THE TRAGEDY IN TEXAS: TAX CUTS FOR BILLIONAIRES AND THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR YOU

 THE TRAGEDY IN TEXAS

TAX CUTS FOR BILLIONAIRES AND THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR YOU

This weekend, central Texas was ravaged by flash floods that left over 70 people dead, including nearly 30 children. Entire families were swept away, summer camps were destroyed, and communities were left grappling with the unimaginable. The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes—faster than a billionaire's tax cut under the Trump administration. And yet, while the waters surged, the forecasting offices in Austin, Texas, sat eerily empty. Why? Because funding cuts to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) left them as vacant as a politician’s promise.

Let’s be clear: these floods were not just an act of nature; they were a man-made disaster. Not because someone went out and personally poured buckets of water into the Guadalupe River, but because decades of climate denial and recent budgetary gutting have left us woefully unprepared for increasingly frequent weather calamities. And who do we have to thank for this? None other than  President Donald J. Trump and his "Big Beautiful Bill" that prioritized tax relief for billionaires over funding for life-saving weather services.

Thoughts and Prayers: The Cheapest Currency in Politics  

Ah, thoughts and prayers—the political equivalent of a shrug emoji.

As the death toll climbed, Trump offered his condolences in the form of tweets and sound bites. Thoughts and prayers are great if you’re trying to comfort someone grieving, but they’re less effective when you’re trying to prevent floods from killing children at summer camp. If only thoughts and prayers could be converted into sandbags or functioning weather radars, we might be onto something.

But no, instead of actionable solutions, we got a disaster declaration signed by Trump—basically the bureaucratic equivalent of saying “Oops.” Texas Governor Greg Abbott visited the affected areas, likely to ensure his cowboy boots didn’t get wet while he surveyed the carnage. Together, they pledged support for recovery efforts. Funny how they always find money for cleaning up the mess but never for preventing it in the first place.

The NOAA Cuts: Penny-Wise, Pound-Foolish  

Let’s talk about NOAA—the agency responsible for forecasting severe weather and issuing warnings that save lives. Under Trump’s administration, NOAA faced deep budget cuts because apparently predicting hurricanes doesn’t generate profits like building golf courses or launching NFTs. These cuts forced local National Weather Service offices to scale back operations, including in Austin, Texas—one of the offices that might have helped predict this weekend’s catastrophe more effectively.

Trump’s reasoning? “Modernization.” In MAGA-speak, that means slashing budgets until agencies can’t function and then calling it innovation. NOAA staff were reassigned from research roles to fill staffing gaps, and critical tools like weather balloons were phased out because they were deemed "too expensive." Who needs accurate data when you can just wing it with vibes?

Ironically, the same politicians who celebrated these cuts are now calling for more thoughts and prayers. It’s almost as if they can’t connect the dots between defunding disaster preparedness and disasters actually happening. But hey, at least billionaires got their tax breaks—maybe they can use all that extra cash to buy yachts big enough to float out of Kerr County.

Climate Change: The Elephant in the Flooded Room  

Of course, we can’t discuss this tragedy without addressing the climate crisis—though many Texas politicians seem determined to avoid it like it’s a vegan barbecue. Climate change is intensifying weather events across the globe, making floods deadlier and more frequent. But acknowledging this would mean admitting that decades of fossil fuel lobbying and deregulation might have been a bad idea. And we can’t have that now, can we?

Texas is no stranger to billion-dollar natural disasters. Hurricanes, droughts, floods—you name it. Yet its leaders continue to resist acknowledging climate change because doing so might upset their oil industry donors. Instead of advocating for federal disaster aid or scientific resources, they stick their heads in the sand (or perhaps the rising floodwaters) and hope for the best.

Meanwhile, coastal protection projects like the Ike Dike—which could shield Texas from hurricane storm surges—remain underfunded because apparently protecting lives isn’t as important as protecting corporate profits.

