Over policing of schools and racial disparities

A recent report from the NYPD School Safety Division shows that police arrest an average of one student a day in city schools - nearly always a black or Hispanic boy. We know police are called to District 150 schools regularly, what would you say if Peoria's average is comparable to New York?

The New York Civil Liberties Union said the statistics are “troubling” and confirm its suspicions about “over-policing.” The numbers, released to comply with a new city law, only cover July 1 to Sept. 30 — two-thirds of which was summer school.

Cops arrested 63 students -- about one a day in 50 days of classes -- and issued 182 summons to students -- three a day for offenses ranging from robbery to riding a bike on the sidewalk. Of the arrests, 68% of the students were black and 25% were Latino.

The civil liberties group noted that blacks make up about 29% of the school system’s 1.1 million students and an estimated 37% of summer school students. “We see an enormous racial disparity,” Lieberman said.

She complained that the Police Department did not release data from April to June, as required. The report only covered officers who are part of the School Safety Division — not precinct cops who are often called into the schools.

Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott said he will be looking at the data “to examine disparities in race and ethnicity” — but he noted crime in schools is down 49% in the last decade.

The NYPD credited an increased police presence in city schools for the reduction, but did not address the lopsided arrest rate.Source

Mr. City Manager, it's time to pull in the Housing Authority...

the School District, all social service agencies, Health Department and the Peoria Police and hold them accountable for work together to find some answers to the nonsense that is happening in our streets!

I don't presume to begin to understand what it takes to manage a city, however, the recent murder of Monterrious Dillard, which was followed up by the retaliatory shooting at Taft Homes appears to be just one more glaring example of entire families spiraling out of control here in Peoria. Another glaring example, was the murder of the Billups child who was shot in his head, during a drive by, while he was sleeping. Much of the crime that we are seeing in the streets and in the school is not only gang related - it is familial.

We may be witnessing instances of not just the children being violent, but so is the mother, the father and the extended family. Local pastors are starting to be concerned about having funeral services in their church, because the probability of violence during the services.

The streets of inner city Peoria continue to be in chaos, yet all our city leaders can focus on is the facade. It appears that some people in this town hate black boys so much, that if they ever got a chance to put their hands on them, they could beat the life out of them. While families mourn their dead children, some are rejoicing as black boys are gunned down in the streets, as evidenced by this quote from a local blog:

"These stories always put a smile on my face. That's one more piece of **** now off the street. Bring on the families airbrushed RIP t-shirts paid for the link card's cash assistance -- funded by paycheck. Have you ever noticed while driving around Peoria and you see Cornelius or Demetrius or Tai-Shawwn or Little Ray-Ray walking down the road and he's turning his head with his eyes glued on you as you approach and drive past him? These ghetto ****s are so paranoid that they give "watch your back" it's literal meaning."

As the chaos in the streets continue, we can certainly expect the children who live in the inner city and matriculate in inner city schools to continue to show signs of being traumatized. We can expect that they will be acting out, as evidenced by the calls to the Peoria Police by District 150 Schools on Monday. During the time that I was listening, I heard five calls.

It's past time for an emergency meeting, Mr. City Manager, a meeting about the quality of life of the children who reside in this community. It's a quality of life that cannot be improved by a Peoria Promise, museums, a hotel, a new Zoo, or one experimental charter school.

Our inner city is in crisis, yet the only people who appear to be outraged enough to do anything about it are those that are filled with disdain for the very children who are caught in Peoria's vicious cycle of poverty.

As a home owner in the inner City of Peoria who is feeling over taxed; as a black mother with hard working children; as an African American mother who blogs about failing schools and the dying inner city, I see you Mr. City Manager...

I see you managing to find a way to turn garbage into streets, now let me see you clean up those very same crime riddled streets. I think we can agree, its going to take a lot more than a special toter from PDC.

Related: Peoria's Facade - shattered by continued crime and gun violence
East Bluff Taking Back Our Neighborhood! Meeting

Giving thanks for giving

What's really going on with District 150 teachers?

Comments left on the blog of late, indicate that teachers in District 150 are highly frustrated with the current state of the District. When we are witnessing teachers who absolutely love teaching losing their jobs and/or considering leaving the profession, it's a clear indicator that the situation must be pretty dire.

