McCain Praises Obama At NAACP Convention

But Says Ill. Senator Is Wrong On Opposing School Vouchers

(CBS/AP)  John McCain told the NAACP and some skeptical black voters Wednesday that he will expand education opportunities, partly through vouchers for low-income children to attend private school.

The likely Republican presidential nominee addressed the annual convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the nation's oldest civil rights organization.

In greeting the group, McCain praised Democrat Barack Obama's historic campaign, but said the Illinois senator is wrong to oppose school vouchers for students in failing public schools. It is time, McCain said, to use vouchers and other tools like merit pay for teachers to break from conventional thinking on educational policy.

Obama, he said, has dismissed support for private school vouchers for low-income Americans.

"All of that went over well with the teachers union, but where does it leave families and their children who are stuck in failing schools?" the Arizona senator asked. "No entrenched bureaucracy or union should deny parents that choice and children that opportunity."

The D.C. Opportunity Scholarship program is the first federally funded school voucher program in the country, giving scholarships of up to $7,500 to about 2,000 low-income students in Washington, D.C, reports CBS News' John Bentley. The $18 million program is likely to be cut after its initial five-year funding expires next year.

McCain has proposed expanding it, upping the budget to at least $20 million and adding nearly a thousand more families.

“After decades of hearing the same big promises from the public education establishment, and seeing the same poor results, it is surely time to shake off old ways and to demand new reforms,” McCain said. “That isn't just my opinion; it is the conviction of parents in poor neighborhoods across this nation who want better lives for their children.”

McCain received mostly polite applause in a room with some empty seats, two days after Obama received a thunderous reception from a standing-room only audience hoping to see him become the first black president of the United States.

Obama spoke to the NAACP on Monday, saying he would push the government to provide more education and economic assistance, but he also drew big cheers when he urged blacks to demand more of themselves.

"Whatever the outcome in November," McCain told the crowd Wednesday, "Sen. Obama has achieved a great thing, for himself and for his country, and I thank him for it. ... Don't tell him I said this, but he is an impressive fellow in many ways."

During a question-and-answer session, McCain also sought to assuage a frustrated Head Start teacher who complained that her salary from the federal program simply isn't enough.

The woman, wearing a union T-shirt, said she was making $17,000 a year and cannot afford housing, gas, food, or health care for her children. "We cannot continue this way," she said.

McCain said the point of his education platform was to boost pay for "a great and outstanding teacher like you" and other educators who are passionate about their work.

"I want to reward good teachers," said McCain.

McCain said vouchers and merit pay for teachers whose students perform well are two important ways to help kids in failing schools.

"After decades of hearing the same big promises from the public education establishment, and seeing the same poor results, it is surely time to shake off old ways and to demand new reforms," he said. "That isn't just my opinion. It is the conviction of parents in poor neighborhoods across this nation who want better lives for their children."

Both the merit pay and voucher proposals have met stiff opposition from teachers unions. Obama has indicated he would support some kind of merit pay system for teachers, if teachers help craft it.

[Stratmaster7]

Wow. john McCain complimented Obama in front of the NAACP. I am perplexed. I mean, why would he do that in front of the NAACP when everywhere else he has spoken he has trashed Obama? give me a break.

[undrmyboot3]

What makes me laugh until it hurts:

The popular support for McCain''s school voucher goals comes from many "average" Americans who will only be able to afford schools that accept the governments minimum "voucher" amount. It may be $5,000 of $7,500. Whatever it is, 95% of McCains "middle class" supporters will have to find a school that takes the minimum "voucher" amount. You will not be able to pay the $5,000 to $10,000 a year MORE that the "Good" schools charge. So the "Good" schools will get the best teachers and the RICH KIDS. Your kids will get what is left

The very people who worry about their kids being exposed to "other people" from "different social groups" will see their kids get worse and worse educations under the voucher system McCain wants. But hey- at least they won''t have to "mix" with those "other people". Except they WILL, because the "voucher schools" will be exactly where those "other people are. Talk about karma.

We can''t ignore the underlying ignorance and bigotry of people who worry about their kids "mixing" with the "other kids" (they mean blacks, Hispanic, etc.). But even given the backward ignorance of these half-wits, they will still bemoan the day their kids attend a "voucher school". That is they will if they notice their kids are learning nothing.

Indoctrination and localized cultural influences are unavoidable. If you ship your children across town, their culture will predominate. What''''s important is that able-minded children''''s parents are able to choose which they''''d prefer.

Education isn''''t the only thing that goes on in schools and reality dictates we recognize that. Socialization occurs at bowling alleys; so why expect differently of schools. The real problem is the lack of local participation, making control frightful.

Posted by ApprxAm
-------------------
While I certainly agree that the problem with schools ain''t the schools = the problem is more parents than schools. Not the least of which is insisting that schools be high priced baby sitters.
But what are we accepting (not to mention what we''re teaching our kids) when we put schools on the same level as bowling alleys?

[undrmyboot3]

THE BIGGEST LIE------

McBush keeps pushing school vouchers so that his rich friends will get a nice subsidy for their $20k/year schools, while the rest of us are left with schools that will accept the minimum "voucher amount".

