"New segregationists." Plantation/slavery imagery. "Choice means escape." Analogies to war with those who challenge effectiveness of public schools. Ongoing obsession, however incorrect, with Waiting for "Superman" imagery. Colorful, but inconsistent and contradictory language. Out-of-the-gate and repeated demonizing of motivations behind free public forum which attracted 413 pre-registrants. Control conspiracy theories regarding motivation of those of means who seek to educate all children, regardless of race, zip code or financial circumstances.
I left the beautiful and relevant campus of Philander Smith College the evening of October 25th not surprised by the arguments of those opposed to choice in public schools - reasonable minds may disagree - but stunned by the beginning-to-end incendiary and filibustering rhetoric of some of the panelists. It was as if they were playing to a small but fervent audience of applauders. Their truth, however, left this father, and most others with whom I visited, cold and incredulous at their defensive, anachronistic take on the current state of Little Rock's public schools.
Sunshine is at once a wonderful and terrible thing. But, better to deal with those you know.
May our citizens and parents, not Superman, save our children and the Little Rock School District. Because without effective public education for all students, our community is doomed.
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