Civil Rights Struggle Over and It Is Won

[Pressing-On]

Great interview with Walter Williams.

He points out that there are devastating problems in the black community, but they are not Civil Rights problems.

1) Illegitimate birthrate in black community - 75%.

2) 30% Black children raised by two parents.

3) Average black student who is 12th grader, has reading, writing and computational skills of a white 7th or 8th grader.

4) Over 50% of all homicides are committed by black people.

I personally believe that item 3) is a Civil Rights issue. If it isn't, it needs to be AND IT NEEDS TO BE VERY SOON IF NOT SOONER.

Did you know that the ONLY speakers at the March on Washington were DEMOCRATS?

And did you know that the largest financial contributor to this event was the NEA?!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ulaF7Si3mY

[n david]

What makes #3 a civil rights issue?

It's sad the first black Senator in US history wasn't invited because he's a Republican. I didn't bother paying attention to any of it, because it was just another Obama/Democrat/NAACP campaign event. I wouldn't be surprised if Obama and the DNC had volunteers going around making sure people were registered to vote, or getting them signed up for Obamacare.

IMO, Martin Luther King, Jr would not have been happy with the one-sided'ness of the event.

[Pressing-On]

What makes #3 a civil rights issue?

It's sad the first black Senator in US history wasn't invited because he's a Republican. I didn't bother paying attention to any of it, because it was just another Obama/Democrat/NAACP campaign event. I wouldn't be surprised if Obama and the DNC had volunteers going around making sure people were registered to vote, or getting them signed up for Obamacare.

IMO, Martin Luther King, Jr would not have been happy with the one-sided'ness of the event.

I believe not allowing any child or family unhappy with their current underperforming school is a violation of our civil rights. We need to march against the NEA and vote out any politician who is against school choice. Obama campaigned against vouchers - against school choice - that was a huge red flag right there for educational freedom.

I agree, MLK, Jr would not have been happy with the one sided events.

[Pressing-On]

This was one of the worst speakers, saying and citing as great examples of our day - Jay-Z, Beyonce, Kayne West, et al, who do not contribute anything decent to society nor the black community. Successful trash is all that is. Not much different than Britney Spears or Miley Cyrus. A generation of trash.

I give him and his buddies a :thumbsdown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVeISmrphhs

[n david]

I believe not allowing any child or family unhappy with their current underperforming school is a violation of our civil rights.
I agree there should be school choice, especially if the school is under-performing; however, I'm trying to understand the stat you gave...

"Average black student who is 12th grader, has reading, writing and computational skills of a white 7th or 8th grader."

If this stat is a snapshot of all public schools, then I'm not sure it's a civil rights issue. I'd like to see a breakdown of the stat; more information on the variation between black/white students and their comparable grade levels.

There are many schools which are under-performing; however, sometimes we look at stats and don't factor in that there are 1) lazy students who don't study; and 2) lazy parents who don't require them to do so. If that stat is the result of just a bunch of lazy kids and parents, then it's not a civil rights issue; it's just laziness and lack of personal responsibility which no school voucher will fix.

[Pressing-On]

I agree there should be school choice, especially if the school is under-performing; however, I'm trying to understand the stat you gave...

"Average black student who is 12th grader, has reading, writing and computational skills of a white 7th or 8th grader."

If this stat is a snapshot of all public schools, then I'm not sure it's a civil rights issue. I'd like to see a breakdown of the stat; more information on the variation between black/white students and their comparable grade levels.

There are many schools which are under-performing; however, sometimes we look at stats and don't factor in that there are 1) lazy students who don't study; and 2) lazy parents who don't require them to do so. If that stat is the result of just a bunch of lazy kids and parents, then it's not a civil rights issue; it's just laziness and lack of personal responsibility which no school voucher will fix.

The stats came from Walter Willimam's interview. And I agree to your points on lazy parents and children. However, I have experienced in my lifetime a bunch of lousy teachers.

The Charter School success in Louisiana, in a major education overhaul, after Katrina is a great example for us today.

