Please read my post-election analysis on the fallout from the Democrats' victory in Colorado, published today in The Denver Daily News, including this stirring conclusion: The Independence Institute’s role could hardly be more important now. More than ever we will work to expose the big government agenda and to educate Coloradans about the value of personal and economic liberty in addressing the issues our state faces. The “eternal truths of the Declaration of Independence†will help to guide us through the rough waters of the near future. Conservatives need to stop and do some serious reflection, then press forward. Unlike the Statist Left, our hopes don't rise and fall alone on who is empowered by the reins of government. I … [Read more...]
What if Coffee Shops Were Run Like the School System?
An interesting thought experiment by the Cato Institute's Andrew Coulson, in the new American Spectator. Check it out. … [Read more...]
How Colorado Union Bosses Spend Teachers’ Money
On this Election Eve, here's some interesting information. If you know someone who is a member of the Colorado Education Association (CEA) or American Federation of Teachers (AFT)-Colorado - our state's teachers unions - you might want to point them to this Web page (compliments of Independence Institute research). Here are some selected tidbits of information on how union members' money has been spent on Colorado's elections in 2006: According to reports available on November 2, Colorado teachers unions have given $1,481,043 in combined contributions to political parties, candidates, and registered 527 political groups in 2006. The Colorado Education Association (CEA) and four of its local affiliates, … [Read more...]
Vigilant Parents vs. Union: The Latest
You could say I'm tooting my own horn, but most importantly I wanted to share with you this piece about the ongoing struggles of Fort Collins parents Wayne Rutt and Paul Marrick against the local teachers union. Thanks to Edspresso's Ryan Boots for running the piece. Read the piece, then ask yourself a few questions: 1. Who really runs the schools? 2. How can that change? 3. What can and should I do about it? … [Read more...]
High Honors
The Colorado Education Association, carrying the state's largest anti-reform-in-education banner for years, has bestowed on me high honors. The new October-November 2006 edition of CEA Journal included yours truly, the proprietor of this blog, in a select group as "[one] of the most virulent *anti-public education individuals in the state." Incidentally, this appeared in the same issue where union officials also endorsed an astonishing (gasp!) 73 Democrat candidates vs. 6 Republican candidates - oh so clearly not reflecting the political affiliations of their rank-and-file membership. The badge of honor has now assumed a permanent place at the top of the page. I believe I now can say I've truly made my parents proud, and my life's work … [Read more...]
Ben’s Ballot
At the request of some, I have decided to share how I am voting on this year's ballot issues. Below you will find the ballot titles & designations, followed by a brief explanation of my vote and my opinion of the relative significance & likelihood of each to pass. For comparison, I've also added the stated endorsements of two Colorado conservative icons: influential talk radio host Mike Rosen and former state senate president John Andrews. After all, there can be some disagreement about certain issues within the movement. Keep reading for my opinions and predictions... … [Read more...]
You Can’t Make This Stuff Up – School Funding Edition
Wow, cha-ching! You can almost hear Nevada's education unions and bureaucrats salivating at the idea: A consultant recommended Thursday that Nevadans spend nearly $1.3 billion more per year on public education so that the state's students meet achievement standards, a figure that stunned lawmakers and education activists. The figure suggested by Denver-based Augenblick, Palaich and Associates represents nearly $3,600 more per student each year for Nevada's 415,000 public school students. Under Nevada's current funding formula, school districts get about $4,500 per student each year from the Legislature. Well, let's clarify that a little bit: The consultant's recommendation does not include school construction costs or spending … [Read more...]
In Case You Missed It…
...And really want to hear me talk with Jon Caldara on yesterday's Mike Rosen Show about the Secretary of State's new rules, the podcast version is up on the 850 KOA site. Go to the Rosen Replay page and look for the following description: Misleading ads try to prevent union members from having ability to refuse to have their dues go for political causes. I share this announcement not because I think readers will be enthralled with the dulcet tones of my radio voice but that you will latch onto this important information and pass it on. … [Read more...]
On the Rosen Show
I will be on the air with guest host Jon Caldara at 11 AM today to talk about the Colorado Secretary of State's new rules that recognize individual rights to determine whether their dues money should be spent on political campaigns. The information is highlighted on the Independence Institute's new educational Web site - TheyMustAsk.com. You can listen live to the radio show by going to the 850 KOA Web site. For the most recent developments related top this story, please read Peter Blake's column in Saturday's Rocky Mountain News. Then ask yourself: what can you learn about a group whose leaders would protest having to ask your permission before spending your money on the political campaigns they choose? You decide. … [Read more...]
Beauprez on Track on Education
Overlooked due to the timing of Bob Beauprez's announcement of a lieutenant governor running mate this week, the Congressman from the 7th District also has sponsored an important piece of education legislation, as highlighted by Dan Lips of the Heritage Foundation: It's been said that everything old becomes new again. This is proving true in the federal education reform debate. A conservative congressman has introduced new legislation based on an old idea: local control over education. In July, Representative Bob Beauprez (R-CO) introduced the Partnership for Academic Success in the States Act, or PASS Act, to restore greater state and local control in education. With bipartisan frustration with No Child Left Behind growing, the PASS … [Read more...]
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