Meidas Touch (podcast)
Now This News – No comment.
Really American – We all know this by now, but the “shock” is kind of fun.
“End notes” to “The Alt-Right Playbook” I haven’t seen enough yet to decide whether I should intersperse them orlistthem separately when I make the compendium … so that will be delayed somewhat. End note 1:
After the first meeting, and before they got used to each other, Cole and Marmalade did this.
Beau – Teaching and learning history – the Scooby-Doo method.
Experts in autocracies have pointed out that it is, unfortunately, easy to slip into normalizing the tyrant, hence it is important to hang on to outrage. These incidents which seem to call for the efforts of the Greek Furies (Erinyes) to come and deal with them will, I hope, help with that. As a reminder, though no one really knows how many there were supposed to be, the three names we have are Alecto, Megaera, and Tisiphone. These roughly translate as “unceasing,” “grudging,” and “vengeful destruction.”
Now that a teacher has been caught on video telling students last week’s rioters were Antifa (I keep wanting to say “I am not making this up”), it might be a good time to start thinking about how this history should be taught in schools, now and in the future. Well, we do have some expert guidance with suggestions.
================================================================
David Schonfeld, University of Southern California; Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg, Tufts University; Kyle Greenwalt, Michigan State University; Paula McAvoy, North Carolina State University; Sarah Stitzlein, University of Cincinnati , and Tiffany Mitchell Patterson, West Virginia University
Teachers scrambled to create lesson plans to help students make sense of the Jan. 6 siege of the U.S. Capitol right after it happened.
It’s a fraught task. Even the news media wasn’t sure what to call this unprecedented attack on U.S. democracy. Was it a coup? A riot? An act of domestic terrorism?
Likewise, it’s not clear where lessons should begin.
The Conversation U.S. asked six education experts how teachers – and parents – can help young people comprehend, analyze and process what happened.
Dr. David Schonfeld, director of the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and professor of clinical pediatrics, University of Southern California
Educators may worry they don’t know the right thing to say and will unnecessarily upset students. But saying nothing can say a lot to children – that adults are unaware, unconcerned, unable or unwilling to provide support in difficult times.
Teachers and parents can begin by asking students what they have heard and understand about the event. As kids explain it, it’s important to look for misunderstandings and ask about worries and concerns.
Children often have very different fears than adults. Some may be based on limited information or misunderstandings. For example, children might fear that it’s unsafe to go into any government building and worry about a parent who works in a post office. The goal of these conversations is to help children understand what happened in order to address their worries and concerns.
Especially in the midst of a pandemic, when children and adults are worried about illness and death and many families are dealing with financial concerns and other sources of stress, it’s not a time for teachers to introduce their personal take on what elected officials did right or wrong or to speculate about potential future dangers.
The events of Jan. 6 are a harsh reminder that even in the U.S. people are never completely safe from violence. But adults can use this opportunity to express a hopeful perspective for the future and reassure children that what happened at the Capitol should not make them feel unsafe in their home, at school or in their community.
Paula McAvoy, assistant professor of social studies education, North Carolina State University
I believe that social studies teachers should not return to business as usual in early 2021. Instead, they should spend ample time helping students understand what happened on Jan. 6, what precipitated the mayhem and what should happen going forward.
Once students have had space to process, the priority is to help them become more informed. When engaging in this work, teachers must not treat the question, “Did Joe Biden legitimately win the 2020 election?” as open to interpretation. He most definitely did. Likewise, teachers should not give any credence to the idea that the election was stolen, as the angry mob that wreaked havoc in the Capitol alleged. Instead, teachers should affirm each state’s certification. They should be clear that over 80 judges – including some appointed by Trump – rejected the baseless claim that fraud affected the outcome. They should do this because it is true.
The question, “Should President Trump be impeached again?” is, however, open for interpretation. Engaging students in an extended inquiry into this question as members of Congress grapple with it in real time creates an opportunity to closely read parts of the Constitution, including the 25th Amendment, parse out the difference between a violent insurrection and a protest, and evaluate Trump’s words and actions.
This moment is an opportunity for everyone to deepen their understanding about democracy. And social studies teachers should not let it slip away.
Tiffany Mitchell Patterson, assistant professor of secondary social studies, West Virginia University
White supremacy has always been violent, protected and upheld in America’s institutions. This is well documented and we must teach it. The world witnessed yet another example on Jan. 6, 2021.
