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May 25, 2012
Mark Clayton: Is Hillary's State Dept. hacking Al Qaeda? Not quite
Erika Bolstad: Temple cancels Wasserman Schultz speech
The Kosher Gourmet by Ethel G. Hofman: The former president of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, whose members included the likes of Julia Child, is back with contemporary Shavous cuisine: Ruby Fruit Soup, Sweet Noodle Kugel with Cheese, Key Lime Curd, Calsone Casserole Frittata with Wild Mushrooms, Sun-dried tomatoes and Olives, Baked Tilapia with Pepper Cheese Cream and Brown Sugar Shortbread
May 24, 2012
Jeff Jacoby: The peace process battered Israel's reputation
Michael Muskal: 'Pro-choice' position hits record low, according to poll
Chris Farrell: Are We in a Tech Bubble?
The Kosher Gourmet by Penelope Wall: PHILLY CHEESE STEAKS --- hold the steak!
May 23, 2012
Tony Pugh: More private colleges offering tuition discounts
Mary Beth Franklin: How to Choose the Right Annuity for You
Tina Susman: The wig wasn't enough: Man gets 13 years for posing as his dead mom
The Kosher Gourmet by Emma Christensen:A simple way to do fish right
May 22, 2012
Warren Richey: Can US group challenge overseas surveillance act? Supreme Court to decide
Thomas M. Anderson: Walking Away From a Mortgage
The Kosher Gourmet by Megan Gordon: Enjoy a celebration of the most rich and layered flavors: Black bean, sweet potato and quinoa chili
May 21, 2012
Mark Clayton: Cybersecurity: How US utilities passed up chance to protect their networks
Howard LaFranchi: NATO summit: Who will foot the bill for long-term Afghanistan security?
Chris Farrell : Earn Dividends in Emerging Markets with This WisdomTree ETF
Stephen Whiteside, Ph.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Social anxiety disorder --- or just shy?
Guy Jackson : Victim's father regrets death of Lockerbie bomber
The Kosher Gourmet by Mario Batali: Famed chef's veal shoulder farsumagru: A festive meat course for late spring
May 18, 2012
Rabbi Berel Wein: Striving: The People of the Book's Book for (All of) the People
Steven Goldberg: 5 Great Stock Picks and the Exchange-Traded Fund that Owns Them
Mary Pickett, M.D.: Ask the Harvard Experts: Don't be forced into gluten-free lifestyle based merely on a doctor's false-positive test
The Kosher Gourmet by Carolyn Malcoun: DIY healthy lunchbox treats: HOMEMADE FRUIT BARS for kids and brown-bagging adults alike
May 17, 2012
Warren Richey: Teacher fired for being unwed and pregnant can sue religious school, court rules
Josh Mitnick: Netanyahu's 'centrist' coalition is already proving it's anything but
Steven Goldberg: Earn Dividends in Emerging Markets with This WisdomTree ETF
Amina Khan: Research links coffee to lower death rates
The Kosher Gourmet by Faith Duran : Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole with Cheddar and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
May 16, 2012
Carmen Terzic, M.D., Ph.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: A variety of exercises can help improve balance
Melissa Healy: National strategy on Alzheimer's disease aims to halt it by 2025
The Kosher Gourmet by Joyce White : GOODNESS GRACIOUS: GREENS! 4 winning recipes that are no longer just for down-home folks (Includes expert tips & techniques)
May 15, 2012
Kristen Chick: Obama administration resumes arms sales to Bahrain despite serious unresolved human rights issues. Activists feel abandoned
Pat Mertz Esswein: Homes are now affordable again and mortgage rates are low. What you need to know before you buy
Kathy Kristof: Our Practical Investor Fights Inflation with These 6 Investments
Sue Hubbard, M.D.: The Kid's Doctor: Lactose intolerant young child? Check again
The Kosher Gourmet by Kathy Hunt: Spread a Little Excitement with EXOTIC CONDIMENTS (4 RECIPES)
May 14, 2012
Lisa Gerstner: How to Protect Your Identity, Finances If You Lose Your Phone
Harvard Health Letters: Heart disease and dementia
The Kosher Gourmet by Megan Gordon: MANGO COCONUT OAT MORNING MUFFINS are a bright but hearty delight
May 11, 2012
Jessica L. Anderson: Get the Best Deal on a Used Car
Jett Stone: Forget face-lifts and fake knees. Scientists have seen the fountain of youth --- and it's broccoli
The Kosher Gourmet by Chef Mario Batali: The famed chef's vegetable dish that tastes true to the season: FAVAS AND SUGAR SNAP PEAS WITH POTATOES AND TARRAGON
May 10, 2012
Sergei L. Loiko: Putin sends warning to U.S., NATO in Victory Day speech at Red Square
Mary Rourke: How being a 'mentch' got Vidal Sasoon his start and fighting in Israel's War of Independence provided him with confidence and a strong sense of his own identity
Jeff Bertolucci: Get Home Phone Service for Less Than $10 a Month
The Kosher Gourmet by Betty Rosbottom: Gleaming with its golden, crimson, and snowy white hues, this silken smooth and creamy STRAWBERRY ORANGE TRIFLE looks impressive, but is easy to prepare
May 9, 2012
Sharon Palmer, R.D. How you can reduce your risk -- or delay -- chronic diseases associated with aging
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Jewish World Review
April 28, 2010
/ / 14 Iyar 5770
Teachers union vs. black school-choice candidate
By
Nat Hentoff
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http://www.JewishWorldReview.com |
A May 18 Pennsylvania Democratic primary for governor could change the national debate on parental school choice. A singularly independent black candidate, state Sen. Anthony Williams, is focusing on giving parents the right to choose among charter schools, vouchers for private schools and those public schools that actually work for all children.
