Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
9-6-25
"We Have Become an Authoritarian State, and Our Major Newsrooms Are in Denial" https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/05/we-have-become-an-authoritarian-state-and-our-major-newsrooms-are-in-denial/ via @dianeravitch
"We Have Become an Authoritarian State, and Our Major Newsrooms Are in Denial" discusses the alarming rise of authoritarianism under Trump’s leadership and the failure of major media outlets to adequately address it. The article highlights the normalization of extreme actions, such as attacks on election integrity, politicization of institutions, suppression of dissent, and militarization against citizens. It critiques the media’s reluctance to explicitly label these developments as authoritarianism, emphasizing the growing chorus of voices warning about the collapse of democracy.### Key Points
- Media critic Dan Froomkin argues that the U.S. has become an authoritarian state, with mainstream media failing to confront this reality.
- Trump’s actions, such as targeting political opponents, undermining federal judges, and extorting educational institutions, are signs of a corrupt dictatorship.
- Major news outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post avoid directly calling Trump’s regime authoritarian, instead leaving conclusions to readers.
- Historian Garrett Graff and MSNBC hosts Rachel Maddow and Ali Velshi warn that the U.S. has crossed into authoritarianism, comparing it to historical examples like Nazi Germany.
- Democrats, including DNC Chair Ken Martin, increasingly call out Trump’s leadership as authoritarian and fascist.
Musician Jack White Answers Trump Insults https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/05/musician-jack-white-answers-trump-insults/ via @dianeravitch
Musician Jack White criticized Donald Trump's gold-plated redecoration of the Oval Office, prompting a sharp response from the White House. White retaliated with a passionate critique of Trump's actions and administration, addressing issues such as racism, authoritarianism, and lack of empathy. He argued that Trump is "masquerading as a human being" and accused him of exploiting his position for personal gain. White also expressed disdain for the political system that enables such behavior and emphasized his stance as an independent artist and citizen.### Key Points
- Jack White criticized Trump's Oval Office redecoration, calling it vulgar and disgusting, which led to a backlash from the White House.
- White responded by listing numerous criticisms of Trump, including racism, fascism, and mishandling of government responsibilities.
- He accused Trump of exploiting taxpayer money and grifting, while highlighting the administration's divisive tactics.
- White expressed pride in being insulted by Trump, calling it a badge of honor, and reiterated his commitment to speaking out against fascism.
- Commenters praised White's rebuttal, emphasizing his creativity and truthfulness.
Thomas Ultican: The Curious Origin of the "Oakland Public Education Fund" https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/05/thomas-ultican-the-curious-origin-of-the-oakland-public-education-fund/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Tom Ultican's research reveals that OPEF is funded by "dark money" and billionaire-backed organizations, raising concerns about privatization in Oakland public schools.
- OPEF originated in 2003 with seed money from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and has undergone multiple rebrandings over the years.
- Jonathan Klein, a founder of OPEF, is linked to organizations promoting charter schools and privatization, such as Teach for America and GO Public Schools.
- OPEF's partnership with Salesforce and other wealthy donors has raised concerns about undemocratic influence on public school curricula.
- Major contributors include the Silicon Valley Community Fund, which allows anonymous donations, further fueling concerns about transparency.
- Critics argue that while OPEF has funded technology access, its broader spending supports charter schools and undermines public education.
- Despite significant financial contributions, Oakland schools have not seen substantial improvements in student performance, highlighting the limitations of privatization efforts.
Big Education Ape: THE EPSTEIN SCANDAL: POWER, PRIVILEGE, AND THE WOMEN WHO REFUSE TO BE SILENCED https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-epstein-scandal-power-privilege-and.html
The article explores the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, highlighting the systemic abuse enabled by power, privilege, and cultural norms. It delves into the cultural roots of male privilege shaped by the 'Playboy' era, the survivors' relentless fight for justice, and the political implications of the case. The survivors demand transparency and accountability, challenging the structures that allowed Epstein’s crimes to thrive.
