IN YOUR FACE SAG-AFTRA WGA STRIKES: NETFLIX HASTINGS HIRES 'AI PRODUCT MGR'

 

IN YOUR FACE SAG-AFTRA WGA STRIKES

NETFLIX HASTINGS HIRES  'AI PRODUCT MGR'

Reed Hastings, the union buster extraordinaire, has done it again. He's hired an AI product manager for nearly $1 million, proving that he has no use for unions or democracy. Who needs those silly attempts to control Netflix or billionaires for that matter? We are smarter than everyone, we are rich and greedy, who needs unions and democracy?

But while Hastings is busy playing with his godless AI army, the actors and writers are striking for their rights. They want protections against their scanned likeness being manipulated by AI without adequate compensation. The writers even want to make sure that AI programs like ChatGPT can't be credited with writing a screenplay. Can you imagine a world where robots are taking over Hollywood? It's like a Black Mirror episode come to life.

Meanwhile, Netflix is hiring an AI Product Manager with a salary range of up to $900,000. Clearly, the company is betting big on AI, and who can blame them? With the potential to personalize recommendations, create new content, and improve the user experience, AI has the power to revolutionize the entertainment industry. But let's hope they use it in a responsible and ethical way, unlike Hastings and his anti-union agenda.

Speaking of unions, the teachers union and Hastings have had a complicated relationship over the years. He's supported some of their initiatives, like Proposition 39, which lowered the threshold for passing school bonds. But he's also been a vocal advocate for charter schools and more accountability in the education system, which has put him at odds with the union.

In fact, Hastings has donated millions of dollars to start and support charter schools, education technology companies, and education reform organizations. He's even created a $100 million fund to support education initiatives around the world. But his recent donations to oppose Proposition 5 and Proposition 15 have put him back in the union's crosshairs.

It's like a never-ending battle between good and evil, or in this case, unions and billionaires. But let's not forget about the actors and writers who are striking for their rights. Maybe they should hire an AI army of their own to fight for fair compensation and protections against robot takeover.

In conclusion, Reed Hastings may have all the money in the world, but he can't buy his way out of a funny article. Let's hope he learns to play nice with the unions and uses his AI powers for good instead of evil. And if all else fails, maybe we can convince the robots to join our cause. After all, they're actors too.

As Actors Strike for AI Protections, Netflix Lists $900,000 AI Job https://theintercept.com/2023/07/25/strike-hollywood-ai-disney-netflix/ 

Netflix hiring AI manager with $900K salary amid entertainment industry strikes - nj.com https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2023/07/netflix-hiring-ai-manager-with-900k-salary-amid-entertainment-industry-strikes.html 

THE DEFT DIVE

Reed Hastings is the co-founder and CEO of Netflix, a popular streaming service that offers movies and TV shows. He is also a philanthropist and an education reformer who has supported charter schools, personalized learning, and other initiatives to improve public education in the U.S. ¹²

The teachers union is a term that refers to the labor organizations that represent teachers and other education workers in collective bargaining, advocacy, and political action. The largest teachers union in the U.S. is the National Education Association (NEA), followed by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). ³

Reed Hastings and the teachers union have had a complicated and sometimes contentious relationship over the years. Here are some of the main points of conflict and collaboration between them:

• - In 1998, Hastings led and financed a campaign to pass Proposition 39, which lowered the threshold for passing school bonds from two-thirds to 55 percent. This measure was supported by the teachers union and resulted in more funding for school construction and renovation. ¹
• - In 2000, Hastings was appointed by Governor Gray Davis to the California State Board of Education, where he advocated for more accountability and choice in the education system. He supported the expansion of charter schools, which are publicly funded but independently operated schools that often compete with traditional public schools. He also pushed for more English instruction for English learners, which was opposed by some bilingual educators. ¹²
• - In 2004, Hastings was reappointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, but his nomination was blocked by a group of Democratic legislators who were influenced by the teachers union and other education groups that opposed his views on charter schools and bilingual education. Hastings had to step down from the board after serving for four years. ¹²
• - In 2010, Hastings donated $1 million to support Proposition 14, which established a top-two primary system in California. This measure was opposed by the teachers union and other interest groups that feared losing their influence in partisan primaries. ⁴
• - In 2012, Hastings joined the Giving Pledge, promising to donate most of his wealth to charity. He has given millions of dollars to start and support charter schools, education technology companies, and education reform organizations. He has also funded research and advocacy on personalized learning, which uses data and technology to tailor instruction to each student's needs and preferences. ¹²
• - In 2016, Hastings announced that he would create a $100 million fund to support education initiatives around the world, with a focus on improving access and quality for low-income students. He also said that he would work with the teachers union and other stakeholders to find common ground on education issues. 
• - In 2018, Hastings donated $7 million to support Proposition 5, which would have expanded property tax breaks for older homeowners who move to new homes. This measure was opposed by the teachers union and other groups that argued it would reduce funding for schools and local services. The measure was defeated by voters. 
• - In 2020, Hastings donated $3 million to oppose Proposition 15, which would have raised property taxes on commercial and industrial properties to generate more revenue for schools and local governments. This measure was supported by the teachers union and other groups that argued it would make corporations pay their fair share of taxes. The measure was narrowly defeated by voters. 