Social Democracy: A Radical Idea (Apparently)  

Here’s a wild thought: what if we funded public services like NOAA properly? What if we invested in infrastructure that could withstand extreme weather? What if we embraced social democracy—a system where public resources are prioritized over private profits?

Social democracy isn’t some radical pipe dream; it’s the cool cousin of capitalism that actually cares about people. It blends capitalist dynamism with socialist fairness to reduce inequality and improve public services. Countries with strong social democratic policies—think universal healthcare and robust disaster preparedness—are better equipped to handle crises like floods. But in America, suggesting such ideas gets you labeled a communist faster than you can say “Karl Marx.”

Instead, we cling to trickle-down economics—a failed experiment that has widened the wealth gap while starving public services of funding. Billionaires get richer while ordinary Americans are left to fend for themselves during disasters. It’s like playing Monopoly where one player owns Boardwalk and Park Place while everyone else is stuck trying to survive on Baltic Avenue.

The Generational Shift  

Thankfully, younger voters are starting to push back against this nonsense. They’re demanding bold progressive policies that prioritize people over profits. Grassroots organizing is gaining momentum, as seen in victories like Zohran Mamdani’s NYC mayoral primary campaign focused on rent freezes, universal healthcare, and taxing the wealthy to fund public services.

This generational shift is challenging centrist Democrats and Republicans alike, forcing them to reckon with the failures of neoliberalism. If we want to prevent tragedies like the Texas floods from becoming routine occurrences, we need systemic change—not just thoughts and prayers.

Final Thoughts (and No Prayers)  

The devastating flash floods in Texas were a tragedy—but they were also a wake-up call. Climate change is here, and its effects are only going to get worse unless we act decisively. Cutting funding for disaster preparedness while pretending everything is fine is not leadership; it’s negligence.

If we want to prevent future disasters, we need more than empty rhetoric. We need investments in scientific research, infrastructure, and climate resilience. We need leaders who prioritize public welfare over private profits. And most importantly, we need to stop pretending that thoughts and prayers are a substitute for action.

So let’s ditch the empty platitudes and start demanding real change—because the next flood won’t wait for us to figure it out.

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/

At least 70 dead in devastating central Texas flash floods, over 2 dozen remain missing - CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-hill-country-severe-floods/

Trump’s DOGE Cuts Are a Texas-Sized Disaster https://www.texasobserver.org/trump-texas-doge-cuts-disaster-aid/ 

Critics link Texas flood devastation to Trump-era cuts and climate policies | Fox News https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-spending-cuts-his-approach-climate-change-attacked-catalyst-catastrophic-texas-flooding 

Was the Hill Country sufficiently warned about Texas flooding? | The Texas Tribune https://www.texastribune.org/2025/07/05/texas-hill-country-floods-warning-forecast-nws/ 

Severe weather hits the US hard as key forecast offices reel from Trump cuts This year marks the first time that local NWS offices have stopped round-the-clock operations in the agency’s history https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/01/severe-weather-nws-trump-cuts

ICE Barbie Dodges Blame for Disastrous Texas Flooding on Trump’s Watch DODGE AND WEAVE Kristi Noem was grilled over the delayed warning residents received during the flash floods in Texas. https://www.thedailybeast.com/ice-barbie-kristi-noem-dodges-blame-for-disastrous-texas-flooding-on-trumps-watch/ 

Big Education Ape: DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISM (SERVICE-ISM): THE COOL COUSIN OF CAPITALISM https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/democratic-socialism-service-ism-cool.html 

 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-6-25

DOGE Cuts to NOAA and National Weather Service Blamed for Deaths in Texas Floods https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/05/doge-cuts-to-noaa-and-national-weather-service-blamed-for-deaths-in-texas-floods/ 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

### Key Points

- Budget cuts to NOAA and the National Weather Service under Trump’s administration, driven by Elon Musk's DOGE initiative, significantly reduced forecasting accuracy, leading to deadly consequences during storm season. 

