Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
6-8-25
U.S. Supreme Court Allows DOGE to Access Your Most Sensitive Personal Data https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/06/u-s-supreme-court-allows-doge-to-access-your-most-sensitive-personal-data/ via @dianeravitch
The blog post discusses a controversial Supreme Court decision allowing DOGE (or DOGS) to access sensitive personal data, raising concerns about privacy and misuse of information. The author criticizes the Court's right-wing majority, questions the legitimacy of DOGE, and highlights potential risks such as data exploitation for political purposes. The post also mentions related concerns about Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and their affiliations.### Key Points
- The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to allow DOGE access to sensitive personal data, despite existing privacy laws.
- DOGE's members remain anonymous and unregulated, raising concerns about their intentions and potential misuse of data.
- Critics fear this decision could lead to data being used for blackmail, political manipulation, or other harmful purposes.
- Allegations include Musk and Trump enabling insecure communication systems linked to SpaceX/Starlink, compromising national security.
- The decision has sparked calls for a constitutional amendment to protect privacy rights.
Big Education Ape: PRIVATIZED DEMOCRACY - GOVERNMENT SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/privatized-democracy-government-sold-to.html
The blog post discusses a controversial Supreme Court decision allowing DOGE (or DOGS) to access sensitive personal data, raising concerns about privacy and misuse of information. The author criticizes the Court's right-wing majority, questions the legitimacy of DOGE, and highlights potential risks such as data exploitation for political purposes. The post also mentions related concerns about Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and their affiliations.### Key Points
- The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to allow DOGE access to sensitive personal data, despite existing privacy laws.
- DOGE's members remain anonymous and unregulated, raising concerns about their intentions and potential misuse of data.
- Critics fear this decision could lead to data being used for blackmail, political manipulation, or other harmful purposes.
- Allegations include Musk and Trump enabling insecure communication systems linked to SpaceX/Starlink, compromising national security.
- The decision has sparked calls for a constitutional amendment to protect privacy rights.
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.
Exposed: University of Michigan Hired Undercover Spies to Target Students https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/06/07/exposed-university-of-michigan-hired-undercover-spies-to-target-students/
The article discusses a scandal at the University of Michigan, revealing that the university hired undercover private investigators to surveil and intimidate students, particularly those involved in peaceful pro-Palestinian protests. This operation led to incidents of harassment, fabricated accusations, and the criminalization of free speech, sparking outrage and calls for accountability. The charges against the students were ultimately dropped, but the case highlights institutional failures and raises concerns about repression of dissent at public universities.### Key Points
- The University of Michigan hired private investigators to surveil and intimidate students, primarily targeting peaceful pro-Palestinian protesters.
- Investigators used deceptive tactics, such as faking disabilities and making false accusations, to provoke students.
- The university spent significant funds on surveillance and bypassed local prosecutors to pursue charges through the state attorney general.
- Charges against students were dropped after public backlash, but the case exposed systemic repression of free speech.
- The actions of the university reflect a broader trend of suppressing dissent under the guise of public safety.
- Calls for accountability demand the university cease contracts with private security firms and commit to protecting student rights.
"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.
Schools Matter: June 14 USA Says NO KINGS http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/06/june-14-usa-says-no-kings.html
### Key Points- The article reflects on James Coleman's 1972 statement that a child's learning is influenced more by their classmates than by their teacher.
- It highlights various educational issues, including poverty's impact on education, criticisms of "No Excuses" teaching, and the challenges faced by teachers.
- The blog critiques corporate and political influences on education, such as corporate charter schools and standardized testing.
- It discusses broader topics like inequality in education, testing policies, and systemic issues like the effects of poverty on learning.
- The blog also reviews books and essays, exploring themes like teacher renewal, public school reform, and the implications of education legislation.
