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CALIFORNIA
THE LIBERTARIAN WOLF IN LIBERAL CLOTHING
Ah, California. The land of sun-kissed beaches, avocado toast, and a reputation so blue it might as well be a denim jacket from the '90s. “Liberal California,” they call it, with a tone that ranges from admiration to disdain, depending on which side of the political aisle you’re sitting on. But let’s set the record straight once and for all: California isn’t liberal. Nope, not even close. It’s libertarian, dammit. And no, I’m not talking about the quirky, “live free or die” kind of libertarianism that involves backyard chicken farms and Bitcoin investments. I’m talking about the billionaire-backed, profit-over-people variety that has quietly turned the Golden State into its personal Monopoly board.
The Meme That Sparked the Fire
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Let me set the stage for you. Earlier today, I posted a meme on Facebook. A harmless little nugget of idealism that read:
*"All public schools should be funded to ensure teachers earn at least $70k, students receive free lunch and breakfast, and that books and technology are fully stocked and up to date. I would gladly sacrifice tax breaks for the ultra-rich to make it happen."*
Innocent enough, right? Wrong. Within minutes, the comments section lit up like a Fourth of July sparkler. “Commie!” someone shouted from their digital soapbox. “Typical liberal Californian nonsense,” another keyboard warrior declared. Well, dear internet trolls, buckle up, because I’ve got news for you: California isn’t liberal—it’s a billionaire’s playground masquerading as one.
The Libertarian Takeover: A Brief History
Let’s rewind a few decades. Once upon a time, California was a beacon of progressivism. Its public education system was the envy of the nation, its infrastructure gleamed like a freshly polished Tesla (back when they were not bursting into flames), and its middle class thrived. But then came the libertarian billionaires with their three-step playbook: **Defund, Demonize, and Privatize.**
Step one: **Defund.** Proposition 13 in 1978 was the opening salvo in this war on public goods. Sold to voters as a way to keep property taxes low (who doesn’t love low taxes?), it gutted funding for schools and local governments. Suddenly, the state that once led the nation in per-student spending was scraping the bottom of the barrel.
Step two: **Demonize.** Enter the corporate-owned media machine. Public schools? Inefficient and bloated, they said. Teachers? Overpaid union thugs who only care about tenure, they claimed. Never mind that teachers were—and still are—buying classroom supplies out of their own pockets while juggling overcrowded classrooms and shrinking budgets.
Step three: **Privatize.** Charter schools and vouchers became the billionaire-backed darlings of “education reform.” The Gates Foundation, the Broad Foundation, and other libertarian heavyweights poured millions into campaigns to promote these alternatives to public education. Never mind that these initiatives siphon funds away from public schools and often fail to deliver better outcomes for students. The goal wasn’t better education; it was control.
The Billionaire Puppet Masters
California is home to more billionaires than any other state in the union. These aren’t just your run-of-the-mill rich folks; these are the titans of tech, real estate, and finance who have turned wealth hoarding into an Olympic sport. And while they’re busy building their third vacation home in Malibu or launching vanity rockets into space, they’re also pulling the strings of California’s political machine.
Here’s the thing about libertarians: they hate government—except when it’s working for them. They despise regulations—unless those regulations protect their monopolies. And they loathe taxes—unless those taxes are being funneled into subsidies for their pet projects. In California, this ideology has seeped into every level of governance, from Sacramento to your local school board.
Take campaign financing laws—or rather, the lack thereof—thanks to Supreme Court rulings like *Citizens United.* Billionaires can now pour unlimited amounts of money into elections, effectively buying politicians who will do their bidding. Want to run for school board? Better have a few million lying around or a billionaire benefactor in your corner.
Education: From First to Worst
Nowhere is California’s libertarian makeover more evident than in its education system—or what’s left of it. Once ranked number one in the nation, California’s public schools have plummeted to near the bottom in terms of funding per student. And no, this isn’t because Californians don’t pay enough taxes; it’s because those taxes have been systematically redirected—or outright blocked—by libertarian policies designed to starve public institutions.
Programs like No Child Left Behind (Bush-era) and Race to the Top (Obama-era) only made things worse by tying funding to standardized test scores—a metric that measures poverty more accurately than it measures learning outcomes. Schools in affluent areas thrive while those in low-income communities are punished for circumstances beyond their control. Teachers in these underfunded districts are labeled failures and replaced by cheaper, less experienced staff—or worse, by for-profit charter schools with zero accountability.
