OAKLAND TEACHERS STRIKE ENDS AFTER 7 DAYS, WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM THEIR FRIENDS

 

OAKLAND TEACHERS STRIKE ENDS AFTER 7 DAYS, WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM THEIR FRIENDS

Oakland Teachers Strike Ends After 7 Days, With a Little Help From Their Friends

Oakland teachers have finally ended their seven-day strike, and it's all thanks to their new ally, Rattus Norvegicus! Who is Rattus Norvegicus, you ask? Only the most badass, inflatable rat mascot that ever existed!

This rat was the star of the show, and he brought a sense of humor to a difficult situation. He was always present during the protests, and he quickly became a symbol of the teachers' struggle. In fact, he was such a hit that he even inspired some hilarious memes and cartoons.

One of my favorite memes showed Rattus Norvegicus sitting at a negotiating table with the district's superintendent. The superintendent was saying, "I'm sorry, but we just can't afford to give you a raise." And Rattus Norvegicus was saying, "That's okay. I'll just eat your lunch instead." Classic!

Another funny cartoon showed Rattus Norvegicus standing in front of a group of students. The students were saying, "We're so glad you're here, Rattus Norvegicus. You're our only hope." And Rattus Norvegicus was saying, "Don't worry, kids. I'm not going to let anyone mess with your education." What a hero!

Of course, Rattus Norvegicus is not a real rat. He's just a giant inflatable toy. But he played a big role in helping the teachers win their strike. He brought a sense of humor to a difficult situation, and he helped to rally support for the teachers.

But let's not forget the real heroes here: the Oakland teachers! They fought hard for better pay, smaller class sizes, and more support staff. And they won! They got a 15.5% salary increase, more support staff, and smaller class sizes. That's amazing!

The teachers' strike was a serious matter, and it's great to see that they were able to make some real progress. It's important to remember that teachers are the backbone of our education system, and they deserve to be paid fairly and have the resources they need to do their jobs well.

So next time you see a giant inflatable rat, don't be afraid to give him a smile. He's just doing his part to make the world a better place. And next time you see a teacher, give them a high-five or a pat on the back. They're doing some of the most important work there is, and they deserve our support and appreciation.

In conclusion, the Oakland teachers' strike may be over, but the fight for better education is far from finished. Let's continue to support our teachers and demand the resources they need to succeed. And let's never forget the role that Rattus Norvegicus played in this victory. He may be just an inflatable rat, but he's a hero in our hearts!

Teachers in Oakland, California, reach agreement with school district on 'common good' demands as strike continues | CNN https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/14/us/oakland-teachers-union-agreement-strike/index.html

Oakland teachers, district reach agreement on new contract ending 7-day ... https://youtu.be/52L3u9vO-1k via @YouTube

CHATGPT: TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL?

 

CHATGPT: TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL?

As the world becomes more and more reliant on technology, it's important for us to embrace the advancements that come with it. And what better way to do that than by incorporating AI into the classroom? Specifically, let's talk about ChatGPT, the language model chatbot developed by OpenAI.

ChatGPT is a real hoot, folks. It's been trained on a massive dataset of text and code, which means it can generate text, translate languages, write different kinds of creative content, and answer your questions in an informative way. Plus, it's got a great sense of humor. I mean, have you heard the one about the chatbot who walked into a bar? Yeah, me neither. But I'm sure ChatGPT would have a killer punchline.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Why do we need a chatbot in the classroom? Can't we just stick to good old-fashioned teaching methods?" And to that, I say: why not? ChatGPT has so many potential benefits for students. For example:

1. Help students with their writing skills. ChatGPT can generate text on any topic, and can adjust the response to reading levels. This means students can practice their writing skills and get feedback on their work. Plus, it's always good to have a second opinion on that essay you wrote at 2am.

2. Provide students with access to information. ChatGPT can access and process information from the real world through Google Search and keep its response consistent with search results. This means students can find information on any topic, even if it's not covered in their textbooks. Who needs a library when you've got ChatGPT?

3. Help students learn new languages. ChatGPT can translate text from one language to another. This means students can learn a new language or brush up on their existing skills. Bonjour, ChatGPT!

4. Foster critical thinking skills. ChatGPT can be used to generate creative text formats, like poems, code, scripts, musical pieces, email, letters, etc. This means students can practice their critical thinking skills and come up with new ideas. Who knows, maybe the next Shakespeare is actually a chatbot.

