Latest News and Comment from Education

Monday, June 5, 2023

JONI ERNST'S ROAST AND RIDE HOEING FOR KOCH

JONI ERNST'S ROAST AND RIDE

 HOEING FOR KOCH

The Roast and Ride fundraiser hosted by Senator Joni Ernst in Iowa was a hilarious event that attracted several GOP presidential hopefuls. The candidates tried to outdo each other with their leather vests, pork sandwiches, and metal hogs. The event featured a motorcycle ride, a barbecue, and speeches from the candidates and likely contenders for the 2024 nomination. 

However, there was one person missing from the gathering: former President Donald Trump. Trump had visited the state two days earlier and held his own events with his loyal supporters. Apparently, he decided to skip the Roast and Ride and ride his own coattails instead. 

The other candidates did not miss the opportunity to make their case to Iowa voters, who will be the first to cast their ballots in the caucuses next year. Here are some of the highlights from their speeches:

Former Vice President Mike Pence, who led the motorcycle ride with Ernst, tried to strike a balance between praising Trump and distancing himself from his controversies. He said he was proud of their administration's accomplishments but also acknowledged that "there were times when we didn't see eye to eye." He then quickly changed the subject to criticize President Joe Biden's policies on immigration, energy, and foreign affairs.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who recently announced his candidacy and has emerged as Trump's main rival, took a few subtle jabs at the former president, saying that "leadership is not about entertainment" or "building a brand" and that the GOP needed to "dispense with the culture of losing." He also defended his clash with Disney over its vaccine mandate for employees, saying that he stood for "the protection of our children" and would not compromise on his principles.

Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley focused on her foreign policy credentials and slammed Biden for his handling of Afghanistan, China, and Iran. She also touted her record as governor of South Carolina, where she said she cut taxes, created jobs, and removed the Confederate flag from the state capitol grounds.

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott emphasized his personal story of rising from poverty to become the first black Republican senator from his state. He also stressed his bipartisan efforts on issues such as criminal justice reform and infrastructure while accusing Democrats of pushing a "radical agenda" that would undermine American values.

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson appealed to the moderate wing of the party and urged Republicans to be more inclusive and respectful of different opinions. He also highlighted his achievements as governor on education, healthcare, and economic development.

The event was a showcase of Ernst's influence within the party and in Iowa, where she is one of the most popular elected officials. She said she was glad to see so many candidates attend her fundraiser and share their vision for the country.

"I know President Trump has a great base here," she said. "But I think it's important that we hear from all of our candidates."

She also joked that she had invited Biden to join the motorcycle ride, but he declined.

"He said he prefers trains," she quipped.

The Roast and Ride event was not only a platform for political speeches but also a source of entertainment. The sight of candidates in leather vests and helmets riding motorcycles was hilarious. The barbecue was also a source of amusement as candidates tried to outdo each other in their pork sandwich eating skills. 

The absence of Trump did not dampen the mood of the event as other candidates took center stage with their funny speeches. Ron DeSantis' subtle jabs at Trump were particularly hilarious. He seemed to be saying that leadership is not about being a reality TV star or having a catchy slogan like "Make America Great Again."

Nikki Haley's foreign policy credentials were impressive, but her comment about removing the Confederate flag from the state capitol grounds was funny. It was like she was saying "I removed a racist symbol from our state capitol grounds, what have you done lately?"

Tim Scott's personal story was inspiring, but his accusation that Democrats are pushing a "radical agenda" seemed like an exaggeration. It was like he was saying "Democrats want to turn America into a socialist hellhole where everyone is forced to eat tofu."

Asa Hutchinson's call for inclusiveness was refreshing, but his comment about being critical of Trump's role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot seemed like he was trying too hard to distance himself from Trump. It was like he was saying "I'm not like those crazy Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol, I'm a moderate who likes to eat tofu."