"Many inner city schools," he says, "remain separate and not equal for African-American and other disadvantaged children." He wants "the dollars to follow the child."
Williams is strongly opposed by the teachers union, the Pennsylvania State Education Association, as are nearly all school-choice candidates around the country, few of whom are black Democrats. Any of the pro-choice politicians would lose union financial support.
"Many African-American elected leaders," Williams said to me, "are not in step with people in their communities." In Harlem, for example, as I told him, large numbers of black parents are competing for places in charter schools there that markedly outperform the local public schools. In addition to the teachers' union, a fierce leading opponent of the charter schools there is prominent black New York State Sen. Bill Perkins. He may lose his seat.
What makes Anthony Williams even more singular is his unusually active and substantive record for the 8th Senatorial District, which spans small towns, suburban enclaves and communities in South, West and South-West Philadelphia. The Philadelphia AFL-CIO supports Williams re-election to the Senate but is silent on his gubernatorial candidacy. In that race, organized labor's primary allegiance is to the teachers' union rather than the students.
I have been covering politics for more than 60 years first in Massachusetts, then in New York and around the country on my basic beats, education and the health of the Constitution. I have rarely come across a legislator with such wide-ranging accomplishments in the Pennsylvania state Senate (since 1998) and in neighborhoods throughout the district. A characteristic message to his constituents:
"The senator and his staff have started a door-to-door community outreach initiative to connect with constituents throughout his district. Williams and staff are available to answer questions assist with state agency issues, and work with community members who want to get involved in their neighborhood."
Among his Senate roles: Democratic chairman of the State Government Committee, member of the state Senate's Education Committee, a member of the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts, and chair of the Black Elected Officials of Philadelphia Country as well as the Black Alliance of Educational Options (like school choice). For the May 18 primary elections, his supporters include influential Democratic Congressman Bob Brady and a leading conservative, former U.S. senator Rick Santorum, who points out:
"He not only votes with Republicans on occasion; he also works hard to cultivate good bipartisan relationships." (Another rare achievement in national local, state and federal legislatures).
Since Philadelphia, like many cities, is plagued by violent gangs and corollary deaths, Williams works to get guns off the streets and is also involved in Neighborhoods United Against Drugs.
Among his efforts to increase public participation in government that purportedly serves his constituents, he started the school-year internship program for high school and college students. As described by his staff: "three types of internships allow young people attending schools in the region the opportunity to discover the inner workings of state government and build their resumes in the process. Legislative, communications and operations internships allow students to specialize in a field and pick up new skills as they witness government in action."
These years, I rarely vote enthusiastically for anybody, but as I keep learning about this ceaseless proponent of real-life, real-time democracy (lower-case "d") in action, I wish I were a resident of Pennsylvania so I could vote eagerly for Anthony Williams in the primary elections. Here is more of what keeps him busy giving more proof to voters on how he could impact their lives as governor of Pennsylvania:
He helped vote into law the "Access to Justice Account" as legal aid funds increasingly diminish around the nation. This statute provides actual legal assistance to poor and otherwise disadvantaged residents of Pennsylvania. And in education, he worked to enact a law that provides scholarships for students interested in getting into fields of science and technology while also making it possible for home-school students to get access to extracurricular activities via school districts. (That's of particular interest to me because one of my daughters has home schooled her three children in Missouri.)
And dig this: The teachers' union is devoting intense energy and resources to prevent Anthony Williams from being elected governor of Pennsylvania the very same Williams who voted for a bill that became law to allow retired educators to come back into the classroom when there are teaching emergencies without jeopardizing their pensions!
Yet the teachers' union vehemently is against his becoming the state's governor lest mere parents have a choice on where their children go to school. But Anthony Williams will not be deterred, saying:
"With the growing and increasingly competitive global marketplace, improving education through innovation with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics will improve our economy" and certainly the futures of Pennsylvania students.
Even if he loses the primary, staying in the state legislature, I will keep reporting on Anthony Williams because he will surely continue to be heard from on saving students from dead-end schools. He is a founder of the Hardy Williams Academy Charter School in his state. Like another historic Pennsylvanian, Benjamin Franklin, this model citizen practices what he preaches.
Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes what many in the media and Washington consider "must-reading". Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.
Nat Hentoff is a nationally renowned authority on the First Amendment and the Bill of Rights and author of several books, including his current work, "The War on the Bill of Rights and the Gathering Resistance". Comment by clicking here.
Nat Hentoff Archives
© 2006, NEA
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