The way we deliver education wasn't designed so that a majority of our citizens would be educated. It was designed to move a certain % of our students into professional roles and the rest into manufacturing and assembly lines. The fact that so many of our students to go on to college and do well in life is a testament to our educators. They are exceeding expectations for what the system was set up to do.
How we deliver education today doesn't work for enough of our students. This is a valid response/solution to a pressing problem.
I congratulate Commission Bowen for his plan and interest in reforming how education is presented in Maine. Mr. Bowen's idea is hardly a new one, but he should be thanked for willing to take initiative and bring it up.
In 1970 Regional Commissioners of education produced a piece titled "Listen To Us", the Sun Journal political animals discussed education reform several months ago-here is a recap http://wtfmaine.com/listen-to-us
Our current system for delivering education was created with the hope 10% of the students would go on to college & professional careers. Our educators have actually done a wonderful job of accomplishing more than the current system was set up to do.
In RSU4 where I am a member of the school board and a parent of two children, I hope educators/administrator embrace this idea. Parents should be embracing customized learning initiatives.
Interesting piece by Mr. Lansley, some good points. It is just too bad he had to politicize the issue and go union bashing.
My contact information was left off this piece. Should you have something constructive to say, feel free to email will@wtfmaine.com or visit my blog, www.wtfmaine.com.
Thanks,
Republicans have changed their story regarding their motives behind LD 199 and LD 203. The fact is this is part of national trend by GOP and Tea Party. While there may be some fraud in some states to suggest the lack of evidence is the evidence of voter fraud is ridiculous.
The one thing GOP can't get around is these laws have no history of actually reducing voter fraud. None.
Here is a blog post regarding Mr. Levesque's column, he has been invited to provide a rebuttal.
So, let me get this straight. Maine GOP can't produce any evidence of fraud, they can't find town/city clerks to testify that they are over worked-so the new approach is the lack of proof, proves there is proof?
Back in March the Sun Journal "Political Animals" discussed Right to Work Legislation.
Right To Work legislation drives down incomes, these states have lower standards of living, and have seen an increase in workplace deaths and injuries.
Mark,
I have not been chair of the Androscoggin County Dems for 2+ years. (The importance of not counting on websites for your information.).
Mr. Lansley and I were initially offered the opportunity to write these pieces because at the time he was chair of the Androscoggin GOP committee and I was chair of the Androscoggin County Dems. Regular readers of this column know our background.
Thanks to Mr. Turek for his comments. However, as long as Mr. Turek uses words like "forced unionism" and Mr. Lansley talks about "union goons", one can question their own motives.
I appreciate Mr. MacDonald's respectful comments regarding my Feb. 6th piece.
Of note, I did not say welfare is not a problem. What I said was the GOP has used claims of widespread welfare fraud as a campaign talking point. However, the GOP is unable to provide evidence to back up their claim. Welfare is an issue, an issue because far too many people count on TANF and other programs to get by. Shutting off needy Mainers due to a made up epidemic (fraud) is the wrong approach.
The "harmful to children" comment, as Mr. MacDonald knows, was in reference to the Kid-Safe Act (of which in today's paper I suggest everyone read "Kid-Safe Act Critical for Maine's Youth".) While the Gov., and some in the legislature believe this be a burden on Maine business, as a father of two young boys, providing for their safety takes priority.
Mr. MacDonald's view of the NAACP is not one that I will try to influence, other to say i disagree.
My concern was for the notion or mere suggestion of this type of state (or worse, national) ID.
There are those in Augusta who believe voter fraud is a matter of concern. I agree with the you and the rest of the board, i don't believe there is. Your words essentially challenge Rep. Cebra, Rep. Knight and others to take the next step and to go even further.
You clearly stated you didn't believe there was fraud, suggesting they to prove it is one thing, I believe challenging them to create an even more restrictive legislation is counter productive.
If there was substantial voter fraud going on LD 199 (Voter ID) and LD 203 (moratorium on voter registration) will not do anything to deter it. Nationwide, the states with more stringent voter registration and ID laws, have actually documented an INCREASE in voter fraud. I have outlined the research here www.willfess.posterous.com
More importantly is the suggestion by the Sun Journal editorial staff that "legislators consider requiring basic identification of citizenship and residency instead". Now that is nice Orwellian approach to take to a non-issue. "Your papers please!"
Recent Comments
A change is needed
Before folks get all antsy about this idea, I suggest visiting this site and reading http://masscustomizedlearning.com.
The way we deliver education wasn't designed so that a majority of our citizens would be educated. It was designed to move a certain % of our students into professional roles and the rest into manufacturing and assembly lines. The fact that so many of our students to go on to college and do well in life is a testament to our educators. They are exceeding expectations for what the system was set up to do.
How we deliver education today doesn't work for enough of our students. This is a valid response/solution to a pressing problem.
Praise for the plan
I congratulate Commission Bowen for his plan and interest in reforming how education is presented in Maine. Mr. Bowen's idea is hardly a new one, but he should be thanked for willing to take initiative and bring it up.
