It is not racism to try to help DeKalb students
“Though the public has an interest in its elected officials being able to serve in the offices to which they’ve been elected, there is an even greater public interest at stake here. The interest of the public in a healthy school system outweighs the interests of the board members in serving in their positions.”
Those two simple sentences, written by U.S. District Court Judge Richard Story in his ruling Monday, capture the essence of the controversy surrounding the DeKalb County School Board.
Students are more important than politicians. Not exactly rocket science, right? Yet too many members of the school board lost sight of that fact, assuming a degree of inflated self-importance that made an already difficult district impossible to govern. The fact that those members — most prominent among them Eugene Walker — continue to operate under the delusion of their own ego, even after reminders to the contrary by the state Board of Education, the governor, the DeKalb public and now a federal judge, speaks volumes.
In the wake of Monday’s ruling, the six members of the board suspended by Gov. Nathan Deal should resign, in the interest of those they supposedly serve.
Unfortunately, Walker and other board members have been encouraged in their obstinance by others who have lost track of priorities. Last week, leaders of the Georgia and DeKalb County chapters of the NAACP stood on the steps of the Capitol to condemn the governor for daring to intervene on behalf of DeKalb’s students, and went on to suggest that his actions were motivated by racism.
It is hard to understand the misplaced priorities that drive such statements, and hard to ignore the damage they can do in such a sensitive situation. Yes, racism does still exist, and it does still affect governmental policy and action, from health care to education to transportation. But crying racism as a political tactic, with no evidence that it is playing a role, cheapens the problem. It also ends up encouraging the very attitude that it supposedly condemns.
One important manifestation of racism is apathy — the malign neglect of struggling minority communities by a majority that cannot be bothered to care. If racism was the governor’s motivation, the easy thing to have done was absolutely nothing. Deal and the state Board of Education could have washed their hands of the problem and allowed events to take their course. And we all know what that course would have been:
Hamstrung by its board, the district would be stripped of its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which had already put it on probation. Loss of accreditation would in turn have devalued property throughout the county, and more importantly it would devalue the diplomas of DeKalb graduates.
The crisis would snowball from there. With accreditation lost, the competition and distrust between communities within the district would explode. Political clamor would grow for private alternatives to the public-school model. Armed with a major crisis in the state’s third-largest school system, a conservative Republican such as Deal could have used the opportunity to open the doors further to vouchers and private charter schools.
Instead, he chose to intervene and accept a degree of ownership in the problem. For that, he is rewarded by so-called community leaders with suggestions of racism?
It’s important to note that other black elected leaders, including House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, a Democrat and a DeKalb resident, have stood in public support of Deal’s decision. Like the governor, they have nothing to gain politically by such a step, and in fact take a risk by reaching across partisan and racial lines on such a potentially emotional issue. But they too recognize that the education of schoolchildren must take precedence.
The NAACP leaders, on the other hand, show little sign of being motivated by such concerns. Their interest was much more narrow: trying to save the positions of the six board members, five of them black, who had been suspended by the governor. Despite the noble history of their organization, they have acted as if the “P” in NAACP stood for “politicians.”
It stands for “people”.
— Jay Bookman
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664 comments Add your comment
Stevie Ray
March 5th, 2013
10:02 am
Peach02
March 5th, 2013
9:59 am
Will that cost South Dekalb funding?
Brosephus™
March 5th, 2013
10:03 am
dB @ 9:40
Looking at Dekalb’s last election, their BOE elections take place on the primary ballot. That, in itself, will lead to lower turnout as primaries never have the turnout as the general election in November.
I looked at the vote totals, and while it’s not exact due to the geographic nature of the districts, here’s what I saw.
BOE total votes:
District 2: 12,969
District 4: 15,184
District 6: 12,973
District 8: 46,792
Total votes: 87,918
In that same election, there were 126,221 votes for and against T-SPLOST. The lobbyist question, carried on both ballots, received a total of 115,634 votes. It appears, on the surface, that many share the same sentiments as those expressed by The Thin Guy. I’m not picking on him personally, but when you have apathetic voters, you put yourself into situations like this.
Rev. Quantavian Hiawatha Jackson
March 5th, 2013
10:04 am
Mr. Bookman,
I typically agree with your thoughtful insight and perspective.
But not today !
An Afro-centric solution should have been applied to the situation in DeKalb County, an enclave of African-American thought, sensibility and conscience.
Interference by the Republican governor is solely political and will cause harm to the African-American children of DeKalb County.
African-Americans are the root cause of this mess, It should be left to African-Americans to find a suitable solution to the problem.
