THE TWILIGHT ZONE: COUNCIL FOR NATIONAL POLICY AND MOMS FOR LIBERTY EDITION

THE TWILIGHT ZONE 

COUNCIL FOR NATIONAL POLICY AND MOMS FOR LIBERTY 

In the latest episode of "The Twilight Zone: Education Edition," we have a group of moms who call themselves "Moms for Liberty" declaring war on teachers unions and public school boards. Apparently, these moms are convinced that the truth is something that needs to be protected from children, and they're willing to reform public education into a white Christian nationalist stronghold to make sure their kids never learn anything that might challenge their worldview.

Now, I don't know about you, but when I think of moms, I think of warm hugs, freshly baked cookies, and maybe a little bit of nagging about doing your homework. I don't think of moms as the kind of people who want to turn our schools into indoctrination centers for their own narrow-minded beliefs. But apparently, these moms are different.

According to my sources (which may or may not include a magic 8-ball and a conspiracy theorist I met on the bus), Moms for Liberty is a conservative political group that's all about parental rights in education. They're against COVID-19 restrictions (because apparently, masks are the devil's work), critical race theory (because acknowledging systemic racism is just too darn inconvenient), and LGBTQ+ inclusion (because... well, I'm not really sure why. Maybe they're worried their kids will catch the gay?).

The group recently hosted its annual summit in Philadelphia, which drew about 650 attendees from around the country. The summit featured talks by former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, among other Republican leaders and celebrities. It also faced protests by hundreds of activists, teachers, and students who accused the group of spreading hate, misinformation, and bigotry. 

But hey, at least Moms for Liberty has some financial support! They've received funding from Conservatives for Good Government, a conservative Florida political action committee, as well as Julie Fancelli, an heiress who also funded the January 6 rally that preceded the Capitol riot. They've even hosted fundraisers with conservative celebrities like former Fox News host Megyn Kelly. 

As a 501(c)(4) social-welfare nonprofit, Moms for Liberty doesn't have to disclose its donors. But we can only assume that they're getting some serious cash from some seriously shady sources.

So who are these moms who want to turn our schools into something out of "The Handmaid's Tale"? According to my sources (which may or may not include a magic 8-ball and a very chatty parrot), the leaders of Moms for Liberty include Tina Descovich, a former Brevard County School Board member and co-founder of the group; Tiffany Justice, a former Indian River County School Board member and co-founder of the group; Bridget Ziegler, a Sarasota County School Board member and co-founder of the group; and Marie Rogerson, a Republican campaign consultant and leader of the group's Florida chapter.

All three of the founders are registered Republicans, and the group has been endorsed and supported by prominent Republican leaders and candidates like Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and Glenn Youngkin. They've also been labeled an extremist group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks extremists. 

But what are Moms for Liberty actually doing to further their cause? Well, according to my sources (which may or may not include a very chatty squirrel and a conspiracy theorist who lives in his mom's basement), they're using tactics like harassment and intimidation of librarians, teachers, parents, students, and community leaders who disagree with their views or policies. They're also pushing for book bans and classroom censorship of materials that address race, gender, sexuality, diversity, and inclusion. And they're manipulating the media to spin their message and actions in their favor.

But hey, at least they're fighting for something important, right? They're defending parental rights! They're standing up against government indoctrination! They're... wait a minute. What exactly are they defending?

Well, according to my sources (which may or may not include a very talkative cat and a conspiracy theorist who believes that aliens are controlling our minds through our smartphones), Moms for Liberty is defending things like the right to choose whether their children wear masks in schools or not (because apparently science is optional now), the right to have a say in what books their children read or have access to in school libraries (because apparently censorship is just good parenting), and the right to reject curriculums that touch on LGBTQ+ rights, race and discrimination, and scientific facts that they disagree with (because apparently ignorance is bliss).

So there you have it, folks. Moms for Liberty: fighting for your right to be ignorant, intolerant, and closed-minded. Because who needs education when you've got conspiracy theories and propaganda?

Council for National Policy (CNP) and Moms for Liberty

Move over Avengers, we have a new superhero group in town - the Council for National Policy (CNP)! This group of conservative and Republican activists in the United States is here to save the day, or at least their version of it.

Founded in 1981 by Tim LaHaye and the Christian right, the CNP aims to "bring more focus and force to conservative advocacy." Because who needs a diverse range of opinions and ideas when you can just stick to one narrow-minded agenda?

But don't worry, the CNP isn't just a bunch of old white guys sitting around a table. They bring together influential conservative leaders from all walks of life, including business, government, politics, religion, and academia. Because nothing screams diversity like a group of people who all think the same way.

And what do they do at these meetings, you ask? Well, they listen and learn from policy experts on a wide range of issues. But don't worry, there's plenty of time for open exchange between participants. Because nothing screams progress like hearing the same ideas over and over again.

But don't be fooled by their secrecy and influence over the conservative movement and Republican Party. Former Vice President Mike Pence calls them "one of the oldest & most effective organizations in the history of the conservative movement." And former President Ronald Reagan said they had a "vision to see the return of righteousness, justice, and truth to our great nation." Because nothing screams righteousness, justice, and truth like excluding anyone who doesn't agree with you.

But wait, there's more! The CNP may even have a secret ally in Moms for Liberty. While their relationship isn't clear, there are some indications that they share common goals, values, and connections. For example, two of Moms for Liberty's National Summit sponsors are critical members of the CNP. And leading Republican presidential candidates like former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have spoken at Moms for Liberty events and endorsed its agenda. Because nothing screams grassroots like being funded and supported by a secretive network of right-wing billionaires.

But don't worry, Moms for Liberty denies being a front group for any other organization. They claim to be a grassroots organization driven by passionate parents who want to defend their parental rights and fight for their children. They say they're not affiliated with any political party or ideology, and welcome members of all backgrounds and beliefs. Because nothing screams inclusivity like fighting against diversity education and mask mandates.

So there you have it folks, the CNP and Moms for Liberty - fighting for a better tomorrow...or at least their version of it.

THE DEFT DIVE

Moms for Liberty and their Philadelphia meeting:

• - Moms for Liberty is a conservative political group that advocates for parental rights in education, especially against COVID-19 restrictions, critical race theory, and LGBTQ+ inclusion⁷¹¹.
• - The group hosted its annual summit in Philadelphia from June 29 to July 2, 2023, with about **650** attendees from around the country¹².
• - The summit featured talks by former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, among other Republican leaders and celebrities²⁴¹¹.
• - The summit also faced protests by hundreds of activists, teachers, and students who accused the group of spreading hate, misinformation, and bigotry³⁵⁶.
• - Moms for Liberty has received financial support from **Conservatives for Good Government**, a conservative Florida political action committee, as well as **Julie Fancelli**, an heiress who also funded the January 6 rally that preceded the Capitol riot⁷.
• - The group also hosts fundraisers with conservative celebrities such as former Fox News host **Megyn Kelly** and has been sponsored by Florida Republicans running for office⁷.
• - As a 501 (c) (4) social-welfare nonprofit, Moms for Liberty does not have to disclose its donors⁷.
• - The group's annual budget is **$300,000**⁷.
• - The group plans to use its political action committee to engage in school board races nationwide in 2024 and beyond, as well as endorse candidates for state board positions and elected superintendents⁹ [^10^].

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Moms for Liberty - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moms_for_Liberty.

(2) Trump and DeSantis court Moms for Liberty in a sign of the group's .... https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/trump-desantis-2024-gop-hopefuls-set-moms-liberty-100532235.

(3) What to expect as Moms for Liberty comes to Philadelphia. https://metrophiladelphia.com/moms-for-liberty-philadelphia-summit/.

(4) 2023 Joyful Warriors National Summit | M4L National - USA. https://www.momsforliberty.org/summit23/.

(5) Moms for Liberty are fired up in Philadelphia - ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/moms-liberty-fired-philadelphia/story?id=100554051.

(6) Moms for Liberty in Philly: Photos of summit, protests - WHYY. https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-moms-for-liberty-summit-protest-photos/.

(7) Moms for Liberty national meeting in Philly begins Thursday .... https://www.phillyvoice.com/moms-for-liberty-philadelphia-museum-american-revolution/.

(8) Inside the Moms for Liberty Summit in Philadelphia - WHYY. https://whyy.org/articles/moms-for-liberty-summit-philadelphia-desantis-trump/.