In 1970 Regional Commissioners of education produced a piece titled "Listen To Us", the Sun Journal political animals discussed education reform several months ago-here is a recap http://wtfmaine.com/listen-to-us
Our current system for delivering education was created with the hope 10% of the students would go on to college & professional careers. Our educators have actually done a wonderful job of accomplishing more than the current system was set up to do.
In RSU4 where I am a member of the school board and a parent of two children, I hope educators/administrator embrace this idea. Parents should be embracing customized learning initiatives.
Thanks for engaging
Mr. Ferguson-
Thanks for your input.
Would love to chat more with you and hear more of your concerns/suggestions.
email any time, will@wtfmaine.com
Thanks, -Will
Contact-info
Greetings-
Interesting piece by Mr. Lansley, some good points. It is just too bad he had to politicize the issue and go union bashing.
My contact information was left off this piece. Should you have something constructive to say, feel free to email will@wtfmaine.com or visit my blog, www.wtfmaine.com.
Thanks,
-Will Fessenden
Another Attempt to Justfy their agenda
Republicans have changed their story regarding their motives behind LD 199 and LD 203. The fact is this is part of national trend by GOP and Tea Party. While there may be some fraud in some states to suggest the lack of evidence is the evidence of voter fraud is ridiculous.
The one thing GOP can't get around is these laws have no history of actually reducing voter fraud. None.
Here is a blog post regarding Mr. Levesque's column, he has been invited to provide a rebuttal.
http://wtfmaine.com/levesque-says-no-proof-is-the-proof
So the lack of proof is THE Proof?
So, let me get this straight. Maine GOP can't produce any evidence of fraud, they can't find town/city clerks to testify that they are over worked-so the new approach is the lack of proof, proves there is proof?
http://wtfmaine.com/levesque-says-no-proof-is-the-proof
What Right To Work Really means and who is behind it
Back in March the Sun Journal "Political Animals" discussed Right to Work Legislation.
Right To Work legislation drives down incomes, these states have lower standards of living, and have seen an increase in workplace deaths and injuries.
I have cited the sources here and provide more info. http://wtfmaine.com/right-to-work-even-the-name-is-false
A lesson in not reading everything you read on the web
Mark,
I have not been chair of the Androscoggin County Dems for 2+ years. (The importance of not counting on websites for your information.).
Mr. Lansley and I were initially offered the opportunity to write these pieces because at the time he was chair of the Androscoggin GOP committee and I was chair of the Androscoggin County Dems. Regular readers of this column know our background.
Contact Info
Thanks to Mr. Turek for his comments. However, as long as Mr. Turek uses words like "forced unionism" and Mr. Lansley talks about "union goons", one can question their own motives.
Left off my piece was my contact info: Feel free to email me at will@wtfmaine.com or visit my blog, www.wtfmaine.com.
Thanks, -Will
Ironic
Wait, Rep. Cebra actually said, "The whole idea of limited government versus bigger goverment is what we're talking about here".
This comes from the man who this session has sponsored 95 pieces of legislation. Look it up here: http://www.mainelegislature.org/LawMakerWeb/searchresults.asp?StartWith=26
What Cebra is talking about is his kind of government. The kind that takes cues and money from the worst of the worst. Read on at: http://wtfmaine.com/rep-cebra-and-his-fair-report-are-anything-bu
Rebuttal to Mr. MacDonald
I appreciate Mr. MacDonald's respectful comments regarding my Feb. 6th piece.
Of note, I did not say welfare is not a problem. What I said was the GOP has used claims of widespread welfare fraud as a campaign talking point. However, the GOP is unable to provide evidence to back up their claim. Welfare is an issue, an issue because far too many people count on TANF and other programs to get by. Shutting off needy Mainers due to a made up epidemic (fraud) is the wrong approach.
The "harmful to children" comment, as Mr. MacDonald knows, was in reference to the Kid-Safe Act (of which in today's paper I suggest everyone read "Kid-Safe Act Critical for Maine's Youth".) While the Gov., and some in the legislature believe this be a burden on Maine business, as a father of two young boys, providing for their safety takes priority.
Mr. MacDonald's view of the NAACP is not one that I will try to influence, other to say i disagree.
"If and only if"-it doesn't matter
Judy,
I understand what your intent was.
My concern was for the notion or mere suggestion of this type of state (or worse, national) ID.
There are those in Augusta who believe voter fraud is a matter of concern. I agree with the you and the rest of the board, i don't believe there is. Your words essentially challenge Rep. Cebra, Rep. Knight and others to take the next step and to go even further.
You clearly stated you didn't believe there was fraud, suggesting they to prove it is one thing, I believe challenging them to create an even more restrictive legislation is counter productive.
The next shoe is dropping
If there was substantial voter fraud going on LD 199 (Voter ID) and LD 203 (moratorium on voter registration) will not do anything to deter it. Nationwide, the states with more stringent voter registration and ID laws, have actually documented an INCREASE in voter fraud. I have outlined the research here www.willfess.posterous.com
More importantly is the suggestion by the Sun Journal editorial staff that "legislators consider requiring basic identification of citizenship and residency instead". Now that is nice Orwellian approach to take to a non-issue. "Your papers please!"