I believe it’s a good idea for teachers to devote some class time to allow students to share their thoughts, feelings and questions on what they have seen and heard about the insurrection in a way that does not harm students of color. This is also an opportunity to engage students in spotting many racial double standards by having students analyze the media coverage, political rhetoric and law enforcement responses to the Black Lives Matter protests across the nation in 2020, and this unprecedented attack that followed smaller-scale operations at some state capitols.
I do understand that some teachers may be reluctant to address what happened. Those educators need to be honest with themselves about why that is and do the necessary self-reflective work needed to overcome their hesitation.
Teachers also must resist the urge to view what I consider a coup attempt as an isolated incident. Instead, they should place it in a historical context.
Many resources are available. The Zinn Education Project and the Southern Policy Law Center’s Teaching Tolerance initiative, among others, provide lesson plans and resources to learn and teach about racism and white supremacy. For some teachers this is ongoing work, and for others this siege is sure to be a catalyst for change. But progress toward the goal of dismantling white supremacy can happen in K-12 classrooms – if teachers choose to do the critical work that it requires.
Kyle Greenwalt, associate director of teacher preparation and associate professor of education, Michigan State University
School curriculum and children’s own life experiences both oblige teachers to discuss with their students events like those that happened at the U.S. Capitol.
In Michigan, for example, state standards for kindergarteners require them to consider several important civic ideals. These include the notion that “people do not have the right to do whatever they want” and that democracy requires cooperation as well as “individual responsibility.”
But it’s not only educational standards that make it necessary to teach kids about such events and engage them in related discussions. The reality children face in their daily lives also demands it.
Children and teens are no strangers to disagreement, questions of fairness and, unfortunately, scenes of violence like those we saw in the Capitol. For example, schools commonly have active-shooter drills that can leave children feeling confused, scared or angry. I believe that teachers have a moral responsibility to help students process these experiences.
In a truly democratic society, students are not only taught about democracy but are encouraged to practice it. That is, students are empowered to use what they have learned to engage in civic life outside of the classroom walls.
That’s what happened when students led the March for Our Lives after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. A youthful passion for engagement is also what inspired the Swedish teen Greta Thunberg and a wave of climate strikes.
Young people are capable of showing their elders what it means to live democratically and take care of the common good.
Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg, director of the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University
Most students today have never seen our elected leaders and political systems work well, let alone live up to America’s constitutional ideals. Many are confused by what they’ve seen, if not angry and traumatized. It’s important for teachers to communicate that all kinds of emotional reactions are valid.
Let students express and process what they feel safely. Do not dehumanize any student because of their opinion – but teach them to always consider the intent and impact of their response. If appropriate, encourage methods like journaling that allow for reflection without sharing.
This is also an opportunity to connect current events with other moments in American history when the nation’s institutions were tested or our leaders fell short in their commitment to core American values.
[Get facts about coronavirus and the latest research. Sign up for The Conversation’s newsletter.]
Even with younger students, I don’t believe educators should shy away from the fact that some people violated not just social norms but their professional, political and moral duties – and why their actions threaten the health of our republic.
These conversations can enhance students’ understanding of the past and present and inspire a passion to build a better future for all Americans.
Sarah Stitzlein, professor of education and affiliate professor of philosophy at University of Cincinnati
I believe teachers should teach students what political dissent is, why it matters to a healthy democracy and how to engage in it.
Ideally with the support of their school administrators and local community, teachers should help students distinguish justified protest from the violent siege that occurred at the Capitol. They should explain how good dissent seeks to understand problems, critiques injustice, sparks discussion between people with different views, bases claims on evidence and employs democratic processes.
Teachers should empower students with the skills of dissent. These include raising awareness, forming persuasive arguments, building coalitions and using critical thinking to challenge misinformation. Students should practice putting forward solutions that can be discussed and tested. Young people should be encouraged to imagine how life can be better in America as a way to build hope with their peers.
It’s important that they realize how dissent and hope together can help strengthen U.S. democracy.