Of course, there are some potential risks associated with using ChatGPT in the classroom. For example, students could use it to plagiarize work or cheat on assignments. But let's be real, if a student is going to cheat, they're going to find a way to do it regardless of whether or not there's a chatbot involved. And besides, ChatGPT is too cool to not use just because of a few bad apples.

In fact, I've heard some pretty funny stories about ChatGPT in the classroom. Like the time one student used it to write a paper on the history of the Civil War and the teacher thought they had plagiarized it. Or the time a student used it to help them with a math problem and actually understood what was going on. Or the time a teacher used it to create a virtual assistant for their classroom and it told jokes that were actually funny.

The point is, ChatGPT can be a valuable tool for helping students learn and develop the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century. So why not give it a try? Who knows, maybe one day we'll all be replaced by chatbots and this article will be written by ChatGPT 2.0. I, for one, welcome our new chatbot overlords.

Schools in northern Nevada ban ChatGPT, others welcome it for classwork https://mynews4.com/on-your-side/schools-in-washoe-county-ban-chapgpt-others-welcome-it-for-classwork-wcsd-ai-artificial-inteligence-bishop-manogue-coral-academy-cheating-plagiarism

RYAN WALTERS: THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN IN OKLAHOMA

RYAN WALTERS: THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN IN OKLAHOMA

Ryan Walters, Oklahoma's Superintendent of Public Instruction, has made it clear that he is not a fan of public education. In fact, he has said that he believes that public education is "failing" and that it is time to "end it."

Walters's approach to ending public education is based on his belief that parents should have more control over their children's education. He has said that he wants to give parents more options, such as homeschooling and private schools.

However, Walters's approach is flawed. It is based on the assumption that all parents are capable of homeschooling their children and that all private schools are good schools.

The reality is that not all parents are capable of homeschooling their children. In fact, a study by the National Home Education Research Institute found that only about 20% of homeschooled children are actually taught by their parents. The rest are taught by tutors or other adults.

Additionally, not all private schools are good schools. A study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that only about 60% of private schools are accredited. The rest are not held to the same standards as public schools.

Walters's approach to ending public education would leave many children without a quality education. It would also put a financial burden on families who cannot afford to send their children to private schools.

Instead of ending public education, we should be working to improve it. We should be investing in our schools and our teachers. We should be making sure that all children have access to a quality education, regardless of their parents' income.

Ryan Walters's approach to ending public education is wrong-headed and harmful. We should reject it and instead work to improve our public schools.

In addition to the above, here are some other reasons why I disagree with Ryan Walters's approach to ending public education:

• Public education is a public good. It is not a private good that can be bought and sold. Everyone, regardless of their income, should have access to a quality education.
• Public education is the great equalizer. It gives everyone, regardless of their background, a chance to succeed. It is the engine of social mobility.
• Public education is essential for democracy. It teaches our children the skills they need to be informed citizens. It teaches them how to think critically and how to make informed decisions.

I urge you to join me in rejecting Ryan Walters's approach to ending public education. Let's work together to improve our public schools so that all children have the opportunity to succeed.

Report: Education Department won’t apply for some grants https://kfor.com/news/local/report-education-department-wont-apply-for-some-grants/

RESEGREGATION: THE "REAL" REASON FOR VOUCHERS

 

RESEGREGATION: THE REASON FOR VOUCHERS

As the old saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas – including the controversy surrounding school vouchers. While Republican lawmakers in the Lone Star State are currently pushing for a voucher program, it turns out that this isn't the first time Texas has flirted with the idea.

Believe it or not, back in the 1950s, Texas almost approved a school voucher program – but not for the reasons you might think. You see, at the time, desegregation was becoming a hot-button issue in the state, and some lawmakers saw vouchers as a way to avoid integration.

Yes, you read that right. Rather than face the uncomfortable truth that segregation was wrong and needed to be dismantled, some Texas politicians thought it would be easier to just give white families the option to send their kids to private schools with public funds.

Thankfully, the voucher plan never came to fruition back then. But fast forward to 2021, and it seems like some things never change. Once again, Texas Republicans are pushing for a voucher program – and once again, it's a controversial move.

So what's the big deal with school vouchers, anyway? Well, for starters, they're essentially a way to funnel public money towards private schools. Proponents argue that this gives families more choice and can improve education outcomes, while opponents worry that it will drain resources from public schools and exacerbate inequality.

But let's be real – the real reason vouchers are so contentious is because they're often seen as a way to undermine public education altogether. After all, if families can use public funds to send their kids to private schools, what's the incentive to invest in public schools? It's a slippery slope that could ultimately lead to a two-tiered education system where only the wealthiest families can afford quality schooling.

