Monday, January 31, 2005
Ayn Rand At Ground Zero
Last Saturday morning, Michele, Sarah, and I went up to New York City unexpectedly when Amy called to say she was sick and we became worried (she has the flu and was better by the time we left on Sunday). We stayed at the Embassy Suites Hotel that backs to Ground Zero. Therefore, imagine my surprise at the coincidence that when we got back home I opened the New York Time's book review section to read the following opening paragraph by Clay Risen in his analysis of Sixteen Acres: Rebuilding Ground Zero:
Ayn Rand may be long discredited as a philosopher, but her ideas about architecture are still very much alive. Howard Roark, the protagonist of her objectivist fantasia ''The Fountainhead,'' is the archetypal artist-hero, rendering society's soul in concrete and steel. Since the 1940's, his image has shaped our appreciation of everyone from Frank Lloyd Wright to Frank Gehry, defining even the competition to rebuild the World Trade Center site: the struggle between Daniel Libeskind and Larry Silverstein was seen as a veritable "Fountainhead Redux" in which a valiant architect armed only with his dreams takes on a mega-developer.
Perhaps the reference to Ayn Rand should have not been so unexpected. In a piece by Steve Chapman appearing yesterday in the Chicago Tribune he remarks on her influence:
Rand's beliefs have been so widely disseminated and absorbed that we have forgotten where they originated. The truth is that for all she did, they are no longer her ideas. To a large extent, they are ours.
And the connection between Ms. Rand and Ground Zero was something I took note of awhile ago. Please take a look at the poem I wrote shortly after September 11, 2001. (Please keep in mind that I am definitely not a poet but perhaps you can get the idea of what I wanted to convey.)
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Ayn Rand may be long discredited as a philosopher, but her ideas about architecture are still very much alive. Howard Roark, the protagonist of her objectivist fantasia ''The Fountainhead,'' is the archetypal artist-hero, rendering society's soul in concrete and steel. Since the 1940's, his image has shaped our appreciation of everyone from Frank Lloyd Wright to Frank Gehry, defining even the competition to rebuild the World Trade Center site: the struggle between Daniel Libeskind and Larry Silverstein was seen as a veritable "Fountainhead Redux" in which a valiant architect armed only with his dreams takes on a mega-developer.
Perhaps the reference to Ayn Rand should have not been so unexpected. In a piece by Steve Chapman appearing yesterday in the Chicago Tribune he remarks on her influence:
Rand's beliefs have been so widely disseminated and absorbed that we have forgotten where they originated. The truth is that for all she did, they are no longer her ideas. To a large extent, they are ours.
And the connection between Ms. Rand and Ground Zero was something I took note of awhile ago. Please take a look at the poem I wrote shortly after September 11, 2001. (Please keep in mind that I am definitely not a poet but perhaps you can get the idea of what I wanted to convey.)
Two Artists
Two artists with divergent views of the world
Expressed themselves through two different mediums.
But the first hint that they are somehow linked is revealed in their common subjects.
The landscapes, buildings and homes.
In her novel The Fountainhead Ayn Rand elevated man to the level of god.
She spoke of human achievement as unstoppable and unending.
And embodied these ideas in the structures designed by her hero, the architect Howard Roark.
The second clue is that New York City served both as a source of inspiration.
Edward Hopper's paintings seem to push us away.
His scenes of people and their residences are unsettling and uninviting,
And force us to contemplate matters in our own lives that we visit in respectful silence and solitude.
Now we have witnessed the events of September 11.
At my visit to Ground Zero I feel the presence of these two artists.
I see each not more important than the other
I need them both to get me through another day.
Two artists with divergent views of the world
Expressed themselves through two different mediums.
But the first hint that they are somehow linked is revealed in their common subjects.
The landscapes, buildings and homes.
In her novel The Fountainhead Ayn Rand elevated man to the level of god.
She spoke of human achievement as unstoppable and unending.
And embodied these ideas in the structures designed by her hero, the architect Howard Roark.
The second clue is that New York City served both as a source of inspiration.
Edward Hopper's paintings seem to push us away.
His scenes of people and their residences are unsettling and uninviting,
And force us to contemplate matters in our own lives that we visit in respectful silence and solitude.
Now we have witnessed the events of September 11.
At my visit to Ground Zero I feel the presence of these two artists.
I see each not more important than the other
I need them both to get me through another day.
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Friday, January 28, 2005
Can We Count D.C. Residents As Dissidents?
From a Washington Post story today by Spencer S. Hsu:
Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (D-Conn.) and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) briefed reporters on attempts to spark a resurgence of city activism for voting rights in Congress in the new session. Lieberman challenged President Bush to live up to his second inaugural address's call to spread freedom worldwide by ending the "outrageous hypocrisy" at home that denies the District full voting rights.
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Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (D-Conn.) and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) briefed reporters on attempts to spark a resurgence of city activism for voting rights in Congress in the new session. Lieberman challenged President Bush to live up to his second inaugural address's call to spread freedom worldwide by ending the "outrageous hypocrisy" at home that denies the District full voting rights.
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Thursday, January 27, 2005
Ayn Rand Centennial
Next Wednesday, February 2, will be the 100th anniversary of Ayn Rand's birth. As everyone who knows me knows, her books had a tremendous influence on me as her works have for millions of others. There is probably not a day that goes by that I fail to relate a new experience to ideas contained in her novels.
I was first exposed to this writer in 10th grade when a teacher assigned the book Anthem. At that time I was a ferocious reader and when I came across an author who interested me I would write the name down and then go find other books by the same person. It was not until the summer between high school and college that I got around to reading The Fountainhead.
I guess it is the coming anniversary that caused Andrew Stuttaford to write this piece for the New York Sun. The entire article is interesting but one paragraph stands out:
Rand lived in an era of stark ideological choices; to argue in muted, reasonable tones was to lose the debate. As a graduate of Lenin's Russia, she knew that the stakes were high, and how effective good propaganda could be.
I guess I find this comment to be important because today there are still "stark ideological choices" to be faced; in how we raise our kids, in what type of society we want our children to grow up in, and more fundamentally, the judgments in behaviors and actions we make as we live our lives.
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I was first exposed to this writer in 10th grade when a teacher assigned the book Anthem. At that time I was a ferocious reader and when I came across an author who interested me I would write the name down and then go find other books by the same person. It was not until the summer between high school and college that I got around to reading The Fountainhead.
I guess it is the coming anniversary that caused Andrew Stuttaford to write this piece for the New York Sun. The entire article is interesting but one paragraph stands out:
Rand lived in an era of stark ideological choices; to argue in muted, reasonable tones was to lose the debate. As a graduate of Lenin's Russia, she knew that the stakes were high, and how effective good propaganda could be.
I guess I find this comment to be important because today there are still "stark ideological choices" to be faced; in how we raise our kids, in what type of society we want our children to grow up in, and more fundamentally, the judgments in behaviors and actions we make as we live our lives.
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Grading School Standards
The main problem with the No Child Left Behind Act could have been diagnosed by a 6th grader. When you design a law where the states access adequate yearly progress of students through testing, and schools stand to be judged as "failing" based upon the results, and these results carry financial implication, then the examinations are bound to be dumbed down. This, as "A Constrained Vision" would say, is the coolness of how economic incentives impact human behavior.
Now Chester Finn, Jr.'s Thomas B. Fordham Foundation has reviewed state standards and has found them severely lacking in, well, standards:
English: "Many of the standards for literary study are vague and pretentious...or suggest that the English class may be turned into a pseudo-social studies class.... The most serious omission is...key authors, works, literary periods, and literary traditions...that outline the essential content of the secondary school English curriculum."
Math: "There are serious deficiencies in these standards, including coverage of arithmetic and the algebra indicators.... There is too much emphasis on the study of patterns as an end in itself.... Statistics and probability are grossly overemphasized.... None of the grade-level indicators require students to learn the standard algorithms of arithmetic.
In fact, the Foundation found only three states that deserve an "A" in their assessment of math and reading skills.
As we have become experts on the relationship between motives and actions (and we should also throw in our acknowledgement of a cameo appearance by the Law of Unintended Consequences), we can guess with our eyes closed what the American Federations of Teachers, the teacher's union, would find after it reviewed state exams based upon whether these tools contain "standards and accountability" Ready? Drum role please:
In 2005, only Iowa (which has no statewide standards whatsoever) gets a failing mark in that category while a dozen jurisdictions receive A's.
As the President pushes to extend NCLB to high school students we can only expect (yes, you got it right) more of the same...
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Now Chester Finn, Jr.'s Thomas B. Fordham Foundation has reviewed state standards and has found them severely lacking in, well, standards:
English: "Many of the standards for literary study are vague and pretentious...or suggest that the English class may be turned into a pseudo-social studies class.... The most serious omission is...key authors, works, literary periods, and literary traditions...that outline the essential content of the secondary school English curriculum."
Math: "There are serious deficiencies in these standards, including coverage of arithmetic and the algebra indicators.... There is too much emphasis on the study of patterns as an end in itself.... Statistics and probability are grossly overemphasized.... None of the grade-level indicators require students to learn the standard algorithms of arithmetic.
In fact, the Foundation found only three states that deserve an "A" in their assessment of math and reading skills.
As we have become experts on the relationship between motives and actions (and we should also throw in our acknowledgement of a cameo appearance by the Law of Unintended Consequences), we can guess with our eyes closed what the American Federations of Teachers, the teacher's union, would find after it reviewed state exams based upon whether these tools contain "standards and accountability" Ready? Drum role please:
In 2005, only Iowa (which has no statewide standards whatsoever) gets a failing mark in that category while a dozen jurisdictions receive A's.