David Schonfeld, Director, National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement, University of Southern California; Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg, Director, Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement in the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life, Tufts University; Kyle Greenwalt, Associate Professor of Education, Michigan State University; Paula McAvoy, Assistant Professor of Social Studies Education, North Carolina State University; Sarah Stitzlein, Professor of Education and Affiliate Faculty in Philosophy, University of Cincinnati , and Tiffany Mitchell Patterson, Assistant Professor of Secondary Social Studies, West Virginia University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
================================================================
Alecto, Megaera, and Tisiphone, there’s a Tweet quoting Speaker Pelosi in today’s Video Thread which refers to the fact that kids are familiar with violence – a lot more familiar than we give them credit for, and a lot more familiar than is best for them. And that is only one way in which kids are well equipped to handle the truth – and in fact, likely better equipped than many teachers. Any assistance we can get in bringing the truth to our children would be greatly appreciated.
The Furies and I will be back
It’s a very tired day, here in the CatBox. WWWendy and I got home safely last night, after my infusion. We are scheduling another infusion, which we may cancel. In around three weeks I’ll have a CAT-Scan or a PET-Scan to judge whether the immunotherapy is working and go from there. I did research early this morning and took a long nap. I’m ready to go back to bed. Tomorrow is a grocery delivery day. This evening I plan to try to stay up to watch the slaughter. You guys had better do so too, in case I don’t make it. Happy Hump Day!
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today’s took me 3:31 (average 5:29). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Cartoon:
Trump* Virus Update:
Click for interactive maps and charts
US Cases: 7,726,635
US Deaths: 215,915
Plus all the Trump*/GOP plague murders Republicans are hiding from us
Short Takes:
From The New Yorker: Mike Pence said that he was “extremely grateful” that the organizers of Wednesday night’s Vice-Presidential debate would be providing a plexiglass shield to protect him from a woman.
Speaking to reporters, Pence said that the Commission on Presidential Debates had taken “appropriate measures” to shield him from exposure to a female during the Salt Lake City face-off.
“I’ve read all the relevant literature, and from what I’ve learned a plexiglass shield provides adequate protection from a woman,” he said. “Knowing that this barrier exists between me and a member of the opposite sex, I feel comfortable about moving forward with the debate.”
Dang, Andy! Nothing can protect that lying Nazi pseudo-Christian! Kamala is going to tear Mr. Karen a new sphincter! RESIST!!
From YouTube (MSNBC Channel): List Of Positive Covid Cases At White House Grows At Alarming Rate
I know I don’t need to ask, but who is the super-spreader? RESIST!!
From YouTube (a blast from the past): Pink Floyd – Another Brick In The Wall (HQ)
Ah… the memories! We want schools to teach kids HOW to think! Republicans want schools to teach kids WHAT to think! Protest like the 60s! RESIST!!
When I looked at the Trump Virus map in Open Thread – 9/22/2020 (image below — although the title says Aug 22, 2020 the data is to Sept 22, 2020), a thought struck me — do you know what it is like to live next door to a country which professes such high regard for human life but does the opposite almost always? Do you know what it is like to live next door to a country whose so called leader belittles the leaders of other nations and many of his own people? Do you know what it is like to live next door to a country whose leader is a prolific liar and extremely corrupt?
US Cases: 7,047,643
US Deaths: 204,577
Plus thousands of Trump’s* GOP plague murders Republicans are hiding from us
Abortion and Healthcare — in 1973 Roe v Wade legalised abortion nationwide but now is at risk of being overturned by a very conservative SCOTUS at the petitioning of conservative and religious petitioners. This is an apple that evangelicals and fundamentalists have been wanting to pick for years.
You are not my moral compass.
Women do not make the decision to abort a foetus lightly and there are many reasons why she might make that decision. A baby in my family was born a number of years ago with no eyes, a double cleft palate, no ears and deaf, brain damaged — perfect from the shoulders down but the baby’s head was completely messed up. The original prognosis was that the baby would die within days. Had the mother known this in time, she would have had an abortion and I would have supported that decision.
In the US, such a child once born, has little support and likely limited healthcare options. For other children needing support to thrive, SNAP is being significantly cut back and possibly in danger of being cut all together. This lack of nutritious food will affect the physical and mental growth and health of children.