Of course, Texas Republicans would never admit that they're trying to dismantle public education. Instead, they frame their voucher proposal as a way to help families who are struggling to find the right school for their kids. But as with most political issues, the devil is in the details.

For example, the Texas voucher bill would only be available to families who meet certain income requirements – meaning that it's not exactly a free-for-all. And while proponents argue that this will help low-income families access better schools, opponents worry that it's just a way to funnel public money towards private schools without actually addressing the root causes of educational inequality.

So where does that leave us? Well, it's hard to say for sure what the future holds for school vouchers in Texas. The bill still has a ways to go before it becomes law, and there's sure to be plenty of debate and discussion along the way.

But one thing is clear – the issue of school vouchers isn't going away anytime soon. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a fierce opponent, it's worth paying attention to what's happening in Texas – because as goes Texas, so goes the nation.

Texas almost approved a school voucher program in the 1950s – to avoid desegregation. | TPR https://www.tpr.org/education/2023-05-11/texas-almost-approved-a-school-voucher-program-in-the-1950s-to-avoid-desegregation

WHY ARE THEY TRYING TO DESTROY PUBLIC EDUCATION

STOP THE WAR ON DEMOCRACY: CONGRESSIONAL RULES - A BRICK WALL IN THE PATH OF PROGRESS

STOP THE WAR ON DEMOCRACY:  CONGRESSIONAL RULES - A BRICK WALL IN THE PATH OF PROGRESS 

The United States Congress is supposed to be the voice of the American people, but it seems like they're just a bunch of old farts who can't get anything done. Why? Because of their outdated rules, of course! These rules are so ridiculous that they're almost funny. Almost. Let's take a look at some of the most absurd rules that are making the government not work for the American people.

First up, we have the filibuster. This rule was designed to give senators a chance to debate and discuss legislation, but it's being used to block any legislation that the minority party doesn't like. It's like watching a bunch of toddlers throw a tantrum because they didn't get their way. "No, I don't want to vote on this bill! Waaah!" Come on, guys, grow up.

But it gets even better. There's a rule that requires a 60-vote majority to end a filibuster. This means that a small number of senators, even if they're in the minority, can block any legislation. It's like watching a bunch of old people playing king of the hill. "Nope, you can't come up here! We're in charge!" Sorry, grandpa, but it's time to step down.

And let's not forget about the time Republicans in the Senate filibustered a bill to protect Dreamers from deportation. The bill would have given Dreamers a path to citizenship, but the filibuster allowed Republicans to block the bill and keep Dreamers in limbo. It was like watching a bunch of old people trying to stop a train by standing in front of it. They were going to get run over, but they were determined to do it anyway.

Or how about when Democrats in the House of Representatives passed a bill to expand background checks for gun purchases? The bill was supported by a majority of Americans, but it was filibustered by Republicans in the Senate. It was like watching a bunch of toddlers trying to put together a puzzle. They kept getting the pieces mixed up, and they were never going to finish.

And let's not forget about the bill to codify Roe v. Wade into law. The bill would have made abortion legal in all 50 states, but it was filibustered by Republicans in the Senate. It was like watching a bunch of clowns try to put on a play. They were all over the place, and they were never going to get it right.

And don't even get us started on the bill to create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. The bill was supported by a majority of Americans, but it was filibustered by Republicans in the Senate. It was like watching a bunch of people try to solve a Rubik's Cube. They were turning the sides all over the place, and they were never going to figure it out.

And finally, we have the bill to expand voting rights. The bill would have made it easier for Americans to vote, but it was filibustered by Republicans in the Senate. It was like watching a bunch of people try to get out of a maze. They were running around in circles, and they were never going to find the exit.

So there you have it, folks. The outdated rules of Congress are making it very difficult for the government to work for the American people. But hey, at least we can laugh about it, right?