As the President pushes to extend NCLB to high school students we can only expect (yes, you got it right) more of the same...
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Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Is This What Dissidents Are So Excited About?
"A Constrained Vision," continues to be ecstatic about the American values the President wants to share with all the world, as presented in his inaugural address. As a symbol of those ideals consider the nomination of Alberto Gonzales for Attorney General. Today, from the Editors of the Washington Post.
Mr. Gonzales stated at his hearing that he and Mr. Bush oppose "torture and abuse." But his written testimony to the committee makes clear that "abuse" is, in fact, permissible -- provided that it is practiced by the Central Intelligence Agency on foreigners held outside the United States. The Convention Against Torture, which the United States ratified in 1994, prohibits not only torture but "cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment." The Senate defined such treatment as abuse that would violate the Fifth, Eighth or 14th amendments to the Constitution -- a standard that the Bush administration formally accepted in 2003.
But Mr. Gonzales revealed that during his tenure as White House counsel, the administration twisted this straightforward standard to make it possible for the CIA to subject detainees to such practices as sensory deprivation, mock execution and simulated drowning. The constitutional amendments, he told the committee, technically do not apply to foreigners held abroad; therefore, in the administration's view the torture treaty does not bind intelligence interrogators operating on foreign soil. "The Department of Justice has concluded," he wrote, that "there is no legal prohibition under the Convention Against Torture on cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment with respect to aliens overseas."
According to most legal experts, this is a gross distortion of the law. The Senate cited the constitutional amendments in ratifying the treaty precisely to set a clear standard that could be applied to foreigners. Nevertheless, Mr. Gonzales uses this false loophole to justify practices that contravene fundamental American standards. He was asked if there were any legal prohibition against U.S. personnel using simulated drowning and mock executions as well as sleep deprivation, dogs to inspire fear, hooding, forced nudity, the forced injection of mood-altering drugs and the threat of sending a detainee to another country for torture, among other abuses. He answered: "Some might . . . be permissible in certain circumstances."
This is not a theoretical matter. The CIA today is holding an undetermined number of prisoners, believed to be in the dozens, in secret facilities in foreign countries. It has provided no account of them or their treatment to any outside body, and it has allowed no visits by the Red Cross. According to numerous media reports, it has subjected the prisoners to many of the abuses Mr. Gonzales said "might be permissible." It has practiced such mistreatment in Iraq, even though detainees there are covered by the Geneva Conventions; according to official investigations by the Pentagon, CIA treatment of prisoners there and in Afghanistan contributed to the adoption of illegal methods by military interrogators.
In an attempt to close the loophole, Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (D-Conn.) sought to attach an amendment to the intelligence reform legislation last fall specifying that "no prisoner shall be subject to torture or cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment that is prohibited by the Constitution, laws or treaties of the United States." The Senate adopted the provision unanimously. Later, however, it was stripped from the bill at the request of the White House. In his written testimony, Mr. Gonzales affirmed that the provision would have "provided legal protections to foreign prisoners to which they are not now entitled." Senators who supported the amendment consequently face a critical question: If they vote to confirm Mr. Gonzales as the government's chief legal authority, will they not be endorsing the systematic use of "cruel, inhumane and degrading" practices by the United States?
The answer my friend is blowing in the wind. The answer is blowing in the wind.
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Mr. Gonzales stated at his hearing that he and Mr. Bush oppose "torture and abuse." But his written testimony to the committee makes clear that "abuse" is, in fact, permissible -- provided that it is practiced by the Central Intelligence Agency on foreigners held outside the United States. The Convention Against Torture, which the United States ratified in 1994, prohibits not only torture but "cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment." The Senate defined such treatment as abuse that would violate the Fifth, Eighth or 14th amendments to the Constitution -- a standard that the Bush administration formally accepted in 2003.
But Mr. Gonzales revealed that during his tenure as White House counsel, the administration twisted this straightforward standard to make it possible for the CIA to subject detainees to such practices as sensory deprivation, mock execution and simulated drowning. The constitutional amendments, he told the committee, technically do not apply to foreigners held abroad; therefore, in the administration's view the torture treaty does not bind intelligence interrogators operating on foreign soil. "The Department of Justice has concluded," he wrote, that "there is no legal prohibition under the Convention Against Torture on cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment with respect to aliens overseas."
According to most legal experts, this is a gross distortion of the law. The Senate cited the constitutional amendments in ratifying the treaty precisely to set a clear standard that could be applied to foreigners. Nevertheless, Mr. Gonzales uses this false loophole to justify practices that contravene fundamental American standards. He was asked if there were any legal prohibition against U.S. personnel using simulated drowning and mock executions as well as sleep deprivation, dogs to inspire fear, hooding, forced nudity, the forced injection of mood-altering drugs and the threat of sending a detainee to another country for torture, among other abuses. He answered: "Some might . . . be permissible in certain circumstances."
This is not a theoretical matter. The CIA today is holding an undetermined number of prisoners, believed to be in the dozens, in secret facilities in foreign countries. It has provided no account of them or their treatment to any outside body, and it has allowed no visits by the Red Cross. According to numerous media reports, it has subjected the prisoners to many of the abuses Mr. Gonzales said "might be permissible." It has practiced such mistreatment in Iraq, even though detainees there are covered by the Geneva Conventions; according to official investigations by the Pentagon, CIA treatment of prisoners there and in Afghanistan contributed to the adoption of illegal methods by military interrogators.
In an attempt to close the loophole, Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (D-Conn.) sought to attach an amendment to the intelligence reform legislation last fall specifying that "no prisoner shall be subject to torture or cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment that is prohibited by the Constitution, laws or treaties of the United States." The Senate adopted the provision unanimously. Later, however, it was stripped from the bill at the request of the White House. In his written testimony, Mr. Gonzales affirmed that the provision would have "provided legal protections to foreign prisoners to which they are not now entitled." Senators who supported the amendment consequently face a critical question: If they vote to confirm Mr. Gonzales as the government's chief legal authority, will they not be endorsing the systematic use of "cruel, inhumane and degrading" practices by the United States?
The answer my friend is blowing in the wind. The answer is blowing in the wind.
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Tuesday, January 25, 2005
The Goals Of The National League Of Cities
Coming off the heels of the column by Marc Fisher about the relationship between cities and schools is the finding by the Washington Time's Deborah Simmons that the National League of Cities, of which D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams is now President, has left education out of its top priorities for the year. According to Ms. Simmons, the NLC's top five for '05 are: transportation, economic development, hometown security, tax reform and taxing authority.
Too bad. Especially since the same organization released a report last September specifically addressing the subject of Marc Fisher's piece. The title of the special report: "Stronger Schools, Stronger Cities." The contents are pertinent to those interested in making an positive impact in inner city schools. Ms. Simmons writes:
The report goes on to highlight how six cities met the school governance issue head-on by taking the lead in shoring up corporate, faith-based and grass-roots support, and moving toward a single goal: improving public education. Lansing, Mich., for example, cited student achievement, attendance, behavior and parental improvement as its targets, recognizing the obvious links. To address those issues, Lansing set up a system whereby volunteers notify parents of children who miss school. Persistent absenteeism results in truancy court, where parents and children "face a municipal judge and possible sanctions ranging from probation to incarceration," the NLC report said. Lansing and the five other cities also initiated literacy programs and other public-private partnerships.
We should all take note, especially the new NLC President.
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Too bad. Especially since the same organization released a report last September specifically addressing the subject of Marc Fisher's piece. The title of the special report: "Stronger Schools, Stronger Cities." The contents are pertinent to those interested in making an positive impact in inner city schools. Ms. Simmons writes:
The report goes on to highlight how six cities met the school governance issue head-on by taking the lead in shoring up corporate, faith-based and grass-roots support, and moving toward a single goal: improving public education. Lansing, Mich., for example, cited student achievement, attendance, behavior and parental improvement as its targets, recognizing the obvious links. To address those issues, Lansing set up a system whereby volunteers notify parents of children who miss school. Persistent absenteeism results in truancy court, where parents and children "face a municipal judge and possible sanctions ranging from probation to incarceration," the NLC report said. Lansing and the five other cities also initiated literacy programs and other public-private partnerships.
We should all take note, especially the new NLC President.
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Monday, January 24, 2005
DC Education Compact Public Meetings
Nathan at the DC Education Blog has been doing a great job exposing the activities of the DC Education Compact. Today, I received an email from Ariana Quinones, Executive Director of the D.C. Charter School Association, listing the Compact's public meetings:
DC Education Compact (DCEC) Public Engagement Forums
Wednesday, February 9th at 6:00-8:30pm
Thursday, February 10th at 6:00-8:30pm
Saturday, February 12th at 9:00-11:30am
Locations To Be Announced. During these forums there will be working
sessions, the DCEC will be sharing progress-to-date, as well as asking
for the thoughts and concerns of those in attendance. More info to
follow.
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DC Education Compact (DCEC) Public Engagement Forums
Wednesday, February 9th at 6:00-8:30pm
Thursday, February 10th at 6:00-8:30pm
Saturday, February 12th at 9:00-11:30am
Locations To Be Announced. During these forums there will be working
sessions, the DCEC will be sharing progress-to-date, as well as asking
for the thoughts and concerns of those in attendance. More info to
follow.
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More On The Inaugural Address - Updated
It appears to me that Katie, over at A Constrained Vision, may need some glasses of her own. It looks like she is of the opinion that the President's foreign policy approach, as explained in his second inaugural address, will somehow lead to a new utopia in which the United States is taking out bad foreign leaders and only dealing with those nations that support our values. I think his doctrine will only lead to Iraq II, Iraq III, Iraq IV, and so on.
