

- Billionaire-driven education reform, tied to shifting donor priorities, destabilizes schools and communities, reflecting the pitfalls of power-driven initiatives. 

- Top-down education reforms fail when they ignore community input, with resistance from teachers, parents, and students leading to eventual collapse. 

- Sustainable education reform requires prioritizing voices of educators, students, and families over alliances driven by money or ideology. 

Teacher Tom: You Can't Get There on a Treadmill https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/06/you-cant-get-there-on-treadmill.html 

Teacher Tom's blog post explores the importance of movement as an integral part of human life and development, particularly for children. He highlights the contrast between the natural activity levels of children and the sedentary lifestyles of modern adults, emphasizing the negative physical and psychological impacts of this shift. The author critiques the academic structure of schools that suppress children's natural inclination for movement, advocating for play-based, movement-rich learning environments to honor the human "mind on the hoof."

### Key Points

- Children naturally engage in significantly more movement compared to adults, but modern society suppresses this through sedentary lifestyles. 

- Movement is essential for human development, with roots in our evolutionary need to hunt and forage, but modern practices like treadmill exercise fail to replicate meaningful movement. 

- Schools often force children into sedentary academic environments, which stifles their natural development and contributes to negative physical and mental health outcomes. 

- Movement is vital for life and learning, serving as a universal language and a core part of human existence. 

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Wear Orange for Amarr https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/06/wear-orange-for-amarr.html?spref=tw 

### Key Points

- The article discusses the first anniversary of Garfield High School student Amarr Murphy-Paine's murder, highlighting the lack of progress in identifying his killer and the ongoing issue of gun violence in schools. 

- Sebrena Burr, co-president of the SCPTA, emphasizes the need for a comprehensive safety plan to address gun violence and its root causes, such as why students feel the need to carry guns. 

- Garfield students, including Pita Moi Moi, are creating a documentary called "True Dawgs" to honor Murphy-Paine, address gun violence, and promote community love. 

- A field day and community celebration of life are planned on National Gun Violence Awareness Day to remember Murphy-Paine. 

- The article briefly shifts to unrelated topics, including nepotism concerns within Seattle Schools and discussions about advanced learning services. 

Kids: 1, ICE: 0 https://open.substack.com/pub/educationwars/p/kids-1-ice-0?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

High school students in Milford, Massachusetts, successfully protested against ICE's detention of their classmate Marcelo Gomes da Silva, leading to his release. The incident highlights the power of student activism, the broader resistance to ICE's actions, and the Trump Administration's controversial immigration and educational policies targeting undocumented individuals.

### Key Points

- High school students in Milford rallied to protest ICE's detention of Marcelo Gomes da Silva, leading to his release. 

- Marcelo's detention shed light on the harsh conditions of detention centers and inspired student activism. 

- Students and schools have become pivotal in resisting immigration policies, as seen in other cases like Sackets Harbor, NY. 

- The Trump Administration's immigration policies face criticism, particularly for targeting children and families. 

- ICE's aggressive tactics in Massachusetts have sparked public outcry and resistance. 

- The administration's efforts to cut funding for immigrant education and challenge the Plyler v. Doe case aim to limit opportunities for undocumented students. 

- Heavy-handed policies often backfire, fostering increased dissent and activism among young people. 

glen brown: And the "Intern" Can Lift One Eyebrow Too https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/06/and-he-can-lift-one-eyebrow-too.html 

A blog post by Glen Brown critiques the Trump administration's appointment of a 22-year-old with minimal experience, Thomas C. Fugate, to lead a critical Department of Homeland Security office focused on countering domestic terrorism. The article highlights Fugate's lack of qualifications, detailing his background in landscaping, grocery work, and internships, and draws attention to the broader political and governance issues under the Trump administration. The post also reflects on the challenges of resisting oppression, protecting public pensions, and addressing systemic injustices.

### Key Points

- The Trump administration appointed Thomas C. Fugate, a 22-year-old with no significant national security experience, to lead a DHS office focused on domestic terrorism prevention. 

- Fugate's background includes landscaping, grocery store work, internships at conservative think tanks, and campaign roles, raising questions about his qualifications. 

- The blog discusses various other themes, including public pensions, social justice, systemic injustice, and critiques of Trump-era policies. 

Mystery AI Hype Theater 3000: Calling All Mad Scientists: Reject "AI" as a Framing of Your Work | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/calling-all 

The article critiques the use of the term "AI" in scientific and technological contexts, arguing that it misleads the public and lends undue credibility to entities like Elon Musk's DOGE. It emphasizes the importance of precise language to describe statistical modeling and other methodologies, rather than relying on the catch-all term "AI." The author, Emily M. Bender, suggests that scientists should resist framing their work as "AI" to avoid enabling harmful narratives and practices in public policy and funding.

### Key Points

- The term "AI" is often misused, creating a false impression that it represents a coherent set of technologies. 

- Using "AI" in scientific work can inadvertently support misleading claims by entities like DOGE, who exploit the term for questionable projects, such as rewriting government codebases. 

- Precise descriptions of methodologies, such as statistical modeling, are more beneficial and truthful than vague references to "AI." 

- Scientists should avoid using "AI" in their work and media descriptions to prevent enabling harmful narratives and practices. 

Nary a Deviation From The Playbook https://norinrad10.com/2025/06/06/nary-a-deviation-from-the-playbook/ via @norinrad10 

Nary a Deviation From The Playbook

### Key Points

- The article critiques former Tennessee State Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn's testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee, highlighting her reliance on a familiar strategy of fast-talking and evasion. 

