In a time when funds are short at the state and local level and teachers are in need of more pay, this grant would have made Polk eligible for nearly $19 million dedicated to teacher pay. It’s one of the “strategic” investments I spoke about earlier this month.

Citing minor changes to the way we’ve always done things, Polk County put the Union first, the teachers second, and the students last today. I’m sorry for that. We will still be applying for the dollars and districts across our state will benefit from this opportunity to challenge and reward one of our most valued assets–our educators!

Regionally, Hillsborough County voted unanimously to support the application, and 60 out of 67 Florida counties support the plan. We simply must realize that this failure is another competitive disadvantage for Polk–a mark against us– in a region where our unemployment rate lags our neighbors and where our education policy must improve if we are going to climb out of this hole.

1906 Eastpoint FL school photo illustration credit: State Library and Archives of Florida

What accounts for this discrepancy?

I’m willing to bet that it’s our news media, aka MSM, including newspapers, cable news, and broadcast news.

Continue reading  Re/Creating Tampa – The MSM makes us dumb.

Mr. Townsend. Thank you for your comments.

For the record, I am not Rush’s puppet. But, I am (1) an elderly man who lived through the Depression, (2) a WWII and Korean veteran (active duty with the USAF), and (3) blessed to be very well cared for by the excellent staff at The James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa.

Additionally, my B.A., M.A., and doctoral studies were, and remain today, the study of Economics, and Finance. History and writing are my passion, as is Truth, only the truth, and nothing but. I am not a parrot for anyone, and I “call it” as I analyze it, based upon what is always a continuing education.

You admit you‘re neither an economist, nor a historian. Your response to my post proved it.

I recommend reading, “The Politically Incorrect Notebook,” which can be purchased by calling 863-289-1191. At $14.95 it will provide a broader look at many subjects of national interest.

Following are some cogent thoughts about your positions. I did read your entire missile, my friend. (Maybe the only person on this planet to do so.)

First, I have never said “No!” to public works spending. Quite the contrary. We can most certainly use road repairs, bridges, and similar projects, particularly at times like today. What I did say was public projects are not classic examples of immediate and long lasting stimuli. Do them! Yes! But, don’t rely upon them to haul the economy from its present condition.

Perhaps you failed to recognize that my main point, re: WWII, wasn’t the war itself, but the economic conditions, which developed from 1930-1946. (If it’s war that’s required, I guess Iraq failed in your expectations.) Twenty-million people were added during that 16-year period, and when all able-bodied people were finally employed, and had little to buy, they saved! With the end of hostilities, they spent! And the economy blossomed.

It is truly a matter of supply and demand. Today, there is a glut of houses, cars, etc., which you have already recognized. You like to “read” graphs. Try to “read” a recent statistic: Savings. Since the initial “stimulus” payouts, and bank “bail-out,” U.S. savings rates have moved from 0% to over 3%. Why? How would you “read” this? Why didn’t consumers buy another house. Or car. Or, remodel the kitchen? What did you do with your $600?

Do my comments mean there shouldn’t be a stimulus bill? Good Grief, Charlie Brown! No! But, “spending” and “stimulus” are not synonyms! It’s all about HOW you spend the dollars. Dollars to Philippians? Dollars to Pelosi’s mouse project? Dollars to ACORN?

Is there “pork” in the present bill? Nobody really knows how much, because we were not allowed to read all 1,100 pages. Remember Obama’s “transparency pledge?” That we would have 5-days to analyze all bills? That didn’t happen. Why? Pelosi had a plane to catch. Italy was more important to her, than Obama’s pledge of transparency.

You also see interest rates as a better stimuli than tax reductions. You’re wrong. Where are interest rates now? Case closed.

What, and who will provide employment? And why would they? Over 75% of our economy is driven by “small business.” When their sales go down, they’re required to lay off employees. That’s bad. How to help? Improve unemployment benefits. That’s incorporated in the current bill, and that’s good. But, I ask again, what’s going to jump-start the small businessman? Interest rates mean nothing to him/her if no one is buying.

Now, let’s assume that there is a significant reduction in his/her taxes. Personal income taxes. Corporate taxes. Sales taxes. Surtaxes. License fees. An overabundance of bureaucratic paperwork, requiring time, lawyers, and accountants. Rising fuel costs. Al Gore’s carbon tax. Rising unemployment compensation taxes. Rising benefit obligations. The list is long, and burdensome. If lifted, a little, even temporarily, to the point where he/she can see the way to a profitable return to improving sales, HE HIRES!

Unless you promote that all unemployed become government employees, or true wards of the state, the U.S. must seek those “carrots” that encourage and promote the rehiring of those laid off. I hope, I truly hope you understand these simple economic lessons.