But please, don't just listen to me. In today's Washington Post, the President of the Council on Foreign Relations Richard Haass says that the promotion of freedom and liberty does not equate to a foreign policy. He is as sarcastic as I am about the whole thing:
What is critical is that the new Palestinian leaders do everything in their power to shut down terrorists. Holding off final-status negotiations until the residents of Nablus and Hebron are reading the Federalist Papers in Arabic will only frustrate young men and women and prompt them to give up on traditional politics and turn to terrorism.
Mr. Haass brings us back to reality by summarizing the foreign policy approach the United States has consistently followed, even if it has meant supporting some pretty ruthless regimes:
Trade-offs for the United States are unavoidable. President Bush's statement Thursday that "America's vital interests and our deepest beliefs are now one" doesn't hold up to careful scrutiny. The United States has a vital interest in China helping to eliminate the North Korean nuclear program, in Russia helping to eliminate the Iranian one, in Pakistan going after al Qaeda, in Israelis and Palestinians making peace. We may prefer that China, Russia, Pakistan and Palestine also be democratic, but a preference is something markedly less than a vital interest. The United States simply cannot afford to allow promoting democracy to trump cooperation on what is truly essential.
I say enough of presenting a confusing picture to the rest of the world (which often resembles hypocrisy) by attacking Iraq but referring to China, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia as friends. Let's follow one simple ethical rule. If you directly go after us we are going to go after you.
(To see how messy the current situation can get in relation to one country, Pakistan, see CATO's Ted Galen Carpenter policy analysis here.)
UPDATE: Mr. Haass is appearing on C-Span's Washington Journal this morning, Tuesday, January 25th to discuss Mr. Bush's foreign policy and his article. You can catch it on C-Span.org if you do not have time to listen live.
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But please, don't just listen to me. In today's Washington Post, the President of the Council on Foreign Relations Richard Haass says that the promotion of freedom and liberty does not equate to a foreign policy. He is as sarcastic as I am about the whole thing:
What is critical is that the new Palestinian leaders do everything in their power to shut down terrorists. Holding off final-status negotiations until the residents of Nablus and Hebron are reading the Federalist Papers in Arabic will only frustrate young men and women and prompt them to give up on traditional politics and turn to terrorism.
Mr. Haass brings us back to reality by summarizing the foreign policy approach the United States has consistently followed, even if it has meant supporting some pretty ruthless regimes:
Trade-offs for the United States are unavoidable. President Bush's statement Thursday that "America's vital interests and our deepest beliefs are now one" doesn't hold up to careful scrutiny. The United States has a vital interest in China helping to eliminate the North Korean nuclear program, in Russia helping to eliminate the Iranian one, in Pakistan going after al Qaeda, in Israelis and Palestinians making peace. We may prefer that China, Russia, Pakistan and Palestine also be democratic, but a preference is something markedly less than a vital interest. The United States simply cannot afford to allow promoting democracy to trump cooperation on what is truly essential.
I say enough of presenting a confusing picture to the rest of the world (which often resembles hypocrisy) by attacking Iraq but referring to China, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia as friends. Let's follow one simple ethical rule. If you directly go after us we are going to go after you.
(To see how messy the current situation can get in relation to one country, Pakistan, see CATO's Ted Galen Carpenter policy analysis here.)
UPDATE: Mr. Haass is appearing on C-Span's Washington Journal this morning, Tuesday, January 25th to discuss Mr. Bush's foreign policy and his article. You can catch it on C-Span.org if you do not have time to listen live.
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Sunday, January 23, 2005
CT Body Scanner
I never liked the idea of those preventative whole-body C.A.T. Scans that were advertised on the radio. First, it appeared to me that this was a get-rich-quick scheme by doctors to take cash directly from patients and avoid having to deal with insurance companies and their decreased reimbursement. Second, having worked in medicine for over 20 years I knew that insignificant finding resulting from these fast scans would be blown out of proportion by the lay person, which would result in more tests. The important fact you need to know is that you want to stay away from hospitals and physicians if you can avoid it, since one thing can easily lead to another and before you know it the system will make sure that if something wasn't wrong with you before there will certainly be something now.
For these reasons I was encouraged to see in a story by Gina Kolata appearing in today's New York Times that many of the companies offering this service have now gone out of business. I guess the public also figured out the problems with these test.
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For these reasons I was encouraged to see in a story by Gina Kolata appearing in today's New York Times that many of the companies offering this service have now gone out of business. I guess the public also figured out the problems with these test.
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Saturday, January 22, 2005
Dr. Summer's Remarks
I thought that the comment by the Harvard University President that women may be unrepresented in top academic posts due to "innate differences" was just dumb. But in today's Washington Post Ruth Marcus has me thinking that he may have a point:
Many of the same people denouncing Summers, I'd venture, believe fervently that homosexuality, for example, is a matter of biology rather than of choice or childhood experience. Many would demand that medical studies be structured to consider differences between men and women in metabolizing drugs, say, or responding to a particular disease. And many who find Summers's remarks offensive seem perfectly happy to trumpet the supposed attributes that women bring to the workplace -- that they are more intuitive, or more empathetic or some such. If that is so -- and I've always rather cringed at such assertions -- why is it impermissible to suggest that there might be some downside differences as well?
Comments?
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Many of the same people denouncing Summers, I'd venture, believe fervently that homosexuality, for example, is a matter of biology rather than of choice or childhood experience. Many would demand that medical studies be structured to consider differences between men and women in metabolizing drugs, say, or responding to a particular disease. And many who find Summers's remarks offensive seem perfectly happy to trumpet the supposed attributes that women bring to the workplace -- that they are more intuitive, or more empathetic or some such. If that is so -- and I've always rather cringed at such assertions -- why is it impermissible to suggest that there might be some downside differences as well?
Comments?
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One Sentence Summary Of The President's Speech
Reason On-line quotes Ben Schwartz, comedy and comics historian and screenwriter, "Bush to World: The Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves."
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Friday, January 21, 2005
The Inaugural Speech
Peggy Noonan didn't like it. I thought it was boring. And wrong. We cannot go around the world militarily taking out leaders we don't like. This only invites retaliation and hatred of Americans. Here's her summary:
There were moments of eloquence: "America will not pretend that jailed dissidents prefer their chains, or that women welcome humiliation and servitude, or that any human being aspires to live at the mercy of bullies." "We do not accept the existence of permanent tyranny because we do not accept the possibility of permanent slavery." And, to the young people of our country, "You have seen that life is fragile, and evil is real, and courage triumphs." They have, since 9/11, seen exactly that.
And yet such promising moments were followed by this, the ending of the speech. "Renewed in our strength--tested, but not weary--we are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom."
This is--how else to put it?--over the top. It is the kind of sentence that makes you wonder if this White House did not, in the preparation period, have a case of what I have called in the past "mission inebriation." A sense that there are few legitimate boundaries to the desires born in the goodness of their good hearts.
The President's first inaugural address was actually much better. Our family went to the Mall that day and I remember thinking it was beautiful. The speech is an interesting read in the context of being given before 9/11/01 and in light of the legal battle over who won the election. Here's an excerpt:
Americans are generous and strong and decent, not because we believe in ourselves, but because we hold beliefs beyond ourselves. When this spirit of citizenship is missing, no government program can replace it. When this spirit is present, no wrong can stand against it.
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There were moments of eloquence: "America will not pretend that jailed dissidents prefer their chains, or that women welcome humiliation and servitude, or that any human being aspires to live at the mercy of bullies." "We do not accept the existence of permanent tyranny because we do not accept the possibility of permanent slavery." And, to the young people of our country, "You have seen that life is fragile, and evil is real, and courage triumphs." They have, since 9/11, seen exactly that.
And yet such promising moments were followed by this, the ending of the speech. "Renewed in our strength--tested, but not weary--we are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom."
This is--how else to put it?--over the top. It is the kind of sentence that makes you wonder if this White House did not, in the preparation period, have a case of what I have called in the past "mission inebriation." A sense that there are few legitimate boundaries to the desires born in the goodness of their good hearts.
The President's first inaugural address was actually much better. Our family went to the Mall that day and I remember thinking it was beautiful. The speech is an interesting read in the context of being given before 9/11/01 and in light of the legal battle over who won the election. Here's an excerpt:
Americans are generous and strong and decent, not because we believe in ourselves, but because we hold beliefs beyond ourselves. When this spirit of citizenship is missing, no government program can replace it. When this spirit is present, no wrong can stand against it.
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Thursday, January 20, 2005
Dooced
Apparently, this is the new term to describe being fired from your job because of something posted on your blog. Click here and then on "listen" to hear an NPR story about it. My only question is why someone would want to write about work on their blog?
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The Relationship Between Housing And Schools
My friend Marc Fisher writes eloquently today about the positive impact the D.C. Housing Authority is having on protecting homes for low income residents as neighborhoods across town experience gentrification:
If developers buy into the Housing Authority's ideal -- one-third market rate units, one-third affordable units (for families on police- and teacher-level salaries), and one-third low-income housing -- the city will raze failed projects and start fresh. The result is at least one-for-one replacement of existing units for the poor, along with improved amenities (air conditioning, larger rooms), a more stable community and the promise of new retail and schools.