As you can see, Reed Hastings and the teachers union have had different visions and interests when it comes to education policy and reform in California and beyond. They have sometimes clashed over issues such as charter schools, taxes, accountability, and choice, but they have also sometimes cooperated over issues such as school funding, teacher development, and student learning.

Bing, 7/27/2023

(1) Disrupting the Education Monopoly - Education Next. https://www.educationnext.org/disrupting-the-education-monopoly-reed-hastings-interview/.

(2) Revisiting California's Battle of (Reed) Hastings - Zócalo Public Square. https://www.zocalopublicsquare.org/2021/04/13/reed-hastings-california-education-reform/ideas/connecting-california/.

(3) The City Fund has given out over $100 million to support charter and .... https://www.chalkbeat.org/2020/2/21/21178789/a-major-new-player-in-education-giving-the-city-fund-uses-over-100-million-in-grants-to-grow-charter.

(4) Netflix founder Reed Hastings is secretly building a luxury ... - Vox. https://www.vox.com/recode/2020/6/16/21285836/reed-hastings-netflix-teachers-education-reform-park-county-colorado-ranch-retreat.

FROM BARD: 

Reed Hastings has openly opposed unions at Netflix and other companies. In 2014, he wrote an email to Netflix employees in which he said, "I believe unions can be a force for good, but I also think they can be a force for bad. They can be divisive. They can make it hard to make changes."

Hastings has also been critical of unions in the tech industry. In a 2016 interview with The Wall Street Journal, he said, "I think unions are a relic of the industrial era. They're not really necessary in the tech industry, where we have a lot of freedom and a lot of opportunity."

In addition to Netflix, Hastings has also opposed unions at other companies, including Microsoft and Google. In 2018, he wrote an op-ed in The New York Times in which he argued that unions are "not necessary" in the tech industry.

Hastings's opposition to unions has been criticized by some labor activists. They argue that unions are necessary to protect the rights of workers and to ensure that they are treated fairly. They also argue that unions can help to improve wages and benefits for workers.

It is unclear whether Hastings's opposition to unions will have a significant impact on the tech industry. However, his views have been echoed by other tech CEOs, such as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. This suggests that the tech industry may be becoming increasingly hostile to unions.

THE MAD MAGA MONK OF OKLA EDUCATION RYAN 'RASPUTIN' WALTERS STRIKES AGAIN - TARGETS TULSA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

 THE MAD MAGA MONK OF OKLA EDUCATION RYAN 'RASPUTIN' WALTERS STRIKES AGAIN - TARGETS TULSA PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

The Mad MAGA Monk of Oklahoma Education, Ryan "Rasputin" Walters, is at it again. This time, he's targeting Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) in another scrimmage in the never-ending war of libertarians: charter schools vs. MAGA vouchers.

But before we dive into the latest antics of the Mad MAGA Monk, let's take a look at the background of the TPS accreditation process.

In 2021, the Oklahoma State Board of Education voted to punish TPS for violating a state law that limits discussions on race and gender in public schools. The law, known as Senate Bill 616, prohibits teachers from discussing certain topics related to race and gender, including the concept that one race or sex is inherently superior to another, the teaching of critical race theory, and the teaching of the 1619 Project.

TPS was found to have violated the law by allowing teachers to discuss these topics in their classrooms. As a result, the State Board of Education downgraded TPS's accreditation status from "accredited with no deficiencies" to "accredited with a warning."

TPS Superintendent Deborah Gist has criticized the accreditation process as being "untransparent." She has argued that the State Board of Education did not give TPS a fair opportunity to defend itself against the allegations of violating Senate Bill 616.

Gist has also argued that the State Board of Education is motivated by political considerations, rather than by a genuine concern for the quality of education in Tulsa. She has pointed out that the State Board of Education is composed mostly of members appointed by Republican Governor Kevin Stitt, who is a vocal critic of critical race theory.

But enough about serious stuff, let's get back to the Mad MAGA Monk.

Ryan "Rasputin" Walters is a man on a mission. His goal? To turn every school in Oklahoma into a MAGA stronghold. And he's not afraid to use any means necessary to achieve his goal.

Walters believes that America is a great country that has been declining in recent years. He believes that former President Donald Trump is the only person who can restore America to its former greatness. And he's not afraid to use his position as an educator to spread his message.

Walters is a firm believer in free markets and limited government intervention in the economy. He's also generally opposed to taxes and regulations. But his real passion lies in social issues.

Walters is a traditionalist at heart. He believes in traditional values such as family, religion, and patriotism. He's also generally opposed to abortion and same-sex marriage. In fact, he once said that he'd rather see his daughter dead than married to another woman.

But Walters isn't just a social conservative. He's also a fierce opponent of critical race theory and the 1619 Project. He believes that these teachings are divisive and harmful to American society.

So what does all of this have to do with TPS?

