Commentary, Election 2008 by jallen, Today, 10:56 AM
Just as Jimmy Stewart’s Jefferson Smith did upon his cinematic arrival in Washington, this year’s Capitol newbies will encounter the three major political “food” groups – The Know-It Alls, The Pessimists and The Relativists. If they are lucky, or smart, or just plain good, they may find themselves associating with a lesser known but more effective commodity – the more principled drivers of change, The Reformers.
Unlike the Reformers, the Know-It-Alls are the Washington establishment, which on the whole believe that everything being done now in the federal government is as it should be, is being done for a reason and must simply be sustained and grown - not changed one bit. It’s good, it’s comfortable and it all seems to work for them. Don’t worry about effectiveness or review. That’s for the pessimists.
The Pessimists don’t really believe things are working well, but they require hard, fast proof before they accept anything new. They complain that things aren’t funded enough and that the government needs more regulation, not less (indeed, they are pessimists and believe the people cannot really govern themselves). They believe that our rights have been taken away by various agencies and public bodies. The Pessimists cast a dark cloud over anything that may suggest more choice and freedom – particularly in education. How can you trust them, afterall?
The Relativists are on everybody’s side. There is no deal too compromising for them. You have your opinion, I have mine. They are all equal. There’s really no right or wrong (except in the opposite political party). If you really believe in a cause, the relativists are at the ready with their idea of reality – that you simply can’t win at all so don’t even try. Relativists tell reformers to relax, to not sweat the small stuff. “Just take the best deal and move on.”
More “Welcome to Washington’s Food Fight, Mr. Smith”
Tags:
Center for Education Reform,
Congress,
education,
Jeanne Allen,
Jimmy Stewart,
Reform
Election 2008 by jallen, November 21, 2008 - 5:05 PM
There are a few key people who reformers flocked to during the campaign for assurances that Obama would embrace reform. They were the people whose names kept popping up that campaigned vociferously in public and private for our President-elect. And friends voted their way because of them. They gave Obama political cover for real education reformers. Where are they in the transition? Lest we damn them by our own embrace, here are a few that everyone knows about. There are others who toil quietly, whose names will not pass these blog lips.
Honorable Kevin Chavous – Former D.C. City Councilman, attorney, author, modern day civil rights activist
Dr. Howard Fuller – Former Milwaukee Superintendent of Schools, founder of numerous education groups devoted to giving parents and students power, founder of Black Alliance for Education Options
Honorable Anthony Williams – Pennsylvania State Senator whose leadership has brought hope – through great, new public schools called charters - back to communities throughout Philadelphia, and more (though not enough yet) accountability to all schools.
There are scores more. We just thought we’d remind our newest officials that these are the types of people whose own education, activism, expertise and accomplishment - and knowledge of government - could add a lot internally and externally to their efforts.
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Anthony Williams,
Barack Obama,
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Howard Fuller,
Kevin Chavous,
trasition team
Election 2008 by jallen, November 3, 2008 - 7:06 PM
What the history books don’t, but should, teach us.
The song that bears the title of this piece is the one you most likely hear when attending a graduation ceremony. You wouldn’t hear it played at a Sophomore end of year party, any more than you’d hear it played on the senior class trip. No, Pomp and Circumstance is a tradition that signifies a graduation and its celebratory tone is intended only for that occasion.
Similarly, it is only acceptable to play the one and only presidential march, entitled Hail to the Chief, after the new president of the United States has been inaugurated. Written by Albert Ganse and set to music by James Sanderson, Hail to the Chief was made the official music to announce the president in 1954. One rarely hears the words, but they are illustrative.
Hail to the Chief we have chosen for the nation,
Hail to the Chief! We salute him, one and all.
Hail to the Chief, as we pledge cooperation
In proud fulfillment of a great, noble call.
Yours is the aim to make this grand country grander,
This you will do, that’s our strong, firm belief.
Hail to the one we selected as commander,
Hail to the President! Hail to the Chief!
Notice the emphasis in the words. But today, like so many other things in this campaign, basic respect for the traditions developed and adopted in this great democracy have been thrown aside.
More “Pomp and Circumstance”
Tags:
Barack Obama,
education,
Election,
Hail to the Chief,
history,
John McCain