(9) Moms for Liberty's focus on school races nationwide sets up political .... https://apnews.com/article/moms-for-liberty-school-board-races-2024-5311cc11cd657a04e233216ac783d8f3.

(10) Far-right group Moms for Liberty poised to clash with teachers unions over school board races nationwide. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/moms-for-liberty-poised-to-clash-with-teachers-unions-over-school-board-races-nationwide.

(11) Trump and DeSantis court Moms for Liberty in a sign of the group’s rising influence over the GOP. https://apnews.com/article/moms-for-liberty-trump-desantis-2024-republicans-8e17f7587bba9cf6dd316c3ef2eb6a19.

The leaders of Moms for Liberty are:

• - **Tina Descovich**, a former Brevard County School Board member and co-founder of the group¹³⁴. She is also the president of the group's political action committee⁵.
• - **Tiffany Justice**, a former Indian River County School Board member and co-founder of the group¹³⁴. She is also the vice president of the group's political action committee⁵.
• - **Bridget Ziegler**, a Sarasota County School Board member and co-founder of the group¹⁴. She served as the group's director until February 2021⁵. She is also the wife of Christian Ziegler, a Republican state committeeman and owner of a company that received payments from Moms for Liberty⁵.
• - **Marie Rogerson**, a Republican campaign consultant and leader of the group's Florida chapter⁴. She is also the treasurer of the group's political action committee⁵.

These are the main leaders of Moms for Liberty, but there are also many local chapter leaders across the country who organize events and campaigns for the group. For example, **Nicole Prussman** is a leader of the group's Williamson County chapter in Tennessee⁶.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Moms for Liberty: Chapters, members, founders, funding, things to know. https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/2021/12/08/moms-liberty-florida-chapters-members-details/6355142001/.

(2) How Moms for Liberty became an influential force in the GOP - The .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/06/30/moms-for-liberty-republican-candidates-president/.

(3) Moms for Liberty: What it is and who’s behind the group - Inquirer.com. https://www.inquirer.com/news/what-is-moms-for-liberty-school-book-bans-explained-20230602.html.

(4) Exclusive: Moms for Liberty Pays $21,000 to Company Owned by ... - The 74. https://www.the74million.org/article/exclusive-moms-for-liberty-pays-21k-to-co-owned-by-founding-members-husband/.

(5) Moms for Liberty Leader Allegedly Hijacked Dead Woman’s Facebook Page .... https://www.thedailybeast.com/moms-for-liberty-leader-allegedly-hijacked-dead-womans-facebook-page-to-harass-foes.

(6) How ‘Moms for Liberty’ grew into a 2024 Republican power player. https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/30/politics/moms-for-liberty-2024/index.html.

Moms for Liberty claims to be a nonpartisan group, but it is widely seen as a conservative political organization that has ties to the Republican Party and right-wing extremist groups¹⁶.

• - All three of the founders are registered Republicans¹⁶.
• - The group has been endorsed and supported by prominent Republican leaders and candidates, such as Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and Glenn Youngkin²³⁵.
• - The group has received financial support from Conservatives for Good Government, a conservative Florida political action committee⁴.
• - The group has been labeled an extremist group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil rights organization that tracks extremists¹⁶.
• - Many of the group's chapters have forged close ties to right-wing extremist groups, such as the Proud Boys, Three Percenters, QAnon, and Christian nationalists⁶.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Moms for Liberty | Southern Poverty Law Center. https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/group/moms-liberty.

(2) Moms for Liberty - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moms_for_Liberty.

(3) ‘Never apologize’: How Moms for Liberty teaches its members to spin the media. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/moms-liberty-teaching-members-spin-media-rcna92099.

(4) 'Get out of my city': Moms For Liberty hears from Trump, DeSantis and noisy protesters in Philly. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/get-out-of-my-city-moms-for-liberty-hears-from-trump-desantis-and-noisy-protesters-in-philly/ar-AA1dgfyd.

(5) How ‘Moms for Liberty’ grew into a 2024 Republican power player. https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/30/politics/moms-for-liberty-2024/index.html.

(6) Moms for Liberty’s focus on school races nationwide sets up political clash with teachers unions. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/07/02/moms-for-libertys-focus-on-school-races-nationwide-sets-up-political-clash-with-teachers-unions/.

Some of the tactics that Moms for Liberty uses are:

• - **Harassment and intimidation** of librarians, teachers, parents, students, and community leaders who disagree with their views or policies²³. This includes threatening people with gun violence, accusing parents of child abuse and grooming, calling for LGBTQ kids to be segregated, and trying to have children removed from healthy family homes¹.
• - **Book bans and classroom censorship** of materials that address race, gender, sexuality, diversity, and inclusion²⁴⁶. This includes filing complaints, petitions, and lawsuits against school districts that have such books in their libraries or curriculums³⁴⁶.
• - **Media manipulation and spin** of their message and actions². This includes never apologizing for controversial statements or actions, pivoting to their talking points, using social media to spread misinformation and propaganda, and avoiding hostile or critical media outlets².
• - **Political influence and mobilization** of their members and allies²⁵. This includes endorsing and supporting Republican candidates and causes, forming a political action committee, engaging in school board races nationwide, and attracting prominent speakers and celebrities to their events²⁵.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Moms for Liberty Has Aggressive, Predatory Tactics—and They ... - VICE. https://www.vice.com/en/article/dy3gnq/what-is-moms-for-liberty.

(2) How Moms For Liberty is teaching its members to spin the media - NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/moms-liberty-teaching-members-spin-media-rcna92099.

(3) Moms for Liberty - Red Wine and Blue. https://bing.com/search?q=tactics+of+Moms+for+Liberty.

(4) Moms for Liberty - GLAAD. https://glaad.org/gap/moms-liberty/.

(5) Moms for Liberty is hiding behind these front groups as they gut public .... https://www.mediamatters.org/moms-liberty/moms-liberty-hiding-behind-these-front-groups-they-gut-public-school-libraries.

(6) Moms for Liberty | Southern Poverty Law Center. https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/group/moms-liberty.

Some of the allies of Moms for Liberty are:

• - **Republican Party** and its leaders and candidates, such as Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Glenn Youngkin, and Christian Ziegler¹²⁴. They have endorsed and supported the group's agenda and attended its events¹².
• - **Conservatives for Good Government**, a conservative Florida political action committee that has donated to the group³.
• - **Right-wing extremist groups**, such as the Proud Boys, Three Percenters, QAnon, and Christian nationalists⁵. They have forged close ties with some of the group's chapters and shared their views on race, gender, sexuality, and government⁵.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) How Moms for Liberty became an influential force in the GOP - The .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/06/30/moms-for-liberty-republican-candidates-president/.

(2) How ‘Moms for Liberty’ grew into a 2024 Republican power player. https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/30/politics/moms-for-liberty-2024/index.html.

(3) Moms for Liberty? Who are they. Why are they called extremist group?. https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/state/2023/06/07/moms-for-liberty-who-are-they-why-they-labeled-extremist-group-florida-based-chapters/70297157007/.

(4) Who We Are | M4L National - USA - Moms for Liberty. https://www.momsforliberty.org/about/.

(5) Moms for Liberty: Chapters, members, founders, funding, things to know. https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/2021/12/08/moms-liberty-florida-chapters-members-details/6355142001/.

Some of the parental rights that Moms for Liberty defends are:

• - The right to choose whether their children wear masks in schools or not²⁴.
• - The right to have a say in what books their children read or have access to in school libraries² .
• - The right to reject curriculums that touch on LGBTQ+ rights, race and discrimination, and scientific facts that they disagree with²³ .

The group claims that it is fighting against the "indoctrination" of children by the government and the public education system⁴. However, some critics argue that the group is undermining the health and safety of students and staff, promoting intolerance and bigotry, and interfering with academic freedom and quality²³ .

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Moms for Liberty | Moms for Liberty. https://www.momsforliberty.org/.

(2) Who We Are | M4L National - USA - Moms for Liberty. https://www.momsforliberty.org/about/.

(3) Moms for Liberty has turned ‘parental rights’ into a rallying cry for .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/moms-for-liberty-parents-rights/2021/10/14/bf3d9ccc-286a-11ec-8831-a31e7b3de188_story.html.