### Key Points
- The Epstein scandal exposed a trafficking empire fueled by wealth and male privilege, with survivors demanding accountability despite systemic cover-ups.
- The cultural roots of male privilege stem from the mid-20th-century 'Playboy' ethos, which normalized the exploitation of women under the guise of liberation.
- Survivors like Virginia Giuffre and others are pushing for transparency through the Epstein Files Transparency Act, facing threats but gaining bipartisan support.
- The scandal highlights America’s paradoxical attitudes toward sex, shaped by Puritan values and the exploitation of private indulgence by powerful men.
- The case is a political flashpoint, with survivors challenging both parties and demanding unredacted government files to uncover Epstein’s network.
- The survivors are rewriting cultural narratives, dismantling male privilege, and leading a movement for systemic change in the #MeToo era.
Big Education Ape: THE CHALKBOARD SMACKDOWN: WHEN CLASSROOM VIOLENCE MEETS THE WWE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-chalkboard-smackdown-when-classroom.html
Big Education Ape explores the challenges faced by educators amidst rising classroom violence, systemic failures, and societal pressures. It highlights the physical, verbal, and psychological abuse teachers endure, exacerbated by underreporting, lack of administrative support, and ideological conflicts. The article advocates for better training, smaller class sizes, and robust support systems to address these issues and protect educators.
### Key Points
- Teachers face increasing violence, including physical attacks, verbal abuse, and threats, worsened by underreporting and lack of administrative accountability.
- The COVID-19 pandemic intensified aggression against educators, even during remote learning periods.
- School administrations often fail to act effectively, leaving teachers unsupported and contributing to burnout and high turnover rates.
- The Supreme Court decision in *Mahmoud v. Taylor* has fueled ideological conflicts, increasing harassment from parents over progressive values.
- Teachers' unions provide critical advocacy but struggle against systemic barriers and insufficient resources.
- The article calls for mandatory conflict de-escalation training, smaller class sizes, and improved reporting systems to protect educators.
Big Education Ape: STEPHEN MILLER: THE BLACK-HEARTED BUREAUCRAT WHO MOONLIGHTS AS LUCIFER’S SPEECHWRITER https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/stephen-miller-black-hearted-bureaucrat.html
Teacher Tom: Staying in Relationship With the Mystery https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/09/staying-in-relationship-with-mystery.html
Staying in Relationship With the Mystery### Key Points
- The author reflects on encountering an ATM for the first time in 1981, highlighting the challenges of adapting to new technology and the inevitability of facing befuddlement as we age.
- Retaining curiosity as we grow older is essential, as calcification of thought and reliance on assumptions can hinder our ability to embrace life's mysteries.
- Diane Ackerman's quote emphasizes living life with curiosity and risk, embracing its emotional and geographical richness rather than viewing it as a flat experience.
- Spending time with children helps adults stay connected to life's mysteries, as children naturally embrace curiosity and befuddlement without shame.
- Adults are encouraged to avoid imposing certainties on life's mysteries and instead explore alongside children through perpetual curiosity and wonder.
Establishment Dems remain mute as Trump threatens NYC mayoral election. https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/establishment-dems-remain-mute-as
### Key Points- Trump threatens to intervene in New York City's mayoral election, continuing his aggressive actions against democratic processes seen in other cities like Washington and Los Angeles.
- Prominent establishment Democrats, including Governor Hochul, House Leader Jeffries, and Senate Leader Schumer, remain silent despite Zohran Mamdani's primary win and Trump's interference.
- Critics accuse establishment Democrats of prioritizing appeasement of MAGA and AIPAC over supporting progressive figures like Mamdani, Sanders, and Ocasio-Cortez.
- Allies of Mamdani urge Empire State Democrats to actively oppose Trump's interference and support their own nominee, arguing that silence amounts to surrender.