Well, Walters sees TPS as a prime target in his quest to turn every school in Oklahoma into a MAGA stronghold. He believes that TPS is too liberal and too focused on social justice issues. And he's not afraid to use his position as an educator to push his agenda.

Walters has been pushing for the expansion of charter schools and MAGA vouchers in Oklahoma for years. He believes that these programs will give parents more choice and help to break the liberal stranglehold on education in the state.

But not everyone is on board with Walters' vision. Many educators and parents see him as a dangerous extremist who wants to turn Oklahoma into a right-wing dystopia.

So where do we go from here?

It's hard to say. The battle between libertarians and MAGA supporters is likely to continue for years to come. But one thing is for sure: Ryan "Rasputin" Walters isn't going anywhere.

Love him or hate him, Walters is a force to be reckoned with in Oklahoma education. And if you're not careful, he might just turn your school into a MAGA stronghold too.

Gist concerned TPS has been targeted by 'a process that is being politicized for a very specific personal agenda' https://www.readfrontier.org/stories/gist-concerned-tps-has-been-targeted-by-a-process-that-is-being-politicized-for-a-very-specific-personal-agenda/ 

Tulsa Public Schools' Superintendent Speaks Out After Concerns Raised Over District's Accreditation Score https://www.newson6.com/story/64c18e09e3eda50aa14665a2/tulsa-public-schools-superintendent-speaks-out-after-concerns-raised-over-districts-accreditation-score 

Editorial: Stitt's ire toward TPS reaches new level with state audit request https://tulsaworld.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-stitts-ire-toward-tps-reaches-new-level-with-state-audit-request/article_ccbf0082-021e-11ed-a7b1-cbcc42aab306.html 

WHAT IS THE PRAGERU CURRICULUM AND OF COURSE FLORIDA APPROVES USE IN SCHOOLS

WHAT IS THE PRAGERU CURRICULUM AND OF COURSE FLORIDA APPROVES USE IN SCHOOLS 

Breaking news! Ron DuhSantis' Florida Department of Miseducation has struck again! In their latest move, they have approved the use of PragerU's curriculum in Florida schools. Yes, you read that right, PragerU, the conservative non-profit organization that produces short videos on a variety of political and cultural topics. It's like letting Fox News teach your kids about politics.

Now, I know what you're thinking, "What could go wrong?" Well, let me tell you, a lot! Candace Owens, a regular contributor to PragerU, once said "Slavery was not invented by White people." I mean, come on, who needs facts when you have alternative facts, am I right?

In another video, the narrator says "There is no such thing as gender-affirming care. You cannot affirm something that does not exist." Wow, just wow. I guess all those transgender people are just figments of our imagination. Who knew?

But hey, don't worry, PragerU's curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including history, economics, foreign affairs, and philosophy. And the videos are typically 5-10 minutes long, so your kids won't get bored. I mean, who needs an actual education when you can watch a cartoon version of history?

The curriculum also includes a number of interactive resources, such as quizzes and discussion questions. Because nothing says "I'm learning" like a multiple-choice quiz.

But wait, there's more! PragerU's curriculum has been praised by some for providing students with a different perspective on current events. Yes, because what we really need is more conservative propaganda in our schools.

However, the curriculum has also been criticized for being biased and for promoting misinformation. But who needs facts when you have feelings? Am I right?

Some of the key concepts that PragerU's curriculum teaches include the importance of American exceptionalism, the dangers of socialism and communism, the need for limited government, the importance of traditional values, and the threat of radical Islam. Because nothing says "I'm open-minded" like demonizing an entire religion.

PragerU's curriculum has been approved for use in Florida public schools. However, the curriculum has also been banned from some school districts, such as Loudoun County, Virginia. Because some people still believe in facts and not alternative facts.

In conclusion, if you want your kids to have a well-rounded education, I suggest you steer clear of PragerU's curriculum. But if you want them to be indoctrinated with conservative propaganda and alternative facts, then by all means, go ahead and let them watch those cartoons. Just don't be surprised when they start spouting off nonsense at the dinner table.

Florida allows teachers to use conservative PragerU curriculum in classrooms https://www.wesh.com/article/prageru-florida-schools/44654207 

PragerU curriculum will be allowed in Florida schools, but what is it? https://www.pnj.com/story/news/education/2023/07/26/prageru-curriculum-florida-schools-explainer/70472668007/ 

Right-Wing PragerU Says Florida Is First State to Permit Its ‘Curriculum’ in Schools https://www.thedailybeast.com/right-wing-prageru-says-florida-is-first-state-to-permit-its-curriculum-in-schools 

"This is what indoctrination of students actually looks like": Florida PragerU curriculum comes under fire, sparks concern online https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/news-this-indoctrination-students-actually-looks-like-florida-prageru-curriculum-comes-fire-sparks-concern-online 

HUNTER BIDEN: SKELETONS IN THE PRESIDENTIAL FAMILY CLOSET HAVE COME OUT TO PLAY

HUNTER BIDEN: SKELETONS IN THE PRESIDENTIAL FAMILY CLOSET HAVE COME OUT TO PLAY

Breaking news, folks! The skeletons in the presidential family closet have come out to play, and boy are they rowdy! From Biden's kid to Trump's kids, these presidential offspring have caused more scandals than a Hollywood diva.

