Hang your heads Republican senators. This scandalous appointment will be hung around your necks forever.
No amount of money contributed to political campaigns could make this worth it.
No amount of money contributed to political campaigns could make this worth it.
2
Cruella DeVos,
Cruella DeVos!
Her qualifications
Are thinner than floss!
Cruella DeVos!
Her qualifications
Are thinner than floss!
3
"If we cannot set aside party loyalty long enough to perform the essential duty of vetting the president's nominees, what are we even doing here?" AL FRANKEN
These words of wisdom are brought to you by a comedian turned senator. The problem is they are meant solely for one party and should be accepted by both parties. Whose the party of obstruction now? Let's not even mention rioting, breaking and burning!
These words of wisdom are brought to you by a comedian turned senator. The problem is they are meant solely for one party and should be accepted by both parties. Whose the party of obstruction now? Let's not even mention rioting, breaking and burning!
2
Will Ms. De Vos as Secretary of Education now advocate that tax payer dollars be spent on Islamic schools in the form of either direct aid or vouchers? Not sure many of the disaffected white-working class folks will be "jumping for joy" if that happens, but how can she avoid not spreading public funds equally across all private schools?
1
If you gave a bunch a million $ to my cause I get it, I owe you something. But how about something like an ambassadorship to Tahiti or a lifetime pass to Disneyland? The price of every child in America is a little too steep #ThatsJustMe
4
Sad and surreal.
1
Senator Franken (D-MN) raised the issue of the essential duty of the committee to vet presidential nominees.
I do not recall Senator Franken, or for that matter Senator Collins or Senator Murkowski or Senator Murray or Ms. Weingarten or Ms. Garcia, vetting Ms. DeVos about her plans to address the abysmal performance of American students in comparison with other students from advanced industrial countries in regard to math and reading scores. Finishing in the bottom third year after year is scandalous.
I do not recall Senator Franken, et al, vetting Ms. DeVos on the necessity for many colleges and universities to offer, no demand, remedial college courses in elementary math and reading so that many high school graduates could qualify for college level courses.
I do not recall Senator Franken, et al, vetting Ms. Devos on the abysmal high school graduation rates in some states. For example, California, which has the lowest high school graduation rate in the US, which is doubly troubling because California also has the largest high school enrollment in the US.
As Senator Franken asked "What are we even doing here?"
Apparently, not the right stuff.
I do not recall Senator Franken, or for that matter Senator Collins or Senator Murkowski or Senator Murray or Ms. Weingarten or Ms. Garcia, vetting Ms. DeVos about her plans to address the abysmal performance of American students in comparison with other students from advanced industrial countries in regard to math and reading scores. Finishing in the bottom third year after year is scandalous.
I do not recall Senator Franken, et al, vetting Ms. DeVos on the necessity for many colleges and universities to offer, no demand, remedial college courses in elementary math and reading so that many high school graduates could qualify for college level courses.
I do not recall Senator Franken, et al, vetting Ms. Devos on the abysmal high school graduation rates in some states. For example, California, which has the lowest high school graduation rate in the US, which is doubly troubling because California also has the largest high school enrollment in the US.
As Senator Franken asked "What are we even doing here?"
Apparently, not the right stuff.
4
I do not recall seeing so-called President Trump's tax returns. I do not recall an investigation into his Russian business ties or Russian interference in our election (and our FBI.)
I do recall and continue to note Trump's appointees proceeding without proper vetting and with obvious financial conflicts of interest intact.
What are you even doing here?
I do recall and continue to note Trump's appointees proceeding without proper vetting and with obvious financial conflicts of interest intact.
What are you even doing here?
2
Senators for sale! Lawmaker = can be bought for money
5
As usual teachers have little sway in the direction education takes. They are tasked too often with the challenge of producing measurable results by using a methodology which promotes process ( constructivism ) over product. The fact of the matter is that both can coexist
Charter schools become less threatening if staffed by teachers who are members of teachers unions, and who are protected by a collective agreement.
The most important thing in education is the relationship which exists between the teacher and the student: clear goals, resources, class size, educational assistants, working conditions, etc. Regrettably the system is highly politicized by politicians, philosophers, social engineers and just about everything else.
Charter schools become less threatening if staffed by teachers who are members of teachers unions, and who are protected by a collective agreement.
The most important thing in education is the relationship which exists between the teacher and the student: clear goals, resources, class size, educational assistants, working conditions, etc. Regrettably the system is highly politicized by politicians, philosophers, social engineers and just about everything else.
3
Such hypocrites. It's all right for the wealthy to have school choice, but don't give it to the less fortunate? Spend $40,000 annually to send your child to Sidwell Friends? How much is Trinity in NY? Let's try something different for these impoverished kids with no chance at life going to a lousy inner-city school in Chicago, Detroit, NYC, etc. etc. etc.
2
I want all of the Trump supporters to remember that when they realize that their children are left behind in their education. That Mr. Pence, with his deciding vote, drove the nail into the public education coffin.
4
We need to let this "Trump train wreck" happen, ensuring that the Republican party takes the full brunt of the responsibility for the incompetence. DeVos is just another Mike Brown (the guy that famously screwed up Katrina).
It's time to realize that 64% of GDP is from blue states, the red states (only a measly 36% of GDP created) are the takers, not makers. The red states are stealing from the blue states through federal taxes. Let them cut federal spending and force red states to pay for themselves. Why should CA, NY, NJ carry them anymore? Let Texas take care of her weak, needy, welfare red state cousins. If red states actually suffered under republican policies, they would lose in the next elections, no problem.
Dems must pound the table over and over, demonstrating republican hypocrisy. e.g. they shut down the government over debt, but now want to borrow $1 trillion for infrastructure and tax cuts for billionaires.
Why should blue state citizens pay for red state infrastructure repair?
It's time to realize that 64% of GDP is from blue states, the red states (only a measly 36% of GDP created) are the takers, not makers. The red states are stealing from the blue states through federal taxes. Let them cut federal spending and force red states to pay for themselves. Why should CA, NY, NJ carry them anymore? Let Texas take care of her weak, needy, welfare red state cousins. If red states actually suffered under republican policies, they would lose in the next elections, no problem.
Dems must pound the table over and over, demonstrating republican hypocrisy. e.g. they shut down the government over debt, but now want to borrow $1 trillion for infrastructure and tax cuts for billionaires.
Why should blue state citizens pay for red state infrastructure repair?
4
Mr Trump is the proud Owner of Trump University who just paid 25 million USD to settle fraud lawsuits. Mr Trump loves the "uneducated".
Ms DeVos is the perfect Secretary of Education for a Trump administration.
Ms DeVos is the perfect Secretary of Education for a Trump administration.
2
Oh, AL, you were never funny on SNL, and you have no sense of humor here.
2
Follow the money. ALEC is the wizard of Oz behind all of Trump's cabinet picks. ALEC is controlled by Koch Brothers (pipelines, coal, oil), DeVos family, NRA, Big Pharma, News Corp (Fox News/Wall Street Journal), Mercer family (Trump's inner cabinet and funds Breitbart).
DeVos Family made $5 billion from Amway and gave $200 million to Republicans. Betsy's brother Erik Prince is founder of Blackwater (private military that made billions from Iraq war). 2,000 legislatures at all levels of gov't are members.
ALEC now controls all levels of government (local, state, and federal), and has pledged to spend up to $400 million in the 2018 election. ALEC members Scott Pruitt (EPA nominee, his 2014 campaign funded by oil), Rex Tillerson (Exxon), billionaire Mercer (Trump's inner cabinet and funds Breitbart), Stephen Bannon (Breitbart/Cambridge Analytica… worked at Goldman Sachs), etc. are all members. ALEC has other names/think tanks (Cato, Heritage, Americans for Prosperity, etc.) that espouse their "research" on climate change, etc., (their "charities" are paid for by our tax dollars). They want to dismantle EPA, all regulations, public schools, etc, and have stated they will spend $400 million in the 2018 elections.
The GOP introduced a bill yesterday to abolish the Department of Education: http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/318310-gop-lawmaker-proposes...
DeVos Family made $5 billion from Amway and gave $200 million to Republicans. Betsy's brother Erik Prince is founder of Blackwater (private military that made billions from Iraq war). 2,000 legislatures at all levels of gov't are members.
ALEC now controls all levels of government (local, state, and federal), and has pledged to spend up to $400 million in the 2018 election. ALEC members Scott Pruitt (EPA nominee, his 2014 campaign funded by oil), Rex Tillerson (Exxon), billionaire Mercer (Trump's inner cabinet and funds Breitbart), Stephen Bannon (Breitbart/Cambridge Analytica… worked at Goldman Sachs), etc. are all members. ALEC has other names/think tanks (Cato, Heritage, Americans for Prosperity, etc.) that espouse their "research" on climate change, etc., (their "charities" are paid for by our tax dollars). They want to dismantle EPA, all regulations, public schools, etc, and have stated they will spend $400 million in the 2018 elections.
The GOP introduced a bill yesterday to abolish the Department of Education: http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/318310-gop-lawmaker-proposes...
3
The DeVos confirmation just accelerates the longstanding Republican effort to further dumb down the public, making it even easier to get the electorate to vote against their own interests. It amazes me how easy it is to get people to vote themselves into a life of poverty and ignorance. Are we still worthy of Democracy?
2
Chilling. I've watched unsuspecting young people get snake-oiled by commercial colleges. Those of you wondering about why the Republicans let this disgusting appointment happen need to remember the old saying: Cui Bono. Who benefits?
2
I would really like to know if ANY of those who voted to confirm Ms DeVos have children or grandchildren in public schools or state universities. If not, why not?
5
She had 2 major negatives for Democrats,she was rich and she wanted to reduce the power of one of the primary Democrat supporters,the public school monopoly.Great that she was confirmed.Now,hope she follows through on promise of free choice for parents and kids.Maybe having choice will cause parents to get more involved in their kids education.Great news.
1
Thanks McCain.... you could have put on your big boy pants and made the proper vote instead you went "party line" ... does that mean everything else you say is nonsense and not to be trusted because you will always vote "party line". Education is one of the pillars of strength for a strong DEMOCRACY. I blame you
5
In a word: disgraceful. A travesty for public education in this country. Ponce should be hanging his head in shame.
2
What is our country coming to when we allow someone to run the education system in this country that does not know what "education" is. Seriously!!!!!!!
4
These despicable Republicans who voted for a complete idiot to head an agency she wants to destroy must not be forgotten or forgiven come election time next year and in 2020. We will be "taking names" of all Republicans who voted for this nincompoop and decimate that info to their constituents.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
9
So sad for our children and their children...
3
A horrific choice. Terrible for our children.
Education for profit, rather than public education: big downfall for the US.
Religious superstition rather than science.
Ignorance in the Secretary's office rather than knowledge.
Money buys a top office in our government.
Education for profit, rather than public education: big downfall for the US.
Religious superstition rather than science.
Ignorance in the Secretary's office rather than knowledge.
Money buys a top office in our government.
8
This is it? This is all the New York Times is going to say about this? A profoundly unqualified woman bribed her way into a position on the Cabinet of the United States, and fifty Senators approved of that. This is a stunning level of corruption, and you publish a polite article that's already buried on your site. Have you lost all backbone?
8
Read the editorial on her. This is a news article.
1
So the dumbing down of US education continues. DeVos wants Federal funding to be taken away from public schools and given to religious and for-profit schools. And she refused to commit to holding those schools to the same high standards as public schools. That means a child could "graduate" by merely memorizing the Bible, the Quran, or the Talmud if those religious schools dreamed that sufficient. Already many of our countrymen are having a hard time finding a job because they lack the necessary educational skills. This will further our country's decline.
In the end, Betsy DeVos had the one qualification Republicans most respect: Deep pockets. It is truly a sad day for public education in this country.
1
Show me ONE Congressman or Senator who has placed their children or grandchildren in DC public schools. There aren't any. And Democratic Presidents (Carter, Clinton, Obama) have all sent their kids to the posh, über-elite private 'Sidwell Friends School' where a K-12 education costs more than 520k for one student! HYPOCRITES one and all!
Democratic politicians are resisting reform to protect the teachers' unions. They pretend to care about kids from lower-income homes, stuck in failing schools, but their actions speak otherwise.
Sure, I have doubts about DeVos' qualifications but, let's face it, this article is a hatchet job (biased & mean-spirited...just like most of the comments here). Since she's been confirmed - let's give her a chance.
I have three children in public schools so my main concern is that funding for public schools may be decreased in favor of private vouchers & charter schools. While it is true that throwing money at poor public schools does not guarantee their turnaround, decreasing funds for public schools which ARE working would be a disaster.
Trust me, there is non-stop fundraising at my twins' public elementary school because there are not enough available public funds for even the basics. The parents & community make up the rest but it's a constant struggle to raise funds.
In my daughter's high school there is no toilet paper in the bathroom stalls yet there are smart boards in every class, which no one uses! The status quo failed us long ago.
Democratic politicians are resisting reform to protect the teachers' unions. They pretend to care about kids from lower-income homes, stuck in failing schools, but their actions speak otherwise.
Sure, I have doubts about DeVos' qualifications but, let's face it, this article is a hatchet job (biased & mean-spirited...just like most of the comments here). Since she's been confirmed - let's give her a chance.
I have three children in public schools so my main concern is that funding for public schools may be decreased in favor of private vouchers & charter schools. While it is true that throwing money at poor public schools does not guarantee their turnaround, decreasing funds for public schools which ARE working would be a disaster.
Trust me, there is non-stop fundraising at my twins' public elementary school because there are not enough available public funds for even the basics. The parents & community make up the rest but it's a constant struggle to raise funds.
In my daughter's high school there is no toilet paper in the bathroom stalls yet there are smart boards in every class, which no one uses! The status quo failed us long ago.
3
A colleague of mine voted for Trump. Now he's worried that DeVos will cut funding to programs that his special needs child badly needs. Understandable since DeVos doesn't understand the laws on that issue. Oh well, that's his own fault...
5
And so, Mike Pence pushed Betsy DeVos into this position in spite of unprecedented objections and in spite of her total lack of qualifications for this job, but I'm sure that Smirkin' Mike loves the idea of taking our tax dollars and giving vouchers to rich people to help pay for private schools, especially Catholic and Christian schools. BUT, let me remind you that your tax dollars will also go toward vouchers for Islamic and other schools. I have no objection to any of these private or religious schools. I have paid a lot of money to some of them over the years, but I don't want my tax dollars taken away from public schools to pay for them. Do you?
7
Just was listening to Joe Scareborough still spin the old Republican yarn about we spend the most per student in the world and get the least value back for our money. And its the teacher's unions fault that we are in the situation we are in.
Let us be careful about averages and how we compare them to the world. Our population has flattened out and birth rates have fallen. Averages will go up. Total monies to schools in general have fallen from the federal government as a result of Reagan's block granting. State and municipalities have not picked up the slack because of falling economic activiity and taxpayer hatred of their education systems. School infrastructure is in disrepair.
The Republicans have made a past-time of defunding education and then using it as a whipping boy for all of society's ills....Education is expensive but if we do it right we get the returns back in GDP many times over.
We also get less ignorance and more informed voters which leads to not electing a snake oil salesman like Trump.
But yeah Betsy DeVos bought her cabinet post for $200 million as a Republican donor. Republican were just thanking her.
Let us be careful about averages and how we compare them to the world. Our population has flattened out and birth rates have fallen. Averages will go up. Total monies to schools in general have fallen from the federal government as a result of Reagan's block granting. State and municipalities have not picked up the slack because of falling economic activiity and taxpayer hatred of their education systems. School infrastructure is in disrepair.
The Republicans have made a past-time of defunding education and then using it as a whipping boy for all of society's ills....Education is expensive but if we do it right we get the returns back in GDP many times over.
We also get less ignorance and more informed voters which leads to not electing a snake oil salesman like Trump.
But yeah Betsy DeVos bought her cabinet post for $200 million as a Republican donor. Republican were just thanking her.
3
There is a bumper sticker that goes:
"IF YOU THINK EDUCATION IS EXPENSIVE, TRY IGNORANCE."
We are going to try it for the next four years.
Rome is burning but no one smells the smoke.
"IF YOU THINK EDUCATION IS EXPENSIVE, TRY IGNORANCE."
We are going to try it for the next four years.
Rome is burning but no one smells the smoke.
6
"DeVos was unqualified because of a lack of familiarity with public schools and with laws meant to protect students."
Her problem went far deeper than that, and I am not referring to the automatic disqualification that should have applied because of her conflicts of interest and lack of forthrightness in many of her responses to questions under oath. She actually received the start of a much needed job training during her confirmation hearings. The lasting trouble is that what is best for the welfare of the students, whether it be their getting the best possible education or protected from discrimination or bullying, takes a backseat to her inflexible dogmatic beliefs that are not based on sound educational practices but rather an undying faith in the "free market".
Government isn't working as smoothly as we like so we elect people who complain that government is the problem. But they have no experience in government and in fact despise government. And then when things deteriorate as a result of whom we elected, these same hacks get to point out how right they were about government being the problem. And so we re-elect them all over again. It's time to get off this merry-go-round.
Her problem went far deeper than that, and I am not referring to the automatic disqualification that should have applied because of her conflicts of interest and lack of forthrightness in many of her responses to questions under oath. She actually received the start of a much needed job training during her confirmation hearings. The lasting trouble is that what is best for the welfare of the students, whether it be their getting the best possible education or protected from discrimination or bullying, takes a backseat to her inflexible dogmatic beliefs that are not based on sound educational practices but rather an undying faith in the "free market".
Government isn't working as smoothly as we like so we elect people who complain that government is the problem. But they have no experience in government and in fact despise government. And then when things deteriorate as a result of whom we elected, these same hacks get to point out how right they were about government being the problem. And so we re-elect them all over again. It's time to get off this merry-go-round.
2
There was a plaque in an elementary school I often visited, it honored a long departed former principal. And t simply said, "It's about all the children." Hopefully Ms. DeVos can honor this simple but imperative reflection as she assumes her position.
1
In Michigan, there are school districts somewhere between larger cities and rural ones that fight to keep the funding for each child. Their finances are so tight that they will oust teachers who have been there for years to save money by getting young teachers just out of college. What will happen when children move on to charter schools farther way? Since the public school system in Michigan runs on a margin, the system, already fragile, will probably not survive. If that happens, what will the children who cannot go to charter schools do? Like most educational procedures, it took years to build the public school system so that all children were guaranteed an education; it could take just a couple of years of thoughtlessness to destroy it.
Public education needed more money not to be raped by this woman DeVos
The GOP has no soul, or guts... to be polite.
1
I believe the Republicans claimed she was wotthy of the appointment because she cared about children. I care about children too, but that doesn't mean I should be a pediatrician (without the requisite degrees) .. or be the director of a pediatric hospital. What a specious rationale!
2
Follow the lead...That's what puppets do!
1
Now Trump wants to charge Jerry Falwell, Jr. with fixing our "higher" education system. And you think DeVos was bad?
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/jerry-falwell-jr-asked-lead-trump-ed...
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/jerry-falwell-jr-asked-lead-trump-ed...
1
Why all the Uproar? The Democratic Union party held its ground as best as it could.
After all, it's not about the children it's about the unions. Union power. Union support of democratic candidates. Democratic elected officials, who in turn see that unions get more money. So they can, in turn, elect more Democrats.
The cycle of Democratic political life. Children and their education? Nah!
After all, it's not about the children it's about the unions. Union power. Union support of democratic candidates. Democratic elected officials, who in turn see that unions get more money. So they can, in turn, elect more Democrats.
The cycle of Democratic political life. Children and their education? Nah!
2
Unions helped to create the middle class, good wages, benefits and homeownership. So to be anti union, you must be rich. In which case mind your money and stop the union bashing.
3
Experience, knowledge, and expertise are not important to the Trump administration. The only thing that matters is Pres. Trump, nothing else.
2
As soon as I saw former senator Joe Lieberman escort DeVos to her confirmation hearing and sit next to her, I knew that bowing to big money interests and the willingness to sacrifice what is right for profit were her only qualifications. I didn't think Lieberman could do any more to sully his reputation. I was wrong.
9
I suspected Gore wanted to lose the 2000 election when he picked Lieberman to run with. A less charismatic figure is hard to imagine.
These days only a total ignoramas would vote for a republican.
Logically, republicans have an interest in keeping Americans as dumb as possible.
Therefore Betsy DeVos is their best possible candidate for education secretary.
Logically, republicans have an interest in keeping Americans as dumb as possible.
Therefore Betsy DeVos is their best possible candidate for education secretary.
6
I think they may be eager to get to Heaven where the Republican God purportedly rules without human interference.
Scolding Trump voters will not carry the Democrats back to power
3
One can scold a child. Ridicule is for grown-ups.
This is really appalling! How can party loyalty be more important to these people than the education of our young? They are politicians before parents or human beings? Reason and justice is ignored in favor of political ambition? Are we to live in a Republican dictatorship from now on? None of the elected Republicans have a mind of their own? I am fighting against feeling totally demoralized!
They're selected, not elected.
Obama: If you don’t like something, win an election”.
Better yet, thank Harry Reid for changing the Senate filibuster rules. – The chickens have come home to roost
Better yet, thank Harry Reid for changing the Senate filibuster rules. – The chickens have come home to roost
3
Stupidity on a grand scale
4
the din over "qualifications" begs the question "qualified for what?"
at no time during the rancorous exchange here (or in the years of squabbling over school reform) has education been on the table, only its organization/administration, a shuffling of deck chairs, if you will, on a sinking ship.
no mention of the state of research in cognition and learning, the development of the brains of children, etc., which, if heeded, would suggest changes in everything from teacher training to the actual redesign of the organization, curriculum and management of the entire k-12 system, now clearly failed, yet huffing and puffing along, (expensively) with its own preservation a priority over the discovery and development of the potential of each and every child in its trust.
at no time during the rancorous exchange here (or in the years of squabbling over school reform) has education been on the table, only its organization/administration, a shuffling of deck chairs, if you will, on a sinking ship.
no mention of the state of research in cognition and learning, the development of the brains of children, etc., which, if heeded, would suggest changes in everything from teacher training to the actual redesign of the organization, curriculum and management of the entire k-12 system, now clearly failed, yet huffing and puffing along, (expensively) with its own preservation a priority over the discovery and development of the potential of each and every child in its trust.
4
Well, corruption at the top is complete. You can now buy a Director appt in our nation, even if, or maybe especially if, you're a moron.
The only thing keeping our nation afloat are competent ethical judges. The "king" can't buy them and is so incompetent that he and his minions can't figure out why not.
I cry for the millions of children who will be cheated out of proper dedication and expertise at the top level.
DeVos destroyed education in Michigan. Now she gets to spread the scourge of "profit before people'" to hurt our children across the nation
Any precedent to get rid of the whole darn lot of imposters? We The People deserve so much better.
The only thing keeping our nation afloat are competent ethical judges. The "king" can't buy them and is so incompetent that he and his minions can't figure out why not.
I cry for the millions of children who will be cheated out of proper dedication and expertise at the top level.
DeVos destroyed education in Michigan. Now she gets to spread the scourge of "profit before people'" to hurt our children across the nation
Any precedent to get rid of the whole darn lot of imposters? We The People deserve so much better.
4
The US directorship is interlocked as never before.
That's what you get, America, for voting for Trump! Hahaha!
2
We look forward to Attorney General Jeff Sessions to begin implementing Rodrigo Duterte's drug policies shortly.
The ascent of Betsy DeVos and Donald Trump show exactly how far uneducated, uninformed, rich people can go, even though they have little or no ability. The slithering paths and inroads made by Bannon and cohorts also demonstrate that you do not need honesty and hard work, which evidently impede downward progress......
2
Betsy DeVos' confirmation spells doom for US education. She supports school voucher which is really a right-wing disguise for undermining public schools and for supporting religious/Christian schools. The Republican chose ideology over what is good for the children of the US. We are going to have more under-educated, low-skilled citizens, and cannot compete with other more advanced country.
2
Great link to Devos' contribution history, yet senators have voted alongside party lines - except for 2 that could see beyond the smoke and mirrors. Sen Anderson actually said that he felt that her contributions would not sway the votes...what a dunce!
http://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/trailguide/la-na-trailguide-updat...
http://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/trailguide/la-na-trailguide-updat...
The two Republican senators represent states that would be particularly hard-hit by withdrawal of aid for special needs students. They got hammered by their constituents.
My heart goes out to all the young parents cuddling their cute little bundle of joys...
...Who, by the efforts of an especially obtuse Republican Senate, have been left wondering if there will still be "public" education when the time comes.
...Who, by the efforts of an especially obtuse Republican Senate, have been left wondering if there will still be "public" education when the time comes.
3
Republicans...ref: 2006 midterms.
"Those who do not learn from History are doomed to repeat it."
"Those who do not learn from History are doomed to repeat it."
The Republicans wasted a lot of capital and good will on this pick. They failed to listen to the American people who didn't want someone who is blatantly unqualified in charge of our education system. In her arrogance she didn't even take the confirmation hearing seriously and wasn't even prepared to answer questions. Pathetic.
5
Her money talked for her.
Shame. No respect, no care for public schools. I miss so much our wonderful, caring president and his beautiful daughters. They all cared so much for public schools!
1
Oh yes, he really did!!! Shortly after his inauguration, he removed a voucher program which permitted poor minority children in DC to attend schools of their parent's choosing. He implemented this regardless of the fact that it was midterm and children had to be removed from their schools and sent to DC public schools.
His beautiful daughters attend one of the most prestigious schools in DC -- Sidwell Friends. At least President Carter sent his daughter to public school. Are the Democrat so afraid of change that they can't even admit that the previous president -- their idol-- showed very little real concern for the education of the minority and public school children? "Race to the Top" was nothing more than a bribe of sorts. If school districts wanted federal monies, they had to subscribe to Common Core and implement the other requirements of "Race to the Top" which is little better than a cookie cutter test-driven program. in which many teachers were not trained in say new ,math curricula and changes in curricula were dictated by the federal mandate.
