Sign of Hope? by Diane Ravitch

I am writing from Madison, where I arrived an hour ago. Tonight, I am speaking to the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, a date arranged many months ago, long before anyone imagined that Madison would be the scene of a major political battle.

The stalemate in Wisconsin continues, and polls show that the public supports collective-bargaining rights for public-sector workers. I was worried that there might be a race to the bottom, having read complaints on blogs that begin, "If I don't have a pension or healthcare, why should they?" Then I learned, thanks to a correspondent, not to be too upset by blog comments. He said that there are people paid to post negative or positive comments about products, people, and ideas. Apparently such people create hundreds of fake identities to simulate public opinion. Oh, well, just another good reason to inform yourself, reach your own judgment, and not be swayed by the crowd, which might consist of one person pretending to be dozens or hundreds.

Last week, I had the exciting experience of appearing on "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart. Jon has assembled some hilarious satires on the showdown between Gov. Scott Walker and the state's teachers. The segments are called "Angry Curds," and I urge you to watch. He contrasts the alleged perks and luxuries of "fat-cat teachers" with the Wall Street bankers who can't be expected to cut their pay or bonuses. On March 3, when I was there, Stewart said (I paraphrase): "This is a time for ALL of us to sacrifice: Teachers, teachers' aides, student teachers, retired teachers, school janitors: All of us." But not the super-rich.

Stewart is truly a hero for our nation's teachers. His mother was a teacher for many years, and he knows how hard she worked for modest pay. Unlike the pundits now raging on talk shows, Stewart knows that his mother earned her pension and health benefits. I was thrilled to watch his skillful take-down of the corporate reform narrative and to do it with the deadliest of weapons: humor.

more . . . http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/Bridging-Differences/2011/03/signs_of_hope.html

I feel disheartened tonight, and that cheers me up.

to publicly admit she was wrong about school reform.

:kick:

"Paid shills" makes sense.

I also think there are a lot of haters out there as well who will do it without pay.

I just learned that, on a completely non-political sight that I frequent, it is quite common for posters to have several "sock puppet" accounts, so they can post under a variety of different names.

I think Walker is starting to crack.

though you, imo, neglected the lovely ending.

The more visible the better, IMO.