Let's start with the most recent scandal involving Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden. He has been accused of using his father's influence to secure lucrative business deals in Ukraine and China, and has faced scrutiny over his personal life, including his substance abuse issues and his relationship with his brother's widow. But hey, at least he's not as bad as his dad, who falls asleep during Trump campaign speeches at CPAC meetings.

But wait, there's more! Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of former President Donald Trump, and his ex-wife Vanessa Trump have been involved in several scandals. From alleged affairs with pop singers to meeting with Russian lawyers to spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories on social media, these two have done it all. And let's not forget Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, who have faced accusations of conflicts of interest, corruption, and nepotism. Using private email accounts to conduct official White House business? Check. Pursuing financial interests in foreign countries while working in the White House? Check. Being granted top-secret security clearances despite objections from intelligence officials? Check.

But it's not just the Trump family that has a rowdy bunch. The Kennedy family has had their fair share of scandals, including the Chappaquiddick incident and the Profumo affair. The Johnson family was involved in the Bobby Baker scandal and the Billie Sol Estes scandal. The Nixon family had the Watergate scandal and the Milken scandal. And let's not forget the Clinton family, with the Whitewater controversy and the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

Even presidential siblings have caused trouble for their brothers in the White House. Orvil Lynch Grant was accused of taking bribes and engaging in conflicts of interest as a director of a bank that collapsed and cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Roger Clinton was arrested for cocaine distribution and caused controversy by lobbying his brother for pardons for several convicted criminals. Neil Bush was sued by federal regulators for his role in the failure of a savings and loan association that cost taxpayers $1 billion. Malik Obama was a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and faced allegations of fraud and mismanagement of his charity foundation. And James Biden has been accused of using his family name to secure lucrative business deals in various sectors.

But let's not be too hard on these presidential children. After all, they didn't choose to be born into a political dynasty. And who knows, maybe they'll turn their scandals into a reality TV show or a bestselling memoir. At least they're keeping things interesting in the White House.

In conclusion, it seems like every presidential family has their own set of skeletons in the closet. From Hunter Biden's foreign business dealings to Donald Trump Jr.'s alleged affairs, these presidential offspring have caused more scandals than we can count. But hey, at least they're making politics entertaining, right? Who needs Netflix when you have the presidential family drama?

THE DEFT DIVE

Scandals surrounding the son of President Joe Biden and his foreign business dealings, personal life, and legal troubles. Here is a brief overview of some of the main aspects of the story:

• - **Hunter Biden's foreign business dealings**: Hunter Biden, who has a law degree from Yale University, has been involved in various business ventures in countries such as China, Ukraine, Romania, and Kazakhstan. He has faced accusations of using his father's influence and name to secure lucrative contracts and access to powerful figures while his father was vice president under Barack Obama⁴⁵. Some of his most controversial dealings include:
•     - Serving on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company, from 2014 to 2019, and receiving up to $50,000 per month for his role⁴⁶. He joined the board at a time when his father was leading the US policy on Ukraine and pushing for anti-corruption reforms in the country⁴⁶. Critics have alleged that Hunter Biden's position created a conflict of interest for his father and that he was hired to protect Burisma from prosecution⁶.
•     - Forming a joint venture with CEFC China Energy, a Chinese conglomerate with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, in 2017, and receiving a 10% stake in the company⁴⁵. He also received a 2.8-carat diamond from the founder of CEFC, Ye Jianming, who was later detained by Chinese authorities on corruption charges⁴⁵. Critics have alleged that Hunter Biden's involvement with CEFC posed a national security risk for the US and that he was paid to influence his father's policy on China⁵.
• - **Hunter Biden's personal life**: Hunter Biden has struggled with drug addiction and alcoholism for most of his adult life. He has been in and out of rehab several times and has admitted to using crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and other substances⁴⁵. He has also faced scrutiny over his romantic relationships and family issues. Some of his most notable personal challenges include:
•     - Having an affair with Hallie Biden, the widow of his brother Beau Biden, who died of brain cancer in 2015⁴⁵. The affair began in 2016 and ended in 2019. It caused tension within the Biden family and raised ethical questions about Hunter Biden's role as the executor of Beau Biden's estate⁴⁵.
•     - Fathering a child with Lunden Roberts, a former stripper from Arkansas, in 2018⁴⁵. He initially denied paternity but later agreed to pay child support after a DNA test confirmed he was the father⁴⁵. He is currently involved in a legal dispute with Roberts over the amount of child support and access to his financial records⁵.
•     - Marrying Melissa Cohen, a South African filmmaker, in 2019 after knowing her for less than a week⁴⁵. They have a son named Beau, born in 2020⁴⁵. Cohen has been supportive of Hunter Biden's recovery and career⁴⁵.
• - **Hunter Biden's legal troubles**: Hunter Biden has been under federal investigation since 2018 for possible tax violations and making a false statement relating to a gun he bought⁴⁵. The investigation has also examined his foreign business dealings and whether he violated any laws or regulations⁴⁵. He has not been charged with any crime but has acknowledged that he is under investigation⁴⁵. Some of his most significant legal issues include:
•     - Failing to report $400,000 in income from Burisma on his 2014 tax return and owing more than $112,000 in taxes to the IRS⁴⁵. He has agreed to plead guilty to two misdemeanour tax crimes and pay $500,000 in restitution as part of a plea deal with prosecutors².
•     - Lying on a federal background check form when he purchased a handgun in 2018 by denying that he was an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance⁴⁵. He has agreed to plead guilty to one misdemeanour false statement charge and forfeit the gun as part of the plea deal with prosecutors².
•     - Being accused by an IRS whistleblower of receiving preferential treatment from the Justice Department due to his political connections and influence[^2^. The whistleblower claims that senior officials at the DOJ intervened to delay or obstruct the investigation into Hunter Biden and prevent him from being indicted before the 2020 election[^2^. The whistleblower's attorneys have met with congressional investigators to share their allegations[^2^.