- Experts warned that these cuts would impair evacuation efforts, reduce preparedness for disasters, and result in loss of life, as seen in recent Texas floods. 

- Texas officials cited inaccurate forecasts from the gutted National Weather Service as a reason for their failure to act, with severe flooding leading to at least 24 deaths and dozens missing. 

- Despite bipartisan pushback, NOAA’s budget cuts are projected to continue, with Commerce Secretary Lutnick claiming reliance on "cutting-edge technology" that has yet to be implemented. 

- Trump’s administration celebrated further budget cuts benefiting billionaires, while FEMA, an agency Trump sought to abolish, is expected to handle disaster relief. 

- Critics highlighted the recklessness of these policies, connecting them to broader failures in addressing climate change and public safety. 

Big Education Ape: THE SILICON CODEX: DOOM SCROLLING THROUGH THE GODS OF THE INTERNET https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-silicon-codex-doom-scrolling.html 

"The Silicon Codex" humorously portrays the rise and dominance of Internet Gods like Zakarion, Brinox, and Muskalon, contrasting them with defeated Analog Titans. The article reflects on humanity's obsession with technology, highlighting the addictive nature of digital platforms and the competition among tech giants for attention spans. It ends with a cautionary note about balancing screen time and unplugging occasionally.

### Key Points

- Seattle School Board extends input time for the superintendent search. 

- "The Silicon Codex" narrates the rise of Internet Gods like Zakarion, Muskalon, and Bezior, parodying their influence on humanity. 

- Analog Titans, representing outdated technologies, are defeated by the Internet Gods in a symbolic battle. 

- Humanity's attention is consumed by digital platforms, leading to the creation of "The Temple of User Engagement" and sacred tech relics. 

- The article warns about the exhausting nature of constant connectivity and emphasizes the importance of unplugging occasionally. 

Big Education Ape: LET'S CHECK THIS WEEK'S TOP NEWS AND OTHER STORIES 7-5-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/lets-check-this-weeks-top-news-and.html

The article covers a variety of topics, including political developments, education-related issues, historical reflections, and social commentary. It highlights discussions around immigration enforcement, charter school controversies, public education advocacy, and reflections on U.S. independence. Additionally, it includes summaries of recent blog posts, protests, and educational resources.

### Key Points

- Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reflects on the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House. 

- Seattle's School Board extends input time for the superintendent search. 

- Controversies surrounding St. HOPE Charter Schools in Sacramento, including corporate influence and historical issues. 

- Immigration enforcement in the U.S. is described as entering a "frosty era." 

- Reflections on John Adams’ belief that July 2 should be considered America’s true Independence Day. 

- Advocacy for public education through various organizations and blogs, including Diane Ravitch’s work. 

- Nationwide protests against Trump’s military parade and other political actions. 

- The War Report on Public Education and other platforms discussing challenges in education. 

- Historical and social commentary, such as the influence of billionaires on public education and political dynamics in the U.S. 

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. 

UNDER the TREE | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2025/07/05/under-the-tree-3/

### Key Points

- Frank Wynne, an award-winning author, translator, and editor, has translated the iconic Argentine comic strip "Mafalda" by Quino into English. Mafalda is a precocious six-year-old character who humorously critiques adult values and focuses on issues like humanity and world peace. 

- Frank Wynne has an impressive literary background, having chaired the International Booker Prize judging panel and authored notable anthologies such as "Found in Translation" and "QUEER: LGBTQ Writing from Ancient Times to Yesterday." 

- Mafalda, often referred to as a socialist "Nancy," remains a cultural icon even 60 years after her creation, highlighting universal themes through her innocent yet sharp observations. 

- Resources related to Frank Wynne and Mafalda include websites, articles, and translations, showcasing the global impact and relevance of the comic strip. 