Healthcare has always been a problem in the US but with Trump, affordable care will be gone because of his spite for Obama and his policies. Trump has said so many times that his “bigger and better” healthcare plan is coming. After almost 4 years, nothing is in sight! Tens of millions of Americans will be without any healthcare. Of course, Republicans are not assessing any healthcare plans for those not covered by workplace plans because they are enthralled by large insurance corporations (think political contributions) and do their bidding. With the pandemic, many Americans have lost their jobs and with it their healthcare.
Education — With the Trump administration, a balanced public education system is almost gone. Betsy DeVos is seeing to that and Trump is not far behind with his new flag hugging “indoctrination” thoughts. I saw a reference to the education of children by Mao Zedong where the children were forced into indoctrination classes as is still done some 43 years after his death. In Nazi Germany in the early 20th century, there were the Hitler Youth, indoctrinated in Nazi ideology.
“The members of the Hitler Youth were viewed as ensuring the future of Nazi Germany and were indoctrinated in Nazi ideology, including racism.[14]” [Wikipedia]
I wonder if Trump would force children to wear red/white/blue neckerchiefs as Mao forced Chinese children to wear red neckerchiefs and the Hitler Youth had their red neckerchiefs with their emblem? With Republicans continuing in power, I can see the literacy rate dropping while problem solving skills and critical thinking being discouraged. Must not have people, other than the rich and white, capable of intelligent thought because they just might help American society. I think of a Canadian bumper sticker from several years ago that said “The government does not like competition!” Trump and Republicans cannot fight themselves out of a wet paper bag fairly or even at all unless they cheat. Only the rich will be able to get a decent education.
Death Penalty — How is the death penalty consistent with a pro-life stance? I won’t go into this other than to say that the death penalty is not pro-life.
Pandemic — The actions, or should I say the inactions, of Trump and Republicans on the COVID-19 pandemic with its more than 200,000 deaths is despicable. Bill Gates opined recently that repatriating Americans who were overseas at the beginning of the pandemic without adequate (read that as NO) precautions in place, likely exacerbated the spread of the virus, and he is correct. I know that Trump likes to blame China for all the problems, but what did HE do once he knew about it. NOTHING!!! Thanks to author/journalist Bob Woodward, we have Trump on tape in his own words saying that he wanted to play down the severity of the virus, and he still is doing that verbally, but also demonstrating his disregard by holding large rallies with no social distancing and no masks. He said he did not want to panic people. Bullshit!!! More likely, he did not know what to do and thought he would look weak if he asked for the input of infectious disease experts. Trump has directly caused the deaths of over 200,000 people and rising. As to overall healthcare, Trump is arguing in the Supreme Court to overturn the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) even in the midst of a pandemic which would leave tens of millions of people without healthcare and no replacement plan in place which is, I believe, his plan from the start.
Racism and Bigotry — Racism has been a problem, a BIG problem, in the US since before the country was established and it has continued unabated. Thank heavens for Rosa Parks, Elijah Cummings, Martin Luther King Jr, John Lewis and the many others who fought and continue to fight racism and demand equal rights for ALL people. No matter the colour of skin, the religion, the ethnicity, sexual orientation, or language spoken, ALL Americans are equal. This was clearly set out in the Declaration of Independence.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” [Wikipedia]
And yes, the racism is systemic whether people want to acknowledge that or not. Part of that fight resulted in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Unfortunately, some of that has been undone by SCOTUS decisions for petitions from woefully misguided persons, dare I say racist persons. Of course today, the chief cheerleader is the Squatter in the WH, the unpatriotic flag hugger who thinks there were “very fine people” on both sides in Charlottesville a few years ago. Bullshit!!!
With the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on 18/09/2020, Trump, aka the Squatter in the WH, and Senate Republicans are pushing for a fast confirmation of a replacement justice who will be undoubtedly very conservative. When it comes to Trump, forget about justice being blind! Republicans were willing to leave Antonin Scalia’s position vacant for 10 months because it occurred in an election year and they felt the new president should make the nomination. RBG passed away 6-7 weeks before the election but Republicans have changed their minds. Why? They are afraid that Trump may be defeated (please let it be so!) and they would not be able to continue to stack the court with conservatives or get satisfactory decisions for those who support them. As I said, forget about justice being blind! Add to this that COVID-19 has added a dimension to voting that has not existed previously — extensive mail-in voting — which Trump, without evidence, as declared fraught with fraud. With a larger conservative contingent at SCOTUS, Trump feels his chances of re-election, even if the decision goes to the court, are all but assured. Trump, impatient toddler that he is, also wants to know who the winner is on the night of 03/11/2020, election night, but all mail-in ballots may not have been counted. This shows that Trump is again, or should I say still, downplaying the virus. He should pay as much attention to Russian interference in the election. This of course has nothing to do with what the people want or need. Let’s not forget that Trump was the loser of the popular vote in 2016 by 2.9 million votes. The US has had minority governance for almost 4 years with a narcissistic sociopath at the helm and it shows. You wonder why other countries laugh at the US and pity it!