USC-69
March 5th, 2013
10:06 am
I have not heard anyone argue that DeKalb County has a great public education system or that the elected board members are highly competent, hardworking, dedicated public servants. However, when governors (here in Georgia, Michigan’s Governor in Detroit) start usurping the authority of the people to elect who they want to public office, then where does it stop? I suppose President Obama might consider Governor Deal incompetent and unable to fulfill the requirements of his office. Does he have the authority to remove him? With an increasingly authoritarian philosophy, one ends up with the result – Dictatorship.
Stevie Ray
March 5th, 2013
10:06 am
Rev. Quantavian Hiawatha Jackson
March 5th, 2013
10:04 am
What does one say when there is nothing to say?
definition of race
March 5th, 2013
10:06 am
” Vote For Obama Because He’s Black ”
March 5th, 2013
9:55 am
What color was Sonny Perdue and Nathan Deal? Which state do they represent? Would you say that this state has gone down because of two “White” governors?
Peadawg
March 5th, 2013
10:06 am
Good news!!!
http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2013/03/05/dow-zips-past-record-highs/
j
March 5th, 2013
10:07 am
All of these comments about race are going viral. Is prejudice raising its ugly head. Always perk up a slow news day with a little racial wrong doing. Oberlin College, Oh. has had a smattering of racial bias according to the morning news. Someone on campus was walking around with a KKK robe on.
And the water fountain had a sign, whites only.
Oberlin Officials are on the issue and procalim to the universe that they are getting to the bottom of these dastardly deeds. Why all the fallderall after the emancipation praclomation 150 years ago?
Brosephus™
March 5th, 2013
10:08 am
kayaker @ 9:46
“You can put a racial tag on most anything you please, and, unfortunately, many do. My
‘myopic”“bigoted” look at this whole situation boils down to this……”Thought I’d help you really get to the bottom of things. It helps the soul when you’re truly honest.
In the middle
March 5th, 2013
10:08 am
Rev. Quantavian Hiawatha Jackson – Are you a bigot. Is it possible to take care of the kids without it being a (insert race, color, creed)centric solution. Are there not “white” citizens in the county as well, or have you discounted them because of their color.
Erwin's cat
March 5th, 2013
10:10 am
Nice research Bro
stands for decibels
March 5th, 2013
10:10 am
It appears, on the surface, that many share the same sentiments as those expressed by The Thin Guy. I’m not picking on him personally
Nor I. I think he’s like a lot of people throughout the sociopolitical spectrum–just not well connected to school board politics, even though they control a budget that eats (oftimes) the lion’s share of an individual’s taxes.
I think the (deliberately?) obscure manner in which these elections are held–why AREN’T they always part of the general or mid-term election ballot, anyway?–certainly plays a role, as you suggest. But it doesn’t account for everything.
Maybe at the root, it’s just human nature to bitch and moan about resulting problems, rather than taking steps to actually learn about root causes and rectify them, within the existing political structure. Call that a hunch.
Doggone/GA
March 5th, 2013
10:11 am
“If these people were so incompetent and have exhibited that so-called incompetence, why have they not been charged criminally?”
so now it’s illegal to be incompetent? if that were true, we’d ALL be in jail
barking frog
March 5th, 2013
10:11 am
Maybe Deal will appoint Sons of Confederate Veterans to
the board.
powerinschoolchoice
March 5th, 2013
10:11 am
Charter schools are public schools Jay.
What is a “private charter school?”
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
March 5th, 2013
10:11 am
“It is not racism to try to help DeKalb students”
When are we going to get this “racism” thing correct ?
It’s not “racism” unless someone honestly believes some of the board members are genetically inferior as a race.
Peach02
March 5th, 2013
10:12 am
@ Stevie Ray….I’m sure it will but you have all the questions today what do you think?
Jay
March 5th, 2013
10:12 am
“The dem party uses the racism tact at every turn which has completly turned off the white voter. Sooner or later it will happen on the national level with Hispanics joining whites in voting Republican.”
RIght. That explains why there is exactly ONE black Republican in either the Georgia House and Senate, why Hispanic are becoming MORE Democratic, not less, and why almost three out of four Asian-Americans voted Democratic. It’s certainly not the REPUBLICANS’ fault, right? It certainly couldn’t be that the GOP has defined itself, by choice, as the white party, and that other people have reacted to that self-definition by staying away.
Wake up. Or don’t.
Joey M
March 5th, 2013
10:13 am
The major issue brought to light here should be why it’s so difficult to replace people that fail in their job. This panel of 14 people so obviously specialized at cashing a paycheck and not making improvements on a broken education system. Lazy teachers + lazy administrators = dumb children.
Jay
March 5th, 2013
10:13 am
“What is a “private charter school?”
A charter school run by a private, for-profit company.