You think those of us that are NOT rich will have ANY CHOICE in schools? Of course not. Schools that charge more than normal Americans can afford will get the best teachers and the rich kids. The rest of us will be left with 3rd rate schools that will accept the "voucher amount".

Mark my words: if vouchers become the way of this country, then in 10 years "voucher schools" will be become a well known term used to define schools that under perform and are nothing more than factories turning out cheap labor for McBush and his corporate friends.

Of course THAT is the term strategy of "Vouchers". The McCain Class (VERY VERY RICH and CONNECTED) want to ensure there is a LARGE POOL OF CHEAP UNDEREDUCATED LABOR to work in their factories and for their franchises. How best to ensure there is such a large pool of cheap labor? Make sure there are a lot of undereducated people- the NEW UNDERCLASS. How do you do that? Destroy any educational opportunity for average Americans.

If you are an ordinary American, then WAKE THE HELL UP. McCain and his $75,000/month credit card wife are WORKING FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR RICH FRIENDS. They do not give the slightest d*nm about you.

[taotxzen]

BUSHED

Bush uses executive privilege to protect Mukasey from Plamegate subpoena
By Amy Weiss

President Bush asserted executive privilege Tuesday to prevent Attorney General Michael Mukasey from providing transcripts of FBI interviews with Vice President Cheney and other documents pertaining to the leak of CIA Agent Valerie Plame''s identity.

Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, had a vote scheduled for Wednesday to hold Mukasey in contempt for refusing to comply with the Committee''s subpoena. The Committee initially requested the FBI interviews of both President Bush and Vice President Cheney but then requested only Cheney''s as Waxman said it could not fall under executive privilege.

Relate Story:

Bush welcomes probe of CIA leak
''''I want to know the truth,'''' president tells reporters

*Wednesday, February 11, 2004

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush said Tuesday he welcomes a Justice Department investigation into who revealed the classified identity of a CIA operative.

(cont)

[taotxzen]

(cont)

"If there''''s a leak out of my administration, I want to know who it is," Bush told reporters at an impromptu news conference during a fund-raising stop in Chicago, Illinois. "If the person has violated law, that person will be taken care of.

"I welcome the investigation. I am absolutely confident the Justice Department will do a good job.

"I want to know the truth," the president continued. "Leaks of classified information are bad things."

He added that he did not know of "anybody in my administration who leaked classified information."

Bush said he has told his administration to cooperate fully with the investigation and asked anyone with knowledge of the case to come forward.

Four more years??

[apprxam]

Indoctrination and localized cultural influences are unavoidable. If you ship your children across town, their culture will predominate. What''s important is that able-minded children''s parents are able to choose which they''d prefer.

Education isn''t the only thing that goes on in schools and reality dictates we recognize that. Socialization occurs at bowling alleys; so why expect differently of schools. The real problem is the lack of local participation, making control frightful.

[spadeisspade]

Hungry-

I really hate to be the one to tell you this, but our tax dollars already do partially fund private, charter and alternative schools; most especially for "disadvantaged" kids, which I won''t even go into how little you understand about why a parent would even choose to use a voucher based on that phrase. Every single kid in an intercity, overcrowded public school is "disadvantaged".

And yes, I do think that if a public school had a fantasy mass exodus causing them to lose $5 million dollars would have a positive impact. Smaller schools, fewer gas hog busses, smaller class sizes, and sure, fewer teachers. Those teachers can go work in private schools, where they are actually paid what they are worth.

Anyway
http://www.newamerica.net/blog/ed-money-watch/2008/does-pope-know-about-federal-funding-private-schools-3325

[chrisl45]

John McCain''s appearance at the NAACP solidifies my belief that he is the best image that America can bring to the world. We have to worry about how others think of us. John McCain is ready, willing, and able to establish meaningful relationships with all peaceful countries. God Bless him, our troops, and the entire United States!

[chrisl45]

John McCain''s appearance at the NAACP solidifies my belief that he is the best image that America can bring to the world. We have to worry about how others think of us. John McCain is ready, willing, and able to establish meaningful relationships with all peaceful countries. God Bless him, our troops, and the entire United States!

If we were sincere in our desire to see our kids educated, then we would immediately remove the very powerful local cultural and religious influences that local communities have over the incomes of the teachers. Any teacher knows that if he dares teach any kid anything, no matter how true, factual, supported by evidence, or real it may be - if it runs counter to the popular mythology, prejudices, or cultural norms of the surrounding community - then he/she is messing with his paycheck.
That''s why kids learn, well and truly, that Washington "could not tell a lie" when he "supposedly" chopped down the cherry tree..
We have to ask ourselves: "What do we want for our kids, education or indoctrination?"
Just look at what indoctrination has gotten us so far.

[apprxam]

Vouchers can only work if it''s done honestly and competitively.

They are a resource and, therefore, limited and should be presented that way. Not every child is going to get the benefit of them because placement will be limited. Whatever the level of white munificence, it''s safe to assume that there is a limit. Tolerance goes bt so far.