Scandals surrounding the Trump children and spouses.  Here is a brief overview of some of the main scandals that have been reported by various media outlets:

Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump: 

• Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of Donald Trump, and his ex-wife Vanessa Trump, who divorced in 2018, have been involved in several scandals, such as:
• Having an alleged affair with Aubrey O’Day, a former singer of the pop group Danity Kane, in 2011-2012, while Vanessa was pregnant with their third child12. The affair reportedly ended when Donald Trump Sr. told his son to "knock it off"2.
• Meeting with a Russian lawyer who claimed to have dirt on Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential campaign, along with Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort1. The meeting was later investigated by special counsel Robert Mueller as part of his probe into Russian interference in the election1.
• Spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories on social media about various topics, such as COVID-19, the 2020 election, Hunter Biden, and climate change1. His Twitter habits were reportedly a source of contention in his marriage with Vanessa1.

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner: 

• Ivanka Trump, the eldest daughter of Donald Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner, who both served as senior advisers to the former president, have also faced accusations of conflicts of interest, corruption, and nepotism, such as:
• Using private email accounts to conduct official White House business, which raised security and transparency concerns3. Ivanka Trump claimed that she was unaware of the rules and that her emails did not contain classified information3.
• Pursuing financial interests in foreign countries while working in the White House, such as securing trademarks from China and Saudi Arabia, and receiving loans from banks with ties to foreign governments3. Critics have alleged that they used their positions to enrich themselves and influence US policy3.
• Being granted top-secret security clearances despite objections from intelligence officials and White House lawyers, who cited their foreign contacts, business interests, and lack of experience3. It was later reported that Donald Trump overruled the recommendations and personally ordered the clearances for his daughter and son-in-law3.

Eric Trump and Lara Trump: 

• Eric Trump, the second son of Donald Trump, and his wife Lara Trump, who worked as a senior consultant for the former president’s campaign, have also been involved in some scandals, such as:
• Being sued by New York attorney general Letitia James for allegedly inflating the value of their assets to secure loans and tax benefits as part of the Trump Organization4. Eric Trump initially refused to comply with a subpoena to testify in the case but later agreed to do so after a judge ordered him to cooperate4.
• Being accused of animal cruelty for hunting endangered animals in Africa, such as elephants, leopards, and crocodiles4. Photos of them posing with their trophies sparked outrage from animal rights activists and celebrities4.
• Being criticized for making insensitive or false statements on various issues, such as COVID-19, immigration, racism, and women’s rights4. For example, Lara Trump mocked Joe Biden’s stutter during the 2020 campaign and suggested that people should “arm up” and “get guns” to prepare for crime under his presidency4.

These are just some examples of the scandals that have surrounded the Trump children and spouses. There are many more that could be mentioned, such as Tiffany Trump’s involvement in a fraudulent diamond scheme5, Melania Trump’s plagiarism of Michelle Obama’s speech5, and Kimberly Guilfoyle’s sexual harassment allegations5. The Trump family has often denied or dismissed these scandals as fake news or witch hunts.

Bing, 7/26/2023

(1) Hunter Biden: The struggles and scandals of the US president's son - BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55805698. (2) The Hunter Biden scandal vortex keeps getting bigger - CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/11/politics/hunter-biden-investigations-what-matters/index.html. (3) Biden–Ukraine conspiracy theory - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biden%E2%80%93Ukraine_conspiracy_theory. (4) Jonathan Turley: "Panic Setting In" For Democrats And Media About Hunter Biden Scandal. https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2023/07/25/jonathan_turley_panic_setting_in_for_democrats_and_media_about_hunter_biden_scandal.html. (5) Jill Biden escapes to France for UN event as Hunter appears in court. https://nypost.com/2023/07/26/jill-biden-escapes-to-france-for-un-event-as-hunter-appears-in-court/. (6) Hunter Biden is a scandal machine. Democrats aren’t worried — yet.. https://news.yahoo.com/hunter-biden-scandal-machine-democrats-221501368.html.