ATL
March 5th, 2013
10:13 am
Atlanta govt—very “racial” on both sides—it’s almost out of control—any problems that come up in govt–someone screams racism and nothing gets done.
skipper
March 5th, 2013
10:15 am
@’VOTE”
I live not far from Macon, and unfortunately you are right. Macon is the shining example of how a school system can truly be a cluster. First Presbyterian, Tatnall Square, Stratford, and Mt. Desales (all private) are all doing well, and Windsor and others are growing. Many of these parents work extra jobs….they are no all the so-called “elite”. More and more black students are attending these schools, by the way, and there are a growing number of black teachers and coaches. The race factor in Macon is glowing, and the school system is hurting. There is no easy answer, but the school system in Macon/Bibb is a real mess. If anyone asks questions, yeah, the race card comes up. But, when you have a large minority (black) population and then do not vote in competant people, what problem are you solving. Folks are running away from these schools by the drove. You cannot blame folks for not wanting to send their kids to these places.
Joel
March 5th, 2013
10:15 am
I agree with Jay on this issue. The sad problem is it seems too often when a black elected official is criticized, the ugly head of “racism” is raised which usually ends any positive discussion on how to correct the situation.
Jackie
March 5th, 2013
10:16 am
@Doggone
You have answered the question in a manner that those who criticize the schools try to make everything a “one size fits all.”
JKL2
March 5th, 2013
10:16 am
-NAACP stood on the steps of the Capitol to condemn the governor for daring to intervene on behalf of DeKalb’s students, and went on to suggest that his actions were motivated by racism.
It works for obama and the Democrat party. Might as well give it a shot. It’s not their fault they have stupid kids in their school…
Bob
March 5th, 2013
10:17 am
Rev. Quantavian Hiawatha Jackson
Mr. Bookman,
“I typically agree with your thoughtful insight and perspective. But not today ! An Afro-centric solution should have been applied to the situation in DeKalb County, an enclave of African-American thought, sensibility and conscience. Interference by the Republican governor is solely political and will cause harm to the African-American children of DeKalb County. African-Americans are the root cause of this mess, It should be left to African-Americans to find a suitable solution to the problem.”
Is this sarcasm ? If not, why should the problem be left to solve by the people who created it ? While the African Americans try to solve the problems they made, your words, the children, African Americans and American Americans will be the ones that suffer.
Jackie
March 5th, 2013
10:19 am
@JKL2
Wonder if the same can be said about the so-called conservatives and their children in public-private schools?
" Vote For Obama Because He's Black "
March 5th, 2013
10:20 am
There are plenty of affluent,educated people of color,whether they come from Nigeria,Ethiopia,Kenya,Ghana,or 2 generations off the southern slave plantation that are raising their children in Cherokee,Gwinett,Fayette,and other metro counties that have qualified leadership.
They are too smart to buy real estate in South Dekalb,Atlanta,Clayton.
Doesn’t matter what color,they have bigger brains than the other slackers who have the same pigment,hair texture.
Funny
March 5th, 2013
10:21 am
I lose all respect for the NAACP when they did not back the children in Clayton County now they sank even lower in my eyes when they were on TV last week backing the DeKalb board. I don’t care what color you are if you did not do the job you were elected to you should go. Why does the NAACP not care about the thousands of black children who are not recieving the education they deserve?? Dr. King and the others that started the NAACP are probally turning over in their graves to see what the NAACP has become.
Erwin's cat
March 5th, 2013
10:22 am
more sock puppets today than votes for the Dekalb BOE
Brosephus™
March 5th, 2013
10:22 am
EC
I’m really interested in elections and such. There is so much power to shape the future in those single events and people fail to realize the implications of their actions/inactions. I guess that’s the one good thing I inherited from my male DNA donor.
————–
dB
I think those elections are placed on primary ballots by design. That’s the same trick as putting referendums on those ballots as well. It would probably make for a longer general election, but something needs to be done to increase voter participation in those elections.
Or, maybe it’s just as you said. People are just looking for something to bitch about instead of trying to rememdy the issue. We see that here a lot.
stands for decibels
March 5th, 2013
10:22 am
It’s not “racism” unless someone honestly believes some of the board members are genetically inferior as a race.
I know we could argue this back and forth, but to me “racism” only exists when that belief is combined with a leveraged effort to disenfranchise someone, based primarily on such stupid beliefs.
Yes, I imagine blacks are occasionally capable of doing this institutionally to white folks here in the USA but such opportunities are pretty dang rare. It’s not like we’re talking about white farmers having their land appropriated from them simply because the black majority can, or suchlike.
Drudge
March 5th, 2013
10:23 am
Well said Jay; very well said. Sometimes you wonder who these positions are for – the politicians or the students. We all have to remember that these are our employees who we have entrusted with a job. They are our civil servants, not a ruling class. You don’t do the job adequately, you’re done and we’ll find someone who can. We all have to try our best to yank race from the equation, hard though it may be.