- Schwinn's tenure in Tennessee is scrutinized, including her controversial tutoring program and the requirement for districts to share federal funds for participation. 

- The effectiveness of high-dosage tutoring in addressing pandemic-related learning loss is questioned, with no significant adjustments proposed for better outcomes. 

- The article questions the practicality of banning cell phones in schools, suggesting instead that integrating mobile technology into education could better prepare students for real-world scenarios. 

- Criticism is directed at Schwinn's professional conduct, including allegations of conflicts of interest, misuse of power, and personal enrichment through her roles. 

- Concerns are raised about harsh and vague laws in Tennessee concerning student threats, which critics argue unfairly penalize minors and jeopardize their futures. 

- Issues surrounding teacher bonuses tied to Governor Lee’s ESA legislation are discussed, with some districts refusing to endorse the program. 

Brennen School Explodes With Special Education Lawsuits That Includes The Unknown Arrest of A Paraprofessional https://exceptionaldelaware.com/2025/06/06/brennen-school-explodes-with-special-education-lawsuits-that-includes-the-unknown-arrest-of-a-paraprofessional/ via @ExcptlDelaware 

### Key Points

- A paraprofessional at Brennen School in the Christina School District was arrested for physically abusing a young student after administrators ignored the incident for weeks. 

- The school administration has a history of ignoring complaints about this paraprofessional and simply reassigning them to different classrooms. 

- Other concerning incidents include a 6-year-old finding a vape with an unknown substance and overcrowded classrooms with insufficient staff for students with complex needs. 

- The school is significantly understaffed, with paraprofessionals acting as teachers, and the administration failing to address these issues effectively. 

- Multiple lawsuits are ongoing against the Brennen School, with staff leaving due to poor working conditions and lack of support. 

- The Christina Board of Education and new Superintendent Joyner are urged to address these issues transparently and take action to protect students. 

- Allegations of administrative negligence include celebrating inappropriate milestones, failing to address abuse, and mismanaging the placement of students with behavioral issues. 

- A parent shared an incident where their child went missing from the school playground and was found near a highway, highlighting safety concerns. 

An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else: Ravitch, Diane: 9780231220293: Amazon.com: Books https://www.amazon.com/Education-Changed-Schools-Almost-Everything/dp/0231220294/ref=sr_1_1?

This article discusses Diane Ravitch's upcoming memoir, "An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else," set to be released on October 21, 2025. Ravitch, a historian and former conservative education reform advocate, recounts her ideological shift from supporting standardized testing and privatization to advocating for public schools and addressing systemic inequality in education. The book blends personal reflections with decades of research, making a compelling case for greater investment in public education.

### Key Points

- Diane Ravitch's memoir explores her ideological transformation from a proponent of conservative education reforms to a critic of privatization and standardized testing. 

- The book highlights her belief that poverty, not failing schools or bad teachers, is the root cause of educational inequality. 

- Ravitch shares her personal and professional journey, including her government service and advocacy for public schools. 

- The memoir combines personal anecdotes with research to argue for systemic changes in education, including better support for professional teachers. 

- Published by Columbia University Press, the book is 240 pages long and will be available in multiple formats. 

Big Education Ape: WE DON'T DO KINGS: NATIONWIDE PROTESTS TO RAIN ON TRUMP'S $45M BIRTHDAY MILITARY PARADE #NoKingsDay #DefendDemocracy #AmericaStrong https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/05/we-dont-do-kings-nationwide-protests-to.html 

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

6-6-25 

The article is a compilation of various topics, including political developments, education policy changes, social justice issues, and activism. It highlights key events and critiques surrounding public education, systemic inequality, political policies, and societal challenges.  

### Key Points  

- Trump administration's budget cuts to medical research reduced funding for vaccines, cancer, and other critical areas, affecting thousands of research projects.   

- Civil rights policies under the Trump administration reversed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, targeting affirmative action and racial equity programs.   

- The GOP budget bill proposed significant Medicaid cuts, reductions in NOAA, FEMA, and NIH funding, and increased the national deficit.   

- Elon Musk criticized Trump's budget bill for excessive spending and engaged in a public feud with Trump over fiscal policies and personal grievances.   

- Robots in caregiving and education fail to replicate human emotional bonds, emphasizing the irreplaceable role of personal relationships in teaching and caregiving.   

- A violent attack in Boulder, Colorado, highlighted ongoing racism and anti-Semitism, calling for consistent action against hate.   

- The Ohio Senate budget proposal undermines public education by cutting funding, prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy, and favoring wealthier school districts.   

- School vouchers and GOP policies harm public education, benefiting private schools at the expense of equity and social programs.   

- Rare collectible coins, such as the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel and 1943 Copper Penny, hold significant value due to their rarity and historical significance.   

- Misconceptions about DEI were debunked, emphasizing its importance in education and critiquing over-testing and corporate influence in schools.   

- Play is crucial for children's development, fostering decision-making skills and emotional growth through natural consequences.   

- Efforts to ban books and censor libraries reflect broader right-wing political agendas, with comparisons to historical examples of censorship.   

- A court injunction halted Trump administration layoffs at the Department of Education, preserving critical services like funding for students with disabilities.   

- Seattle Public Schools addressed safety measures for graduations, nepotism concerns, and financial challenges during board meetings.   

- Diane Ravitch's upcoming memoir explores her shift from supporting privatization to advocating for public education and addressing systemic inequality.   

- Nationwide protests criticized Trump's military parade, emphasizing the defense of democracy and resistance to authoritarianism.