Won't someone think of the children? Kentucky Edition
Faced with a statewide teachers rebellion, Kentucky Republican Gov. Matt Bevin decided to go on the offensive. And boy did he get offensive.
His remarks faced harsh criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, with Republican state Sen. Max Wise, who serves as the chamber's Education Committee chairman, calling them "disgusting" and "reprehensible."
"I don't agree with these comments & I find them repulsive," Wise said Friday on Twitter.
In his apology video, Bevin thanked people who "understood what I'm saying."
It is my responsibility to represent you, not only when I’m speaking to you but also when I’m speaking on your behalf. It is not my intent to hurt anyone...but to help us all move forward. We need each other. We’re in this together. #WeAreKY https://t.co/2MzQaoJGNk
— Governor Matt Bevin (@GovMattBevin) April 15, 2018
As the comments point out, that was a piss-poor apology.
Maybe he's angry because of this.
As Kentucky teachers declare victory after the Republican-dominated legislature overrode vetoes from the state's GOP governor of a spending plan that included new money for education, the question going forward is whether teachers will be able to sustain their momentum into the fall elections when Republicans will try to defend their super majority.Teacher Karen Schwartz brought a sign to Kentucky's state Capitol on Friday declaring "Support our Schools." But it was her shoes, a comfortable pair of Crocs, that had a bigger message for state lawmakers. "They think we are going to get tired and go home," she said. "We're not going to get tired."
Teachers had been booing Republicans for months after they passed changes to the teachers' pension system. But Friday, teachers cheered as Republicans voted to override Gov. Matt Bevin's vetoes.
This was a victory, but only for a small part of what the teachers want and need.
Much like West Virginia and Oklahoma, Kentucky teachers have had enough.
This conflict didn't start recently. It's been building for months.
At least 40 current and former teachers to run for public office this year — most of them Democrats.
Comments
I find this hopeful
I'm a retired eighth grade public school teacher from AL and I couldn't be more proud of my colleagues. For the most part teachers are respected members of their communities...by both parents and students. That makes it more difficult to sideline their actions on behalf of their communities. Bad mouthing teachers will backfire on the governor IMO. I hope so.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Let's assume Gov Bevin is right
That means the teachers are the only people keeping your children from being raped.
Thus anyone that doesn't support the teachers is pro-child rape.
Sounds like the AL senate election
Molester rethuglican Roy Moore or corporate pro-war pro-surveillance democrap Doug Jones...you know lose lose.
Schools speak loudly about who and what we are. In AL sadly sports are the focus and seeming meaning. Ever wondered why UA wins the championship year after year...cause that is the focus of communities thinking that supports their schools.
Schools shape our future...scary isn't it?
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
sports
Especially in the light of the fact that school-age competitive sport is little else but war preparation.....
"US govt/military = bad. Russian govt/military = bad. Any politician wanting power = bad. Anyone wielding power = bad." --Shahryar
"All power corrupts absolutely!" -- thanatokephaloides
Orwell agrees with us
...the significant thing is not the behaviour of the players but the attitude of the spectators: and, behind the spectators, of the nations who work themselves into furies over these absurd contests, and seriously believe — at any rate for short periods — that running, jumping and kicking a ball are tests of national virtue.
http://orwell.ru/library/articles/spirit/english/e_spirit
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Everyone knows
that only poor people go to public schools, and only poor parents are capable of sexually assaulting, physically harming, or exposing [children] to poison and drugs......
Gëzuar!!
from a reasonably stable genius.
Colorado teachers are walking out tomorrow
Yippee! Teachers have had enough of budget cuts that have decimated schools across the country and have left them with decades old textbooks and decrepit buildings all because the rich don't have enough money and their lackeys have asset stripped their states.
School cancelled as hundreds of Colorado teachers walk out Monday
Parents across the country are supporting the teachers. This is good to see and I'm hoping that other industries will be joining the striking. It's long past time for people to stand up to the people who think that Americans should not be paid a living wage.
Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.
American workers have given themselves to fascism willingly.
Well, some of them. After all, they'd rather live under a bridge than see anyone be paid a real living wage.
Modern education is little more than toeing the line for the capitalist pigs.
Guerrilla Liberalism won't liberate the US or the world from the iron fist of capital.
Apparently the Gov. has never
Apparently the Gov. has never heard of Summer Break?