You get a child out of a lousy home and into a positive work environment, you will have a child who finds some value in themselves. Besides, they are at school for more hours, during the week, than at home. We MUST have them in the most productive environment that we can.

If you haven't seen the movie, Won't Back Down (2012), you should see it.

Two determined mothers with children who are failing in an inner city school in Pittsburgh join forces to take back the school, and turn it into a place of learning. But before they can change the school for the better, they must first battle the parents, the school board, and the teachers union. Because this is for their children, they won't back down from this enormous challenge.

The USA centric storyline will require a little reading up on the background of the Parent Trigger Law passed in California, which allows parents to enforce overhauls in public school administration, and basically have a say in how things are run. This story is inspired by that, written by Brin Hill and director Daniel Barnz, to become a true underdog struggle.


:thumbsup

[n david]

The stats came from Walter Willimam's interview. And I agree to your points on lazy parents and children. However, I have experienced in my lifetime a bunch of lousy teachers.

The Charter School success in Louisiana, in a major education overhaul, after Katrina is a great example for us today.

You get a child out of a lousy home and into a positive work environment, you will have a child who finds some value in themselves. Besides, they are at school for more hours, during the week, than at home. We MUST have them in the most productive environment that we can.

If you haven't seen the movie, Won't Back Down (2012), you should see it.

Two determined mothers with children who are failing in an inner city school in Pittsburgh join forces to take back the school, and turn it into a place of learning. But before they can change the school for the better, they must first battle the parents, the school board, and the teachers union. Because this is for their children, they won't back down from this enormous challenge.

The USA centric storyline will require a little reading up on the background of the Parent Trigger Law passed in California, which allows parents to enforce overhauls in public school administration, and basically have a say in how things are run. This story is inspired by that, written by Brin Hill and director Daniel Barnz, to become a true underdog struggle.


:thumbsup
I agree with what you're saying, just wanted more info on the stat. Have you watched "Waiting for 'Superman'?" I've heard that's another great movie about this issue. I started watching it, but didn't finish. I'll have to watch "Won't Back Down" and "Waiting for 'Superman.'"

I'm beginning to pay more attention to my local schools and the choices my wife and I have for our daughter, since she'll be starting school next year.

I'll be honest....I'm scared just thinking about her going to school. Fortunately, there are a couple different charter schools we can send her to, although one of them is aligned with Common Core. :(

[Pressing-On]

I agree with what you're saying, just wanted more info on the stat. Have you watched "Waiting for 'Superman'?" I've heard that's another great movie about this issue. I started watching it, but didn't finish. I'll have to watch "Won't Back Down" and "Waiting for 'Superman.'"

I'm beginning to pay more attention to my local schools and the choices my wife and I have for our daughter, since she'll be starting school next year.

I'll be honest....I'm scared just thinking about her going to school. Fortunately, there are a couple different charter schools we can send her to, although one of them is aligned with Common Core. :(

Yes, I have the Waiting for Superman DVD. My mother fought the public school system and homeschooled during the 70's when it was against the law. I still have the newspaper spread on the story. :thumbsup

It is scary. My grandson just started pre-K. Very cute story. My son adopted him and took off from work to register him with his wife. He didn't have to do that, but wanted to register him as a family.

I called my mother and told her I had no idea how I was going to deal with having to be involved with the public school now. She said, "I can only imagine how hard that would be." :heeheehee

So, it's a Civil Rights issue, IMO. And we are still fighting that battle.

[n david]

Yes, I have the Waiting for Superman DVD. My mother fought the public school system and homeschooled during the 70's when it was against the law. I still have the newspaper spread on the story. :thumbsup
I attended a church school, and for a while in the early 80s, we had to hide out in homes because the state said we were breaking the law. I remember sitting in the State Legislative chamber while they debated for days about it. I also remember attending a protest at a church whose doors were chained and locked because they had a church school. There was a UPC church in a nearby city which was taken to court over their home school.

Of course, I was young then, and didn't think much of it; other than the trips to the Capital and protest were great because I didn't have to do schoolwork!