His beautiful daughters attend one of the most prestigious schools in DC -- Sidwell Friends. At least President Carter sent his daughter to public school. Are the Democrat so afraid of change that they can't even admit that the previous president -- their idol-- showed very little real concern for the education of the minority and public school children? "Race to the Top" was nothing more than a bribe of sorts. If school districts wanted federal monies, they had to subscribe to Common Core and implement the other requirements of "Race to the Top" which is little better than a cookie cutter test-driven program. in which many teachers were not trained in say new ,math curricula and changes in curricula were dictated by the federal mandate.
2
@SRH,
Thanks!
Thanks!
Her confirmation is an insult to everyone who has ever gone through the rigor and requirements of becoming a teacher! Confirmation of how America, on the whole, does not consider teaching a noble and worthy pursuit! Follow the money, and pray for a miracle! The only saving grace here, is the fact that the position has little effect on the local educational level!
8
So right !Unqualified.It will be like our for profit prisons.
She is the sister of that guy that started Blackwater and buddy of Trump.
She is the sister of that guy that started Blackwater and buddy of Trump.
The entire Trump family is downright despicable and the administration/cabinet a pathetic joke. Just my opinion....and that of millions more.
3
A cynical and pathetic choice of an ill-prepared woman ignorant of and hostile to public education to lead our nation's schools.Let's hope she can't do too much damage. Bravo to the two Republican women who refused to confirm her.
5
Public Education will take the biggest hit it ever has. This is disgraceful. Pence is a monster in the Senate when it is 50/50.
Paid for in Amway and Orlando Magic vouchers?
3
Let the dumbing down of society begin!
It is well started.
As usual critical thinking goes first.
As usual critical thinking goes first.
Perhaps Trump chose such an unfit person to head the Department of Education to demonstrate that even selecting someone without the background for such a position would pass muster with enough Republican senators. They dare not defy him.
2
The United States has so little public policy to unite it that it must inevitably crumble.
Much revealed about the political character of both Trump and
DeVos, that neither saw the wisdom of withdrawing her
nomination under such unprecedented protest.
DeVos, that neither saw the wisdom of withdrawing her
nomination under such unprecedented protest.
3
This is an assault on the educational development of our children, all children, and undermines the civil and constitutional rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is meant to stymie and reverse the past civil achievements of desegregation by the privileged under the guise of the present political forces at work.
1
Is she going to raise teachers' pay? My son who teaches in NYC had to pay out of his pocket, for photo copying daily lessons and hand outs to students who did not have access to the internet at home. The school would not reimburse him because they owned a copier which was always backed up with a long queue of pending tasks. How can a young guy living in NYC, sustain himself on a teacher's salary?
4
Time to change jobs.
Chris, he can't abandon his students just like that. He is committed to the cause. Teaching science.
2
Almost $100,000 donated to Rubio. GOP ruled by the swamp!
5
Welcome Pence, to the list of hypocrites. I didn't think it would take you long to join it, as with all the rest of the Republican hypocrites. After a lifetime of belonging to the Republican party, I can only say now that I am totally, completely, repulsed.
7
Hillary lost the election because the Midest working class swing voters went for Trump - All of the boycotts, protests and obstruction by the democrats may please their west coast and northeast liberal base, but they are alienating the working class swing voters - These moves will not help the democrats in 2018
1
The voters who elected DT and the GOP legislators have absolute conscientious stupidity. One cannot sugar coat it anymore. It is ignorance that elected DT and the Congress and it is ignorance that has allowed this most vile, putrid and arrogant Education secretary to assume the office.
We are public school students in 8th and 5th grade and want to know how Betsy Devos's confirmation will affect our next 4 years as we enter middle and high school. We are worried that it won't be good but we are not sure how it will affect our daily school life.
Please don't forget about us students and continue to report on her. This is how we can hold her accountable.
Please don't forget about us students and continue to report on her. This is how we can hold her accountable.
4
1) Your school and your teacher will have fewer resources.
2) Those attending private schools will get a bit more help from the government.
3) You and your teachers will be blamed for the fact that improve their scores on mandated tests relative to yours.
2) Those attending private schools will get a bit more help from the government.
3) You and your teachers will be blamed for the fact that improve their scores on mandated tests relative to yours.
Is there a way to find out the percentage of calls for/against her that were made to our senators?
I think that most people did NOT want DeVos confirmed. These Republican Senators have forgotten who they work for. We need to remember this. And when these Senators come up for re-election in the future, we need to cast our own votes of NO. We need to clean our House and Senate one step at a time. If we do, members of Congress will have to remember who they work for.
1
It is clear that WE, the people, have to "drain the swamp." That is one campagne promise DT is NOT keeping, even on the superficial level of the other "promises" he made to those misguided voters. Why would anyone believe a "promise" made by a "so-called president"?
1
Great. Now commerce can make a buck off our kids going to school at for profit schools. I want to know how Secretary DeVos will divest of her education empire. It is required for cabinet members to do so.
That reminds me, did Tillerson win the argument to defer all of his taxes related to divesting from Exxon - especially his Exxon options that would be taxed as compensation. Funny how these things drop out of the news.
That reminds me, did Tillerson win the argument to defer all of his taxes related to divesting from Exxon - especially his Exxon options that would be taxed as compensation. Funny how these things drop out of the news.
23
Better to have DeVos than the corrupt, inefficient alliance of unions and government bureaucracies that have dragged down education for decades. Education should be a locally solved problem. DeVos is going to return power and choice to parents.
1
Deferral of taxes is only fair. Otherwise it would cost this guy tens of millions to move into government service.
These people cannot be paid too much for their profound insights. It is a privilege to be impoverished by them.
Sad! How sad it is that someone so obviously lacking in knowledge about education will attempt to lead a department she knows little about. As an educator in our public schools for 28 years I can tell you that no one should be allowed to head up the department of education without at least 5 years of experience in a public school on the front lines. More important than the knowledge of managing and teaching gained through experience is the ability to deeply care for ALL students. We all bring our prejudices to the classroom as new teachers. Through sharing joy and pain and everything in between with our students one can begin to see each student as someone's child that came into this world as a bundle of hopes and dreams. It's just not possible to lead in education without having this image in your heart.
Without these experiences it is unwise for Betsy DeVos or anyone else to be entrusted with the education of millions of children. Our primary function in education is to be the protector of dreams. As educators we must feel and understand the dreams of all of our students before being given the awesome responsibility and privilege of protecting them.
Without these experiences it is unwise for Betsy DeVos or anyone else to be entrusted with the education of millions of children. Our primary function in education is to be the protector of dreams. As educators we must feel and understand the dreams of all of our students before being given the awesome responsibility and privilege of protecting them.
24
The failure of US schools to debunk belief in magic is about to get much worse.
1
Many charter schools are actually Christian schools, not just clearly defined parochial schools. Many have Christian prayer, teach creationism, that slavery is a minor reason for the Civil War, and some even suggest questioning the Holocaust. With the Devos confirmation. revisionist history and anti-science can spread more widely. Public charter schools, funded by taxpayers, can be started by religous idealogues or survivalists. One can only imagine the growth of "alternative facts" as Devos begins to implement privatizing education.
What will happen to the children whose parents are so disabled, mentally impaired, addicted, or just too indifferent to find a "good" charter school for them. More and more of these children will be left in public schools with dwindling resources, and without the involved parents who usually support and organize Parent/Teacher groups, sports, and the arts. The prevailing thinking seems to be, "As long as my child gets what I think is a good education, the rest of the children are not my concern". I think we can imagine the outcomes for children who will lose our public concern, and what the cost of those outcomes will be to our country.
I don't havec hildren, but I always felt obligated and happy to pay my taxes in support of public education for all "our" children. Now we'll all be paying for schools that teach religion, alternative facts, revisionist history, anti-science, and even anti-government ideologies.
What will happen to the children whose parents are so disabled, mentally impaired, addicted, or just too indifferent to find a "good" charter school for them. More and more of these children will be left in public schools with dwindling resources, and without the involved parents who usually support and organize Parent/Teacher groups, sports, and the arts. The prevailing thinking seems to be, "As long as my child gets what I think is a good education, the rest of the children are not my concern". I think we can imagine the outcomes for children who will lose our public concern, and what the cost of those outcomes will be to our country.
I don't havec hildren, but I always felt obligated and happy to pay my taxes in support of public education for all "our" children. Now we'll all be paying for schools that teach religion, alternative facts, revisionist history, anti-science, and even anti-government ideologies.
32
The whole idea of the DeVos appointment is to provide choice to parents. The government takes our money and gives us lousy services in return. Democrats believe the only way to improve schools is to take more of my money and give to unions. I have two children and I pay a ton in taxes at all levels. But I have never sent my kids to public schools. I have always favored non-denominational private schools. You pay more but your kids get more. I think it would have only been fair for the government to use vouchers to subsidize me with my own tax dollars over the several years.
1
Exactly. These phony schools are stealing public money to propagate ignorance and backwardness.
1
Rural communities will suffer under her deficent voucher system, what's worse is how she will not defend the rights of all students...disabled students have to wave rights to get an education? LBGT students are also at risk under her hateful and misguided hand. She destroyed Michigan's public schools and now she is going to finish the job....thank you republicans in the Senate for dumbing down our nation with your partisan politics...Trust me, teachers and parents will not forget...we will rage against you in 2018, ha!I hope you have your resumes together by then.
25
Michigan votes Republican now. That is all that matters.
The biggest problem in public schools is that to many parents don't value education. Without support from home there is very little a teacher can do with a reluctant student. No amount of money or legislation can fix that.
12
I agree. Let parents use tax dollars (which are actually their dollars) to make what they think are the best choices for their children. If some other child's parents don't care enough to get involved, that it no reason to drag the children of concerned parents.
1
It's hard to escape the culture of everything is lies and trash.
The real problem is that too many parents have been indoctrinated by hard right-wing religious nuts that education is a liberal plot to destroy America. Educated voters who can think for themselves are the greatest threat to ideologues and their agendas.
If I were Betsy DeVos, I would be embarrassed by my lack of credentials, but then, I am not the privileged child of a billionaire. So sad money can buy so much even in the US.
27
So sad that so much money has not been able to buy a good public education system in the U.S. DeVos will bring choice and change.
1
Many of these folks seem to have numbed their amygdalas so thoroughly that they cannot feel embarrassment.
Just like the president, his inner circle and his poor cabinet choices UNFIT AND UNQUALIFIED
29
God anointed them with money, which seems to be enough credibility for their enablers.
1
NYT, please share with your readers how much DeVos donated to each of these Republican senators' campaigns. I know she donated $43,000 to one of our NC senators. Please expose the corruption!
And Democrats, it's time to focus on winning, rather than being right. Stop arguing about how disadvantaged children won't have access to charter schools because they don't have to provide free lunch or busses or services to kids with special needs. There are, unfortunately, a lot of people in this country who only care about their own kids and getting them away from poor and minority students at the expense of the taxpayers. You will not convince these people to care about poor or disadvantaged or minority or immigrant children.
You might be able to convince Republicans that wasting taxpayers' money on private, for- profit universities is a bad thing, but stop trying to turn them into bleeding heart liberals. Seriously, we need to fund common ground with the reasonable Republican voters and come up with more centrist arguments if we are going to vote some of these jokers out in 2018.
And Democrats, it's time to focus on winning, rather than being right. Stop arguing about how disadvantaged children won't have access to charter schools because they don't have to provide free lunch or busses or services to kids with special needs. There are, unfortunately, a lot of people in this country who only care about their own kids and getting them away from poor and minority students at the expense of the taxpayers. You will not convince these people to care about poor or disadvantaged or minority or immigrant children.
You might be able to convince Republicans that wasting taxpayers' money on private, for- profit universities is a bad thing, but stop trying to turn them into bleeding heart liberals. Seriously, we need to fund common ground with the reasonable Republican voters and come up with more centrist arguments if we are going to vote some of these jokers out in 2018.
19
As a current undergraduate student and as a veteran of the public school system, this confirmation--both the person chosen and the very fact of her appointment--is deeply disturbing. The nomination of a Secretary with no experience within the appointed field was alarming enough; but coupled with DeVos's nomination to this position, I am just as frightened and embarrassed as I was when Trump was elected (instead of an objectively more qualified candidate). "Disappointed" doesn't begin to cover how I feel knowing that the third person, that third Republican with a conscious, refused to vote out of party lines. The American education system is flawed enough without having to deal with DeVos.
I feel vulnerable.
I feel vulnerable.
23
There are Republicans who are smart, and few among them who may be qualified for this job. DeVos is not one of them.
Devos' performance, or competence, at her selection hearing was embarrassing. The woman did not know the difference between "proficiency and growth". She did not sound like someone who knows the difference between, " Learning Evaluations versus Evaluations of Competency versus Evaluation of Intelligence versus Evaluation of Excellence".
Many Charter schools merely exploit the weaknesses and failures of some Public Schools. They don't solve the problems.
How did incompetent people, and unqualified people, get to become Sec. Of Education? Did Republicans, who voted for her confirmation, think the term "Secretary" meant "stenographer"?
Does Ms DeVos know how to type? And how many letters? Ha, ha, ha...
Devos' performance, or competence, at her selection hearing was embarrassing. The woman did not know the difference between "proficiency and growth". She did not sound like someone who knows the difference between, " Learning Evaluations versus Evaluations of Competency versus Evaluation of Intelligence versus Evaluation of Excellence".
Many Charter schools merely exploit the weaknesses and failures of some Public Schools. They don't solve the problems.
How did incompetent people, and unqualified people, get to become Sec. Of Education? Did Republicans, who voted for her confirmation, think the term "Secretary" meant "stenographer"?
Does Ms DeVos know how to type? And how many letters? Ha, ha, ha...
17
Our country managed to install an entire administration of Know-Nothings bent on the destruction of our government. The hard part is knowing that they will do everything in their power to poorly educate and twist the next generation of Know-Nothings and, in turn, install them into positions of power. As a retired and proud public school teacher, I did everything I could to oppose this catastrophe. Our democracy is being torn apart by a malevolent contemptible party of politicians that leave a slime trail wherever they go. May God help us all.
29
If anyone thinks Betsy DeVos cares AT ALL the role of Secretary of Education you have been grossly misled or have not done your due diligence as an informed citizen. The DeVos family is part of the vast machine of billionaires who have been using their $ to tear down ANY regulation or taxation that slows their pursuit of wealth and power. Their aim is to GUT social safety nets and stuff their egos and pockets.
Charter school orporations she has financed are under legal scrutiny for robbing charter schools, breaking IDEA law, purchasing and renting back buildings at 10x their real estate value. Her involvement in, the ironically named, “All Children Matter” owes 3 million in fines for willful illegal PAC contributions on Ohio. She has used her $ to block bipartisan accountability laws on those failing same charter schools in Michigan. Her efforts are simply to drain taxpayer dollars to schools and possibly to enforce her narrow religious beliefs.
She fails ethical standards for separating herself from her business conflicts of interest because she doesn't plan to. She likely purjored herself under oath about being on the board of her family foundation because she doesn't think the rules are for her. These oligarchs routinely litigate rather than follow any rules. This makes her above the law.
$250,000 was the price tag for purchasing the key Republicans in this vote and millions more in "Dark Money" all across the United States. Thanks, Citizens United.
Charter school orporations she has financed are under legal scrutiny for robbing charter schools, breaking IDEA law, purchasing and renting back buildings at 10x their real estate value. Her involvement in, the ironically named, “All Children Matter” owes 3 million in fines for willful illegal PAC contributions on Ohio. She has used her $ to block bipartisan accountability laws on those failing same charter schools in Michigan. Her efforts are simply to drain taxpayer dollars to schools and possibly to enforce her narrow religious beliefs.
She fails ethical standards for separating herself from her business conflicts of interest because she doesn't plan to. She likely purjored herself under oath about being on the board of her family foundation because she doesn't think the rules are for her. These oligarchs routinely litigate rather than follow any rules. This makes her above the law.
$250,000 was the price tag for purchasing the key Republicans in this vote and millions more in "Dark Money" all across the United States. Thanks, Citizens United.
33
Please track the money! I want to know how much DeVos paid these senators & through what channels.
25
Melissa, while you are at it, can you also track how much the Clintons raised money for democratic state parties and bought their loyalties? Till the very end of her campaign, Hillary was still raising obscene amounts of money from: Wall Street, Silicon Valley, Hollywood, entertainment industry etc etc. Every penny should be accountable. Are you demanding that? Did you know democratic senators are AS BEHOLDEN to big money as the republicans. Did you really think dems are saints? Perhaps you were NOT listening to Bernie during the primaries (just like the NYT who refused to listen), but guess what we did, millions and millions of us heard Bernie loud and clear.
1
Reading many of the comments, my favorite is Lorindigo from Chicago's 9:46pm comment - it struck the perfect balance of dead-on accurate and very funny. There are so many trolls now we need to help point out where the truly great comments are. Find it and read it!
5
...and brother of Erik Prince, notorious founder of mercenary company, Blackwater...apples from the same tree?
18
Will you hire me?
I'm thinking of applying for a job as a neurosurgeon.
Those I have no experience in the field of medicine, I'll be able to bring a "fresh eye" and viewpoint to the operating room.
That is in effect what our elected senators have done in selecting Besty DeVos. Is there anything that makes less sense?
If the Republican office holders could vote for this unqualified candidate, when surely there are many who are, then we are looking forward to them rubber stamping anything Donald Trump wants.
And that is darn scary. Wow.
I'm thinking of applying for a job as a neurosurgeon.
Those I have no experience in the field of medicine, I'll be able to bring a "fresh eye" and viewpoint to the operating room.
That is in effect what our elected senators have done in selecting Besty DeVos. Is there anything that makes less sense?
If the Republican office holders could vote for this unqualified candidate, when surely there are many who are, then we are looking forward to them rubber stamping anything Donald Trump wants.
And that is darn scary. Wow.
28
Teachers do not go through anything like the training for a neurosurgeon.
Republicans have had a quiet war on public education since Reagan. Today they rolled out the nukes. Unless there is a fearful and ignorant population, republicans could never win an election. So they got it done. It wasn't easy. It took patience and planning, What they might have done for this country had they put that same energy toward outcomes that actually benefited the country and by extension the majority of Americans can only be imagined and lamented that such a course was ignored for the benefit of a sliver of Americans. Sad. No, more like treason. But then it all depends on who's committing the crime. If radical Islamists announced they were going to destroy public ed. in the USA it would have been man the battle stations. But with the republicans as the authors of the plan it is simply the expression of a difference in approach toward public education. Crazy. Today, the Senate went a long way toward making Russian and Chinese children great. As for ours, not so much. Pathetic. I've seen the enemy. They are among us. They walk the halls of power in our City on the Hill. Frightening.
17
The most dangerous terrorists to fear are in the White House and Congress.
We have never faced a greater danger.
We have never faced a greater danger.
1
Betsy DeVos will keep your kid's athletic shoes safe from the footwear stripping predators in public schools & provide vouchers to allow for a Christian education, free from Sharia influences and unhindered grizzly bear attacks. Plus your tax dollar will go to the job creators rather than the teacher's unions. It's about time this 6,000 year old globe got smart!
7
So the teachers unions finally lost one. May it be the first of many.
8
Gee, and here I thought education is all about the kids.
.
As it turns out it's all about getting back at the teachers unions.
.
Well then, DeVos should be an excellent secretary of education.
.
As it turns out it's all about getting back at the teachers unions.
.
Well then, DeVos should be an excellent secretary of education.
2
The majority of teachers in our country work in states that do not allow teacher unions. This woman would not be hired as an entry level teacher. If you have children, grandchildren, friends with children or just care about children in general, your support of this woman will harm them.
1
It is the teachers unions who are hurting education in this country. Their influence is overly large and destructive to the end of teaching children. I would expect the teachers unions to do all they can for their members. That is their job after all. But what is best for the teachers is not often best for the students and for many years the Dept of Education has been run for the benefit of those unions. It was created as a sop to those unions.
I shouldn't say this but I really hate our newly elected president. I feel sad, depressed, and anxious. I have never felt this way before. I have never felt this way about Ronald Reagan or George Bush or any other president. I hear from friends and colleagues that they feel the same. It's unbearable to hear what Trump is doing or saying. If I thought he was a reasonable person or had a sensible plan, I would feel reassured. But, he is a manic person who surrounds himself with millionaires and billionaires who seem to serve his interests, not the country's. Every day... I sigh.
19
I am with you and so is everyone I know, including some regretful Trump voters.
12
Thanks.
2
I am incredibly happy that Trump won. I think we will some some very positive change in the country. We may be a little less PC and some people may feel frightened (really?), but Trump has assembled a cabinet of very high achievers. They will make us all better, even the haters and whiners.
DJT sold this cabinet position to the highest bidder. Unfortunately she is an ill-informed, inexperienced religious zealot who will take the education system back down a road that many many hard working people gave blood, sweat and tears to move away from. This new "so called" administration is terrifyingly inept.
13
Education was inversely related to the likelihood of supporting DJT. I keep thinking that somehow seems relevant here.
11
Pop quiz: What kind of gun should I buy to shoot bears that attack my school?
If I shoot & miss can I retake the test?
If I shoot & miss can I retake the test?
6
Sad day for America.
Betsy DeVos ruined education in Michigan and bought her way to a government job (isn't government the problem? Is irony dead yet?)
Republicans are destroying our country.
This administration and it's "advisors" have a dark and antique vision for our country.
Dumb down the populace and feed them religion. Quick path to total control.
Congrats to them for making cynicism great again. The slime.
Betsy DeVos ruined education in Michigan and bought her way to a government job (isn't government the problem? Is irony dead yet?)
Republicans are destroying our country.
This administration and it's "advisors" have a dark and antique vision for our country.
Dumb down the populace and feed them religion. Quick path to total control.
Congrats to them for making cynicism great again. The slime.
9
It appears the Republicans know something we don't know— they seem confident voters— or let's say vote tallies— are not going to hold them to account. They must be confident of their chances in the midterm elections. I wonder why though.
8
Abortion. I've picked that up from some of the commenters here. They would vote for anyone for anything if they thought it would eventually result in outlawing legal abortion. Look who's vice president.
7
Me too. My senator, Sen. Cory Gardner, interestingly, was on a list as a senator who benefited greatly from financial contributions from the DeVos family. He lost my support today for voting in favor of Mrs. DeVos' confirmation.
10
Because they are right and the voters (except for the two coastal bubbles) will support them.
This is a tragic development for anyone with kids in public schools. But it's a victory for Trump, who in his own words thanked his base of "the uneducated." With DeVos at the helm, Trump and others like him stand a greater chance of staying in power by suppressing knowledge and discrediting facts as "fake" information or news. Don't doubt that in true Trump/DeVos fashion, they will find some way to monetize their government positions. Already there is serious concern that DeVos is a fan of on-line education, and minimizing the role and the value of our country's teachers. Perhaps she will find a way to profit from the materials that she hopes will replace teachers, the same way her family profited from Amway and Blackwater. After all, she's not someone who is truly concerned about public schools, and has zero experience with them. Her experience, like Trump's, comes from amassing great wealth and using it to buy influence. Unqualified, yet today she got her $200 million appointment.
A very sad day, the only bright spot being the votes cast by Sens. Murkowsi and Collins. Thank you for doing your job, and refusing to be sold out or bullied!
A very sad day, the only bright spot being the votes cast by Sens. Murkowsi and Collins. Thank you for doing your job, and refusing to be sold out or bullied!
15
I agree with Bill Maher. Why do we have a Dept of education in the first place? It was started during the Carter administration and certainly does not deserve high marks. What has this department accomplished? Throwing more money at the problem has not solved the problems plaguing our public school and perhaps it is time to try something different since our present system has failed. Elimination of the Department could save taxpayers a lot of money.
4
Your comment shows your lack of understanding of everything the DOE does. Perhaps you ought to read up on everything under the DOE umbrella. You can find more information at https://www.ed.gov/
9
The DOE takes my tax dollars and doles it back to me (after taking a cut for D.C. overhead) along with a pile of bureaucratic regulations. Time to end it all.
I agree. And DeVos will return control and choice to the local level.
I attended parochial schools for 16 years before earning advanced degrees from public universities. I then spent 30 plus years as a teacher and administrator in public schools in 3 different states, retiring from a school district that was rated as one of the best in the country by USNews. Student in that district exceeded state and national averages across a variety of tests. So, I think I know what public education can do, even though I didn't attend one. My children and grand children did. That said, I have no belief that this appointment is in the best interest of public education, and that Ms. DeVos will have any positive impact on education in this country.
8
Disgusting and disheartening to see that Betsy DeVos has been confirmed as Education Secretary. As a public school teacher I am disappointed in so many people in our government today.
9
Why are you disappointed? Afraid about your pension? Choice and private schools are the only way to go.
"In a procedural quirk, a confirmation vote on Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama for attorney general was scheduled after that of Ms. DeVos so he could vote “yes” before leaving the Senate, securing Republicans a decisive vote." A quirk doesn't do justice to the flagrant injustice that allowed Sessions to vote, rather than recuse himself. I am seeing the Times and Post tone down their descriptions of the outrageous behavior of Trump, the Republicans in Congress, the Trump base...we can't afford to normalize their disgraceful actions by minimizing their conduct!
8
Betsy DeVos is the ultimate armchair quarterback. She thinks she can do things that she has seen done before, but never actually attempted. Our children's future is too important to leave in this inexperienced woman's hands and I am appalled at those 50 Republicans who would sell our children short for as little as a $1000 campaign donation,
3
Once again, money rules. I'd love to hear her GOP enablers deal with a candid Q&A on why she is qualified for this position.
Anyone? Anyone?
Anyone? Anyone?
4
Because she believes in choice and change rather than the stagnant horrible system we now have. Good enough for me.
Is a sea of disasters, this is a travesty.
All it would have taken was one more Republican Senator with some semblance of honor and duty to the nation and not their party. Just think of what Ted Kennedy would have said to his friend Orrin Hatch about this.
All it would have taken was one more Republican Senator with some semblance of honor and duty to the nation and not their party. Just think of what Ted Kennedy would have said to his friend Orrin Hatch about this.
9
The DeVos family contributed $90,000 to Senator Rubio, for example. The Senator voted as he was paid to do.
10
Care to list how much the various teachers unions gave to those who voted no. I'll wait.