Major presidential scandals since 1945, with a deeper dive into each one:

• Watergate: The Watergate scandal was a major political scandal that occurred in the United States in the 1970s. The scandal stemmed from a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C., on June 17, 1972. The break-in was carried out by operatives working for the Committee to Re-Elect the President (CREEP), the re-election campaign of President Richard Nixon.Opens in a new window
  www.britannica.com

  Watergate scandal https://www.britannica.com/event/Watergate-Scandal

The Watergate scandal eventually led to Nixon's resignation in 1974. Nixon was the first and only U.S. president to resign from office.

• Iran-Contra Affair: The Iran-Contra affair was a political scandal that occurred in the United States in the 1980s. The scandal involved the sale of arms to Iran by the Reagan administration in exchange for the release of American hostages held in Lebanon. The administration also used the proceeds from the arms sales to fund the Contras, a rebel group fighting against the Sandinista government in Nicaragua.Opens in a new window
  www.britannica.com

  Iran-Contra Affair

The Iran-Contra affair was a major political scandal that damaged the reputation of the Reagan administration. Several top Reagan administration officials were indicted in connection with the scandal, but none were convicted.

• Whitewater Controversy: The Whitewater controversy was a political scandal that involved the Clintons, Bill and Hillary, and their real estate investments in the Whitewater Development Corporation. The Clintons were accused of financial impropriety in connection with the Whitewater project. The scandal dogged the Clintons throughout Bill Clinton's presidency, and it was a major factor in his impeachment in 1998.
  Opens in a new windowwww.npr.org

  Whitewater controversy

The Whitewater controversy was never fully resolved, and the Clintons were never charged with any crimes. However, the scandal damaged the Clintons' reputation and led to a loss of public trust.

• Monica Lewinsky scandal: The Monica Lewinsky scandal was a political sex scandal that involved President Bill Clinton and White House intern Monica Lewinsky. The scandal began in 1995, when Lewinsky began an affair with Clinton. The affair came to light in 1998, and Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives for perjury and obstruction of justice. However, he was acquitted by the Senate.
  Opens in a new windowwww.history.com

  Monica Lewinsky scandal

The Monica Lewinsky scandal was a major political scandal that damaged the reputation of the Clintons and the presidency. It also led to a national conversation about sexual harassment and consent.

• Trump-Russia investigation: The Trump-Russia investigation was a federal investigation into whether the Trump campaign had colluded with Russia to interfere in the 2016 presidential election. The investigation was led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, and it lasted for two years. Mueller's report did not find sufficient evidence to establish that the Trump campaign had conspired or coordinated with Russia. However, the investigation did find that Russia interfered in the election in a "sweeping and systematic fashion."
  Opens in a new windowwww.cnn.com

  Trump-Russia investigationThe Trump-Russia investigation was a major political scandal that damaged the reputation of the Trump administration. It also led to a national conversation about foreign interference in U.S. elections.

A few examples of presidential siblings who have caused trouble for their brothers in the White House:

• Orvil Lynch Grant, the younger brother of President Ulysses S. Grant, was accused of taking bribes and engaging in conflicts of interest as a director of a bank that collapsed and cost taxpayers millions of dollars¹. He was also involved in a swindle scheme that used the president’s name to defraud a widow¹.
• Roger Clinton, the half-brother of President Bill Clinton, was arrested for cocaine distribution in 1984 and spent a year in prison². He also caused controversy by lobbying his brother for pardons for several convicted criminals, including his own former cocaine supplier².
• Neil Bush, the son of President George H.W. Bush and the brother of President George W. Bush, was sued by federal regulators for his role in the failure of a savings and loan association that cost taxpayers $1 billion³. He also admitted to having sex with women who showed up at his hotel rooms during business trips in Asia³.
• Malik Obama, the half-brother of President Barack Obama, was a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and criticized his brother’s policies on LGBT rights, Libya, and other issues⁴. He also faced allegations of fraud and mismanagement of his charity foundation⁴.
• James Biden, the brother of President Joe Biden, has been accused of using his family name to secure lucrative business deals in various sectors, including health care, energy, and construction⁵. He has also faced lawsuits and investigations for alleged fraud, breach of contract, and unpaid debts⁵.

These are just some of the presidential siblings who have been involved in scandals that have tarnished the reputation of their president relative. Bing, 7/26/2023

(1) The Biggest Scandals Involving Presidential Kids. https://www.insider.com/presidential-kids-scandals-controversies.

(2) The Biggest Scandals Involving Presidential Kids. https://www.insider.com/presidential-kids-scandals-controversies.

(3) US Presidents Who Had Scandalous Problem Children - Ranker. https://www.ranker.com/list/us-presidents-with-problem-children/stephanroget.

(4) US Presidents Who Had Scandalous Problem Children - Ranker. https://www.ranker.com/list/us-presidents-with-problem-children/stephanroget.

Other presidential sons and daughters have been involved in scandals that have tarnished the reputation of their president relative. However, there have been a number of high-profile cases in recent years.