[Pressing-On]

I attended a church school, and for a while in the early 80s, we had to hide out in homes because the state said we were breaking the law. I remember sitting in the State Legislative chamber while they debated for days about it. I also remember attending a protest at a church whose doors were chained and locked because they had a church school. There was a UPC church in a nearby city which was taken to court over their home school.

Of course, I was young then, and didn't think much of it; other than the trips to the Capital and protest were great because I didn't have to do schoolwork!

:thumbsup :heeheehee

I don't think that every family can homeschool and I am not sure all church schools are a great idea. But, again, it should be up to each family and should always be a choice in America.

It would be important, IMO, for any parent to be very involved with their child in public school, volunteering, etc.

If they give my grandson words to memorize before phonics or teach him to count dots on numbers, I am going to be livid!!!! God help me. :heeheehee Guess I'll pick up Math It again, just in case.

[Praxeas]

Great interview with Walter Williams.

He points out that there are devastating problems in the black community, but they are not Civil Rights problems.

1) Illegitimate birthrate in black community - 75%.

2) 30% Black children raised by two parents.

3) Average black student who is 12th grader, has reading, writing and computational skills of a white 7th or 8th grader.

4) Over 50% of all homicides are committed by black people.

I personally believe that item 3) is a Civil Rights issue. If it isn't, it needs to be AND IT NEEDS TO BE VERY SOON IF NOT SOONER.

Did you know that the ONLY speakers at the March on Washington were DEMOCRATS?

And did you know that the largest financial contributor to this event was the NEA?!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ulaF7Si3mY
How is it a civil rights issue? What civil right are they being denied?

[Praxeas]

I believe not allowing any child or family unhappy with their current underperforming school is a violation of our civil rights. We need to march against the NEA and vote out any politician who is against school choice. Obama campaigned against vouchers - against school choice - that was a huge red flag right there for educational freedom.

I agree, MLK, Jr would not have been happy with the one sided events.
Schools that under perform have a large number of failing students. Not all their students are failing though. It's not necessarily the school's fault. You might send the same student to another school and that does not guarantee they will improve.

The problem with that idea is a ton of poor kids have to find a way to get to a school that is far away. If their parents can't afford to drive them each morning they have to take a bus, which also means getting up an hour earlier or so.

Also the stress that puts on one school when it's max population doubles is just going to hurt those students

[Praxeas]

The stats came from Walter Willimam's interview. And I agree to your points on lazy parents and children. However, I have experienced in my lifetime a bunch of lousy teachers.


:thumbsup
Are you black? Is it only black schools that are plagued with lousy teachers? I had lousy teachers too and it wasn't a black school

[Praxeas]

BTW California students can change schools...it hasn't changed the stats

[Pressing-On]

Are you black? Is it only black schools that are plagued with lousy teachers? I had lousy teachers too and it wasn't a black school
Obviously, I am not black and obviously I speak in general terms for the public school system.

[Pressing-On]

BTW California students can change schools...it hasn't changed the stats
Everyone knows that California is the worst state in the union. That doesn't surprise anyone that switching schools fixes nothing. :heeheehee

[odooley6985]

Civil Rights struggle is over and won. Racism still exists and race relations are only slightly better. That is due in part to the power that be, weather the mainstream media, supposed white and black leaders, and political leaders still wanting the country divided by racial and social and economic lines. Its really sad.

[Pressing-On]

Civil Rights struggle is over and won. Racism still exists and race relations are only slightly better. That is due in part to the power that be, whether the mainstream media, supposed white and black leaders, and political leaders still wanting the country divided by racial and social and economic lines. Its really sad.

Agreed! :thumbsup

[Praxeas]

Obviously, I am not black and obviously I speak in general terms for the public school system.
Exactly...so it's not a matter of bad teachers and transfers

[Praxeas]

Civil Rights struggle is over and won. Racism still exists and race relations are only slightly better. That is due in part to the power that be, weather the mainstream media, supposed white and black leaders, and political leaders still wanting the country divided by racial and social and economic lines. Its really sad.
I believe race relations are getting worse or at best standing pat...all because of the race baiters focusing on false issues

[Pressing-On]

Exactly...so it's not a matter of bad teachers and transfers

Yes, it is also, in some instances, going to include bad teachers and transfers.

