Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights: A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
4-29-25
Thom Hartmann: Why Pam Bondi Arrested Judge Dugan in Milwaukee https://dianeravitch.net/2025/04/28/thom-hartmann-why-pam-bondi-arrested-judge-dugan-in-milwaukee/ via @dianeravitch
Home About Follow Diane’s Posts NPE Blog Posts Of The Day Blog Topics DeSantis Diane Ravitch's blog A site to discuss education and democracy « Jamelle Bouie: Trump Has No Interest in Governing Samuel E. Abrams: The Mounting Trouble with Education Savings Accounts » Thom Hartmann: Why Pam Bondi Arrested Judge Dugan in Milwaukee By dianeravitch April 28, 2025 // 8 Thom Hartmann is a brilliant journalist who is fast to figure out the stories behind the headlines. Here, he explains why Attorney General Pam Bondi had Milwaukee County Jusge Hannah Dugan arrested and paraded her out of her courthouse in handcuffs. FBI Director Kash Patel tweeted pictures of the judge in handcuffs. Hartmann writes that the goal was a warning to other judges : The audience for Pam Bondi‘s performance yesterday — when federal agents swarm-raided a county judge — was not the general public. They don’t care if the story
### Key Points
- Journalist Thom Hartmann discusses the arrest of Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan by Attorney General Pam Bondi, suggesting it was a tactic to intimidate other judges.
- Hartmann argues that the action is part of a broader strategy to control the judiciary, likening it to dictatorial practices seen in countries like Russia.
- The article criticizes Trump for lying about trade deals with China and accuses him of undermining democracy by eroding public trust.
- Concerns are raised about possible insider trading by Wall Street executives with ties to the Trump administration, highlighting corruption.
- The piece also highlights Trump's financial schemes, such as selling "meme coins," and the lack of Republican opposition to these actions.
Samuel E. Abrams: The Mounting Trouble with Education Savings Accounts https://dianeravitch.net/2025/04/28/samuel-abrams-the-mounting-trouble-with-education-savings-accounts/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) were introduced in Arizona in 2011 to offer vouchers for specific students, particularly those with disabilities. These accounts could cover tuition and other educational services.
- Arizona and West Virginia expanded ESAs in 2022 to universal vouchers, making all students eligible regardless of income or previous school attendance. This led to nine other states adopting similar programs.
- ESAs have accountability issues due to their unregulated nature, with challenges in monitoring spending and ensuring quality education. They also create a new taxpayer burden and incentivize private schools to increase tuition.
- Public schools are adversely affected by ESAs as funding follows students out of the public system, leading to staff and resource cuts, especially in rural areas.
- ESAs can lead to inequities and discrimination in student admissions and retention, with little protection against discrimination in private schools.
- Recommendations include stricter oversight of ESA funds, requiring certified teachers, and conducting audits of ESA-receiving schools. Lawmakers are advised to repeal or restrict ESA programs.
Joyce Vance: Stand Up and Speak Out for the Rule of Law! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/04/28/joyce-vance-stand-up-and-speak-out-for-democracy/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Joyce Vance discusses the potential impact of mass protests on Trump's presidency and emphasizes the importance of standing up for democracy and the rule of law.
- May Day protests are highlighted as a historical tool for change, drawing parallels with Vietnam War protests.
- Law Day is discussed as an opportunity for lawyers and citizens to recommit to the rule of law and highlight inconsistencies in Trump's actions.
- The article critiques Trump's use of executive orders, arguing they violate constitutional principles and could be considered impeachable offenses.
Big Education Ape: 100 Days of Trump's Second Act: Just When You Thought It Couldn't Get Crazier—Welcome to the Tariff-Tweet Circus!" https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/04/100-days-of-trumps-second-act-just-when.html
### Key Points
- Trump's second term is marked by economic decline and international distrust due to erratic trade policies.