Any redevelopment raises the specter of the 1960s when the street protesters' cry was "Urban renewal is Negro removal." But at Henson Ridge, a pretty, 600-unit development taking shape along Alabama Avenue SE where the truly awful Stanton and Frederick Douglass dwellings once stood, 73 percent of former residents are coming back to spanking new houses. That's six times the national average rate of return.
However, the columnist continues, this urban renewal is not being matched by a replacement of failing schools. For example:
The city is moving to replace the violence-plagued Sursum Corda project near North Capitol Street, but the school system seems unable to revive adjacent Walker-Jones Elementary, where only 27 percent of the students read at grade level.
Mr. Fisher's concludes with a thought that I have expressed to others:
It's tempting to see each revolution of the turnstile in the superintendent of schools' office as comical. But it is downright tragic that this city's forward motion is limited by schools that should fill us all with shame.
Unfortunately, when it has come to school vouchers, a reform that if widely available would truly bring dramatic change to education in the City, you will not find a stronger opponent anywhere. It is extremely disappointing to listen to that point of view expressed by someone who obviously cares so much about Washington, D.C., who is a resident of this town, and who sends his own children to private school.
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If developers buy into the Housing Authority's ideal -- one-third market rate units, one-third affordable units (for families on police- and teacher-level salaries), and one-third low-income housing -- the city will raze failed projects and start fresh. The result is at least one-for-one replacement of existing units for the poor, along with improved amenities (air conditioning, larger rooms), a more stable community and the promise of new retail and schools.
Any redevelopment raises the specter of the 1960s when the street protesters' cry was "Urban renewal is Negro removal." But at Henson Ridge, a pretty, 600-unit development taking shape along Alabama Avenue SE where the truly awful Stanton and Frederick Douglass dwellings once stood, 73 percent of former residents are coming back to spanking new houses. That's six times the national average rate of return.
However, the columnist continues, this urban renewal is not being matched by a replacement of failing schools. For example:
The city is moving to replace the violence-plagued Sursum Corda project near North Capitol Street, but the school system seems unable to revive adjacent Walker-Jones Elementary, where only 27 percent of the students read at grade level.
Mr. Fisher's concludes with a thought that I have expressed to others:
It's tempting to see each revolution of the turnstile in the superintendent of schools' office as comical. But it is downright tragic that this city's forward motion is limited by schools that should fill us all with shame.
Unfortunately, when it has come to school vouchers, a reform that if widely available would truly bring dramatic change to education in the City, you will not find a stronger opponent anywhere. It is extremely disappointing to listen to that point of view expressed by someone who obviously cares so much about Washington, D.C., who is a resident of this town, and who sends his own children to private school.
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Wednesday, January 19, 2005
The Condoleezza Rice Confirmation Hearings
Writing on OpinionJournal James Taranto has the following observation:
The vote was 16-2, with Barbara Boxer, the sweetheart of the Angry Left, and John Kerry, the haughty, French-looking Massachusetts Democrat who by the way served in Vietnam, casting the only "no" votes. Perhaps Kerry will vote "yes" tomorrow so he can say he voted against her before voting for her.
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The vote was 16-2, with Barbara Boxer, the sweetheart of the Angry Left, and John Kerry, the haughty, French-looking Massachusetts Democrat who by the way served in Vietnam, casting the only "no" votes. Perhaps Kerry will vote "yes" tomorrow so he can say he voted against her before voting for her.
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Martin Luther King, Jr.
Yesterday, I heard this quotation from a Martin Luther King speech that I had never been aware of:
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
Strength to Love, 1963
Exactly right.
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"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
Strength to Love, 1963
Exactly right.
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Tuesday, January 18, 2005
The WEDJ Facility Story
What can you say when something happens that you thought was only possible in a dream?
Michele and I spent the weekend visiting the WEDJ School. Each time I walked into this beautiful building I thought about the long list of coincidences that fell into place to make this place a reality. Here's the list:
1. During 1997 I interrupt my career in healthcare to work for a political think tank, The Competitive Enterprise Institute.
2. After interviewing four real estate brokers, I hire the Fred Ezra Company to help find us a new location.
3. CEI does not move but I develop a close working relationship with Eugene Martin from Ezra.
4. In 1999, After 6 months of trying to get in to see him, Colbert King of the Washington Post agrees to a one hour meeting to discuss my idea of implementing school vouchers in Washington, D.C.
5. During the meeting he asks about charter schools, which I know nothing about.
6. The following month an article appears in Washingtonian Magazine from a reporter following the first year of operation of the Cesar Chavez Public Charter High School for Public Policy.
7. Because of my conversation with Colbert King I want to learn about charter schools in Washington, D.C. That Fall I volunteer tutor at the school. I continue to tutor throughout my association with Chavez.
8. The following Summer I am elected to the Board of Directors.
9. I call Eugene Martin to ask for assistance in finding a permanent location for the school. He refers me to his co-worker Anthony King.
10. We search for three years for a permanent location without success.
11. I recruit Anthony King to join Chavez's Board of Directors.
12. In late 2001 or early 2002 I introduce myself to Kaleem Caire because of his work with the Black Alliance with Educational Options. His organization has moved from Milwaukee to D.C. and I bring him for a tour to Chavez.
13. In 2003 my boss meets Kaleem on Joe Robert's private jet. Kaleem now works for Joe Robert. My boss, Dr. David Kushner, is there in his role as head of Children's Hospital's telemedicine program. Joe has become interested in using this program to bring healthcare to underserved children across the world and has enlisted the help of his friend, Quincy Jones.
14. Kaleem and Dr. Kushner discuss bringing telemedicine to D.C.'s charter schools. Kaleem now serves on the board of a charter school and is interested in spearheading an alliance of charter schools.
15. A meeting is arranged at Children's Hospital with charter school leaders to discuss telemedicine.
16. At the meeting is Julie Doar. I meet her and am impressed with her knowledge of the charter school movement.
17. During this year I get hints from Irasema Salcido, the founding principal of Chavez, that she would like to develop a trophy Board of Directors.
18. At a Chavez Fundraiser in March 2003 I ask Julie Doar if I can join her board.
19. In April I am elected to the WEDJ Board.
20. In July 2003 Irasema dismisses her board, which includes amongst its members Anthony King and me.
21. I am placed on the WEDJ facilities committee and we begin searching for a permanent facility. The school had already signed a contract to use an exclusive broker from the Studley Company.
22. In January 2004 Congress approves the use of private school vouchers in Washington, D.C.
23. In February 2004 WEDJ receives its charter.
24. In the Spring of 2004, after coming close to renting three different facilities, I call Anthony King for help.
25. At the same time, Anthony has recently referred a reporter from the Washington Business Journal to me to discuss facilities as it applies to charter schools. The reporter gets Anthony thinking about how his company can resolve the facility issue. He asks Ezra to purchase space and lease it back to charter schools. His company has identified a potential building on Edgewood Street N.E.
26. Julie and I meet with Anthony and Fred Ezra to discuss renting space from him.
27. WEDJ negotiates a lease with Ezra which includes both an option to buy any space we have rented and the ability to take on additional square feet in the building.
28. Jennifer Snowden of D.C.'s education office provides us with a 2 million dollar loan to renovate the 20,000 square feet we have rented.
29. WEDJ secures temporary space a couple of blocks from the permanent facility and opens on time this past September with 160 students.
30. Both the Ezra Company and Jennifer Snowden are trying to figure out a way we can secure the remaining 50,000 square feet in our building and grow incrementally into the area as the school expands.
31. In November I am elected Chairman of the WEDJ Board of Directors.
32. We open the WEDJ School on Edgewood Street today!
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Michele and I spent the weekend visiting the WEDJ School. Each time I walked into this beautiful building I thought about the long list of coincidences that fell into place to make this place a reality. Here's the list:
1. During 1997 I interrupt my career in healthcare to work for a political think tank, The Competitive Enterprise Institute.
2. After interviewing four real estate brokers, I hire the Fred Ezra Company to help find us a new location.
3. CEI does not move but I develop a close working relationship with Eugene Martin from Ezra.
4. In 1999, After 6 months of trying to get in to see him, Colbert King of the Washington Post agrees to a one hour meeting to discuss my idea of implementing school vouchers in Washington, D.C.
5. During the meeting he asks about charter schools, which I know nothing about.
6. The following month an article appears in Washingtonian Magazine from a reporter following the first year of operation of the Cesar Chavez Public Charter High School for Public Policy.
7. Because of my conversation with Colbert King I want to learn about charter schools in Washington, D.C. That Fall I volunteer tutor at the school. I continue to tutor throughout my association with Chavez.
8. The following Summer I am elected to the Board of Directors.
9. I call Eugene Martin to ask for assistance in finding a permanent location for the school. He refers me to his co-worker Anthony King.
10. We search for three years for a permanent location without success.
11. I recruit Anthony King to join Chavez's Board of Directors.
12. In late 2001 or early 2002 I introduce myself to Kaleem Caire because of his work with the Black Alliance with Educational Options. His organization has moved from Milwaukee to D.C. and I bring him for a tour to Chavez.
13. In 2003 my boss meets Kaleem on Joe Robert's private jet. Kaleem now works for Joe Robert. My boss, Dr. David Kushner, is there in his role as head of Children's Hospital's telemedicine program. Joe has become interested in using this program to bring healthcare to underserved children across the world and has enlisted the help of his friend, Quincy Jones.
14. Kaleem and Dr. Kushner discuss bringing telemedicine to D.C.'s charter schools. Kaleem now serves on the board of a charter school and is interested in spearheading an alliance of charter schools.