From what I am reading, it appears that teachers are moving towards forming their own type of District Watch. The education landscape is changing so drastically, that teachers and parents alike, need to be as vigilant as possible to insure that all voices are being heard, as we set standards for the future of our schools. It’s a good thing if teachers are actively working on having a real voice in the District's decision making process.

The post below is from a commenter called "teachingrocks".

teachingrocks said...

It is hard to be one of the teachers who was in the trenches last year and kicked to the curb this year.

I continue to repeating the truth that some of these schools are OUT OF CONTROL. By being upset at raising suspension numbers, things are NOT going to change. Students will continue to act out and now will get even less discipline because the numbers "are so bad".

These suspension numbers are easy to manipulate if you keep the student in an ACE room and don't put that in the system or send them home and don't report it to the atendance system, etc. I am worried because if the numbers are worse this year and people are upset about it, it seems like even LESS is going to be done at a time when the teachers must have MORE support in dealing with these MAJOR behavior issues.

A few students in each classroom are robbing all students of their education. Emerge was right when she was asking parents to speak up. That's a place to start. 150 has the alternative school so let's start using it. There are children who should NOT be in a traditional classroom. Even the word traditional in 150 isn't what it used to be.

The teachers are working so very hard to create an environment which meets the needs of all the students in the classroom. They are dealing with things in some of the schools which are not the norm across the district. The revolving door of people in the home, students who strive to grow up and go to jail, the abuse, the drugs, the shootings, etc. Believe me, teachers have adjusted through the years to respond to the change as best they can. This CHRONIC, OUT OF CONTROL behavior is not something teachers can control or adjust on their own. And yet, with the lack of support from the office and above, they are attempting to do just that because that is what they are told they HAVE to do.

If you are "lucky" enough to have tenure, you will keep your job--maybe not in the current school or grade level. If you are a teacher who is dedicated to hold all students to the same standards, won't let children run wild in your room, and demand (but don't receive) some sort of consequence (after you've implented four of five of your own and talked to the parent) from the office and have no tenure----enjoy the time off during this school year because your bags are packed and you are labled unable to control the classroom. It is heartbreaking...and what I am doing.

I have no chance to speak up and say my peace. I am already someone who is having a hard time trying to get back into the classroom. What are my chances of being hired again as a full-time teacher if I have the audacity to speak the truth of what is happening in the classrooms in front of the school board. Trust me, there are people who keep track of who is "causing trouble" by not just shutting up and keeping kids in their classroom no matter what. If they have any opportunity to get rid of you, they will.

Wed., November 16, 2011

teachingrocks said...

I am not making a statement that every teacher who isn't employed this year should be. There are legitimate reasons for getting rid of teachers and there are some teachers in their classrooms now who shouldn't be there. The union is in sad shape and it is so depressing the teachers have noone to turn to regarding the current situations at some schools.

I can continue to monitor and contribute to the blog. I gather information and try to let people know what is really happening.

I am not some anonymous nut who has no experience about what I am talking. I am a teacher. I am dedicated to giving children the best opportunity possible to make something of their lives--let them know they are important to me if noone else in their lives lets them know. I want to make this world a better place by empowering these kids with the knowledge someone is in their court and rooting for them. THIS is the goal of almost every teacher in these classrooms and their hands are being tied by a few families who can't (won't) control their children and by administrators who won't (can't) control their student body.

Wed., November 16, 2011

Peoria’s inner city is in chaos, is there any wonder the children are acting out?

Take a look at the local newspaper, the crime reports will tell the story of the community that we live in: Senior citizens being mugged, drive by shootings, children being shot dead while sleeping, daily large street fights, arsons, babies making babies, rampant STDs. Lest we forget - the run down properties, lead paint, large groups of people without jobs, generations of  families unemployed, run down sidewalks and streets, rat problems, sewer problems, closed neighborhood schools, schools without books, failing schools, fighting in schools.

When you look at the overall picture, it becomes clear that a segment of our community is living in chaos. There are neighborhoods that have set their own rules, there is no fear of the police, and the neighborhoods are run by the criminals who live and/or congregate there.

Any child that comes out of the environment mentioned above and who is not traumatized, would be unique.

As we sit at our computers and discuss on blogs how bad children are in our schools and in our community, is there no wonder that these children are acting out? It is all too easy to loose sight of the fact that these children who are acting out are victims of the chaotic city, the chaotic times, in which they live.