You also believe that “other countries” are eager and willing to buy our Treasury bonds. WOW! Uh…where have you been lately? Secretary of State Clinton just left China, the only major buyer of our debt paper, where she was officially told, and I quote, “We hate you! We don’t want your paper. We hate you, and can’t do anything about it!” This, from the country that already owns over $2 trillion of our paper! That’s a “T,” not a “B.”

Your early comment that it was a good achievement when 1933 unemployment rates of 25.2%, were reduced to 1940’s 13.9%, is like saying the Titanic only lost 1,503 lives.

But, sir, it was one of your closing comments that identifies everything about you. I’m not a profane man, but if anyone, or anything could prompt an outburst of sheer disgust, it is the following. And I quote:

“The Great Depression brought on Nazism, Fascism, Communism, nuclear weapons, and the (holocaust). What will be the (end result) of this looming Depression?”

Gov. Charlie Crist’s embrace of the federal stimulus package could reduce that 15 percent cut roughly in half over the next two years – if Crist and other Florida officials can convince the federal government not to enforce rules requiring states receiving stimulus money to be funding schools at 2005-06 levels.

All this was the focus of last night’s school funding meeting at Harrison School of the Arts (where my daugher is a sophomore and I am a parent board member). Mark Grey, the district’s top bean counter, laid out what $95 million translates into for Polk schools.

Here are some highlights from his list:

– 19 percent salary reduction
– a roughly 40-day furlough for all staff
– 1,730 teaching positions

The district would also consider cutting career academies and further reducing support services it has already cut. In the end, the ditstrict will probably use some combination of cuts to make up the deficit. Noting that the district is by far Polk’s largest employer, with 13,000 employees, Grey and Superintendent Gail McKinzie said they want to avoid adding to the county’s economic woes by laying people off. Instead, expect the emphasis to fall on salary cuts.

Let this discussion settle in for those of you think the stimulus package does too much to aid states and not enough to build useless roads. The fact is that public education is, with few exceptions, the prime economic driver of virtually every community. And that doesn’t even consider the actual service it performs.

The purpose of last night’s meeting was to encourage parents to protest these cuts to their state legislators, and I fully endorse that. But beyond that, we all need to ask ourselves what we are willing to pay for. Because there’s no such thing as a free lunch.

Here’s John Chambliss’ account of the meeting in The Ledger.

Cross posted on Lakeland Local

Need proof? Let me count the ways. For fiscal 2006 our government doled out:

Foreign Aid – $16.7 billion
Farm Subsidies – $21.4 billion
Community Development (aka “Pork) – $5.8 billion
Regional Development (more Pork) – $2.6 billion
Education – $118.6 billion
Health (other than Medicare) – $252.8 billion
Medicare – $330.0 billion
Social Security – $548.6 billion
Food Assistance – $54.0 billion
Housing Assistance – $38.3 billion

I’ll save you the trouble. That adds up to $1.4 trillion (with a ‘T’). For fiscal 2006. I can hardly wait to see fiscal 2009’s numbers!

Now! For the bottom line. The federal government’s net receipts totaled $2.4 trillion, ergo, 60% of each dollar that reached Washington D.C., was applied to social programs. Sixty Percent! If that percentage figure doesn’t represent Socialism in full bloom, it’s close enough to warrant the label, sports fans.

Further, these programs, plus the incredibly inept spending bill the House is trying to foist on the Senate and our economy, will literally bankrupt the system! The United States is already obligated for unfunded liabilities of about $60 trillion! And the Socialists we know as Obama, Pelosi, Reid, Franks and Dodd are either economically illiterate, or are purposely leading the U.S into a situation which would require bankruptcy in order to reorganize!

Last February 6th, Obama, speaking to House and Senate Socialists, berated the Conservatives seeking changes in the current spending bell. It is not a “stimulus” bill. It is a spending bill. Obama thinks “spending” and “stimulus” are synonyms. They are not!

Money that is allocated to people in the Philippines, is not a stimulus to our economy. Money that is allocated for AIDS relief in Africa is not a stimulus to our economy. Money that is allocated to the ACORN’s of America is not a stimulus to our economy. The list of pork packages in the current spending bill is a disgrace, and represents the goals of the Wicked Witch of the West who Obama assigned the task of writing this obamanation…er…abomination.

Anyway, there’s the picture. Socialism is already here. The question is, can we return the United States to an economic system that encourages individual efforts? Can we return the judicial system to reflect obedience to the Constitution, a judicial system that continues to mandate unfunded obligations unto a taxpayer who has no appeal? I doubt it. Here’s the problem. The U.S voters are already Socialists – most of them, anyway – and their numbers will only increase. You know who they are. It’s out of our control, and I see no escape route.

Do you see any Hope for Change?

Me? I’m thinking New Zealand.