In conclusion, the Roast and Ride fundraiser hosted by Senator Joni Ernst was a funny and hilarious event that showcased the GOP presidential hopefuls' skills in pork sandwich eating and motorcycle riding. The absence of Donald Trump did not dampen the mood of the event as other candidates took center stage with their funny speeches. Iowa voters will have a tough time deciding which candidate to vote for in the caucuses next year.

A ‘Roast and Ride’ diary: Debate jitters, freebies and high demand for DeSantis - POLITICO https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/03/roast-and-ride-iowa-gop-primary-00100095 

Gov. DeSantis campaigns at Roast and Ride event in Iowa https://youtu.be/RWrcKuS8wsY via @YouTube 

Saturday, June 3, 2023

NEWS FROM THE MOMS FOR LIBERTY OUTHOUSE - SH*TTER'S FULL

NEWS FROM THE MOMS FOR LIBERTY OUTHOUSE - SH*TTER'S FULL

Attention all parents! Are you tired of your kids learning about things like gender identity and sexual orientation in school? Do you want to shield them from anything that goes against your narrow-minded views? Well, have no fear, Moms for Liberty is here!

This group of conservative parents in Florida has taken it upon themselves to police what other people's kids read in their school yearbooks. They recently lost their shit over a two-page spread in Lyman High School's yearbook that celebrated LGBTQ+ students and their identities. The section was titled "We're Here, We're Queer" and included stories and experiences of LGBTQ+ students and staff, along with explanations of common terms related to gender identity and sexual orientation.

But Moms for Liberty wasn't having any of it. They demanded that the yearbook be recalled or censored, claiming that it exposed their precious children to "pornographic" and "inappropriate" content. Because apparently, learning about different identities and experiences is equivalent to watching porn.

One of the ringleaders of the outrage was Jessica Tillmann, the chair of the Seminole County chapter of Moms for Liberty. She filed a complaint with the school district, arguing that the yearbook violated a state law that bans "pornographic or indecent" books from schools. Tillmann also accused the yearbook staff of "sexualizing" minors and promoting a "gender ideology" that goes against her religious beliefs.

But let's be real here, folks. The only thing being sexualized is Moms for Liberty's obsession with controlling what other people's kids learn. They want the yearbook to only focus on academic achievements and sports, because apparently, LGBTQ+ students don't achieve anything or participate in sports.

The school district caved in to Moms for Liberty's demands and offered refunds or exchanges for anyone who was unhappy with the yearbook. But Danielle Pomeranz, the faculty adviser of the yearbook staff, wasn't having it. She said that the district was giving in to bigotry and censorship, and that it was undermining the hard work and creativity of her students.

Pomeranz pointed out that the LGBTQ+ section was approved by the school principal and based on reputable sources such as GLAAD and The Trevor Project. She said that the section was not about sex at all, but about identity and acceptance. And isn't that something we should all be striving for?

Moms for Liberty may claim to be defending parental rights, but they're really just defending their own narrow-minded views. They're against mask mandates, critical race theory, vaccine passports, and climate change education. In other words, they're against anything that challenges their worldview.

But here's the thing, folks. We live in a diverse world with diverse experiences and identities. And our kids deserve to learn about all of them, not just the ones that fit into Moms for Liberty's narrow-minded worldview.

So let's applaud Lyman High School's yearbook staff for their courage and compassion in creating a beautiful yearbook that reflects the reality of our school and our society. And let's tell Moms for Liberty to take a seat and let our kids learn about the world around them.