All things considered, is it any wonder that children in Peoria’s inner city are experiencing thoughts, emotions, and feelings of being out of control? They are fearful of the future and are dealing with the  anxiety and pain associated with living in chaos the best way they know how.

Events that can induce trauma include the sudden death of a loved one, assaultive violence (combat, domestic violence, rape, torture, mugging), serious accidents, witnessing someone being injured or killed, or discovering a dead body. Trauma is an ordinary day in the life of the children in District #150 and more specifically in Peoria’s inner city.

Such adversities experienced for an extended period after the trauma (such as a living in Taft, Harrison, East Bluff, near North Side, etc…, series of different placements, schools closing, or separation from a caregiver) can and does influence the severity of trauma reactions.

Recently I experienced an up close look at a disruptive classroom. While I understood that the children misbehaving were more than likely acting out; while I understood that suspensions are known to be a direct linkage to children being incarcerated; while I understood that children do not learn while they are out of school… it did not stop me from wanting these children to go away, so that the classroom could calm down and so that the children who came to learn could get the education that they are entitled to.

It is a well known fact that in the past, District #150 was all too quick to sideline a certain segment of the student body. As a result, those that were sidelined never received the education that they should have. In an effort to right the wrongs of the past, we can’t just now say no we are no longer handling discipline and suspensions like we have in the past, without putting sufficient supports, policies and procedures in place to handle the issues.

There are no easy answers, but it is absolutely imperative that we find it in our hearts to stop blaming the victims. I know that when you are in the trenches getting cussed out by a ten year old, it’s difficult. It's also difficult when you are a parent with a student who is caught in the chaos. However, we must all remain  mindful of the fact that it will take a village to find a way to pull these children, who are shouting out for help, out of the chaos.

Stopping the re-traumitization of students in schools

It will take extra efforts on the part of teachers and principals to help children who are acting out in District #150 schools. Unfortunately, there are so many children acting out, there is not enough time in the day to teach the children who are behaving and ready to learn. It is imperative that District #150's Board and Administration put the necessary supports in place to assist the teachers and principals who are in the trenches dealing with Peoria's traumatized children.

School Board member, Rick Cloyd has started the conversation, let's see where it goes from here.

Training educators to identify the symptoms of traumatized children is a crucial starting point in developing a comprehensive school-wide approach to helping traumatized children learn. At a minimum, a training curriculum should:

Help teachers understand that traumatized children may not be able to express their suffering in ways adults can understand.

Lacking the words to communicate their pain, these children may express feelings of vulnerability by “acting out,” becoming aggressive, or feigning disinterest in academic success because they believe they can’t succeed. Teachers must be helped to understand that the traumatic symptoms most detrimental to children’s educational experiences often do not originate in willful defiance, but in their feelings of vulnerability. With this insight, school personnel are far less likely to re-traumatize children with surface-oriented punishments, such as suspension and expulsion, “dumbed-down curriculums,” and demeaning comments (“You’re just not trying.”).

This is critical to ensure that the experiences of maltreatment do not become the prominent feature of any child’s identity.

Teach children how to calm themselves and modulate their emotions.

When children bring traumatic memories with them to school, any event (a look, the color of someone’s hair) that reminds them of their trauma can trigger behaviors that may not be appropriate in the classroom. This is a classic symptom of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mental health professionals must help educators develop techniques for calming children and helping them to modulate their emotional response to the classroom environment, and thus, their behavior in it.

Help traumatized children learn to influence what “happens” to them. Children who come from chaotic homes often fail to learn basic notions of cause and effect.[5]

Prepare teachers to work with parents victimized by violence.

It is critical that teacher training help teachers understand the cycle of violence and its effects on adults as well as child victims. This information may enable teachers to better partner with parents who may also be victims of violence.

School-Wide Policies

Policies must be developed that respond to traumatized children’s needs for predictability, sensitivity, and clear expectations. A predictable daily routine can contribute greatly to a child’s feeling of safety in the school setting. Schools must also create consistent individualized response systems so that each child in the school knows how adults will respond to their behavior whether they are in homeroom or art class.

If, for example, a rule exists in a child’s primary classroom that he/she can take a three-minute “breather” when frustrated, and the same rule exists in art class, the child can use the same coping strategies throughout the day. The child can thus assume greater responsibility for regulating his/her own behavior, which promotes a sense of self-control and feelings of safety.