“Like countless other Central Floridians, Stofko is hunkering down to ride out the economic crisis rather than taking a risk looking for work elsewhere. Similar decisions to stay put have led to a slowdown in Orange County’s growth, even as Central Florida’s largest county continued to change its complexion and inch toward becoming an area where minorities are the majority.” — Counties’ complexions change with economy

“Florida’s public universities are seeking $65 million from the Legislature to stop the exodus of talented faculty members who are drawn to better opportunities in more financially stable regions.” — Faculty Losses Hurting Florida’s Universities

Bonus:

Value Of Property In State Drops $153 Billion In Year

Lynx needs more money, not misplaced morality

Voters to Decide Tax Break Plan

“About 300,000 students in Florida attend private schools in kindergarten through 12th grade, according to the state Education Department. If all became eligible for tuition reimbursement — or vouchers — districts could lose as much as $2.3 billion in state and local revenue, said Wayne Blanton, executive director of the Florida School Boards Association.” — Proposal ties school vouchers to more popular issue

“She is one of 70 volunteers with Hillsborough County’s Citizen Patrol Program and one of 18 who take to Bloomingdale streets to help the sheriff’s office keep the neighborhood safe. Volunteers also patrol in Apollo Beach, Westchase and Town ‘N Country.” — Citizen Patrols

Lakeland commissioners take a different tack in the long battle with CSX and FDOT: Lakeland to Hire Lawyer To Argue Train Issues

USF has a program for 1st generation college students: Program A Bridge To College Success

Trib editorial writers take on the gambling crisis: Gambling Governor Loses His Deal In High-Stakes Game Over Casinos

Bonus articles for today:

Freelance workers get together in Orlando’s coworking spot aiming to open in September

It seems that county mayor isn’t popular with everyone: Hillsborough County Mayor Ballot Initiative Challenged

Speaking of hurricane damage: Free Inspections Coming To An End

The Sentinel staff would like to remind you Don’t get burned dealing with fireworks

Florida Falls Behind In Tech Race With Short-Sighted Investment comes from the same newspaper that seemed against the idea of USF Polytechnic. Remember Tribune, to have a well trained populace, you have to set up schools to train them.

Green:

Fancy that: Going green isn’t lap of luxury, Orlando says

Downtown Orlando condos, nearby neighborhoods attract people fighting high gas prices, home-sales slump

Our position: Region’s bus system should do more now to get riders on board

Taxes:

Orange County wins round in online-travel tax case

Education:

State Universities To Raise Tuitions, Limit Enrollment

Groups Sue To Remove Voucher Issues From November’s Ballot

Other:

Polk Sets 17 Conditions on CSX Rail Project

Legal Drugs Kill Far More Floridians than Illicit Ones

River Cleanses Their Lives

Not everyone felt the impact of budget cuts

Buyers sue Four Corners developer

Our position: Local and state government can fight crime by making prevention a priority

PCC Closer to 4-Year Programs

Tampa Gives Preliminary Approval To Building Green

Tampa Electric, Peoples Gas Plan To Seek Rate Increase

I believe you can’t miss those articles. So, this column will focus on the stories that affect the region, but that might be missed by anyone just scanning their favorite paper. Let’s call them “Today’s Don’t Miss Articles.”

To make it easier to scan this column daily I’ll simply lead with a paragraph and finish with the links. Like so:

Today the Sentinel writes that discretionary dollars are the staple of the area’s economy and it may be awhile before they return. The paper’s editorial board is also happy to see work progressing on the Wekiva Parkway. In the Tribune we learn more about the reality of the required 30 minutes of exercise daily for students, and the paper’s editorial board has some comments for John McCain

Discretionary dollars key to Orlando’s economic health

Our position: It’s encouraging to see progress on building Wekiva Parkway

Exhaustion A Fear As Schools Fit In Fitness

McCain Ventures Into Everglades Ill-Prepared For Political Briars

Frugal shoppers find saving a few bucks can add up
Grass is often greener, taller when other side of fence is foreclosed

In an editorial in the Orlando Sentinel today I was surprised to read the paper encouraged working with Polk County on a problem. Our position: Osceola, Orange, Polk should embrace task force on river basin

In environmental news the Demand for delicacy puts sharks in peril

In community college news the Ledger has an article PCC Among Colleges Looking to Upgrade while the Tribune has an editorial Community Colleges Shed Names, Turn From Original Mission

USF Wait List Reaches Record Length

Let’s get to today’s articles: Storm blamed for thousands of dead fish in Lake Apopka That happened because the lake was too shallow. Too little water–shallow lake. You get the drill now.

Teachers’ Bonuses Will Shrink – We don’t have the money to pay teacheres. I’m certain that won’t come back to haunt us in a few years.

Budget Cuts to Affect Staffing at Branch Courthouses The Public Defender’s office is finding it difficult to defend the public with little cash. Somehow the state will find money to incarcerate our criminals.