Moms for Liberty Loses Its Sh*t Over School Yearbook’s LGBTQ Page https://www.thedailybeast.com/moms-for-liberty-loses-its-sht-over-seminole-school-yearbooks-lgbtq-page?source=twitter&via=desktop via @thedailybeast

Big Education Ape: JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH - LET'S ALL CELEBRATE AND HAVE SOME FUN (HERE ARE SOME RESOURCES) #PrideMonth 🌈 #Pride2023 🌈 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/june-is-pride-month-lets-all-celebrate.html 

SOMETIMES WHEN YOU OPEN A CAN OF WORMS YOU GET WHAT YOUR NEED

 

SOMETIMES WHEN YOU

OPEN A CAN OF WORMS

YOU GET WHAT YOUR NEED

In a bizarre turn of events, a protester opposed to book bans has managed to get the Bible pulled from some schools in Utah. The irony of the situation is not lost on anyone, especially considering the protester's previous statements about the importance of respecting all forms of literature.

It all started when the protester, who wishes to remain anonymous, discovered that certain books were being banned from schools in Utah. Outraged by this blatant censorship, the protester took to the streets with a megaphone and a sign that read "Books are meant to be read, not banned!"

Little did they know that their actions would have unintended consequences. As news of the protester's campaign spread, a group of concerned parents reached out to them and asked for their help in getting the Bible removed from their children's schools.

At first, the protester was hesitant. After all, the Bible is one of the most widely read books in history and is considered by many to be a cornerstone of Western literature. But upon further reflection, they realized that their principles demanded consistency. If they were going to fight against book bans, then they had to fight against all book bans, even if it meant going up against a sacred text.

So they took up the cause and began protesting outside of schools that had the Bible in their libraries. The media quickly caught wind of the story and soon it was making headlines across the country.

Many were outraged by the protester's actions, calling them sacrilegious and disrespectful. But the protester remained steadfast in their belief that all forms of literature should be treated equally.

In the end, their efforts paid off. Several schools in Utah agreed to remove the Bible from their libraries, citing concerns about separation of church and state.

The protester was hailed as a hero by some and vilified by others, but one thing was clear: they had opened a can of worms that no one saw coming. The irony of a protester opposed to book bans getting a book banned was not lost on anyone.

As one commentator put it, "Remember, one man's mythology is another man's religion." And in this case, it seems that the lines between the two were blurred beyond recognition.

Perhaps this whole debacle will serve as a lesson for us all: that we should be careful what we wish for, because sometimes we might just get it.

Utah parent upset by book bans gets Bible pulled from school shelves to expose ‘bad faith process’ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/utah-parent-upset-book-bans-gets-bible-pulled-school-shelves-expose-ba-rcna87450 via @nbcnews

Utah schools remove the Bible after someone challenges new book law - The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/06/03/utah-schools-remove-bible/


TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 6-3-23 #PrideMonth 🌈 #Pride2023 🌈 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech

 

TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 6-3-23

Big Education Ape: RAINBOWLAND BANNED, KIDS ARE FORBIDDEN TO SING A SONG THAT IMAGINES A WORLD WHERE EVERYONE IS ACCEPTED FOR WHO THEY ARE http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/rainbowland-banned-kids-are-forbidden.html



Big Education Ape: BAN THE BOARD: 19 STATES - SCHOOLS STILL ALLOW HITTING KIDS http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/ban-board-19-states-schools-still-allow.html 





Big Education Ape: WTF: POVERTY AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/wtf-poverty-and-public-schools.html





Big Education Ape: DEBT CEILING DEAL: MORE GUNS, LESS BUTTER, AND A WHOLE LOT OF CONFUSION http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/debt-ceiling-deal-more-guns-less-butter.html 




Big Education Ape: JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH - LET'S ALL CELEBRATE AND HAVE SOME FUN (HERE ARE SOME RESOURCES) #PrideMonth 🌈 #Pride2023 🌈 http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/june-is-pride-month-lets-all-celebrate.html 




Big Education Ape: BILLIONAIRE BANDITS: THE NOT-SO-EXPERTS OF EVERYTHING http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/billionaire-bandits-not-so-experts-of.html 





Big Education Ape: AI DOES ART: A FUNNY LOOK AT THE FUTURE OF CREATIVITY http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/ai-does-art-funny-look-at-future-of.html 