(4) Moms for Liberty | Southern Poverty Law Center. https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/group/moms-liberty.

Some articles that suggest that the group is funded and supported by some right-wing donors and organizations that may have connections to wealthy conservatives¹³.

• For example, one article claims that **two of Moms for Liberty’s National Summit sponsors, the Leadership Institute and Heritage Foundation, are critical members of the Council for National Policy, a secretive network of right wing billionaires and Christian fundamentalist leaders that underwrites and coordinates right wing politics**³.
• Another article alleges that **Moms for Liberty benefits from right-wing funding and ties to traditional Republican political figures** and that **the group’s leaders proudly tout their close relationship with the Republican Party**¹.
• These articles suggest that Moms for Liberty is not a grassroots organization driven entirely by passionate parents, but rather a part of a broader and more sinister movement that aims to advance a far-right agenda¹²³.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Unmasking Moms for Liberty | Media Matters for America. https://www.mediamatters.org/critical-race-theory/unmasking-moms-liberty.

(2) Just who is behind Moms for Liberty? | Column - Tampa Bay Times. https://www.tampabay.com/opinion/2022/07/09/just-who-is-behind-moms-for-liberty-column/.

(3) The next threat to democracy in the US: Moms for Liberty?. https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2022/4/27/the-next-threat-to-democracy-in-the-us-moms-for-liberty.

Some of the donors and sponsors of Moms for Liberty are:

• - The **Leadership Institute** and the **Heritage Foundation**, two conservative think tanks that are part of the Council for National Policy, a secretive network of right wing billionaires and Christian fundamentalist leaders³.
• - The **Republican Party** and its prominent figures, such as former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, and others who have spoken at the group's events and endorsed its agenda¹²⁵.
• - Various local businesses and organizations that support the group's mission and offer discounts or services to its members⁶.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) New bloc: Moms for Liberty have GOP contenders vying for their votes. https://www.csmonitor.com/text_edition/USA/Politics/2023/0630/New-bloc-Moms-for-Liberty-have-GOP-contenders-vying-for-their-votes.

(2) Trump and DeSantis court Moms for Liberty in a sign of the group’s rising influence over the GOP. https://apnews.com/article/moms-for-liberty-trump-desantis-2024-republicans-8e17f7587bba9cf6dd316c3ef2eb6a19.

(3) Day 3 of Moms for Liberty’s National Summit: Attendees share lessons learned, trans rights advocates respond. https://whyy.org/articles/moms-for-liberty-national-summit-day-3-philadelphia/.

(4) DeSantis and Trump among the 2024 GOP hopefuls appearing at the ... - WLRN. https://www.wlrn.org/government-politics/2023-06-30/desantis-trump-moms-for-liberty.

(5) Moms for Liberty – Erie County, NY. https://www.momsforliberty.org/media/files/files/ab16d660/sponsor-packet-2023.pdf.

(6) Trump and DeSantis to appear at Moms for Liberty gathering with ... - PBS. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-and-desantis-to-appear-at-moms-for-liberty-gathering-with-other-2024-gop-hopefuls.

The **Council for National Policy (CNP)** is an umbrella organization and networking group for conservative and Republican activists in the United States. It was launched in 1981 during the Reagan administration by Tim LaHaye and the Christian right, to "bring more focus and force to conservative advocacy"¹.

The CNP brings together the country’s most influential conservative leaders in business, government, politics, religion, and academia to hear and learn from policy experts on a wide range of issues. It also provides a forum that allows an open exchange between participants, presenting numerous opportunities to cultivate ideas to help solve America’s growing problems².

The CNP is known for its secrecy and influence over the conservative movement and the Republican Party. It has been described as "one of the oldest & most effective organizations in the history of the conservative movement" by former Vice President Mike Pence, who is a member of the group³. It has also been called "a handful of men and women, individuals of character, [who] had a vision. A vision to see the return of righteousness, justice, and truth to our great nation" by former President Ronald Reagan².

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Council for National Policy - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_for_National_Policy.

(2) About Us - Council for National Policy. https://cfnp.org/about-us/.

(3) CNP – Council for National Policy. https://cfnp.org/.

Moms for Liberty's relationship with CNP is not very clear, but there are some indications that the two groups share some common goals, values, and connections. For example:

• - Two of Moms for Liberty’s National Summit sponsors, the **Leadership Institute** and the **Heritage Foundation**, are critical members of the CNP, a secretive network of right wing billionaires and Christian fundamentalist leaders that underwrites and coordinates right wing politics⁴.
• - The CNP has hosted several leading Republican presidential candidates, such as former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who have also spoken at the Moms for Liberty events and endorsed its agenda¹²⁵.
• - The CNP and Moms for Liberty both advocate for conservative causes such as opposing Covid restrictions, mask mandates, diversity education, and public school libraries¹²³⁵.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) The Right-Wing Money and Influence Behind Moms for Liberty. https://buckscountybeacon.com/2022/10/the-right-wing-money-and-influence-behind-moms-for-liberty/.

(2) How Moms For Liberty is teaching its members to spin the media - NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/moms-liberty-teaching-members-spin-media-rcna92099.

(3) How ‘Moms for Liberty’ grew into a 2024 Republican power player. https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/30/politics/moms-for-liberty-2024/index.html.

(4) Activist moms spy on each other in culture wars over schooling. https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/20/us/colorado-moms-for-liberty-liberals-spying/index.html.

(5) Moms for Liberty - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moms_for_Liberty.

According to its website², the mission of CNP is:

"To restore and sustain American freedoms, values, and constitutional government through education, policy formation, and citizen action."

The CNP also states that it seeks to:

• - Promote the principles of limited government, a strong national defense, and traditional Judeo-Christian values.
• - Provide a forum for leaders to share information and ideas on current issues and policy initiatives.
• - Encourage collaboration among participants to advance common goals and interests.
• - Educate and equip leaders to be more effective in their spheres of influence.

Bing, 7/3/2023

Council for National Policy - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_for_National_Policy.

CNP. https://www.thecounternarrative.org/.

A front group is a type of front organization that **appears to be an independent voluntary association or charitable organization**, but is actually **controlled by another organization** that wants to hide its identity or activities¹². Front groups are often used by intelligence agencies, organized crime groups, terrorist organizations, secret societies, banned organizations, religious or political groups, advocacy groups, or corporations¹.

Whether Moms for Liberty is a front group or not is a matter of debate and perspective. Some critics and media outlets have accused the group of being a **front group for the Council for National Policy (CNP)**, a secretive network of right wing billionaires and Christian fundamentalist leaders that underwrites and coordinates right wing politics³. They claim that the group is funded and supported by some right-wing donors and organizations that are part of the CNP, and that it shares the CNP's conservative agenda and values³.

However, Moms for Liberty denies being a front group for any other organization. It claims that it is a **grassroots organization driven by passionate parents** who want to defend their parental rights and fight for their children. It says that it is not affiliated with any political party or ideology, and that it welcomes members of all backgrounds and beliefs.

Bing, 7/3/2023

(1) Front organization - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Front_organization.

(2) Front-group Definition & Meaning | YourDictionary. https://www.yourdictionary.com/front-group.

(3) What does front group mean? - Definitions.net. https://www.definitions.net/definition/front%20group.

DONALD TRUMP'S CULTURE WAR AND MAGA HAT STORE & GRIFT SHOP IS OPEN

DONALD TRUMP'S CULTURE WAR AND MAGA HAT STORE & GRIFT SHOP IS OPEN

In a shocking turn of events, it has been revealed that former President Donald Trump's infamous culture war strategy was nothing more than a ploy to sell more MAGA hats.

Sources close to the former President have confirmed that Trump never actually cared about immigration reform, minority outreach, or any of the other issues he claimed to champion during his campaigns. Instead, he saw these hot-button topics as a way to stir up controversy, generate media attention, and ultimately sell more merchandise.

"Donald always said that politics was just a game to him," said one former aide. "He didn't really care about winning or losing. He just wanted to make money and have fun."

According to insiders, Trump's team would carefully craft his tweets and speeches to appeal to his base and provoke his opponents. They would then sit back and watch as the media and social media exploded with outrage and counter-outrage.

"It was like watching a reality show," said another source. "Except the stakes were much higher."

