Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-5-25
July 4th: No Celebration for Me Today https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/04/july-4th-no-celebration-for-me-today/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points- Diane Ravitch expresses her disappointment and refusal to celebrate July 4th, citing the erosion of American ideals such as compassion and fairness in immigration policies.
- She recounts her family's immigration story, emphasizing their gratitude for America and contrasting it with current harsh treatment of immigrants.
- Ravitch criticizes the current government for cruelty, disregard for the Constitution, and policies that harm vulnerable populations, including defunding Medicare, green energy, and food assistance programs.
- She condemns the President's admiration for dictators, divisive rhetoric, and actions undermining democracy and international alliances.
- Despite her disillusionment, Ravitch pledges to work toward restoring the ideals of the America she loves.
- Comments from readers resonate with Ravitch's sentiments, emphasizing the need for activism, reclaiming democracy, and addressing systemic corruption.
Big Education Ape: HAPPY 4th OF JULY FROM THE BIG EDUCATION APE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/happy-4th-of-july-from-big-education-ape.html
This article explores the historical, cultural, and societal significance of Independence Day in the United States, highlighting its contradictions and complexities. It discusses the Declaration of Independence, its historical inaccuracies, modern-day celebrations, the exclusion of women and marginalized groups, and the ongoing struggle for equality. The article also emphasizes the importance of public education as a democratic institution and reflects on the role of patriotism in holding the country accountable to its ideals.### Key Points
- Independence Day’s historical quirks, including the delayed signing of the Declaration of Independence and its rough drafting process.
- Modern celebrations of Independence Day, such as fireworks, patriotic fashion, and their symbolic meanings.
- The exclusion of women and enslaved people from the original Declaration, and later efforts like the Declaration of Sentiments to address these inequalities.
- Frederick Douglass’s critique of America’s hypocrisy in celebrating freedom while perpetuating slavery, and its relevance today.
- The significance of public schools as bastions of democracy and their threats from privatization and corporate influence.
- Pop culture’s portrayal of the Declaration of Independence, blending entertainment with historical narratives.
- Independence Day as a reflection on freedom, accountability, and striving toward the ideals of equality and justice.
Trump, Flags, Fireworks, and Democracy: Reclaiming the Meaning of July 4th – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/07/04/what-nazis-can-teach-us-this-fourth-of-july/ Trump, Flags, Fireworks, and Democracy: Reclaiming the Meaning of July 4th
### Key Points
- The Fourth of July is a reflection on citizenship, freedom, and justice, with a focus on the cost of silence and exclusion.
- The author recounts their grandfather's service in a segregated Navy and their mother's lesson on exclusion through Anne Frank's diary.
- Citizenship has historically been weaponized, as seen in Nazi Germany's Reich Citizenship Law, which excluded targeted groups and justified oppression.
- Birthright citizenship, a cornerstone of American democracy, is under attack, with Trump proposing its revocation based on ancestry and fear-driven propaganda.
- ICE detention centers and private prison profits highlight systemic erasure, targeting marginalized communities under the guise of legality.
- Dachau serves as a historical warning, showing how authoritarian regimes manipulate legality to silence dissent and enforce exclusion.
- The commercialization of suffering, such as novelty items like "Alligator Alcatraz" merchandise, normalizes cruelty and weakens collective resistance.
- True patriotism involves fighting for the dignity and rights of all, rejecting conditional citizenship, and protecting the vulnerable.
Teacher Tom: Turtles All the Way Down https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/turtles-all-way-down.html
Turtles All the Way Down explores the interplay between ancient myths, modern theories, and the nature of consciousness. Teacher Tom reflects on the "World Turtle" story, its philosophical implications, and links it to the Integrated Information Theory (IIT), which posits consciousness permeates all matter. He critiques the evolution of theories about the brain and consciousness, emphasizing humanity's limited understanding of the universe. As an educator, he highlights the profound wisdom of children and the value of engaging reality through play, wonder, and awe.### Key Points
- The "World Turtle" story illustrates philosophical ideas like infinite regress and the tension between faith and science.
- Integrated Information Theory (IIT) suggests consciousness exists universally, though its mechanics remain elusive.
- Brain theories evolve alongside technological advances, reflecting humanity's attempts to understand nature.
- Humanity's comprehension of the universe is minuscule, and children often embody deeper truths through play and wonder.
- Education is framed as a process of exploration, breaking theories, and discovering new ideas.
glen brown: A Reminder on July 4, 2025 https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/07/a-reminder-on-july-4-2025.html
### Key Points- The article reflects on the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing its relevance to modern times by comparing historical grievances against tyranny to contemporary political issues.
- It critiques Donald Trump's actions, likening them to those of historical autocrats, including undermining the judiciary, weaponizing justice, and enriching himself through office.
- The author calls for peaceful action to reclaim democracy, urging Americans to reflect on the values of freedom and equality outlined in the Declaration of Independence.
- The blog post encourages readers to support the opposition movement and stay informed through subscriptions and engagement.
CURMUDGUCATION: What The Free Market Does For Education and Equality https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/07/what-free-market-does-for-education.html
What The Free Market Does For Education and Equality### Key Points
- The free market prioritizes marketing over quality, leading to "enshittification" in education, where products and services worsen for profit.
- Competition in education markets drives schools to seek high-testing, low-cost students while excluding marginalized groups, reinforcing societal inequalities.
- Advocates of free-market education often support a layered society where the wealthy benefit and the less privileged are left behind, opposing social safety nets and equity measures.
- Free-market education systems enable wealthy individuals to segregate their children into elite schools while providing inadequate resources to poorer communities.
- Many people reject the principle of equality, favoring a tiered education system aligned with perceived societal hierarchies.