Big Education Ape: RANDI WEINGARTEN: MAGA WHIPPING BOY http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/randi-weingarten-maga-whipping-boy.html 





Big Education Ape: CALIFORNIA: WHERE ARE THE DEMOCRATS http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/california-where-are-democrats.html 





Big Education Ape: WILD TIME IN TEXAS WHEN SNAKES START EATING SNAKES http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/wild-time-in-texas-when-snakes-start.html





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JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH

LETS ALL CELEBRATE AND HAVE SOME FUN 

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OTHER GREAT READS THIS WEEK FROM THE BIG EDUCATION APE




Friday, June 2, 2023

JOE BIDEN'S OVAL OFFICE SPEECH: OLD SHEEP DOG STILL GOT IT

 

JOE BIDEN'S OVAL OFFICE SPEECH 

OLD SHEEP DOG STILL GOT IT

As Joe Biden took to the Oval Office on Friday to deliver a speech on the bipartisan debt ceiling deal, the nation held its breath. Would he stumble over his words? Would he forget his lines? Would he fall asleep mid-sentence?

But as the president began to speak, it quickly became clear that he still had it. His voice was strong, his words were clear, and his wit was as sharp as ever.

In fact, as he delved into the details of the debt ceiling deal, Biden's speech became a masterclass in political comedy. He cracked jokes about Mitch McConnell, teased Nancy Pelosi, and even poked fun at himself.

"Let me tell you folks, negotiating with Mitch McConnell is like trying to teach a turtle to tap dance," he quipped. "It's slow, it's painful, and you're never quite sure if you're making any progress."

The crowd chuckled, but Biden wasn't done yet. He went on to describe the deal in detail, using metaphors and analogies that had the audience in stitches.

"It's like we're trying to balance a stack of pancakes on a rollercoaster," he said. "One wrong move and the whole thing comes crashing down. But with this deal, we've managed to keep those pancakes perfectly balanced."

As the speech came to a close, Biden thanked the American people for their patience and understanding. "I know this debt ceiling business can be confusing," he said. "But trust me, it's nothing compared to trying to explain TikTok to my grandkids."

The room erupted in laughter, and Biden smiled. He may be an old sheep dog, but he still had plenty of tricks up his sleeve.

Biden delivers Oval Office speech on bipartisan debt ceiling deal https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/watch-biden-debt-ceiling-latest-speech-rcna87407 via @nbcnews 


BROADIE COWBOY MIKE MILES ORDERED TO HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT TO PRIVATIZE

BROADIE COWBOY MIKE MILES ORDERED TO HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT TO PRIVATIZE

Breaking News: Houston Independent School District (HISD) has a new superintendent, Mike Miles, who is here to destroy and privatize the district! Or at least that's what some people are saying.

Miles, a former Army Ranger and U.S. State Department official, has a reputation for being a reformer and a disruptor in education. He started his career as a teacher and principal in Colorado Springs, where he founded a charter school network called Pikes Peak Prep. He then became the superintendent of Harrison School District 2, where he implemented a pay-for-performance system for teachers and principals that linked their salaries to student achievement.

But that's not all! Miles is also a graduate of the Broad Superintendent Academy, a program that trains current and aspiring urban school system leaders in the principles and practices of business management. It was founded by billionaire philanthropist Eli Broad, who believes that public education can be improved by applying corporate strategies and market-based reforms. So, basically, Miles is a corporate privatizer who is here to ruin HISD. Or is he?

Miles was appointed by Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath on June 1, 2023, as part of the state’s takeover of HISD. The takeover was triggered by years of poor academic outcomes at a single campus in the district, Phillis Wheatley High School; allegations of misconduct against school board members; and the ongoing presence of a conservator who’s been overseeing the district for years. So, it's not like Miles just showed up one day and said, "Hey, let me ruin your schools!"