Jackie
March 5th, 2013
10:23 am
How does GA compare to the rest of the nation?
http://www.msubillings.edu/caer/quality_rankings_of_education_in.htm
Brosephus™
March 5th, 2013
10:24 am
more sock puppets today than votes for the Dekalb BOE
They all seem to be mostly “white” socks too.
Stevie Ray
March 5th, 2013
10:25 am
Wow, I must now admit, I am now a believer in climate change..
http://www.politico.com/politico44/2013/03/obama-job-approval-tumbles-158422.html?hp=r1
Rev. Quantavian Hiawatha Jackson
March 5th, 2013
10:26 am
African-American representation and leadership is critical to the DeKalb school board. These African-American children need an Afro-centric perspective in regard to their education, as the condescending Euro-centric oriented curriculum has obviously failed them in their time of need.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
March 5th, 2013
10:28 am
decibles:
I hear you. This would be correct.
It’s not BIGOTRY to try to help Dekalb students.
If people would just use the right words it would help a lot.
Rev. Quantavian Hiawatha Jackson
March 5th, 2013
10:28 am
“Dr. King and the others that started the NAACP are probally turning over in their graves to” – Funny
Funny, Dr. King did not start the NAACP. He started SCLC.
You obviously attended a Euro-dominated school of instruction.
skipper
March 5th, 2013
10:29 am
@ Funny,
Because that might actually make sense, which is not what that organization is about any more.
It is culture…..period! Anybody who went to college with black African (I mean from Africa) students realizes that the problem can’t be intelligence, or lack of. Good Lord, I had classes with several who had to learn english and then attend UGA, and they were kick-aZZ! I do realize that with past discrimination, there is no easy solution. That being said, STILL, most are not going to send their kids to these places if they can avoid it. So, a solution will have to come from leaders and parents, and neither seems up to the challenge right now.
Doggone/GA
March 5th, 2013
10:29 am
“It’s not BIGOTRY to try to help Dekalb students”
It’s not racism either
Stevie Ray
March 5th, 2013
10:29 am
Peach02
March 5th, 2013
10:12 am
I really don’t know. I do know that that keeping tax dollars local was a key consideration of the latest rash of municipal incorporations…I live in Johns Creek and I’m still not sure if this was a good development. But the idea of sending money 50 miles away as a result of Fulton bailing out Milton county years ago is more and more difficult to swallow…of course the southside gets screwed.
I guess we are suffering from poor prior decisions that now have come to roost..
Normal, Plain and Simple
March 5th, 2013
10:30 am
Damn that Obama!
http://www.cnbc.com/id/100507978?__source=xfinity|mod&par=xfinity
Stevie Ray
March 5th, 2013
10:32 am
Peadawg
March 5th, 2013
10:06 am
Great news! How exactly is it that the presidents favorability ratings seem to be tanking?
IMO the market is being driven by self produced steriods and we will see a grand adjustment within the second term
Stevie Ray
March 5th, 2013
10:34 am
Normal, Plain and Simple
March 5th, 2013
10:30 am
Hmmm…remember what happened last time the Dow set records? Another big adjustment in the making…
Community Organizer (with-no-desire-to-govern, little-care-for-high-unemployment, no-talent-for-leadership,-zero-desire-to-compromise-and-a-lust-for-making-my-enemies-pay) Obama
March 5th, 2013
10:36 am
To everyone who has gone “RACIST!” a la our dear departed “RACIST!” parrot, Cynthia Tucker:
NAACP stood on the steps of the Capitol to condemn the governor for daring to intervene on behalf of DeKalb’s students, and went on to suggest that his actions were motivated by racism.
It is hard to understand the misplaced priorities that drive such statements, and hard to ignore the damage they can do in such a sensitive situation. Yes, racism does still exist, and it does still affect governmental policy and action, from health care to education to transportation. But crying racism as a political tactic, with no evidence that it is playing a role, cheapens the problem. It also ends up encouraging the very attitude that it supposedly condemns.
One important manifestation of racism is apathy — the malign neglect of struggling minority communities by a majority that cannot be bothered to care. If racism was the governor’s motivation, the easy thing to have done was absolutely nothing.
This may at first seem confusing simply because detection of apathy is especially difficult when you are a democrat or liberal very guilty of it–yes, President Obama / Rahm Immanuel, we mean you, especially regarding the murder-fest that is Chicago.
When there is “no evidence” of racism playing a role, either Jay (who fairness demands I say isn’t really near the race-baiter that Tucker was, nor that many of you are) knows that the race card can be worn out until it is useless as a tactical tool of liberals. I’m forced to admit that what he may be saying is, “cool it folks”; let’s pull it out when we really need it; like calling Obama’s political opponents racial whack-jobs just for spite.