But while Trump's culture war strategy may have been a cynical ploy, it was also undeniably effective. His rallies were filled with fans wearing MAGA hats and other merchandise, and his online store sold millions of dollars worth of gear.

"Donald was always a master marketer," said a former business associate. "He knew how to create a brand and sell it to people. And the MAGA brand was one of his greatest successes."

Of course, not everyone is amused by this revelation. Many of Trump's supporters feel betrayed by the news that their hero was more interested in making money than making America great again.

"He lied to us," said one disillusioned fan. "I thought he really cared about the issues. But now I see that it was all just a con."

Others, however, are taking a more lighthearted approach.

"Hey, at least we got some cool hats out of it," said one supporter. "And who knows? Maybe they'll be worth something someday."

As for Trump himself, he has yet to comment on the allegations. But his silence speaks volumes. After all, why defend a strategy that was never meant to be taken seriously in the first place?

In the end, perhaps the joke is on all of us. We thought we were witnessing a battle for the soul of America, when all we were really witnessing was a savvy businessman selling hats.

THE DEFT DIVE

CULTURE WAR: In German, Kulturkampf, a term coined by Rudolf Virchow, refers to the clash between cultural and religious groups in the campaign from 1871 to 1878 under Chancellor Otto von Bismarck of the German Empire against the influence of the Catholic Church.

There is not a single group or organization that recommended the culture war strategy for the Republican Party, but rather a trend among some conservative politicians and media personalities to focus on cultural issues that appeal to their base and generate outrage. Some examples of these issues are voting rights, race education, abortion, trans rights, and "woke" politics¹²⁴. Some potential 2024 presidential contenders, such as Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley, have also adopted a populist stance against corporate America². However, not all Republicans agree with this approach, and some argue that the party should return to its traditional values of low taxes, limited government, and national security². The effectiveness of the culture war strategy is also debatable, as some polls suggest that social liberals now outnumber social conservatives in the US³. I hope this helps you learn more about the topic.

Bing, 7/2/2023

(1) There Is A Culture War – And The GOP Is Waging It - HuffPost. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/gop-waging-real-culture-war_n_622a8476e4b06349371b44b2.

(2) GOP wrestles with role of culture wars in party’s future. https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/551331-gop-wrestles-with-role-of-culture-wars-in-partys-future/.

(3) Why Republicans Are Turning the Midterms Into a Culture War. https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/republicans-midterms-culture-war.html.

(4) Republicans Trounced In Culture War As Social Liberals Now Outnumber .... https://www.politicususa.com/2021/06/26/culture-war-gop-loss-liberals-conservatives.html.

(5) Republicans aim to sow outrage, Trump-style, with an eye on 2022 .... https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jan/01/republicans-sow-outrage-trump-style-2022-midterms-house-senate.

The main think tank that did an autopsy on the 2012 Republican loss was the **Republican National Committee (RNC)** itself, which commissioned a report called the **"Growth and Opportunity Project"**¹². The report was authored by five project co-chairs: Henry Barbour, Sally Bradshaw, Ari Fleischer, Zori Fonalledas, and Glenn McCall¹². The report analyzed the reasons for Mitt Romney's defeat and made recommendations for improving the party's outreach, messaging, data, digital, and primary process¹². However, the report was largely ignored or rejected by many Republicans, especially after Donald Trump's rise to power in 2016, which contradicted many of the report's findings and suggestions³. Some Republicans have argued that the report was too focused on demographics and tactics, rather than policies and principles³. I hope this helps you learn more about the topic.

 Bing, 7/2/2023

(1) RNC Completes 'Autopsy' on 2012 Loss, Calls for Inclusion Not Policy .... https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/rnc-completes-autopsy-2012-loss-calls-inclusion-policy/story?id=18755809.

(2) 6 Big Takeaways From The RNC’s Incredible 2012 Autopsy. https://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/6-big-takeaways-from-the-rnc-s-incredible-2012-autopsy.

(3) Trump kills GOP autopsy - POLITICO. https://www.politico.com/story/2016/03/donald-trump-gop-party-reform-220222.

Some of the recommendations in the report are:

• - **Embrace and champion comprehensive immigration reform** to appeal to Hispanic voters and other immigrants¹³.
• - **Campaign among Hispanic, black, Asian, and gay Americans** and demonstrate that the party cares about them, as well as recruit more candidates from minority communities¹³.
• - **Hire paid outreach staffers** across the country to engage with diverse voters and communities in a $10 million effort¹³.
• - **Improve the party's messaging** to be more positive, inclusive, and respectful of different perspectives, and avoid being seen as \"out of touch\" or \"scary\"¹³.
• - **Invest in data and digital** to better target and communicate with voters, especially young and tech-savvy ones¹³.
• - **Shorten the primary process** with fewer debates and an earlier convention, to avoid damaging the eventual nominee and wasting resources¹³.
• - **Strengthen the state parties** by providing more funding, training, and support for local campaigns and grassroots efforts¹³.

These are some of the main recommendations in the report, but there are many more details and suggestions in the full document, which you can read here¹.

Bing, 7/2/2023

(1) Growth & opportunity project - The Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/RNCreport03182013.pdf.

(2) RNC Completes 'Autopsy' on 2012 Loss, Calls for Inclusion Not Policy .... https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/rnc-completes-autopsy-2012-loss-calls-inclusion-policy/story?id=18755809.

(3) Republican National Committee's 'Growth and Opportunity Project' Report .... https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/624293-republican-national-committees-growth-and.

(4) 10 Strategies to Effectively Promote Your Professional Growth. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/professional-growth.

The Republican Party did not follow all of the recommendations in the report, and in some cases, did the opposite. For example:

• - The party did not embrace and champion comprehensive immigration reform, but instead supported stricter border security and enforcement measures, especially under the Trump administration²⁴.
• - The party did not campaign effectively among Hispanic, black, Asian, and gay Americans, but instead alienated many of them with divisive rhetoric and policies on issues such as race, immigration, health care, and LGBT rights²⁴⁵.
• - The party did not improve its messaging to be more positive, inclusive, and respectful of different perspectives, but instead embraced a populist and nationalist tone that appealed to its core base but turned off many moderates and independents²⁴.
• - The party did not shorten the primary process with fewer debates and an earlier convention, but instead had a prolonged and chaotic primary season in 2016 that featured 12 debates and a contested convention²⁴.

However, the party did follow some of the recommendations in the report, such as:

• - Investing in data and digital to better target and communicate with voters, especially young and tech-savvy ones²³.
• - Strengthening the state parties by providing more funding, training, and support for local campaigns and grassroots efforts²³.
• - Promoting Republican governors as examples of effective leadership and policy innovation²³.

Overall, the report's impact was limited by the rise of Donald Trump, who defied many of the report's findings and suggestions and reshaped the party in his image²⁴. Some Republicans have argued that the report was too focused on demographics and tactics, rather than policies and principles⁴. Others have called for a new autopsy after Trump's loss in 2020².

Bing, 7/2/2023

(1) Growth & Opportunity Project - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Growth_%26_Opportunity_Project.

(2) GOP growth and opportunity? Not - POLITICO. https://www.politico.com/story/2013/03/gop-growth-and-opportunity-not-089184.

(3) GOP Growth and Opportunity Project: Report Proves Republicans Are Divided. https://www.mic.com/articles/30271/gop-growth-and-opportunity-project-report-proves-republicans-are-divided.

(4) Republican National Committee's Growth and Opportunity Project report .... https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/623664-republican-national-committees-growth-and.

(5) Growth & opportunity project - The Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/RNCreport03182013.pdf.

Trump's 2016 and 2020 election strategies were formulated by different people groups and organizations, but they had some common elements. Some of them are:

• - **Trump's campaign team**, which included various advisers, managers, consultants, and surrogates who helped shape his message, strategy, and operations. In 2016, some of the key figures were Corey Lewandowski, Paul Manafort, Kellyanne Conway, Steve Bannon, Jared Kushner, and Brad Parscale³. In 2020, some of the key figures were Bill Stepien, Jason Miller, Hope Hicks, David Bossie, and Rudy Giuliani³.
• - **Trump's media allies**, which included various conservative outlets, personalities, and platforms that amplified his voice, defended his actions, and attacked his opponents. In both 2016 and 2020, some of the main media allies were Fox News, Breitbart News, Newsmax, OAN, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Tucker Carlson, Laura Ingraham, Mark Levin, and Dan Bongino³⁴.
• - **Trump's base supporters**, which included various groups and organizations that rallied behind his agenda, mobilized voters, and organized events. In both 2016 and 2020, some of the main base supporters were evangelical Christians, white nationalists, Tea Party activists, QAnon followers, Proud Boys, NRA members, and MAGA hat wearers³⁴.