When feeling stressed and near “losing control,” the consistency of rules enables the child to handle his/her emotions more constructively by at least providing a stable, predictable environment in which they can manage their inner controls. Where the expectations of traumatized children are clearly established, they are better able to grasp the difference between their life at school and life in the unpredictable and uncontrollable world in which they were traumatized. The end result is that the child has more energy and attention for important academic tasks and far greater likelihood of behavioral and academic success in mainstream classes. Source

Data indicates that Lincoln Middle School is "completely and totally out of control"

For some time now, we have been getting reports on the blogs of principals being brow beaten by the current Superintendent of Schools for suspending students.  The problem is exacerbated by the fact that there is not just one or two students in a specific classroom who are disruptive, teachers/students who come to school to teach/learn are dealing with several disruptive students in one classroom. They act out, get a referral written (may be removed from class), come right back to class energized and continue disrupting.

Until the School Board and the Superintendent of Schools can come up with a better solution for handling the disruptive students (who look forward to in school suspensions) there is still an obligation that this District has to the children who behave and come to school to learn. I commend the principals who are looking out for the best interest of the students who cooperate and come to school looking for an education.

As a parent/volunteer who has experienced disruptive classrooms up close and personal, I would encourage principals to continue following the current procedure and discipline and suspend students where warranted. The current Superintendent of Schools may not like it - but as long as you are following the procedure that is currently on the books, what she gon do?

Suspensions on rise this year in District 150 schools

The School Board was given a first-quarter discipline report by Bill Salzman, the district's director of student affairs and formerly principal at Manual. Salzman's report, which compared the first nine weeks of this school year to the same period in 2010, showed there have been 1,125 suspensions that account for a total of 3,028 missed school days.

That's an increase of 72 suspensions from last year:
Manual Academy (253/161)

Peoria High School (193/211)

Lincoln Middle School (116/50)

Glen Oak Middle School (52/48)

CLOYD: "Looking at the data, it looks like Lincoln is completely and totally out of control… And Manual isn't much better. These behavior problems are just appalling. Just ridiculous.”

CLOYD: "The disruption it has caused for the students who want to be there and do their job and learn, by one or two students who can't get it right and won't get it, is absolutely atrocious."

CLOYD: "It's completely unacceptable and we've got to get this fixed."

SALZMAN: “The increase in suspensions can be attributed to a handful of repeat offenders who have been suspended multiple times”

CLOYD: "Then why are they still in these schools?"

SALZMAN: Building principals have been inconsistent in their enforcement of the district's policy on cellphones, which requires students to keep the phones turned off and put away during school hours. Students using cellphones during lunch and transition times have caused a number of problems, such as the pregnant Manual student who was injured when she allegedly tried to record video of a lunchroom fight.

And in addressing an increase in discipline cases in the primary schools, at least two of which involved students bringing knives to school,

SALZMAN: "In my opinion, more problems in the grade schools is a reflection of what's happening in this town.

"What's happening on the streets is showing up in our schools." Source

Anybody missing a baby?

It's alleged that last week in the Harrison Homes, a naked baby was found.

Because the people who found the baby know the neighborhood, they went door to door through Harrison looking for the mother. Unfortunately, no one had any idea what or who.

After going door to door and getting no answers, they called the police and turned the baby over.

To date, no parent has been located and no one has reported the incident in the news.

I'm sure finding the baby was upsetting and trying to locate the parents is a natural reaction, which is commendable, but IMO anybody who would let their baby wander off, doesn't deserve to have the child just handed back over to them.

An SOS from Robillard, Haiti

In March of 2010, I posted about a frequent commenter who was leaving on a mission to Haiti. She returned with a heavy heart that was full of hope, which she shared with us. I personally don't know a lot about the people of Haiti. However, I remain intrigued by the people who have personally made an effort to make a difference in the face of such devastation. I recall seeing a blog post by Dr. John Carroll, in the pjstar in mid October of 2011 (photos Dr. Carroll):

Improvement in Remote Cholera Treatment Center in Haiti "I posted the other day about the dire situation at a Cholera Treatment Center (CTC) in Robillard, Haiti. Robillard is a tiny village located in northern Haiti. Father Andre, the pastor of their Catholic church, was pleading for help…and he still is. It seems like Robillard did receive some help for its CTC but much more support is needed."