This July 4th: What Children See - Nancy Bailey's Education Website https://nancyebailey.com/2025/07/04/this-july-4th-what-children-see/
This article reflects on the complexities of celebrating July 4th amidst America's current societal challenges. It highlights the struggles of immigrants, the erosion of compassion, and the role of public schools in fostering understanding and unity. The author expresses concern about the example adults set for children, the treatment of undocumented immigrants, and the broader implications for America's future.### Key Points
- The article questions how to celebrate independence amidst deportations, broken families, and diminished freedom in America.
- Public schools are emphasized as spaces for unity and learning, but the rise in societal cruelty challenges their role.
- Observing adults' actions, children struggle to reconcile teachings of compassion with societal behaviors.
- The author laments the treatment of immigrants and worries about the future children will inherit.
- Comments from readers underline the importance of modeling kindness and civility for the next generation.
Whatever Happened to Values Clarification https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/07/04/whatever-happened-to-values-clarification-2/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points- Values Clarification, an educational approach from the 1960s-70s, aimed to help students identify and reflect on their personal values through discussions, writing, and group work.
- The concept originated from Louis Raths and colleagues, influenced by John Dewey's ideas, and was popularized through their book "Values and Teaching."
- Despite widespread discussion and adoption, implementation varied significantly among teachers and schools, making it difficult to track its effectiveness.
- Exercises encouraged students to engage in decision-making scenarios, focusing on choosing freely, considering consequences, and acting on their choices.
- Teachers were advised to respect diverse answers, avoid imposing values, and encourage honest participation in these activities.
- Values Clarification aimed to address emotional needs and value-based decisions often ignored in traditional classrooms.
- There is little evidence to suggest the approach improved decision-making, values, or academic performance.
- By the early 1980s, Values Clarification largely disappeared, replaced by character education programs emphasizing instilling societal values.
They won't be celebrating the Fourth of July in Bell Gardens this year., by @fklonsky https://open.substack.com/pub/fredklonsky/p/they-wont-be-celebrating-the-fourth?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
### Key Points- Bell Gardens, a working-class town in California, has a historical background as an agricultural center for Mexican immigrants dating back to the 1700s.
- The town's demographics have shifted; as of the 2020 census, it is 97% Latino, primarily immigrants from Mexico.
- Bell Gardens and nearby Cudahy decided not to celebrate the Fourth of July in 2025 due to concerns about ICE raids targeting immigrant communities.
- The East L.A. County fireworks celebration was also canceled, and residents are staying indoors out of fear following the passage of a bill increasing ICE funding.
- ICE raids, such as one recently targeting a car wash in Brooklyn, are causing widespread fear among immigrant communities.
Will this be another bloody holiday weekend in Chicago? Let's hope not. , by @mikeklonsky https://open.substack.com/pub/michaelklonsky/p/will-this-be-another-bloody-holiday?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
### Key Points- Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced a significant drop in violent crime, including homicides down 32.7% and shootings down 39.4%, but a mass shooting soon after challenged this narrative.
- Last year’s July 4th weekend saw 109 shootings in Chicago, while this year’s statistics show a notable decline in violent crime nationwide, with cities like New Orleans and Baltimore reporting over 40% drops in homicides.
- Chicago’s crime reduction has been attributed to initiatives like midnight basketball, violence interrupters, and community-led programs, alongside controversial measures like increased police presence and curfews in high-crime areas.
- Despite reduced crime rates, systemic issues like poverty, firearm access, and disinvestment persist, leaving communities feeling surveilled rather than protected.
- Mayor Johnson’s approval rating remains historically low at 6%, reflecting a disconnect between his progressive rhetoric and public perception of his leadership.
- Republican leaders, including Trump, claim immigration crackdowns are driving crime reductions, though data shows no direct link between immigration and crime rates. Criminologists point to other factors like post-pandemic stabilization and poverty-reduction strategies as more plausible contributors.
- ICE raids have caused chaos and unrest, with reports of inhumane conditions and arrests of non-criminal immigrants, undermining the justification for mass deportations.
- Upcoming radio show "Hitting Left" will feature discussions on Chicago politics, myths, and contradictions with journalist Ray Long and strategist Joanna Klonsky.
The article is a compilation of blog posts and reports addressing societal, political, and educational issues in the United States. Topics include systemic inequities, budget cuts, charter school controversies, immigration policies, and billionaire influence on governance. It emphasizes the need for transparency, equity, and systemic reforms to tackle these challenges effectively.
### Key Points
- Some Republicans are advocating for adding Trump to Mount Rushmore, with logistical, ethical, and cultural implications discussed.
- Former President Trump is suing the Pulitzer Prize Board for libel over reporting on alleged ties to Russia.
- The Trump administration abruptly withheld $6.8 billion in federal education funding, affecting migrant education, English learners, and teacher development programs.
- ICE is criticized for aggressive immigration enforcement, racial profiling, and inhumane detention practices.
- Billionaire-driven education reforms, such as charter school privatization, are critiqued for harming public education and increasing disparities.
- Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) are criticized for silencing whistleblowers and victims, perpetuating systemic inequities.
- H.R. 1 is heavily criticized for prioritizing tax breaks for wealthy individuals over children's health and education programs.
- Sayaka Murata’s novel *Vanishing World* challenges societal norms and critiques traditional ideas of normalcy through speculative fiction.
- The Norris School District in Wisconsin is highlighted for its innovative, trauma-informed, learner-centered educational approaches.
- Teacher Tom advocates for fostering collaboration and community in schools, contrasting it with the competitive focus of traditional education systems.
- Investigative reports highlight systemic issues in public education, including poverty's impact on learning and excessive standardized testing.