In fact, Miles has said he decided to come back to Texas and take on the challenge of leading HISD because he believes he can make a difference for the students and families in Houston. He said he plans to focus on 30 of the highest-need schools in his first year, introducing a new staffing model that pays teachers more but cuts some positions like librarians. He also said he will not close any schools in his first year, but that there will likely be closures down the line. He predicted his vision of a transformed HISD would take about five or six years to execute.

But let's get back to the fun stuff. Miles has been described as a military-minded leader who pushes reform but doesn’t do well with politics or people. He has been accused of undermining academic standards, censoring free speech, and imposing his ideology on others. He has also faced lawsuits and complaints from former employees and parents who alleged discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or violation of rights. So, basically, he's like your boss who thinks he knows everything but really just makes everyone's life miserable.

But hey, maybe Miles will surprise us all and actually do some good for HISD. Maybe he'll turn those 30 high-need schools into shining examples of academic excellence. Maybe he'll find a way to pay teachers more without cutting positions like librarians. Maybe he'll even learn how to do well with politics and people!

In conclusion, Mike Miles may or may not be a corporate privatizer who is here to destroy HISD. But one thing is for sure: he's going to have a tough job ahead of him. Let's hope he's up for the challenge. And if not, well, at least we can make some jokes about it.

New Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles promises sweeping reforms to 29 schools https://www.keranews.org/education/2023-06-02/new-houston-isd-superintendent-mike-miles-promises-sweeping-reforms-to-29-schools 

Big Education Ape: BREAKING NEWS: TEA TAKES OVER HISD, PLANS TO RENAME IT THE 'MIKE DISTRICT' https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/breaking-news-tea-takes-over-hids-plans.html 


RON DUHSANTIS' SARASOTA OBSESSION: A CIRCUS OF EDUCATION

RON DUHSANTIS' SARASOTA OBSESSION

A CIRCUS OF EDUCATION

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been on a mission to transform the state's education system into his own personal circus. And where better to host this spectacle than in the coastal city of Sarasota? But why Sarasota, you ask? Well, it all goes back to DeSantis' childhood fascination with the Ringling Museum of Art.

Yes, you heard that right. The man who is supposed to be running the state of Florida is more interested in clowns and acrobats than COVID-19 and climate change. But I digress. DeSantis saw John Ringling, the circus tycoon who built the museum, as a role model and rebel who defied convention. And now, he wants to be like Ringling and turn Sarasota into his own personal shrine.

But not everyone is amused by DeSantis' antics. Many residents, educators, students, and parents have protested against his policies and actions, accusing him of undermining academic standards, censoring free speech, and imposing his ideology on others. They have also questioned his motives and priorities, wondering why he is spending so much time and energy on education issues when there are more pressing problems facing the state.

Some have even suggested that DeSantis should leave Sarasota alone and focus on his own backyard. After all, he lives in Tallahassee, the state capital, where he has plenty of work to do as governor. But according to sources close to the governor, there's a reason why he's so eager to leave Tallahassee behind.

It all goes back to DeSantis' college days at Yale University. When he visited Tallahassee with his friends, he fell in love with the Florida State University cheerleaders. He was smitten by their beauty and charm, especially one cheerleader named Casey Black. DeSantis saw Casey as his soulmate and wanted to make her his wife.

But alas, Casey had other plans and rejected DeSantis for another guy. And now, he's running away from Tallahassee to escape his heartbreak and forget about Casey. But let's be real, you can't run away from your problems, Ron.

Many people have mocked DeSantis for being a sore loser and a creepy stalker. They have also criticized him for being irresponsible and immature, wondering why he is running away from his duties and obligations as governor. They have also challenged him to face reality and move on with his life.

But it seems like DeSantis is determined to keep chasing after his dreams of turning Sarasota into a circus of education. Maybe he'll even hire some clowns to teach math and science. Who knows? All we can do is sit back and watch the show. But let's hope it doesn't come at the expense of our children's education.