- Domestically, Trump's governance resembles a reality TV show, with ineffective dismantling of government services and controversial cultural policies.
- Trump's cabinet is described as chaotic, with members like Brooke Rollins and Pete Hegseth contributing to the confusion.
- The 50501 Movement is organizing a Day of Action on May 1st to resist authoritarianism and promote democratic values.
- The movement advocates for community empowerment and sustained resistance to oppressive systems.
Big Education Ape: SUPREME COURT TIME MACHINE: HOW WE TOOK A RIGHT TURN TO 1936 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/04/supreme-court-time-machine-how-we-took.html
### Key Points
- The Supreme Court has experienced significant shifts from conservative to liberal influences through various presidential appointments since 1970.
- The Unitary Executive Theory and its implications on presidential powers are critiqued.
- Concerns are raised about the erosion of voting rights and the impact of the Citizens United decision on corporate influence in politics.
- The 50501 Movement is organizing a Day of Action on May 1st to resist authoritarianism and promote democracy.
- The movement emphasizes community empowerment and nonviolent resistance against political overreach and inequality.
Big Education Ape: JB PRITZKER: THE RECKONING https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/04/jb-pritzker-reckoning.html
### Key Points
- JB Pritzker criticizes Republicans and inactive Democrats, calling for bold action and reform.
- Pritzker's speech is a call to abandon incrementalism and take bold political actions.
- The People's Movement, known as the 50501 Movement, organizes a Day of Action against authoritarianism and political overreach.
- The movement emphasizes community empowerment and resistance, aiming for sustained change.
Katherine Franke on Under the Tree | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2025/04/28/katherine-franke-on-under-the-tree/
### Key Points
- Recent posts include discussions by Katherine Franke and Lenny Zeskind, among others.
- The blog covers diverse categories such as articles, book reviews, education, politics, and short fiction.
- Archives span from 2011 to 2025, indicating a long history of content.
Curmudgucation: Scary AI Teacher Coaching Tool | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/scary-ai
### Key Points
- An AI tool is being developed to provide feedback and self-evaluation for teachers using cameras and audio recordings.
- The AI aligns with the Mathematical Quality of Instruction framework but raises doubts about its ability to measure educational practices effectively.
- Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the tool is being tested by early career teachers, who have mixed reactions about its effectiveness.
- Concerns exist regarding the AI's potential to become a computerized teacher evaluator and its implications for various subjects.
Teacher Tom: To Be a Rare Thing in the World https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/04/to-be-rare-thing-in-world.html
### Key Points
- Children naturally mimic adults and peers, adopting behaviors and values seen in their environment.
- Role modeling is crucial for instilling desired behaviors and values in children.
- As children grow, they often conform to peer influences, sometimes suppressing their individuality.
- Society's emphasis on standards and conformity can suppress children's unique qualities.
- True education should celebrate and cultivate individuality, helping children retain their "rare thing" that gives them worth.
The Courage Deficit: How Trump Hacked Education—and What We Must Do Now – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/04/28/the-courage-deficit-how-trump-hacked-education-and-what-we-must-do-now/
Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig's article discusses the impact of Donald Trump's
### Key Points
- Donald Trump reshaped American education by exploiting the lack of courage among educational leaders.
- Educational leaders remain neutral, which equates to complicity in current political challenges.
- Trump anticipated that many education leaders would cave under political pressure, and he was often correct.
- Harvard University's President Alan Garber resisted Trump's demands, emphasizing institutional autonomy.
- Princeton University's President Christopher Eisgruber also stood firm against federal funding pressures.
- A collective statement from university leaders condemned Trump's interference in higher education.
- The article calls for courageous leadership in education to defend democracy and foundational values.
- Future generations will judge who stood up for American education during this political turmoil.
CURMUDGUCATION: OK: More Edu-spats https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/04/ok-more-edu-spats.html
### Key Points
- Oklahoma is facing educational controversies, with Ryan Walters pushing Christian-influenced history standards and facing political opposition.
