Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-13-25
Big Education Ape: LET'S CHECK THIS WEEK'S TOP NEWS AND OTHER STORIES 7-12-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/lets-check-this-weeks-top-news-and_12.html
### Key Points - Trump’s threats to revoke citizenship from critics highlight escalating political issues.
- Mediocrity in U.S. schools is analyzed in terms of systemic educational challenges.
- Predictions of a public education crisis due to systemic failures.
Big Education Ape: FASCISM BY ANY OTHER NAME: THE MAGAFICATION OF AMERICA https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/fascism-by-any-other-name-magafication.html
Explores the tactics and ideologies of authoritarianism in contemporary U.S. politics, particularly under Trump’s administration. The article draws parallels between historical fascism and current trends, emphasizing executive overreach, propaganda, militarization, and scapegoating. While America hasn’t fully embraced fascism, the seeds of authoritarianism are present. It advocates for resistance movements like "One Million Rising" and grassroots organizing to defend democracy.### Key Points
- Analysis of Trump’s authoritarian tendencies, including cult of personality and executive overreach.
- ICE operations and militarized immigration enforcement under Trump.
- Propaganda and "alternative facts" shaping public perception.
- Scapegoating marginalized groups as a political strategy.
- Resistance movements like "One Million Rising" mobilizing against authoritarianism.
- Historical comparisons and warnings about authoritarianism-lite in America.
Big Education Ape: JEFFREY EPSTEIN COMMITS SUICIDE: AGAIN https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/jeffrey-epstein-commits-suicide-again.html
A satirical piece dives into the wild conspiracy theories about Jeffrey Epstein, MAGA narratives, and political drama, blending humor and commentary on misinformation. It also touches on public education, activism, and the broader socio-political landscape.### Key Points
- Satirical exploration of MAGA conspiracy theories surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, including exaggerated claims and fictional narratives.
- Commentary on public education challenges, privatization resistance, and advocacy for reform through various organizations.
- Highlights activism against political and educational issues, including Diane Ravitch's work and grassroots movements like the Badass Teacher Association.
- Satirical critique of political theater and misinformation in the MAGA era.
Big Education Ape: THE GREAT UNSCHOOLING OF AMERICA: BIG EDUCATION APE'S CRYSTAL BALL PREDICTS A PUBLIC EDUCATION APOCALYPSE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-great-unschooling-of-america-big.html
### Key Points- The Trump administration's education agenda is focused on dismantling public education through budget cuts, privatization, and deregulation, which threatens equitable access for all students.
- Federal oversight of education is being reduced, with plans to dissolve the Department of Education and shift funding responsibilities to states, risking inequitable distribution.
- Budget freezes and cuts are targeting programs essential for low-income, migrant, and special education students, leaving public schools underfunded and vulnerable.
- The push for school choice and vouchers redirects federal funds to private schools, creating a two-tiered system that disadvantages public schools and marginalized students.
- Higher education reforms include limiting loans and Pell Grants, reducing accessibility for low-income students, and prioritizing trade programs over traditional academia.
- The administration is rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, cutting funding for schools that support marginalized students, and restricting data collection on inequities.
- Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP threaten basic services like school meals and healthcare, worsening conditions for vulnerable students.
- Advocacy, informed voting, and amplifying voices are critical to countering these changes and protecting public education.
REVOLUTION(S) | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2025/07/12/revolutions/
### Key Points- "Revolution(s)" is a punk/metal/hip-hop musical by Tom Morello, exploring themes of resistance, love, and young radicalism through the story of Hampton Weems, a soldier turned musician in Chicago.
- Tickets for "Revolution(s)" are available for performances from October 4 to November 9, 2025, with group discounts and codes for accessible performances.
- Accessible and enhanced performances include ASL interpretation, audio description, Spanish subtitles, and open captions, with specific dates and discounted tickets.
- Special events include "College Night" on October 15, 2025, offering students a discounted experience with pizza, soda, and discussions with Goodman’s Artistic Team.
- Goodman Theatre celebrates its Centennial 2025/2026 season, featuring productions like "Revolution(s)," "Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom," and "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao."