3
Michael F - no need to wait long, your comparison is utterly flawed. An individual purchasing their own job is substantially and materially different to unions or lobbying groups from either camp expressing their preferences with money.
51-50. The absolute least number of votes needed to be confirmed.
Kind of like minimum wage: it says, is we could pay you less, we would.
Kind of like minimum wage: it says, is we could pay you less, we would.
6
You folks do realize that public school teachers pay into their own retirement system? In Texas, it is 8.5% of their gross income to the State. As a comparison, most of us pay 6.2% into Social Security for our retirement but a teacher pays 8.5% into their respective State Fund. Yet so many begrudge these teachers for receiving a pension.
That just goes to show how ignorant people are in this nation.
That just goes to show how ignorant people are in this nation.
13
It isn't the pension. It is the amount of the pension. I am at the top of social security. I will get about $2,400 a month. How much a month does the teacher at the top of the pension scale get?
1
A Texas school teacher who is earning about $50,000 a year at retirements draws about $$2,85 a month.
http://www.maxpensions.com/trs.php
http://www.maxpensions.com/trs.php
2
I am at the highest payout for social security as well. Close to 2,600. You tell me, how much do teachers get for their hefty contributions. Do you even know?
5
If you sent your child to a private school, did you ever, ever expect your neighbors to support your decision?
We didn't. Never occurred to us that our decision, and the ensuing financial struggle, was not our own. Talk about handouts!
We didn't. Never occurred to us that our decision, and the ensuing financial struggle, was not our own. Talk about handouts!
12
Most of the senators who voted for or against DeVos sent or still send their children to private schools.
6
I sent my kids to private schools while I paid a fortune in taxes to educate other people's children. I viewed those tax dollars spent on public education as my money. I should have been able to direct those dollars (my dollars) to the choices that I believed were best for my kids.
well, if we could only pull "Three cups of tea" garbage out and reintroduce Mark Twain into required reading list I would consider it a victory and worthy appointment.
Betsy, you have purchased a cabinet post, and we know exactly what you have bought because your funding of candidates demonstrates the lily-livered weakness of moderate Republicans, save two, to stand up to you.
You underestimate, however, the backlash that will come when Trump fails to deliver on his promises. Chaos is not a good place from which to govern.
It is a grotesque that you considered yourself educated and informed enough to lead our country in education. It will be a folly to watch what happens next.
Your mess to make, your fault. Your shame. How does it feel to represent the nadir in education, Betsy?
You underestimate, however, the backlash that will come when Trump fails to deliver on his promises. Chaos is not a good place from which to govern.
It is a grotesque that you considered yourself educated and informed enough to lead our country in education. It will be a folly to watch what happens next.
Your mess to make, your fault. Your shame. How does it feel to represent the nadir in education, Betsy?
7
This nomination will help keep voters ignorant.
9
I look at her getting sworn in and I wonder what kind of a person stands there and smiles about taking on a job that she knows she's not qualified to do and is well aware that half the nation is pulling their hair out because we know she's utterly unqualified.
I mean, she's truly Trump's kind of people to stand there and take a job that she and everyone else knows she's getting because she used her family fortune to buy it.
Disgusting case of pay-to-play crony capitalism.
I mean, she's truly Trump's kind of people to stand there and take a job that she and everyone else knows she's getting because she used her family fortune to buy it.
Disgusting case of pay-to-play crony capitalism.
12
I wonder our new education leader ever read or has even heard of the Coleman Report. Surely recommended reading.
3
Grizzly Bears Beware! Betsy De Vos will make sure that every schools will have guns to protect kids against you.
5
I am so disgusted with the many, many Republican cowards in Congress. And Mike Pence is a pathetic and foolish excuse for a man. Just terrible, terrible news for schools, kids, parents, and everyone who counts on the infrastructure of education to build lives.
May she trip on her billions.
May she trip on her billions.
8
Dan Haggerty and Ben are very nervous.
"Ms. Collins and Ms. Murkowski said they had also been influenced by thousands of messages they had received urging them to reject the nomination." I read this as they are afraid they might not get re-elected. Why would someone think that a wealthy person, a person who grew up wealthy, would go to public school and not private? Why would you think a wealthy person would send their children to public schools? Why would a wealthy person have to take out a student loan? You do not need to have gone to public schools, or taken out student loans to be the Secretary of Education. How many of these Senators of either party sent their children to public schools or took out student loans for them? I'm guessing not many, and these Senators make all sorts of decisions on education as well....This is just the piling on of the anti-Trump world
2
Americans need to thank Pence, the Vice President of the United States of America, for rescuing education by casting the tie braking vote for Ms. Devos, who will now serve as the Secretary of the Department of Education. Thank you.
2
No. I EARNED my PhD after going through good PUBLIC SCHOOLS and working my way through grad school. She has NO IDEA.
9
You mean tie breaking, not braking - people who value education wish that Pence had put the brakes on!!
10
I'm just imagining Pence, the Vice President of the United States of America, casting a tie and it not going anywhere because the tie put the brakes on.
The United States' educational system will now and forever be behind other developed nations.
16
It already is and this under the tender touch of the teachers unions and progressive liberals.
2
That is where it is now. DeVos and change will help it improve.
who are obstructed by the repugnant leadership. you can't blame those who try for not succeeding because they fight am uphill battle.
at least they have the greater good at heart. your so-called president and his so-called only look out for themselves.
pity is, people like you just don't care enough to try and understand.
at least they have the greater good at heart. your so-called president and his so-called only look out for themselves.
pity is, people like you just don't care enough to try and understand.
So then, I guess if you want a position in Trump's cabinet you need to:
1) Be a billionaire.
2) Know zero about the department you'll be running.
3) Oppose the very existence of the service you'll be providing.
4) Love Mr. Trump.
5) No really, you have to be a billionaire.
Check all those boxes and apparently the Republicans will trip over themselves to confirm you. Good to know they have our nation's best interest in mind.
1) Be a billionaire.
2) Know zero about the department you'll be running.
3) Oppose the very existence of the service you'll be providing.
4) Love Mr. Trump.
5) No really, you have to be a billionaire.
Check all those boxes and apparently the Republicans will trip over themselves to confirm you. Good to know they have our nation's best interest in mind.
44
I will never forget my rural Oklahoma high school sophomore biology teacher explaining to us that she had been instructed to teach us "creationism" alongside evolution. To her credit, her body language and raised eyebrows were all those young kids needed to know about creationism--despite our parents' biblical fear of evolution. I credit separation of church and state and a facts-based public education system for actually preparing me for state college, law school, and the "real world." Today's kids will be able to receive faith-based k-12, college, and law school and never stray far from "alternative facts." For those who say Christian schools help with manners, I say it takes more than manners to make a citizen: It takes the understanding of facts and science and the ability to think critically. But if all you are seeking are blind, greedy sheep who can say "God Bless You" while raping, pillaging, and looting in the name of 1950s American exceptionalism, Betsy Devos may be your messiah. For the rest of us, she has 666 tattooed across her head like the rest of the Trump Satanic circle.
28
Get ready for Trumped up Trickle Down Education.
8
If Ms DeVos had the proper chops, she would have stood down in the face of such intense opposition. She chose instead to put public education squarely in the crossfire of our disastrous partisan divide. Sad!
3
Betsey DeVos's family has donated more than 200 million dollars to Republicans including hundreds of thousands to Republican Senate reelection campaigns this past election. When people argued she was trying to buy a seat at the table at the highest levels of policy making they weren't kidding.
13
Is Amway still in business? Can we at least do something about that? I'm sorry about all the 'distributors' it will throw out of work; but many of them should be able to get good paying jobs once the coal mines reopen. And somebody will be needed to shovel mining debris into creeks and rivers. I kind of doubt Amway people were covered by employer healthcare (guessing they're independent contractors), so that won't be a problem until the ACA is repealed. Sounds like a win- win.
7
It's sort of ironic that republicans from Maine and Alaska voted against her nomination. I mean those are two states where there are legitimate bears.
18
DeVos, like most of the appointees, will ruin their Departments so that in 4 years, Republicans will say "see? government is the problem--get rid of it". Just like Grover Norquist wanted.
9
This is a big win for the children, parents and taxpayers. The teacher union education monopoly has devastated our education system over the last 50 years. We have gone from one of the best school systems in the world to 32nd. Yes....we spend more on education than any other nation and we are ranked 32nd in the world. This is the direct fault of the teacher unions and the politicians they own. They should be absolutely ashamed of themselves. All the money spent on "education" has never gone to teaching our children. All of it has gone to paying teachers TWO raises (STEP and contract) every year, providing them with FREE healthcare for their entire families, Providing them with the ability to retire in their 50's with $100,000+ guaranteed annual salaries and FREE healthcare for their families for LIFE. It's time for vouchers and charter schools to be rolled out on a nationwide basis. Union teachers have done a horrible job educating our children because they have never been held accountable and parents have had no other option. Once the SCOTUS confirms that union dues cannot be mandatory then we'll really have a really good chance of breaking the union monopoly on education and finally putting children, parents and taxpayers before greedy, selfish teacher unions. God Bless America, God Bless President Trump and God Bless Betsy DeVos!!
10
Maybe in New York...K-12 teachers in most parts of the U.S. make between $35k-$65k...
9
Is this satire?
8
We need some fact checking here. This sounds like some bull that Bill O'Reilly feeds the under-informed viewers. You need to give us a reference for your outlandish lies.
3
Make America dumb, again. You could NOT purposely design a worse group of "appointees " to lead this nation. Please cancel this season of Presidential Apprentice, my blood pressure can't handle this.
15
Keep em' stupid or Make America Think Again. I choose the latter.
15
Put the children of the 1%ters into the inner city schools. Maybe then the city schools will improve. The 1%ters can show off their bling? Can't wait to see that. Let chaos reign.
11
This is the way democrats solve all problems; they want to pull people down to the lowest level. The goal should be to strive to let people rise to the top, while realizing that not all people are capable of doing so.
This failing shall only show itself in years. And those failed will be my grandchildren, currently all in public schools, and the children of this nation. Not that stunning, but very sad: only two republicans could stand up to this farce. Just what are they afraid of?
10
Oh boy!!?? There goes my lifetime free health care, my 40 years of pension - at 90 % of my last year salary mind you!!!- and the ability to just graduate kids who can't read.
The good news here is that the Secretary will leave behind a legacy of new charter schools that will forever attract students from failing public schools.
The left understands that once this horse is out of the barn it's never coming back. Just like right to work states. They never revert back. The time for education to be run as a business has come. Maybe then we will catch up with the rest of the world.
The good news here is that the Secretary will leave behind a legacy of new charter schools that will forever attract students from failing public schools.
The left understands that once this horse is out of the barn it's never coming back. Just like right to work states. They never revert back. The time for education to be run as a business has come. Maybe then we will catch up with the rest of the world.
9
In my city several charter school operators performed just like CEOs from other businesses. They did the same perp walk as they were marched off to prison for scamming and stealing thousands from the public to fund their extravagant life styles.
8
If the time for K-12 to be run like a business, then we really are in trouble. Enrollment and affordability will go out the window and we really will be a third world country I terms of our education standards. But don't worry, DeVos and Trump will be laughing their way to the bank with all of the money they can shake out of hard working parents that only want their children educated.
3
The rest of the world does not run education like a business. They run it as a civic responsibility.
12
Don't worry online education is just around the next corner. The neighborhood school is in the past. Silicon Valley is already attacking this problem. Your child will have a wonderful education at his or her fingertips.
2
Yes, and history lessons will include the Bowling Green Massacre.
10
What I heard as I listened to her confirmation hearing. Her public school experience consisted of funding efforts to divert public school funding to charter schools. Schools should not be held to any standards. And they should be allowed to have guns, because grizzlies might attack. She made it clear she did not know that federal law must be followed or care. And stood up for the rights of perpetrators of school sexual assaults with greater vigor than for the victims. Then refused a second round of questions.
14
...another creepy, spoiled, entitled, evangelical, zillionaire who never worked a day in her life but knows it all.
Poor US kids who have to listen to this empty barrel; a gal who knows nothing about education, other than it needs to be fixed with religion; a gal who buys politicians paving her way into fame!
What a horror show we're in for.
Poor US kids who have to listen to this empty barrel; a gal who knows nothing about education, other than it needs to be fixed with religion; a gal who buys politicians paving her way into fame!
What a horror show we're in for.
27
The only "good" part is that there is video of Pence voting to break the 50-50 tie in her favor.
Pence cannot live this one down. When she commits the expected conversion of the Department of Education budget into a voucher program that enriches her and her cronies, she needs to be brought to trial.
Nobody gives of the order of $200 million in political donations without expecting that they will recover money in return. DeVos is not a disinterested person. She apparently owns companies in the education business.
SAD. Tyrpical self-interested Trump nominee. Surprised?
Pence cannot live this one down. When she commits the expected conversion of the Department of Education budget into a voucher program that enriches her and her cronies, she needs to be brought to trial.
Nobody gives of the order of $200 million in political donations without expecting that they will recover money in return. DeVos is not a disinterested person. She apparently owns companies in the education business.
SAD. Tyrpical self-interested Trump nominee. Surprised?
31
I would have been embarrassed and ashamed of myself after the hearing to proceed with the nomination if I were her. SHAMELESS!
18
One small step for Trump, one giant leap backwards for America's future.
19
Anyone who has looked at the product of the public school system knows we are in deep trouble. We have been for a very long time, and Mr. Clinton, then Mr. Bush, and then Mr. Obama, did not deal with the issues.
Not all of our schools are bad. Some of the schools are bad, and with a person like this she will be looking at what is wrong, struggling for what is right.
She has a dozen people in her office that can provide law and any other information she needs. Will she be able to solve the problems? NO! Can she get us started headed in the correct direction? YES and because she is a fresh face in this business, she does not have the old bad habits that created the trouble.
Good choice. Wish her well because she is going to need it.
Not all of our schools are bad. Some of the schools are bad, and with a person like this she will be looking at what is wrong, struggling for what is right.
She has a dozen people in her office that can provide law and any other information she needs. Will she be able to solve the problems? NO! Can she get us started headed in the correct direction? YES and because she is a fresh face in this business, she does not have the old bad habits that created the trouble.
Good choice. Wish her well because she is going to need it.
8
She has made it clear that she prefers charter school over public schools, but does not think they need to be held accountable to any sort of standard. If a charter school fails, where will those kids go? Back to the no longer funded public schools. Between that and her stating that guns should be allowed in schools because of grizzlies, i don't see where you get your positive opinion.
And having people that deal with the laws is not sufficient. A secretary of anything should be familiar with the field they are being asked to lead
And having people that deal with the laws is not sufficient. A secretary of anything should be familiar with the field they are being asked to lead
7
Right? "Looked at the product of the Public School system." You mean all those American Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners?! Lincoln and Madison Public High Schools in southern Brooklyn can count nine, that's right nine, among many other luminaries in their illustrious alumni! You can look it up! No Private, Parochial, or Yeshiva Schools anywhere come close! That's not to say there haven't been problems with some Public Schools, but don't deceive yourselves, American Public education even its unique problems, still educates Americans well, and still remains the nuturing ground, for most of the best and brightest! E Pluribus Unum.
6
Good luck with you naive wishful thinking
1
It all comes down to $$. Our Colorado senator, republican Cory Gardner, was considered possibly a flip-able vote that would deny DeVos the position.It appears that Betsy DeVos donated $49,800 to Senator Gardiner's campaign coffers.
27
Republicans accuse Democrats of opposing her nomination because it was done by a Republican president. That's rich, seeing what the GOP did for the past 8 years. Is voting along party lines so much more important to Republicans than actually voting to help the country, our children? DeVos has no experience, limited knowledge and is so blinded by the "public works bad, privatization good!" mantra that Republicans are so fond of that she doesn't realize that charter schools aren't the utopia of education. Neither is fully-privatized education. These objective of these schools, first and foremost, is not to provide a proper education, but to make money and increase their return to shareholders...oh wait, doesn't that ring a bell for DeVos' conflict of interests proceedings?
Frankly speaking, if she wanted to expand the number of charter schools without trying to close all the public schools, then maybe it wouldn't be so bad.
Frankly speaking, if she wanted to expand the number of charter schools without trying to close all the public schools, then maybe it wouldn't be so bad.
12
This is real simple: follow her money.
19
And the children shall continue to bear the heaviest burden of this incompetent President and his cabinet.
16
"Another landslide victory"
13
Another victory nonetheless.
Note how the intended beneficiaries of DeVos' plans are inner city children. She may convince people that her methods are sound by enrolling the children of the 1% first for a demonstration project.
6
In another win for BIG Money, VP Mike Pence and 50 GOP senators show where their loyalty is and vote to dismantle public education in America. Instead of listening to hundreds of thousands of voices across this country oppose DeVos, instead these so-called public servants listened to their new master DJ Trump and broke all previous precedents to make the bubble-headed, uber-rich DeVos in charge of privatizing education. And if poor brown, black, Asian and even white kids neighborhoods and schools collapse in the process that'll be too bad because their parents should have had enough money to send their kids to private school. NO voucher system will ever be able to cover the vast need that exists in this country, for profit can only fail because this is a job for government...NOT Corporations!
12
Like De Vos, let's be honest-- it appears that ALL of Trump's nominees were selected to just tear the system apart. The core values of the nations are being obliterated by the GOP, who upon the profound election of the first African American President were so anti-democracy they plotted on the night of his inauguration to thwart his efforts to lead America. With the election of Trump, we have nominated wealthy people who have little or no related experience to the people's offices they will manage.
That's the point. Deter these agencies from serving the people. Use fear and deregulation to distract, divide and destroy. Appoint your wealthy, loyal friends who don't need Washington but want to have power over people's lives. As Trump would say: Disgusting.
That's the point. Deter these agencies from serving the people. Use fear and deregulation to distract, divide and destroy. Appoint your wealthy, loyal friends who don't need Washington but want to have power over people's lives. As Trump would say: Disgusting.
15
Let's see if the world does, in fact, come to an end when the teachers unions have to reform...a little.
6
The arguments against returning control of schools back to localities are that parents are not well equipped to make the right choices for their children's education. Actually, Democrats believe that the only choices citizens are capable of making are whether or not to have an abortion or which gender they would like to be.
6
That's what this is all about for you, isn't it? Abortion. Interesting.
6
wilow you really completely miss the point, but, oh well.
Education is our most important defense.
Ms. DeVos is ill prepared to build our "army".
The Republican Senates vote for DeVos was NOT in the best interest of the american people. It is outrageous!
Ms. DeVos is ill prepared to build our "army".
The Republican Senates vote for DeVos was NOT in the best interest of the american people. It is outrageous!
6
Who would want a job where darn near everybody in the country and especially educators think (correctly) that your grotesquely unqualified for the job?
it's obvious that her donations to Trump and purchasable members of Congress got her the job. Long story short it's a classic case of buying a cabinet position.
Sadly many kids will not get the education they would have gotten before Betsy DeVos bought her way in. Her kooky approach has got to be heartbreaking for dedicated educators everywhere.
it's obvious that her donations to Trump and purchasable members of Congress got her the job. Long story short it's a classic case of buying a cabinet position.
Sadly many kids will not get the education they would have gotten before Betsy DeVos bought her way in. Her kooky approach has got to be heartbreaking for dedicated educators everywhere.
10
Thanks Trump voters. Is this latest round of idiocy making America great again?
9
I thought Betsy DeVos belief about separate but equal schools had already been determined by the SCOTUS in Brown ? Are we going to go thru all this again ?
3
If Republicans don't want their tax dollars used to fund Planned Parenthood and birth control, than I don't want my tax dollars used to pay for private, religious or for-profit schools.
19
See how much the Gas and Oil Party care about your children's education? All the phone calls, all the emails, all the petitions, all the marches outside GOP congressional offices...and yet they chose power, party, privatization and money above all else.
9
Anything she does can be fixed in 4 yrs., assuming we're not at war or part of Russia with the horrific Sec of State pick. I don't understand why dems chose this candidate to dig their heels in. It shows how out of touch they are right now. Many of the other picks were far worse than her and effect the entire world, not just those with children in public schools. Not that I'm saying it's not important but with all of the scary nominees I don't know why they chose this one to try to make a stand. I also think there's some logic to allowing each state to create programs that make sense for their population.
Except the children that have been abandoned for the next 4 years. And i doubt that the dismantled public schools can then simply be rebuilt
The confirmation process should ensure that the candidates are at least qualified to do the job -- that is what senators owe to the country and to the constitution. Betsy DeVos couldn't qualify for a teaching job in a public school, and yet she is chosen to head the Department of Education. In Trumpworld, I suppose billionaires know best.
4
During her confirmation hearing, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) asked DeVos whether it is true that her family had donated $200 million to support the Republican Party going back over the years.
“That’s possible,” she answered.
Republican loyalty ...all but two toed the Party line. Not so surprising after all.
“That’s possible,” she answered.
Republican loyalty ...all but two toed the Party line. Not so surprising after all.
15
If you think Americans are ignorant now just waiting till she's done.
14
Agreed.
Once again we'll need to ask ourselves: Is our children learning?
Once again we'll need to ask ourselves: Is our children learning?
10
Expected Republicans to grow a conscience because it concerned kids? Even Sandy Hook couldn't sway them. We can expect nothing beneficial to the country from them. "Thoughts and prayers".
8
Cabinet position bought and paid for by the 1%! How un-American! Folks, let's remember this on November 6, 2018! This is the date, We, the People, FIRE the GOP!
Fired up, ready to go! #repealtheGOPin2018
Fired up, ready to go! #repealtheGOPin2018
5
The selection of this ignoramus shows the sick cynicism of the Republican Party -- The Party of Climate Change Denial -- toward the sacred right of equal and universal education. Just like Trump himself, the Republicans selected a proudly incompetent nitwit for the specific purpose of destroying whatever she touches. The rest of the world is wise to us and passing us by. America is a laughingstock in the world today.
10
What better way to force change in public institutions, appoint people who think that all public institutions should be eliminated. Another victory for the people who think that the star of Celebrity Apprentice is a true genius because he says, "Believe me". Democracy stops working when the electorate stops thinking like serious adults.
3
So many Republicans, including high ranking Senators, either failed to endorse or withdrew their endorsements from Donald Trump during his candidacy. They repeatedly and frequently objected to Trump's abhorrent remarks and behaviors, finding them to be disqualifying factors for him to become President of our country.
Yet since Trump has assumed the Office, with his behavior little unchanged and even more dangerous to our own democracy and our alliances with longstanding allies, we now rarely see any Republican willing to speak up against their party's leader. Instead, they seem to be playing the part of "good soldiers" in lockstep with their commanding officer.
In the DeVos confirmation today, we once again witnessed these soldiers following in an unquestioning manner even when it threatens the very integrity of our nation's educational system. And, with so many rural districts opposed to DeVos' agenda, Trump and the Senate Republicans are voting against the promise to fight for the primary constituency that elected Trump!!
Have they no shame, whatsoever? Where is their courage, especially when so much is at stake?
Yet since Trump has assumed the Office, with his behavior little unchanged and even more dangerous to our own democracy and our alliances with longstanding allies, we now rarely see any Republican willing to speak up against their party's leader. Instead, they seem to be playing the part of "good soldiers" in lockstep with their commanding officer.
In the DeVos confirmation today, we once again witnessed these soldiers following in an unquestioning manner even when it threatens the very integrity of our nation's educational system. And, with so many rural districts opposed to DeVos' agenda, Trump and the Senate Republicans are voting against the promise to fight for the primary constituency that elected Trump!!
Have they no shame, whatsoever? Where is their courage, especially when so much is at stake?
4
Makes perfect sense. Why would Trump and his cronies want an educated electorate?
10
Betsy DeVos is in the end a stereotyped Rich White Republican Woman without any experience with public education who thinks she knows what’s best for the widely diversified population that attends and must have functional Public Schools.
The stereotype doesn’t have to be true. But Betsy DeVos got her job the old fashioned job, influence peddling. She doesn’t have to be stupid, but there needs to be some evidence she has a clue.
Her performance in the hearings was abject failure mixed with simple minded arrogance that she is right about everything.
She couldn’t be more wrong. Too many right wing Republicans think the same way. It’s a shame that there were only two Republican Women in the Senate who forced the White House to bail out its nominee with a Pence vote.
Not a mandate, DeVos. You should quit now an go home. The results without you would likely be much superior than with you - and think of all the government money we can save in staff, heavily tilted to Republicans acquire a symbol of experience without actually doing any work.
The stereotype doesn’t have to be true. But Betsy DeVos got her job the old fashioned job, influence peddling. She doesn’t have to be stupid, but there needs to be some evidence she has a clue.
Her performance in the hearings was abject failure mixed with simple minded arrogance that she is right about everything.
She couldn’t be more wrong. Too many right wing Republicans think the same way. It’s a shame that there were only two Republican Women in the Senate who forced the White House to bail out its nominee with a Pence vote.
Not a mandate, DeVos. You should quit now an go home. The results without you would likely be much superior than with you - and think of all the government money we can save in staff, heavily tilted to Republicans acquire a symbol of experience without actually doing any work.
5
I hope that Mrs. DeVos acquits herself well, out of principle and without self-interest.
The national ideal of providing a public education for all is among our highest aspiration. Over the past several decades, however, the quality of public school education has deteriorated substantially. Funding chronically failing institutions may be wasteful. Perhaps it is time to admit to failure and to craft a solution or solutions.
What those solutions may be is open to development. Supplanting failed schools with franchises -- charters -- may be somewhat helpful, but hardly a panacea, The pitfalls (to put it mildly) of committing public spending to private entities are only too obvious.
Nor does the "voucher" idea seem attractive if a poor child's "voucher" cannot touch the tuition a private or religious school would require, and in its worst incarnations, could prove to be a ruse that underwrites the private tuition of wealthy children while the impoverished are offered tickets (vouchers) to nowhere.
All very difficult and all critically important. There is a crisis in literacy and numeracy in the United States, and it walks hand in hand with unemployment and addiction.
It would be of benefit to all if the bickering were put aside so that the appointee could get to work. The spiteful behavior of the administration's adversaries does not show them in a good light.
Very difficult
The national ideal of providing a public education for all is among our highest aspiration. Over the past several decades, however, the quality of public school education has deteriorated substantially. Funding chronically failing institutions may be wasteful. Perhaps it is time to admit to failure and to craft a solution or solutions.