Military — Let’s not forget the recent debacle of Trump as Commander-in-Chief of the military calling soldiers who were killed in action or captured “suckers” and “losers”. Is that how a leader supports the troops? Or Trump’s treatment of Gold Star family of Khizr Muazzam Khan and Ghazala Khan, the Pakistani American parents of Army Captain Humayun Khan, who was killed in 2004 during the Iraq War. Commander-in-Bone Spurs knows nothing of patriotism! It is all a flag hugging show. We know that but he thinks people don’t care. He went after Senator John McCain this way and today, John’s wife, Cindy McCain, came out in support of Joe Biden.
Religion — Two things I want to mention here. First, no authentic Christian would clear a path through peaceful protesters using violence so he could have a photo op holding a Bible upside down. No authentic Christian would treat migrants the way Trump has, separating families, creating utter chaos at the southern border. Secondly, no authentic Christian would label all Muslims as terrorists and ban them from entering the country. There are more domestic terrorists in the US than Muslim terrorists. Besides, the 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees the freedom of religion which also means freedom from religion, something many on the right seem to forget. It seems to me that that part of the amendment is interpreted by evangelicals and fundamentalists as the freedom of religion as long as it is their brand of Christianity. “One nation under God” and “In God We Trust” — give me a break! God is not a cudgel.
Treaties — Below is a list of United Nations treaties which the US has not ratified or not signed as noted in Wikipedia. I have highlighted some which, on the surface, directly impact people including US citizens. There could be a number of reasons for not signing or ratifying them but to me, this is an indication of the priorities of the US government.
1981 – Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981, not ratified
1989 – Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, not signed
1989 – Convention on the Rights of the Child, signed but not ratified
1989 – Basel Convention, signed but not ratified
1990 – United Nations Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, not signed
1991 – United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, not signed
1992 – Convention on Biological Diversity, signed but not ratified
1994 – Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel, signed but not ratified
1996 – Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, signed but not ratified
1997 – Kyoto Protocol, signed with no intention to ratify
1997 – Ottawa Treaty (Mine Ban Treaty), unsigned
1998 – Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, unsigned [2]
1999 – Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, not signed
1999 – Criminal Law Convention on Corruption, signed but not ratified
1999 – Civil Law Convention on Corruption, not signed
2002 – Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, not signed
2006 – International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, not signed
2007 – Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, signed but not ratified
2008 – Convention on Cluster Munitions, not signed
2011 – Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, signed but not ratified
2013 – Arms Trade Treaty, signed but not ratified
2016 – Trans-Pacific Partnership, signed but not ratified
2017 – Paris Agreement, signed but not ratified [and in 2017 ceased participating]
I might sound anti American and in some ways I might be. I know I am preaching to the choir here at Politics Plus. I also know that my ire is directed at Trump, Republicans and a minority of the American people. The vast majority are good people who need to find their voice. I also know that my country, Canada, is not without its own faults. No country is in that position. However, when wherever you turn the US is being held up as the “greatest nation on earth”, a beacon in the darkness, it is time the US government acted like it. When wherever you turn Trump is being touted as the leader of the free world, I say bullshit! That is a particular bug-bear of mine. First he has to be a leader, an enabler of sound policies that serve ALL Americans, and he has to be sane. In my opinion, he is neither of these. Trump is a scared little boy who pouts and stamps his feet if he does not get his way. He is a demagogue and a fascist who, if not checked, will destroy the country completely. Recovery from Trump will not be easy and it won’t be quick. It will take the American people uniting to go forward.
OK, I am stepping down off my soapbox! Thanks for letting me rant.
It’s a hot, busy day here in the CatBox. I’m waiting for Diana, my palliative care nurse, to come change my patch, hopefully at about 9:30 AM. I’m already running late, because I overslept. Tomorrow is a WWWendy day, but it will not affect my publishing as she won’t be back from Eastern Oregon until mid-afternoon tomorrow. I texted WWKristen, who is with her and promised they will both stay safe and naughty. Oh God, it’s Monday! Update: Diana came and changed my patch.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today’s took me 3:12 (average 4:49). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Cartoon:
Trump* Virus Update:
US Cases: 5,201,873
US Deaths: 165,626
Short Takes:
From YouTube (CNN Channel): Georgia teen says school used students as guinea pigs
The school administrators were goose-stepping behind their beloved Nazi leader, criminal Fuhrer Trump*. Now that her suspension has been lifted, nine students have already tested positive for Trump* virus, and this GOP crime has been exposed, threats of physical violence are SOP for the Republican Reich! RESIST!!
From YouTube (MSNBC Channel): Biden Leads In 2020 Battleground Map
May God protect the truth of his projection from the Republican Reich collusion with Trump’s* boss, Putin [R-RU]. Help God with your vote! RESIST!!
From YouTube (a blast of protest): “Nasty Man” by Joan Baez
Joan is seven years older than I am. I’m so glad she’s still with is. Kudos to left-wing protestors! RESIST!!
It’s a frustrating day here in the CatBox, because criminal Fuhrer Trump* held his campaign rally for billionaires at his private club, pretending to be a Trump* virus relief executive action on Saturday, and the news analysis has not percolated to YouTube. There is no relief in his bullshit orders. It will be my lead article tomorrow, but this is my only article today. Tomorrow, I may run late, because my palliative care nurse, Diana, is coming to change my Fentanyl patch. Have a restful Sunday.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today’s took me 3:15 (average 4:38). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Cartoon:
Trump* Virus Update:
US Cases: 5,152,001
US Deaths: 165,093
Short Takes:
From Alternet: Tom Eckerle—a Republican road commissioner for Leelanau County, Michigan—is reportedly resigning after political pressure for repeatedly using the n-word, an anti-Black racist slur, to describe racial justice protestors.
Before a meeting of the road commission started last Tuesday, Eckerle was asked by a commission member why he wasn’t wearing a mask. He responded, “Well this whole thing is because of them (n-words) down in Detroit.”
When Bob Joyce, the commission’s chair, told Eckerle he couldn’t say that, Eckerle said, “I can say anything I want. Black Lives Matter has everything to do with taking the country away from us.”…
…When asked about his comments during a Thursday interview with Interlochen Public Radio, Eckerle said didn’t realize the public found out about his comments and said, “No, I don’t regret calling it an (n-word). A( n-word) is a (n-word) is a (n-word). That’s not a person whatsoever.”
Republicans are not racist, the Pope is not Catholic, Trump* is not an asshole, and bears never, ever shit in the woods! RESIST!!
From Buzzfeed (Hat-Tip Crooks and Liars): At least two students say they have been suspended at North Paulding High School in Georgia for posting photos of crowded hallways that went viral on Twitter.The photos show students packed into hallways between classes, not appearing to practice social distancing and with few masks visible, amid the coronavirus pandemic. They went viral after being shared by the account @Freeyourmindkid.
One of the teens who posted photos, 15-year-old Hannah Watters, told BuzzFeed News she received a five-day, out-of-school suspension for posting one photo and one video on Twitter.
She posted the above photo with the caption, “Day two at North Paulding High School. It is just as bad. We were stopped because it was jammed. We are close enough to the point where I got pushed multiple go to second block. This is not ok. Not to mention the 10% mask rate.”
Watters said she was pulled into the school’s office around noon on Wednesday and was told she had violated the student code of conduct.
“The policies I broke stated that I used my phone in the hallway without permission, used my phone for social media, and posting pictures of minors without consent,” she said.
Paulding County Schools has not responded to requests for comment on the alleged suspension.
Another student, who did not want their name used, also told BuzzFeed News that they were suspended for posting photos on Twitter.
When the Republican Reich weaponizes Trump* virus to murder children, they punish the children for telling the truth about it. RESIST!!
From YouTube (a blast of protest): “Trump Is an Asshole” – MUSIC VIDEO – NSFW
Amen! Kudos to left-wing protestors! RESIST!!
It’s another busy day here in the CatBox. WWWendy is coming to destink the sweaty TomCat, goop, and help with chores. Then I have to meet with the building manager to renew my lease, an hour of routine paperwork. Yesterday’s PET scan was as unpleasant as always, but it will be interesting to see the results a week from Friday. This is my only article today, but expect me back in the saddle tomorrow. Happy Heat Wave Hump Day!
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today’s took me 3:18 (average 4:45). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Cartoon:
As much as he botches about China, that’s still where his stuff is made.
Trump* Virus Update:
Click here for interactive map.
US Cases: 4,500,102
US Deaths: 152,388
World Cases: 16,936,005
World Deaths: 664,401
Trump’s Share of World Deaths: 22.9%
US Share of World Population: 4.3%
Short Takes:
From OPB: Gov. Kate Brown on Tuesday unveiled coronavirus testing-related metrics the state must meet before schools can reopen, and it became immediately evident that many of the state’s largest school districts will be online-only this fall.
Brown’s announcement was swiftly followed by news from school districts: Portland Public Schools will have online classes only until at least Nov. 5 for all grades. Beaverton School District will be conducting classes online until at least Nov. 13. Salem-Keizer, North Clackamas and Tigard-Tualatin districts will also start the year holding online classes with plans to stay remote until at least late fall.
The list is likely to continue growing.
According to the latest county reopening guidelines announced by the governor, the entire state needs to have a weekly positivity rate of less than 5% for three weeks. The latest statewide positivity rates for COVID-19 tests for the previous three weeks were 5.8%, 5.8% and 4.6%.
Portland Public Schools Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero warned online classes could stretch past November for his district.
“As an educator, I know that there is no true replacement for face-to-face learning and the interaction between a student and a dedicated teacher or staff member,” Guerrero said in a statement. “But our announcement today is in keeping with our highest priority during a global pandemic, which is the health and well being of our students and employees.”
This is how Democrats manage education if the face of Trump’s* Republican plague. Kudos to Kate Brown! Oregon leads the way! RESIST!!
From YouTube (MSNBC Channel): Dissembling, Defensiveness And Partisanship: AG Barr’s House Hearing
Lying Republican Nazi SOB! Barrf barfed! RESIST!!
From YouTube (a blast of protest): U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday
Kudos to the protestors left-wing protestors! RESIST!!
It’s another muggy day, here in the CatBox, as we’re moving into a heat wave. Tomorrow please expect no more than a Personal Update or an Open Thread. It’s WWWendy’s last day, before her trip. She will be bringing her friend with her to teach her how to destink a vulgar TomCat. Her friend will come to help me shower on Saturday or Sunday. She made me promise to be on my best behavior. Of course, even my best is misbehaving! Oh God, it’s Monday!
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today’s took me 3:07 (average 4:51). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Cartoon:
Trump* Virus Update:
US Cases: 3,414,582
US Deaths: 137,795
Short Takes:
From ESPN: The Washington Redskins will officially announce Monday morning that they will be changing their nickname, though no new name will be revealed just yet, a source confirmed Sunday night.
It had been widely expected that Washington would change its name, and one source said Saturday night that an announcement of a new name would come soon.
Sports Business Daily, which first reported Monday’s official announcement, reported that the new name would not be announced yet because trademark issues are pending.
I think the racist Republican Redskins should move the team to Israel and rename it the Netanyahu Foreskins, since Butcher Bibi is such a schmuck. RESIST!!
From Alternet: The leader of one of the largest teachers’ unions in the U.S. accused President Donald Trump over the weekend of “trying to bury” federal guidelines warning that fully reopening schools and universities in the fall poses a high risk of spreading Covid-19 and endangering the health of students, faculty, and parents.
A 69-page packet (pdf) of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention materials obtained by the New York Times and labeled “For Internal Use Only” cautions that the “more people a student or staff member interacts with, and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of Covid-19 spread.”
Criminal Fuhrer Trump* doesn’t care if every school in the US is a super-spreader event, as long as he thinks reopening them will make him look better. RESIST!!
From YouTube (a blast played at Woodstock): Joan Baez Live @ Woodstock 1969 Joe Hill.mpg
Dedicated to all who were or wanted to be at Woodstock with me. Ah… the memories! RESIST!!