15. A meeting is arranged at Children's Hospital with charter school leaders to discuss telemedicine.
16. At the meeting is Julie Doar. I meet her and am impressed with her knowledge of the charter school movement.
17. During this year I get hints from Irasema Salcido, the founding principal of Chavez, that she would like to develop a trophy Board of Directors.
18. At a Chavez Fundraiser in March 2003 I ask Julie Doar if I can join her board.
19. In April I am elected to the WEDJ Board.
20. In July 2003 Irasema dismisses her board, which includes amongst its members Anthony King and me.
21. I am placed on the WEDJ facilities committee and we begin searching for a permanent facility. The school had already signed a contract to use an exclusive broker from the Studley Company.
22. In January 2004 Congress approves the use of private school vouchers in Washington, D.C.
23. In February 2004 WEDJ receives its charter.
24. In the Spring of 2004, after coming close to renting three different facilities, I call Anthony King for help.
25. At the same time, Anthony has recently referred a reporter from the Washington Business Journal to me to discuss facilities as it applies to charter schools. The reporter gets Anthony thinking about how his company can resolve the facility issue. He asks Ezra to purchase space and lease it back to charter schools. His company has identified a potential building on Edgewood Street N.E.
26. Julie and I meet with Anthony and Fred Ezra to discuss renting space from him.
27. WEDJ negotiates a lease with Ezra which includes both an option to buy any space we have rented and the ability to take on additional square feet in the building.
28. Jennifer Snowden of D.C.'s education office provides us with a 2 million dollar loan to renovate the 20,000 square feet we have rented.
29. WEDJ secures temporary space a couple of blocks from the permanent facility and opens on time this past September with 160 students.
30. Both the Ezra Company and Jennifer Snowden are trying to figure out a way we can secure the remaining 50,000 square feet in our building and grow incrementally into the area as the school expands.
31. In November I am elected Chairman of the WEDJ Board of Directors.
32. We open the WEDJ School on Edgewood Street today!
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Friday, January 14, 2005
WEDJ Moving Tomorrow
This is going to be the nicest school these students and staff have ever attended! If you have time this weekend the William E. Doar, Jr., Public Charter School for the Performing Arts is moving to its permanent facility beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and we could use your help. Click here for more information.
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Thursday, January 13, 2005
The Bell Curve
This excellent article which appeared recently in the New Yorker by Atul Gawande has sent a shock wave through healthcare. In a story told as if you are reading a detective novel, Mr. Gawande re-tells the experience of Don and Honor Page, a husband and wife living near Cincinnati Children's Hospital whose child Anne had been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. The author describes CF:
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease. Only a thousand American children per year are diagnosed as having it. Some ten million people in the United States carry the defective gene, but the disorder is recessive: a child will develop the condition only if both parents are carriers and both pass on a copy. The gene-which was discovered, in 1989, sitting out on the long arm of chromosome No. 7-produces a mutant protein that interferes with cells' ability to manage chloride. This is what makes sweat from people with CF so salty. (Salt is sodium chloride, after all.) The chloride defect thickens secretions throughout the body, turning them dry and gluey. In the ducts of the pancreas, the flow of digestive enzymes becomes blocked, making a child less and less able to absorb food. This was why Annie had all but stopped growing. The effects on the lungs, however, are what make the disease lethal. Thickened mucus slowly fills the small airways and hardens, shrinking lung capacity. Over time, the disease leaves a child with the equivalent of just one functioning lung. Then half a lung. Then none at all.
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Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease. Only a thousand American children per year are diagnosed as having it. Some ten million people in the United States carry the defective gene, but the disorder is recessive: a child will develop the condition only if both parents are carriers and both pass on a copy. The gene-which was discovered, in 1989, sitting out on the long arm of chromosome No. 7-produces a mutant protein that interferes with cells' ability to manage chloride. This is what makes sweat from people with CF so salty. (Salt is sodium chloride, after all.) The chloride defect thickens secretions throughout the body, turning them dry and gluey. In the ducts of the pancreas, the flow of digestive enzymes becomes blocked, making a child less and less able to absorb food. This was why Annie had all but stopped growing. The effects on the lungs, however, are what make the disease lethal. Thickened mucus slowly fills the small airways and hardens, shrinking lung capacity. Over time, the disease leaves a child with the equivalent of just one functioning lung. Then half a lung. Then none at all.
From my experience at Children's Hospital I am quite familiar with the reputation of Cincinnati. When I started in my current position six years ago my boss told me to go there to find out how to run a quality radiology department. So although the family described in the article was devastated by the news of their daughter's malady, they felt they were fortunate to be living so close to this fine facility. Mr. Gawande recalls their experience when they first went in for evaluation:
"We were there for hours, meeting with all the different members of the team," Honor recalled. "They took Annie's blood pressure, measured her oxygen saturation, did some other tests. Then they put us in a room, and the pediatrician sat down with us. He was very kind, but frank, too. He said, "Do you understand it's a genetic disease? That it's nothing you did, nothing you can catch?" He told us the median survival for patients was thirty years. In Annie's lifetime, he said, we could see that go to forty. For him, he was sharing a great accomplishment in CF care. And the news was better than our worst fears. But only forty! That's not what we wanted to hear."
The team members reviewed the treatments. The Pages were told that they would have to give Annie pancreatic-enzyme pills with the first bite of every meal. They would have to give her supplemental vitamins. They also had to add calories wherever they could-putting tablespoons of butter on everything, giving her ice cream whenever she wanted, and then putting chocolate sauce on it.
A respiratory therapist explained that they would need to do manual chest therapy at least twice a day, half-hour sessions in which they would strike-"percuss"-their daughter's torso with a cupped hand at each of fourteen specific locations on the front, back, and sides in order to loosen the thick secretions and help her to cough them up. They were given prescriptions for inhaled medicines. The doctor told them that Annie would need to come back once every three months for extended checkups. And then they went home to start their new life. They had been told almost everything they needed to know in order to give Annie her best chance to live as long as possible.
And then the author drops the bombshell:
The one thing that the clinicians failed to tell them, however, was that Cincinnati Children's was not, as the Pages supposed, among the country's best centers for children with cystic fibrosis. According to data from that year, it was, at best, an average program. This was no small matter. In 1997, patients at an average center were living to be just over thirty years old; patients at the top center typically lived to be forty-six. By some measures, Cincinnati was well below average. The best predictor of a CF patient's life expectancy is his or her lung function. At Cincinnati, lung function for patients under the age of twelve-children like Annie-was in the bottom twenty-five per cent of the country's CF patients. And the doctors there knew it.
The Page's do not learn of this fact until four years later.
In the winter of 2001, the Pages and twenty other families were invited by their doctors at Cincinnati Children?s to a meeting about the CF program there. Annie was seven years old now, a lively, brown-haired second grader. She was still not growing enough, and a simple cold could be hellish for her, but her lung function had been stable. The families gathered in a large conference room at the hospital. After a brief introduction, the doctors started flashing PowerPoint slides on a screen: here is how the top programs do on nutrition and respiratory performance, and here is how Cincinnati does. It was a kind of experiment in openness. The doctors were nervous. Some were opposed to having the meeting at all. But hospital leaders had insisted on going ahead. The reason was Don Berwick.
Berwick runs a small, nonprofit organization in Boston called the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. The institute provided multimillion-dollar grants to hospitals that were willing to try his ideas for improving medicine. Cincinnati's CF program won one of the grants. And among Berwick's key stipulations was that recipients had to open up their information to their patients-to "go naked," as one doctor put it.
The reaction of the family is interesting in that once they are presented with the facts they decide to stay with treatment at Cincinnati. As a parent I do not know what I would have done in their situation. But besides the obvious discussion the article has generated about how best to care for a child with a chronic lethal disease, the piece is generating calls for hospitals and physicians to be share data regarding their success rates caring for a wide variety of conditions. Insurance companies are already starting to base reimbursement on whether a facility follows accepted treatment plans. As far as the need for healthcare institutions to be able to provide quanitative data to patients regarding outcomes, it looks like the genie is out of the bottle.
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Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Incumbent Protection
People who follow American politics know that gerrymandering in the states equates to incumbent protection. For example, where I live in Reston, Virginia a couple of years ago Representatives Moran (Democrat) and Tom Davis (Republican) worked out a deal to adjust their district boundaries so that each as a job for life if they want it. Well in today's Washington Times Steve Chapman reports that California Governor Schwazenegger has taken note of this issue and has a plan to address it:
In the 2004 elections, Mr. Schwarzenegger noted, "153 of California's congressional and legislative seats were up in the last election and not one - I repeat, not one - changed parties." For incumbent legislators, that's the next best thing to guaranteed life tenure.
But they will have to learn to deal with uncertainty if Mr. Schwarzenegger has his way. He wants to turn the task of setting district boundaries over to an independent panel of retired judges, who would not have a powerful incentive to prevent competitive elections. "They can be drawn fair and honest - district lines that make politicians of both parties accountable to the people," he declared.
I hope this idea catches on.
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In the 2004 elections, Mr. Schwarzenegger noted, "153 of California's congressional and legislative seats were up in the last election and not one - I repeat, not one - changed parties." For incumbent legislators, that's the next best thing to guaranteed life tenure.
But they will have to learn to deal with uncertainty if Mr. Schwarzenegger has his way. He wants to turn the task of setting district boundaries over to an independent panel of retired judges, who would not have a powerful incentive to prevent competitive elections. "They can be drawn fair and honest - district lines that make politicians of both parties accountable to the people," he declared.
I hope this idea catches on.