I didn't see this among
the State Policy Network's anti-teacher talking points but maybe they have more suggestions than the ones at the link.
We wanted decent healthcare, a living wage and free college.
The Democrats gave us Biden and war instead.
Here's Bevin doubling down on his rant
I don't think I heard him saying he was sorry. He did say he was grateful for those who understood what he said the first time.
Did the thought that the single parent who could not afford child could have used a raise cross his mind? I doubt it.
Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.
Obligatory video
"A reminder: the US has the #1 most expensive healthcare system in the world, yet we rank roughly #42 in life expectancy." -- Luigi Mangione
the south and red states
Im so proud of these teachers!The concept of UNIONS is not well understood in the south and the people who live there need to learn the purpose of a UNION.These teachers ARE TEACHING what it means to belong to a union and the benefits of workers banding together for a common goal.I have a feeling things are changing in regards to how working folks think about the GOP.Over the past 20 years workers looked the other way on assaults on healthcare,pensions,wages and life in general from the GOP.These teachers have seen losses on ALL fronts and they aint taking NO MORE!Its time for LABOR to make a come back!My union the IBEW has a saying "together we bargain" "alone we beg"
DW
together we bargain; alone we beg
The concept of unions and labor organization is not well understood in most of the country right now.
And you're right: the people of this nation need to learn the purpose of a UNION. And start joining them again.
Together we bargain; alone we beg! Along with "an injury to one is an injury to all!"
And you're right: it's high time for Labor to make a comeback -- and to take over our nation's governance while they're at it. We've now had 40+ years of government by and for management/Wall Street. It's time for things to change!
"US govt/military = bad. Russian govt/military = bad. Any politician wanting power = bad. Anyone wielding power = bad." --Shahryar
"All power corrupts absolutely!" -- thanatokephaloides
As a retired IBEW
member (LU 58), I was able to retire early be cause of my Union,plus my body force me out.
It should be noted at this point
that our country is a union. The POTUS gives a "State of the Union" address every year. The taxes we pay are the same as dues. Labor unions are funtioning democratic organizations, with elected representatives, just like America.
To discredit or destroy any union is un-American.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
When a country gets dumbed down to the point
that nonsense spewed by FRightwing yahoos like Bevin is not called out, it is in trouble. The monied cretins have been systematically destroying public education for a long time. The teachers' strikes are the result. It doesn't change the fact that an anti-public education horrorshow named Betsy DeVos is the Secretary of Education. A dumbed down populace doesn't vote. That's precisely the goal of such garbage as Kochs, Mercers, DeVoses, etc. It's worked throughout history. The populace better show up in November. Otherwise, it will be game over. Hope they do. Rec'd!!
Inner and Outer Space: the Final Frontiers.
We get screwed even when we do show up.
And people expect differently in an electoral system entirely controlled by the bourgeoisie? Rejects like Matt Bevin are just the logical conclusion.
Modern education is little more than toeing the line for the capitalist pigs.
Guerrilla Liberalism won't liberate the US or the world from the iron fist of capital.
Matt Bevin is a sick man.
He's also a raging Christian Dominionist who claimed while signing another prayer proclamation for the kids killed at the Marshall county high school that the shooting was a good thing.... get this...because all the praying for the kids would ripple into the future and change the world in a positive way.
But hey, yeah.... he cares for kids. I feel sorry for his kids.
"Without the right to offend, freedom of speech does not exist." Taslima Nasrin
Janus vs. AFSCME Council 31
The anti-union billionaires think they will deliver the knock-out punch this Spring when they win the Janus case at the U.S. Supreme Court. However, unions are preparing a strategy that will likely increase membership. It will be fun to watch the blow-back from this decision. Here is an example of what the Communications Workers of America are doing. Other unions are engaged in the same activities.
This upcoming decision will have rippling effects
and it isn't getting enough attention in the media. On purpose of course. Can't have an educated populace understanding the ramifications if this is decided the wrong way.
Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.
retired at 60
My body gave out at 58,back,neck,knees,ankles etc.Working in the electrical construction trade is back breaking labor.Thank GOD i was lucky enough to belong to a union that provided healthcare and retirement.The last 2 years I worked was pure HELL i was getting by on painkillers to be able to work,i got my disability from SS 2 years later
DW