Fast forward to today and I receive an e-mail that is literally an SOS for the "abandoned population of Robillard". The e-mail explains how rural Haiti continues to be very bad off. Tuberculosis is becoming the new epidemic and it is becoming increasingly dangerous for the nurses and doctors. Reports are that the new Haitian president has done little in terms of medical treatment for the Haitian people.

The least I can personally do, is mention the dire situation on this blog:

Father André Pleading for an "Abandoned Population" in Robillard, Haiti Submitted on November 11, 2011

"Hi, all! I had short meeting with my medical staff this morning. They shared their concerns with me. They reported that they realized that several of the family members of the cholera inpatients of the CTC of Robillard have TB symptoms. My staff is worried for themselves and for all the people who are in CTC of Robillard. The situation of Robilllard is definitely becoming chaotic. I called someone from the Mininstry of Health in Cap Haitian to talk about the new development in the CTC of Robillard. I do not know yet what they are going to do and the situation is urgent. We cannot expose an entire population to some TB people."

Read Father Andre's entire post here...

Reduced rate internet and computers for households below $25,000

Families who qualify for free school lunches will be able to sign up for $9.95 a month high-speed Internet services from top cable providers.

Further, families eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches will be able to buy low-cost computers.

Specifically, households need at least one child that participates in the National School Lunch Program to be eligible for the reduced-cost high-speed Internet service.

The initiative is part of the Federal Communications Commission's effort to extend affordable broadband Internet access across the United States.

A third of Americans, some 100 million people, do not have high-speed Internet services in their homes, with cost being among the top barriers to broadband adoption.

A Commerce Department report on U.S. broadband adoption released on Wednesday found that only 43 percent of households with annual incomes below $25,000 had broadband access at home, while 93 percent of households with incomes exceeding $100,000 had broadband.

Eligible families will be able to sign up for the service during a three-year period starting in the spring in some areas, with the offer going nationwide by next September to coincide with the school year.

"Providing our children with a quality education requires much more than the teaching and learning that takes place inside of the classroom," said Michael Powell, head of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association.

Families can enjoy the discounted rate for two years. Source

Would it help if District #150 had more teachers of color?

A new report is out that states that empirical evidence shows that "... students of color do better ... if they're taught by teachers of color."

Isn't that the crux of the very sticky situation that enabled several teachers to win a lawsuit against District #150, citing racial discrimination?

In Illinois, 46 percent of students are of color but only about 11 percent of teachers are of color. A new report released by the Center for American Progress finds that nearly every state is experiencing a large teacher diversity gap, or a significant difference between the number of students and teachers of color.

Teacher Diversity Matters

The report, titled "Teacher Diversity Matters: A State-by-State Analysis of Teachers of Color," indicates that such large diversity gaps are common across the country. In fact, more than 20 states have differences of 25 percentage points or more.

"... the makeup of the nation’s teacher workforce force has not kept up with ... changing demographics. At the national level, students of color make up more than 40 percent of the public school population. In contrast, teachers of color—teachers who are not non-Hispanic white—are only 17 percent of the teaching force.

This is a problem for students, schools, and the public at large. Teachers of color serve as role models for students, giving them a clear and concrete sense of what diversity in education—and in our society—looks like. A recent review of empirical studies also shows that students of color do better on a variety of academic outcomes if they’re taught by teachers of color. "

Findings from the report suggest that "the nation needs a two-pronged approach to improving teacher diversity; the need to expand high-quality recruitment programs, ... with some of this being done through the alternative certification programs; and the need to do more to improve the professional experience of teachers of color."

Read entire report here. 

The McArdle defense fails Mary Davis

It’s ironic that Mary Davis would attempt to use the actions (or inactions) of Julie McArdle as part of her defense. McArdle claimed that Davis and District 150 retaliated against her and violated her First Amendment rights when they tried to prevent her from speaking out about Davis’ taking money from the school. Quite a turn of events to now see Davis attempting to hang her defense on McArdle not speaking out in a timely manner.

Judge allows theft charges against D150 principal to stand

An area judge threw out a request by a former District 150 principal to dismiss charges alleging she stole money from the school district.

Peoria County Circuit Judge Timothy Lucas shot down arguments by Mary C. Davis that indictments handed down last year were barred by the statute of limitations and failed to pass muster for other legal technicalities.