Finally, a feel good story of a business that is doing very well. Nudist Popularity Really Taking Off The West end of the region contains the “nudist capital of the United States?” I guess if we can’t afford to buy clothes nudity will really take off!

And I asked Wifey about this. With rumors that there wasn’t going to be much “teaching” going on, Wifey didn’t see the point of going to school, either. I found later they weren’t really “rumors.” Plenty of teachers were discussing the “free day off” with students all week at the local high school.

The 2nd Grader did go to school. She and 3 others showed up at the classroom built for twenty. Those four joined another class of TWO, and those six students didn’t learn anything. They drew pictures for each other and they “worked” on their coloring books. That’s not all, according to the seven-year-old. They did have a Phys Ed class – playing at the playground. And Lunch.

It seems that the High School Senior got as much an education at Siesta Key that day as did the 2nd Grader at her Local Elementary School.

How is it that school is scheduled, but nothing gets done? There are many reasons, but they all come back to the same thing. The Hillsborough County School Board has no common goal, no direction, no guts, and is manned by a bunch of self-important ninnies who have way more power than they should.

Back in February of last year, board members were insistent that holding school on Good Friday would be a disaster:

“In this country, the majority of the people are of the Christian faith and have accepted it as a day off,” Faliero said. “If you begin to take things like that away, people believe that you are eroding what this country was founded upon, and that was freedom of religion.”

But that is a knee-jerk reaction without even looking into the the subject. In that same article, the St. Pete Times notes that Pinellas holds school on Good Friday, as does Polk County, Orange County, and Bay County. In 2006, Pinellas’ Good Friday absentee rate was 15 percent for students, and about 10 percent of teachers.

A 10-15% absentee rate is something they could deal with. But even a year later, with Good Friday coming upon us, Faliero insisted. In the Times on Tuesday, March 18, she planted the seeds of Faliero’s Fantastic Friday Fiasco:

“Parents, please hear this: Your buses are going to be late,” School Board chairwoman Jennifer Faliero said. “Be prepared for a backup plan.”

Doom, Doom, and more Doom (Doom III?), she prophesies. What’s next, locusts? Nope, but religion comes up anyway. Read on from the Times on Wednesday, March 19:

“What I see � which is something I haven’t seen in a long time � is Christians uniting,” said School Board member Jennifer Faliero, who favors a day off on Good Friday. “They are fearing that their religion is being overlooked.”

Aha! It’s to be an uprising of Christians – uniting to protest the assault on their holy day! But wait – just the day before in the Tampa Tribune, Faliero said it had nothing to do with religion:

Taking Good Friday off has nothing to do with religion, however, said School Board Chairwoman Jennifer Faliero.

“Parents have always taken off Good Friday – they always will,” Faliero said. “This is an American tradition.”

So it’s an American Tradition. A holiday, not a holy day.

Nonsense. She simply wants no school on that day and is saying anything that will convince students, parents, teachers, bus drivers – including Jews, Muslims, and atheists alike to play hooky. In addition, she counted on the newspapers to be her megaphone. And it worked. Did you see what both dailies did? Starting on Tuesday, both papers had section front stories all week proclaiming Doom III, and basically just pounded it into your head:

• Tuesday, March 18 – Many Teachers, Drivers Plan To Skip Work Good Friday, Hillsborough schools prepare for Good Friday flu
• Wednesday, March 19 – Schools’ Biggest Worry Good Friday May Be Buses, Hillsborough schools brace for Good Friday absences
• Thursday, March 20 – Schools Hope For Best On Friday and 19 Schools Will Have No Bus Service on Friday
• Good Friday, March 21 – Schools Hoping It’s No Freaky Friday, Hillsborough schools’ goal for Good Friday: a normal day

Good grief! They ran out of ways to say the same thing over and over and over. Not only that, but would you believe that TBO created a Blog dedicated to the saga? Yep, it’s entitled Good Friday for Skipping School.

Just because some teachers don’t read a newspaper, doesn’t mean they all are clueless. And kids can read too, you know. So is it any wonder that by Thursday, teachers, students, administration, bus drivers – hell, even the janitors were discouraged to show up.

And of course it worked:

Tribune – Lack Of Students Makes ‘Lonely’ Day, Times – Nearly 60% of Hillsborough County students absent on Good Friday

Or did it?

By the 20th, reporters heard that original numbers of absenteeism were being overestimated. And late Friday, the numbers that the Tribune got from each individual school was significantly different than the figures from the district. As far as I can tell, we have not yet received a verification of the correct number of absentees. Regardless, it was a mess.

Finally, this Tuesday, both papers ran editorials slamming the School Board for allowing a free day to occur. The Tribune and Times both suggest administrators limit the number of people taking a personal day, so the entire district doesn’t get shut down for a day.

The Times also specifically encouraged Jennifer Faliero to remember that the public school system is here to serve Christians and non-Christians alike.