New “Teach Truth” Website & Study Guide: Launching TeachTruthBook.com on 5th Annual #TeachTruth National Day of Action! – I AM AN EDUCATOR https://iamaneducator.com/2025/06/07/new-teach-truth-website-study-guide-launching-teachtruthbook-com-on-5th-annual-teachtruth-national-day-of-action/
Jesse Hagopian announces the launch of TeachTruthBook.com, a website offering a free study guide for his book "Teach Truth: The Struggle for Antiracist Education," along with resources to support antiracist education. The launch coincides with the 5th Annual Teach Truth National Day of Action, emphasizing the fight against classroom censorship laws and promoting critical discussions on systemic injustice. The study guide includes summaries, discussion questions, action items, and further resources to foster collective activism. Hagopian calls on educators, students, and communities to use these tools to advocate for truthful education and justice.
### Key Points
- Jesse Hagopian launches TeachTruthBook.com with a free study guide for his book "Teach Truth: The Struggle for Antiracist Education."
- The initiative aligns with the 5th Annual Teach Truth National Day of Action, emphasizing resistance to classroom censorship laws.
- The study guide provides chapter summaries, discussion questions, action items, and resources for organizing and critical thinking.
- The movement aims to combat "Truthcrime laws" and "Uncritical Race Theory," advocating for truthful education on systemic injustice.
- The guide is designed for educators, students, families, and organizers to promote justice and honest historical conversations.
- Hagopian urges communities to join the movement, organize reading groups, and participate in the National Day of Action.
- Jesse Hagopian’s book *Teach Truth: The Struggle for Antiracist Education* explores the fight for honest education in the face of laws banning the teaching of systemic racism, which he terms “truthcrime” laws.
- The book critiques these laws as efforts to replace antiracist education with “uncritical race theory,” reinforcing racial inequality.
- Hagopian highlights the stories of educators, students, and parents who have faced consequences for advocating truthful teaching and combines these with historical analysis.
- He proposes strategies for building social movements to transform education into a tool for liberation and justice.
- Jesse Hagopian is a veteran educator, organizer, and activist, known for his leadership in promoting antiracist education and social justice.
- His book has been praised as a well-researched and inspirational account of the importance of antiracist education.
- Hagopian has received numerous awards for his activism and teaching, including recognition from the NAACP and Seattle Public Schools.
- He is a prominent speaker and writer featured in major media outlets, advocating for truth-telling in education and against censorship.
- Hagopian describes the current wave of censorship as “the new McCarthyism,” noting that many educators self-censor out of fear, while others engage in “fugitive pedagogy” to resist these laws.
It's Wake Up Time https://open.substack.com/pub/arthurgoldstein/p/its-wake-up-time?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
It's Wake Up Time: 28% participation in a union election is pathetic. Arthur Goldstein Jun 07, 2025### Key Points
- The article criticizes low voter turnout in UFT elections, with only 28% participation, reflecting apathy and cynicism among members.
- The Unity Caucus dominates the union leadership, leaving 46% of voters without representation due to winner-take-all rules.
- The author discusses the inefficiencies of the current voting system, advocating for hybrid voting options (online and in-person) to increase participation.
- Historical grievances are highlighted, including unfavorable contracts and decisions by UFT leadership that have negatively impacted members.
- The author proposes resolutions to implement online voting and in-person voting days, aiming for a more inclusive and modern voting process.
glen brown: Cats https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/06/cats.html
This article is a compilation of diverse topics and reflections, ranging from evolutionary insights about cats to political commentary, historical events, and societal issues. It also includes personal musings by the author, Glen Brown, who emphasizes the role of writers in resisting oppression and maintaining moral integrity. The piece explores cats' evolutionary perfection, critiques political figures and policies, and highlights social justice, public pensions, and various cultural themes.
### Key Points
- Cats are evolutionarily optimized predators, maintaining their physical and behavioral traits over millions of years due to their effectiveness.
- Glen Brown reflects on the writer's role in society, quoting Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus on resisting oppression and embracing isolation.
- The blog discusses numerous societal and political issues, including public pensions, healthcare, social justice, and political figures like Trump.