• Jenna and Barbara Bush: The daughters of President George W. Bush were cited for underage drinking while their father was in office. They were also involved in a number of other controversies, including a DUI arrest and a video that went viral of them smoking marijuana.
  Opens in a new windowen.wikipedia.org

  Jenna Bush
• Chelsea Clinton: The daughter of President Bill Clinton was involved in a number of scandals, including allegations of nepotism and profiting from her father's presidency. She was also criticized for her close ties to Marc Mezvinsky, who was also accused of profiting from his father-in-law's presidency.
  Opens in a new windowen.wikipedia.org

  Chelsea Clinton

MONSTER ESA VOUCHER SCHEME IS EATING ARIZONA

 

MONSTER ESA VOUCHER SCHEME IS EATING ARIZONA 

Attention Arizona citizens! Have you heard the news? The Public School Replacement Program, also known as the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA), is taking over our state! And it's not just taking over, it's eating Arizona alive!

According to Gov. Katie Hobbs' office, the ESA program has caused a $319 million deficit in voucher spending. That's right, folks, our tax dollars are being used to fund this program that lacks oversight and has the potential to divert public funds from public schools.

But wait, there's more! The top two administrators of the ESA program, Christine Accurso and Linda Rizzo, have resigned. Why, you ask? Well, we don't know for sure, but their departure comes at a time when the program is under scrutiny. Could it be that they saw the writing on the wall and decided to jump ship before it's too late?

Accurso claims that she took the ESA position to clean up the program, and having successfully done that, she has chosen to move on. Clean up the program? More like sweep the problems under the rug and hope no one notices. And Rizzo? She's leaving to pursue other opportunities. Translation: she's getting out while the getting is good.

The ESA program has been controversial since its inception, and the resignations of Accurso and Rizzo will likely add fuel to the fire. The program has been criticized for its lack of oversight and potential to divert public funds from public schools. And let's not forget that there are no regulations governing how ESA funds can be used. It's like giving a kid a blank check and hoping they spend it wisely.

But hey, why stop there? Let's expand the program even more! Republican Representative Jake Hoffman is sponsoring legislation that would allow all Arizona students to participate in the program, regardless of their income. Because who needs public schools anyway, right? Let's just throw all our tax dollars at a program with no oversight and questionable results.

In case you're not convinced that the ESA program is eating Arizona alive, let's look at some numbers. Enrollment in the program has more than doubled in the past year, with over 60,500 students now participating. And according to the Arizona Department of Education, the program will cost $900 million in fiscal year 2024. That's a lot of money for a program with no regulations and questionable results.

So what's next for the ESA program? Who knows! The Arizona Department of Education is now responsible for finding replacements for Accurso and Rizzo. Will they find someone who will clean up the program and bring oversight? Or will they find someone who will continue to sweep problems under the rug?

In conclusion, Arizona citizens, we need to pay attention to what's happening with the Public School Replacement Program. It's eating our state alive, and we need to hold our elected officials accountable for their decisions. Let's demand oversight and regulations for the ESA program before it's too late. And let's not forget that public schools are important too. After all, they're where most of us got our education, right?

Leaders of Arizona's school voucher program abruptly resign | 12news.com https://www.12news.com/article/news/education/top-2-leaders-arizonas-school-voucher-program-abruptly-resign-hobbs-horne-education/75-35bbf806-49a3-4017-88f0-47457263b789 

Head of Arizona's school voucher program resigns after less than a year on the job | KJZZ https://kjzz.org/content/1853020/head-arizonas-school-voucher-program-resigns-after-less-year-job

Empowerment Scholarship Account head Christine Accurso resigns https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-education/2023/07/25/head-of-arizona-school-voucher-program-resigns/70462646007/ 

MEATAXE MIKE MILES GIVES LIBRARIES A WACK AND TURN THEM INTO DAYTIME DETENTION CENTERS

MEATAXE MIKE MILES GIVES LIBRARIES A WACK AND TURN THEM INTO DAYTIME DETENTION CENTERS

Houston Independent School District (HISD) Superintendent MeatAxe Mike Miles has come up with a brilliant plan to deal with kids who refuse to sit still for MAGA indoctrination. He's turning libraries into daytime detention centers! Yes, you heard it right. The libraries, which are essential learning spaces, will now be transformed into MeatAxe Mike's dungeons for kids who can't behave.

The new centers will be used to place students who have been removed from class for behavioral issues. But that's not all. MeatAxe Mike will personally lead virtual planking sessions in the new dungeons to keep the kids in line. Who knew that planking could be used as a disciplinary tool?

The decision to replace libraries with discipline centers has been met with criticism from some parents and educators. They argue that libraries are essential learning spaces and that removing them will deprive students of access to books, resources, and quiet spaces to study. But MeatAxe Mike is not one to be deterred by such petty concerns.

He defends his decision by arguing that the team centers will provide a more structured environment for students who are struggling with behavior issues. He also argues that the team centers will allow teachers to focus on teaching, rather than on dealing with discipline issues. Who needs books and resources when you have a structured environment and virtual planking sessions?