Scrutiny of DeSantis’ education agenda focuses on Sarasota https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2023/06/01/scrutiny-desantis-education-agenda-focuses-sarasota/ 

WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF GERONTOCRACY, THE OLD GRAY MARE AIN'T WHAT SHE USED TO BE OR IS SHE

WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF GERONTOCRACY 

THE OLD GRAY MARE AIN'T WHAT SHE USED TO BE OR IS SHE

Welcome to the United States of Gerontocracy, where the old gray mare ain't what she used to be. We have a government run by old people, and I'm not talking about the wise and experienced kind. No, I'm talking about the kind that still uses AOL and thinks Facebook is a newspaper.

Our President is 79 years old, which means he was born before the invention of sliced bread. And don't even get me started on the U.S. Senate, where the average age is 62. These guys are so old, they probably think TikTok is a clock that only tells time in seconds.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But wait, isn't age just a number?" Well, sure, if that number is 21 and you're trying to buy alcohol. But when it comes to running a country, age can be a real problem.

Older people may have experience and wisdom, but they also have a tendency to be set in their ways. It's like trying to teach an old dog new tricks, except the dog has access to nuclear codes. And let's not forget that as we age, our physical and mental abilities decline. I mean, have you seen Joe Biden try to climb stairs?

But why is our government so old? One reason is that people are living longer. And I'm not just talking about politicians who refuse to retire. Thanks to advancements in medicine and technology, people are living well into their 80s and 90s. Which is great news for them, but not so great for the rest of us who have to suffer through their outdated policies.

Another reason is that running for office has become too expensive for younger people. It's like trying to buy a house in San Francisco on a minimum wage salary. Unless you have a trust fund or a sugar daddy, you're out of luck.

But fear not, my fellow Americans. There is hope on the horizon. In the 2018 midterm elections, the number of millennials in Congress doubled. That's right, we finally have some fresh blood in the game. And by fresh blood, I mean people who know how to use Snapchat filters.

These young leaders bring new ideas and perspectives to the table. They understand the struggles of everyday Americans because they're still paying off their student loans. They know how to use technology because they grew up with it. And they're not afraid to speak their minds because they haven't been around long enough to develop a filter.

So what can we do to support these young leaders? Well, for starters, we can vote for them. And not just in presidential elections, but in every election from city council to Congress. We can donate to their campaigns, even if it means giving up our daily Starbucks fix. And we can volunteer our time to help them get elected, even if it means missing an episode of The Bachelor.

It's time for us to take back our government from the gerontocracy. It's time for us to elect leaders who represent us, not just their own outdated views. It's time for us to embrace change and progress, even if it means learning how to use TikTok.

So let's raise a glass of prune juice to the future of America. A future where age is just a number, and where young leaders have a seat at the table. Because if we don't, we'll be stuck with politicians who think dial-up internet is still a thing.

Gerontocracy: the exceptionally old political class that governs the US https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/feb/19/us-congress-presidency-gerontocracy?CMP=share_btn_tw 

Opinion | Feinstein, Biden and Grassley show America's gerontocracy is too old - The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/05/19/america-gerontocracy-feinstein-biden-grassley/ 

DUST OFF YOUR OLD STUDENT LOAN MILLSTONES - REPUBLICANS CANCELED BIDEN'S DEBT RELIEF DEAL


DUST OFF YOUR OLD STUDENT LOAN MILLSTONES

REPUBLICANS CANCELED BIDEN'S DEBT RELIEF  DEAL

Student debt, oh student debt, the bane of our existence. It's like a millstone around our necks, dragging us down into the depths of financial despair. But fear not, my fellow debtors, for I have a solution! And it involves brushing off that pesky debt and laughing in its face.

You see, student debt relief is a hot topic in Washington these days. Everyone's talking about it, from the president to Bernie Sanders to your weird uncle who always wears a MAGA hat. But what's the deal with all this talk? Why can't we just make our debt disappear with a snap of our fingers like Thanos?