Davis, 52, of Dunlap was charged in April 2010 with 16 felony counts of official misconduct and theft. The counts allege that while principal at Charles Lindbergh Middle School she took money several times between 2005 and 2007.

Davis' attorney contended at a hearing in September that prosecutors didn't file charges in time. At the crux of Davis' argument was that her successor at Lindbergh, Julie McArdle, waited too long to tell authorities, thus barring any prosecution.

But Assistant State's Attorney Seth Uphoff, at a hearing in September, assailed that notion, saying McArdle had no such legal duty to report to police and, regardless, charges were filed within a year of notification. That, the prosecutor said, satisfied any statute of limitations requirement.

Lucas agreed, writing in a two-page order Wednesday that McArdle was not a department or division head and had not been delegated such authority.

Davis is set for trial in January. Source

Some observations, draw your own conclusions...

Every day, sometimes several times a day, the PPD dispatcher receives a call that prompts her/him to ask this question:  “Is anyone from District #150 on the air?”;

The dispatcher seldom if ever gets a response to the question “Is anyone from District #150 on the air?”;

The dispatcher recently acknowledged (today) to a person who asked her “Is anyone from District #150 on the air?”, that she more than likely won’t get a response to the question “Is anyone from District #150 on the air?”;

The PPD dispatcher then proceeded to ask who was the student and problem (they are getting regular calls from this school… clue, it is in West Peoria);

The PPD appears to be handling District #150 calls by default;

Principals are being reprimanded for calling for help and giving suspensions;

Carl Cannon at Trewyn has his own “Carl Cannon detail” and his calls are handled differently than other District #150 calls;

There appears to be an up tick in calls for the middle schools.

Could the scenario below describe the local school board?

Once managerial discretion is removed through contracts, state and federal statutes, school boards shall be demoted to ceremonial roles.

Ceremonial roles: graduations, honor roll dinners, concerts, ball games, etc..

Local voting rights historian: “…cumulative voting worked.”

The thought of Peoria deciding to “reform” the current voting process should be a cause of concern for all Peorians, especially minorities.

The forums being held to give citizens a chance to offer input are a must, but getting a good representative sample of citizens who know enough about the process is a challenge.

I'm pleased to see that local civil rights leader, Joyce Banks is taking part in the discussions. Mrs. Banks is a part of the history of Peoria’s voting rights process, her involvement gives me some hope that the fairest system will prevail.

Peoria voting forum raises questions

Questions about the effectiveness of the process in reforming Peoria city government and how its members are elected surfaced during a public forum Wednesday, where about 30 people gathered at the Frank Campbell Community Room at RiverWest.

The goal is to see whether cumulative voting should continue as a way to elect the city's five at-large council members.

Some people questioned if a federal judge's opinion would be sought by city leaders if the City Council opts to move away from cumulative voting. In return, the council could endorse increasing the number of districts from the current five.

The meeting at RiverWest was the second of two public forums on cumulative voting and the future political makeup of the council.

The City Council on Nov. 15 will likely decide if the city should pursue an opinion from a federal judge on whether a new political map - and the potential for increased districts, along with the elimination of cumulative voting - should be allowed to move forward.

If so, the council could endorse a referendum for the March 20 election.

Cumulative voting has been the way the public has voted for at-large candidates since 1991.

Its unique style allows a voter to potentially cast five votes for one candidate, or to divide the votes proportionally.

It was instituted after a 1987 federal lawsuit was brought by black voters against the City Council, District 150 and the Peoria Park Board aimed at increasing the number of minorities elected to public office.

Debates have ensued in recent years about whether cumulative voting has actually attracted more minority political representation.

Joyce Banks, a plaintiff in that 1987 lawsuit, said she once felt that going to 10 districts, and eliminating the at-large council seats, might produce a more fair council. She said she hopes a political scientist could examine the prospects of 10 districts to see if it could produce a better opportunity for greater minority representation on the Horesehoe. Source

Related articles: BANKS v. BD. OF ED., CITY OF PEORIA, SCH. D. 150; Rewind: History of City Council election process

If being black and Republican makes you a better black; does being white and Republican make you a better white?

