Oklahoma Governor Suggests Homicide for Teachers Unions

[JailForBush]

Since Rod Paige's statement comparing the National Education Association to a terrorist organization is getting so much press, I thought it would be fun to reminisce about Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating's quip when he was asked how one should deal with Oklahoma's teachers union: "Homicide."

http://www.oksenate.gov/news/press_releases/press_releases_2000/PR000204.html

I know nothing about Governor Keating, but I think that statement is cool. It reminds me of Bob Dole's presidential campaign, when he tore the NEA a new one.

It wasn't enough to convince me to vote for Dole, but it was one the single most exciting statements I've ever heard a presidential candidate make.

Now, before you get all worked up and call me a violent person or a right-winger, think about this:

Washington State's Governor Gary Locke and other corporate whores have publicly talked about using our high-stakes test - the WASL - to "punish" schools and children, and I don't recall that statement creating much fuss at all.

So just to make sure I understand where you're all coming from, are you telling me that it's almost criminal to call the NEA a terrorist organization, but it's OK to use high-stakes tests to punish children?

If that's the case, then maybe the Democratic Party should split in two. Everyone who wants to protect the NEA can stay with the meanstream, and I'll join the branch that thinks children are more deserving of protection.

[LeinesRed]

1. I'm an NEA member...

and I think children are deserving of protection. What does that make me?

[JailForBush]

It makes you a NEA member who publicly claims to care about kids.

Whether or not you do anything more than talk about it is anyone's guess.

[LeinesRed]

7. wow...

never mind, not worth my time.

[SCDem]

2. The debate is not about protecting the NEA

It is about labeling it a "terrorist" organization. The word terror in any form is a serious business these days and is taken seriously.... when we start calling everyone we don't like a "terrorist" than it waters down other terrorists like Ossama.

[JailForBush]

6. So you want to turn this into a free speech issue?

I'd be the first to admit that most Americans are stupid, but even the average dumbass who doesn't even vote probably knows that Rod Paige wasn't suggesting that the NEA is planning on destroying the Golden Gate Bridge.

I'm one of many people who have called George W. Bush a terrorist. I think corporate America in general is a terrorist state. Moreover, the NEA can indeed be likened to a terrrorist organization in that it does contribute to a lot of suffering.

On another tangent, I think it's kind of cool to sling the word "terrorist" around, mocking George Bush's gross misuse of the word. Many cartoonists and columnists agree with me.

Guard your free speech zealously; you may miss it one day.

[Sandpiper]

3. Ok, feel free to start a new party

That believes the NEA is a terrorist organization and advocates homicide for its members. :eyes:

[DarkPhenyx]

4. I'm not an NEA member...

...and I feel that all students should be held to an acceptable standard before being allowed to graduate. What does that make me?

Yes, I know...special needs students and all. I'm talking about "normal" students.

[JailForBush]

9. It depends on what you mean by "held to an acceptable standard."

I think most people would agree that students should be held to an acceptable standard. But the new standards imposed by corporations are nowhere near acceptable. (Ever notice how few legislators have accepted invitations to take those cursed tests?)

Moreover, I think it's monstrously hypocritical to rant endlessly about imposing standards on teachers and students while allowing school officials to steal everything but the kitchen sink.

As a matter of fact, it reminds me of George W. Bush's much publicized determination to bring terrorists to nation while doing his level best to destroy the Constitution and our economy.

[PVnRT]

5. Now it's cool to call for homicide

What's next? Rounding the NEA up into concentration camps is a good idea?

[Sandpiper]

8. It's sad to hear a DUer

Advocate McCarthyism

[Moderator]

10. Locking--GD rules

1. If you start a thread in the General Discussion forum, you must present your opinion in a manner that is not inflammatory, which respects differences in opinion, and which is likely to lead to respectful discussion rather than flaming. Some examples of things which should generally be avoided are: unnecessarily hot rhetoric, nicknames for prominent Democrats or their supporters, broad-brush statements about groups of people, single-sentence "drive-by" thread topics, etc.

2. The subject line of a discussion thread must accurately reflect the actual content of the message.

Note that the present tense is used about a four year old stupidity.

Also, it is against DU rules to advocate violence.