As a resident of Clayton County I am wondering why Governor Deal did not remove Victor Hill, given that he is interested in intervening in DeKalb. Maybe the two issues are unrelated, and maybe the Gov has his hand on the executive order just in case Hill begins acting like the abject idiot he is. Whatever, the case, based on Bookman’s logic alone, it seems that there is an argument to be made that racial concerns may be an issue for the Gov where I live, maybe more so than DeKalb. Unlike DeKalb which is quite black, Clayton has an even greater population of black people. The question is, would Deal have anything to gain by axing Hill in a County he lost by 60 points, just because he is a Republican?
Maybe not. If that is true, then VOILA!, we have racism, you race-master-baiters! But simply because Deal did not act (and consequently have the NAACP on his back for booting Hill), he had more credibility and clout to act for kicking out the DeKalb School Board.
Deep, isn’t it?
willie lynch
March 5th, 2013
10:37 am
The measurement of the merits of the decision of the court and the governor should be the condition of the Dekalb county schools. It shouldn’t be based on anonymous sources as has been the reported regarding the upcoming SACS decision. If these people have not performed and the outcomes based on a comparison of other school districts in the state are demonstrably worse then they should be removed
In my opinion with the moves to establish all of the new cities throughout
Fulton and Dekalb counties this is a further grab at power by those who don’t want to be governed by others. Call it what you will.
I don’t live in Dekalb and I can’t say that what I’ve seen of Dr. Walker has won me to his side but I would like to see the results of a county by county performance comparison before I turned over my right remove my elected officials.
Let’s keep the racism out of this for now and keep it where it belongs in the state capital and this move their pulling with Marta.
Brosephus™
March 5th, 2013
10:37 am
Normal @ 10:30
Did you see his meeting this morning after he got that news?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTEtbuR0VZ8
Stevie Ray
March 5th, 2013
10:38 am
Jay
March 5th, 2013
9:06 am
All problems and no solutions ergo shake that damn thing up..
Why did this turn into a debate on the definition and application of racism?
stands for decibels
March 5th, 2013
10:39 am
“It’s not BIGOTRY to try to help Dekalb students”
It’s not racism either
Yep. Both statements are true.
(now, the manner in which some might endeavor to pretend to help such students, out of greed or some other deadly sin, could be said to be bigoted and/or racist; but that is a case where the burden of proof is on the accuser, methinks.)
" Vote For Obama Because He's Black "
March 5th, 2013
10:40 am
@ Skippper. You are right. My neighbor here in Kennesaw is from Kenya,she very dark (almost purple).
She is married to a white guy,came here 20 years ago with nothing,go an education,is a nurse practitioner.
You should here her talk about American born blacks. OMG she is so spot on !
She hates the wining . She uses the example of the Mexicans that have flocked here in the last decade.
She says they have been cleaning toilets,mowing lawns,and they already are buying hotels back home in Mexico !
She says the folks running Atlanta,Clayton,Dekalb are only qualified to run a football .
Lol !!!
stands for decibels
March 5th, 2013
10:40 am
Why did this turn into a debate on the definition and application of racism?
probably because there isn’t much debate on the validity of what Jay’s posted.
barking frog
March 5th, 2013
10:41 am
Will this create more apathy on the part of voters ? Why
elect them if the Governor will remove them ?
Bob
March 5th, 2013
10:41 am
Rev. Quantavian Hiawatha Jackson
“Dr. King and the others that started the NAACP are probally turning over in their graves to” – Funny
Funny, Dr. King did not start the NAACP. He started SCLC. You obviously attended a Euro-dominated school of instruction”
I don’t know if you are a bigot or clueless but you finally got one right, King did not start the NAACP, two white republicans did, they obviously attended a Euro-dominated school system.
Community Organizer (with-no-desire-to-govern, little-care-for-high-unemployment, no-talent-for-leadership,-zero-desire-to-compromise-and-a-lust-for-making-my-enemies-pay) Obama
March 5th, 2013
10:42 am
0311,
Bigotry / Racism….
Don’t get me started.
Unfortunately, the spoils system in this country doesn’t include government cheese awards for correct grammar, so that Vageena or Limonjello known what to yell when they hear the echoes of the whips of the slavemasters in their I-Pod listening ears.
Words may soon mean very little for all we know–just as facts do now, but it seems to me a voluntary Newspeak. George Orwell would be surprised, I’m sure.
Doggone/GA
March 5th, 2013
10:42 am
“probably because there isn’t much debate on the validity of what Jay’s posted.”
And because so many people use “racism” when what they mean is “bigotry”
Spike Lee
March 5th, 2013
10:42 am
Rev. Q,
You are absolutely correct !
DeKalb is a chocolate county. Too much vanilla will make it impure.
Brosephus™
March 5th, 2013
10:44 am
Geez… This place has become the Center for Puppetry Arts. Just damn!!!