Durbin to Republicans: Work with Democra... | United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/dem/releases/durbin-to-republicans-work-with-democrats-to-fix-our-broken-immigration-system

Blame outdated systems for another off-track budget season https://thehill.com/opinion/congress-blog/3952492-blame-outdated-systems-for-another-off-track-budget-season/

The gun legislation Congress has passed and rejected amid mass shootings: Timeline https://abcn.ws/3lXXieF

Gallagher, Kilmer Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Bring Transparency and Accountability to Online Political Ads | Congressman Mike Gallagher https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-kilmer-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-bring-transparency

OAKLAND TEACHERS AND DISTRICT REACH AGREEMENT ON SOME ISSUES, BUT IT AIN'T OVER YET

 

OAKLAND TEACHERS AND DISTRICT REACH AGREEMENT ON SOME ISSUES, BUT IT AIN'T OVER YET 

After weeks of striking, the Oakland teachers and the district have finally reached an agreement on some key issues. But let's not break out the champagne just yet, folks. The strike is still not over, and there are some major issues that need to be resolved. It's like being stuck in traffic and finally moving a few inches, only to realize you're still miles away from your destination.

On the bright side, the agreement that has been reached includes some important provisions. Smaller class sizes? Check. Increased pay for teachers? Check. More support for Black students? Check. A commitment to not close any schools? Check. These are all great steps in the right direction. I mean, who doesn't want smaller class sizes? It's like upgrading from a cramped studio apartment to a spacious penthouse.

However, there are still some major issues that need to be resolved. Teacher pensions? Health care benefits? The number of new teachers that will be hired? These are not small potatoes, folks. These are the meat and potatoes of the education system. We need to make sure our teachers are taken care of so they can take care of our students.

The teachers and the district are still negotiating these issues, and it's unclear when they will be resolved. In the meantime, the strike will continue, and students will continue to suffer. It's like being stuck in a never-ending game of Monopoly where you keep landing on Boardwalk and can't afford to pay rent. Except in this game, it's the students who are paying the price.

But fear not, my fellow Oaklanders. I am hopeful that the teachers and the district will be able to reach an agreement on all of the outstanding issues soon. With a fair and equitable agreement, everyone will benefit: students, teachers, and the community as a whole. It's like finally getting that promotion at work that you've been working so hard for. You feel great, your coworkers are happy for you, and your boss can finally stop hearing you complain about your measly salary.

In the meantime, I urge the teachers and the district to continue to work together in good faith to reach a resolution. The students of Oakland deserve better. They deserve a quality education that prepares them for the future. They deserve teachers who are valued and respected. And they deserve a district that puts their needs first. Let's make it happen, Oakland. Let's show the world what we're made of.

Oakland Unified School District, teachers break deadlock on 'Common Good' proposals but final deal still remains, strike not over - ABC7 San Francisco https://abc7news.com/union-bargaining-agreements-met-oakland-teachers-strike-common-good-demands-ousd/13244733/

TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK

 

TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 

Big Education Ape: Breaking News: New York Times and New York Post Merge to Form 'New York Post-TruthTimes' - Now Twice as Biased and Half as Accurate http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/breaking-news-new-york-times-and-new.html

Big Education Ape: CORPORATE EDUCATION REFORM IS DYING... NOW WE CAN ACTUALLY REFORM EDUCATION http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/corporate-education-reform-is-dying-now.html

Big Education Ape: OBAMA "WOKE" AMERICA http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/obama-woke-america.html

Big Education Ape: PUSSY PULLING PAST PRESIDENT STILL PUTIN PUPPET AND OTHER KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM TRUMP'S CNN TOWNHALL http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/pussy-pulling-past-president-still.html

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

Big Education Ape: MONICA AI CALLS BULLSHIT ON THE NEW YORK POST: Setting the Record Straight on Randi Weingarten and the UFT's Position on Charter Schools http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/04/monica-ai-call-bullshit-on-new-york.html

Big Education Ape: WAR ON WOKE: WHO YOU GONNA CALL - WOKEBUSTERS http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/war-on-woke-who-you-gonna-call.html

Big Education Ape: E. JEAN CARROLL TO TRUMP: YOU DON'T GET AWAY WITH IT THIS TIME http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/e-jean-carroll-to-trump-you-dont-get.html

Big Education Ape: Oakland Teachers Strike Day 4: Negotiations at a Standstill, but the Picketing Continues! http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/oakland-teachers-strike-day-4.html

Big Education Ape: ELI BROAD: GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/eli-broad-gone-but-not-forgotten.html

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OAKLAND TEACHERS STRIKE OVER $1BILLION PRICE TAG FOR THE COMMON GOOD: A DEEP DIVE INTO THE ABSURDITY OF IT ALL

 

OAKLAND TEACHERS STRIKE OVER $1BILLION PRICE TAG FOR THE COMMON GOOD

A DEEP DIVE INTO THE ABSURDITY OF IT ALL

It's been seven days since the Oakland teachers went on strike, and the two sides are still far apart. The district claims that the union's "common good" proposals would cost over $1 billion, while the union says that the district is just trying to scare them into backing down. As a result, students are missing out on valuable instructional time, and parents are starting to get frustrated. But fear not, dear reader, for I am here to provide you with a witty and funny deep dive into the absurdity of it all.