Some of the common elements of Trump's 2016 and 2020 election strategies were:

• - **Making the Democratic nominee unpopular**, by using negative ads, personal attacks, nicknames, and conspiracy theories to paint them as corrupt, radical, weak, or unfit for office. In 2016, Trump targeted Hillary Clinton with slogans like \"Crooked Hillary\", \"Lock her up\", and \"What happened in Benghazi?\"¹⁴. In 2020, Trump targeted Joe Biden with slogans like \"Sleepy Joe\", \"Where's Hunter?\", and \"Stop the steal\"¹⁴.
• - **Banking on an electoral college/popular vote split**, by focusing on a few swing states that could deliver him enough electoral votes to win the presidency even if he lost the popular vote nationwide. In 2016, Trump won by flipping Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania from blue to red by narrow margins¹⁴. In 2020, Trump tried to repeat this strategy by holding rallies in these states and others like Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada²⁴.
• - **Using a campaign of racial resentment**, by appealing to the fears and grievances of white voters who felt threatened by demographic changes, social movements, immigration policies, and cultural diversity. In both 2016 and 2020, Trump used rhetoric and actions that stoked racial tensions and inflamed his base. Some examples are his calls for a border wall with Mexico; his travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries; his response to the Charlottesville rally; his attacks on NFL players who knelt during the national anthem; his handling of the coronavirus pandemic; his criticism of Black Lives Matter protests; his promotion of \"law and order\"; his refusal to condemn white supremacists; and his allegations of voter fraud in urban areas¹⁴.

These are some of the people groups or organizations that formulated Trump's 2016 and 2020 election strategies and some of the common elements of those strategies.

Bing, 7/2/2023

(1) Donald Trump 2020 presidential campaign - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump_2020_presidential_campaign.

(2) 2020 election: How Trump reelection strategy could work - CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/20/politics/2020-trump-reelection-strategy-analysis/index.html.

(3) How exit polls shifted in 2016 and 2020 - CNN. https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/11/politics/election-analysis-exit-polls-2016-2020/.

(4) Trump’s come-from-behind strategy: Go everywhere, fast. https://www.politico.com/news/2020/10/15/trump-2016-strategy-save-2020-429683.

SUMMARY

• Donald Trump: As the primary figure and leader of his political campaign and presidency, Donald Trump played a significant role in shaping and promoting his political strategy, including the culture war narrative.
• Campaign Staff: Trump's campaign staff and advisors, such as Steve Bannon, Corey Lewandowski, and Kellyanne Conway, were influential in shaping his political messaging and strategy during the 2016 election.
• Super PACs (Political Action Committees): Super PACs are independent political organizations that can raise unlimited funds to support or oppose candidates. During Trump's campaigns, various super PACs, such as "Make America Great Again PAC" and "Great America PAC," emerged to support his candidacy. These organizations mobilized resources and promoted his campaign message.
• Republican Party: The Republican National Committee (RNC) and other party-related organizations supported Trump's campaign and contributed to the overall strategy. The party's infrastructure, data analytics, and funding networks played a role in shaping the messaging and targeting of the campaign.
• Conservative Media: Conservative media outlets and personalities, such as Fox News, Breitbart, and talk radio hosts like Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh, provided significant coverage and support to Trump's campaign. Their influence and messaging aligned with Trump's culture war narrative, amplifying his message to a broad audience.
• Think Tanks and Foundations: Various conservative-leaning think tanks and foundations generate policy ideas and research that can inform political strategies. Although it's challenging to attribute the culture war strategy directly to any specific think tank or foundation, organizations like The Heritage Foundation, American Enterprise Institute, and the Cato Institute, among others, have been influential in shaping conservative policies and narratives.
• Grassroots Movements: Trump's campaign tapped into existing grassroots movements, such as the Tea Party movement and anti-establishment sentiment. These movements, with their own networks and influencers, provided a base of support for Trump's culture war messaging.

WHO'S WATCHING OKLAHOMA PUBLIC SCHOOL CHICKEN COOP

WHO'S WATCHING OKLAHOMA PUBLIC SCHOOL CHICKEN COOP

OKLA STATE SUP RYAN WALTERS CAUGHT CHOKING PUBLIC SCHOOL CHICKENS

Ladies and gentlemen, gather around and hear the latest scoop on what's happening in Oklahoma's public education system. It seems like there's never a dull moment in this state, especially when it comes to our beloved chickens.

Yes, you read that right. Chickens. Apparently, someone has been caught choking these feathered creatures for funding. Who could it be, you ask? None other than the Superintendent of Schools, Ryan Walters.

Now, I don't know about you, but I never thought I'd see the day where a grown man would resort to such tactics for money. I mean, what kind of person chokes chickens? And in public schools, no less! It's a scandal of epic proportions, folks.

But that's not all that's been going on in the Sooner State. Governor Stitt and Superintendent Walters have been under fire for their handling of COVID relief funds. Rumor has it that they've been using the money for personal gain, like buying fancy cars and taking lavish vacations.

I mean, come on guys, we were in the middle of a pandemic here. The money is supposed to go towards helping those who are struggling, not lining your own pockets. It's enough to make you want to pull your hair out.

But wait, there's more. Superintendent Walters recently attended a Moms for Liberty event. Now, I don't know about you, but the last time I checked, he wasn't a mom. So what's he doing there? And what did he say about their agenda?

Well, according to sources, he's all for it. He believes in giving parents more control over their children's education. Which sounds great in theory, but what about the teachers? Don't they have a say in this too?

And let's not forget about the funding behind Moms for Liberty. Who's really pulling the strings here? Is it some secret society of moms who are trying to take over the world? Or is it just a group of concerned parents who want what's best for their kids?

In any case, it seems like Oklahoma's public education system is in a bit of a pickle. From chicken chokers to COVID fund scandals to Moms for Liberty, it's enough to make your head spin.

But hey, at least we can still laugh about it, right? After all, laughter is the best medicine. And with everything going on in the world right now, we could all use a good laugh.

So here's to you, Oklahoma. May your chickens be safe and your education system be sound. And may we all learn to laugh at ourselves a little more often.

Big Education Ape: RYAN WALTERS: THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN IN OKLAHOMA https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/ryan-walters-most-dangerous-man-in.html

Big Education Ape: OKLA GOV. STITT, STATE SUP. WALTERS YOU HAVE SOME SPLAININ TO DO https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/okla-gov-stitt-state-sup-walters-you.html 

Big Education Ape: RYAN WALTERS + MOMS FOR LIBERTY: MY MOMMIES CAN BEAT UP YOUR MOMMIES https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/ryan-walters-moms-for-liberty-my.html 

Big Education Ape: OKLA ED SEC RYAN WALTERS FANS OSDE DUMPSTER FIRE - TEACHER PAYOLA SCHEME https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/okla-ed-sec-ryan-walters-fans-osde.html 

Big Education Ape: OKLAHOMA STATE EDUCATION SUPERINTENDENT MY ASS, MAGA HITMAN IS MORE LIKE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/oklahoma-state-education-superintendent.html 

Big Education Ape: OKLAHOMA ANTI WOKE ACTIVIST SSPI RYAN WALTERS DUMBER THAN STITT https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/oklahoma-anti-woke-activist-sspi-ryan.html 

Big Education Ape: SSPI RYAN WALTERS PROVES HIS MAGA CHOPS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/sspi-ryan-walters-proves-his-maga-chops.html 

Big Education Ape: OKLA. STATE SEN. GEORGE YOUNG NAMED A TERRORIST SYMPATHIZER https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/okla-state-sen-george-young-named.html 

Big Education Ape: RYAN WALTERS - TEACHER TURNCOAT: PROMOTING PRIVATIZATION TO DESTROY OKLAHOMA PUBLIC EDUCATION https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/ryan-walters-teacher-turncoat-promoting.html