Erwin's cat
March 5th, 2013
10:44 am
And because so many people use “racism” when what they mean is “bigotry”
I don’t understand either as I have found plenty of reasons to dislike someone on individual merits
willie lynch
March 5th, 2013
10:46 am
I found it funny this weekend watching Raul Labrador (R) Idaho, whine about the president going around the country and setting the tone for the sequester failure to fall at the feet of the Republicans, thereby setting the stage for pain at the polls in 2014. He claimed how unfair it was for the president to play this game when he should have been helping to move the country forward.
This from the same group who staked their future on the goal of making Obama a “one term President.”
Fascinating!
Doggone/GA
March 5th, 2013
10:46 am
“I have found plenty of reasons to dislike someone on individual merits ”
wouldn’t that be “demerits”?
barking frog
March 5th, 2013
10:47 am
Erwin’s cat
I don’t understand either as I have found plenty of reasons to dislike someone on individual merits
………………………………………………………………………………………
it’s an efficiency thing, you can dislike so many more
people at once with bigotry and racism..
Ronald Reagan Parkway
March 5th, 2013
10:47 am
” Vote For Obama Because He’s Black ”
March 5th, 2013
10:40 am
Your neighbor can thank the Blacks that were hung, marched and had no rights. They are the reason that she was able to come to America and live as a “free” African American. She was able to ride their backs all the way across the Atlantic!
Community Organizer (with-no-desire-to-govern, little-care-for-high-unemployment, no-talent-for-leadership,-zero-desire-to-compromise-and-a-lust-for-making-my-enemies-pay) Obama
March 5th, 2013
10:47 am
stands 1039,
Unfortunately, the DeKalb School board had or has some of its own greed in mind apparently, which may be one of the sins driving their irresponsible and unethical behavior.
I agree that there isn’t much debate about what Jay is saying, but the failure of the board, which thankfully, has little to do with the day-to-day education of the children is just the last hole holding back a torrent of failure indicative of the loss of faith in public education in this country. If not for SACS (a private / semi-private enterprise), who would have found fault with DeKalb? Surely not the government.
Stevie Ray
March 5th, 2013
10:48 am
stands for decibels
March 5th, 2013
10:40 am
I always wanted to sound cool and say this..
WORD!
Redneck Convert (R--and proud of it)
March 5th, 2013
10:48 am
Well, I just learnt that DeKalb County School Board members get $18,000 per year in salary for a part-time job. They get another 4-5,000 bucks for travel and they can travel more than that if they first pay for it and then file to get paid back.
That kind of money just paves the way for ne’er-do-wells looking for a little more household income and some travel perks. For their meetings they’re drawing about $1,000 per hour. Too many of them are in it for theirselfs and not for the neighborhood or the kids. Heck, we don’t even pay our state legislaters that kind of money.
Take the money out of it. Give school board members about 200 bucks a month for their service. Then we’ll see who’s serving for the good of the citizens and the kids. None of these people are Norman Einsteens. They got staff to do all the grunt work for them and all they got to do is say yes or no when they show up every couple weeks.
That’s my opinion and it’s very true.
The truth hurts sometimes
March 5th, 2013
10:49 am
Jay is right (it finally happenned). This was not about racisim. It was about a group of people with their own agenda that were incapable of working together for the benefit of the students. Issues like this (and all of them for that matter) should be color blind. Not everything is about race. Do a bad job and you should get fired, regardless of the color of your skin.
I’m sure I’ll get flamed, but on a related topic, the NAACP has outlived its usefulness. Organizations like that are outdated and ultimately thrive on and increase racism (not decrease). “Promoting” one race over another is a form of racism – plain and simple. Doesn’t matter if it is black or white. A good test of that concept is if someone formed the NAAWP. Would that be viewed as racist? Of course it would. Was Orwell right? Are some more equal than others? Let’s finally get rid of those outdated ideas and organizations and work for the benefit of the kids.
Doggone/GA
March 5th, 2013
10:51 am
” “Promoting” one race over another is a form of racism – plain and simple”
No, it isn’t. Racism would be holding down “the other race” There’s no difference in promoting racial pride than there is in promoting academic pride, or sports pride, or any other form of “rah rah” promotion.
clem
March 5th, 2013
10:52 am
here’s part of the problem, why socio economically deprived will never make it:
http://mashable.com/2013/03/02/wealth-inequality/
Joe Hussein Mama
March 5th, 2013
10:52 am
Brosephus — “Geez… This place has become the Center for Puppetry Arts. Just damn!!!”
I LOLed.
palepadre
March 5th, 2013
10:54 am
Back in the 60s I read articles and watched programs and tried to talk about racism. Many black people told me,”It’s a black thing,you wouldn’t understand.” I felt they were telling me,”It’s up to us to solve it” Maybe that is why its still there?
Some people feel intimidated talking about it. And some feel intimidated for not talking about it.
Being called a racist,just stops a open dialogue on solving racism.