Let's start with the union's proposals, shall we? Housing homeless students, investing in Black Thriving Community Schools, and getting rid of rats all sound like reasonable requests. After all, who wouldn't want to help homeless students or invest in thriving communities? And as for the rats, well, nobody likes rats, do they? But here's the thing: fully implementing these proposals would cost over $1 billion. That's a lot of money. Like, a lot.

But wait, there's more! The union claims that the district's estimate is ridiculous. And you know what? They might be right. After all, how can anyone really know how much it would cost to house homeless students or invest in thriving communities? And as for getting rid of rats, well, that can't be that expensive, can it? Just get a bunch of cats or something.

Now, let's talk about the impact on students. Yes, they are missing out on valuable instructional time. But let's be real here: how much instructional time do they really need? I mean, sure, reading, writing, and arithmetic are important and all that, but what about life skills? Like how to make a grilled cheese sandwich or change a tire? Or how to deal with a difficult boss or a toxic coworker? These are the things that really matter in life.

And let's not forget about the parents. They are starting to get frustrated, sure, but let's look at the bright side. They get to spend more time with their kids! And who wouldn't want that? Plus, they can use this time to teach their kids those life skills we just talked about. It's a win-win situation, really.

So, what's next? The two sides are scheduled to meet again on Friday, but it's unclear if they will be able to reach an agreement. In the meantime, the strike is likely to continue, and students will continue to suffer. But fear not, dear reader, for I have a solution. Let's just give the union what they want. Let's invest in thriving communities, house homeless students, and get rid of rats. And you know what? Let's throw in some grilled cheese sandwiches and tire-changing lessons while we're at it. It might cost over $1 billion, but who cares? We can just print more money, right?

In conclusion, the Oakland teachers strike is a mess. But it's also kind of funny. I mean, who knew that rats would be such a big issue? Or that grilled cheese sandwiches would be so important? But in all seriousness, let's hope that the two sides can come to an agreement soon, and that students can get back to their education. And if not, well, at least they'll know how to make a mean grilled cheese sandwich.

Strike Day 7: $1 billion estimate is ‘ridiculous’ fiction, Oakland teachers union says https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/strike-day-7-1-billion-estimate-is-ridiculous-fiction-oakland-teachers-union-says/

AMERICA'S FASCINATION WITH STRONG MEN: THE FEAR OF CREEPING FASCISM

AMERICA'S FASCINATION WITH STRONG MEN: THE FEAR OF CREEPING FASCISM

America has a long and storied history of being fascinated by strong men. From George Washington to Teddy Roosevelt to Ronald Reagan, Americans have always seemed to gravitate towards leaders who project an image of strength and decisiveness.

This fascination with strong men has only intensified in recent years. In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis and the subsequent Great Recession, many Americans are looking for leaders who can restore order and stability to a chaotic world. They are drawn to leaders who seem like they know what they're doing and who will not hesitate to take action.

America's current fascination with strong men, exemplified by political figures like Donald Trump, Greg Abbott, Ron DeSantis, and Kevin Stitt, can be attributed to several factors that have shaped the country's political landscape in recent years. It is important to note that the term "strong men" in this context does not necessarily refer to physical strength, but rather to charismatic and authoritarian leadership styles. Let's delve deeper into some of the reasons behind this fascination.

This is where strong men come in. They are the type of leaders who are not afraid to make tough decisions, even if they are unpopular. They are the type of leaders who are not afraid to stand up to their enemies, both foreign and domestic. And they are the type of leaders who are not afraid to use their power to get things done.

Of course, not all strong men are created equal. Some are genuinely good leaders who use their power for good. Others are more interested in using their power to enrich themselves or to advance their own personal agenda. But regardless of their motives, strong men have always played an important role in American history.

So why are Americans so fascinated by strong men? There are probably a number of reasons. For one thing, Americans tend to be a very individualistic society. We value self-reliance and independence, and we admire people who can stand on their own two feet. Strong men often project an image of strength and independence, which is something that many Americans find appealing.

In addition, Americans have a long history of distrusting government. We are suspicious of authority figures, and we often see them as being out of touch with the needs of the people. Strong men often appeal to this distrust of government by promising to shake things up and to "drain the swamp."