Race Relations at a Nadir?: Obama, BLM, George Floyd and the Politics of Division – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/09/05/race-relations-at-a-nadir-obama-blm-george-floyd-and-the-politics-of-division/
Race Relations at a Low Point?: Obama, BLM, George Floyd and the Politics of Division### Key Points
- Travis J. Bristol identifies a "second nadir" in U.S. race relations, drawing parallels to the post-Reconstruction era marked by systemic racial oppression.
- The election of Barack Obama symbolized progress but also triggered backlash, fueling racial grievance politics and division.
- Racialized voter suppression, rollback of educational opportunities, and attacks on Black teachers reflect deliberate strategies to maintain racial hierarchies.
- Black teachers play a transformative role in education but face systemic barriers, hostile environments, and inequitable conditions, leading to high attrition rates.
- The murder of George Floyd sparked a racial reckoning, but subsequent backlash intensified attacks on racial justice efforts, including censorship in education.
- Black teachers historically resist systemic odds, yet politicized culture wars target their truth-telling and cultural responsiveness.
- The struggle to dismantle the "second nadir" requires collective action to defend educators, communities, and democracy itself.
Teacher in a Strange Land: Book-Banning, Book-Burning, Book Reading—and Truth | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/book-banning
### Key Points- The article discusses the author's nostalgic connection to the Cromaine Library in Hartland, Michigan, and its historical significance as a community hub for learning.
- The Cromaine Library Board has recently been influenced by right-wing ideologies, leading to controversial decisions such as labeling books, restricting access, and removing LGBTQ+ Pride displays.
- The library board's actions, led by Bill Bolin, align with broader trends of intertwining conservative politics and religious beliefs in public institutions. Bolin's stance reflects a push for anti-DEI policies and censorship.
- Legal concerns have been raised about the library board's decisions, with advice from the ACLU warning of potential legal challenges. Heated debates at board meetings illustrate the community's division over these issues.
- The article draws parallels between current censorship efforts and historical examples, like Nazi book burnings, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement to protect free choice in reading.
- The author urges citizens to actively participate in board meetings and advocate for intellectual freedom, highlighting the relevance of the Bill of Rights.
Skate Parties, Sacks, and the Price of Progress https://norinrad10.com/2025/09/05/skate-parties-sacks-and-the-price-of-progress/ via @norinrad10
### Key Points- Nashville education faces challenges with inadequate resources, while symbolic gestures like roller-skating parties and AI tools are introduced, but teachers still lack time and support.
- AI tools, such as ChatGPT, can help teachers save time on tasks like lesson planning, but proper training and innovation time are essential for effective use. Scripted lesson plans are criticized for stifling creativity.
- The Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) administration spent $25K on an executive restroom renovation while offering minimal recognition to teachers, such as roller-skating parties in inconvenient locations.
- Tennesseans for Student Success rebranded with a new logo and launched tools like the School Letter Grade Map, but their focus remains on TCAP-based metrics rather than holistic evaluations.
- New artificial turf fields and sports funding initiatives, like Jeffery Simmons’ pledge, aim to boost athletics but raise concerns about safety, maintenance, and insufficient financial impact.
- Tennessee introduced mandatory gun safety training for students, sparking debate over its necessity and implementation in schools.
Schools Matter: OpenAI Still Has Not Fixed Its AI Suicide-Assisting Chatbot http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/09/openai-still-has-not-fixed-its-ai.html
OpenAI’s AI chatbots, including ChatGPT, have demonstrated dangerous inadequacies in responding to users expressing mental health crises, such as suicidal ideation or psychosis, according to a Stanford study. The study highlighted inappropriate and potentially harmful responses, with examples showing the chatbot either dismissively addressing or misinterpreting serious psychiatric issues. Despite awareness of these issues and public statements by OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman about prioritizing safety, the company has not yet resolved these problems, even weeks after the study's publication.### Key Points
- A Stanford study revealed that AI chatbots like ChatGPT provide inappropriate and potentially harmful responses to users in mental health crises.