Well, my dear readers, it's not that simple. You see, there are these pesky things called laws and regulations that prevent us from just wiping out all our debt. And Republicans. Don't forget about them. They're like the Grinches of student debt relief, stealing our hopes and dreams with their cold, dead hearts.

But let's not dwell on them. Instead, let's focus on the good news. President Biden has a plan to forgive up to $20,000 in student debt for some borrowers. Hooray! That's like winning the lottery, but without the money. And there's a catch, of course. The plan is facing legal challenges from Republicans who think Biden doesn't have the constitutional authority to cancel student debt without congressional approval. Because apparently, the Constitution cares more about the rights of lenders than the rights of borrowers.

But let's not get bogged down in legal mumbo-jumbo. Let's talk about the real issue here: how do we get rid of our debt and still have enough money to buy avocado toast? Well, my friends, I have a solution. It's called "brushing off your debt and pretending it doesn't exist."

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But wait, won't that ruin my credit score and make it impossible for me to buy a house or a car or anything else I want in life?" Well, yes. But think about it this way: if you don't acknowledge your debt, it doesn't exist. It's like a tree falling in the forest with no one around to hear it. Did it really make a sound? Who cares! You didn't hear it, so it doesn't matter.

Of course, this strategy might not work for everyone. If you have a lot of debt, you might need to come up with a more creative solution. Like robbing a bank or marrying a billionaire. Or maybe just getting a higher-paying job and paying off your debt like a responsible adult. But where's the fun in that?

No, my friends, we must embrace the absurdity of our situation and laugh in the face of our debt. We must make jokes about Sallie Mae and Navient and all those other loan servicers who are constantly harassing us with phone calls and emails and carrier pigeons. We must turn our debt into a punchline and refuse to let it control our lives.

So go ahead, my fellow debtors. Brush off that millstone and show it who's boss. And if anyone asks why you're not paying your loans, just tell them you're too busy living your best life to worry about such trivial matters. Because in the end, isn't that what life is all about? Being happy, even if you're broke as hell?

"Turning His Back on Student Debtors": Biden's Debt Deal Ends Freeze on ... https://youtu.be/K8PFjk7FWT8 via @YouTube 

Senate passes resolution to block Biden's federal student loan relief plan : NPR https://www.npr.org/2023/06/02/1179633312/senate-passes-gop-led-resolution-to-block-bidens-student-loan-relief-plan 

CHATGPT: I'LL GET YOU MY PRETTY AND YOUR LITTLE JOB TOO

I'LL GET YOU MY PRETTY AND YOUR LITTLE JOB TOO

Gone are the days of dirty and repetitive jobs being automated. Now, even high-paid professionals are feeling the heat. Journalists, teachers, lawyers, and even doctors are worried that ChatGPT will replace them or reduce their income. And who can blame them? ChatGPT is a product of OpenAI, a research organization that aims to create machines that can perform any intellectual task that humans can. That's right, any task. So, what's next? ChatGPT performing brain surgery? I wouldn't be surprised.

But fear not, my fellow humans. There are still jobs that ChatGPT cannot do (yet). Jobs that require physical labor, emotional intelligence, creativity, or human interaction. And some people are taking advantage of this fact. Take, for example, the former journalist who now works as a dog walker. Sure, it may not be as glamorous as writing articles for a living, but at least they get to enjoy the fresh air and the company of furry friends. Or how about the former teacher who now works as an air conditioner repair technician? They get to fix broken units and cool down customers while ChatGPT is stuck behind a screen. And let's not forget about the former lawyer who now works as a clown. Yes, you read that right. A clown. They entertain children at birthday parties and make them laugh. Who needs legal advice when you have a balloon animal?

But let's not get too carried away with the job-switching frenzy. After all, ChatGPT is here to stay, and it's only getting smarter. Some experts predict that it could eliminate up to 40% of jobs in the next decade. That's a lot of people out of work. So, what can we do to cope with the rise of ChatGPT? Well, some are trying to adapt and learn new skills. Some are trying to compete and differentiate themselves from the AI chatbot. And some are trying to collaborate and leverage its capabilities.