A couple of days ago, unconventional Republican presidential candidate, Herman Cain played the race card after news broke of his alleged sexual misconduct in the workplace, during his tenure as President of the National Restaurant Association:

"During a Fox News appearance, Cain responded to pundit Charles Krauthammer's question as to whether race, specifically his being a black conservative, was behind the allegations of sexual harassment:

I believe the answer is yes, but we do not have any evidence to support it. But because I am unconventional candidate running an unconventional campaign and achieving some unexpected unconventional results in terms of my, the poll, we believe that, yes, there are some people who are Democrats, liberals, who do not want to see me win the nomination. And there could be some people on the right who don't want to see me because I'm not the, quote/unquote, establishment candidate. No evidence.

KRAUTHAMMER: But does race have any part of that? Establishment, maverick, yes. What about race?

CAIN: Relative to the left, I believe race is a bigger driving factor. I don't think it's a driving factor on the right. This is just based upon our speculation." Source

But oh, lookie here… today Cain blames fellow GOPer Perry; who then turns around and blames fellow GOPer Romney. Interesting that as long as these allegations are coming from the left Cain believes “race is a bigger driving factor”, but if the allegations are coming from the right, it's about him not being a "quote/unquote, establishment candidate".

Cain Says Perry Camp Behind Sex Harassment Leak

Was the recent attack on Herman Cain’s presidential campaign a professional hit job? Absolutely, says Herman Cain. And he says he knows just where to look for the guy who did it: At 815 Slaters Lane in Alexandria, Virginia, a low-slung former warehouse in the shadow of a coal plant.

There, beside rusting rail lines, is the home of OnMessage Inc., a Republican-leaning consulting firm recently hired to bolster Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s presidential campaign.

Perry Says Romney Camp Behind Sex Harassment Leak

As Herman Cain blames Rick Perry for the stories about his alleged sexual harassment, one Perry spokesman suggests another culprit:

"That is false, patently untrue, no one at this campaign was involved in this story," said Perry communications director Ray Sullivan.

Sullivan then suggested to CBS News and National Journal reporter Rebecca Kaplan that Mitt Romney's campaign is behind the allegations.

"I wouldn't put it past them," he said, stating that blog posts have noted that Cain's successor at the Restaurant Association "is a big Romney donor."

"There are much closer connections between the Restaurant Association, Cain and the Romney camp than there are with us," he said.

You better get your behind back out there and deal with it!

Hillary Rodham Clinton’s mother passed away today. Mrs. Rodham is being credited for raising a standout student, with a powerful personality, a former FLOTUS. What Hillary’s mom taught her about standing up to bullies is accredited as the starting point for Hillary’s assertive nature.

As a young child, growing up in Park Ridge, Illinois, Hillary once came home crying about how another child had bullied her. Hillary’s mother told her to march right back out and confront the bully. Hillary did, and that experience is often accredited with starting her assertive nature. Source

So, Hillary’s mom is being lauded for telling her to get her ass behind back out there and deal with (i.e., fight) the bully. In the past, posters have complained of local parents that allegedly put their children up to fighting. We even saw a video on Glen Oak School property with parents goading their children to fight.

A little earlier this evening, an Anonymous poster, whom I assume to be a teacher, complained that local mothers are saying this to their children:

"She hit you?!? Well, $%&**# $*%*&(, hit her back!"

Is that not essentially the exact same thing Hillary Clinton’s mother told her? Is what Hillary’s mom said any better than what is alleged that local moms are telling their children about fighting or standing up to bullies? If so, why?

Old Hippy says "blacks in Dunlap are straight from Africa"

Just today, I mentioned to somebody about the low opinion that people from other places have of black people here in Peoria.

In Sunday’s local newspaper, there’s an article about schools not making adequate progress in Peoria. But the good news is, schools are making adequate gains right up the road in Dunlap. You wanna know why? It’s because Dunlap blacks are better than Peoria blacks. Oh wow.

Posted to pjstar by Old Hippy

13 hours ago

"Dunlap doesn't have very many American blacks... The blacks we do have are straight from Africa and are the children of Caterpillar engineers and sales execs.... aka African intellectuals...

But, don't worry, the mayor of Dunlap and the trustees have big plans to turn Dunlap into Peoria as fast as they can so eventually we will have the low scores and street gangs too..."

Sounds eerily similar to the bigoted nonsense that Ann Coulter is spewing about black Republicans…

“Our blacks are so much better than their blacks,” she said, speaking of Democrats. “To become a black Republican, you don’t just roll into it. You’re not going with the flow…and that’s why we have very impressive blacks in the Republican party.”

SMDH.