- Historical and cultural references include D-Day, Sandy Koufax, and the Beatles, alongside commentary on censorship, Roe v. Wade, and climate issues.
- The author shares personal interests and topics like poetry, education reform, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Want Public Records? Seattle Schools Has a Form https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/06/want-public-records-seattle-schools-has.html?spref=tw
Seattle Schools Community Forum discusses public records access, nepotism, and advanced learning services in Seattle Public Schools. It highlights policy updates, community concerns, and administrative issues.### Key Points
- Seattle Schools now requires a form for public records requests, which can be submitted anonymously or with specific conditions, such as non-commercial use for staff/student lists.
- A Board meeting speaker list reveals discussions on high school boundaries and zoning departures related to Green Dot schools.
- Aki Kurose Middle School principal Caine Lowery was promoted amid a scandal, while questions arise about the placement of former Rainier View Elementary principal Anitra Jones.
- The article criticizes nepotism in Seattle Public Schools, highlighting promotions based on personal connections rather than merit.
- Director Geary's comments on advanced learning services were discussed during a Board meeting in 2017.
Asked if he was "racist "for not debating Gaza, here's how Galloway answered. https://open.substack.com/pub/klonsky/p/asked-if-he-was-racist-for-not-debating?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Key PointsGeorge Galloway, a former member of the British Labour Party, was expelled in 2003 due to his opposition to the Iraq War. He later led the Respect Party and founded the Workers Party of Britain in 2019.
Galloway has been an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights and against Western military interventions.
During a debate at the Oxford Union ten years ago, Galloway was asked if he was racist for not debating Gaza; his response continues to inspire admiration.
Michael Klonsky criticizes The New York Times for refusing to run ads calling for an end to alleged genocide in Gaza, labeling it as censorship.
Discussions also touch on topics like prison justice advocacy and the challenges faced by incarcerated firefighters in Los Angeles.
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!
6-7-25
### Summary
The article is a compilation of blog posts and discussions covering topics such as education reform, political controversies, social justice issues, and activism. It highlights critiques of privatization, systemic inequality, and governance challenges, while advocating for community-driven approaches and public education.
### Key Points
- Seattle Schools have introduced a form for public records requests, simplifying the process for transparency and accountability.
- Tim O’Brien critiques the nickname "TACO Trump," discussing Trump’s fragile ego and inconsistent tariff policies that harm the economy.
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is criticized for undermining public education by expanding vouchers, politicizing higher education, and targeting DEI initiatives.
- Glenn Kessler fact-checked Marco Rubio’s misleading claim about USAID cuts, showing evidence of deaths caused by abrupt funding suspensions.
- The Trump-Musk feud highlights the fragility of alliances based on self-interest, impacting corporate and political dynamics.
- Education reform coalitions often fracture due to competing interests, emphasizing the need for community-driven approaches.
- Teacher Tom advocates for movement-rich learning environments, critiquing sedentary lifestyles and academic structures that suppress children’s natural activity.
- Garfield High School honors Amarr Murphy-Paine’s memory through community events and documentaries addressing gun violence.
- Milford students successfully protested ICE’s detention of their classmate, highlighting the power of student activism against harsh immigration policies.
- The Trump administration appointed an unqualified 22-year-old to lead a DHS office, raising concerns about governance and systemic injustice.
- Emily M. Bender critiques the misuse of the term "AI," advocating for precise language in scientific work to prevent misleading narratives.
- Penny Schwinn’s testimony and tenure in Tennessee are criticized for ineffective education policies and conflicts of interest.
- Brennen School faces lawsuits and safety concerns due to administrative negligence and understaffing in special education.
- Diane Ravitch’s upcoming memoir reflects her ideological shift from privatization to supporting public education and addressing systemic inequality.
- Nationwide protests criticized Trump’s military parade, emphasizing resistance to authoritarianism and the defense of democracy.
- GOP policies and budget cuts harm public education, favoring privatization and wealthy districts at the expense of equity.