What those solutions may be is open to development. Supplanting failed schools with franchises -- charters -- may be somewhat helpful, but hardly a panacea, The pitfalls (to put it mildly) of committing public spending to private entities are only too obvious.
Nor does the "voucher" idea seem attractive if a poor child's "voucher" cannot touch the tuition a private or religious school would require, and in its worst incarnations, could prove to be a ruse that underwrites the private tuition of wealthy children while the impoverished are offered tickets (vouchers) to nowhere.
All very difficult and all critically important. There is a crisis in literacy and numeracy in the United States, and it walks hand in hand with unemployment and addiction.
It would be of benefit to all if the bickering were put aside so that the appointee could get to work. The spiteful behavior of the administration's adversaries does not show them in a good light.
Very difficult
1
It's not fair for the Vice President to be a tie breaker because of course he's going to side with the President. The President said he was giving the Country back to the people in his inauguration but yet he see's the marches he hears from the people that they didn't want her as Secretary of Education but yet you voted her in. So I don't believe he gave us as the people didn't mean anything now thus is Sad quoting what the President uses all the time SAD!!!!
2
So finally after all these years the Amway grifters managed to buy themselves a cabinet seat. How apropos it would be in the administration of a seedy con man.
12
Yes, and Betsy is getting in on the ground floor of the education pyramid scheme.
1
Is it sexist to observe that :
- it goes to show how doubly hard it is for a woman to get a job compared to a man, or
- that it was 2 other women senators who opposed her and made it more difficult, until Pence stepped in and rescued her ?
- it goes to show how doubly hard it is for a woman to get a job compared to a man, or
- that it was 2 other women senators who opposed her and made it more difficult, until Pence stepped in and rescued her ?
2
Watching an unqualified woman founder around and make a mess of a job she is completely unprepared to perform is not the way for women to advance. It serves only to verify what too many already think, that woman are unfit to serve in government leadership roles.
1
What would have been her chances among Republicans if she were wearing a hijab or a even sari?
2
@Bash
I could make the same argument against another, ahem EPA, pick. But his confirmation was not anywhere as close.
@Jefflz
You clarified my observation : gender equality does not apply if you are a conservative.
I could make the same argument against another, ahem EPA, pick. But his confirmation was not anywhere as close.
@Jefflz
You clarified my observation : gender equality does not apply if you are a conservative.
Never should have happened. She bought the job and doesn't deserve it---a no nothing with money. Trump loves those--one of his kind!
11
Nothing shocks me anymore. Trump gets elected, then Dr. Ben Carson who should not run anything outside of a operating room becomes head of HUD and now a donor who knows nothing about education buys the job of education secretary. I guess she got bored with afternoon tea. Unbelievable
This clearly must be a version of the Twilight Zone 2.0.
This clearly must be a version of the Twilight Zone 2.0.
10
One might think that Ms. DeVos would be ashamed to be the first cabinet nominee in US history to be confirmed by a 51-50 tie break by the Vice President. But that is the entire point: these Republican appointees have no shame, nor does the entire Republican Party, (with the exception of the Senators from Maine and Alaska). I suspect "we ain't seen nothin' yet."
7
The America we know is on the verge of disappearance at the hands of the Christian right and the Tea Party extremists led by a so-called president.
Voting suppression, gerrymandering, fake news, James Comey, Russian hackers, loss of the popular vote by nearly 3 million...
Right wingers can rejoice in their stolen victory ..but we will see them in court, in the streets, at the polls, We will resist the so-called president, Trump the Bannon/Putin puppet....so wipe that smirk off your faces you gutless Republicans ..we shall resist!
Voting suppression, gerrymandering, fake news, James Comey, Russian hackers, loss of the popular vote by nearly 3 million...
Right wingers can rejoice in their stolen victory ..but we will see them in court, in the streets, at the polls, We will resist the so-called president, Trump the Bannon/Putin puppet....so wipe that smirk off your faces you gutless Republicans ..we shall resist!
3
Amen! Power to WE THE PEOPLE!!!
3
I am just amazed. I had to hire an entry level program assistant for my government agency a few months ago, and with an interview like DeVos' confirmation hearing, there is absolutely no way I could hire her. We "bureaucrats" get constantly scapegoated by Republicans for our supposed incompetence, and here Congress hires someone any reasonable superintendent would laugh out of their office (let's be honest, her resume wouldn't even pass the pre-screen) to run the whole show! I guess you really can buy your way into just about anything in this administration.
8
I was on a school board in Michigan for 20 years and can tell you she has destroyed public education in this state. I have always told my daughter to never put her kids in school in Michigan because of what DeVos has done. Now she will destroy the nation's public. Her idea of a charter school is to let private business siphon off the "best" schools and leave the poor and those with special needs (e.g., deafness) to the already existing public schools.
The charters are technically public schools because they get public funding but they don't provide special education services such as interpreters for the deaf. They tell parents they don't "yet" have an interpreter but a different district (non-charter) does...and it might be in the best interest of the parent and child to attend that district. So the parents do just that instead of demanding the services to which they are entitled under federal law.
There are more schools but the state gives no additional money so allow schools get less money because funding is based on enrollment. Michigan's students are falling further down when compared to the rest of the nation. Now the whole nation will slide and the rest of the world will widen the achievement gap because, in spite of what people want to believe, the US does not have the best educational system in the world.
Watch federal money now go to fundamentalist schools.
The charters are technically public schools because they get public funding but they don't provide special education services such as interpreters for the deaf. They tell parents they don't "yet" have an interpreter but a different district (non-charter) does...and it might be in the best interest of the parent and child to attend that district. So the parents do just that instead of demanding the services to which they are entitled under federal law.
There are more schools but the state gives no additional money so allow schools get less money because funding is based on enrollment. Michigan's students are falling further down when compared to the rest of the nation. Now the whole nation will slide and the rest of the world will widen the achievement gap because, in spite of what people want to believe, the US does not have the best educational system in the world.
Watch federal money now go to fundamentalist schools.
13
That the new head of the "public" system, paid for with the public's money, has no use for the public system (but will gladly find a way to use the public's money) is appalling. We will remember, GOP, that you have absolutely zero concern for this country's children.
7
Secretary DeVos works for YOU. Please feel free to share your thoughts via the USPS:
Mailing address:
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202
Mailing address:
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202
2
Mr. Pence, the basis of your faith and your posturing as a yes-man are shamefully inconsistent and deplorable.
10
The American dream just died a little.
8
The spotlight will be on Ms. DeVos, as evident by the yuge number of comments. Getting confirmed is one thing. Pushing her school voucher program through is another. Congress will have too much to work on with the wall and the repeal of ACA. I see this one going to the back burner.
The opposition party already knows that she is a headline making machine and will be waiting eagerly to catch her next gaff. So will the SNL writers and cast.
The opposition party already knows that she is a headline making machine and will be waiting eagerly to catch her next gaff. So will the SNL writers and cast.
5
Don't count on it. The more miseducated the masses, the better chance the 1% has of convincing 49.1% of us to vote for Republicans.
Dumb people believe fake news.
Dumb people believe fake news.
2
Well, clearly the Republican Senators are betting that the Trump administration will right the ship and gain popularity in the long run. Good luck with that prognosis given Trump's malignant narcissism diagnosis How can not one Republican Senator find DeVos's aberrant positions on education and her lack of related knowledge and experience troubling? In all of my years, I've never seen a case where so many public servants placed party so much above country. Shameful, embarrassing, disappointing, and laughable. I hope none of them have a mirror in their bathroom - surely they can't look at themselves straight in the face.
7
A great pick for education .secretary.. Change was needed. Democrats have destroyed our education system.
4
Well, thanks for that insightful critique, which offers no proof of your claim. I seem to recall that in Texas, the Republicans were in favor of banishing critical thinking from schools. You seem to have benefited by such wisdom.
10
The worst educated states are all republican run. But sure, blame the democrats.
2
As a Californian, I can assure you that is not the case. We are overwhelmingly Democratic and our public schools (with the exception of the UCs) are the near the worst in the country.
They should impeach Trump for nominating the most ignorant unqualified candidates for every cabinet position instead of following his lead like little puppy dogs. Except for two Republicans, the GOP has no honor.
4
Who? Abe and Ike.
1
No, the two who voted against DeVos.
Betsy DeVos - another cabinet appoint with winning credentials from 'The Apprentice' reality show. This episode of 'capture the flag' has been predictable all the way to the deciding vote.
5
The pressure to be disgusting must be very great for the Republicans to have chosen a totally inept Trump education nominee.
6
Ms. DeVos has business acumen and critical thinking skills, which is all that most appointees would need in order to run any project outside of their area of expertise. She will surround herself with teaching specialists to fill in the technical aspects. Besides, any program that can put a little fire under the overpaid, job-secure, little-effort public school teachers and principals is a start.
2
Why don't you stand in any classroom and try to teach 25 children something that they will understand and remember before saying anything negative about teachers? Who taught you to read? Did you also know that many teachers have two jobs in order to pay their bills?
7
She runs a company based on selling phony pseudoscience teaching "tools"'to schools. What critical thinking skills?
She will surround herself with the right experts? Didn't work out so well in Michigan. She has already proven she possesses none of the qualities you claim she has.
Also, this whole argument of "she will hire the most qualified people to help her" is a farce. Trump said the same thing, yet very few of his appointees have even a rudimentary knowledge of what they are supposed to do.
She will surround herself with the right experts? Didn't work out so well in Michigan. She has already proven she possesses none of the qualities you claim she has.
Also, this whole argument of "she will hire the most qualified people to help her" is a farce. Trump said the same thing, yet very few of his appointees have even a rudimentary knowledge of what they are supposed to do.
What business acumen? The ability to marry into a billionaire's family? She didn't make her own money or run her own business - it is all funded with family money.
All the payoffs were made so the Senators can make sure their kids/grandkids can go to private schools so they won't be affected by her decisions.
3
On the bright side, the Ed Department seems to be more of a headache for school administrators with relatively minor impact on classrooms themselves. Their budget is spread across all of the states and a huge number of programs, meaning that DeVos' ability to use a broad budget hammer is muted. Doesn't mean she won't inflict damage in focused areas though. We'll see how true the Republicans' are to their mantra about the importance of state's rights and local control. My guess here and elsewhere is not very.
2
Well, we tried, from Homestead, Florida. Family and friends called Senator Marco Rubio's office to ask him to recuse himself during the DeVos confirmation vote, because during the 2016 campaign he received something more than $80,000 from individuals in her family, and the company Amway. Alas, we do not have the $$$..... Truly Bernie, here is the oligarchy.
See opensecrets.org to search for donors to candidates.
See opensecrets.org to search for donors to candidates.
10
Can DeVos turn education into a multi-level marketing model? She might have some experience/knowledge about that.
5
Take heart folks! The Secretary of Education is essentially a figurehead with no real power, especially at the local level, where actual education takes place! Assuming the position won't take away the power each individual state has , and you can be sure the better private schools, whether Parochial, Yeshivas, select Charters, and the like will still follow the Public School model and rigor, which ironically still turn out the overwhelming majority of our best and brightest! Though, I don't think Grizzlies, besides the union's will be celebrating her confirmation!!!
2
Why should our tax money go to religious schools? (And I say this as someone who sends her kids to a parochial school.)
Yet another with ZERO experience. Guess some of the most important jobs in American including the POTUS is learn on the job and trial by error.
Insane, when there are so many qualified Republicans.
Insane, when there are so many qualified Republicans.
5
why is she such a promoter of vouchers and charter schools when she knows nothing about public education at all, anyway? If she cared about education, she would know a lot about it. Very odd. Not to mention pouring all that money of her own into it. Someone please do an in depth interview and find out what is her reasoning and plan with all this actually is. There's bound to be more to this than meets the eye, and we don't yet know exactly what it is, though we can make certain inferences. My inference is she wants to create school systems that teach only what the parents want, be they fundamentalist or anti science, history or culture. But we don't know for sure. Let's find out what we can and keep on her about it all. I think she is now going to start getting all the phone calls and emails to her office that were directed at the Senators. This is not the end, just getting started. In the meantime, the professional journalists can do some more research into it all from good sources.
2
She received the majority vote, and I suspect she has the endorsement of many Americans, but the video NYC Times decided to show was nothing but negative and full of anger.
Also, the article states, "Neither Ms. DeVos nor any of her children attended a public school. And she has never taken out a federal student loan, which is striking …..." This a straw man argument.
Obama, Biden, and many other politicians send, or have sent, their children to private school while standing firm against allowing the same opportunity for low income children. Even Obama himself went to private while living in Hawaii in his high school days. So why were we excepted to trust them?
And as for DeVos never attending a public school or having taken on a student debt, that doesn't impede her ability to do research and/or studies to find the best solution for educating the children, no more than an oncologist must have had cancer previously in order to be able to treat those inflicted with the disease.
Public teacher unions number one goal is to protect the union, not the teacher, and especially, not the children.
Also, the article states, "Neither Ms. DeVos nor any of her children attended a public school. And she has never taken out a federal student loan, which is striking …..." This a straw man argument.
Obama, Biden, and many other politicians send, or have sent, their children to private school while standing firm against allowing the same opportunity for low income children. Even Obama himself went to private while living in Hawaii in his high school days. So why were we excepted to trust them?
And as for DeVos never attending a public school or having taken on a student debt, that doesn't impede her ability to do research and/or studies to find the best solution for educating the children, no more than an oncologist must have had cancer previously in order to be able to treat those inflicted with the disease.
Public teacher unions number one goal is to protect the union, not the teacher, and especially, not the children.
4
Have you ever been in a classroom? and if so, where?
1
I'm certain ALL certified Oncologists STUDIED extensively.
I am certain DeVoss has NOT.
I am certain DeVoss has NOT.
Campaign donors used to be limited to buying ambassadorships. "Draining the swamp", Mr. President?
6
To be a rich white girl in America... You don't even have to be qualified.
7
I dunno, those sound like qualifications.
They did it, the Christian Right is now in charge of the children, and everything else.
The curriculum must now be biblical literalist, dispensationalist, for surely God put them there to bring about the end-times.
But for now Dominionist, as in God gave us dominion over all that crawleth & squirmeth & groweth on the earth, and especially that which pumpeth through our pipelines & seepeth from our fracked earth.
We need now experts who decode the cult of the Christian Right, the megachurches, born agains, the whole bible-belted bunch, because they now have everything, including the bomb to bring about the second coming.
Help us understand what these Christian Fundamentalists actually intend to do next.
The curriculum must now be biblical literalist, dispensationalist, for surely God put them there to bring about the end-times.
But for now Dominionist, as in God gave us dominion over all that crawleth & squirmeth & groweth on the earth, and especially that which pumpeth through our pipelines & seepeth from our fracked earth.
We need now experts who decode the cult of the Christian Right, the megachurches, born agains, the whole bible-belted bunch, because they now have everything, including the bomb to bring about the second coming.
Help us understand what these Christian Fundamentalists actually intend to do next.
6
Bring the second coming of course.
1
To all you Teachers Union and Democrats who have run our ineffective educational system for decades: time for a new coach. Get used to it.
3
I didn't realize democrats ran the education system in Texas? Or any of the other red states that rank lowest in education? Maybe look at your own rebublicans for blame?
It is a sad day when being partisan is the priority over the interest of the American people and public education. This trend will be the downfall of all that arrogance and ignorance.
4
Let the lawsuits begin!
Ethics violations abound.
Ethics violations abound.
6
It's about time that we laid down some minimal requirements to hold these positions.
9
With Devos's confirmation as Secretary of Education, we can hope the number of attacks by grizzly bears in classrooms across America, thanks to her advocacy of arming teachers with guns, can be minimized.
5
Sure, why not, let Pence dig his "political" grave also.
5
I have no idea if she is qualified or not. But why is it ever time you mention her name you feel obligated to tell people she is wealthy or married into wealth? You NEVER used the same description with John Kerry who TWICE married billionaire widows.
3
Wealthy and married seem to be the only qualifications DeVos has. John Kerry was qualified to run for political office on his own merits.
3
At over 3500 comments on this news there's certainly nothing original I can add. But I have to just say WOW. Can this really be my country? This is like watching an episodic horror series. Each week it gets worse. Wow.
14
Betsy, you're on notice.
7
This appointment is a travesty. We could have done much, much better than this. We now have a buffoon running national education who has no education in education.
6
Let's be brutally honest: public education as it currently exists has produced the worst educated group (on average) of Americans in at least the last 100 years. Despite endlessly increasing amounts of tax dollars thrown at the problem, results continue to disappoint. I'm afraid to research how many Americans are functionally illiterate. Only those who are part of the education industry refuse to acknowledge the truth.
7
Do you think this is why so many Americans believe the voluminous untruths Trump tells?
Students at the "top" in the United States are brighter and have more outstanding applications for college than ever before, and more students are taking Advanced Placement classes than ever before. In addition, the high school curriculum has gotten much harder, particularly in math and science.
One hundred years ago LOTS of students received little or no education, often because they had to work. Integration is only about 50 years old in practice. Students with disabilities only began having educational accommodations in the 1970s.
I meet many people who honestly believe their education was better in the 1950s, but that doesn't take into consideration the fact that most of the children who are having trouble in school were not in regular schools before, and certainly not in serious academic classes.
When I question people who were educated in the 1950s, they are under the impression that their education was excellent. However, except for the rich, upon questioning you will find that far less was required of them than are required of average students today. Today we have poor students taking geometry. In the 1950s, most students, let alone poor students, took math beyond algebra. It hasn't gotten worse, we educate far more people than ever before, and are demanding everyone succeed. That's what's changed.
One hundred years ago LOTS of students received little or no education, often because they had to work. Integration is only about 50 years old in practice. Students with disabilities only began having educational accommodations in the 1970s.
I meet many people who honestly believe their education was better in the 1950s, but that doesn't take into consideration the fact that most of the children who are having trouble in school were not in regular schools before, and certainly not in serious academic classes.
When I question people who were educated in the 1950s, they are under the impression that their education was excellent. However, except for the rich, upon questioning you will find that far less was required of them than are required of average students today. Today we have poor students taking geometry. In the 1950s, most students, let alone poor students, took math beyond algebra. It hasn't gotten worse, we educate far more people than ever before, and are demanding everyone succeed. That's what's changed.
3
Today I asked my 91 year old former USMC Officer Dad and retired history teacher with 35+ years of experience in NYS Public Schools if a time would ever come around when true American Patriots would have to seek "2nd Amendment Remedies" to prevent to continuing destruction of the American way of life under the Trump Administration.
Mind you; a man who survived the Great Depression, who fought during Korea, taught 7 generations of brothers and sisters civics, politics, history, world studies, protested for Civil Rights, was spat on as he walk with African-Americans for their rights in his dress blues, protested against the Vietnam War with students being drafted into the service and whose job was threaten because of it, raise 2 sons to respect and cherish their Country.
One becoming a Volunteer Firefighter to serve his Country who know has Cancer. A father, husband, mentor, coach and elderman of his church, full of love and peace for all, a very gentle soul at the twilight of his life, yet trained to kill in the defense of Liberty.
He said: "It would seem that the unthinkable, the use of violence to assure an American way of life is fast approaching. Let us hope our conservative friends can tell the difference between conservative principles and the fascism that we've seen over the last three weeks."
Yes Dad, let us hope.
To Pat Toomey: you had a chance to be an American Patriot today and you choose fascism. I will earnestly work for your defeat at the polls.
Mind you; a man who survived the Great Depression, who fought during Korea, taught 7 generations of brothers and sisters civics, politics, history, world studies, protested for Civil Rights, was spat on as he walk with African-Americans for their rights in his dress blues, protested against the Vietnam War with students being drafted into the service and whose job was threaten because of it, raise 2 sons to respect and cherish their Country.
One becoming a Volunteer Firefighter to serve his Country who know has Cancer. A father, husband, mentor, coach and elderman of his church, full of love and peace for all, a very gentle soul at the twilight of his life, yet trained to kill in the defense of Liberty.
He said: "It would seem that the unthinkable, the use of violence to assure an American way of life is fast approaching. Let us hope our conservative friends can tell the difference between conservative principles and the fascism that we've seen over the last three weeks."
Yes Dad, let us hope.
To Pat Toomey: you had a chance to be an American Patriot today and you choose fascism. I will earnestly work for your defeat at the polls.
15
A tragedy for our children and our nation. A greedy dunce as Secretary of Education.
Republicans, all but two of them, are shamed, shamed, shamed.
Republicans, all but two of them, are shamed, shamed, shamed.
9
Why is everyone treating Collins and Murkowski like heroes? They voted in committee to send her nomination on to the full Senate, when either of them could have killed her nomination. Then they voted against her, when their votes didn't matter.
11
So someone who never went to public school or was forced into. student loan is now in charge of both. Great work Pubs.
5
The "Peter Principle" is now the "Betsy Principle".
12
If the Peter Principle is about riding to the level of your incompetence, Betsy is about grossly exceeding it.
2
The "Betsy Principle"!!! Should spawn an entire canon of business school case histories on incompetent women who land high profile prestigious jobs co-opting the same leverage points as incompetent men who exemplify the Peter Principle.
At least schools will be safe from all those bear attacks.
11
If half I've read is true, the Senate has totally abdicated it's responsibility to the people by approving a party donor who has as much experience in education as Trump has in government. Neither are fit for office.
12
The republicans, less two, are completely gutless. I cannot believe McCain supported Ms. DeVos.
18
Whatever McCain was, and I never thought it was much, he has squandered in supporting Pallin and DeVos. Poseurs and charlatans.
6
At least remote schools in Wyoming and Wisconsin will be safe from Grizzly bears.
7
I understand what is going on. Republicans fear retribution if they go against the President's nominees. Democrats have clear minds and can vote their conscience.
13
So this is the end of public education as we know it - and with it, the end of the foundation of our democracy: an educated, informed citizenry.
DeVos' own "model" of charter schools - religious evangelical-Christian online "homeschools" - were a total failure in Michigan. These "schools" only succeeded in diverting public, TAXPAYER funds to her pockets.
A rightwing evangelical-Christian online "homeschool"? May as well just sit the kids in front of one of those "Christian" TV networks and watch TV evangelists all day. Only useful "skill" those kids will learn is how to fleece poor, desperate people - in the name of God.
DeVos knows all about fleecing. She and her fellow "school choice" proponents see public education solely as a cash cow to line their own pockets with taxpayer funds - while using these funds to push their own anti-public education, anti-union, and classist, racist agendas.
Yes, classist and racist - because they view anyone from low-to-moderate income families or who are non-white as undeserving of a good public education - and the life opportunities that education has always made possible.
Lesson learned today, kids: you can be dumb as a doorknob - with no credentials, qualifications, experience, or even desire to learn - and still attain high office in this country! All you have to do is be born super-rich!
DeVos' own "model" of charter schools - religious evangelical-Christian online "homeschools" - were a total failure in Michigan. These "schools" only succeeded in diverting public, TAXPAYER funds to her pockets.
A rightwing evangelical-Christian online "homeschool"? May as well just sit the kids in front of one of those "Christian" TV networks and watch TV evangelists all day. Only useful "skill" those kids will learn is how to fleece poor, desperate people - in the name of God.
DeVos knows all about fleecing. She and her fellow "school choice" proponents see public education solely as a cash cow to line their own pockets with taxpayer funds - while using these funds to push their own anti-public education, anti-union, and classist, racist agendas.
Yes, classist and racist - because they view anyone from low-to-moderate income families or who are non-white as undeserving of a good public education - and the life opportunities that education has always made possible.
Lesson learned today, kids: you can be dumb as a doorknob - with no credentials, qualifications, experience, or even desire to learn - and still attain high office in this country! All you have to do is be born super-rich!
12
(ahem) "Marry" the super rich.
Even worse.
Even worse.
3
Someone has to collect the shopping carts at Walmart and valet the cars at the country club.
1
The list of what needs to be fixed in our public school goes on and on. Teachers are asked to do more and more, without release time to do it, or financial compensation. I teach at a community college in the San Francisco Bay Area; we've managed to survive the ebb and flow of state and federal dollars, overpaid administrators who sit in their ivory towers and criticize those of us down in the trenches because we are not 'motivating' our students.
Whatever the issues are; and there are many, will not be solved with someone who little interest in the millions of students who navigate the public school system. Their best interests are not in her heart. And that pains me.
Whatever the issues are; and there are many, will not be solved with someone who little interest in the millions of students who navigate the public school system. Their best interests are not in her heart. And that pains me.
11
The law should make attending private school illegal. Only public school is legitimate. it allows people to understand people who are not like them. Private school doesn't do that, and then you end up with someone like Trump.
5
I feels I must disagree. My family fought long and hard for me to be send to a private school which better suited my needs. Not all private schools are bad. They just need administrators who actually care about the students.
1
I am against DeVos. However, you are wrong about private schools. Perhaps some exclusive ones, but the Catholic schools we attended and the Catholic schools our children attended, taught us all, to work for Social Justice. Don't assume that all private schools are alike!
1
These are the eight Republicans who voted for DeVos and whose seats are up for reelection in 2018. Those seats must be flipped. Remember their names, focus the outrage, and get to work.
1. Barrasso (R-Wy.)
2. Corker, Bob (R-Tenn.)
3. Cruz, Ted (R-Texas)
4. Fischer, Deb (R-Neb.)
5. Flake, Jeff (R-Ariz.)
6. Hatch, Orrin (R-Utah)
7. Heller, Dean (R-Nev.)
8. Wicker, Roger (R-Miss.)
1. Barrasso (R-Wy.)
2. Corker, Bob (R-Tenn.)
3. Cruz, Ted (R-Texas)
4. Fischer, Deb (R-Neb.)
5. Flake, Jeff (R-Ariz.)
6. Hatch, Orrin (R-Utah)
7. Heller, Dean (R-Nev.)
8. Wicker, Roger (R-Miss.)
26
Let Madam De Farge knit their names into her wooly ledger of aristocratic malefactors.
3
Send them packing in 2018!!!
3
Don't bet on it ,Weezy.
1
Castrated Republicans in this congress have put our nations children in the hands of a corrupt woman with zero education experience. Disgusting.