THE DEFT DIVE

The situation in Oklahoma according to several news sources¹²³⁴⁵, the main elements of the scandal are:

• - The state auditor reported that **$1.7 million** in federal funding meant to help children from low-income families learn at home during the pandemic was **misspent** on various non-educational items such as kitchen appliances, power tools, furniture and entertainment².
• - The federal audit found that proper system controls were **offered** by the digital wallet vendor to limit the families’ purchases to education-related items but those controls were **declined** by the individual placed in charge of the Bridge the Gap program². That individual was **Ryan Walters**, the education secretary and a candidate for state superintendent¹.
• - The federal audit also found issues with another program, Stay In School, meant to help low-income families keep their children in existing private schools. The audit uncovered a **deliberate operation** to give selected private schools and individuals preferential treatment by allowing early access for application submission prior to the date this program was offered to the general public².
• - The audit also determined that awards were provided to **1,073 students** whose family attested that they had not suffered an economic hardship due to the pandemic. As a result, **657 students** of low-income families who qualified for the program did not get the financial assistance they requested because the funds were exhausted².
• - The federal auditors want Oklahoma to **return** at least $650,000 of Governor Stitt's COVID-19 relief funds⁴. The state attorney general said he is conducting a criminal investigation into the matter and he refuses to tolerate what amounts to a pervasive culture of waste, mismanagement and apparent fraud².

Bing, 7/1/2023

(1) Federal audit slams Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt's administration. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/education/2022/07/21/oklahoma-governor-kevin-stitt-administration-slammed-federal-audit/65378587007/.

(2) Oklahoma auditor: Millions in pandemic education funding misspent. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2023/06/27/oklahoma-covid-federal-education-funding-audit-nearly-2-million-misspent/70361260007/.

(3) Federal audit criticizes Oklahoma’s use of COVID relief funds. https://kfor.com/news/local/federal-audit-criticizes-oklahomas-use-of-covid-relief-funds/.

(4) Federal Auditors Want Oklahoma To Return At Least $650,000 of Governor .... https://oklahomawatch.org/2022/07/19/federal-auditors-want-oklahoma-to-return-at-least-650000-of-governors-covid-19-relief-funds/.

(5) Federal audit criticizes how Oklahoma spent education relief funds .... https://www.fox23.com/news/federal-audit-criticizes-how-oklahoma-spent-education-relief-funds/z42weoxrlbff5npxvbt5osw7gi/.

Oklahoma AG: Criminal charges for state leaders aren't off table after audit identifies alleged misspending https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-ag-drummond-criminal-charges-state-leaders-audit-misspending/44390277

Ryan Walters and Moms for Liberty. According to several news sources¹²³⁴⁵, here is what I found:

• - **Ryan Walters** is the Oklahoma state superintendent of public instruction and a Republican candidate for the same office in the 2022 election¹.
• - **Moms for Liberty** is a national organization that advocates for parental rights and endorses school board candidates with conservative political views. Its members are known to speak at school board meetings against mandatory COVID-19 precautions, critical race theory and gender-nonconforming identities¹. The Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil rights organization, listed Moms for Liberty as an extremist group for its support of book bans and limiting discussions of race and gender in schools².
• - Walters spoke at the **Moms for Liberty 2023 Joyful Warriors National Summit** in Philadelphia on Friday, June 30, on a panel with Nikki Haley and others on the "Future of Education in America"¹. He said he was proud to be fighting alongside Moms for Liberty and that they are the most patriotic, pro-American group in the country right now³. He also said he was excited to share the vision and progress that Oklahoma has made in pushing back against woke indoctrination in the classrooms¹.
• - Walters defended Moms for Liberty from the extremist label and said it was incredible the lengths that the radical left will go to attack parents and moms⁴. He also supported a more patriotic education in public schools and opposed books with LGBTQ+ themes¹.
• - The summit also featured former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, among other political officials and conservative figures. Trump, DeSantis and Haley are all seeking the Republican nomination for president in 2024¹.
• - It is not clear who is behind the funding of Moms for Liberty or whether any taxpayer dollars are paying for Walters' travel and lodging to attend the summit. The Oklahoma State Department of Education did not respond when The Oklahoman asked about it, and Moms for Liberty did not immediately return a request for comment¹.

 Bing, 7/1/2023

(1) Oklahoma state Superintendent Ryan Walters to speak at Moms for Liberty .... https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/education/2023/06/29/moms-for-liberty-summit-oklahoma-ryan-walters-donald-trump-ryan-desantis/70365542007/.

(2) Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters to speak at Moms For Liberty .... https://kfor.com/news/local/ok-supt-walters-to-speak-at-moms-for-liberty-conference/.

(3) State Superintendent Ryan Walters rubs elbows with Moms for Liberty. https://tulsaworld.com/news/state-regional/education/state-superintendent-ryan-walters-rubs-elbows-with-moms-for-liberty/article_70dd99d2-1770-11ee-8cb0-5ff2a9a3ba7e.html.

(4) Oklahoma State Superintendent defends 'parental rights' group named .... https://kfor.com/news/local/oklahoma-state-superintendent-defends-parental-rights-group-named-extremist-by-civil-rights-watchdog/.

(5) Superintendent Walters to speak with 'Moms for Liberty' in Philadelphia .... https://ktul.com/news/local/superintendent-walters-to-speak-with-moms-for-liberty-in-philadelphia.

Ryan Walters calls Moms for Liberty conference the most important to happen in Philadelphia since 1776 https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-ryan-walters-moms-for-liberty-national-summit/44397461 

SUPREME COURT TAKES A HUGE DUMP ON AMERICANS WITH STUDENT DEBT

 

SUPREME COURT TAKES A HUGE DUMP ON AMERICANS WITH STUDENT DEBT

The recent Supreme Court ruling on student debt relief has left many Americans feeling like they just failed a pop quiz they didn't even study for. The fallout from this decision has been nothing short of hilarious, if not downright depressing.

First, let's talk about the student debt crisis. It's like a horror movie where the monster is a giant pile of money with interest rates that keep growing. Millions of people are struggling to repay their loans, and the total amount owed is over $1.7 trillion. That's enough money to buy a small island nation or at least a really nice yacht.

So, how did we get here? Well, it's a complicated story involving rising tuition costs, declining state funding, lack of financial aid, predatory for-profit colleges, and an inefficient federal loan system. It's like a game of Jenga where every block is a different problem, and if you pull out the wrong one, the whole tower collapses.

Who supported decreasing state contributions to colleges? Probably the same people who think pineapple belongs on pizza or that socks with sandals are a fashion statement. It's hard to say for sure, but it seems like states that had fiscal crises, lower tax revenues, and more conservative tax policies tended to cut higher education funding more than others. It's like they forgot that investing in education is the key to a prosperous future.

Now, let's talk about the recent Supreme Court ruling. It's like getting a detention for something you didn't even do. President Biden's plan to cancel up to $50,000 of federal student debt for certain borrowers was struck down because apparently, he didn't have the legal authority to do so. It's like the Supreme Court is saying, "Sorry, we can't help you with your crippling debt, but we can give you a participation trophy for trying."

The impact of this ruling on students is uncertain. Will Congress pass any legislation to reform the student loan system or provide more funding for higher education? Will states step up and offer more financial aid and grant programs? Will colleges and universities lower their tuition and fees? Who knows? It's like trying to predict the weather in a world where climate change is real and unpredictable.

The effect of this ruling on the US economy is also unclear. Will student debt continue to weigh on borrowers' financial situations and decisions? Will it affect their mental health and well-being? Will it influence their civic and social engagement? Will it widen the gaps between different groups based on race, gender, class, geography, and other factors? It's like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded.

In conclusion, the student debt crisis is like a bad joke that keeps getting worse. It requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach from various stakeholders, but it also requires a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best medicine, unless you're laughing so hard you forget about your student loans. But, now onward to the Deft Dive.

Opinion | The Supreme Court Is Harming the Economy by Cancelling Student Debt Relief | Common Dreams https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/the-supreme-court-is-harming-the-economy-by-cancelling-student-debt-relief

THE DEFT DIVE

What is the student debt crisis?

The student debt crisis refers to the situation where millions of Americans are struggling to repay their student loans, which have reached a total of more than $1.7 trillion. According to the Federal Reserve, about 43 million borrowers owe an average of $39,000 each. Student debt can have negative impacts on borrowers' financial well-being, mental health, career choices, homeownership, family formation and retirement savings.

