Just when you think they have sunk as low as they can go.......................................... My husband and I were born and raised in Iowa. Our sons were born and raised in Iowa. They left to go to college in other places, but I have always hoped that, maybe, someday they would return to raise their families here. I am certain now with all of this crazy, mean legislation that is coming from this administration and this legislature they will not return and even more young families will leave. More's the pity.
Don't forget Iowans will do the right thing, as stated by our Governor. Since the State now wants the parents to have control over their children's education, what if I don't want my child to take theses courses? What will the duration of the course be? No certification is a concern. Who will be conducting these courses? And your point of what classes will be replaced by these courses. Just when you think they can't do anymore harm to the educational system they find a way to step lower.
Another post of clarity. Don't get distracted by the policy debate. This is pure power politics and demands a full-throated, powerful, movement building response. Leonard is always ready with that response.
WHAT? No parent choice now? Since I appreciate the original intent and strict reading of the 2nd amendment (contrary to the POTUS view), I can "support" the House bill if and only if it is accompanied with a requirement that all school students in the hunter safety course are given hunting licenses and are automatically enlisted into a US military branch with required minimum of two years of service, as they will then constitute a well-regulated militia. Also it is good to learn goose-stepping in those early years, and perhaps this will become another competitive school sport with state championships, etc.
One other question is whether parents will have the option of dismissing their kids from attending this hunter “training” or not. You know, because rights of parental “choice” and all. Or will the Republicans make this a big government mandate.
I think the hunter safety training is optional for the student. The gun safety stuff starting in Kindergarten is optional for the school district I think. It's not clear whether the gun safety instruction is optional for the student, directed by the parent. These are policy details. We have to be careful not to be distracted by the policy details. Stay focused on the values at play and punch back with a political 2x4. Republicans are confident Democrats will debate the policy and miss the larger political implications. Republicans want more guns in schools. The vast majority of Americans do not want guns in schools. Republicans are radically wrong. Period.
It all may be optional. For now. Perhaps parental choice. But can you imagine being the Kindergarten teacher who has to tell the kids, OK, some of you get to watch Eddie Eagle and the wing team, and you others can't? All of the kids will want to watch the cartoon, and those that can't will feel different and left out.
I grew up on a farm. I know hunters. I’m not anti-gun per se, but this makes me furious!!!!
Don’t say gay; say guns?!?!?!
I am speechless at the attempt to put guns anywhere near schools.
Gun safety is important, but it does not belong in schools!!!!!!
Iowa will be receiving national attention, but the wrong kind. These proposed gun policies will be highlighted on SNL, sooner than later.
Just when you think they have sunk as low as they can go.......................................... My husband and I were born and raised in Iowa. Our sons were born and raised in Iowa. They left to go to college in other places, but I have always hoped that, maybe, someday they would return to raise their families here. I am certain now with all of this crazy, mean legislation that is coming from this administration and this legislature they will not return and even more young families will leave. More's the pity.
Sometimes this starts to overwhelm me. But we need to not give up. And I know you won't.
It is overwhelming, but we cannot give up, can we? If we do, they win...........
Don't forget Iowans will do the right thing, as stated by our Governor. Since the State now wants the parents to have control over their children's education, what if I don't want my child to take theses courses? What will the duration of the course be? No certification is a concern. Who will be conducting these courses? And your point of what classes will be replaced by these courses. Just when you think they can't do anymore harm to the educational system they find a way to step lower.
We must keep providing a better vision. Persistence matters. Thanks Craig!
I am beyond sad about the direction our state is headed. Vote like it matters people, because it does.
Another post of clarity. Don't get distracted by the policy debate. This is pure power politics and demands a full-throated, powerful, movement building response. Leonard is always ready with that response.
The NYT link is excellent. . . balanced, compelling. Thank you.
The Kansas legislature passed a similar bill that the governor just vetoed. They’ll likely override it.
I see the Kansas City Star (after I wrote my piece) had a good one noting that the program doesn't work well, but they missed the indoctrination part.
Yep, that's a critical point.
WHAT? No parent choice now? Since I appreciate the original intent and strict reading of the 2nd amendment (contrary to the POTUS view), I can "support" the House bill if and only if it is accompanied with a requirement that all school students in the hunter safety course are given hunting licenses and are automatically enlisted into a US military branch with required minimum of two years of service, as they will then constitute a well-regulated militia. Also it is good to learn goose-stepping in those early years, and perhaps this will become another competitive school sport with state championships, etc.
Oops. I meant SCOTUS opinion, not POTUS.
Get ‘em while they’re young, huh? Putrid.
One other question is whether parents will have the option of dismissing their kids from attending this hunter “training” or not. You know, because rights of parental “choice” and all. Or will the Republicans make this a big government mandate.
I think the hunter safety training is optional for the student. The gun safety stuff starting in Kindergarten is optional for the school district I think. It's not clear whether the gun safety instruction is optional for the student, directed by the parent. These are policy details. We have to be careful not to be distracted by the policy details. Stay focused on the values at play and punch back with a political 2x4. Republicans are confident Democrats will debate the policy and miss the larger political implications. Republicans want more guns in schools. The vast majority of Americans do not want guns in schools. Republicans are radically wrong. Period.
It all may be optional. For now. Perhaps parental choice. But can you imagine being the Kindergarten teacher who has to tell the kids, OK, some of you get to watch Eddie Eagle and the wing team, and you others can't? All of the kids will want to watch the cartoon, and those that can't will feel different and left out.