7
I've served as a Marine for over 12 years and taught for the last 23. I've seen our government do plenty of good and bad in that time but this seems like the ugliest example of them telling me they just don't care what happens as long as they get more power
16
Maybe Trump chose DeVos, so that the public schools would suffer and he would have more of 'the undereducated' to vote for him, and candidates like him, in future elections. He does 'love the undereducated' you know. In his words - Sad. Horrible. Very Unfair. (not)Wonderful. (not)Beautiful.
7
Those of us committed to public education are equally committed to the fight to defend it. So you got your shabby, unqualified nominee, but that only steels our resolve to defy, challenge, and undo your administration going forward. Looking forward to the struggle. We're ready.
11
Wow! First that basketball player and now the Avon Lady. Education just can't get break in this country.
1
Too much is wrong with the public school system and the chances for improvement seem very small given highly entrenched powers and sluggish processes. This level of quality is unacceptable for such an expensive system.
Much of the mandatory content is unnecessary - it does not connect to competencies needed for modern life.
There is no student or parent assessments of teachers, and student's motivation and interest levels have ceased to be a part of the conversation in education. With no framework either for students to pick courses based on their readiness or intervention to help under performing students, parents, tutoring and private classes are overstretching to fill gaps.
Seamless technology which ought to be in place to eliminate the organizational overhead for students is both missing and broken; instead children have to deal with a mishmash of online and offline worksheets, schedules and submission methods.
Few of the educational innovations of the past 100 years, never mind the last ten years have been tried or incorporated.
With many alternative high quality resources emerging, as well as a recognition of individual readiness and learning styles, this is a very promising time to start to UNBUNDLE the educational enterprise, make it smaller, flexible and personalized.
I don't expect that someone with long experience in making public education what it is today would be up to such a task.
Much of the mandatory content is unnecessary - it does not connect to competencies needed for modern life.
There is no student or parent assessments of teachers, and student's motivation and interest levels have ceased to be a part of the conversation in education. With no framework either for students to pick courses based on their readiness or intervention to help under performing students, parents, tutoring and private classes are overstretching to fill gaps.
Seamless technology which ought to be in place to eliminate the organizational overhead for students is both missing and broken; instead children have to deal with a mishmash of online and offline worksheets, schedules and submission methods.
Few of the educational innovations of the past 100 years, never mind the last ten years have been tried or incorporated.
With many alternative high quality resources emerging, as well as a recognition of individual readiness and learning styles, this is a very promising time to start to UNBUNDLE the educational enterprise, make it smaller, flexible and personalized.
I don't expect that someone with long experience in making public education what it is today would be up to such a task.
5
Al a Carte instruction... what an innovation.
If were lucky, motivation and discipline might never be issues.
The world spins a bit differently, though.
If were lucky, motivation and discipline might never be issues.
The world spins a bit differently, though.
republicans have just provided additional evidence of their character/lack thereof. in a sane world, with sane leaders, one should expect responsibility for public education would require some reasonable level of demonstrated competence.
5
I am a lifelong educator --- classroom teacher, school administrator, university professor---and am disappointed with the appointment of an individual so poorly qualified for the position. Having said that, I have given up expecting much from any administrator. Arnie Duncan in his own way was equally unqualified and in his own way did a lot of damage to public schooling. What we as educators who care about public schooling have in our favor is the haplessness of the past candidates. Arnie got hung up on testing, lord knows what DeVos will get hung up on --- if she can find her office on any given day. What would be a positive move, which DeVos could accomplish, is some form of salutary neglect --- you don't bother me I won't bother you. We in schools need to be left alone and Ms. DeVos might have the best credentials to do just that.
5
Crucifixes cost A LOT of money.
1
More women senators! Why is it no surprise that the two Republicans willing to LISTEN to their constituents and cross party lines in the name of reason, sanity, family and education are women?! On day in the future we'll look back at our male-dominated government and laugh at how those poor 21st century Americans couldn't see the obvious benefits of a 50/50 gender represenatation.
8
DeVoss (woman) did not need the women.
I think women should hold 51% representation in BOTH houses, therefore.
I am from California.
I think women should hold 51% representation in BOTH houses, therefore.
I am from California.
1
The people attacking Mrs. DeVos are demonstrating the same level of intolerance that they are accusing Mrs. DeVos of possessing. Many citizens are upset with her because they don't like hearing the truth she has articulated. Many public schools are failing. Many (not all) charter schools are meeting the needs of children that are being left behind in public schools. All children should have the opportunity to receive a first-class education. Personally, I don't understand why public schools are upset when children transfer to charter or private schools. The public schools then have fewer students to teach and the class sizes will decrease. Those smaller sized classes should make the teachers happy. Fewer students equals less expenses for the districts. Therefore, the tax dollars should follow the students.
7
Seriously? No one is upset because she points out that public schools have problems. That is clear. There are also many wonderful public schools. The question is how to replicate them and how to attract the best and brightest to the teaching profession. The students who leave take their funding with them. The students who stay are often higher need = higher expense. Under the DeVos system my tax dollars are going to a for-profit school i.e. not to benefit the children but rather to earn a profit for someone else. And we all know what a great place Trump University turned out to be. Also, since students leave and take their money with them districts can only afford to hire fewer teachers=the class sizes do not become smaller and in some cases grow.
Why divert public tax dollars to private or charter schools when, as you admit, many public schools are failing? Do private businesses preform better when their revenue is reduced? Why not fix and improve public schools (which aren't driven by profit motive) first? It's asinine to think that addressing issues about public schools by completely ignoring them will fix anything.
Fewer students = fewer dollars when it comes to public schools after the dollar per head is siphoned off to religious and for-profit institutions (that's what DeVos has supported for years). That means classroom ratios will not get smaller, they will get bigger (ie. 20 students to 1 teacher becomes 25 to 1) because fewer teachers can be hired for the remaining students. A solid public education system is vital in our country. This line of thinking that removing public education funds will somehow benefit public education institutions is extremely faulty.
5
The grizzlies hanging out around schools are shaking in their boots.
9
People should remember, that the right has a vested interest in destroying teachers' unions, shifting money away from public education, privatizing all government services, eliminating the federal government and in keeping people ignorant. DeVos was a horrible choice and will be a horrible secretary. But that's the point. That's what "they" want.
19
Facts are no longer facts. Education is no longer education. America not America is next.
We are doomed.
We are doomed.
6
I feel so sorry for parents of school aged children. Even with the best of intentions and funding (see Newark City Schools for example), the system is failing young people in many places. The problems faced by schools are problems which begin in the communities, and in the inadequate conditions people are finding themselves in. We can't solve this with education money alone. We certainly can't solve this with someone who doesn't appreciate or understand public education.
5
It's called payback folks. All because no one can ever fire a teacher or fail a student and it is for THAT reason along with others like it that Trump and his band of deplorables keep having their way. The Establishment could actually DO something anything other than the broken status quo and get some respect back but The Establishment simply cannot learn from it's mistakes and is treating Trump in it's Establishment ways and losing and losing and losing with no thought of a change. How stupid is that??????????????
3
Thank you Mr. Trump. I can now enroll my kids in a 'faith based' school and US tax dollars will contribute to my child's education. My son goes to the Ibn Taymiyyah school of Wahhabism where we stress things like the existence of the one true Allah. You'll be pleased to know we don't teach that 'climate change' junk in our classes either... strictly practical skills like daily prayer and weapons assembly and maintenance (to fulfill our Second Amendment obligations, of course).
12
Well played.
2
perfect
Next up: Rick Perry on nukes.
6
Betsy Davis is totally unqualified. She only has this position because she is s big republican donor.
The VP should not be voting on cabinet appointments.
The VP should not be voting on cabinet appointments.
4
Betsy (aka Betty) Davis, even deceased, would have been a better choice.
Sorry MPB, read the Constitution. Not only "should" the VP be voting, he is required to vote whenever there is a tie in the Senate.
2
Why put up a fight if confirmation is the conclusion. Just let him have his cabinet and make sure voters in the Republican States have a great Democrat challenger when needed. If these protesters are true to their convictions none of the current Republican incumbents will keep their seats. Either Congress works for the people or they can work in the private sector for themselves.
2
If Republican Senators Collins of Maine and Murkowski of Alaska truly had the courage of their convictions they would have also voted against the DeVos nomination in the Senate Committee on Health and Education, of which they are both members of the majority. One imagines there was little mystery as to how the other 50 Republican senators would vote on the floor before Collins and Murkowski publicly announced their intentions.
16
Those 2 female Senators both depend on the UFT for campaign contributions. That's well known.
So let me get this straight, thousands of minority parents in NYC line up and pray to be accepted into a Charter school (I. E. school choice) so their kids can get a better education than what's being offered by NYC Public Schools in their neighborhood; Nancy Devoss advocates that, and there is an outcry against her? Tell those parents that line up that choosing her is the wrong decision.
So let me get this straight, thousands of minority parents in NYC line up and pray to be accepted into a Charter school (I. E. school choice) so their kids can get a better education than what's being offered by NYC Public Schools in their neighborhood; Nancy Devoss advocates that, and there is an outcry against her? Tell those parents that line up that choosing her is the wrong decision.
Republicans are shameless in confirming DeVos, demonstrating they have no understanding that it is the relationship between parents and teachers that most determines how well a child does in school. They seem to believe that all we need to do to improve a child's education is to:
1) remove union and tenure protection of teachers so that all 'bad' teachers can be removed from the classroom, uh, based on whatever criteria a local school board wants to use, including teaching of evolution, refusing to lead prayers, refusing to teach Creationism, etc. End result: Demoralize teachers
2) give parents a voucher so they can remove their children from a public school to a private one. DeVos believes it is more important that parents have choice (freedom, liberty, etc. etc.) than it is improve the educational opportunities at the public schools some parents feel the need to escape from. End result: Demoralize teachers and parents who remain behind in the public school.
Republicans' vote demonstrates they are not interested in competent, moral leadership and yet they are the first to insist that is incompetent public schools that our children need to be able to escape from.
SHAME SHAME SHAME for the depth of hypocrisy they are willing to display.
1) remove union and tenure protection of teachers so that all 'bad' teachers can be removed from the classroom, uh, based on whatever criteria a local school board wants to use, including teaching of evolution, refusing to lead prayers, refusing to teach Creationism, etc. End result: Demoralize teachers
2) give parents a voucher so they can remove their children from a public school to a private one. DeVos believes it is more important that parents have choice (freedom, liberty, etc. etc.) than it is improve the educational opportunities at the public schools some parents feel the need to escape from. End result: Demoralize teachers and parents who remain behind in the public school.
Republicans' vote demonstrates they are not interested in competent, moral leadership and yet they are the first to insist that is incompetent public schools that our children need to be able to escape from.
SHAME SHAME SHAME for the depth of hypocrisy they are willing to display.
8
The people have spoken! We need change. I old way didn't work. Give her a chance. The inner cities need the most help! I am willing to pay more to stop children from becoming future drug dealers, prostitutes.....
5
She had her chance in Michigan.....total failure.
3
The performance issues and the lack of options (vocational education for sxample) are really products of one of three problems in the system:
1. The administrative overhead is too high. If there is corruption, it occurs at the top and not the bottom.
2. The extremely maladjusted source of funding. The people that require the least aid get the most money and vice versa.
3. The lack of funding for alternative paths for students following a different career track.
None of these problems require charter schools or private education. All of them could be fixed within the existing system if there was enough common political will to do so. But there is not because some people want to keep whatever birth given advantages they have and will do anything to ensure they get even more.
I may be wrong and I will be more than willing to admit it if in 4 years, things really turn around in our education system. But my interpretation of the underlying motives pretty much makes my bet a safe one. America is falling apart because it's simply unable to work together; it's as bad as a wrecked marriage.
1. The administrative overhead is too high. If there is corruption, it occurs at the top and not the bottom.
2. The extremely maladjusted source of funding. The people that require the least aid get the most money and vice versa.
3. The lack of funding for alternative paths for students following a different career track.
None of these problems require charter schools or private education. All of them could be fixed within the existing system if there was enough common political will to do so. But there is not because some people want to keep whatever birth given advantages they have and will do anything to ensure they get even more.
I may be wrong and I will be more than willing to admit it if in 4 years, things really turn around in our education system. But my interpretation of the underlying motives pretty much makes my bet a safe one. America is falling apart because it's simply unable to work together; it's as bad as a wrecked marriage.
9
The nominee does not know any thing about education - Pence the hypocrite and the spineless Republicans voted for her? Do they have children in school? This is indeed a Motley crowd and the country is becoming a Banana Republic. May be the Trump supporters must move with him to a Banana Republic
10
"When I was a boy on the Mississippi River there was a proposition in a township there to discontinue public schools because they were too expensive. An old farmer spoke up and said if they stopped building the schools they would not save anything, because every time a school was closed a jail had to be built."
—Mark Twain
—Mark Twain
32
I hope that Americans - most especially the apathetic Americans who don't bother to vote - now realize that we are witnessing far more than simply partisan politics. The GOP is united in a wholesale dismantling of the Enlightenment social contract in every respect. More than 35 years in the making, this is a push to destroy our democratic republic in favor of a libertarian authoritarian state.
Our government has been captured by a plutocracy - billionaires, millionaires, and their lackeys - who do not feel any sense of civic duty or responsibility outside their own narrow in-group. They do not want to contribute financially to sustaining a nation where everyone has a chance to thrive. They do not want to pay taxes, they do not want to support and maintain the nation's infrastructure or the health of its citizens, they do not want to preserve the public land or air or water, they do not want a fair justice system, they do not want all citizens voting, they do not want a separation of church and state, they do not want intelligent, well-informed voters who will oppose them in their goals: total control of resources, unlimited opportunity to increase their personal wealth and power.
Betsy DeVos, with her lack of experience, expertise, and respect for public education and her greed for profit, embodies the plutocrats' desire to take this nation for themselves and strip it of all its worth to benefit the few over the many.
_This_ is what we have to beat back in 2018.
Our government has been captured by a plutocracy - billionaires, millionaires, and their lackeys - who do not feel any sense of civic duty or responsibility outside their own narrow in-group. They do not want to contribute financially to sustaining a nation where everyone has a chance to thrive. They do not want to pay taxes, they do not want to support and maintain the nation's infrastructure or the health of its citizens, they do not want to preserve the public land or air or water, they do not want a fair justice system, they do not want all citizens voting, they do not want a separation of church and state, they do not want intelligent, well-informed voters who will oppose them in their goals: total control of resources, unlimited opportunity to increase their personal wealth and power.
Betsy DeVos, with her lack of experience, expertise, and respect for public education and her greed for profit, embodies the plutocrats' desire to take this nation for themselves and strip it of all its worth to benefit the few over the many.
_This_ is what we have to beat back in 2018.
27
Wow... this is mind boggling. I had hoped--ha!--that at least one more Republican would vote her/his conscience on this one. But, I guess, none of their children went to public schools. Unbelievable. Backbone anyone?!
13
When I first witnessed the physical presence of Mike Pence as Trump's VP choice, I got a sick feeling in my stomach. I thought, "how could anyone accept a honorable position with someone like Trump, who has such serious character and temperamental deficiencies?"
What kind of moral character does Pence possess? (Watch a rattled Pence on multiple archived media reports, as awkwardly triues to defend Trump's insulting statements by appearing cool and calm.)
I'm convinced, Pence's smooth-talking even-tempered style is ALSO as sinister as any snake-oil salesman from the mid 19th century, minus the bluster.
These two so-called presidential office holders, and all the numbskulls who support them and their unqualified cabinet picks (excepting Mattis so far) ---- are sickening to observe with all their obfuscation and slimy denial -- this horrid unfolding and conscious destruction of our great country's values will bring us all to our knees.
The New Civil War has begun, and we hope it does not turn too bloody. The question remains: Is this "necessary" or "UN-necessary" suffering we are about to endure?
The blacks have suffered like no one else in our culture, and they are really angry, justifiably so, having ONCE AGAIN been marginalized and dismissed like all other dark and brown people oppressed by a white power structure.
Token black Ben Carson: Do you still have a Christian conscience? -- I doubt Pence does! --- Now read about Bannon's feud with the Vatican . . .
What kind of moral character does Pence possess? (Watch a rattled Pence on multiple archived media reports, as awkwardly triues to defend Trump's insulting statements by appearing cool and calm.)
I'm convinced, Pence's smooth-talking even-tempered style is ALSO as sinister as any snake-oil salesman from the mid 19th century, minus the bluster.
These two so-called presidential office holders, and all the numbskulls who support them and their unqualified cabinet picks (excepting Mattis so far) ---- are sickening to observe with all their obfuscation and slimy denial -- this horrid unfolding and conscious destruction of our great country's values will bring us all to our knees.
The New Civil War has begun, and we hope it does not turn too bloody. The question remains: Is this "necessary" or "UN-necessary" suffering we are about to endure?
The blacks have suffered like no one else in our culture, and they are really angry, justifiably so, having ONCE AGAIN been marginalized and dismissed like all other dark and brown people oppressed by a white power structure.
Token black Ben Carson: Do you still have a Christian conscience? -- I doubt Pence does! --- Now read about Bannon's feud with the Vatican . . .
9
There is no white power structure only a rich power structure.
3
The working class youth of the United States thank you Mr. Pence.
4
The only thing in her favor is that she is totally inept and may be unable to have any effect.
7
I don't know. How much worse can these Trump appointments get? And the party-over-country Republicans go right along with the wrecking of this country.
Maybe Trump should just auction off his cabinet and appointment positions to the highest bidders--no experience required.
I still can't over the idea of Rick Perry as Secretary of Energy to run a government agency that is in charge of nuclear energy and waste.
Sorry kids, you don't deserve Betsy DeVos, but these Republican adults are crazy and callous.
Maybe Trump should just auction off his cabinet and appointment positions to the highest bidders--no experience required.
I still can't over the idea of Rick Perry as Secretary of Energy to run a government agency that is in charge of nuclear energy and waste.
Sorry kids, you don't deserve Betsy DeVos, but these Republican adults are crazy and callous.
10
Betsy DeVos as education secretary is moronic at best. It’s inevitable that moronic students will be her legacy, as well as privatized moronic schools with a crucifix in each classroom.
7
How do you create a nation of sheep who will blindly follow anyone who promises what they want to hear? Easy. Destroy the public education system. Republican governors and state legislatures have already begun the process and now the new Secretary of Education can finish it. Amazing how many of the authors of distopian novels turned out to be prophets.
17
I am looking at ten nominees still not confirmed as of now.
Well, The Donald will wile away the hours with tweets and grandiose notions of victory, measuring the drapes and getting in his bathrobe before 6 PM.
Devos' successful move to a cabinet position despite being fully unfit and unable to respond to basic questions about the subject area is enough, as in we've had enough. She appears illiterate.
Confirmed anyway, Price the self serving investor, for Health/Human Services. Getting rich on the tax payer dime. Insider trading at its worst. Draining the swamp--not so much. This was blatant in terms of ethics violations.
And the Labor Department nominee Andrew Puzder's secret he employed an undocumented immigrant as his housekeeper. And recommends replacing meaningless workers in the red states with robots as soon as he can. Trump's voters will suffer the most without union protection. Right to work for less.
Republicans don't care about the ethics process. What an insult.
Trump's Secretary of the Army nominee, similar to Trump, can't seem to
untangle from business/monetary ethics issues. At least he withdrew.
Trump's still making money as he is the benefactor of his so-called trust.
Well, The Donald will wile away the hours with tweets and grandiose notions of victory, measuring the drapes and getting in his bathrobe before 6 PM.
Devos' successful move to a cabinet position despite being fully unfit and unable to respond to basic questions about the subject area is enough, as in we've had enough. She appears illiterate.
Confirmed anyway, Price the self serving investor, for Health/Human Services. Getting rich on the tax payer dime. Insider trading at its worst. Draining the swamp--not so much. This was blatant in terms of ethics violations.
And the Labor Department nominee Andrew Puzder's secret he employed an undocumented immigrant as his housekeeper. And recommends replacing meaningless workers in the red states with robots as soon as he can. Trump's voters will suffer the most without union protection. Right to work for less.
Republicans don't care about the ethics process. What an insult.
Trump's Secretary of the Army nominee, similar to Trump, can't seem to
untangle from business/monetary ethics issues. At least he withdrew.
Trump's still making money as he is the benefactor of his so-called trust.
4
The Senate did not confirm Betsy DeVos. Mike Pence confirmed Betsy DeVos and he now OWNS the Department of Education. For Trump, he is now assured of having Blackwater as his "brown shirts." The upside is that we will have a new President before she figures out the location of the rest room in the Department of Education.
8
Voters voted for change. Tell the Detroit and Chicago Public School parents that the public schools are working for them and see what kind of response you get.
10
Do you mean the same Detroit public schools that Devos wrecked during her reign of edu-terror in Michigan?
3
So the answer is to throw out the baby with the baby water? Tell the parents in Chicago you're going to pay to send their kids to private school and see what kind of response you get.
3
I don't know if DeVos is the answer. I do know that public education in large, urban districts is inferior. Detroit frequently is rated last in the country. The status quo isn't working. Our future depends on effective education. Democracy depends on an informed, educated electorate. Try something different. NEA has noble intentions--but also a conflict of interest. I am all for attracting some of the best and brightest to teaching. Salary is part of this. But diversity of concepts, programs and ideas is necessary too.
1
Ben Franklin's famous line when asked what kind of government the delegates in the Constitutional Conventional had created, "A republic, if you can keep it." The confirmation of Betsy DeVos is a watershed moment that history will point to as the death of the republic form of government in the United States. Overly dramatic? I don't think so. Those Republicans elected to represent the interests of their constituents brazenly put their party, campaign donors (especially Betsy's $200 million through the years), and re-election ahead of those interests. If she had been nominated by a Democratic president, the Democrats would have done the same thing.
5
But she would not have been nominated by a Democrat. Big difference.
5
Put aside, for a moment, Ms DeVos' dubious claims to her freshly gained position in our government and the dumbfounding reality that nearly all Republicans confirmed her. Operating through our educational system, she has worked tirelessly with her money to expand a religious "kingdom." It remains to be seen: Will she promote equal tax-payer funding of all "faith-based" schools, be they Jewish, Islamic, or other?
7
No tax payer money for religious schools!!! We can use "no tax payer money for abortions" as the precedent.
6
On February 11, 1969 when I took the oath of office to protect and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic I never thought that would include the president and the vice president. Times have changed.
12
Why doesn't the Times have any breaking news about the bill put forth today that will abolish the Department of Education by 2018?
4
If ever there was any hope that the republican leadership has an iota of concern for the common people of this country, a semblance of patriotism or a glimpse of honesty, this vote extinguished that hope. This leadership under Trump/Bannon/McConnell/Ryan is the swamp folks, can you not smell the stink? None of the cabinet members that Trump appointed will be defeated and most do not have a clue or are completely at odds with the mission of the departments they are supposed to lead. What they have done to my beloved country in the last sixteen years and what they will do in the next four will be a generational calamity. Every single one of the social safety nets will be shredded and we may never recover.
7
Remember, her name is pronounced
"DEE-VO" , as in "de-evolution", like the
band..
"DEE-VO" , as in "de-evolution", like the
band..
2
Well, she does have the qualifications to join Trump's Billionaire Club.
4
Shame, shame, shame on you all republicans!!! You care nothing for American children or our country. De Vos is not even competent to teach preschool, how can she be Secretary of Education.? A sad day that yet again proves republicans care nothing for governing, only for winning their stupid little partisan battles.
9
As a public school educator, I am saddened by the decision made by the senate. I have worked in both charter and public schools. The public school I work in produces far better results than the online charter I worked for. We operate on very little, given that we are located in a small district, and I worry about the system changing. To be honest, public school is not perfect. It doesn't work for some students that are looking for a more interdisciplinary, less-linear structure. That said, schools can transform and shift their paradigm and structure, to accommodate all learners. In fact, teachers can do the same. However, many public schools don't make that shift because of a lack of funds (in our case), and the want to offer more with less resources. I worry about the influx of 'charter' or 'for-profit schools'. My experience has been negative in that the results were sub-par with most of the students failing standardized tests. We should be redesigning our public schools, not trying to implement new ones who's intent is not on the development of healthy citizens in this world, but who is more interested in making money.
4
Radical Islamic Terrorists? I'm not afraid of any one of them. With yet another offensive cabinet confirmation today, it has pained me to my core to see this administration and the Republicans (minus 2, if even for a day) in the Senate; care so very little for its citizens. Today, this blind vote for Betsy DeVos was a vote against American competency AND the biggest real threat I've seen. Effectively, this cabinet, wealthier by a landslide than any other, is poised to get even richer now. Duh. Those of us who value competency over power, fairness and equity over the all mighty dollar, must keep up the resistance and demand the media to please! ask the tough questions now ... report what is happening, and not the spin. We are done with words and tweets signifying nothing. This president is relentless for ratings. As the majority of his beloved "poorly uneducated supporters" and the rest of his supporters, undoubtedly watch TV, let's have Mr. Trump answer to them now while the TV is still turned on.
2
I propose the Unqualified Appointment Index or UNAI (in honor of the Central American sloth)
One’s UNAI score = (Ideology + Money) / (Competence + Integrity)
The highest possible on each variable of 10 = best ever, huge. The lowest possible 1 = disastrous, sad.
The Trump cabinet is breaking all records! Betsy DeVos earns a perfect 10!
One’s UNAI score = (Ideology + Money) / (Competence + Integrity)
The highest possible on each variable of 10 = best ever, huge. The lowest possible 1 = disastrous, sad.
The Trump cabinet is breaking all records! Betsy DeVos earns a perfect 10!
2
How do we explain this to our children and grandchildren? How do we explain that we elected an eminently unqualified, vulgar, petty, self-centered man to become President? How do we explain that he and a pack of irresponsible, cynical, greedy congressman conspired to ruin our environment and any sort of societal safety net we had? How do we explain how we looked at the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor as we closed the door to desperate immigrants who came wanting nothing more than our ancestors did?
How do we explain allowing money to influence our lawmakers so egregiously that Cabinet posts were given to dreadfully unqualified people?
How do we explain Betsy DeVos?