DownInAlbany
March 5th, 2013
10:54 am
African Americans need to understand, that for the most part, the NAACP does not always work in the best interest of their communities. It’s all about maintaining power, much like present-day politicians. Also, J Jackson and A Sharpton seldom, if ever, work for what is right, but, more for what will make the biggest splash in the headlines. They have made their fortunes on the back of those they claim to protect.
Brosephus™
March 5th, 2013
10:55 am
“Promoting” one race over another is a form of racism – plain and simple. Doesn’t matter if it is black or white. A good test of that concept is if someone formed the NAAWP. Would that be viewed as racist? Of course it would.
The first thing you need to consider is whether there is a market or demand for an organization, such as the NAAWP. Only if/when there is a demand for the services they provide will such an organization be needed.
The easiest way to rid America of the NAACP or other such organizations is to quit providing them opportunites to provide a service that people are lacking elsewhere. It all boils down to supply vs demand.
Dr.EB
March 5th, 2013
10:56 am
I, a deeply rooted Georgian, have been out of the state for a number of years and returned recently. In going to college through graduate school, I went to school with students from DeKalb County, and they did well in school. I also have had relatives and friends who finished from the DCS System and have two words. What happened? OK, the school system was not perfect, but I did not consider it bad either. Now, I only read bad news.
I do not feel that having Black members of the board is the problem. Across the state most of the elected and appointed officials are White, and I do not think that any reasonable thinking person will feel that education in this state is all right. I think that most will feel that it has severe problems.
I do not know enough to have a good opinion on whether they should be removed. I am still trying to read more about the story but will say this. I do not trust Nathan Deal, one of the 33 southern republicans to vote against the extension of the Voting Rights Act, at all. (I know someone who marched across the bridge on Bloody Sunday.) I am not too fond of the General Assembly either. Or let me say that I very little trust in him. This is not the only reason.
TBS
March 5th, 2013
10:57 am
Bro
The sock man is working his magic again today.
The problem is that unlike his claims that each sock brings a different element, it is all the same shtick..
But he still doesn’t realize how obvious they are.. An ole skool tube (tool) sock with the same two colored lines at the top is just an ole skool tube (tool) sock with two lines at the top..
Oh, and good morning TC. You can come out of the sock and other “closets”
DownInAlbany
March 5th, 2013
10:57 am
willie lynch
March 5th, 2013
10:46 am
Did Raul Labrador state that he was going to make O a one-termer? Or are you just painting with a very broad brush?
Ronald Reagan Parkway
March 5th, 2013
10:58 am
African Americans need to understand, that for the most part, the NAACP does not always work in the best interest of their communities.
______
I am “positive” that they do no represent all “African Americans”. What race are you? If you are White, can you say that Newt Gingrich speaks for ALL White people?
barking frog
March 5th, 2013
10:59 am
So many light people, so informed about the needs of dark
people and so able to fill those needs. Awesome.
Mike
March 5th, 2013
10:59 am
As someone who works in a setting similar to this one, I have seen many times, new board members voted in who get the “I’m important now” deal going on. It usually takes several months of meetings before most of them get over that syndrome and start listening. At first, they just want to talk and blather on. I’ve seen it over and over again.
You can save your community a lot of trouble by voting in people to whom this “status” is not important. People who have tasted success in their lives, and to whom this is no big deal, usually make really good board members. Deal will appoint these types, I’m certain.
one and only
March 5th, 2013
10:59 am
looks like you opened up a good one to-day. how is th elbow? keep it up get there minds opened up
DannyX
March 5th, 2013
10:59 am
“Your neighbor can thank the Blacks that were hung, marched and had no rights.”
Exactly, RRP. That neighbor would not have been able to purchase a house in DeKalb county until 1964. Almost every single deed in DeKalb had a restriction that allowed the deed to be transferred to Caucasians only.
GT
March 5th, 2013
10:59 am
The right thinks they are fooling people, the racist thought has never hit their heads. Well the redneck thought keeps hitting mine, which I guess is wrong too. The right is a think tank I keep forgetting and this education thing in this state has such a long fine history.
willie lynch
March 5th, 2013
10:59 am
Really??? People have the nerve to talk about the 18k per year that the Dekalb School Board members are paid when Governor Deal gave 18k times nine to his cronies in a couple of hours right after taking office. Priorities people.
TBone
March 5th, 2013
10:59 am
I don’t really know how this is spun into a racism issue when the over lords of public schooling do this very same thing (maybe to a lesser degree than Dekalb) to all students. Program after program is dredged up and rolled out “for the students”. Rubbish!! Follow the money and you’ll find who the beneficiaries are. Get rid of the federal DOE and greatly reduce the state DOE function if you want to see improvement.
southpaw
March 5th, 2013
11:00 am
Did the incumbent Board members’ argument amount to anything more than “But…but…but…use of this law will overturn election results!” ? If not, the only thing left to consider as whether the law violates either the U.S. or Georgia Constitution. Votes have resulted in plenty of laws later found to be unconstitutional; there’s nothing sacred about a vote outcome.
