The Ant over at the EiA has some tidbits from the National Education Association's convention in New Orleans. Compared to the antics at Comic-cons and Sci-Fi-cons , the Cons-cons here really act like denizens from outer space.
Two of our favorites:
“Move that NEA RA 2010 New Orleans Delegates stand up and leave the convention center to send a clear message to protest against Public Schools’ budget cuts on July 6th (last day RA) for ‘one’ hour during lunch time (discretion of NEA President for time of lunch). NEA staff will contact TV news to get media coverage and organize the exit of members in an organized manner.”
Nothing says more the modus operandi of the teacher unions from California than if you want something done for yourself, make someone else do it. Imagine the sight: the CTA at the podium speaking to the crowd "Now, all you from New Orleans, you get up and go outside now while we're all eating and we'll watch. And cheer. What? Sorry. You'll just have to make do with whatever is left over at the buffet when you get back." Very droll!
2. Good news for Chris Christie: Other than some Jerry Springer-style wailing by Van Roekel at him, it looks like he is small time now. Arne Duncan appears to be Enemy #1on the NEA Hit List. Also from Ant:"While introducing New Business Item 42, which directed NEA to “call on the U.S. government to end the war in Afghanistan,” delegate Nancy Porter from the Iowa State Education Association said: 'Bring home the troops and send in the Peace Corps and Teachers for America (sic).'"
Wow.
No question the highlight was Bob Chanin packing it in. Quite a confession he makes here (you can stop after the 1:00 minute mark):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-piPkgAUo0w
"It is not because we care about children, and its not because we have a vision of a great public school or every child..."
Need we hear more?
Posted by Hound No. 4