- Walters introduced changes to the standards, including questioning the 2020 election results, causing disputes with new board members.
- Walters' political maneuvers, including firing board members and creating a "Trump Advisory Committee," highlight his focus on personal branding over education.
glen brown: Bill Arthrell said he was going to napalm a dog on April 22, 1970 https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/04/bill-arthrell-said-he-was-going-to.html
### Key Points
- Bill Arthrell staged a protest in 1970 by pretending he would napalm a dog to highlight the atrocities of the Vietnam War.
- The protest attracted a large crowd, which Bill used to make a point about moral action and the Vietnam War.
- Bill was present during the Kent State University protests, where the National Guard shot students. This event deeply affected him.
- Bill dedicated his life to teaching and activism, focusing on peace and social justice, including efforts in Ukraine.
- The article was written by Howard Crombie and posted on a blog defending public pensions.
The People's Movement: Rising Against Authoritarianism
The Call to Action
Across the nation, from bustling metropolises to quaint small towns, an undeniable wave of resistance is building. On May 1st, this collective energy will manifest as a Day of Action—a grassroots response to the threats posed by authoritarianism, political overreach, and the gradual erosion of democratic values. In all fifty states, local communities are gearing up to make their voices heard. Some will rally or march through city streets, while others will host food drives, teach-ins, mutual aid pop-ups, or voter registration events. No matter the form of participation, one thing is clear: this movement is expanding rapidly, and it belongs to everyone.
The 50501 Movement is at the forefront of this uprising. Its name signifies 50 States, 50 Protests, 1 Movement—a decentralized, people-powered network advocating for resilience and resistance. This movement stands firmly against the billionaire takeover of politics, an economy rigged against the people, Trump's defiance of legal norms, and the erosion of fundamental freedoms. It is a multi-racial, multi-generational, cross-class coalition led by individuals committed to nonviolence, mutual care, and democratic values.
Building Power from the Ground Up
May 1st will be more than just a day of protest; it will be a celebration of community care and empowerment. While marches and rallies will certainly take place, this day is unique because it emphasizes building power from the ground up. Diaper drives, skill shares, free community meals, and teach-ins will occur across the country, fostering deep connections that are essential for real change.
Whether you find yourself in the streets or at your local library on May 1st, you are part of something much larger—a movement that transcends geographical boundaries and unites people in pursuit of justice. The 50501 Movement encourages everyone to get involved by finding or hosting local events, utilizing organizing tools available online, following live updates on social media platforms, sharing actions through hashtags like #50501 and #PeoplesMovement, and building community groups in local areas.
Beyond One Day
While May 1st is a significant milestone, it marks only the beginning of ongoing efforts by the 50501 Movement to organize, resist, and build together for as long as necessary. If you are reading this, you are already part of history in the making. The People's Movement—50501—is driven by a collective determination to challenge oppressive systems and create a future where democracy thrives.
This movement is about more than just one day; it represents a sustained commitment to fostering change that benefits all people. By participating in May Day activities and continuing to engage with the movement beyond this single event, individuals can contribute to a broader narrative of resistance that seeks to dismantle inequality and promote equity.
Conclusion: The May Day Protest
As we reflect on the stories of billionaire-led educational reforms and their impact on society, we recognize that true change requires more than financial investments—it demands genuine commitment to equity and inclusivity. On May Day, protesters will gather not only to voice their dissent against authoritarianism but also to advocate for educational systems that empower all students.
The May Day protest serves as a powerful reminder that democracy thrives through active participation and collective action. By joining forces on this day and beyond, individuals can contribute to shaping a future where democratic values are upheld and educational opportunities are accessible to all. Let us continue this journey together with unwavering dedication to justice and equality.
https://www.mobilize.us/mayday/event/779515/
50 protests. 50 states. 1 movement.
Join us in the fight to uphold the Constitution and end executive overreach.