[Praxeas]

Yes, it is also, in some instances, going to include bad teachers and transfers.
I don't think it's as significant as you seem to believe and therefore is not a civil rights issue.

I believe the answer lies within the communities and families

[Pressing-On]

I don't think it's as significant as you seem to believe and therefore is not a civil rights issue.

I believe the answer lies within the communities and families

I guess you'll have to talk with Gov. Bobby Jindal about that.

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal talks with students at Kipp Central City Academy in New Orleans Thursday, August 8, 2013. Jindal talked about the success of charter schools in New Orleans and around the state.

http://photos.nola.com/tpphotos/2013/08/bobby_jindal_talks_about_chart_2.html

[Praxeas]

Im not talking about the success of Charter schools. I'm talking about the stats you introduced about black kids in general.

For the same token we can compare white kids to Asians and perhaps see Asians score better too...again it's not about being able to relocate to a better school. It's about family and culture.

[Pressing-On]

Im not talking about the success of Charter schools. I'm talking about the stats you introduced about black kids in general.

For the same token we can compare white kids to Asians and perhaps see Asians score better too...again it's not about being able to relocate to a better school. It's about family and culture.

It's because they stress education. Stupid people are always a drag on society. You can bring up a child's life, even if living in a less than stellar family and culture by offering them a way out. It's paramount. Everything begins with education.

[Praxeas]

It's because they stress education. Stupid people are always a drag on society. You can bring up a child's life, even if living in a less than stellar family and culture by offering them a way out. It's paramount. Everything begins with education.
They Stress Education but clearly it takes parents that stress education. That's my point.

It takes Parents to decide to SEND then to another school or a charter school so the whole issue of it being a civil rights issue seems null to me. Parents play a HUGE role in that.

Also part of the problem is environment, like being raised in a gang infested area...again the issue there is not civil rights. As long as we make something about civil rights and not focus on the problem of inner city gangs, single parent families, out of wedlock pregnancies and poor parenting, it won't be fixed.

[Pressing-On]

They Stress Education but clearly it takes parents that stress education. That's my point.

It takes Parents to decide to SEND then to another school or a charter school so the whole issue of it being a civil rights issue seems null to me. Parents play a HUGE role in that.

Also part of the problem is environment, like being raised in a gang infested area...again the issue there is not civil rights. As long as we make something about civil rights and not focus on the problem of inner city gangs, single parent families, out of wedlock pregnancies and poor parenting, it won't be fixed.
There ARE parents in poor communities who want choices, but they are NOT given to them. Have you seen Waiting on Superman?

Can you imagine what that would feel like waiting on a Lottery number that will decide your fate and your future?!!! How does that happen in America for heaven's sake?

That's the reality. It's a Civil Rights issue and I hope it gains traction.

[Pressing-On]

Justice Dept. sues Louisiana over school vouchers

"The Obama administration thinks parents should have to seek their approval any time parents want to send their child to a school of their choice," Jindal said in a news release. "After generations of being denied a choice, parents finally can choose a school for their child, but now the federal government is stepping in to prevent parents from exercising this right. Shame on them. Parents should have the ability to decide where to send their child to school."

Jindal called school choice "a moral imperative."

"Make no mistake _ this motion is a threat to the children in our state who only get one chance to grow up and deserve the opportunity to get the best education so they can pursue their dreams," Jindal said of the Justice Department filing.

http://www.hanfordsentinel.com/news/national/justice-dept-sues-louisiana-over-school-vouchers/article_9edb70ee-6f56-52d4-a7f8-a6f675fe010a.html

[Praxeas]

There ARE parents in poor communities who want choices, but they are NOT given to them. Have you seen Waiting on Superman?