Shame on our whole country. That's how we'll have to explain things. With shame.
How do we explain allowing money to influence our lawmakers so egregiously that Cabinet posts were given to dreadfully unqualified people?
How do we explain Betsy DeVos?
Shame on our whole country. That's how we'll have to explain things. With shame.
19
How do we explain that the left thinks there is only one way to think and others are deplorable? And there are enough Deplorables that your grip is weakening.
3
You better use small words because most kids are so poorly educated these days that they will not understand you otherwise. Better yet, teach them to point their little fingers at people and call anyone who disagree with them a racist or Nazi or some other equally offensive name (it takes the hard work out of coming up with a reasoned argument). How do we explain Betsy DeVos, how about the truth, which is that she is a kind and generous women who has invested her time and money trying to solve a difficult problem and to make the lives on underprivileged children that are trapped in economically segregated school better.
I went through the public school system. I graduated high school in a small, blue collar town and went to MIT and then to medical school. My children go to public school. Do I think they're perfect? No, of course they could be improved. But Ms. DeVos track record in Michigan is abysmal and she was too arrogant to bother to learn about the department she will now be overseeing. If you are bothered by slights of being called Nazi or racist, well, you didn't hear it from me, and it's not relevant to this discussion. She is unqualified, unprepared, and a poor choice to run the school system. Out of >300 million people in this country, there were plenty of better people who could have been chosen. Just not richer people.
What hypocrisy! Liberals bemoaning the confirmation of Betsy DeVos and weeping in despair for the future of public education. At the same time they construct clever rationalization to justify why it's o.k. for their neighborhood schools to have disproportionately more resources than poorer neighborhoods and who are very tolerant of this type economic segregation of minority students. What liberals really mean to say is that the status quo is fine for them and they are not willing to invest any time, effort or tax dollars fixing a problems that doesn't affect their schools. This outcry is nothing more than irrational fear mongering from people that put their interests before others and who prefer coming up with slogans than solutions.
7
Not sure where you are getting that from. I had to be bused into a area so that we didn't have that problem you are talking about and I lived in a "liberal" district. Perhaps you should do some research first beforehand?
1
Honestly what are you talking about? So you think the way to help public schools succeed is to take MORE money from them? I hope your realize how ridiculous you sound.
3
Raul Campos, Your characterization of "Liberals" is so far off the mark.
I would describe California--our state--as liberal AND it is a leader in redirecting state funds to the districts with the greatest need. Other states, including so-called "red" states, should emulate California's example. Will Betsy DeVos act in ways that boost public schools that serve all children--or will she siphon off money to fund religious education and charter schools at their expense?
Here is what California is doing, from an NPR report in August 2013: "Thanks to a tax increase approved by voters last fall, [California] Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown decided both to pump more money into the system and try to make its distribution more rational. But investing more in their future meant directing money away from more affluent, suburban districts. ... "It didn't cut along party lines. It had Republican support, as well."
"With the new formula, every district will get a certain amount of money per student. In addition, they all will get 20 percent more for each student who is disadvantaged in some way. The big change comes with what are called concentration grants. Districts where 55 percent or more of the student populations are poor, disabled or English learners will get 50 percent more money than the simple per-student base amount."
http://www.npr.org/2013/08/19/212294111/california-upends-school-funding...
I would describe California--our state--as liberal AND it is a leader in redirecting state funds to the districts with the greatest need. Other states, including so-called "red" states, should emulate California's example. Will Betsy DeVos act in ways that boost public schools that serve all children--or will she siphon off money to fund religious education and charter schools at their expense?
Here is what California is doing, from an NPR report in August 2013: "Thanks to a tax increase approved by voters last fall, [California] Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown decided both to pump more money into the system and try to make its distribution more rational. But investing more in their future meant directing money away from more affluent, suburban districts. ... "It didn't cut along party lines. It had Republican support, as well."
"With the new formula, every district will get a certain amount of money per student. In addition, they all will get 20 percent more for each student who is disadvantaged in some way. The big change comes with what are called concentration grants. Districts where 55 percent or more of the student populations are poor, disabled or English learners will get 50 percent more money than the simple per-student base amount."
http://www.npr.org/2013/08/19/212294111/california-upends-school-funding...
2
Ignorance is bliss! Make America blissful again!
2
These past few weeks have reminded me of a slogan during the Chicago Democratic Convention protests in 1968:
"The Whole World is Watching"
"The Whole World is Watching"
6
Trump nominated DeVos because she is rich and she has helped dumb down America; the first is something Trump respects and the second is something he hopes for as part of his overall goal of destroying our country.
2
as i recall, trump loves the uneducated.
DAMAGE CONTROL
"The vote the President asked me to cast wasn’t just for Betsy – it was also for America’s future."
That quote is part of a smarmy reply from Mike Pence regarding the many letters I had written to all my representatives expressing anger and concern over Betsy Devos. Good old Betsy.
"The vote the President asked me to cast wasn’t just for Betsy – it was also for America’s future."
That quote is part of a smarmy reply from Mike Pence regarding the many letters I had written to all my representatives expressing anger and concern over Betsy Devos. Good old Betsy.
3
You couldn't find a more unqualified person and foe of public education, she's purchased her seat with obscene donations. Money can't buy you love, but it certainly buys our government. Another dark day for democracy and our children, courtesy of the corrupt GOP — hellbent on carving it all up for profit at public expense. Just disgusting.
12
Mediocrity, (Trump) draws incompetence (Devoss) to itself and the American education system loses as it becomes a for profit foster child. The only entity Devoss will be accountable to are the shareholders as public education is turned out onto the street to turn tricks.
3
As a teacher who has not only watch her classroom budget decrease but watched her pay decrease every year for the last 5. I am very worried about what is in store for our children of middle income and poor families. This confirmation is scary. You wouldn't let someone run your company that had no business experience, why put someone in the Secretary of Education who has no experience in education? Does not sound logical at all!
10
I thought it was only the Catholic school teachers who had their salary reduced every year. They do it for the children.
A teacher's children need to eat, too. And it's pretty tough being lectured by a billionaire re self-sacrifice "for the children."
1
And exactly where did Arne Duncan's strangulating regulations get us?
9
The president you elected is delivering the jobs he sold regardless of who gets affected ! The children will get the end result of Trump's actions ! Wrong .
1
So, the GOP didn't have to give her money back after all, lucky Betsy.
4
why did anyone expect anything but this result from the republicans? really its time to grow up and see them without rose colored glasses - they are not decent people - they are the 1% - if you are not rich you do not count except as cannon fodder for the system and the military - then you can wave the flag all you want in "freedom"
5
There are simply no words for the revulsion I feel that Betsy DeVos and all she represents will become our Secretary of Education. The GOP Congress is a disgrace. Could they have sunk any lower than using America's children as pawns in their political machinations? I don't think so, but they may yet prove me wrong.
3
Still another episode of party over all else. That DeVos is qualified for the office she just acquired requires "alternate facts".
1
The worst villain here is Betsy DeVos. She knows full well she is totally unqualified for the job she has bought and paid for. Her smirks and lies throughout her hearings were evidence that she knew full well she had the job because she had already paid for it and didn't even have to try to earn it.
9
the villen here is the 1% and the republican party
1
Seems to be a simple question of whether the glass is...
> 50.5% (51/101) full
> 49.5% (50/101) empty
...What's that - you're telling me (once more) that Hillary won by more than three million popular votes?
Uuuh - this isn't even a matter of STEM illiteracy...
It's civics...
Two concepts in particular...
1. He won
2. Elections have consequences
In short order - whether in Berkeley in 2017, or in Brooklyn in 1994 - broken windows by thugs and anarchists are going to wear thin, with the rest of us...
> 50.5% (51/101) full
> 49.5% (50/101) empty
...What's that - you're telling me (once more) that Hillary won by more than three million popular votes?
Uuuh - this isn't even a matter of STEM illiteracy...
It's civics...
Two concepts in particular...
1. He won
2. Elections have consequences
In short order - whether in Berkeley in 2017, or in Brooklyn in 1994 - broken windows by thugs and anarchists are going to wear thin, with the rest of us...
9
get used to it what is coming will make the 60's look like nursery school
3
1. The President is wildly unpopular and his political future looks dim even as a so-called change agent.
2. The right to peacefully dissent and protest is a Constitutional right
3. The masked and violent anarchists are not part of the liberal or moderate voices who are protesting Trump. The anarchists (at Berkeley and Inn the day of the inauguration, for example) are a separate group of unthinking young men who show up whenever they see an opportunity to be nihilistic. They also showed up to stir violence at the protests of the 1999 World Trade Organization conference in Seattle. Were they really protesting globalization? If they were and had a genuine ideology, then the anarchists be out there now supporting Trump (aka the protectionist President) who ran for office by stoking the working class' fears of globalization.
2. The right to peacefully dissent and protest is a Constitutional right
3. The masked and violent anarchists are not part of the liberal or moderate voices who are protesting Trump. The anarchists (at Berkeley and Inn the day of the inauguration, for example) are a separate group of unthinking young men who show up whenever they see an opportunity to be nihilistic. They also showed up to stir violence at the protests of the 1999 World Trade Organization conference in Seattle. Were they really protesting globalization? If they were and had a genuine ideology, then the anarchists be out there now supporting Trump (aka the protectionist President) who ran for office by stoking the working class' fears of globalization.
3
I would agree but unfortunately you are right that voting has consequences and a lot of Americans to our dismay stayed home. Even the ones that voted that percentage isn't true. The reason he is (barf) president is because he won states that allowed for the delegates to call the shots. If it had been the popular vote she would have won. Either way the people protesting are the ones that didn't want to hold their nose and vote for Hillary. I get it she wasn't perfect, but I would take her right now over what we are going to see for the next 4 years. President Bannon and VP Pense destroying this country one proposal / bill at a time.
1
As usual we are getting the best government money can buy. None of the senators who received campaign funds from Betsy DeVoss / Scamway Inc had to recuse themselves from voting? Unbelievable.
6
Is This Trumps idea of vetting? Does "extreme vetting" get us someone who is qualified?
5
I meant to say 2008. Sorry about that. I haven't slept well since we put the sociopath in the White House.
4
What an awful choice, entirely partisan by a cowed republican clique by a the bully-in-chief. And a huge disservice for the students who depend on public education, so to advance this country's standing in the world. There may be hope for Devos to repent for her outrageous discrimination of public schools, if only she were to look in the mirror and ask herself to look beyond her own selfish interests, be of service even to the least among us...or precisely because of them.
1
So, this is what $200 million in campaign donations will buy you. Every Senator who voted for her knows she is both incompetent for the position, and in a position to do great harm to the nation's public school system. Thanks to the Roberts Supreme Court, money rules in this plutocracy of ours.
This cabinet, once all of the dishonest, blatantly corrupt and self-serving nominees are approved (and they will be), will represent the absolute low point of our government since President Andrew Johnson's and Supreme Court Chief Justice Taney's tenures.
This cabinet, once all of the dishonest, blatantly corrupt and self-serving nominees are approved (and they will be), will represent the absolute low point of our government since President Andrew Johnson's and Supreme Court Chief Justice Taney's tenures.
4
Congratulations Ms. DeVos and to the GOP for this historic vote! We're just a banana peel or two away from a real banana republic now! Rest assured Trumpicus the Apologist, his palace handlers and the country first, er - country club GOP are working hard to make as much of the country as dumb as they can. However, those who can easily afford a quality education shall receive. It's the best way a minority party numerically and demographically can hold onto power in a democracy. So glad to see '1984' making a comeback. Don't forget 'Animal Farm'!
5
Well, it could be a win-win situation if a grizzly bear attacks a school. Ms. De Vos will throw herself in front of the bear, thus saving their lives. The bear, in turn, will have saved the children's education.
6
But, the poor bear will be poisoned.
2
Correction: Ms. De Vos saves the children's lives by throwing herself in front of the bear.
Yes Wolfie, that makes him a hero...
Ga Senators followed the dicktates of their Party's Leaders & President to the detriment of all school-age children. Of course they represent a State where the Governor & Legislature have continually short-changed public schools.
2
Not one white male Republican senator crossed over to vote against the fanatic DeVos. They are not our representatives the are our oppressors
5
I am absolutely heartbroken for the poor children in the City of Flint.
2
Remember when free public education was a hallmark of the USA.
Thanks, VP Pence, for helping to ruin that for the next generations -- and for getting guns nearer to our youngsters to boot!!!
Thanks, VP Pence, for helping to ruin that for the next generations -- and for getting guns nearer to our youngsters to boot!!!
3
"Rarely is the question asked, is our children learning?" Now we know the answer that the Party of Stupid has provided. No. Instead, public education in this country will be destroyed by a billionaire ideologue with no respect for teachers, schools or anything but how to buy her way into a position that she has no background for. Shame on the Republican Party.
Next up -- a racist and bigot for Attorney General whom Coretta Scott King strongly condemned; the foreclosure king (also a famous racist) who somehow "forgot" (perjured himself) about $100 million in an offshore account; a congressman who profited from insider knowledge of bills that he passed through and obtained stock correspondingly; et al. Basket of billionaire and millionaire deplorables who are eating cake while robbing the till.
Next up -- a racist and bigot for Attorney General whom Coretta Scott King strongly condemned; the foreclosure king (also a famous racist) who somehow "forgot" (perjured himself) about $100 million in an offshore account; a congressman who profited from insider knowledge of bills that he passed through and obtained stock correspondingly; et al. Basket of billionaire and millionaire deplorables who are eating cake while robbing the till.
3
It is important to note that the two Republican Senators that voted against DeVos are women. In most families the educational decisions are made by women. Most teachers are women, so the assault on teacher's unions is generally an assault on the wages of women. The resistance to Trump was started by women, because the harm that he does will fall mostly onto women and the issues that are important to them. The men in Trump's administration and the mostly male Republican Senators can't fathom that an issue such as education could cause any trouble, because education is not seen as an important issue to these men. But, Mrs. DeVos will continue to cause controversy and trouble as she moves forward. The resistance movement that is being led by women will be watching her. And this issue will unify them and cross party lines amongst women. The men in the Republican party can't see how controversial she will be, but they will.
6
no they won't - they do not care - time for everyone to grow up
Both Collins and Murkowski could have stopped the nomination from going forward to the Senate for confirmation by voting no in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions. They chose not to, and then to grandstand after the nomination went forward. They are not deserving of praise whatsoever: they squandered whatever moral and ethical standing they might have had.
This is distressing and discouraging. Since all of the phone calls, emails, petitions and in person office visits by constituents opposed to this appointment failed to influence enough Republican Senators to block it, how are we supposed to believe in our so-called Democracy? This looks like proof that "money talks, talk walk".
3
Time to pack my bags - good luck "Amrikans".
5
Vorsicht -- Your Schadenfreude is showing.
Good thing you do go. Anyone in this country who will not fight for it, should leave. Citizen or not.
Kudos to the two republicans with the courage to vote for what is right! I am so sick of party line, party line....Can any "so called" republican think for themselves or are they all just afraid to stand up to the bully? Pence ruined education in Indiana so its only fitting that he got to cast the deciding vote to condemn public education on a national level. Shameful.
3
Welcome, Ms DeVos. Let me introduce you to the teachers and parents of America: they're that mass of protesters marching on the National Mall outside your new office window. Wave hello to them through the window but don't get too close.
4
God speed Mrs. Devos. It's time to shake up and rattle this old indoctrination system called public schools, and reverse the tide of idiocracy.
3
Please tell me that is sarcasm?
1
If she does it right. All schools, public and private should have to teach the same core curriculum. Starting in grammar school with reading, writing, and arithmetic. No tablets or computers allowed in school or for homework. Get caught using a calculator once automatic flunk for year. Other than the core curriculum, teach whatever nonsense you want. Your own perversions on God. Basket weaving. Swimming. But, by the time you graduate from high school you should have a good education in reading (12 grade level), writing (including penmanship), arithmatic, then more advanced maths (no computers/calculators ever), computer programming and use (just not for use in school), geography, history (US and World, more than dates, places, names, and battles), and civics. Dont pass civics and you can still graduate, but, never vote. Besides these courses you will learn to use your brain. More important than any computer. Notice I did not say English for a course. Reading and writing (in English) takes it up. Will even admit diagraming sentences can help with both. Though I dont want to. But, should be over by High School. Stop the stupid stuff like sports. Put fitness centers in place of gyms (require each student to spend a certain amount of time in the centers per week, and pass certain fitness requirements), NO BULLYING, then sell memberships to city adults for small membership fees. School is for learning. Parents who say education isn't necessary, should be watched closely.
Ms. Devos has the major qualifications to be the secretary of edukashun, she's a Republican and she's rich.
1
Once again, women were the only NON-collaborators. Way to show some estrogen, ladies. Thank you!
2
Werent any of the other senators who voted female? Only 2 didnt vote for confirmation? Not a great thing if there are more than 3.
I cannot believe that someone as unqualified as this could be confirmed. Even after all the public outcry asking senators to vote against her, these requests fell upon deaf ears. It makes me sad to know that our representatives no longer represent us. We will not forgot this when it is time to vote again. We will fight for our children's voices. They deserve better.
2
Still thinking you can sit and just watch until the next (if ever) elections?
Do not expect help from those of us who fight for this country. And do not dare, when the fighting is over, to stand up and yell, NOW WE ARE IN CHARGE! Cause you wont be.
Do not expect help from those of us who fight for this country. And do not dare, when the fighting is over, to stand up and yell, NOW WE ARE IN CHARGE! Cause you wont be.
I am not entirely sure what you mean in your message here, but I hope you are not insinuating that I did not vote nor do I fight for our country. I vote in every election regardless if it's local, mid-term or presidential. As for fighting for our country, I hope you mean continuing to hold our representatives accountable. That is something that is our right and our responsibility as citizens regardless of who is in power. We the people are supposed to be in charge, and I think this administration is calling that into question. If by fighting you mean the military, then, thank you for your service. However, if you think the military is the only way to serve, I have to disagree. As an instructor as a public university, we do our best to serve the children in our institutions of higher learning. Maybe we don't put our lives on the line, but we continue to work the best that we can for as long as we can. Again, thank you for your comment. I really do appreciate it.
Dear Mr. Pence,
This is in reaction to the drivel you sent me regarding the nomination of an incompetent, billionaire goon, Betsy DeVos, to the seminal post of Secretary of Education. It is lack of education that got you and Mr. Trump elected (sort of), and I trust that Ms. DeVos will continue to contribute to the demise of the last bastion of American democracy. I am, of course, referring to fact-based, scientific, tolerant, ethically-oriented critical thinking.
Thank you for nothing.
Sincerely!
TD
This is in reaction to the drivel you sent me regarding the nomination of an incompetent, billionaire goon, Betsy DeVos, to the seminal post of Secretary of Education. It is lack of education that got you and Mr. Trump elected (sort of), and I trust that Ms. DeVos will continue to contribute to the demise of the last bastion of American democracy. I am, of course, referring to fact-based, scientific, tolerant, ethically-oriented critical thinking.
Thank you for nothing.
Sincerely!
TD
5
End game: Vouchers to every charlatan and con so they can collect tax dollars on their tax free religious land. This woman is an existential threat to not just public education but civic life in general.
4
Fact: DeVos and her husband gave over $47 million to Republican candidates & soft money between 2000-2015.
There is no alternative to this fact.
There is no alternative to this fact.
5
This is disgusting!
Public education is the foundation of our democracy, and DeVos is certainly not its champion.
Shame on every Republican who put Party loyalty above the welfare of America!
What is wrong with you people?!
Public education is the foundation of our democracy, and DeVos is certainly not its champion.
Shame on every Republican who put Party loyalty above the welfare of America!
What is wrong with you people?!
6
Education has been going down hill under both repug and demipoot control. Most of it is because of parents. They are so afraid their fragile little nookems will fall apart if really tested. They started Trophies for everyone! Then moved on to schools. No flunking, might crush their little egos. I flunked Latin, and modern math, got a D in English that year. (Same teacher for both Latin and English, determined I wouldnt flunk Latin). Not a good year. Learned a lot that year. That people who know nothing about education shouldn't dictate curriculum. First year Modern Math taught. Teacher had a quick 3 month class. Which was basically copying lectures. She had one for every day. If you raised your hand because you didn't understand, she would flip through the lecture, find that part and read it again. No help there. I took the same material in computer school. Called computer math. Aced it no problem. Teacher knew his subject, worked with it at his full time job. I went on and took General Math, last semester Algebra1 I did not get in 9th grade. Loved it, took Algebra 1 next year and aced it. I can often define words if they have Latin roots, which is a plus. Sometimes failing is needed to go on and get it right. It shows where the problem lays. Getting fake grades is worse than fake news. But, today is par for the course.
Super! I don’t think Canada can build a wall fast enough to keep Americans out.
Imagine a day when the only people left in America were educated under the Betsy deVos system. How fast would it become Lord of the Flies? Someone would cry, “Cletus! The Internet’s broken!” but Cletus would not be able to fix it, and there would be no one around who could do so, no one around who could perform an appendectomy, fill a tooth, teach high school calculus, define parthenogenesis, sing Verdi arias, or even make a good risotto. They would want to cancel trade deals with China, but no one would know whom to call. Worst of all no one would know when the release of Beaujolais nouveau was imminent (unless the third Thursday in November coincided with the opening of grizzly hunting season), which might just be the silver lining in the sense that there would be more wine for us Americans in Canada.
Imagine a day when the only people left in America were educated under the Betsy deVos system. How fast would it become Lord of the Flies? Someone would cry, “Cletus! The Internet’s broken!” but Cletus would not be able to fix it, and there would be no one around who could do so, no one around who could perform an appendectomy, fill a tooth, teach high school calculus, define parthenogenesis, sing Verdi arias, or even make a good risotto. They would want to cancel trade deals with China, but no one would know whom to call. Worst of all no one would know when the release of Beaujolais nouveau was imminent (unless the third Thursday in November coincided with the opening of grizzly hunting season), which might just be the silver lining in the sense that there would be more wine for us Americans in Canada.
2
Sorry, Canada has already closed its border to us. Started before Election Day. Only way you can come in (we dont qualify as refugees), is with a bonifide job offer. We still wont get either medical or retirement benefits from them. Tourists are welcome, they love us to come spend money. Stay, even if have relatives? Not so much. I think the Draft Dodgers wore them out. Before I get yelled at. Young men who refused the draft and stayed here to fight it, I respect heartily. Those who just snuck off to Canada and hid, not so much. My hubby was in the Navy. Could have something to do with it. But, I respect people of other beliefs, if they risk all to stand by them. If they say no and run and hide, not so much. Too many young men I knew died in that war. Or came back cracked or bent.
I am willing to fight to keep this country whole, smart, and mostly prosperous. Nothing is perfect. Education is important. Stoping adults from telling children school isnt important, forget your homework, dont study, you just need to read at 2nd grade level, and count your change at the liquor store, that is important to STOP. This woman wont. She will egg them on.
I am willing to fight to keep this country whole, smart, and mostly prosperous. Nothing is perfect. Education is important. Stoping adults from telling children school isnt important, forget your homework, dont study, you just need to read at 2nd grade level, and count your change at the liquor store, that is important to STOP. This woman wont. She will egg them on.
Obviously the government doesn't care much about this country's children or their education. Yeah, that's making America great, ha! Shame on you!
1
Why don't republicans love America and children??? I'm just saying.
8
@Phyliss: Because Big Money takes care of the Republicans and their children...
1
Her nomination was itself a disgrace, and her approval much more so. She seems to be a woman with a great deal of money, many, many opinions, but precious little in the way of actual experience. By the standard the Congress has required of her, I could have qualified as well, along with many of my friends.
Most Republicans are wealthy and can afford to send their kids to the best schools. This guarantees them access. A note to Trump: Like Obamacare, break the school system for poor students and you own it.
2
This is the greatest abrogation of responsibility from our elected officials in my lifetime.
3
'Pence casts a historic vote". Truly historic in that millions of DeVos dollars ensured that 50 of our senators ignored their contituents--with rubberstamping of the vp of course. How did senators like McCain or Graham, who show common sense in other policy issues be so utterly useless?
The fact that only two GOP senators called DeVos' bluff, while millions of Americans saw right through it, reeks of corruption.
The fact that only two GOP senators called DeVos' bluff, while millions of Americans saw right through it, reeks of corruption.
1
DeVos wants to give ever child in America a voucher to go to any school her or his parents want no matter where it's located as long as isn't to close to Trump Tower.
1
Everything is being bought and sold to the highest bidders here, just like any good banana republic. Impeach this devil,and vote out his staffers, please.
2
Shameful - we elect memebers of congress to represent the people not a Political Party. If there are term limits on the Presidency, why do we allow members of Congress get a lifetime pass to control and power?
It is a false notion that the people can set limits on the electorate by voting them out of office given the unfettered power provided my monied interests.
It is a false notion that the people can set limits on the electorate by voting them out of office given the unfettered power provided my monied interests.
1
What I learned today: It takes less than a million dollars to buy yourself a cabinet seat.
Donations from Betsy DeVos to sitting U.S. Senators. Only Murkowski voted against her.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) – $98,300
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) – $70,200
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) – $70,200
Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) -$60,050
Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) – $51,000
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) – $50,600
Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) – $49,800
Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) – $49,200
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) – $48,600
Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) – $48,600
Sen. Steven Daines (R-Mont.) – $46,800
Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) – $46,800
Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) – $43,200
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) – $43,200
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) – $36,400
Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) – $33,100
Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.) – $23,400
Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) – $23,400
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) – $21,600
Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) – $17,500
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) – $2,600
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) – $2,000
Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) – $1,000
Total: $937,550
Sources: Center for American Progress, Every Voice, Federal Election Commission.
Donations from Betsy DeVos to sitting U.S. Senators. Only Murkowski voted against her.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) – $98,300
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) – $70,200
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) – $70,200
Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) -$60,050
Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) – $51,000
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) – $50,600
Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) – $49,800
Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) – $49,200
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) – $48,600
Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) – $48,600
Sen. Steven Daines (R-Mont.) – $46,800
Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) – $46,800
Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) – $43,200
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) – $43,200
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) – $36,400
Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) – $33,100
Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.) – $23,400
Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) – $23,400
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) – $21,600
Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) – $17,500
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) – $2,600
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) – $2,000
Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) – $1,000
Total: $937,550
Sources: Center for American Progress, Every Voice, Federal Election Commission.