- Updates on Goodman Theatre productions, events, and programs are available through their newsletter and social media platforms.
glen brown: The Mystery Dog That Saved a Lost 3-Year-Old in Texas Floods https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-mystery-dog-that-saved-lost-3-year.html
A heartwarming story of survival and loyalty emerged from a Texas flood where a 3-year-old girl went missing. Found alive under a collapsed shed, she was protected by a mysterious stray dog that guided her to safety and shielded her from the storm. The town is now rallying to adopt the heroic dog, calling it a "guardian angel with paws."### Key Points
- A 3-year-old girl was found alive during a Texas flood, protected by a stray dog that stayed by her side and guided her to shelter.
- The dog, described as a "guardian angel," is being hailed as a hero, and the community is working to adopt it.
- The story has gone viral, touching hearts worldwide with its message of loyalty and survival.
Success, Failure, and "Mediocrity" in U.S. Schools (Part 2) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/07/12/success-failure-and-mediocrity-in-u-s-schools-part-2-2/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- The article explores the societal pressure on children to excel in every aspect of life, reflecting on the anxiety and stress this creates for both parents and children.
- The concept of "mediocrity" is critiqued, with a focus on how American culture often views being average as undesirable, tied to the nation's meritocratic values.
- The tension between pursuing excellence and ensuring equitable opportunities in education is highlighted, illustrating how this dynamic stigmatizes being in the middle of performance distributions.
- Historical critiques of U.S. schools, such as the "A Nation at Risk" report, labeled average student performance as a "rising tide of mediocrity," driving decades of reform efforts.
- Despite reforms like Common Core and increased accountability, U.S. schools are still criticized for "mediocrity," even though the economy has thrived, raising questions about the link between education and economic success.
Weaponized Incompetence: “I Didn’t Vote for This” Is Not an Excuse – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/07/12/weaponized-incompetence-i-didnt-vote-for-this-is-not-an-excuse/
Weaponized Incompetence: “I Didn’t Vote for This” Is Not an Excuse### Key Points
- Donald Trump is threatening to revoke U.S. citizenship from critics, challenging constitutional rights and expanding authoritarian measures.
- The Trump administration prioritizes surveillance, intimidation, and domestic policing, with increased ICE budgets and racial profiling of U.S. citizens.
- Political dissent is being suppressed through criminalization of protesters, censorship, and retaliation against public employees.
- The term "weaponized incompetence" refers to voters’ strategic ignorance in avoiding accountability for the consequences of their electoral choices.
- Voting is a responsibility that requires understanding and accountability, not selective support for policies while ignoring harmful actions.
- The concept of "lesser evil" in voting lowers standards and enables extremism to become normalized over time.
- Shared identity in voting does not guarantee justice; harmful policies cannot be excused by representation alone.
- Ignorance is a choice, and democracy requires active engagement, honesty, and accountability to counter authoritarianism.
Robert Moses and Mike Rose (A repost from my blog from 2021)., by @fklonsky https://open.substack.com/pub/fredklonsky/p/robert-moses-and-mike-rose-a-repost?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Two influential educators, Bob Moses and Mike Rose, are remembered for their transformative contributions to teaching and social change. Mike Rose, an advocate for students overcoming educational barriers, authored "Lives on the Boundary" and emphasized intellectual labor as a form of dignity. Bob Moses, a civil rights leader, founded The Algebra Project, connecting mathematical literacy to societal equity and empowering marginalized communities. The article recounts Moses's interactive teaching methods in Mississippi, blending math with community engagement to foster learning and social awareness.### Key Points
- Mike Rose's work highlighted the struggles of marginalized students and the intellectual value of labor.
- Bob Moses's Algebra Project linked math education to social justice, aiming for equitable access to knowledge.
- The Algebra Project's teaching methods involved hands-on activities, discussions, and community collaboration.
- Bob Moses's civil rights legacy influenced his educational initiatives, emphasizing empowerment through learning.
- A detailed account of Moses's interactive teaching sessions showcases his approach to engaging students and parents.