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No, No Not Again - "A Chorus Line" Returns To Broadway
It seems Broadway no longer has an original bone in its body. Now every show has to be based upon material created in another medium. The list includes productions such as Disney's "The Lion King" and "Beauty and the Beast" to those centered around musicians such as "Movin' Out" (Billy Joel), "Good Vibrations" (the Beach Boys), and "Momma Mia" (Abba). In the works is one based upon the life of John Lennon. It is a wonder that "The Producers" and of course "Urinetown" (the best show of all time) ever made it to the stage.
Now comes the depressing word that "A Chorus Line" is coming back. Please. Someone has to be writing original interesting meaningful stuff out there. Here is "the question" posed in an article by Jesse McKinley in today's New York Times:
Two months after opening downtown the show jumped to Broadway, where it won nine Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for drama. It ran for a record 6,137 performances. ("Cats" and "Phantom of the Opera" later surpassed it.)
The length of its original run may raise questions about who is left to see it and how many will pay to see it again.
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Now comes the depressing word that "A Chorus Line" is coming back. Please. Someone has to be writing original interesting meaningful stuff out there. Here is "the question" posed in an article by Jesse McKinley in today's New York Times:
Two months after opening downtown the show jumped to Broadway, where it won nine Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for drama. It ran for a record 6,137 performances. ("Cats" and "Phantom of the Opera" later surpassed it.)
The length of its original run may raise questions about who is left to see it and how many will pay to see it again.
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Tuesday, January 11, 2005
My Call-In To C-Span
Click here to listen to my comments last week on the Alberto Gonzales nomination.
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Four Fired At CBS News
Here's what I said back in September when the story broke about the National Guard papers.
From The Drudge Report
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From The Drudge Report
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Michael Tannner Sums Up Social Security Debate
The Washington Post hates the idea of private social security accounts. So every few days we are going to be exposed to stories such as this one by Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen in which reporters search for Republicans who will oppose the President's plan. Mike Tanner of CATO perfectly captures the coming battle:
"This is the toughest political fight the president has ever picked...On the other hand, the president has never lost a fight he has wanted to win. It'll be interesting - the immovable object versus the irresistible force."
(This last line was originally part of the Post story but was edited out. You can view the quote as it first appeared here.)
And just what has gotten into Newt Gingrich and Bill Kristol?
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"This is the toughest political fight the president has ever picked...On the other hand, the president has never lost a fight he has wanted to win. It'll be interesting - the immovable object versus the irresistible force."
(This last line was originally part of the Post story but was edited out. You can view the quote as it first appeared here.)
And just what has gotten into Newt Gingrich and Bill Kristol?
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Monday, January 10, 2005
New Edition of The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged
Just in time for the 100th anniversary of Ayn Rand's birth, new editions of The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged have been issued which contain reproductions of the original book jackets. I bought my younger daughter a copy of Atlas Shrugged since she recently finished The Fountainhead and I looked inside at the dedication page to see if that too had been re-created to match the 1st edition. But no, that detail was omitted - Nathaniel Branden's name is still missing.
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Everyone Is A Criminal In Truro
Pam Belluk of the New York Times reports that in Truro, Massachusetts police are asking that all males provide them with a DNA sample in their attempt to solve the three year old murder of Christa Worthington. For those who don't want to be treated as a suspect the authorities will be keeping a list. I learned of the story while listening to C-Span on the radio on my way into work. From the story:
Raising concerns among civil libertarians and prompting both resistance and support from men in Truro, the state and local police began collecting the genetic samples last week, visiting delicatessens, the post office and even the town dump to politely ask men to cooperate. Legal experts said the sweeping approach had been used only in limited instances before in the United States - although it is more widely used in Europe - and in at least one of those cases it prompted a lawsuit.
Sgt. David Perry of the Truro Police Department and other law enforcement authorities here say that the program is voluntary but that they will pay close attention to those who refuse to provide DNA.
Let's see how fast the ACLU goes to court to stop this fourth amendment violation of rights.
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Raising concerns among civil libertarians and prompting both resistance and support from men in Truro, the state and local police began collecting the genetic samples last week, visiting delicatessens, the post office and even the town dump to politely ask men to cooperate. Legal experts said the sweeping approach had been used only in limited instances before in the United States - although it is more widely used in Europe - and in at least one of those cases it prompted a lawsuit.
Sgt. David Perry of the Truro Police Department and other law enforcement authorities here say that the program is voluntary but that they will pay close attention to those who refuse to provide DNA.
Let's see how fast the ACLU goes to court to stop this fourth amendment violation of rights.
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Sunday, January 09, 2005
Take This Charter School Critics
Maria Sacchetti of the Boston Globe reports on the truly astounding standardized test results of charter schools in her city compared to traditional public schools. These students are especially fortunate since there are not enough spaces for those who want to get in. From the article:
In Boston, for example, 56 percent of the charter school students scored proficient or advanced last year on the 10th-grade English test, compared with 38 percent of students in the regular public schools.
Looking at tests across all grades in eight cities last year, charter school students finished ahead of regular school students by an average of 12 percentage points.
I just have to add that no matter what education officials in Massachusetts say my readers know that charter schools to not skim the top students from the public school system.
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In Boston, for example, 56 percent of the charter school students scored proficient or advanced last year on the 10th-grade English test, compared with 38 percent of students in the regular public schools.
Looking at tests across all grades in eight cities last year, charter school students finished ahead of regular school students by an average of 12 percentage points.
I just have to add that no matter what education officials in Massachusetts say my readers know that charter schools to not skim the top students from the public school system.
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Saturday, January 08, 2005
Importance Of Arts Integration Into Inner City Schools
An extremely exciting editorial in today's Washington Post by Nick Rabkin and Robin Redmond speaks to the importance of integrating the arts into the curriculum of inner city schools. From the piece:
A study of 23 arts-integrated schools in Chicago showed test scores rising up to two times faster there than in demographically comparable schools. A study of a Minneapolis program showed that arts integration has substantial effects for all students, but appears to have its greatest impact on disadvantaged learners. Gains go well beyond the basics and test scores. Students become better thinkers, develop higher-order skills, and deepen their inclination to learn.
Of course, those of us at WEDJ recognized the value of arts integration from the beginning. In fact, its why we created the school in the first place.
Please remember we move next weekend. We can use your help and if you are available there is information here. I went by the site yesterday and it is beautiful although there is still much to be done.
On a related note, I am thinking this morning about how this all worked out that I am so involved with a charter school which is marrying high academic achievement with the arts. I'm beginning to believe in fate. For if you know me well you know that besides the influence of Ayn Rand in my life, the other major literary work that has impacted my thinking for the last 20 years is Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig. If you have never read the book I highly recommend it. If you are interested in learning more about the ideas of this author and want a hint as to how they relate to my involvement in WEDJ you can take a look at my recently published article "Management and Art."
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A study of 23 arts-integrated schools in Chicago showed test scores rising up to two times faster there than in demographically comparable schools. A study of a Minneapolis program showed that arts integration has substantial effects for all students, but appears to have its greatest impact on disadvantaged learners. Gains go well beyond the basics and test scores. Students become better thinkers, develop higher-order skills, and deepen their inclination to learn.
Of course, those of us at WEDJ recognized the value of arts integration from the beginning. In fact, its why we created the school in the first place.
Please remember we move next weekend. We can use your help and if you are available there is information here. I went by the site yesterday and it is beautiful although there is still much to be done.
On a related note, I am thinking this morning about how this all worked out that I am so involved with a charter school which is marrying high academic achievement with the arts. I'm beginning to believe in fate. For if you know me well you know that besides the influence of Ayn Rand in my life, the other major literary work that has impacted my thinking for the last 20 years is Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig. If you have never read the book I highly recommend it. If you are interested in learning more about the ideas of this author and want a hint as to how they relate to my involvement in WEDJ you can take a look at my recently published article "Management and Art."
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Unethical And Gross
I do not know who acted in a more disgusting way, Armstong Williams or the Bush Administration.
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The Soft Treatment of Gonzales Is Due To Race
And the rags to riches story, according to Jonah Goldbert of the National Review Online.
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Friday, January 07, 2005
Don't Forget There Were Other Confirmation Hearings Yesterday
Sorry I missed hearing live this gem from Senator Clinton yesterday during the Senate hearing to confirm Margaret Spellings as Education Secretary:
Spellings promised to work with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), who complained that highly regarded schools in New York were becoming overcrowded because of a provision in the law that allows parents to transfer their children from unsuccessful schools to thriving ones. As a result, Clinton said, standards were also declining at the successful schools.
I almost forgot that liberals were supposed to look out for the disadvantaged and less fortunate.
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Spellings promised to work with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), who complained that highly regarded schools in New York were becoming overcrowded because of a provision in the law that allows parents to transfer their children from unsuccessful schools to thriving ones. As a result, Clinton said, standards were also declining at the successful schools.
I almost forgot that liberals were supposed to look out for the disadvantaged and less fortunate.
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Mr. Gonzales Is Not Fit For The Job
Whatever you say about the Washington Post, their editors have been right on top of it regarding President Bush's disgraceful nominee for Attorney General. I watched and listened to the hearing and I agree completely with this conclusion:
He was asked if he believed that other world leaders could legitimately torture U.S. citizens. He replied, "I don't know what laws other world leaders would be bound by." (The Geneva Conventions would be among them.) He was asked whether "U.S. personnel [can] legally engage in torture under any circumstances." He answered, "I don't believe so, but I'd want to get back to you on that." He was asked whether he agreed, at least, with Mr. Ashcroft, who said he didn't believe in torture because it produced nothing of value. "I don't have a way of reaching a conclusion on that," he said. Those senators who are able to reach clear conclusions about torture and whether the United States should engage in it have reason for grave reservations about Mr. Gonzales.
