The Republican Party has a plan for education. It comes down to taking our tax dollars for schools out of the public school system, and putting it into private and charter schools. The tactics they are using to bring this about are beneath despicable. Consider the case of one of America’s worst Governors, Tom Corbett.
With less than a month left until students return to school, Philadelphia's schools are in crisis. But it's a manufactured crisis just like we've seen in every other district where the charter schools/privatization agenda is in full swing. Don't be fooled by this hostage-taking. This was the plan all along.
While Tom Corbett's $400 million prison seems to be proceeding right on schedule, Philly schools are still underfunded and facing a deficit of at least $50 million dollars. What to do?
Bust teachers' unions, of course. …
…That NBC article is a little bit gentle. Here's what Corbett and his lieutenants actually said:
Gov. Corbett emphatically rejected on Tuesday a request to release $45 million in state funds, the latest twist in the ongoing battle to resolve the Philadelphia School District's financial crisis. Corbett's budget secretary, Charles Zogby, said the money would not be available until the teachers' union signs a contract that includes substantial "fiscal savings and academic reforms."
"The law is clear," Corbett reiterated during an appearance in Chester. "Until that takes place, there can be no release of funds."
In other words, teachers, give everything up or the kids get shot. Nice work, there, Tom Corbett. There's a word for what you're doing. It's called bad-faith bargaining. [emphasis original]
Inserted from <Crooks and Liars>
Here’s the video:
Correction: I had to delete the video, because the embed code at C&L points to the wrong video. Click through to the site to see it. Kudos to Lynn for the catch.
I fully support the teachers. Beyond that, This is just a scheme to take away tax money for poor kids, leaving them with schools so inferior that it virtually assures their continued poverty. Then they want to use it to pay for superior education for rich kids and indoctrination in pseudo-Christian hate for Theocons’ kids. And who gets to pay for it? If you live in one of the many states where Republicans are using their control to wage their War on Education, YOU do!
16 Responses to “GOP Education Blackmail”
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I don't call Tom Corbett's actions "bad-faith bargaining". I call it blackmail. He's anther perfect example of the reverse Robin Hood syndrome afflicting the RepubliCons.
I agree. The C & L article was understated.
Tom Corbett sounds like a total hypocrite and utter swine. Get political and vote these rats out!
Amen, Pat!
Corbett needs that $400 million prison to hold all the graduates from the inferior schools! (read with sarcasm in high gear!)
If Corbett wants substantial savings, he should gut the earnings of the Republicanus/Teabagger state politicians, including himself. Then take those savings and use it in education!
It seems that's all the Republicanus/Teabaggers know how to do — manufacture crises! Doesn't matter — federal or states — they manufacture crisis after crisis after crisis in order to flex their ideological muscles and create an American society of a few haves and mostly have nots.
Like you Patty, I don't call this "bad faith bargaining", I call it blackmail! Even worse (I think), I'd call it kidnapping — he is kidnapping the education and futures of students to win concessions from the teachers, all in the name of busting the teachers' union, with the added benefit of propagating a class system (think class warfare) which people like Sanctimonious Santorum says does not exist. And if I am correct, isn't kidnapping with the intent to do harm, a capital offence!
The only good Republicanus/Teabagger is an unemployed Republicanus/Teabagger, state or federal does not matter!
TC, remember what I told you about how I developed the term "Republicanus"? Well the more of their chichanery I see and read about, the more that original reason is starting to evolve into the more vulgar meaning that the poll monitor thought was the case and didn't like.
Really? (read with sarcasm in hi gear.)
I remember, and I agree. The only reason I don't call them Repuglicans is they camm my party the "Democrat" party, because we are sipposedly not democratic. By refraining from calling then Repuglican, I demonstrate our superiority.
The good news is that in fairly recent polling, all three Democrats lead Corbett by double figures. And I'm sure that Corbett's numbers did NOT improve from then.
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/04/tom-corbett-pennsylvania-governor-race-90732.html
Thanks for being the bearer of god news, my friend. I'm sure the Koch's and their ilk have a nice golden parachute waiting for him as an incentive for others to screw America until hated for it.
Michigan's governer Snyder is also doing his best to destroy the state's public school system. He uses many of the same tactics Corbett does, plus he can send in his so-called "emergency managers" – actually legitimized thieves – to hijack a city government and then destroy the infrastructure by privatizing (i.e. looting) it.
I agree John. That's why I said "one of the many states" You're right. It's not just PA. They would do it here, if we were stupei enough to put them in charge.
More dumbing down of America by these souless politicians. Bust the unions, more damage to the middle class. I honestly believe they are trying to turn this country into a serfdom.
Serfs had more rights than Republicans want us to have,
You are probably right.
They had the right to stay on the land,farml it, and heep a portion.
It's the same ploy by all Conservatives, greedy pricks.
It is one of their standard schemes, for sure!