Don’t like the law? Either talk to your senator and/or representative about its possible repeal, or live with it (supposing it passes Constitutional muster).
Great column, Jay.
stands for decibels
March 5th, 2013
11:00 am
Your neighbor can thank the Blacks that were hung, marched and had no rights. They are the reason that she was able to come to America and live as a “free” African American. She was able to ride their backs all the way across the Atlantic!
I have known several Junior Klansmen who relish telling stories about this ACTUAL AFRICAN IMMIGRANT in their circle of gated acquaintances who actually–hold on to your seats–has some ethnic prejudice of his/her own! and who doesn’t happen to think much of American-born blacks of African ancestry. Really!
It’s a depressingly familiar tale, actually, an “I can’t be bigoted since I know this colored person” inoculation and bigotry-by-projection all in one, and I’ve learned to scroll past lest I engage and get myself red-carded.
Not telling you how to live your life, but y’know, it’s rather short, and wankers gotta wank anyway, is all I’m sayin’.
getalife
March 5th, 2013
11:01 am
I do not have a dog in this fight but just wanted to mention the Dow hits a record high under President Obama.
Krystal'sBalls
March 5th, 2013
11:01 am
The issue with me is not about saving the jobs of the board members, race or anything else. Main big problem is with removing elected officials by ANY MEANS other than what got them into office – recall election.
Recall them! Otherwise, you have the slippery slope argument. Don’t b—h and moan when you create a precedent, which is exactly what people are doing now about the Federal government. They were okay with everything when THEIR boys were in power. But oh….when it’s the OTHER boys…”faux outrage”
DannyX
March 5th, 2013
11:02 am
“Deal will appoint these types, I’m certain.”
Yea, right. Because Deal’s record on appointments have been so wonderful.
willie lynch
March 5th, 2013
11:03 am
DownInAlbany
March 5th, 2013
10:57 am
If I remember correctly it was the Republican leadership that made this claim. Now Mr. Labrador was certainly able to distance himself from that stance and show himself to be of a different mind. I don’t recall seeing or hearing that happen.
Mike
March 5th, 2013
11:08 am
Yea Danny, you make a good point. I should have left that last sentence off….:)
GT
March 5th, 2013
11:09 am
The government lawyers should submit this blog to the Supreme Court as proof that the voting act has not out lived it usefulness nor has psychiatry.
JF McNamara
March 5th, 2013
11:12 am
They did a bad job. They deserved to get fired.
Normal, Plain and Simple
March 5th, 2013
11:12 am
Bro’ @1037
driveby
March 5th, 2013
11:13 am
What’s really rich is that each and every one of the former DCBOE members who were removed SWORE UNDER OATH that they would step aside and not litigate the State Board’s decision for removal by the governor.
NAACP blows
March 5th, 2013
11:16 am
The once proud NAACP is now one of the most useless organizations in America. Have you ever seen them hold rallies or support a Asain, Hispanic, or even a black women who is the victim of black violent crime!?? I sure have not!
A perfect example of what im talking about is when the skinny teen was stomped to death by 3 or 4 unknown men in Douglasville a year ago, who did the NAACP come out and stand behind? The perps!! They showed no concern for the victim or his family.
Isnt the NAACP supposed to stand up for ALL minorities… not just black men!?? Ive never seen them stand up for women, mexicans, asains, indians, and ive sure as heck never seen them organize a rally for one!
Bernie Matt
March 5th, 2013
11:18 am
Jay Bookman is either a fool or a racist himself for trying to trick someone with this headline. This issue is not about someone trying to help Dekalb students and people like Jay Bookman know that. How dare you! In a state where education funding is being cut across the board, REALLY! In a metropolis where the focus of where to spend $300 million of taxes payers dollars is toward a playground for a billionaire, REALLY! This is and has been since SACS came to Morris Brown, Clayton County and APS about RACE. Off all the podunk south Ga. and north Ga. school systems under performing and producing hillbillies, you know perfectly well, this is not about lifting up mostly black and brown students. If it were about that, Deal and SACs would focus on improving their own way before they gave any thought to uplifting black and brown students. And i speak of what I know. i moved from Paulding county back to Fulton because of Pauldings schools. They are no better than Fulton.
Jamie
March 5th, 2013
11:19 am
Jay – you are a great journalist – I mean that.
Real life
March 5th, 2013
11:20 am
Very well said Jay. And hopefully people will read and understand your point.
TBS
March 5th, 2013
11:21 am
drive by
You have “driven by” this blog so many times you might get charged with stalking…
Different names, but same game is nothing but an attention whOre in drag