[speechlesstx]

speech,
You're anything but typical. :D

Thank God for that :D

[speechlesstx]

Even the Republican news commentators recognize that Bush has put us all in a position that the probability of lowering taxes is not likely. Somebody will have to bite the tax bullet. You do realize we're in debt to other nations and spending nine billion plus a month on Bush's Iraqi war fantasy? I heard yesterday on Fox where McCain backed off his rhetoric about balancing the budget in one year. Now he's claiming it will take two terms. There's not a politician in America that can represent all Americans. It's not going to happen. However, the desire to represent all Americans is at all politicians campaign interest.

Bobby, besides the fact that Obama is recognized as likely the most liberal Senator we have - when I take in the Wright controversy, 'bittergate,' his "typical white person" comment, etc. anyone would be a damn fool to buy his "I will represent all Americans" rhetoric. I know there isn't one politician that can represent all Americans, and these last few weeks have shown me that line is not even remotely believable coming from Obama.

Higher education starts with those that are willing to promote eduation. Those liberals or Democrats, at least want to reform our education system starting from lower grades through college.

Tthere are no shortage of conservatives that are willing and do promote education, it's the kind of education that matters. The left has been 'reforming' education for decades and that's why the system is failing. I don't think our education system can stand any more of that kind of 'reform.' Without discipline, fundamentals and balance it isn't going to improve no matter how much money you throw at it. Why do you think so many home school their kids now Bobby, and why home schoolers outperform those in public schools?

I think all the typical white people will somehow manage having their first half black president. If it's any consolation his other half is typical white. Of course the fear for some people is the unknown since all we have had is white presidents in our entire country's history.

I have no problem with a black president, or half black for that matter. I do fear the unknown in a candidate and in Obama's case there seems to be good reason. Fortunately the unknown is becoming known. :D

[BABRAM]

Bobby, besides the fact that Obama is recognized as likely the most liberal Senator we have - when I take in the Wright controversy, 'bittergate,' his "typical white person" comment, etc., anyone would be a damn fool to buy his "I will represent all Americans" rhetoric. I know there isn't one politician that can represent all Americans, and these last few weeks have shown me that line is not even remotely believable coming from Obama.

Steve-

So what he's the most liberal senator? I don't even think Obama has ever denied the charge. That's what he is, a liberal. McCain, a moderate conservative, and Clinton, another liberal, both think they represent everyone also. I told you that's what all politician do when campaigning. That's the nature of the campaigning beast. Almost eight years later Bush still thinks he represents my best interests. His thinking doesn't make it so. That's more rhetoric.

Tthere are no shortage of conservatives that are willing and do promote education, it's the kind of education that matters. The left has been 'reforming' education for decades and that's why the system is failing. I don't think our education system can stand any more of that kind of 'reform.' Without discipline, fundamentals and balance it isn't going to improve no matter how much money you throw at it. Why do you think so many home school their kids now Bobby, and why home schoolers outperform those in public schools?

The schools in Las Vegas rank among the worst nationwide. My sister, that lives in California is disgusted by the education system that's why she's homeschooling the children. Certainly the Bush admin can be held accountable for some lack of progress with all the attention Dubya's devoted to Iraq? Discipline "yes." Respect is mightily important and it starts with the parents. Every once in awhile though one of those misfit kids get the attention afforded to them and it turns a bad situation into good. It's not easy being a teacher when the pay is not always adequate, the teaching material is not always available, some children lack proper nutrition, and a child is worried if their father will come back from Iraq alive. But if you want to advocate that "morals" alone is the solution to improve our school system that's fine. But permit Bush to define those morals and take the criticism for his own personal standards that may not fit others views. If a family can afford private schooling that's great, most people cannot. The magnet schools are also a good alternative if your child qualifies. Both my parents were teachers in Texas, but understandably that was back in the day. I'm a strong advocate for home schooling.

I have no problem with a black president, or half black for that matter. I do fear the unknown in a candidate and in Obama's case there seems to be good reason. Fortunately the unknown is becoming known. :D

After being exposed to Bush's poor decisions that past seven and half years, I trust that my fellow Americans can weather any other storms. ;)

[tomder55]

Certainly the Bush admin can be held accountable for some lack of progress with all the attention he's devoted to Iraq?

Bobby ; President Bush teamed up with fat Teddy and got the NCLB initiative passed. It is not a matter of Federal funding because the funding of the school systems traditionally have been a state responsibility and frankly I'd just as soon leave it that way. All NCLB became is just another disconnected Federal boondoggle. It is not funding ;There is plenty of money being spent in this country on education. It is the layers of bureaucracy that diverts the money from where it would do the most good.

[BABRAM]

Bobby ; President Bush teamed up with fat Teddy and got the NCLB initiative passed. It is not a matter of Federal funding because the funding of the school systems traditionally have been a state responsibility and frankly I'd just as soon leave it that way. All NCLB became is just another disconnected Federal boondoggle. It is not funding ;There is plenty of money being spent in this country on education. It is the layers of bureaucracy that diverts the money from where it would do the most good.

So why did Bush, or Kennedy for that matter, permit designated funds, to go elsewhere? Perhaps it could be liken to charity organizations that by the time administration costs get taken out, the beneficiary receives only a small percentage of the help needed?


Bush Would Deny Money to Schools Judged as Failing - New York Times


In effect you agree with Obama's stance on this particular issue.

Barack Obama | Change We Can Believe In | Education

[tomder55]

Bobby ;the 1st link from 1999 is not relevant.

in many ways Obama has it wrong

.NCLB was not a poorly funded project . The problem is that the Fed. Government has no business either funding education or giving impossible mandates for local districts to fulfill.

Yes the basics in education are not being taught properly . I believe it is because the discipline of memorization at the lower levels are not taught.

I won't address the drop out rate because I think that is primarily a problem caused by the break up of the nuclear family epidemic . I do not know how to solve that problem . Neither does Obama except to throw $$$ at it.(which seems to be the prescription to all his proposals. Reform = $$$)

Teacher retention is not the problem . I could go into a disertation but let's say I know extremely qualified teachers who are let go before tenure by districts that have the bottom line in mind more than the quality of the education. Inflexibility by both the administrations and the Teachers unions are the cause of the turnover rate.Obama will recruit math and science degree graduates to the teaching profession and will support efforts to help these teachers learn from professionals in the field. This is an empty promise. There are already highly qualified math and science teachers looking for work. People who have left the private sector because they have a passion to teach but cannot get the jobs.

[BABRAM]

The link gives insight to Bush's thinking at the time and I can see where it laid a foundation toward NCLB. Vegas schools have a two fold problem: qualified teachers, and teacher to student ratio. At least here in Vegas that supports Obama's view. So we all agree there's problem. This a good issue to re-hash. I'm going to work. Later.