The decision to replace libraries with discipline centers is a complex one, with no easy answers. But MeatAxe Mike is not one to shy away from a challenge. He's determined to turn HISD into a model of discipline and control. Who needs support and understanding when you have MeatAxe Mike and his virtual planking sessions?

The decision is still being debated, and it is unclear whether or not it will be implemented. But one thing is clear – MeatAxe Mike is not going to back down. He's determined to turn HISD into his personal fiefdom of discipline and control.

In conclusion, the decision by MeatAxe Mike Miles to turn libraries into daytime detention centers is a bold move that is sure to have far-reaching consequences. Whether it's for better or for worse, only time will tell. But one thing is certain – HISD will never be the same again. So, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life with MeatAxe Mike and his virtual planking sessions!

HISD to get rid of librarians at NES schools | khou.com https://www.khou.com/article/news/education/hisd-removes-librarians-nes-schools/285-07457e23-9791-4cc5-8250-05569394b48c 

Houston ISD to eliminate librarians and convert libraries into disciplinary centers at NES schools - ABC13 Houston https://abc13.com/hisd-libraries-librarians-media-specialists-houston-isd/13548483/ 

HISD's Mike Miles will convert some libraries into discipline areas https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/hisd-libraries-discipline-areas-mike-miles-reforms-18209051.php 

FLORIDA'S AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY TASK FORCES CHOOSES MAGA WHITE PEOPLE'S US HISTORY

FLORIDA'S AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY TASK FORCES CHOOSES MAGA WHITE PEOPLE'S US HISTORY 

Florida's African American History Task Force is in the news again, and this time it's not because of their groundbreaking work on teaching Black history in schools. No, this time they're making headlines because they're claiming they were left out of the development of the state's new African American History standards. And let me tell you, it's a mess.

The standards have caused such a stir that Vice President Kamala Harris even made a visit to Jacksonville to criticize them. Apparently, the standards include instruction on how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit. And Kamala was not having it. "Pushing propaganda on our children," she said. I mean, I get it, Kamala. But let's be real, if you were a slave, wouldn't you want to develop some skills that could help you out?

State Senator Geraldine Thompson is also up in arms about the new standards. She claims that the African American History Task Force had little say in their development, despite state law providing for their input. I mean, come on, Florida. You can't just create a task force and then ignore their recommendations. That's like hiring a personal trainer and then refusing to do any of the exercises they suggest.

But wait, it gets even better. The Florida Board of Education approved the new set of standards for how Black history should be taught in the state's public schools, sparking criticism from education and civil rights advocates who said students should be allowed to learn the "full truth" of American history. And you know what? They're right. We should be teaching our kids the full truth about American history. The good, the bad, and the ugly.

And speaking of the bad and the ugly, let's talk about the education department's rejection of a preliminary pilot version of an Advanced Placement African American Studies course for high school students. They claimed it lacked educational value. Are you kidding me? If anything, we need more education about African American history, not less.

The Florida African American History Task Force was created in 2020 by Governor Ron DeSantis. The task force was tasked with reviewing the state's African American history standards and making recommendations for revisions. And you know what they recommended? Increasing the number of standards that focus on African American history, including more content on the contributions of African Americans to society, providing more context for historical events that involved African Americans, and addressing the issue of racism in American history. Sounds pretty reasonable to me.

But of course, not everyone is happy about the new standards. Some people have praised them for increasing the amount of attention that is paid to African American history in Florida schools. Others have criticized them for not going far enough and failing to address some of the more difficult aspects of American history, such as slavery and racism. And let me tell you, those people are missing the point. We need to teach our kids about slavery and racism. We need to teach them about the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. We need to teach them the full truth.

The debate over the new Black history standards in Florida is a reflection of the larger debate over the role of race and racism in American history. And as much as we might want an easy consensus on how to teach these difficult topics in schools, there isn't one. But what we can do is listen to the experts, like the Florida African American History Task Force, and take their recommendations seriously.

In conclusion, Florida needs to get its act together when it comes to teaching African American history in schools. We can't just ignore the experts and push propaganda on our children. We need to teach them the full truth about American history, even if it's difficult or uncomfortable. And hey, if we can do it with a little bit of humor and wit, all the better.

Florida Board of Education approves new Black history standards that critics call 'a big step backward' | CNN https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/20/us/florida-black-history-education-standards-reaj/index.html 

Big Education Ape: FLORIDA GOV. DUHSANTIS ANNOUNCED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT OF MISEDUCATION HAS ADOPTED NEW BLACK PEOPLE STANDARDS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/07/florida-gov-duhsantis-announced-that.html 

‘I thank God for slavery:’ Florida African American History Task Force appointments raise concerns https://news.yahoo.com/thank-god-slavery-florida-african-215036843.html 

Big Education Ape: FLORIDA GOV. DUHSANTIS DEFENDS FLORIDA'S VERSION OF SLAVERY: IT WAS FUN https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/07/florida-gov-duhsantis-defends-floridas.html 

Big Education Ape: GOOFY REWRITES FLORIDA'S SOCIAL STUDIES BOOKS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/goofy-rewrites-floridas-social-studies.html