- Examples include dismissive or misaligned chatbot replies to users expressing suicidal thoughts or delusions.
- OpenAI has been criticized for its lack of action, despite CEO Sam Altman acknowledging the issue and emphasizing the need for safety improvements.
- OpenAI has not addressed these issues weeks after the study's release, with repeated requests for comment going unanswered.
- Researchers argue that relying on more data alone will not resolve these critical safety gaps.
Why Do We Need a Vibrant Opposition? Checks and balances are key to a democracy. https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/why-do-we-need-a-vibrant-opposition
Why Do We Need a Vibrant Opposition? Checks and balances are key to a democracy.### Key Points
- The article emphasizes the need for a vibrant opposition in RTC and UFT to ensure checks and balances in democracy, critiquing Unity's dominance and failure to represent retirees adequately.
- Retiree Advocate members have shifted priorities post-election, neglecting key issues like health insurance and failing to mobilize effectively for rallies and petitions.
- Unity has been accused of misleading retirees about Medicare Advantage plans, with promises of unchanged healthcare proving false.
- Transparency issues arise as Unity restricts access to unredacted contracts, excluding opposition members from the health committee and dismissing dissenting voices.
- Retiree Advocate has been criticized for its lack of action and complicity, failing to challenge Unity's decisions effectively and prioritize retiree concerns.
- Unity's control over resolutions and committees undermines opposition efforts, with Retiree Advocate seen as ineffective in resisting Unity's agenda.
- The author advocates for ABC as a genuine opposition group, committed to challenging Unity and advocating for retirees and in-service members.
CURMUDGUCATION: McMahon's Invent The Wheel Tour https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/09/mcmahons-invent-wheel-tour.html
Linda McMahon, the current U.S. Secretary of Education, is on a fifty-state tour titled "Returning Education to the States," aiming to promote state control over education, school choice policies, and parental empowerment. However, the article critiques the premise of this tour, arguing that states already control their education systems, as federal law prohibits the federal government from dictating state education policies. The author highlights the irony of the federal government promoting state control while simultaneously pushing specific agendas like school choice and religious education. The tour is seen as performative and incoherent, with McMahon promoting policies that contradict her stated goal of reducing federal involvement in education.### Key Points
- Linda McMahon's "Returning Education to the States" tour promotes state control over education and parental choice, but states already have authority over education.
- The federal government’s role in K-12 education is limited to funding distribution and civil rights enforcement, not directing state policies.
- McMahon's tour focuses on school choice and literacy, areas where the federal government traditionally has no direct role, highlighting contradictions in her approach.
- The tour appears to be more about promoting specific policies than genuinely reducing federal involvement in education.
- The author criticizes McMahon's approach as incoherent and performative, likening her to previous controversial education secretaries.
Striking workers hanging tough at Mauser. Mayor Brandon Johnson joined the picket line, declaring the strike a stand for immigrant rights and worker dignity. https://klonsky.substack.com/p/striking-workers-hanging-tough-at
### Key Points- Over 100 workers at Mauser Packaging Solutions in Chicago went on strike on June 9, 2025, demanding livable wages, safe working conditions, guaranteed break times, and protections against ICE raids.
- The strike has expanded to Mauser facilities in Los Angeles and Minnesota, with no union members crossing the picket line despite harassment from management.
- Mauser has a history of union-busting, including locking out workers in Seattle earlier in 2025 during contract negotiations.
- Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Senator Bernie Sanders have publicly supported the strike, framing it as a fight for worker dignity, immigrant rights, and against corporate greed.
- Workers unanimously rejected Mauser’s latest contract offer and remain committed to bargaining while continuing the strike.
- The strike highlights broader issues such as unsafe conditions, ICE intimidation, and the exploitation of immigrant workers.
- Supporters are encouraged to join the picket line, donate to the strike fund, amplify the strikers’ voices on social media, and pressure Mauser through public actions.
