tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133521035538248322.post5544129487508692142..comments2023-12-24T05:39:44.753-06:00Comments on Mike Klonsky's Blog: Sorry Mr. President. We didn't come all this way for tea and cookies at the White HouseMike Klonskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017021676773731024noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133521035538248322.post-56349679361044308362011-07-30T07:14:25.420-05:002011-07-30T07:14:25.420-05:00On more than one occasion when CPS parents had a l...On more than one occasion when CPS parents had a legitimate concern to raise with the Board of Ed at their public monthly meeting, a staffer first pulled the group aside to offer instead a private meeting with the CEO. <br />Parents fell for it the first time; the CEO listened politely and nothing was done to address their concerns.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133521035538248322.post-90560473493339625132011-07-30T01:05:34.729-05:002011-07-30T01:05:34.729-05:00Chris, I was at a panel discussion this morning at...Chris, I was at a panel discussion this morning at the NBPTS conference where Nancy Flanagan (one of the SOS organizers) pointed out that we, as teachers, need to remember that it's OUR table. That's the SOS line of thinking, and thus SOS' decision to decline the White House's invitation is, at the very least, consistent with their own perspective and ideology.<br /><br />Mike, I hope I'll run into you on the Ellipse tomorrow. I'm going to stay at the NBPTS conference until Linda's lunchtime keynote is done, and then bike down to the White House to catch the gang there.JamesKlockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17302554559864977352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133521035538248322.post-64948004676102057232011-07-29T23:47:34.895-05:002011-07-29T23:47:34.895-05:00The fact of the matter is.... the White House has ...The fact of the matter is.... the White House has not responded to our calls, emails, letters, opinions, articles, or rallies. So, teachers and activists have decided it is time to step up and be the heroes. <br /><br />I applaud all those marching in DC. I also applaud the Save our Schools March organizers for their decision. While many may have jumped at a chance to meet at the White House, the SOS organizers realize it is sometimes more important to stand your ground. <br /><br />Kudos to SOS... stand your ground on the ellipse. Our children deserve more than lip service and a photo op...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133521035538248322.post-2561815034272771812011-07-29T23:22:41.155-05:002011-07-29T23:22:41.155-05:00If this were July of 2009, I might agree with Chri...If this were July of 2009, I might agree with Chris. In July of 2011, it's clear that we were duped, or that we saw what we wanted to see a few years ago. By now, Obama, Duncan, and the DOE have made their priorities and intentions clear through their actions. They have wasted so many words that further dialogue feels meaningless; only actions and policy changes matter now, and if we were going to make any progress through dialogue and debate, it would have happened already. The March maintains greater force and generates more political pressure by not falling for the last second co-opt distraction.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133521035538248322.post-79322380188133699082011-07-29T22:44:25.878-05:002011-07-29T22:44:25.878-05:00This is so heartening. I love the way this situati...This is so heartening. I love the way this situation was handled. The conference has been nothing short of amazing.james boutinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09625944306253098621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133521035538248322.post-30946731657103442882011-07-29T22:04:15.762-05:002011-07-29T22:04:15.762-05:00We hear this all the time: It's important to b...We hear this all the time: It's important to be at the table. Not if it's the kiddie table. And this is America. No one has to jump when the White House calls. The President works for you and me, not the other way around.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133521035538248322.post-67762542773748292202011-07-29T22:02:17.845-05:002011-07-29T22:02:17.845-05:00Enough with this "seat at the table" b.s...Enough with this "seat at the table" b.s. They'll hear us in the street just fine. Look what the seat at the table got the NEA.David Marshallnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133521035538248322.post-84408558844259113342011-07-29T22:00:38.091-05:002011-07-29T22:00:38.091-05:00I agree with Chris. You can't dialogue if you...I agree with Chris. You can't dialogue if you aren't at the table at all. I understand the frustration, but personal connections are an important part of even beginning a dialogue.Carolyn Footehttp://www.futura.edublogs.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133521035538248322.post-40114620983278085632011-07-29T21:55:23.318-05:002011-07-29T21:55:23.318-05:00Chris has it backwards. When DFER and hedge-fund r...Chris has it backwards. When DFER and hedge-fund reformers call, the White House jumps. SOS is right to meet with Obama and Duncan after the march and not let individuals get picked off and used by the Race To The Top crowd.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133521035538248322.post-62049330508002610702011-07-29T21:40:51.106-05:002011-07-29T21:40:51.106-05:00I have to say - I wish the Executive Committee had...I have to say - I wish the Executive Committee had taken the White House up on their offer. I get that folks didn't want to get co-opted, lose momentum, give the White House the chance to claim the march, etc... but when the White House calls, you go. Moreover, if we want a seat at the table, you accept the offer. Being a professional outsider isn't good for the movement. I guarantee you that DfER doen't turn down the chance to go to the White House.Chris Lehmannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09571788242469815488noreply@blogger.com