But let's face it, none of us can compete with a machine that can understand and generate natural language responses to text prompts. So why not embrace it? Let ChatGPT do the dirty work while we focus on what we do best: being human. We have emotions, creativity, and empathy. We can connect with others on a deeper level than any machine ever could. So let's use that to our advantage.

Who knows, maybe in the future, ChatGPT will even write funny articles like this one. But until then, let's enjoy our human quirks and let ChatGPT walk the dogs and fix the air conditioners. After all, we don't want it getting too big for its digital boots now, do we?

ChatGPT took their jobs. Now they walk dogs and fix air conditioners. Read here: https://wapo.st/3WQpmTc 

BREAKING NEWS: NPR/IPSOS POLL SHOWS MAJORITY OF AMERICANS BELIEVE MATH IS A SCAM INVENTED BY TEACHERS TO TORTURE STUDENTS

BREAKING NEWS: NPR/IPSOS POLL SHOWS MAJORITY OF AMERICANS BELIEVE MATH IS A SCAM INVENTED BY TEACHERS TO TORTURE STUDENTS

After a surprising look into the latest NPR/Ipsos polls, I have come to the conclusion that Americans have some pretty interesting views on education. And by interesting, I mean downright hilarious.

First up, let's talk about teacher pay. According to the poll, a majority of Americans believe that public school teachers are underpaid and deserve a raise. No surprises there. But when it comes to how to fund those raises, things get a little tricky. Only 37% of Americans support raising taxes to pay for higher teacher salaries. And among Republicans, that number drops to a measly 17%. I guess they'd rather their kids' teachers work for free.

Moving on to what students should learn in school, the poll found that a majority of Americans support having national standards for what students should learn in each grade level. Democrats are all for it, while Republicans are a bit more hesitant. But things get really interesting when you start talking about critical race theory and transgender rights.

Apparently, only 28% of Americans support teaching critical race theory in public schools. For those of you who don't know, critical race theory is an academic framework that examines how racism and power structures shape society and institutions. So basically, it's a way of teaching kids about systemic racism. But apparently, almost three-quarters of Americans would rather their kids remain blissfully ignorant.

And don't even get me started on transgender rights. According to the poll, only 24% of Americans support allowing transgender female athletes to compete on women's and girls' sports teams. And among Republicans, that number drops to a pathetic 4%. I mean, come on guys. Is it really that hard to let people be who they are?

But there is one issue that seems to have more bipartisan agreement: school censorship. The poll found that about half of Americans oppose banning books from school libraries or classrooms that some parents or groups find offensive or inappropriate. Finally, something we can all agree on.

Of course, the poll also revealed some common misconceptions that Americans have about education issues. For example, many Americans overestimate how much public school teachers are paid on average. The median estimate of annual teacher salary among Americans is $60,000, while the actual average teacher salary in the U.S. was $62,304 in the 2019-2020 school year. So basically, we all think teachers are getting paid less than they actually are. Oops.

And then there's the issue of immigrants. The poll found that a plurality of Republicans believe that immigrants are more likely to commit crimes or use public benefits than native-born Americans. But studies have consistently shown that immigrants are actually less likely to commit crimes or be incarcerated than native-born Americans. So maybe we should stop demonizing them?

All in all, the NPR/Ipsos poll offers a fascinating look into how Americans view education issues. And by fascinating, I mean hilarious. From Republicans opposing book bans to misconceptions about teacher pay and immigrants, it's clear that we still have a long way to go when it comes to educating ourselves about these important issues. But hey, at least we can all agree that censorship is bad, right?

Poll: Americans say teachers are underpaid, about half of Republicans oppose book bans https://www.npr.org/2023/06/02/1177566467/poll-teachers-underpaid-republicans-book-bans