What caused it?

There is no single cause of the student debt crisis, but some of the factors that contributed to it include:

• - The rising cost of college tuition and fees, which outpaced inflation and income growth for decades. According to the College Board, the average published tuition and fees for in-state students at public four-year institutions increased by 212% from 1988 to 2018, after adjusting for inflation.
• - The decline in state funding for public higher education, which shifted more of the cost burden to students and families. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, state spending on higher education nationwide fell $1,448 per student, or 16 percent, after adjusting for inflation, between 2008 and 2018⁷. Per-student funding rose in only five states: Indiana, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming. Eighteen states cut funding per student by more than 20 percent, and in eight of those states the cut exceeded 30 percent⁷.
• - The lack of adequate financial aid and grant programs for low- and middle-income students, especially those from underrepresented groups. According to the Institute for College Access and Success, Pell Grants — the main federal grant program for low-income students — covered only 29% of the average cost of attendance at public four-year colleges in 2019-20, down from 79% in 1975-76.
• - The proliferation of predatory for-profit colleges that target vulnerable students with low-quality programs, high fees and deceptive marketing practices. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, for-profit colleges enrolled about 10% of all undergraduate students in 2018-19, but accounted for about 22% of all federal student loans and 34% of all loan defaults.
• - The complexity and inefficiency of the federal student loan system, which offers multiple repayment plans, forgiveness programs and servicers, but often fails to provide clear information, guidance and oversight to borrowers. According to the Government Accountability Office, about 2 million borrowers who were eligible for income-driven repayment plans — which cap monthly payments based on income and family size — did not enroll in them as of September 2017.

Who supported decreasing state contributions to colleges?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as different states have different political dynamics and budget priorities. However, some general trends can be observed:

• - States that experienced severe fiscal crises during and after the Great Recession of 2007-09 tended to cut higher education funding more deeply than others. For example, Arizona slashed its per-student funding by 55%, Nevada by 36%, Louisiana by 34% and Florida by 32% between 2008 and 2018⁷.
• - States that have lower tax revenues or more conservative tax policies also tended to reduce higher education spending more than others. For example, Alaska cut its per-student funding by 31%, Oklahoma by 26%, West Virginia by 25% and Mississippi by 24% between 2008 and 2018⁷.
• - States that have higher proportions of Republican lawmakers or governors also tended to support decreasing state contributions to colleges more than others. For example, a study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that a one percentage point increase in Republican representation in state legislatures was associated with a $0.60 decrease in per-student appropriations between 1987 and 2011.

What effect will the recent Supreme Court ruling have?

On June 30th, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Biden's plan to cancel up to $50,000 of federal student debt for borrowers who earned less than $125,000 a year or received a Pell Grant. The court ruled that the president did not have the legal authority to do so under a 2003 law that allowed him to waive or modify certain provisions related to federal student aid programs.

The ruling will have a significant effect on millions of borrowers who were hoping for relief from their student debt burdens. According to an analysis by the Department of Education, Biden's plan would have erased debt for about 36 million borrowers (84% of all federal loan borrowers), including about 9.4 million who were in default or delinquency as of March 2020. The plan would have also reduced racial and gender disparities in student debt, as women and people of color tend to owe more and earn less than their counterparts.

The ruling will also have an impact on the broader economy and society, as student debt affects consumer spending, saving, investing, entrepreneurship, innovation, health, education and social mobility. According to a study by the Levy Economics Institute, canceling all student debt would boost GDP by up to $108 billion a year, create up to 1.5 million new jobs and increase tax revenues by up to $86 billion over 10 years.

How will it impact students?

The impact of the ruling on current and future students will depend on several factors, such as:

• - Whether Congress will pass any legislation to reform the student loan system or provide more funding for higher education. Some lawmakers have proposed bills to expand Pell Grants, simplify repayment plans, increase oversight of loan servicers and for-profit colleges, and create a pathway for bankruptcy discharge of student debt.
• - Whether states will increase their support for public colleges and universities or offer more financial aid and grant programs for students. Some states have implemented or proposed initiatives to make community college tuition-free or reduce the cost of attendance at public four-year institutions.
• - Whether colleges and universities will lower their tuition and fees or offer more scholarships and discounts for students. Some institutions have announced tuition freezes or cuts, increased financial aid or eliminated loans from their aid packages in response to the pandemic and the economic downturn.
• - Whether students will make informed choices about where to go to college, what to study, how much to borrow and how to repay their loans. Students can use tools such as the College Scorecard, the Net Price Calculator and the Loan Simulator to compare different options and estimate their costs and outcomes.

How will it affect the US economy?

The effect of the ruling on the US economy will also depend on several factors, such as:

• - How much student debt will continue to weigh on borrowers' financial situations and decisions. Student debt can limit borrowers' ability to buy a home, start a business, save for retirement, pursue further education or switch careers.
• - How much student debt will affect borrowers' mental health and well-being. Student debt can cause stress, anxiety, depression, lower self-esteem and lower life satisfaction among borrowers.
• - How much student debt will influence borrowers' civic and social engagement. Student debt can reduce borrowers' participation in voting, volunteering, donating, protesting and other forms of civic action.
• - How much student debt will exacerbate existing inequalities in income, wealth, education and opportunity. Student debt can widen the gaps between different groups based on race, gender, class, geography and other factors.

Conclusion

The student debt crisis is a multifaceted problem that has no easy or quick solution. It requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach from various stakeholders, including the federal government, state governments, colleges and universities, lenders and servicers, employers and philanthropies, researchers and advocates, and most importantly, students and borrowers themselves..

Bing, 7/1/2023

(1) A Lost Decade in Higher Education Funding - Center on Budget and Policy .... https://www.cbpp.org/research/state-budget-and-tax/a-lost-decade-in-higher-education-funding.

(2) Throwing Money at Colleges Is No Answer. A GOP Proposal Can Actually Address the Student Loan Crisis | Opinion. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/personalfinance/throwing-money-at-colleges-is-no-answer-a-gop-proposal-can-actually-address-the-student-loan-crisis-opinion/ar-AA1dgsVr.

(3) Supreme Court ruling on student debt will ‘devastate’ borrowers. No, it would have ‘punished’ poor Americans. Who’s right?. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/careersandeducation/supreme-court-ruling-on-student-debt-will-devastate-millions-of-borrowers-no-it-would-have-punished-poor-americans-who-s-right/ar-AA1dh3KE.

(4) Biden student loan relief plan struck down. What’s next?. https://www.mlive.com/reckon/2023/06/biden-student-loan-relief-plan-struck-down-whats-next.html.

(5) What Is the Student Debt Crisis and Who Caused It? – The Elective. https://elective.collegeboard.org/student-loan-crisis-more-complicated-number.

(6) 5 takeaways from Supreme Court's student loan relief decision : NPR. https://www.npr.org/2023/06/30/1176839127/supreme-court-student-loan-forgiveness-decision.

(7) About Us | Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC). https://studentdebtcrisis.org/about/.

(8) 529 Plan Deductions for Every State - SmartAsset. https://smartasset.com/taxes/529-plan-tax-deductions-for-every-state.

(9) State university system - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_university_system.

(10) Getty Images. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/student-debt-with-sad-face-written-on-white-sticky-royalty-free-image/1273212865.

THE AMERICAN POLITICAL PENDULUM: WHY IS IT STUCK ON RIGHT

THE AMERICAN POLITICAL PENDULUM: WHY IS IT STUCK ON RIGHT

Have you ever wondered why American politics seems to swing back and forth between liberalism and conservatism like a pendulum? Well, I've got a theory for you, and it involves a lot of tea parties, Reaganism, McCarthyism, and even a Cold War. But before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the pendulum theory, let's take a moment to appreciate the fact that we live in a country where politics is so predictable that we can compare it to a pendulum. I mean, it's not like we're living in a banana republic or anything. Oh wait...

Anyway, the pendulum theory in American politics suggests that the political mood and direction of the United States tends to swing back and forth between liberalism and conservatism over time. This theory is based on the observation that different periods in American history have been dominated by different parties, ideologies, and policies, and that these periods often alternate or contrast with each other. It's like one minute we're all about free love and flower power, and the next minute we're all about trickle-down economics and bombing brown people.