What the Post editorial does not discuss was the weak questioning by the Judiciary Committee members. They were almost embarrassed to be asking whether the Bush Administration ignored international law. At one point, according to Dan Eggen and R. Jeffrey Smith, Senator Joseph Biden, who refers to himself as a constitutional expert and who wants to become President one day, reflected on the nominee's answers by saying "We're looking for you, when we ask you questions, to give us an answer, which you haven't done yet...I love you, but you're not very candid so far."
You have to begin to wonder whether Mr. Gonzales is getting off the hook because he is a minority.
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He was asked if he believed that other world leaders could legitimately torture U.S. citizens. He replied, "I don't know what laws other world leaders would be bound by." (The Geneva Conventions would be among them.) He was asked whether "U.S. personnel [can] legally engage in torture under any circumstances." He answered, "I don't believe so, but I'd want to get back to you on that." He was asked whether he agreed, at least, with Mr. Ashcroft, who said he didn't believe in torture because it produced nothing of value. "I don't have a way of reaching a conclusion on that," he said. Those senators who are able to reach clear conclusions about torture and whether the United States should engage in it have reason for grave reservations about Mr. Gonzales.
What the Post editorial does not discuss was the weak questioning by the Judiciary Committee members. They were almost embarrassed to be asking whether the Bush Administration ignored international law. At one point, according to Dan Eggen and R. Jeffrey Smith, Senator Joseph Biden, who refers to himself as a constitutional expert and who wants to become President one day, reflected on the nominee's answers by saying "We're looking for you, when we ask you questions, to give us an answer, which you haven't done yet...I love you, but you're not very candid so far."
You have to begin to wonder whether Mr. Gonzales is getting off the hook because he is a minority.
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Are You Telling Me Its Not For The Environment?
Steven Ginsberg and Carol Morello of the Washington Post report on why people are purchasing hybrid cars:
Several car dealers in Northern Virginia said it's because of the HOV exemption. "I'd say 95 percent of the people who buy a Prius say it's to get into HOV," said Jay Taye, sales manager at Ourisman Fairfax Toyota. "They talk about the tax break and the HOV, and once in a while they say they prefer it for the gas mileage as well."
I'm so disappointed.
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Several car dealers in Northern Virginia said it's because of the HOV exemption. "I'd say 95 percent of the people who buy a Prius say it's to get into HOV," said Jay Taye, sales manager at Ourisman Fairfax Toyota. "They talk about the tax break and the HOV, and once in a while they say they prefer it for the gas mileage as well."
I'm so disappointed.
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Thursday, January 06, 2005
Newt Gingrich Has A Good Point
I guess if you give enough advice the odds are that you will one day offer something valuable. Here, from today's New York Times story by Richard Stevenson, the ex-House Majority Leader makes an important point regarding the coming political fight over social security reform:
"The president should go for a very large account because it's going to take exactly the same amount of energy to get a large account as a small one, and you get a dramatically bigger reward with a large account."
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"The president should go for a very large account because it's going to take exactly the same amount of energy to get a large account as a small one, and you get a dramatically bigger reward with a large account."
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Hear Me On Washington Journal
I was able to join the conversation this morning on C-Span's Washington Journal regarding the Gonzales nomination and whether the use of torture was justified in time of war. Of course, I expressed my opinion that Mr. Gonzales should not become our next Attorney General. My call occurred about 10 minutes into the program which should be available on C-Span's website.
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The Alternative View
The Wall Street Journal is making a strong attempt to defend Alberto Gonzales. In the interest of fairness please take a look at their view and tell me where they discuss putting American citizens on ships as prisoners never to be heard of again. From the column:
As for al Qaeda, let us describe the most coercive interrogation technique that was ever actually authorized. It's called "water-boarding," and it involves strapping a detainee down, wrapping his face in a wet towel and dripping water on it to produce the sensation of drowning.
Is that "torture"? It is pushing the boundary of tolerable behavior, but we are told it is also used to train U.S. pilots in case they are shot down and captured. More to the critics' apparent point, is it immoral, or unjustified, in the cause of preventing another mass casualty attack on U.S. soil? By all means let's have a debate; Mr. Gonzales should challenge a few Democrats to categorically renounce it and tell us what techniques they would tolerate instead.
If the Gonzales critics are really worried about civil liberties, they might ponder the domestic political response to another 9/11. Do they really think Roosevelt's internment camps and Lincoln's suspension of habeas corpus were merely products of a less enlightened age, and that Americans wouldn't respond to a dirty bomb explosion in a major city with mass detentions of men with Islamic surnames, closed borders, or worse? This civil-liberties catastrophe is precisely what "water-boarding" is trying to prevent.
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As for al Qaeda, let us describe the most coercive interrogation technique that was ever actually authorized. It's called "water-boarding," and it involves strapping a detainee down, wrapping his face in a wet towel and dripping water on it to produce the sensation of drowning.
Is that "torture"? It is pushing the boundary of tolerable behavior, but we are told it is also used to train U.S. pilots in case they are shot down and captured. More to the critics' apparent point, is it immoral, or unjustified, in the cause of preventing another mass casualty attack on U.S. soil? By all means let's have a debate; Mr. Gonzales should challenge a few Democrats to categorically renounce it and tell us what techniques they would tolerate instead.
If the Gonzales critics are really worried about civil liberties, they might ponder the domestic political response to another 9/11. Do they really think Roosevelt's internment camps and Lincoln's suspension of habeas corpus were merely products of a less enlightened age, and that Americans wouldn't respond to a dirty bomb explosion in a major city with mass detentions of men with Islamic surnames, closed borders, or worse? This civil-liberties catastrophe is precisely what "water-boarding" is trying to prevent.
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Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Anne Applebaum Nails The Gonzales Nomination
If you do not believe me, please direct your attention to the words of the Pulitzer Prize winning author of the book Gulag. From today's column in which she referes to the abuses at the Abu Ghraib prison:
In fact, anyone who has ever wanted the United States to play a role in promoting and supporting democracy and human rights around the world -- and this includes a wide swath of the conservative movement -- ought to oppose the appointment of Alberto Gonzales, if only on the grounds that he is associated with bad legal advice that has damaged our ability to do so. Just because the president can't remember how embarrassed we all were eight months ago doesn't mean the rest of Washington, and especially the rest of the president's party, need be gripped by amnesia as well.
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In fact, anyone who has ever wanted the United States to play a role in promoting and supporting democracy and human rights around the world -- and this includes a wide swath of the conservative movement -- ought to oppose the appointment of Alberto Gonzales, if only on the grounds that he is associated with bad legal advice that has damaged our ability to do so. Just because the president can't remember how embarrassed we all were eight months ago doesn't mean the rest of Washington, and especially the rest of the president's party, need be gripped by amnesia as well.
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Tuesday, January 04, 2005
TOC To Hold Ayn Rand Birthday Anniversary Event
WEDJ PCS Needs Moving Help MLK Weekend
Community Service Opportunity
Assistance Needed
�
Over the Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend, The William E. Doar, Jr. Public Charter School for the Performing Arts is scheduled to move from its current temporary location to its permanent location two blocks away.
We have slated that entire weekend for the move and are in need of strong backs, kind souls and willing participants to help us move.
We are also in need of pickup trucks, Vans and hand trucks for the move because the building has a ramp that cannot accommodate moving trucks.� Additional pickups and vans will enable us to make multiple trips between the two facilities.
Saturday, January 15, 2004 is slated for last-minute packing and heavy lifting of furniture, boxes, etc.� We would like to be fully moved into the facility that day.(Hours 8 am - 2 pm)
Sunday, January 16, 2004 and Monday, January 17th are scheduled for setup, setting up computers, classroom arrangement, decorating classrooms, shelving books, etc.�
(Hours 10 am - 2 pm)
Please rsvp to:
Julie Doar-Sinkfield at (202) 269-4646 or jdoarsinkfield@wedjschool.us�with the date and time of your help as well as the availability of pick ups/vans, etc.
We are most in need of help on Saturday and Sunday the 15th and 16th of January.
Julie S. Doar-Sinkfield
Executive Director
William E. Doar, Jr. Educational Foundation, Inc.
(202) 269-4646 Office (202) 669-4786 Cellular (202) 882-9652 fax
2917 8th Street, NE Washington, DC� 20017 � See our new website at:� www.wedjschool.us! � �
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Assistance Needed
�
Over the Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend, The William E. Doar, Jr. Public Charter School for the Performing Arts is scheduled to move from its current temporary location to its permanent location two blocks away.
We have slated that entire weekend for the move and are in need of strong backs, kind souls and willing participants to help us move.
We are also in need of pickup trucks, Vans and hand trucks for the move because the building has a ramp that cannot accommodate moving trucks.� Additional pickups and vans will enable us to make multiple trips between the two facilities.
Saturday, January 15, 2004 is slated for last-minute packing and heavy lifting of furniture, boxes, etc.� We would like to be fully moved into the facility that day.(Hours 8 am - 2 pm)
Sunday, January 16, 2004 and Monday, January 17th are scheduled for setup, setting up computers, classroom arrangement, decorating classrooms, shelving books, etc.�
(Hours 10 am - 2 pm)
Please rsvp to:
Julie Doar-Sinkfield at (202) 269-4646 or jdoarsinkfield@wedjschool.us�with the date and time of your help as well as the availability of pick ups/vans, etc.
We are most in need of help on Saturday and Sunday the 15th and 16th of January.
Julie S. Doar-Sinkfield
Executive Director
William E. Doar, Jr. Educational Foundation, Inc.