Finally, Americans are a very patriotic people. We love our country and we want to see it succeed. Strong men often tap into this patriotism by promising to make America great again.

Whatever the reason, it is clear that Americans have a long and enduring fascination with strong men. And it is likely that this fascination will continue for many years to come.

But what about the fear of creeping fascism? Well, that's a different story.

Fascism is a form of far-right, authoritarian ultranationalism characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and of the economy. It is often characterized by a cult of personality and a strong emphasis on nationalism and militarism.

Some people fear that the rise of strong men in America is a sign of creeping fascism. They worry that these leaders are using their power to undermine democratic institutions and to suppress dissent. They also worry that these leaders are using their power to advance their own personal agendas, rather than the interests of the people.

It is important to note that there is no evidence that any of the strong men in America are actually fascists. However, the fear of creeping fascism is a real and understandable concern. After all, fascism has a long and bloody history, and it is something that we should all be vigilant against.

So, what can we do to prevent creeping fascism? Well, there are a few things that we can do. First, we can stay informed about the political process and about the actions of our leaders. We can also get involved in our communities and in our political system. And we can speak out against any actions that we believe are undemocratic or authoritarian.

By staying informed, getting involved, and speaking out, we can help to ensure that America remains a democracy, not a fascist state.

OKLA. GOV. STITT TO OUT STUPID RIVALS DESANTIS AND ABBOTT: DECLARES WAR ON PBS STATION

OKLA. GOV. STITT TO OUT STUPID RIVALS DESANTIS AND ABBOTT: DECLARES WAR ON PBS STATION

In a move that has left many scratching their heads, the Governor of Oklahoma, Kevin Stitt, has declared war on a local PBS station. The reason? He claims that the station is indoctrinating children with LGBTQ content.

Yes, you read that right. The Governor of Oklahoma is going to war with a public broadcasting station over what he perceives to be a threat to the moral fiber of his state's children. But before we dive into the absurdity of this situation, let's take a step back and examine the facts.

According to Governor Stitt, the PBS station in question has been airing programs that promote the LGBTQ agenda. He believes that this is a violation of the station's mandate to provide educational programming for children. In response, he has threatened to cut the station's funding and launch an investigation into its programming.

Now, let's be clear. There is nothing inherently wrong with promoting LGBTQ rights and acceptance. In fact, it is a necessary and important part of creating an inclusive society. But Governor Stitt seems to think otherwise.

In a statement released to the press, he said, "I will not stand idly by while our children are subjected to this kind of propaganda. We must protect their innocence and ensure that they are not exposed to harmful ideologies."

Harmful ideologies? Really? It's hard to see how promoting acceptance and tolerance can be considered harmful. But Governor Stitt seems determined to make it so.

Of course, this is not the first time that conservative politicians have tried to censor or silence voices that they disagree with. But it is particularly troubling when it comes to public broadcasting, which is supposed to be a bastion of free speech and diverse viewpoints.

It's also worth noting that the programs in question are not even particularly controversial. They include shows like Arthur, which features a character with two moms, and Sesame Street, which has introduced a character with autism. These are hardly the kind of programs that are going to turn children into LGBTQ activists.

But Governor Stitt seems to be operating under the assumption that any mention of LGBTQ issues is automatically indoctrination. It's a narrow-minded and dangerous view that ignores the reality of the world we live in.

The fact is, LGBTQ people exist. They are part of our communities, our families, and our schools. Pretending that they don't exist or trying to shield children from their existence is not only futile, it's also harmful.

Children need to learn about the world around them in order to grow into informed and compassionate adults. That includes learning about different kinds of families, different kinds of people, and different ways of being in the world.

Governor Stitt seems to be more interested in promoting his own narrow worldview than in providing children with the education they need to thrive. It's a sad state of affairs, but it's also an opportunity for those of us who believe in diversity and inclusion to stand up and speak out.

So let's do just that. Let's make it clear to Governor Stitt and anyone else who would try to censor or silence LGBTQ voices that we will not be silenced. We will continue to fight for equality and acceptance, no matter what obstacles we face.

And as for the PBS station in question? We should support them in any way we can. They are doing important work, and they deserve our thanks and our support. After all, they are providing children with the kind of education that Governor Stitt seems determined to deny them.

Oklahoma governor wages war on PBS station after claiming it is indoctrinating children with LGBTQ content | CNN Business https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/12/media/oklahoma-pbs-oeta-reliable-sources/index.html