Next, the only fair way to issue vouchers would be by competition. These children need special attend, but in the midst of this, competent and able children are being forgotten. A new direction toward addressing the needs of those more capable is sorely needed.

They should''nt be used to push public schools to improve. That must come from charter schools, who''s flexibility makes it more fitting for that purpose.

[cold777]

Memo To: "cold777" ...you are right on the money!!! :)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by MJHS1967
======================================================
THANKS! :)

[hungry1968]

Not only that, smaller class sizes in public schools (the theoretical outcome of offering vouchers) is a GOOD thing, not a bad thing. Special needs or bright children can go to specialized schools and not be stigmatized or disruptive. Think about it!

Posted by spadeisspade at 06:49 PM : Jul 16, 2008





If you have 1000 kids, and they each are allocated $10,000 a year, and 500 of them decide to opt for vouchers, do you REALLY think the loss of $5,000,000 is NOT going to affect the public schools and the level of education they''re able to deliver?

I''m not decrying private schools, but I AM decrying taking public tax money, and GIVING it to private schools in the form of vouchers, when that tax money was TAKEN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS!

If YOU want YOUR kids to go to a private school, then YOU should pay for it. There should be exceptions for "disadvantaged" kids, but that should be ALL that there are exceptions for. The public school system CANNOT afford to lose that much money.

And private businesses CANNOT be trusted to perform government functions - that''s been proven a hundred times over.

[mrmazerati]

I like McCain. He knows a great man when he sees one.

[spadeisspade]

Hungry-

Relax. There is a tax allotment dedicated to each child enrolled in public school. It factors in what each child costs to actually educate them. Vouchers would divert that money, already alloted for that individual student, toward a DIFFERENT school, not necessarily even a private one.

I have a brother who was doing terribly in public school because of a learning disability that his teachers were not capable of dealing with due to large class sizes. He transferred to a charter school that awarded a low income scholarship and has blossomed into a good student. Do you think kids like him should have to endure crappy education just to keep his alloted tax dollars into a public school? It could have completely changed his future had he stayed.

Not only that, smaller class sizes in public schools (the theoretical outcome of offering vouchers) is a GOOD thing, not a bad thing. Special needs or bright children can go to specialized schools and not be stigmatized or disruptive. Think about it!

[hungry1968]

I have many close black friends. I am in favor of senator John McCain for president because he has good military experience, extensive legislative experience, and has very good leadership qualities. In my eyes, his opponent does not measure up to John.

Posted by ChrisL45 at 06:43 PM : Jul 16, 2008





military experience has NOTHING to do with being a president.

What leadership qualities has he exhibited to you? I haven''t seen ANYTHING that would make him a good leader. He makes poor decisions, he makes MANY, MANY mistakes, and he''s not even sure of what he''s talking about half the time.

Not leadership qualities I''m looking for - that''s for sure.

[chrisl45]

I have many close black friends. I am in favor of senator John McCain for president because he has good military experience, extensive legislative experience, and has very good leadership qualities. In my eyes, his opponent does not measure up to John.

[hungry1968]

WHEN are you going to get it in your FOOL HEAD! LOCAL money funds public schools! Very very LITTLE, if ANY national money funds public schools!

Public schools are only BAD if the locals are too GD lazy to see that they''''re run PROPERLY!

Posted by RowdyWicca at 06:23 PM : Jul 16, 2008





And exactly where in the f**k do you think the voucher money is going to come from?

There is absolutely, NO WAY that our taxes should be taken OUT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS, with the bulk of it going to PRIVATELY run SCHOOLS!! What is going to happen to the children that will STILL have to go the public schools, AFTER they lose MILLIONS to privately run corporations? Those kids will suffer, while the kids at the private schools will benefit.

Exactly HOW do you propose to decide WHO gets a better education than someone else? Eenie, meenie, minnie, moe? Race? Parents wealth?

My son has already graduated, but I would be pretty pisssed off, if my son had to go to a public school AFTER they lost MILLIONS in education funds that I PAID TAXES FOR, and then he received a "substandard" education, while someone else''s kid got a better education while paying the same amount of taxes!




And haven''t you learned by now, that government run operations are ten times MORE efficient than private industries, and are MUCH, MUCH less susceptible to corruption?

[mycomment-2009]

Nope, no shame there, just good old fashioned satire.
As far as MYOB - What? Do you own this board? Is it your private little domain?
And if your gonna call somebody a hippocrite - Might try that in a mirror. Ever hear of projection and denial??
Posted by hadenough43 at 06:18 PM : Jul 16, 2008

Oh for God''s sake...are you that dumb? What''s the difference is taking someone to task by using ''satire'' and rebuking them by saying ''shame''. Stop trying to wiggle out of it and just admit that in essence you were shaming me for saying ''shame on you''...and then getting mad for getting called out on it. I repeat you are a hippocite and that''s why I told you to MYOB (you do undertand that it means ''mind you own business'') which is exactly what you should do FIRST before trying to ''enlighten'' me. Is that PC enough for you?