(202) 269-4646 Office (202) 669-4786 Cellular (202) 882-9652 fax
2917 8th Street, NE Washington, DC� 20017 � See our new website at:� www.wedjschool.us! � �
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Anna Quindlen Helps Democrats
In her latest Newsweek column she offers advice the Democrats should follow if they want to get back into the winners circle:
I miss Paul Wellstone. It is not that the senator from Minnesota was liberal, although he was, or smart, although he was that, too. It was that when he said he was going to do something, he did it, and because he believed it was the right thing, not because he'd been bought and paid for by lobbyists and pressure groups. His last major legislative act was to vote against the resolution authorizing the war in Iraq. He was the sole Democrat in the Senate facing a significant election challenge to do so, but he told a reporter, "I'm not 38, I'm 58. And at this point in my life, I'm not making any decision that I don't believe in."
And while I don't believe in ghosts, I hope the memory of Paul Wellstone will haunt the Democrats as they go about the very public business of finding themselves in the wake of their November defeat. Not because they will necessarily embrace his positions, but because they ought to assume his legacy of passionate conviction.
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I miss Paul Wellstone. It is not that the senator from Minnesota was liberal, although he was, or smart, although he was that, too. It was that when he said he was going to do something, he did it, and because he believed it was the right thing, not because he'd been bought and paid for by lobbyists and pressure groups. His last major legislative act was to vote against the resolution authorizing the war in Iraq. He was the sole Democrat in the Senate facing a significant election challenge to do so, but he told a reporter, "I'm not 38, I'm 58. And at this point in my life, I'm not making any decision that I don't believe in."
And while I don't believe in ghosts, I hope the memory of Paul Wellstone will haunt the Democrats as they go about the very public business of finding themselves in the wake of their November defeat. Not because they will necessarily embrace his positions, but because they ought to assume his legacy of passionate conviction.
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We Are Going To New York
Elissa Gootman reports on New York City's public school system opening 99 themed small high schools aimed at providing an improved educational model over institutions packed with hundreds of students. What this reporter fails to mention is that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is behind this effort.
Meanwhile WEDJ received some fantastic news yesterday. At a New Year's Eve party Julie Doar-Sinkfield and I discussed our expansion plans. Our goal has always been to open new performing arts charter schools in other cities in coming years. She said that we should next go to New York, possibly looking at locating in Queens or the Bronx. So yesterday when I wished Fred Ezra a happy new year I asked him if he could work with us in acquiring a building in New York and he sounded as excited as a six year old on Christmas morning when he said "Yes!"
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Meanwhile WEDJ received some fantastic news yesterday. At a New Year's Eve party Julie Doar-Sinkfield and I discussed our expansion plans. Our goal has always been to open new performing arts charter schools in other cities in coming years. She said that we should next go to New York, possibly looking at locating in Queens or the Bronx. So yesterday when I wished Fred Ezra a happy new year I asked him if he could work with us in acquiring a building in New York and he sounded as excited as a six year old on Christmas morning when he said "Yes!"
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Monday, January 03, 2005
Ayn Rand Institute View Of The Tsunami
Thank goodness I started reading James Taranto's "Best of the Web". Today, he reports on the Ayn Rand Institute's editorial on the tsunami:
As the death toll mounts in the areas hit by Sunday's tsunami in southern Asia, private organizations and individuals are scrambling to send out money and goods to help the victims. Such help may be entirely proper, especially considering that most of those affected by this tragedy are suffering through no fault of their own.
Mr. Taranto wonders "Which of the tsunami victims are at fault for their suffering?"
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As the death toll mounts in the areas hit by Sunday's tsunami in southern Asia, private organizations and individuals are scrambling to send out money and goods to help the victims. Such help may be entirely proper, especially considering that most of those affected by this tragedy are suffering through no fault of their own.
Mr. Taranto wonders "Which of the tsunami victims are at fault for their suffering?"
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Some In Congress Feel This Nomination Isn't Quite Right
The story by Reuters, as re-printed by the Washington Post, says that at least two members of Congress recognize that even prisoners in the "War on Terror" have rights:
A leading Republican senator yesterday condemned as "a bad idea" a reported U.S. plan to keep some suspected terrorists imprisoned for a lifetime even if the government lacks evidence to charge them.
"It's a bad idea. So we ought to get over it and we ought to have a very careful, constitutional look at this," Sen. Richard G. Lugar (R-Ind.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said on "Fox News Sunday."
Sen. Carl M. Levin (Mich.), senior Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, cited earlier U.S. Supreme Court decisions. "There must be some modicum, some semblance of due process . . . if you're going to detain people, whether it's for life or whether it's for years," Levin said, also on Fox.
In times like these it is a good idea to go back to First Principles. In our Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson wrote that men "are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights." What he meant is that all men possesses certain rights simply because they are men. Any government (including ours) does not grant these rights since they have already been granted (according to Jefferson by God). In the most important paragraph of political philosophy ever written in the history of the world, and in his perfect attempt to spell out the Founder's view of Natural Law, Jefferson continued, "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
Perhaps the other 98 senators need a refresher course.
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A leading Republican senator yesterday condemned as "a bad idea" a reported U.S. plan to keep some suspected terrorists imprisoned for a lifetime even if the government lacks evidence to charge them.
"It's a bad idea. So we ought to get over it and we ought to have a very careful, constitutional look at this," Sen. Richard G. Lugar (R-Ind.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said on "Fox News Sunday."
Sen. Carl M. Levin (Mich.), senior Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, cited earlier U.S. Supreme Court decisions. "There must be some modicum, some semblance of due process . . . if you're going to detain people, whether it's for life or whether it's for years," Levin said, also on Fox.
In times like these it is a good idea to go back to First Principles. In our Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson wrote that men "are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights." What he meant is that all men possesses certain rights simply because they are men. Any government (including ours) does not grant these rights since they have already been granted (according to Jefferson by God). In the most important paragraph of political philosophy ever written in the history of the world, and in his perfect attempt to spell out the Founder's view of Natural Law, Jefferson continued, "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
Perhaps the other 98 senators need a refresher course.
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Sunday, January 02, 2005
Renditions Used To Hid "War On Terror" Prisoners
Dana Priest of the Washington Post details efforts by our government to hide "War on Terror" captives as a way to circumvent Supreme Court rules it finds inconvenient:
The CIA had floated a proposal to build an isolated prison with the intent of keeping it secret, one intelligence official said. That was dismissed immediately as impractical.
One approach used by the CIA has been to transfer captives it picks up abroad to third countries willing to hold them indefinitely and without public proceedings. The transfers, called "renditions," depend on arrangements between the United States and other countries, such as Egypt, Jordan and Afghanistan, that agree to have local security services hold certain terror suspects in their facilities for interrogation by CIA and foreign liaison officers.
The practice has been criticized by civil liberties groups and others, who point out that some of the countries have human rights records that are criticized by the State Department in annual reports.
Why don't they just shoot the prisoners to death and be done with them once and for all?
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The CIA had floated a proposal to build an isolated prison with the intent of keeping it secret, one intelligence official said. That was dismissed immediately as impractical.
One approach used by the CIA has been to transfer captives it picks up abroad to third countries willing to hold them indefinitely and without public proceedings. The transfers, called "renditions," depend on arrangements between the United States and other countries, such as Egypt, Jordan and Afghanistan, that agree to have local security services hold certain terror suspects in their facilities for interrogation by CIA and foreign liaison officers.
The practice has been criticized by civil liberties groups and others, who point out that some of the countries have human rights records that are criticized by the State Department in annual reports.
Why don't they just shoot the prisoners to death and be done with them once and for all?
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Young People With Children Moving Into Upper Northwest D.C.
My wife and I could have told you about this phenomenon. Whenever we go to Cactus Cantina there are loads of young families eating there. Sort of reminds us of Cape Cod and going to the Chatham Squire for dinner.
And as Peter Whoriskey discusses in today's Washington Post, a primary concern of these parents is where they are going to send their kids to school:
What's less certain is how many of the families will stay -- or stay in public schools. Like many in the neighborhood, they are skeptical about sending their children to the District's middle schools and are equally skeptical of paying for private school.
"The big question is how many of these families will be sending their kids to Deal and Wilson," said Brian Kraft, referring to the middle and high schools that serve the area. He and his wife, Janine, moved to the neighborhood in 1998 and now have two preschool children. "That's the big question mark."
This is where the business community need to get involved. Companies can and should 1)support our schools financially; 2)have their employees volunteer to work with our students; and 3)put pressure on political leaders to fix the District's dysfunctional public education system. In these ways they can both strengthen the base of residents who will be around to purchase their products and develop a source of highly trained workers who will allow their businesses to prosper.
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And as Peter Whoriskey discusses in today's Washington Post, a primary concern of these parents is where they are going to send their kids to school:
What's less certain is how many of the families will stay -- or stay in public schools. Like many in the neighborhood, they are skeptical about sending their children to the District's middle schools and are equally skeptical of paying for private school.
"The big question is how many of these families will be sending their kids to Deal and Wilson," said Brian Kraft, referring to the middle and high schools that serve the area. He and his wife, Janine, moved to the neighborhood in 1998 and now have two preschool children. "That's the big question mark."
This is where the business community need to get involved. Companies can and should 1)support our schools financially; 2)have their employees volunteer to work with our students; and 3)put pressure on political leaders to fix the District's dysfunctional public education system. In these ways they can both strengthen the base of residents who will be around to purchase their products and develop a source of highly trained workers who will allow their businesses to prosper.
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