POWER

By using what has historically worked for America — a balance of power with the ultimate authority resting with the people — we can reclaim our public schools. To do so, we must uproot what holds us down.

The roots:
(1)    control of government by big-money, and

(2)    an uninformed public.

In this toxic climate, we have allowed power-hungry leadership to open the doors for education investors who couldn’t care less about the children of ordinary Americans. If they did care, they would quit doing things that make children cry, deprive them of the love of learning, and create stress in families.

What is happening in our public education system is running parallel to what is happening in all aspects of our political system. Moneyed interests have divided us by tapping into our frustrations, values, and passions — through effective marketing and propaganda techniques — and the coercive nature of laws of their making, not ours. They “move us” to do their bidding; we are pawns in their game. I imagine they feel very powerful.

Our move.

Our move.

People, we must rediscover our power. The allocation of power is not meant to be “them” allowing “us” some power; it is us granting them the privilege of representing OUR interests.

Who should govern American schools?

We have a choice.

We are NOT powerless.

Learn more about becoming politically active and effective. Tools for Change has a guide for the powerless…that shows you how we are far from being powerless.

And, TEACH – educate another person today. Learn more about Common Core Testing and who will control what is taught.

Desire and Attitude

This past couple of weeks I’ve met with groups on both sides of the Idaho education wars which are currently raging over “reform” laws on our November ballot. These meetings reaffirmed the fact that we working class people all share the desire and belief that public schools should provide our children, grandchildren, and other relatives with the chance to have a good education, no matter where they live. In our hearts, we know it’s the best thing for them.

So what continues to divide us? Really, what’s stopping us from pursuing improvement in all our schools? Money, power — the clout that goes with it? Is that what is really necessary to move us into action?

It seems that within any group gatherings there is always at least one person who indicates or says “we can’t.” And that attitude becomes infectious. So here is something to consider;

All In The State Of Mind
If you think you’re beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you’d like to win, but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost
For out in the world you find,
Success begins with a fellow’s will;
It’s all in the state of mind.

Full many a race is lost,
Ere ever a step is run;
And many a coward fails
Ere ever his work begun.
Think big, and your deeds will grow;
Think small, and you’ll fall behind;
Think that you can, and you will.
It’s all in the state of mind.

If you think you’re out classed, you are;
You’ve got to think high to rise,
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins,
Is the fellow who thinks he can.
–    Author Unknown