And let’s not forget Common Core—a well-intentioned but poorly executed initiative bankrolled by—you guessed it—billionaires. It alienated parents, frustrated teachers, and did little to address the root problems plaguing our education system: inequality and chronic underfunding.
The Libertarian Endgame
So where does this leave us? In a state where billionaires call the shots and everyone else is left fighting over scraps. Public education? Privatized or defunded into oblivion. Affordable housing? A pipe dream in a state where tech billionaires drive up property values while opposing zoning reforms that might make housing more accessible. Infrastructure? Crumbling under the weight of decades of neglect because funding public goods isn’t profitable enough for our libertarian overlords.
And yet, California still wears its “liberal” label like a badge of honor, fooling outsiders—and even some insiders—into thinking it’s a progressive utopia. But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find a state that prioritizes profits over people at every turn.
So Quit Calling California Liberal
The next time someone calls California a liberal state, do me a favor: laugh in their face (politely, of course) and send them this article. California isn’t liberal; it’s libertarian with a capital “L.” It’s a state where billionaires have rigged the system to serve their interests while throwing just enough crumbs to keep the masses from revolting.
Sure, we’ve got legal weed and gay marriage—but we’ve also got skyrocketing income inequality, an affordable housing crisis, and an education system that’s been hollowed out by decades of libertarian meddling. So let’s stop pretending California is some progressive paradise and start calling it what it really is: a cautionary tale about what happens when billionaires run the show.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got another meme to post—and probably another round of trolls to fend off.
PLUS OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES AND THAT TIME I ACCIDENTALLY ATE THE DRY-ERASE MARKER
Well, here we are, folks. Another year has flown by faster than a kindergartener running to recess. It’s officially that magical time of year when we all pretend we’re going to start going to the gym, eat more kale, and finally get our lives together—until about January 15th, when we give up and start binge-watching Netflix in our pajamas again. But hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?
First things first: Happy New Year from *The Big Education Blog*! I’m Mike Simpson, your friendly neighborhood education enthusiast, accidental coffee-spiller, and self-proclaimed expert on all things chalkboard-related. As we bid farewell to 2024 (and the 47 pens I lost along the way), let’s take a moment to reflect on the opportunities and challenges ahead in 2025—and maybe laugh at some of the ridiculousness that got us here.
2024: A Year of Lessons (Some of Which Were Actually Taught on Purpose)
Before we dive into the future, let’s give 2024 a proper send-off. It was a year filled with highs, lows, and at least three incidents involving glitter glue that I’m still trying to scrub off my desk.
Teachers, you survived another year of students asking, “Is this going to be on the test?” Parents, you conquered the chaos of back-to-school shopping without losing your sanity (or at least most of it). And students, congratulations on mastering the art of pretending to pay attention while secretly texting under your desk. Bravo all around!
On a personal note, I learned some valuable lessons this year. For example:
- Never use the phrase “It’s quiet today” in a classroom unless you want chaos to erupt immediately.
- Zoom meetings are not the place to accidentally unmute yourself while yelling at your dog to stop eating your sock.
- And most importantly, dry-erase markers are *not* snackable, no matter how much they look like candy. (Long story. Don’t ask.)
Opportunities for 2025: Let’s Dream Big (But Maybe Not Too Big)
As we look ahead to 2025, the world of education is brimming with opportunities. Sure, some of them might involve navigating new technology or deciphering the latest educational buzzwords (seriously, what even *is* “gamified hybridized learning scaffolding”?), but there’s plenty to be excited about.
1. Embracing Technology Without Losing Our Minds
Technology continues to revolutionize education, which is great—until the Wi-Fi goes down and everyone panics like it’s the end of civilization. In 2025, let’s aim for a balance. We can embrace AI tools and fancy apps while still remembering that nothing beats a good old-fashioned book or a heartfelt conversation or for that matter a great teacher (the human kind). And hey, maybe this will be the year I finally figure out how to unmute myself on Zoom without accidentally turning on a cat filter.
2. Fostering Creativity and Critical Thinking
Gone are the days of rote memorization and endless worksheets (thank goodness). The future is all about creativity and critical thinking. Let’s encourage students to ask big questions, solve real-world problems, and maybe even invent something that will finally stop socks from disappearing in the dryer. (Seriously, where do they go? Is there a sock dimension?)
3. Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being
After everything we’ve been through in recent years, it’s clear that mental health matters more than ever. In 2025, let’s prioritize kindness, empathy, and self-care—for students, teachers, and parents alike. Remember: It’s okay to take a break when you need one. Just don’t take a “break” by hiding in the supply closet eating chocolate… not that I’ve ever done that or anything.
Challenges for 2025: Because Life Isn’t All Sunshine and Glitter Glue
Of course, no year is without its challenges. Education is a wild ride, full of unexpected plot twists and moments that make you question your life choices (like when a fourth-grader asks you if dinosaurs had Wi-Fi). Here are a few hurdles we might face in 2025—and how we can tackle them with humor and grace.
1. The Never-Ending Battle Against Burnout
Teachers, you’re superheroes—but even superheroes need a nap sometimes. The challenge for 2025 is figuring out how to do it all without completely losing our marbles. Pro tip: Invest in coffee. Lots of coffee.
2. Budget Woes (Because Apparently Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees)
Why does it feel like every school budget meeting ends with someone saying, “We can’t afford that”? Whether it’s funding for new textbooks or fixing that one wobbly desk that’s been around since 1973, budgets are always tight. But hey, duct tape fixes everything, right?
3. The Mystery of Student Engagement
Getting students engaged in learning is like trying to get a cat to take a bath—it’s tricky, but not impossible. The key is finding creative ways to make lessons fun and relevant. And if all else fails, just bribe them with snacks.
A Thankful Goodbye to 2024
As we wrap up this whirlwind of a year, I want to take a moment to say thank you—to teachers who pour their hearts into their work every single day, to parents who juggle about a million responsibilities without dropping (too many) balls, and to students who remind us why we do what we do (even when they’re driving us bananas).
Thank you for your resilience, your humor, and your ability to find joy even in the toughest moments. Thank you for making education not just a job or a duty, but an adventure worth having.
So here’s to 2025—to new opportunities, fresh challenges, and plenty of laughter along the way. May your dry-erase markers stay uncapped, your coffee stay hot, and your Wi-Fi stay strong.
Happy New Year from *The Big Education Blog*! Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some glitter glue to clean up.
Cheers!
Mike Simpson (P.S. I am not a classroom teacher but I play one on my blog from time to time š)
Puerto Rico outages: Massive blackout leaves nearly 90% of Puerto Rican customers without power | CNN https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/31/us/puerto-rico-power-outage/index.html
Ah, Puerto Rico—the island of enchantment, where the beaches are pristine, the piƱa coladas flow freely, and privatization dreams go to die. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when public services are handed over to private companies with promises of efficiency, lower costs, and rainbows made of unicorn glitter, let Puerto Rico be your cautionary tale. From education to electricity, privatization on this island has been less of a success story and more of a tragicomedy.
Math Scores: Adding Up the Failures
Let’s start with the kids because if you’re going to mess up a system, why not start with the future? According to the Nation’s Report Card, Puerto Rico’s average math score in 2023 was a dismal 178 out of 500. For context, that’s like showing up to a marathon and collapsing at the starting line. This score isn’t just below the national average; it’s so far below that you’d need a telescope to see the rest of the country.
What’s worse is that this isn’t an isolated bad year—it’s part of a trend. Over time, math scores in Puerto Rico have been declining faster than my faith in humanity after reading the comments section on social media. The percentage of students performing at or above basic math levels is so low that you’d have better odds finding a parking spot in Old San Juan on a Saturday night.
The privatization of education in Puerto Rico was supposed to bring innovation and improvement. Instead, it brought us charter schools that cherry-pick students, leaving public schools underfunded and overcrowded. It’s as if someone decided to fix a leaky boat by drilling more holes in it.
LUMA Energy: Lighting Up the Rage
If education is the appetizer in this privatization feast of failure, then electricity is the main course—and boy, is it overcooked. Enter LUMA Energy, the US-Canadian company that swooped in to privatize Puerto Rico’s electricity transmission and distribution in 2021. The promise? A modernized grid, fewer blackouts, and lower prices. The reality? Blackouts that last longer than most Netflix binges, skyrocketing electricity bills, and protests that make rush hour traffic look like a picnic.
Hundreds of Puerto Ricans recently marched through San Juan demanding an end to LUMA’s controversial contract. Why? Because instead of fixing the island’s notoriously unreliable power grid, LUMA has managed to make things worse. It’s like hiring a plumber to fix your sink and ending up with a flooded basement.
And let’s not forget the price hikes. Electricity bills have soared under LUMA’s watch, leaving residents wondering if they’re paying for power or funding a secret space program. Meanwhile, connection problems persist, and major blackouts are as common as coquĆ frogs serenading the night.