Can you imagine what that would feel like waiting on a Lottery number that will decide your fate and your future?!!! How does that happen in America for heaven's sake?

That's the reality. It's a Civil Rights issue and I hope it gains traction.
That still does not mean the reason their kids are failing is a civil rights issue and not a community issue. We need to FIX the real problems our nation face

[houston]

What the heck, PO. I used to read that paper everyday after school.

[Pressing-On]

That still does not mean the reason their kids are failing is a civil rights issue and not a community issue. We need to FIX the real problems our nation face

The purpose of education is to build a strong nation. Our strength begins with education. You can't have a strong community if the community is uneducated.

[Pressing-On]

The Disparate Impact of Holder’s War on Private Schools

His latest crusade is to sue the state of Louisiana for giving black students in failing public schools vouchers to attend better schools on the grounds that the voucher program is resegregating Louisiana’s public schools. That is not an exaggeration, and I have to admit to being somewhat hesitant to even write about this for fear that Holder is kidding–because, well, he has got to be kidding.

Here, for example, is the Holder DOJ’s logic, as expressed in a petition to get the district court to enjoin the state from awarding additional scholarships to students from school districts still under federal desegregation orders:

http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2013/08/26/the-disparate-impact-of-holders-war-on-private-schools/

"Access to education is the most important civil rights issue of today, according to a recent survey."

http://civilrightsproject.wordpress.com/article-on-survey-here/

[Pressing-On]

I don't think it's as significant as you seem to believe and therefore is not a civil rights issue.

I believe the answer lies within the communities and families

TED CRUZ: "School choice is the civil rights issue of our era."

:thumbsup :thumbsup

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_xoleN827k#t=50

[Pressing-On]

Sen Cruz: Celebrating Brown v. Board of Education -- We Must Finally Make Good on the Promise of Educational Choice

We need school choice and we need it now

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, today released the following statement commemorating the Brown v. Board of Education decision 60 years ago.

"On May 17th, 1954, the Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that all children, regardless of race, deserve an equal opportunity to learn—an obligation that remains to be fulfilled 60 years later.

"Brown was a landmark victory for justice, a unanimous repudiation of the oppressive doctrine of 'separate but equal.' In Brown, the Supreme Court vindicated the promise of equal protection guaranteed in our Constitution.

"Yet today, there are millions of children trapped in failing schools, and a grossly disproportionate number of them are minorities from poor families. Countless children are systematically kept out of schools with safer environments, higher test scores, and better graduation rates. This was unacceptable 60 years ago, and it is tragic that any child would find himself or herself in such a sorry situation today.

"As parents, as teachers, as lawmakers, we should come together and vigorously maximize opportunities to give children a world-class education. School choice is the civil rights issue of our era.

"Looking back on Brown v. Board of Education, we see the struggles that African Americans faced across the nation. History is filled with descriptions of the deplorable and unfair conditions African American children were forced to contend with in order to learn.

"Those days should be left in the past, yet access to a good education remains a struggle—the Obama Administration has repeatedly sought to eliminate funding for the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program that provides money for low-income children to attend high-performing private schools. And it is litigating to prevent low-income minority children from accessing better schools in Louisiana. Like the new mayor of New York, our current administration consistently puts the interests of adult union bosses over the future of kids struggling to achieve the American dream.

"Sixty years after Brown v. Board of Education the children of Anacostia are still waiting to be assured they’ll get a quality education.

"As Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote in the landmark ruling of Brown v. Board of Education 'it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education. Such an opportunity, where the state has undertaken to provide it, is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms.'

"School choice gives low-income children the same choices and opportunities that children from wealthy families have always had. And school choice improves the public schools, making them stronger and more effective.

"The data show us that how much a child learns has a direct relation to how much they will earn in life. School choice gives every child a fair shot at success.

"We must finally make good on the promise of Brown v. Board of Education. We need school choice, and we need it now. Nothing less than the future of our children is at stake."

http://www.cruz.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1268

[oneinkhorn]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWVtyBLqYEs