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[madfloridian]

I posted something in GD tonight, and guess it is okay to link to it here. Finding it hard to post with enthusiasm much anymore.

Democrats, too, are dancing to the rich man's tune. Jim Hightower.

[F4lconF16]

1. Understandable.

But if you can, please do. You are a valuable resource for many of us--I know I've learned a lot from you. You even affected my decision in what to major in, to some extent. Your words may not seem appreciated at times, but I am sure they are.

[madfloridian]

2. ...

Kind words, and appreciated. In 2003 during Dean's campaign, my late hubby and I thought we could make a difference. We learned better, and local Deaniacs were soon in hostile territory locally.

Then I thought that bloggers could make a difference in the education hostile takeover, but we really haven't been able to do so.

Just discouraged, I guess.

[F4lconF16]

3. Unfortunately, they are far too effective at discouraging people.

You have every right to be so, and I wouldn't blame you for a second if you quit. The two-pronged assault on education is rolling onwards, no matter what we do--Rahm is a perfect example. I've given up for the most part on the Democratic Party. I'm focusing on running hard-left candidates, full-on socialists. Thankfully I'm in an area where we stand a chance of success at some point.

The Democratic Party drains any chance at reform precisely because that is what they are intended to do, in my opinion. I find what little hope I have in radical change.

There are also people like Jesse Hagopian who I have had the privilege of meeting and hearing from, and even marching with. He is part of the group of educators at Garfield High School that refused to administer the MAP and SBA tests, and helped push a student movement that is largely abandoning taking the Common Core testing. They are the people that give me hope we have a chance. That, and the incredible students from the Black Student Union and others who have had the courage to walk out in protest and march on a youth jail.

They are outnumbered, but they are fighting. I'm lucky to be in an area where this is happening, and every time that I get discouraged, I can look to them for motivation. The movement is growing every day, even though you will never hear it from any of the media. It's whispers right now, but people are getting angry. It will only be a matter of time before it breaks through.

It might not mean much to you, and where you are. But it's how I keep going. And it's people like you who have so far refused to give up that have kept the movement alive.

[madfloridian]

4. I have read Jesse Hagopian writings and admire him very much.

I think a lot of the discouragement comes from where I live...among tea party patriots. Someone in my home recently started spouting Limbaugh type stuff and hatred toward liberals. I told her I was a liberal and I would not be insulted anymore by anyone...esp in my home. She looks so startled, like she honestly couldn't believe she had met an honest to god liberal. It's that way here.

It alarms me that Democrats simply don't care that education is being dismantled.

[F4lconF16]

5. Ugh. I feel for you.

Living among that kind of hate wears on you.

And yeah, it's pretty pathetic. And as a person who is still in the education system, really freaking pisses me off. I'd say more, but I'm in a shitty enough mood tonight already. No need to say more, I'm sure you understand.

[madfloridian]

6. I do understand.

Hope I did not worsen your mood. Glad I am out of the education system after 33 years. Maybe I will cheer you up another day.

[F4lconF16]

7. Not at all.

It was others tonight, on an entirely different topic. People defending torture and child rape. Blech.

But people like you? Nah. It's good to know there are others fighting the good fight. You're always someone I look forward to reading and discussing with, depressing as the topic may be.

[sabrina 1]

14. I'm glad you joined this group, MF. I understand how you feel. But there are signs of

hope and a lot is going on among left liberals who are working hard, and succeeding as they did in the midterms, to get this party back on track.

Eg, several Organizations backed and helped fund Progressive Dems both locally and nationally and they won a majority of those seats they supported. Also they are starting locally to really get involved, last mid term eg, they got Progressive Issues on ballots across the country and won I believe all those they were involved in.

Like many of us who don't believe DC will be listening to us, these organizations move their efforts to where they can be heard, locally.

It has several benefits, one of which is finding new candidates who share the views of the Progressive wing of the party, helping them win in local elections, then pushing them in national elections is the goal.

We really do have to start from the ground up.

Anyhow, I think you will find this group a lot more in line with your goals for the party, and your posts on Education are invaluable.

[aspirant]

8. Are you for home schooling

and do they pay vouchers directly to the parents? Hope so.

[madfloridian]

9. I am fine with home schooling.

I just think public taxpayer money should go to traditional public schools.

[aspirant]

10. The bigger picture

is to Undo Privatization and remove the corporatists.

I agree, schools must be by, for and of the people or it's just a money game.

[TheKentuckian]

12. Personally, I think any child not in public school should be deemed truant. Private schools and

home schooling should not only be ineligible for public funds but be stripped of accreditation and as I said before the parents on the hook for having truant children as well.

We all need to be in the same boat from the poorest family to the President to the CEO of any multinational.

[Enthusiast]

11. Thank you, madfloridian, a whole bunch.

Our enemies know that enthusiasm is our greatest weapon. That is why they constantly seek to undermine our joy.

[Doctor_J]

13. du, like the party, is on deaths doorstep

Tonight's greatest page is comically bad. Nothing but pictures of Obama, dozens of repetitive posts about the sc murder, "white privilege" threads, and a few HRC campaign posts. The party has no principles any more.

Thanks for the link, keep up the good fight.