Education Research Report: Teens report spending 21% of each driving trip looking at their phone https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/07/teens-report-spending-21-of-each.html 

### Key Points

- A study found that teen drivers spend an average of 21.1% of each driving trip looking at their phones, with 26.5% of glances lasting two seconds or longer, increasing crash risks. 

- Entertainment (65%), texting (40%), and navigation (30%) were identified as the main reasons for phone use while driving. 

- Distracted driving poses a significant public health threat, and despite bans in 35 states, 91.8% of teens report regularly engaging in distracted driving behaviors. 

- Researchers conducted interviews and surveys to explore attitudes and social norms influencing distracted driving among teens, revealing that they understand the risks but perceive it as socially normative behavior. 

- Teen drivers believe they can resist the pressure of driving distracted and recognize the benefits of features like GPS while acknowledging the dangers. 

- Strategies to reduce distracted driving include using "Do Not Disturb" mode, keeping phones out of reach, and ensuring adequate sleep. 

- The study suggests campaigns to debunk productivity myths associated with phone use while driving and acknowledges limitations such as small interview sample size and exclusion of urban schools. 

- Future research could use the questionnaire to assess beliefs and develop targeted interventions for reducing distracted driving behaviors. 

Unity Patronage Cult Plans Major Endorsement Without Consulting Membership https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/unity-patronage-cult-plans-major 

Upgrade to paid Unity Patronage Cult Plans Major Endorsement Without Consulting Membership

### Key Points

- Unity leadership declined to share poll results on Democratic mayoral primary endorsement, revealing a lack of transparency and democratic processes. 

- Unity committees were restricted from discussing critical issues like Intro 1096, which protects Medicare for city retirees, further highlighting undemocratic practices. 

- UFT leadership is preparing to endorse Zohran Mamdani for NYC Mayor without consulting membership, sparking criticism about performative democracy. 

- The author criticizes hypocrisy within politics, including resistance to socialist policies and the prioritization of wealthy interests over universal healthcare. 

- The article highlights internal union conflicts, including accusations of antisemitism and Islamophobia, and the lack of member involvement in key decisions. 

- Unity's endorsement history is described as ineffective, with the author expressing frustration at the exclusion of rank-and-file members in decision-making. 

Teacher Tom: Declaring Our Interdependence https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/declaring-our-interdependence.html 

Declaring Our Interdependence

### Key Points

- The Declaration of Independence introduced the concept of "happiness" in a nation's founding documents and was signed by 56 middle-class individuals who sacrificed greatly for the cause, including financial ruin, torture, and loss of family. 

- The document serves as a foundational point for the United States, emphasizing courage, unity, and interdependence among citizens, as highlighted by Benjamin Franklin's famous quote about hanging together. 

- The blog reflects on the importance of community and interdependence, tying it to the values celebrated during Independence Day. 

- Teacher Tom has been writing about play-based learning for 14 years and offers free resources, speaking engagements, and updates through his blog and email list. 

Schools Matter: The Felonious Trump Legacy http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/07/the-felonious-trump-legacy.html 

### Key Points

- The blog discusses the influence of classmates on a child's learning, highlighting James Coleman's 1972 assertion that peers matter more than teachers in education. 

- The article critiques the legacy of Donald Trump, labeling it as "felonious" and associating it with traits like treachery and betrayal. 

- Various topics are covered, including the impact of poverty on education, the increase in testing, and corporate interference in educational reform. 

- The blog archives a wide range of articles and reviews on education, touching on issues like teacher growth, testing, literacy legislation, and the challenges of public schools under policies like NCLB. 

The New York Times gives cover to the white supremacist eugenicist Jordan Lasker (aka Cremieux). https://open.substack.com/pub/fredklonsky/p/the-new-york-times-gives-cover-to?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

### Key Points

- The New York Times has been criticized for publishing content influenced by controversial figures, including white supremacist and eugenicist Jordan Lasker (aka Cremieux). 

- Jordan Lasker, under the alias Cremieux, has promoted eugenics and race-based pseudoscience, including discredited theories about national IQ differences and population decline. 