20
Bravo! -- Well done, and thank you for naming the sources, lest there be any accusations of "FAKE NEWS".
3
I know Grand Rapids , I know Calvinism. It is a philosophy that the USA revolted against in 1776. America was beginning to be great in the 19th century and millions of German socialists came to America's shore with the revolutionary idea of educating all its children. That America is no more.
Betsy DeVos is the perfect Secretary of Education for the new America. Americans who believe Education opens the doors to a better future will move to states where they pay taxes to support the best education for all because the future tells us education will demand we learn from when we are born till when we die. We know what plutocracies look like the USA was the first nation to say no to plutocracy back when a mad King's decree ordered our lives.
Democracy is about the people making decisions, I remember when we called called Vermont Mississippi North. Today Vermont loses its young people to right to work states. Thanks to Betsy DeVos and the GOP tomorrow's jobs will be in places like Vermont. Tomorrow's workplace will require a workforce that can do the things robots cannot do and I applaud the administration for giving us a Secretary of Education that will force parents to decide.
For others out there let me say that for me 65 was the perfect age to start studying philosophy.
Betsy DeVos is the perfect Secretary of Education for the new America. Americans who believe Education opens the doors to a better future will move to states where they pay taxes to support the best education for all because the future tells us education will demand we learn from when we are born till when we die. We know what plutocracies look like the USA was the first nation to say no to plutocracy back when a mad King's decree ordered our lives.
Democracy is about the people making decisions, I remember when we called called Vermont Mississippi North. Today Vermont loses its young people to right to work states. Thanks to Betsy DeVos and the GOP tomorrow's jobs will be in places like Vermont. Tomorrow's workplace will require a workforce that can do the things robots cannot do and I applaud the administration for giving us a Secretary of Education that will force parents to decide.
For others out there let me say that for me 65 was the perfect age to start studying philosophy.
1
Consider the hidden curriculum. In the south especially, For-Profit schools lay the ground work for For-Profit prisons. Gutting an already depleted public school system all but guarantees there will be plenty of fresh meat for the pipeline. If you couldn't hear Malcolm before, maybe you can hear him now: By any means necessary!
1
Truly a disgrace, that the mainstream media did not do its duty and inform the citizens of the potential disaster the confirmation of Devose as secretary of education1instead the Msm reported it like calling a baseball game,and trumpeted the fact, that pence threw in his two pence! Wow !Instead the media played up the fact that Pence's tie breaking vote was historic ! With the media we have here in America, the public weal has no chance!
Sorry. Can't place this all at the mainstream media's doorstep.
The real problem is what we have here, is a vastly lazy and uneducated public that doesn't know how to take the initiative to inform themslves -- And this DeVos appointment isn't going to do anything to change that.
The real problem is what we have here, is a vastly lazy and uneducated public that doesn't know how to take the initiative to inform themslves -- And this DeVos appointment isn't going to do anything to change that.
3
I just looked up Pence , the gent is born in Indiana, lived in Indiana all his life while schooling in Indiana. I bet before Iraq invasion Pence have never have heard of Iraq or Afghanistan.
Did I say his Children are home schooling in Indiana , do you see the ridiculous part of this whole scenario ?
Mike Pence just voted to break the tie for the Secretary of Education of the whole US of America ?
Ask him any question on education Nationwide, he would flunk with F.
Did I say his Children are home schooling in Indiana , do you see the ridiculous part of this whole scenario ?
Mike Pence just voted to break the tie for the Secretary of Education of the whole US of America ?
Ask him any question on education Nationwide, he would flunk with F.
5
Home schooling should be allowed. Using a certified curriculum and each student having to take an age appropriate test at the end of each year to make sure they are ready for the next year. Flunk twice, they should be mandated back to the public school system (no choice), 2 grades below wherever the parents think they should be. Not as punishment. Kids should never be punished for adults idiocies.
The certified curriculum would include all the course work of the core curriculum for that year. That is the test they would have to pass. Then parents could teach their own prejudices as much as they want.
The certified curriculum would include all the course work of the core curriculum for that year. That is the test they would have to pass. Then parents could teach their own prejudices as much as they want.
2
HA..in that case I worry about Pence's children
1
This article is exactly why we have such division between pro-union and pro-charter educators. Betsy DeVos is completely unfit to be Secretary of Education regardless of her political views on school choice. She lacks fundamental knowledge of teaching, assessment, and implementation. She is not pro-charter, she is pro lining the pocket books of investors. It is disgusting and an affront to educators who work in public schools (and yes charter schools are public schools).
5
WT hate charter schools, cause most are full of Black students excelling. Since the trash think education is a waste of time for their kids, they consider all schools a waste of time for any kids, and "special" schools for "N" word kids the biggest waste of all. Charter schools rub their noses in the fact that given decent teaching, in a decent environment, most kids will succeed, when it is expressly worked for.
This female is unfit for so many reasons they wont fit. I would like to know her education, including marks, subjects taken. Any kids she has same thing. You can often tell what a parent really thinks about education when you look at all their kids grades through school.
This female is unfit for so many reasons they wont fit. I would like to know her education, including marks, subjects taken. Any kids she has same thing. You can often tell what a parent really thinks about education when you look at all their kids grades through school.
Let's not forget that the DeVos family is a yuuge donor to the president who recently settled out of court in a lawsuit claiming he defrauded students of his own university. What do you expect from a Right Wing, Christian, White Supremacist, Wall Street backed government?
3
So much for running the government like a business. I tend to reject inexperienced, underqualified and underprepared candidates when they show up for an interview. But hey, that's just me . . .
4
Let's be clear as to what Betsy DeVos is about: it's about tax-payer dollars for every weirdo "madrassa," as long as it is nominally Christian, anyway.
5
A nuanced view, in the Public School tradition.
From this one vote in our Congress, it is evident that most Republican Congressional politicians do not have the character to do what is right (i.e., put someone with sound education credentials into the position of Secretary of Education). We must ask ourselves what is their objective, and I can only see one answer: to get re-elected and they fear that Trump's supporter base can prevent that if they vote against his wishes; they have painted themselves into a corner from which only courage can extricate them. It is becoming more and more apparent that most Congressional Republican politicians are simply 'self-protectionists' (i.e., I must protect my interests above all others; there is no room for others who can not protect my interests). America has always been bigger than that. It appears that most Congressional Republican politicians have lost their way. The question now is whether they have courage. Most of America is watching to see if they do.
2
If alot more had stood up before the election and decided not to support or vote within party lines we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place. I didn't vote for Mr. Twitter Fingers, even though I knew he was an unqualified egotistical narcissist with the temperament of a 3 year old. I tried to have a tiny bit of hope that things would be OK but the day after the inauguration it all went downhill like I expected it to and it's getting worse with every tweet and decision.
3
He doesnt even type his tweets into his phone himself. He voice dictates them to a secretary who does it for him. A secretary sitting and waiting for tweets at 6am in the morning, including weekends? Hope we arent paying her salary.
Only in Tumpmerica could such an unqualified and clueless hack be selected for a position so critical to our country's future. Was the problem that there was no other qualified Republican or that they did not donate enough to warrant the appointment? We have once again been betrayed by Pence, McConnell, Ryan and the rest of the Republican party. Party before country and before the children of America. Get used to it.
6
Remember when Harry Reid nukes the filibuster for Cabinet nominees? Me too!!
2
I guess we can now hold Pence responsible for any (new) problems that develop in our public schools. It's the same "logic" behind Trump's assertion that any future terrorist attacks in the U.S. will be the fault of the federal judge who did his job re. the travel ban. Actually, Mr. President, the buck always stops with you.
1
Trump did say he loves the uneducated. Betsy will make sure there are more of them voting Republican in the future.
2
Why do you think there will ever be another election in this country? Unless there is a war, and we take it back.
1
One step closer to securing the future of American idiocracy.
In fairness to Ms DeVos, it's important to remember most qualified conservative professional educators are probably unwilling to serve in a Trump administration. She's just par for the coarse (misspelling intended).
1
On the day HRC proclaimed the "future is female" it is revolting to see the Senate Democrats engaged in a war on woman. Shame on them!!!
3
The Republicans and Mr Tump continue to be successful on their efforts for Dumbing of America. From global warming deniers, to feeding us lies and alternative facts, to putting unqualified people in the While House and Cabinet. The world is watching.
This whole Administration is a joke, running on less than a third of the approval of the population (excluding non-voters). In fact, neither Party actually has a 50% backing. Sad. So sad.
You know what else is offensive about this appointment? It says -- once again -- that teachers are not professionals, that anyone can "manage" them. Much of Trump's behavior is rooted in 20th century thinking, and DeVos represents a similar, 20th century or even 19th century problem, one that schools have worked hard to eradicate - unfit leadership along with unqualified teachers. Schools are now filled with people who hold at least two degrees, who are required to continue professional development, who are literate and informed, who understand leadership because they do it every day, along with the actual art and craft of teaching. It's beyond offensive to put a DeVos in charge. If you wouldn't put her in charge of your hospitals or your court rooms, then you shouldn't put her in charge of your schools. I hope the NEA and local unions put watch dogs on her 24/7.
5
McCain, I truly do not want to address you as "senator" anymore, as you have proven to be as spineless as your "comrades." If you are unable to break with some of your colleagues on a clear wrong, you should retire. You are a spineless enabler, retire or move to Vietnam to make peace with yourself.
Save your breath from now in, retire: you are useless, with no credibility towards Trump. "Looser! Sad!"
Save your breath from now in, retire: you are useless, with no credibility towards Trump. "Looser! Sad!"
6
My wife and daughter are a public school teachers Teachers are incredulous about how little the school administrators know about how to effectively teach to compete on the world stage and ensure future success. While it is wise to be concerned about Betsy DeVos, prejudging her before she is even sworn in is just mean spirited politics, which is so commonplace now that it is undermining our culture, eroding civility and making people feel depressed. As far as I am concerned, our education system is failed and corrupt. So-called experts have spent the last fifty years implementing new, consistently failed approaches. We need to dismantle the education leadership and replace it with fresh leadership that is not mired with failed methodologies. It can't get much worse It is time for an outsider to shake things up and make it better.
I attended public school from 1958-1971. The teachers came to teach from their own custom curriculum. They weren’t bogged down with inane rules, mandatory curriculum and teaching how to pass a test, allowing them to teach us how to be successful. My daughter and now the millennials are deprived of the great education that I and my peers were fortunate enough to experience. The administrative burden on the teachers is so great and the curriculum so rigid now that they are left with no time to prepare creative lesson plans. We watch as they repeatedly just throw more and more money at the problem, but most of it never even makes it to the classroom.
I attended public school from 1958-1971. The teachers came to teach from their own custom curriculum. They weren’t bogged down with inane rules, mandatory curriculum and teaching how to pass a test, allowing them to teach us how to be successful. My daughter and now the millennials are deprived of the great education that I and my peers were fortunate enough to experience. The administrative burden on the teachers is so great and the curriculum so rigid now that they are left with no time to prepare creative lesson plans. We watch as they repeatedly just throw more and more money at the problem, but most of it never even makes it to the classroom.
3
Since parents now do not know the core of what every American must know. How to read at, at least, 12th grade level, how to write a report that is understandable, with good penmanship,sciences, both arithmetic and higher maths, geography, history (world and US). Now they use pukers (I do mean pukers) for everything, they cant spell, dont know grammer, cant add at all, multiplication tables? what are those?, often read at most 4th grade level, dont ever pick up books to just enjoy, watch "reality shows" all night. Even the History Channel features "reality shows" which have nothing to do with either reality or History. Dont dare to check the Science channel. Would probably have a heart attack.
This is way, so called rigid curriculum is necessary. These courses are necessary to live in an adult world without out looking like you should live in a group home for the "deficient". Learn those things, then add whatever nonsense you want. Group humming maybe. Or male groping. I suppose sex education should be in the core subjects, but, too many alive today have no idea where babies come from and dont want their kids to know. So it will never be universal. Maybe mandatory contraception should be. From puberty to menopause for girls and puberty to death for boys. Only taken out if you have a stable relationship, earn enough to raise a child and educate one (on one income for at least the first 5 years). Otherwise no kids.
This is way, so called rigid curriculum is necessary. These courses are necessary to live in an adult world without out looking like you should live in a group home for the "deficient". Learn those things, then add whatever nonsense you want. Group humming maybe. Or male groping. I suppose sex education should be in the core subjects, but, too many alive today have no idea where babies come from and dont want their kids to know. So it will never be universal. Maybe mandatory contraception should be. From puberty to menopause for girls and puberty to death for boys. Only taken out if you have a stable relationship, earn enough to raise a child and educate one (on one income for at least the first 5 years). Otherwise no kids.
To Wolfie - Glad you agree. None of my teachers needed a rigid curriculum to provide me with an outstanding education. I can even sign my own name in script. Haha. I had to teach my daughter after classes, a lot of the fundamentals that she wasn't being provided with so she could be a success. What chance do children do if they are from broken homes or when both parents work and have no time to teach their kids. The admin folks just overthink everything and end up being a major cause of learning prevention. Who will stop them?
1
Ms. Devos will give African American students who have incompetent teachers in failed public schools an alternative, charter schools with teachers who know how to teach. Liberal politicians think protecting the teacher's unions are more important than the students.
3
Most charter schools are not required to have certified teachers.
Take a closer look at why schools fail. Most teachers are dedicated and hard working. Look at the MANY reasons, of which teachers are not the primary.
Take a closer look at why schools fail. Most teachers are dedicated and hard working. Look at the MANY reasons, of which teachers are not the primary.
I have to agree with MEC tecahers aren't solely responsible for failing schools. I am African American and went to predominantly black schools that were technically failing schools. They have started making these teachers teach to pass a test and not every student tests well, instead of teaching the basics. There is also a lack of funding in alot of inner city schools as well. Don't even get me started on common core.
1
Wait, the teacher unions that find Democratic candidates don't want a secretary who recognizes how terrible teacher unions are? My mind is blown
1
Let me ask the posters to this comment section a simple question (and don't look it up!) - who was the last education secretary? The one before that?
The sound of deafening silence. Why? Because no one knows or cares what about the US department of education and its secretary! The position and agency are a waste of people power, tax dollars and is antithetical to good government.
Education is a local governance issue with perhaps some involvement - usually to the detriment - by states. The federal government has NO business being in education.
So, please spare me the fake crocodile tears of dismay and the fake feigning of outrage.
Trump is draining the swamp!
The sound of deafening silence. Why? Because no one knows or cares what about the US department of education and its secretary! The position and agency are a waste of people power, tax dollars and is antithetical to good government.
Education is a local governance issue with perhaps some involvement - usually to the detriment - by states. The federal government has NO business being in education.
So, please spare me the fake crocodile tears of dismay and the fake feigning of outrage.
Trump is draining the swamp!
2
Here's a question for you..... And don't look it up.
What is there in Betsy DeVos' CV that makes her qualified for this position?
Nothing.
Exactly.
Trump is the swamp, he's not draining it.
What is there in Betsy DeVos' CV that makes her qualified for this position?
Nothing.
Exactly.
Trump is the swamp, he's not draining it.
@N Smith.
Uhhh...did you miss the point of my post that Secretary of Education is a non-position so Ms DeVos could have been an immigrant Mexican cleaning woman with ESL issues and she still would have been over qualified for the job?!
Madam Secretary DeVos should make it her mission to dismantle the Education Dept over the next four years - if not sooner - so she can be the one to turn out the lights on this dismal waste of a cabinet position and OUR tax dollars!
Uhhh...did you miss the point of my post that Secretary of Education is a non-position so Ms DeVos could have been an immigrant Mexican cleaning woman with ESL issues and she still would have been over qualified for the job?!
Madam Secretary DeVos should make it her mission to dismantle the Education Dept over the next four years - if not sooner - so she can be the one to turn out the lights on this dismal waste of a cabinet position and OUR tax dollars!
Give Pence the Dunce Cap and have him sit in the corner.
1
In the end both sides should understand their implicit and explicit biases that give them their views on this contentious issue. In the end it comes down to the Republicans innate disdain for the poorer groups in our country, paired with an implicit racism, and the Democrats direct use of disenfranchised and impoverished voters to confirm themselves into office, as they have almost no connection to the groups they purport to support. This leads to the problem we face now with both sides only generating hypocrisy and incompetence. Where did the arguing senators go to school? Private schools. Where is the problem? Public schools. See the issue?
4
There is no equivalence here. False equivalences and fake news are what just helped produce the tragic results we are seeing unfold. No, of course the Democrats did not "use" disenfranchised and impoverished voters. If the voters were disenfranchised, how could they vote? And many working class whites voted against their own interests for Republicans who will throw them to the wolves without a second thought.
No, no, no to these fake equivalences.
No, no, no to these fake equivalences.
1
I am deeply troubled with how positions at the highest level of our government are being sold and bought by wealthy individuals. Shame on all of us for tolerating this sort of instututional abuse to the structure of our government. As a society, we sold our future and the future of many generations to come after us. We have become so polarized by our leaders that no longer can we distinguish right from wrong. Let us all begin to see how our country and its treasures and resources are being parcled and sold to the highest bidders. This is a another sad day for us and our country.
20
Just Show Me The Money and You've Got My Vote!!! Shame, shame and
double shame!!!
double shame!!!
1
This is a tremendously short-sighted decision that will have long-lasting ramifications, especially for students with needs, who do not factor in whatsoever to DeVos' vision for American education. Ben Carson rightly turned down the position on account of "not knowing enough about the job." At least he knows that he doesn't know and is honest enough to admit it. DeVos either doesn't know she doesn't know or she doesn't care. You tell me which is worse.
4
Can't believe you think she is unqualified because she never took out a student loan! Give us a break NYT!! This is a news story not an editorial.
4
She proofed that she is uneducated when she opened her mouth.
2
No. She just another super rich, selfish, self centered, self righteous, pernicious criminal who makes money off propagandizing and mis educating our kids.
Let the raping and pillaging of the American people begin. Trump said he would drain the swamp but didn't say anything about the swamp creatures. Looking at this cabinet it is clear that the swamp creatures are alive and well. Disgusting, and I hope all these republicans who have put power over country pay the price for their mendacity.
12
"Having grown up in a wealthy family and married into the Amway fortune, Ms. DeVos, who has a web of financial investments, has raised red flags among critics..."
She has money! She has a "web" of financial investments! She must be evil! She doesn't like public education, you know the system that hasn't been educating America.
She has money! She has a "web" of financial investments! She must be evil! She doesn't like public education, you know the system that hasn't been educating America.
2
Uh, she has no experience whatsoever. She bought her position. And yes, since the amorality of it escapes you, that should not happen when qualified people are available to do this job.
2
Our Republic is doomed because our politicians are cowards. It doesn't matter that some of them have stood up to torture by the Vietcong. They don't seem to have the simple bravery to stand up to a President who is wrecking America before our eyes. All for what? Re-election.
7
I'm a former public school teacher. There are pockets of competence and even excellence but, by and large, the system is broken. To a considerable extent, the highest priority is protecting the fiefdoms of administrators and the jobs of teachers. Because of the rigidity of state bureaucrats, curricula can't keep up in a rapidly changing world. This was especially true in my specialty, computer science.
Free-market competition works in every other sector of the world. Education is no different.
Free-market competition works in every other sector of the world. Education is no different.
23
Free market works? Really? Who bailed out AIG? Who bailed out the auto industry? There is no such thing as a free market! A free market would have let them die!
As for DeVos...that pyramid scheming rich know nothing is going to destroy our future. Sorry kids!!!
As for DeVos...that pyramid scheming rich know nothing is going to destroy our future. Sorry kids!!!
4
By and large the system is not broken -- no evidence or data for this claim, and the NYT gives you an award.
1
Your personal anecdotal evidence is not the final word. Please learn to look at large scale data (e.g. NAEP scores etc.), where there is no decline in quality of performance for public school students. Then again, if you were a public school teacher and don't know this, perhaps that proves your point about the system being broken?
1
Why is NYTimes writing she has "limited" experience with public schools? What is it limited to? Knowing that they exist? An accurate statement would be that she has *no* experience with public schools.
15
One more time, many senators show no-integrity and no desire to represent or help their constituents. How can they vote for a person so grossly unprepared to be our our education secretary and has no respect for public education? Our public education is the backbone for giving our children equal opportunity to succeed in this country, and we need to work in how to make it better. DeVos will not work to improve public school. Very sad and hope people remember this for the next election!
6
Too bad they didn't delay enough so that Sessions would have been confirmed first. That would have reduced the number of Repugnicans and maybe she could have been stopped.
2
Congratulations Betsy DeVos.
I hope you are successful as education secretary
By the way, is there any chance that education is State concern only up to 8th grade, and then 9-12 grades are free to pursue any way parents want, I mean, charter schools, private schools, home schools, or whatever by financing the students directly.
Why public schools up to age 18, why not terminate at 14 years.
I hope you are successful as education secretary
By the way, is there any chance that education is State concern only up to 8th grade, and then 9-12 grades are free to pursue any way parents want, I mean, charter schools, private schools, home schools, or whatever by financing the students directly.
Why public schools up to age 18, why not terminate at 14 years.
1
A few weeks ago I was worried that Trump would wreak havoc in all areas of government. Now I'm more convinced that he's going to have a fight on his hands every step of the way. I'm a yellow dog Democrat; but I wish the Clintons would disappear, even better never had appeared. I voted for her but didn't like her dishonest attacks on Bernie. I'm glad Trump was elected to show, once and for all, that small government is a trojan horse for oligarchy. I hope Trump will wind up draining the swamp all right, of Republicans.
4
"Only shallow people don't judge by appearances" Oscar Wilde
5
The only two Senators who had the balls to do the right thing...don't have balls.
15
Stupidity with bucks pulls ahead.
7
Just as bad as the Rs who voted for her is the fact that she didn't take herself out of the running when it was clear weeks ago that she did not have the support of ANY Democrat, the public was protesting against her, and as of last week even two Rs stated they'd vote "no." Who would WANT the job if she needed the VP to break a (first time ever) tie to be confirmed? The fact that she still wanted the position given all that (and her poor performance under questioning) tells me she cares more about herself than the education our children will receive.
27
Party loyalty Trumped public interest and common sense.
Shame on the Republican Senate!
Shame on the Republican Senate!
22
You interview a candidate for a position.
1. She has no knowledge of industry terms
2. She has not prepared for the interview
3. She has hid financial conflicts of interest
4. She owns a company which sells a fake treatment she wants people to use instead of your company's real treatments.
5. Thousands of your clients (that would be parents) have called your company to beg you not to hire her
6. Not one person IN THE ENTIRE INDUSTRY (and that includes charter school advocates) thinks she would be a good candidate for the position.
7. Her only experience that even remotely resembles the industry failed miserably (Michigan).
8. In order to get the interview, she bribed everyone involved.
Would you hire her?
More specifically, if this job affected your children, would you hire her?
1. She has no knowledge of industry terms
2. She has not prepared for the interview
3. She has hid financial conflicts of interest
4. She owns a company which sells a fake treatment she wants people to use instead of your company's real treatments.
5. Thousands of your clients (that would be parents) have called your company to beg you not to hire her
6. Not one person IN THE ENTIRE INDUSTRY (and that includes charter school advocates) thinks she would be a good candidate for the position.
7. Her only experience that even remotely resembles the industry failed miserably (Michigan).
8. In order to get the interview, she bribed everyone involved.
Would you hire her?
More specifically, if this job affected your children, would you hire her?
60
Thank you, Elizabeth Warren, Al Franken, Bernie Sanders, Maggie Hassan and the countless others who opposed this appointment. You did not lie down.
33
The grand experiment in liberal democracy is failing.
We are now officially a plutocracy with a few billionaires controlling 90% of the wealth and the rest of us scratching around on the bottom competing for 10% of the pie! When 8 individuals control as much wealth as 50% of humanity, around the globe, it’s time for a revolution and a massive restructuring! The wealth of the United States has become concentrated in the hands of a few billionaires thanks to five individuals on the supreme court. Democracy, as we know it, cannot be sustained under these conditions.
Conservatives were skeptical of rule by the people from the beginning and now they are having their best opportunity ever to weaken it and ultimately take control! Suddenly we are thrust back to 1968 and we are going to witness massive protests and upheavals. When the protestors are shot in the streets, civil insurrection will follow!
This will be the beginning of the end and what comes next is a “best guess” scenario. Personally, I think we are headed for anarchy which will lead to a dissolution of the republic and in it’s place, a police state!
Farewell, Bill of Rights: Hello, martial law!
We are now officially a plutocracy with a few billionaires controlling 90% of the wealth and the rest of us scratching around on the bottom competing for 10% of the pie! When 8 individuals control as much wealth as 50% of humanity, around the globe, it’s time for a revolution and a massive restructuring! The wealth of the United States has become concentrated in the hands of a few billionaires thanks to five individuals on the supreme court. Democracy, as we know it, cannot be sustained under these conditions.
Conservatives were skeptical of rule by the people from the beginning and now they are having their best opportunity ever to weaken it and ultimately take control! Suddenly we are thrust back to 1968 and we are going to witness massive protests and upheavals. When the protestors are shot in the streets, civil insurrection will follow!
This will be the beginning of the end and what comes next is a “best guess” scenario. Personally, I think we are headed for anarchy which will lead to a dissolution of the republic and in it’s place, a police state!
Farewell, Bill of Rights: Hello, martial law!
19
So, you think you're smarter than Bill Gates, savvier than Warren Buffet and more of an entrepreneur than Mark Zuckerberg? These eight have shone in their respective fields and owe no one anything.
1
I distinctly remember no less than a dozen New York Times articles and editorials arguing in favor of charter schools. The points made were that charter schools allow poorer families to move to better schools than their districts allow, that it helps to reduce segregation, and a myriad of other points. Now that someone Trump is appointing supports them, all of a sudden they are indicative of a disconnect from the public school system and demonstrate an inability to fulfill the job.
It is absolutely amazing how willing the newspaper of record is to completely change what they think based on political expediency. This article should serve as a how to on further alienating everyone who doesn't already hate the people you hate.
