Ever been told that your conservative views are a result of stupidity, emotional insecurity, or a defective upbringing? Ever seen such puerile claims shrouded in scholarly robes to give them an aura of credibility? Then you should read the well-reasoned responses of Colorado's own Iron Shrink (here and here) to some recent "academic" studies that appear to be guilty of one of the worst sins in the liberal PC pantheon: stereotyping. You also will want to listen to the Iron Shrink (aka Shawn Smith) during his guest appearance during the 10 AM hour of Thursday's edition of the Mike Rosen Show. Memo to those on the Left: I hope you don't take these studies too seriously. After all, I believe some of you can have intelligent debates with … [Read more...]
Welcome Aboard, Wadhams
An official welcome from Mount Virtus to the new chairman of the Colorado Republican Party: Dick Wadhams. You know the state Republican Party may finally be getting its act together when the Left goes unhinged with slanderous attacks. Putting up a tough front can often be a way to cope with fear. Let the mud fly! You can almost hear the Left in Colorado hearkening back to their great hero of 2004 ... "Bring it on!" I may actually start looking forward to the 2008 election cycle. It could be fun. … [Read more...]
Lefties and HB 1072: They Just Don’t Get It
The collectivist gang at SquareState doesn't get it, but what's new? HB 1072 a victory for workers? Are they serious? I shouldn't be terribly surprised that they don't know the difference between union bosses and the rank and file. People like this commenter are living in another century: I think some of the "business community" may overestimate how in touch they are with the mainstream of Colorado. Having a very public fight where the Republicans play their traditional role of standing up for the big guy, while Democrats slug it out for the little guy, can only help the Democrats. Just look at the Republicans put up amendment after amendment that are obviously designed to screw the union in any way possible, from full blown "right to … [Read more...]
GOP Legislators Unveil New Site
The Colorado Senate Republicans have launched an official online news service. Check out Colorado Senate News. Leading the news there, not surprisingly, is the breakdown on the Democrats' efforts to ram through the pro-union bill HB 1072. Speaking of HB 1072, my latest op-ed on the topic ran yesterday in the Pueblo Chieftain as a counterpoint opposite labor professor Raymond Hogler. My piece comprises the latter half of the Web page, so please scroll down if you would like to read it. … [Read more...]
Harsanyi on Hope
Denver Post news columnist David Harsanyi tells the truth today about the manufactured "controversy" about Hope Online Learning Academy, which uses technology, adult mentors, and a research-based curriculum to reach struggling students who have fallen through the cracks of the public education system. Read Harsanyi's piece, and ask yourself why Senator Sue Windels and the Colorado Education Association want to use a more rigorous standard to judge an innovative, alternative education program than they would care to use to judge traditional neighborhood public schools. Here's one hint: Hope doesn't employ unionized teachers. (Forget whether some poor kids in Denver and Colorado Springs might thrive in the online learning environment … [Read more...]
Whither the defenders of the education status quo?
Given time, even the New York Times will come around. If you haven't read Paul Tough's article on the success of KIPP charter schools in overcoming the minority achievement gap in the November 26 edition, go read it now (registration required). Then check out Whitney Tilson's School Reform blog and a column by Alan Bonsteel in today's Orange County Register. Writes Bonsteel: The Times specifically praised the KIPP schools as being nonunion and therefore outside normal public school work rules, thus allowing them to hire top-notch, dedicated teachers willing to put in the very long hours needed to bring to grade level these kids who most need a hand up. The attitude of the KIPP schools from the outset has been to provide not just what … [Read more...]
“Should you pay for someone else’s opinions?”
That question, as raised in today's Wall Street Journal by Stephen Moore, highlights the prime importance of a major First Amendment case on the U.S. Supreme Court's upcoming docket: Washington v Washington Education Association, & Davenport et al v Washington Education Association. Moore writes: At issue is whether workers have the right to effectively declare themselves conscientious objectors to the unions' multimillion-dollar political war games. "All we are saying is that no one has the right to take our money and spend it on causes we don't believe in," insists Cindy Omlin, a recently retired speech teacher in Spokane. "If you want my money, ask for it, like private charities, political candidates and businesses do." Ms. Omlin was … [Read more...]
Mr. Ritter, inquiring Democrats want to know…
Inquiring minds want to know: How does Governor-elect Bill Ritter plan to pay for his socialized health insurance mandate? Inquiring minds include many respected members of his own Democrat Party: Sen. Bob Hagedorn, D-Aurora, called Ritter's proposal a "budget buster" and Rep. Bernie Buescher, D-Grand Junction, head of the Joint Budget Committee, said it could work, "but only if you don't do the math." Hagedorn said it would cost an estimated $240 million a year just to cover the 120,000 children in Colorado who don't have insurance. "It's a budget buster, but we have to decide on our priorities. That's not doing anything but funding those 120,000 kids and getting them enrolled," Hagedorn said. He said providing health care to all … [Read more...]
Charter School Blogging
Here's a great idea: a blog dedicated to a new charter high school in northwest Jefferson County, outside Denver. Learn about the challenges and complications of working to bring a new public school option to life, and maybe find some inspiration for another charter school or charter school-to-be. … [Read more...]
RMA Interviews Soldier in Iraq
Over at Thinking Right, Jim had the privilege of interviewing an American military man on duty in Iraq. Even though the situation over there is tense and difficult right now, we can't take our eyes off the big picture. We need to encourage our leaders to follow the path to victory, and we need to encourage our troops. Besides the ideas shared in the interview, you should also make your voice heard at Let's Say Thanks (H/T Jared). … [Read more...]
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