- Lasker's work relies on data from Richard Lynn, a self-described scientific racist whose research has been widely condemned and discredited for promoting racist conclusions. 

- Lasker co-authored controversial papers on race and cognitive ability, collaborating with figures like Bryan Pesta and Emil Kirkegaard, both linked to unethical use of genetic data and advocacy of race science. 

glen brown: "This is what happens when advocates for a Me society gains control of the levers of power" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/07/this-is-what-happens-when-advocates-for.html 

### Key Points

- The article critiques the shift from a "We society," emphasizing collective welfare, to a "Me society," driven by individual greed and top-down wealth distribution. 

- It highlights the devastating effects of proposed Medicaid cuts under the Trump administration, including nursing home closures, caregiver shortages, and rural hospital shutdowns, impacting millions of vulnerable Americans. 

- The author condemns the GOP's ideological war on social programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, which embody the "We society" vision. 

- The article urges readers to take action against these policies through organizing, contacting representatives, and protesting, framing it as a fight for democracy and shared values. 

- The piece emphasizes the influence of billionaire-funded think tanks and media in promoting the "Me society" ideology, warning of its long-term consequences for democracy and social solidarity. 

glen brown: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/07/brazilian-president-luiz-inacio-lula-da.html 

The article explores various themes, including the philosophical reflections of writers, political dynamics in Brazil and the U.S., the leadership of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and societal issues such as education, healthcare, and social justice. It also discusses Lula's historical presidency, his achievements, and the challenges posed by Donald Trump's return to power.

### Key Points

- Writers should resist oppression and free themselves from societal constraints, as highlighted by Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus. 

- Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed support for Kamala Harris in the 2025 U.S. elections but congratulated Trump on his victory, emphasizing diplomacy and cooperation. 

- Lula's presidency has been marked by significant social progress, economic growth, and programs like Bolsa Família. 

- Lula hinted at running for re-election in 2026, aiming to become Brazil's first four-term president. 

- Environmental issues may be a source of tension between Trump and Lula's administrations. 

- The blog touches on diverse topics, including pensions, education reform, domestic terrorism, healthcare, and global issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and climate change. 

Bigoty Is The Heart Of MAGA https://www.changethelausd.com/bigoty_is_the_heart_of_maga 

### Key Points

- The article criticizes the treatment of immigrants in the U.S., highlighting actions such as ICE detaining hardworking individuals and a senator referring to them as "freeloading rats." 

- The author challenges Senator Tommy Tuberville to experience the labor-intensive jobs often performed by immigrants, such as fieldwork, construction, lawn care, or car washing. 

- The article includes a link to further thoughts on the War on Immigrants. 

National Service is a path forward for Democrats | The Merrow Report https://themerrowreport.com/2025/07/05/national-service-is-a-path-forward-for-democrats/ 

### Key Points

- The article discusses the idea of national service as a potential path forward for Democrats. 

- It mentions the blog's features, such as subscribing via email and navigation options. 

This and That, July 5, 2025 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/07/this-and-that-july-5-2025.html 

Seattle Schools Community Forum discusses recent updates in Seattle Public Schools, including extended community input for the superintendent search, budget approval, a teacher's termination over controversial statements, changes to student discipline rules, and federal funding uncertainties impacting Washington schools.

### Key Points

- The School Board extended the superintendent search timeline to allow more community input, addressing concerns about inadequate outreach to marginalized groups. 

- Parents expressed desires for equitable education, diverse programs, and decisive leadership in the superintendent selection process. 

- The district passed a budget for the next school year, with mixed reactions from board members. 

- A one-year teacher contract with a 2.5% raise was approved, costing $18 million, partially unfunded. 

- The district is revising plans for a Garfield High School safety officer pilot program, incorporating community feedback. 

- A high school teacher was terminated following controversial remarks about the Israel-Gaza conflict, raising First Amendment concerns. 

