I think the event, in and of itself, is fine. But that's not the issue here. By joining forces with not just MoveOn.org, but several other organizations with known liberal political leanings, while never doing the same type of things with conservative-leaning groups, the National PTA continues to sabotage its own stand of being "non-political".

If MoveOn.org or Swift Boats wanted to do a "make our schools better" campaign with our PTO, I'd say no to both of them. Being political in their core nature, I'd wonder what the ulterior motive would be.....

Not to stir the pot – but I really don’t think any of us live in Perfect, Texas or Utopia, Colorado – throwing more money at education is NOT the answer. Education, like most bureaucracies, are bloated and mismanaged fiscally. There is a District in Texas that for every teaching position, there is an Administrative person drawing a salary. Why?

We should not skimp on our children’s education. But, if the mismanagement of funds in public education was addressed, the need for independent groups (pta/pto etc.) to raise funds would go the way of the Dinosaur (and you thought it was because they smoked!).

Why is it that most private schools have what they need and can provide an excellent education that surpasses the public system? Sure, you pay tuition but they manage the money properly. I know there are some private schools that do not fall into this mold, but really – use some common sense – they would not last long either.

We for too long have accepted substandard conditions from the public school system while the powers that be say they need more money to throw at the problem. There never seems to be a plan presented on how to spend the money or any accountability.

Ok, now that I have said that – you are known by the company you keep. In this case, perceptions might be that the PTA (National, State or Local) is sponsoring this, and for those who feel strong about the other parties involved will apply guilt by association.

Sorry for hijacking the thread!

Our teachers are not required to join the NEA, I don't think they are at the state level either. There is such a mess right now with the insurance I am sure most of them have joined KEA.

Depending on your school or district you may not have that option. In many districts you're required to pay NEA dues to teach there. I think that's the basis for many NEA critics' objections to NEA political bent.

TS

Point taken, I'll be sure not to join when I am certified.

Not sure about that, C. Brooks. The NEA is pretty widely accepted as quite far left.

AP story (though it's captured on a fairly conservatiove site): www.landmarklegal.org/latest_developments.cfm?webpage_id=475

From Phyllis Schafly (conservative, though this section is factual, not opinion): "The National Education Association maintains one of the five largest federal Political Action Committees, called NEA-PAC, and it is the third largest donor to Democrats. The NEA gave Democrats 99% of its PAC money in the 1994 elections and can be expected to do likewise in 1996. Cash donations from the federal NEA-PAC are supplemented by cash donations from state and local NEA PACs, and also by the so-called "volunteers" whom the NEA assigns to work for Democratic candidates. The NEA spends $39 million a year on 1,500 field organizers to promote its goals. "

NEA and Pro-choice (why NEA is on either side of this issue is beyond me): washingtontimes.com/national/20040426-102743-4447r.htm

Interesting one from National Review: www.nationalreview.com/kob/kob200312031139.asp

And here's a quote from a recent AP story quoted on MSNBC (neither AP nor MSNBC known for any right-leanings at all): "Although a quarter of NEA members identify themselves with the Republican Party, the union has never endorsed a Republican for president and typically spends $9 out of every $10 it raises on Democrats. Its relationship with the Bush administration has been particularly prickly since his education secretary, Rod Paige, jokingly referred to the union as a “terrorist organization” and even annoyed members with how he apologized for the remark.

The NEA’s leanings have been clear at its annual meeting, right down to one of the ways it is raising money for its political efforts: selling tickets to a post-Kerry speech showing of “Fahrenheit 9/11,” the scathing documentary about Bush’s move toward war."

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5371940/

There are tons of links on this if you Google some. Yes, most of the links above are from conservative sites. But if you google, you won't find a single link saying NEA is right-wing. Interesting topic -- juts thought i'd add a little background.

Tim

[ 09-21-2004, 09:48 AM: Message edited by: Rockne ]