David Brooks Asks, "Is Obama Really A Reformer of Education?
Monday June 16, 2008
New York Times columnist David Brooks is trying to figure out whether presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama is truly a reformer? Or is he a status quo guy?
In Sunday's column, Brooks examines Obama's record on education policy to answer this question.
In the end, Brooks finds that while Obama's policies are more defined than his opponent's, they bear the trademarks of traditional political maneuvering.
Teachers, which candidate do you think would do the most to change education policy in the U.S.?
Comments
Obama has no clue about the public education system. Considering that he said the Federal Government can hire and replace existing teachers would lead me to believe he thinks the public school system problem lies soley on the teachers since that’s the first problem to be replaced.
Based on what I’ve observed so far, neither potential candidate seems to be ready for reform in education. I think McCain has the most potential to lead us in reform.
I am always cautious of candidates who are talking change without any specific direction to go nor what the projected result should be. Historically we should plan first and then announce change process. I but don’t see any substance in the claim for change and how it will address education with Mr. Obama.
McCain has a track record of supporting education based on the supportive information.
I disagree with all those who are saying that Obama has no clue about the public education system. Anyone who graduates from a Havard law school and decides to work in poor neighboorhoods to help people from welfare to work must understand what their children go through at school. As a community a activist, Obama, more than McCain, understands clearly how to reform a public school.
Please check out the following for detailed information.
http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/John_McCain_Education.htm
http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Barack_Obama_Education.htm
Scroll down far enough to see actual voting records and McCain will scare you far more than Obama. He voted against closing corporate tax loop holes to fund education, is a huge proponent of vouchers, etc.
Since corporations do not really pay taxes anyway, who cares about “loopholes”? Since vouchers are one of the best alternatives to public schools, why not? For a country that believes in the free market and competion, why not have options?
Take a look at Alan Keyes. You might just find a reason for hope.
Obama is an idiot. Anyone who thinks the government can can fix education is a fool. Just as ‘No child Left Behind’ is. The cure for education lies in the home. A generation of children are being sent to the classroom without 2 parents and a balanced sence discipline. It all startrs with the parents, not the teachers.