So why does this pendulum keep swinging to the right? Well, there are a few factors at play here. For one thing, conservatives are really good at marketing themselves. They've got catchy slogans like "Make America Great Again" and "Freedom Isn't Free," while liberals are stuck with lame slogans like "Stronger Together" and "Yes We Can." I mean, come on, guys, put some effort into it!

Another factor is that conservatives tend to be more organized than liberals. They've got think tanks, media outlets, and grassroots organizations that are all dedicated to promoting their agenda. Meanwhile, liberals are too busy arguing about intersectionality and trigger warnings to get anything done.

But perhaps the biggest factor is that conservatives are really good at exploiting people's fears. They've convinced a lot of Americans that they're under attack from immigrants, Muslims, feminists, environmentalists, socialists, and pretty much anyone who's not a white Christian male. And when people are scared, they tend to vote for whoever promises to protect them from the scary monsters.

So what does this mean for the future of American politics? Well, if the pendulum theory holds true, we can expect to see a swing back towards liberalism at some point in the future. Maybe it'll be sparked by a charismatic leader who inspires us to dream big again. Maybe it'll be sparked by a crisis that forces us to come together as a nation. Or maybe it'll be sparked by something totally unexpected, like aliens invading Earth and forcing us to unite against a common enemy.

In the meantime, though, we're stuck with this right-wing swing of the pendulum. So let's buckle up and enjoy the ride. Who knows, maybe we'll get lucky and the next conservative president will be someone cool like The Rock or Oprah. Or maybe we'll get stuck with another Trump. Either way, at least we can take comfort in the fact that we're not living in a banana republic... yet.

THE DEFT DIVE

Different historians may have different criteria and interpretations of what constitutes a conservative period in American history. However, based on some sources, here are some possible answers:

• - According to the Wikipedia article on the **History of conservatism in the United States**¹, one could identify four major conservative periods in American history: the **Colonial era** (before 1776), when conservatism was based on a landed elite and a loyalist merchant class; the **Gilded Age** (1870s-1900), when conservatism was based on laissez-faire capitalism and opposition to labor unions and social reforms; the **Roaring Twenties** (1920s), when conservatism was based on cultural traditionalism and isolationism; and the **Reagan era** (1980s), when conservatism was based on a fusion of economic liberalism, social conservatism, and anti-communism. These periods lasted for varying lengths of time, depending on how one defines their beginnings and endings, but they generally ended due to major crises or changes in the political landscape, such as the American Revolution, the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, and the end of the Cold War.
• - According to the Wikipedia article on **Conservatism in the United States**², one could identify three major conservative movements in American history: the **Old Right** (1920s-1950s), which opposed the New Deal and favored non-interventionism; the **New Right** (1960s-1990s), which opposed the Great Society and favored a strong national defense; and the **Tea Party movement** (2000s-present), which opposes big government and favors fiscal conservatism. These movements lasted for varying lengths of time, depending on how one defines their peaks and declines, but they generally changed due to internal divisions, ideological shifts, or electoral defeats.
• - According to the Wikipedia article on the **Timeline of modern American conservatism**³, one could identify several key events and milestones that marked conservative periods in American history, such as: the founding of the National Review magazine in 1955; the election of Dwight D. Eisenhower as president in 1952 and 1956; the publication of Barry Goldwater's The Conscience of a Conservative in 1960; the election of Richard Nixon as president in 1968 and 1972; the rise of the religious right in the 1970s; the election of Ronald Reagan as president in 1980 and 1984; the fall of communism in 1989-1991; the Republican Revolution of 1994; the election of George W. Bush as president in 2000 and 2004; and the emergence of the Tea Party movement in 2009. These events and milestones lasted for varying lengths of time, depending on how one measures their impact and significance, but they generally reflected or influenced conservative trends in American politics, culture, and society.
• - According to an article by Jennifer Burns on **Conservatism: A State of the Field**⁴, one could identify several themes and topics that have shaped conservative periods in American history, such as: anti-statism, constitutionalism, individualism, capitalism, religion, morality, nationalism, patriotism, exceptionalism, tradition, order, hierarchy, authority, natural law, natural rights, human nature, realism, pragmatism, skepticism, anti-utopianism, anti-radicalism, anti-communism, anti-liberalism. These themes and topics lasted for varying lengths of time, depending on how one traces their origins and developments, but they generally expressed or challenged conservative ideas and values in American thought and discourse.

The pendulum theory in American politics is a model that suggests that the political mood and direction of the United States tends to swing back and forth between liberalism and conservatism over time. This theory is based on the observation that different periods in American history have been dominated by different parties, ideologies, and policies, and that these periods often alternate or contrast with each other. The pendulum theory can be applied to different aspects of American politics, such as party control of Congress, presidential elections, foreign policy, social movements, and public opinion.

One version of the pendulum theory was proposed by historians Arthur M. Schlesinger Sr. and Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., who identified several liberal and conservative periods in American history from the colonial era to the late 20th century. They argued that each phase has characteristic features, such as the emphasis on the rights of the many or the few, the expansion or containment of democracy, the promotion of public or private interests, and the protection of human or property rights. They also argued that each phase is self-limiting, generating the opposite phase, due to factors such as exhaustion, accumulation of problems, or generational change. ¹²

Another version of the pendulum theory was proposed by historian Frank J. Klingberg, who focused on the cyclical patterns of American foreign policy. He argued that the United States has repeatedly alternated between foreign-policy extroversion and introversion, meaning willingness or unwillingness to go on international adventures. He identified several cycles of extroversion and introversion from the colonial era to the late 20th century, and attributed them to factors such as national mood, economic conditions, security threats, and moral values. ³

The pendulum theory is not a definitive or deterministic explanation of American politics, but rather a descriptive and interpretive framework that can help us understand some of the trends and changes that have occurred over time. However, the theory also has some limitations and criticisms, such as oversimplifying the complexity and diversity of American politics, ignoring the role of agency and contingency in shaping political outcomes, and failing to account for new developments or challenges that may disrupt or modify the cyclical patterns.

As for which periods were considered progressive or conservative in American history, this depends on how one defines these terms and which criteria one uses to classify them. However, based on some common sources and perspectives, here are some possible answers:

• - According to a website created by datascience@berkeley called **The Political Pendulum**⁴, which shows the party control and strength in Congress from 1968 to 2018, one could identify several progressive or conservative periods based on which party had more seats in both chambers. For example, one could say that 1968-1974 was a progressive period (Democratic majority), 1974-1992 was a mixed period (Democratic House vs Republican Senate), 1992-1994 was a progressive period (Democratic majority), 1994-2006 was a conservative period (Republican majority), 2006-2010 was a progressive period (Democratic majority), 2010-2018 was a mixed period (Republican House vs Democratic Senate), and 2018-present is a progressive period (Democratic majority).
• - According to an article by Jennifer Burns on **Conservatism: A State of the Field**, which reviews some of the recent scholarship on conservatism in American history, one could identify several progressive or conservative periods based on which ideas and movements were dominant or influential in American politics and culture. For example, one could say that 1890-1920 was a progressive period (Progressive Era reforms), 1920-1932 was a conservative period (Republican presidents and policies), 1932-1945 was a progressive period (New Deal liberalism), 1945-1960 was a conservative period (Cold War conservatism), 1960-1980 was a progressive period (Civil Rights Movement and Great Society liberalism), 1980-2008 was a conservative period (Reagan Revolution and New Right conservatism), and 2008-present is a mixed or uncertain period (Obama presidency vs Tea Party movement).

Bing, 7/1/2023

History of conservatism in the United States - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_conservatism_in_the_United_States.

Conservatism in the United States - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservatism_in_the_United_States.

Timeline of modern American conservatism - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_modern_American_conservatism.

Conservatism: A State of the Field | Journal of American History .... https://academic.oup.com/jah/article/98/3/723/684892.

The Political Pendulum - UCB-UMT. https://ischoolonline.berkeley.edu/political-pendulum/.

Cyclical theory (United States history) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclical_theory_%28United_States_history%29.

The Pendulum Theory of Art & Politics - LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pendulum-theory-art-politics-teresa-funke.

(4) The Pendulum of American Politics | National Review. https://www.nationalreview.com/the-morning-jolt/the-pendulum-of-american-politics/.