The Puerto Rico House of Representatives has even approved a resolution to rescind LUMA’s contract. But as we all know, government resolutions move about as quickly as molasses in January. So for now, Puerto Ricans are stuck with a privatized power system that’s about as reliable as a politician’s campaign promises.
Privatizing Power Generation: Because Why Stop Now?
As if things weren’t bad enough, Puerto Rico recently announced plans to privatize electricity generation as well. Yes, because clearly what we need is *more* privatization in a system that’s already imploding. This marks the beginning of the end for the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), which has been accused of corruption, mismanagement, and inefficiency for decades. But if you think replacing one dysfunctional system with another is the solution, I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you.
The move comes after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico’s power grid in 2017—a grid that was already held together with duct tape and good intentions. Since then, there’s been little investment or maintenance, making it ripe for privatization vultures to swoop in. The government insists this will solve all our problems. Critics argue it’s like trying to put out a fire by throwing gasoline on it.
The main opposition party has vowed to fight this plan tooth and nail. But given how these things usually go, it wouldn’t be surprising if the contract gets approved anyway. After all, when has public outcry ever stopped bad decisions from being made?
The Privatization Playbook: Overpromise and Underperform
So why does privatization keep failing in Puerto Rico? For starters, it often comes with lofty promises that sound great on paper but fall apart in execution. Companies like LUMA swoop in with slick presentations and buzzwords like “efficiency” and “modernization,” but once they get their contracts, it’s all downhill from there.
Then there’s the lack of accountability. When public services are privatized, oversight often becomes an afterthought. Companies prioritize profits over people, cutting corners and raising prices while delivering subpar services. And let’s not forget the government officials who sign off on these deals—many of whom seem more interested in photo ops than long-term solutions.
Finally, there’s the issue of public trust—or rather, the lack thereof. Puerto Ricans have seen this movie before, and they know how it ends: with higher costs, worse services, and protests in the streets. It’s no wonder so many people are skeptical of privatization efforts; they’ve been burned too many times before.
Lessons Learned (or Not)
If there’s one thing we can learn from Puerto Rico’s privatization fiascos, it’s that not everything needs to be run like a business—especially essential services like education and electricity. Some things are better left in public hands, where accountability and accessibility take precedence over profit margins.
But will these lessons actually be learned? Or will Puerto Rico continue down this path of privatization doom? Only time will tell. In the meantime, we can only hope that future decision-makers take a long, hard look at what’s happened here and choose a different path.
Until then, Puerto Ricans will keep fighting for their rights—whether it’s demanding better schools for their children or reliable electricity for their homes. Because if there’s one thing this island has in spades, it’s resilience. And maybe, just maybe, that resilience will be enough to turn things around.
So here’s to Puerto Rico: land of beautiful beaches, delicious food, and privatization failures so epic they deserve their own Netflix series. Let’s hope the next chapter in this story is one of redemption rather than repetition.
Out LUMA!: Puerto Ricans demand an end to the privatization of energy : Peoples Dispatch https://peoplesdispatch.org/2024/07/05/out-luma-puerto-ricans-demand-an-end-to-the-privatization-of-energy/
Puerto Rico to privatize power generation amid outages | International | EL PAĆS English https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-01-16/puerto-rico-to-privatize-power-generation-amid-outages.html
Puerto Rico on its way to privatizing power generation despite widespread skepticism https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/puerto-rico-way-privatizing-power-generation-widespread-skepticism-rcna66087
Big Education Ape: Hedge funds tell Puerto Rico: lay off teachers and close schools to pay us back | World news | The Guardian https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2015/07/hedge-funds-tell-puerto-rico-lay-off.html
Big Education Ape: AFT PRESIDENT WEINGARTEN: PUERTO RICO GOVERNOR RICARDO ROSSELLO IS “REPREHENSIBLE” MUST RESIGN “IMMEDIATELY” | Black Star News https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2019/07/aft-president-weingarten-puerto-rico.html
Big Education Ape: Seizing Upon Post-Hurricane Damage, Puerto Rico's New "Education Reform" Law Paves Way for Charters, Vouchers https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2018/03/seizing-upon-post-hurricane-damage.html
Big Education Ape: (Special) Education in Puerto Rico: “Here, All of the Parents are Desperate.” | deutsch29 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2018/10/special-education-in-puerto-rico-here.html