- New student discipline rules aim to reduce bureaucracy but have sparked debates about their impact on parental notifications and student rights. 

- Federal funding cuts under the Trump administration could severely affect Washington schools, including Seattle Public Schools. 

Vouchers and The "Big, Beautiful Bill", by @TheAndySpears https://open.substack.com/pub/theeducationreport/p/vouchers-and-the-big-beautiful-bill?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

### Key Points

- The new federal school voucher scheme, part of the "Big, Beautiful Bill," is criticized for lacking a spending cap, undermining public education, promoting segregation, and failing to improve student outcomes. 

- Tennessee struggles with underfunded schools and poor education support, falling behind neighboring states and the national average. 

- Increased teacher compensation can attract more applicants, but Tennessee has not implemented significant pay increases to address this issue. 

CURMUDGUCATION: What About A Civics Education Moonshot? https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/07/what-about-civics-education-moonshot.html 

What About A Civics Education Moonshot?

### Key Points

- The article critiques the idea of a "civics education moonshot," arguing that while civics education is important, it doesn't address the deeper societal issues causing misinformation and civic disengagement. 

- Advocates for the initiative suggest back-to-basics civics education, teaching foundational documents like the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, and fostering pluralism, critical thinking, and productive disagreement across K-16 education. 

- The author points out that schools already teach civics, but the real problem lies in the overwhelming misinformation and alternative histories being disseminated through media and political groups. 

- Historical and systemic challenges, such as political manipulation and inequality, have always undermined civic understanding in the U.S., making it unrealistic to expect schools alone to solve these issues. 

- The author emphasizes that while civics education is necessary, a more comprehensive approach beyond schools is required to address the root causes of civic ignorance and misinformation. 

The Marines Invade Florida https://open.substack.com/pub/klonsky/p/the-marines-invade-florida?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

### Key Points

- U.S. Marines have been deployed to Florida to provide logistical support for ICE operations, sparking concerns among veterans, legal scholars, and civil rights advocates. 

- The deployment aligns with a broader nationwide strategy, with similar actions in Texas, Louisiana, and Los Angeles, raising fears of militarization and authoritarianism. 

- Critics argue the deployment may violate Posse Comitatus, a law barring military enforcement of domestic federal law, and highlight the lack of accountability and transparency surrounding these operations. 

- Democratic lawmakers were denied access to inspect the taxpayer-funded detention center in the Everglades, further fueling concerns about ethical oversight. 

- The opening of detention centers like "Alligator Alcatraz" and the presence of military personnel suggest a move toward normalizing mass detention and authoritarian practices. 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!

7-5-25 

https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_01599977753.html

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

- Seattle School Board extends the timeline for superintendent search to allow more community input. 

- Diane Ravitch critiques harsh immigration policies, erosion of American ideals, and pledges to restore compassion and democracy. 

- Independence Day discussions focus on its contradictions, historical exclusions, and the role of public education in democracy. 

- Articles critique Trump-era policies, including birthright citizenship attacks, ICE raids, and systemic cruelty toward marginalized groups. 

- Teacher Tom explores consciousness through myths and theories, emphasizing the importance of play and wonder in education. 

- Historical grievances in the Declaration of Independence are linked to modern political issues, urging peaceful activism for democracy. 

- Free-market education systems are criticized for reinforcing inequalities and prioritizing profit over quality. 

- Public schools are highlighted as spaces for unity amidst societal challenges like immigration and diminished compassion. 

- Values Clarification, a 1960s educational approach, is examined for its focus on personal decision-making and its eventual replacement by character education. 

- Bell Gardens cancels July 4th celebrations due to fears of ICE raids, reflecting immigrant community struggles. 

- Chicago reports a decline in violent crime, but systemic issues persist, with debates over policing and community programs. 

- Blogs call for systemic reforms in education, transparency, and equity, while critiquing billionaire influence and privatization.