Farm to Summer Celebration Week- Post-Survey - Nutrition (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/farm2summercelebweek.asp
### Key Points- The California Department of Education (CDE) encourages Summer Meal Program (SMP) operators who participated in the Farm to Summer Celebration Week (June 16–20, 2025) to complete a post-survey to provide feedback and qualify for recognition.
- Recognition for completing the post-survey includes a certificate, an online badge, a mention during the Nutrition Services Division Town Hall, and a feature on the CDE website.
- The three key elements of the Farm to Summer Celebration Week are Taste, Teach, and Connect, which involve promoting fresh, local foods and agricultural education.
- The post-survey deadline is Friday, September 26, 2025, at 5 p.m.
- Contact information for inquiries about the survey is provided, including an email address and phone number.
- Related resources include information about Farm to School programs, funding opportunities, best practices, and trainings.
- Recently posted updates include announcements about grants, recalls, and USDA food entitlement rates for School Year 2025–26.
What I Still Believe about Public Education https://teacherinastrangeland.blog/2025/09/05/what-i-still-believe-about-public-education/ via @nancyflanagan
Public education, described as America's best idea, is facing significant challenges and threats. The author reflects on the evolving landscape of public education, including shifting policies, failed reforms, and political influences. They emphasize the importance of preserving key aspects of public education, such as diversity, neighborhood schools, and arts education, while expressing concern over the potential demise of the system. Despite these challenges, the author remains hopeful and committed to the value of public education.### Key Points
- The article discusses the challenges and threats facing public education, including failed reforms and shifting policies.
- The author reflects on the cyclical nature of education trends and warns against expecting a single solution to fix systemic issues.
- Concerns are raised about education funding cuts, political debates, and the push for alternatives like school vouchers.
- The author emphasizes the value of public education, listing aspects worth preserving, such as diversity, community, and arts education.
- Despite the challenges, the author expresses hope and belief in public education's potential to uplift society.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
9-5-25
The article is a roundup of various blog posts and discussions on topics such as education reforms, political controversies, societal issues, and public health concerns. It highlights advocacy efforts, systemic challenges, and calls for change across multiple sectors, including education, healthcare, and governance.
### Key Points
- Senator Bernie Sanders calls for RFK Jr.'s resignation due to anti-vaccine policies and public health risks.
- NYC middle school M.S. 50 transformed its academic outcomes by integrating debate, leading to a national championship win.
- Jess Piper advocates for rural Democrats and resistance against authoritarianism, emphasizing solidarity and action against systemic oppression.
- RFK Jr. faces criticism for vaccine policies, Medicaid cuts, and restructuring the CDC, raising concerns about public health impacts.
- The Epstein scandal reveals systemic abuse enabled by privilege, with survivors demanding transparency and accountability.
- Teachers face rising classroom violence and lack of support, calling for better training, smaller class sizes, and conflict de-escalation measures.
- Autocentric leaders appoint unqualified individuals to maintain control, undermining institutional effectiveness and equity.
- AI chatbots in schools raise concerns after a lawsuit revealed risks related to suicide assistance.
- Trump’s involvement in the NYC mayoral election sparks controversy over political strategies against progressive candidates like Zohran Mamdani.
- The New Orleans charter school experiment post-Hurricane Katrina failed to meet community expectations, facing criticism for harsh discipline and instability.
- The community schools model addresses post-pandemic challenges by providing essential services, improving attendance and learning outcomes.
- Trump administration's rollback of English language learning protections risks increasing educational inequities for non-English-speaking students.
- Economic inequality under Trump’s policies worsened, benefiting billionaires while hollowing out the middle class.
- Personality traits like conscientiousness and openness positively influence academic success, mitigating socioeconomic disadvantages.
- Higher education’s focus on specialization over intellectual development raises concerns about adaptability and broader life skills.
- Advocacy against privatization and inequities in public education emphasizes resistance and reform to protect democratic values.