CURMUDGUCATION: DFER Pushes The Same Old Baloney https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/07/dfer-pushes-same-old-baloney.html
DFER Pushes The Same Old Baloney### Key Points
- Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) was created to push conservative education reform policies within the Democratic Party, as its founder Whitney Tilson saw the Democratic Party as the main obstacle to such reforms.
- DFER’s recent white paper, "A Democratic Framework for An Abundance Education Agenda," by Jorge Elorza, recycles old education reform ideas under the guise of "abundance," focusing on market-based solutions, innovation, and technology.
- Elorza criticizes Democrats for losing credibility in education, blaming issues like prolonged school closures during the pandemic and alleged ideological battles, while amplifying right-wing talking points.
- The proposed pillars of DFER's agenda include "Innovation" (e.g., charter schools, deregulation), "Accountability" (e.g., outcome-focused funding), and "Choice" (e.g., vouchers and charter schools). These ideas are not new and often align with conservative education policies.
- The author critiques DFER's approach as outdated, GOP-lite, and disconnected from current education needs, arguing that it fails to offer meaningful solutions or appeal to voters.
Summary
The article is a compilation of various reports and analyses on topics such as education policy, societal issues, political controversies, and systemic failures. It highlights concerns about public education, governance, civil rights, and the impact of policies on marginalized communities.
### Key Points
- Josh Cowen announced his candidacy for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, focusing on education and affordability.
- Cowen opposes school vouchers, arguing they subsidize wealthier families and harm public schools.
- The Trump administration's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 includes severe cuts to federal science funding, particularly targeting basic research.
- Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, posted antisemitic and offensive remarks, raising concerns about AI misuse and ethical programming.
- Trump's tariff policies have caused global economic chaos, marked by unpredictability and lack of structure.
- Trump's administration aims to dismantle the Department of Education (ED) and shift responsibilities to states, reducing federal oversight.
- Budget cuts and funding freezes threaten programs for low-income and special education students, leaving schools struggling.
- The article addresses injustices faced by Native peoples, advocating for restorative justice and returning stolen lands.
- AI’s trajectory risks reinforcing biases and reshaping education without ethical oversight, requiring educators to guide integration responsibly.
- Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson critiques the Supreme Court's partisan overreach, warning of threats to democracy and rule of law.
- Teacher Tom advocates for play-based learning, highlighting its importance for children's development and the harmful effects of academic rigor.
- Brandon Durst plans to launch a sports-focused charter school with Christian influences, sparking legal and ethical concerns.
- Sacramento High School was replaced by St. Hope charter schools under NCLB mandates, leading to poor outcomes and accountability concerns.
- Music education enhances confidence, relationships, and mental health, emphasizing its critical role in wellbeing strategies.
- Green spaces improve children's executive functioning and emotional regulation, highlighting the importance of accessible outdoor environments.
- Education exports significantly contribute to the U.S. economy, but tariffs and visa restrictions threaten gains from international student enrollment.
- The Supreme Court may decide on a case allowing publicly funded religious virtual charter schools, raising concerns about church-state separation.
- Systemic failures in disaster preparedness and education policy disproportionately affect marginalized communities under the Trump administration.
- The "One Million Rising" initiative promotes strategic non-cooperation and community organizing to combat authoritarianism.
The "One Million Rising" initiative promotes strategic peaceful non-cooperation and community organizing to combat authoritarianism.
One Million Rising: Strategic Non-Cooperation to Fight Authoritarianism · No Kings
https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/803953/
Across the country, authoritarian forces are getting bolder and more dangerous. Trump and his allies are not hiding their agenda: mass deportations, rollbacks of civil rights, weaponized courts, and full-scale attacks on our democracy. We don’t have to wait until it’s too late. We can stop this. But it’ll take all of us—not just on single days of mass action, but through sustained organizing in our communities.
That’s why this summer, we’re launching One Million Rising—a national effort to train one million people in the strategic logic and practice of non-cooperation, as well as the basics of community organizing and campaign design. This is how we build people power that can’t be ignored. You’re invited to join us—and lead.
Let’s build a force bigger than fear and louder than hate. Let’s get ready. Let’s get organized. Let’s stop Trump. https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/803953/
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