It is absolutely amazing how willing the newspaper of record is to completely change what they think based on political expediency. This article should serve as a how to on further alienating everyone who doesn't already hate the people you hate.
8
we're 25th in the world in secondary education
math, science and reading.
to keep trying the same failed policies shows
a lack of education in the education department.
for our students' sake, here's hoping things
improve in the next four years.
math, science and reading.
to keep trying the same failed policies shows
a lack of education in the education department.
for our students' sake, here's hoping things
improve in the next four years.
9
Sorry Coleman - we are 25th because are against common core (Breitbert readers call it commie core), because we want to give equal weights to teaching evolution and creationism, and because we do not pay our teachers as much as the 24 countries ahead of us.
So which of these will be set right by DeVos ?
So which of these will be set right by DeVos ?
3
Then look at the charter school studies such as Stanford's. They rate WORSE than public schools in learning outcomes, especially by the high school level and especially in math and science. Public schools should have received stronger support instead of an inexperienced ideologue who will destroy the only chance towards advancement that many children have.
2
We have not been "trying the same failed policies", rather the situation is the reverse. In the United States, reforms are tried for a year or two then abandoned when something new comes along before enough data is gathered to even understand what it meant. I was in a meeting once with a teacher who had been trained in seven different math curriculums in only five years of teaching.
When controlling for poverty, the US school system holds its own against other nations? Could it be that the social inequality outside the schools has an impact on what happens inside them?
We also know one thing for sure -- that Ms. DeVos's model does not work -- there is over 10 years of data from Michigan and her high choice, low accountability, for-profit model brought falling scores, poor performance, corruption and fraud.
See Kate Zernike's article in the New York Times on charter schools in Detroit.
When controlling for poverty, the US school system holds its own against other nations? Could it be that the social inequality outside the schools has an impact on what happens inside them?
We also know one thing for sure -- that Ms. DeVos's model does not work -- there is over 10 years of data from Michigan and her high choice, low accountability, for-profit model brought falling scores, poor performance, corruption and fraud.
See Kate Zernike's article in the New York Times on charter schools in Detroit.
No need to wonder the motives of Trump in nominating unqualified people, (like him) to run government...“Lenin wanted to destroy the state, and that’s my goal too. I want to bring everything crashing down, and destroy all of today’s establishment" - Steven Bannon.
12
"I love the poorly educated". Yes Sir, more ignorant GOPers in the works from our nations non-educating Education department coming right up . They just need to be smart enough to shoot a gun because TRUMPFF is giving them jobs in the military with his new show me the money brand of diplomacy . Just do not get injured because there will be no healthcare to fix em. Money is for new hardware that wily big commissions to defense department friends. ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDERS!
6
DeVos is emblematic of the new kakistocracy residing in the Executive branch of our government. We have several billionaire know-nothings in positions of power. They are borderline Libertarians who are fostering anarchy within our country and institutions.
9
Money, money and more money...that's what this is about. You don't make any money with public education so they have been on a campaign to privatize education. Go ahead people .....keep voting for the Republican Party. They are in the process of privatizing you to DEATH! Money is killing our nation!
4
Fellow Liberals: Don't get mad. Get even!
The senate is not gerrymandered. Let's just show up in record numbers in 2018 and 2020 and vote the Republicans out of office. It's as simple as that.
The Republicans have benefited from Democrats not showing up in a non-Presidential election year. But, that's basically the fault of the incompetent DNC.
Now that the citizens are aware, active, outraged, and determined to correct the injustice - let's make the Republicans pay for their naked partisanship and sell-out to big money.
Stay Passionate. Keep the fire alive. But, let's transition from Feel the Bern to Make them Pay.
The senate is not gerrymandered. Let's just show up in record numbers in 2018 and 2020 and vote the Republicans out of office. It's as simple as that.
The Republicans have benefited from Democrats not showing up in a non-Presidential election year. But, that's basically the fault of the incompetent DNC.
Now that the citizens are aware, active, outraged, and determined to correct the injustice - let's make the Republicans pay for their naked partisanship and sell-out to big money.
Stay Passionate. Keep the fire alive. But, let's transition from Feel the Bern to Make them Pay.
13
The states are a permanent gerrymander and a permanent distortion of apportionment. They perpetuate unequal protection of law in the US.
2
Voters need to show up for statehouse and legislature elections across the country..not just in Washington...we must remove the GOP from power.
2
@Barbara P: agree. We need to show up in all elections to be able to remove GOP from power and get rid of gerrymandering done by state legislatures.
@Steve: I share your frustration. It's a double whammy: Senate and Electoral College. But, we can't wish the two away. Let's first take control of government and then fix the constitutional problems. The problem is that Democrats forget about the inherent inequities of Electoral College when they win. Obviously, the Republicans aren't going to change something that is giving them an unfair advantage...
@Steve: I share your frustration. It's a double whammy: Senate and Electoral College. But, we can't wish the two away. Let's first take control of government and then fix the constitutional problems. The problem is that Democrats forget about the inherent inequities of Electoral College when they win. Obviously, the Republicans aren't going to change something that is giving them an unfair advantage...
2
Where is our era's Dickens? Whoever he/she might be will have plenty of models to immortalize as unsavory fictional characters, especially in DeVos's brave new miseducation world. Wackford Squeers will live again.
3
George Saunders. The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil. "The Semplica Girl Diaries." Civilwarland in Bad Decline. Not Dickens. Short and to the point.
The world is a dangerous place,
not because of those who do evil,
but because of those who look on
and do nothing.
- Albert Einstein
not because of those who do evil,
but because of those who look on
and do nothing.
- Albert Einstein
32
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing," as Albert learned in grammar school from Edmund Burke.
2
Now Americas public schools have a chance to be great again. like they were in the early 1970's BEFORE teachers unions.
11
Maybe you weren't in public schools in the 1970's, but I was. My sons' NYC public schools are MUCH better than my "top" wealthy suburban school in those days.
11
Since 1857, NEA has crusaded for the rights of educators and children. http://www.nea.org.
2
My sons' NYC public schools are MUCH better than my "top" wealthy suburban school
------------------
For such a far-fetched claim, post the names of the schools so we can compare. I'll wait.
------------------
For such a far-fetched claim, post the names of the schools so we can compare. I'll wait.
5
Trump is nothing else but consistent. He is surrounding himself with incompetents and people who have no claim to the office but who have put their own interests as number one priority, just like himself. Yes, he has drained the swamp and replaced it with a stinking cesspool.
20
When my family moved, we chose our hometown based on the quality of its public schools (resulting in a fairly long commute). As chance would have it, it turned out that our child had learning and behavioral difficulties and we made the choice to put him in very small, one-on-one, private schools. He is in 7th grade now and we were hoping that he would get to the public schools for high school. If things go the way they look like they will with Secretary DeVos, I'm glad he's where he is and I'll steer him to a private college too. I'm one of the despised "liberal elite" - and I can send my kid to private school and I don't have to worry about either Social Security or Medicare. For what it's worth, I know how very fortunate I am. Incidentally, I attended public schools all the way to grad school. I am a Democrat and a liberal because I believe all people deserve a fair shot and a helping hand - and I'm willing to pay the taxes to make it so. But, if those who are going to be the most severely affected have too big a chip on their shoulders to figure out what is and is not in their best interest....I hate to say it...but, today, I just don't care. I'll continue to vote Democrat and I will help out the arts, the environment and planned parenthood. But...that's it. Education and other social charities that help the "typical" Trump voters. Forget it. You made your bed. You lie in it.
7
If the Repubs can lose the Religious Right on social issues, they'll be seeing a lot of us Dems.
1
I see a lot of that kind of attitude from the one-percenters. I made it, so if you cannot, it must be because you are too dumb to know what is good for you. I think that is a snobbish, elitist attitude that speaks ill of your supposed generosity to others.
3
How very highly you regard yourself. It's good for me but not for thee. Barf.
3
The first headline I read in the NYT this morning was the "Crack in an Antarctic Ice Shelf Grew 17 Miles in Two Months". Now I read about the Crack in the Department of Education with the confirmation of Ms. DeVos. I understand completely how bad so many of the public schools are in this country. Even when a competent Education Secretary like Arnie Duncan was in charge, he could do little to help right the ship. How in heck can someone with NO qualifications do anything other than actually make matters worse? Two of my older brothers are retired public school teachers and they both are near tears because of the effect today's decision will have on school children many years down the road. Those children and this country are the true losers of this decision. Shame on those Senators for being cowardly and for not putting our kids and their needs first. How incredibly selfish and mean. How do you sleep at night after making a decision like this? It is decisions like this one that will cause many a nightmare for many, many people.
23
I am one more person who is outraged by this. My fury will never subside as long as I am on this earth. I taught for over 40 years in public education and will make sure there is a day of reckoning. This is as sick as it gets.
38
Great to hear your passion. What causes are you tackling? When I was in Charlotte the charmeck school system and county teamed up on a school... result: nobody cut the grass and for years the kids had recess in the parking lot. The community got together for a meeting where the county rec commissioner said "there are no fields there" (there were 2 of about 5 acres each under the weeds) and both parties said it was not their responsibility. The last straw for me was when CharMeck awarded a $10M contract for printer service and refused to accept bids from other companies (the actual cost was below $7M). That's just the tip of the iceberg. The system was organized into "good" (magnet) schools but to get in you had to start in K (far and away the actual %) and had to be able to DRIVE to them. If your parents couldn't afford to drive you to a good school then you went to a school with 40% and even over 50% drop out rate.
So, Paul, where did you work? Tell us how good was it! !!!!!
So, Paul, where did you work? Tell us how good was it! !!!!!
3
"Fury never subsides" = grandkids flee as you approach.
You, too, can become education secretary.
All you need do is make sure $200,000,000.00
gets into the Right(!) hands.
All you need do is make sure $200,000,000.00
gets into the Right(!) hands.
30
Choosing party over country? No surprise there. Pence knows which side of his bread is buttered.
To bad the people most affected by this decision, the Trump supporters, are oblivious to the fact that they are going to be the ones who bear the brunt of this highly irrational decision.
GOP 101: http://userctl.com/BlueVsRed/001.png
To bad the people most affected by this decision, the Trump supporters, are oblivious to the fact that they are going to be the ones who bear the brunt of this highly irrational decision.
GOP 101: http://userctl.com/BlueVsRed/001.png
8
They will take that brunt and send their children to the school of their choice.
Enjoy the party GOP - with this one you have managed to tick off your own base.
12
every nominee, whether nominated by a democratic or republican president, has it's detractors. Give Betsy DeVos before people start making pre-judgments based upon politics.
2
Did you NOT see her speak at her confirmation hearings?
12
Betsy DeVos had her chance in her confirmation hearings to prove her competence. She failed the test miserably.
2
Not picking on you Mama but what did you expect to hear from Trump nominee? Socialist gobblety gook?
A very sad day for America, it's children and our future. This women has no skills and as dumb as a rock.
The GOP needs to pay for these crimes against this country.
The GOP needs to pay for these crimes against this country.
18
ekjnittel, how would you know her skill or intelligence level?
People who believe that nature has a human personality are stuck in childhood.
One of the upsetting things here is that the integrity of education is essential to progress: progress in business, progress in science and medicine, progress in someday producing an educated workforce. We've just undermined our own future.
11
Just call the H1B-visa hotline at Facebook, they'll call in some more geniuses from the Third World. Problem solved.
1
The Republican/conservative dream. A country full of uneducated plebes who will unconsciously perform howdy duty at their local Walmart. Maybe with a promotion to shelf-stocker in the distant future.
If DeVos can find a way to get a voucher system in place where parents can choose where to send their children then just maybe the same laws of supply and demand that affect nearly every other decision in our lives will also increase the quality of this product.
8
Bingo. And that, Dan Murphy, is why so many hateful posts have arisen. NC already moved to state schools (called "charter" but really even homeschools have to get a "charter"). The county programs are just too corrupt, from what I have seen.
1
Perhaps a voucher to a place where she's not in charge of the public education system.
2
So, the DeVos person is a wealthy donor to the Republican Party and now has been confirmed as Education Secretary. We should do away with farcical confirmations and auction out positions to the Trump administration. Faster and more realistic. Disgraceful!
13
Republicans, get a spine. Are you so afraid of Trump that you will willingly confirm an imbecile to office rather than confront him? Time was when legislators on both sides of the aisle worked to enact what was best for America, not the party.
13
Time was when Americans did not need therapy and the ACLU to help them choose their preferred bathroom, come to that.
1
Oh yes Charles, the good old days! When America was still great! You mean, for example, the days when the LGBT community would routinely get assaulted worse, with no repercussions?
It is evident that, in their bit for a dictatorship, the Republicans want to keep the populace that is their base as ignorant as possible. Just today, I dealt with a cashier at the supermarket struggling with "sparagus" and "schallots".. People who come out of high school like this can't think for themselves, they can be easily manipulate. Their nominee is poised to make this even worse: that is exactly what they want. "Panem et circenses", it's as old as the world. Of course, they might have to import brains.
6
Ah, the irony of all of this "choice" for schools but not for women's reproductive rights.
11
And vice versa from the left.
2
Yeah. Maybe we can have a sanctuary city where the unborn are protected? just say we are going to ignore Roe V wade?
DeVos already has more money than she can live long enough to spend. What drives her to make an idiot of herself in front of the entire country in order to get this position? We know that she doesn't have any scruples, integrity or basic morals but has she no sense of pride or self respect?
10
We don't have grizzlies in the area but we do have coyotes and deer. And rabbits. Lots of rabbits. Sharp teeth, pretty scary.
Should our high school get armed, Betsy?
Should our high school get armed, Betsy?
7
If that woman is the best America can do for education then America is lost. The GOP thinks she is just fine, she paid $200m for the job and that she has no knowledge of the position matters nothing.
Dumb, meet dumber.
Good luck with this billionaire in office.
Dumb, meet dumber.
Good luck with this billionaire in office.
11
Congratulations to Secretary DeVos.
1
Don't worry, Republicans. We have the list of Betsy's campaign contributions to your coffers. And you refused to listen to our calls or heed our message. We suppose the weekly protests mean nothing to you? You are exposed as the most corrupt set of officials since Harding's Tea Pot Dome scandal.
Americans will see you at the polls. You are feeding us the worst cabinet money can buy.
Americans will see you at the polls. You are feeding us the worst cabinet money can buy.
17
Democrats commenting here are kept from:
1) protesting at the airports
2) hectoring their elected officials at the office and at home
3) clogging up the lines at the post office for more books of stamps
4) learning to thank God for giving you the serenity to accept the things you cannot change.
1) protesting at the airports
2) hectoring their elected officials at the office and at home
3) clogging up the lines at the post office for more books of stamps
4) learning to thank God for giving you the serenity to accept the things you cannot change.
Charles,
You made it clear in an earlier comment that all this boils down to is your opposition to legal abortion. You're for anything or anyone which may however tangentially lead to outlawing abortion. I went to school with a girl like you. She connected everything going wrong in the world to abortion. In her mind, if abortion was outlawed everything else would fall into place. Peace would reign.
Well, with your homies in DC, I suppose you just might get your wish. But, you heard it hear first, my friend. All the problems in the world will not cease. And you can take that to the bank. At least if you're a billionaire. If you have a soul, you just very well may have sold it.
You made it clear in an earlier comment that all this boils down to is your opposition to legal abortion. You're for anything or anyone which may however tangentially lead to outlawing abortion. I went to school with a girl like you. She connected everything going wrong in the world to abortion. In her mind, if abortion was outlawed everything else would fall into place. Peace would reign.
Well, with your homies in DC, I suppose you just might get your wish. But, you heard it hear first, my friend. All the problems in the world will not cease. And you can take that to the bank. At least if you're a billionaire. If you have a soul, you just very well may have sold it.
Must be nice being so complacent.
correction - here rather than hear.
A born billionaire with a pet project and no actual experience gets elected by 51 elected yes-(wo)men. And some people have the gall to rail against the "liberal elites."
9
NY TImes, got a bone to pick.
You wrote tha she has "limited" experience in public education.
In the world of alternative facts, why not use "no" experience in public education to be precise?
You wrote tha she has "limited" experience in public education.
In the world of alternative facts, why not use "no" experience in public education to be precise?
10
Like our former president, who is the product of exclusive private schools like Punahao, Occidental College and Harvard?
Trump, Pence and the Republican party are not interested in the truth, facts or the scientific method, so why would anyone think any nominee would be 'good' for this or any other cabinet position. Until people wake up and think critically about the statements and claims politicians in both parties make and vote accordingly, then every state in the US will continue to overwhelming fund prisons better than schools (per capita), consolidate schools and enlarge classrooms, and continue to fund their schools with lottery tickets and car washes.
6
All the Republicans are indebted to Betsy DeVos and family ,
She bought their votes to be the Education Secretary.
She bought their votes to be the Education Secretary.
9
Fifty Republican senators--blinded by partisanship, willfully ignorant, disrespectful of their constituents' wishes, depravedly indifferent to their fellow Americans' well-being and future--continue to play some primitive schoolyard version of "king of the hill," while betraying the oath they made to provide responsible governance, public education, and stewardship of the environment, choosing to trash America's once-proud representative democracy and reduce the United States to the status of banana republic.
11
Senators John McCain, Orrin Hatch, Lindsay Graham, Tom Cotton, Mitch McConnell, Lamar Alexander, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, and all the rest of you... THANKS for holding firm against pressure from leftist elitist liberals who think private schools should be held to the same silly standards as public schools. And an especially heartfelt THANK YOU for voting to keep our kids safe from grizzly bears!!
9
We could stand a fresh look at schools from the interests of the kids rather than union educators and entrenched administrators.
Let's hop Mrs DeVos is up to the job.
Let's hop Mrs DeVos is up to the job.
6
Public schools are not just about an academic education, they reflect the microcosm of our larger society--and serve to protect and nurture vulnerable children, teach healthy social and emotional skills, identify disabilities and proactively address to ensure productive and empowered futures, reinforce civility and tolerance, and motivate and cultivate a mindset of lifelong growth and contributation to society.
DeVos and charter school privatizers have one agenda, to stop paying taxes for public serves, be it education, medical or social security. Destroying public education will rapidly plummet America into a morass of disempowered.
The world is watching, and the brain drain from America is underway. To continue to perceive or convey that Trump, Pence, DeVos, Bannon and their racist-misogynst retrograde agenda may not be as bad as we fear is a repeat of historical steps that led to grave humanitarian disasters. The DeVos confirmation directly underscores that America is in grave danger, and either Republicans don't see it, or are too self-interested to care about those with less resources and the rapid demise of this country.
DeVos and charter school privatizers have one agenda, to stop paying taxes for public serves, be it education, medical or social security. Destroying public education will rapidly plummet America into a morass of disempowered.
The world is watching, and the brain drain from America is underway. To continue to perceive or convey that Trump, Pence, DeVos, Bannon and their racist-misogynst retrograde agenda may not be as bad as we fear is a repeat of historical steps that led to grave humanitarian disasters. The DeVos confirmation directly underscores that America is in grave danger, and either Republicans don't see it, or are too self-interested to care about those with less resources and the rapid demise of this country.
12
Well said!
1
Almost as bad as getting a car salesman to govern, here's someone who has no education that is the head of education for all of America how stupid is that.
There is no sense just nonsense in every part of this government, can't even call it a government. Checks and balances in a judicial system are there for a reason, executive orders given are for dictatorships. America revolt and get these people outta there. I am concerned and want a world where peace is not threatened.
There is no sense just nonsense in every part of this government, can't even call it a government. Checks and balances in a judicial system are there for a reason, executive orders given are for dictatorships. America revolt and get these people outta there. I am concerned and want a world where peace is not threatened.
2
We've tried everything; we've hired so many people who spent their entire lives in education to run that agency and the result has been pitiful.
To those saying Ms Davos lacks experience, I say, experience does always translate to success.
Maybe what we need now is someone who has not been part of this failed bureaucracy of an agency.
Our children deserve better than pleasing a bunch of egomaniacs with Phds and masters degrees.
Einstein: The definition of insanity is doing something over and over again and expecting different result.
To those saying Ms Davos lacks experience, I say, experience does always translate to success.
Maybe what we need now is someone who has not been part of this failed bureaucracy of an agency.
Our children deserve better than pleasing a bunch of egomaniacs with Phds and masters degrees.
Einstein: The definition of insanity is doing something over and over again and expecting different result.
7
I am just supposing you voted for Trump who cannot even read a cue card correctly (view his nomination ceremony to announce his choice for Supreme Court).
1
You cannot be serious? PhDs and graduate degrees? The horror the horror!
1
and, for the cost of 2 pair of shoes, you can be part of an international marketing business that will make you millions.
Corollary to Murphy's Law: Just when you think it can't get any worse, it does, and at the worst possible time.
Corollary to Murphy's Law: Just when you think it can't get any worse, it does, and at the worst possible time.
Regardless of how I feel about Trump, his so-called administration and fellow Republicans, I'm not one to be prone to knee-jerk reactions about something that has yet to be proven good or bad. With that I will reserve making a comment at this time because I have no idea what DeVos can or cannot do as education secretary.
1
Betsy DeVos is an excellent choice. Love her support is charter schools and vouchers. Look at it from the private school students and parents perspective. Why is it fair that we should have to pay for the public schools education AND our education at the same time? People who send their kids to private schools should get support for it.
2
Then why shouldn't I get a tax break because my grown kids have already attended public school and graduated?
Be glad you have a choice to spend $ on their education in the private sector. Public or private, you will still be affected by good ole girl Betsy who bought her position and doesn't know a thing about performance measures.
Be glad you have a choice to spend $ on their education in the private sector. Public or private, you will still be affected by good ole girl Betsy who bought her position and doesn't know a thing about performance measures.
1
Shame on our senators and on the vice president...So sad...to approve such an unqualified candidate...in effect, to sell the present and future for a very large pile of political contributions. Choices like these make it clear what matters---and it's not the students or learning.
4
Shame on the Republicans for confirming this unqualified person, ignorant of anything to do with public education. You've fallen right in line with the Trump/Bannon agenda. More muck has just been pumped right into that swamp. This is a sad and cowardly display, and makes me fear for the outcome of confrontations to come. If you can't stand up to Trump over this appointment, will you ever stand up to him, even when the soul of our nation hangs in the balance?
4
The Republicans should be ashamed of themselves -- I know I am ashamed of every senator who voted for this inept, unprepared nominee. This is a very bad day in America.
7
It is so very heart breaking that are senator's sold out our children's education just because she donate 200 million to their Republican campaign. So really sad I don't know how you can look your children in the face and tell them what and why money was more important than them.
4
may be she was chosen to dismantle the department of education ??!!
2
Shame. Absolute shame.
5
Maybe this will at least help in keeping my public school here in East LA get cleaner. We'll all find out if Amway products are any good or not. And if the secretaries work together, maybe Carl's Jr. can take over the cafeteria management and the kids can have hamgurgers and fries every day for breakfast and lunch. They'll like that for about a week until they start throwing up.
1
LOL!
At least they'll learn about the AMWAY pyramid system.
But seriously, I am ashamed of those senators who voted for her appointment.
At least they'll learn about the AMWAY pyramid system.
But seriously, I am ashamed of those senators who voted for her appointment.
This nomination is clearly an example of "pay to play". De Vos is a completely unqualified $$$ donor. She has contributed millions to defeat teachers across the country running for school board positions.
Can you imagine anywhere else in the public or private sector where you apply for a job without a basic knowledge of the entity and with intent to undermine the business or agency.?
Can you imagine anywhere else in the public or private sector where you apply for a job without a basic knowledge of the entity and with intent to undermine the business or agency.?
4
Well, there is also the long, drawn-out, old-fashioned way: looking into her finances, other conflicts of interest, and any other impropriety that invariably reveals itself with such appointments.
Only a fool would take up this post with such weak support in the senate, never mind the huge public uproar, (which, in this republic is still not enough to counter her $200 million in political donations).
Only a fool would take up this post with such weak support in the senate, never mind the huge public uproar, (which, in this republic is still not enough to counter her $200 million in political donations).
2
John McCain and Lindsey Graham are gutless. Even though they are pariahs in their own party. they don't have the courage to cast a vote as independents against one of the least qualified cabinet nominees in history. I can understand Pence and the rest of the Repugnicans voting to vonfirm DeVos, but MacCain and Graham had a chance to stand up for what's right....and they didn't.
3
Lovin' that Constitution...
So sad. Fifty senators decided that serving a powerful donor was more important than listening to their constituents or providing the children of this country with a qualified leader in education. Shame on them.
5
Just so long as Betsy DeVos doesn't require our public schools to teach critical thinking skills, all will be well (satire!)
1
Not sure exactly what she CAN do. Wanting to do and being able to do are not the same thing. Actually, vouchers might be great for the esteemed Catholic school system, which has been closing schools left and right. I believe you can separate creation (taught as religion) and creationism (taught as science. Certainly, ore than one scientist was raised as RC. Fear factor..
We'll see what happens and with Congress... these people are the real trouble makers.
We'll see what happens and with Congress... these people are the real trouble makers.
1
Vote them out in 2018.
10
Best suggestion, doable too.
3
I agree. Political participation is our only recourse. We can fact check and write letters and protest in a variety of venues. I've already written our 2 idiot Texas senators who voted her in. Such shame!
2
Our state has a Secretary of Education who has never taught anything other than catechism. Our state is such a mess from this woman who came to us from Florida as per Jeb Bush recommendation to Susanna Martinez. The GOP really does not care. They just pay off political favors. Or in our case, sit on boards for mandated testing that costs the state astronomical amounts. PARCC Governing Board Members chairman is Hannah Skandera, our PED Secretary. And teachers wonder where the money goes.
3
Betsy DeVos is a great choice for this administration. This "so-called" president was elected by the most uneducated people in the country. Therefore this administration needs to make sure people remain uneducated in order to be re-elected. The best to complete this task is a completely incompetent Secretary of Education: Betsy DeVos
6
Thanks Harry Reid for changing the rules in 2013 and making this possible.
3
She may be more favorable to the public-school system than those of us who have experienced the disaster that it is. Public schools are responsible for the ill-informed citizenry that the country suffers from today.
1
Her contributions to Republicans bothered me not at all. That’s how the game is played.
Her plagiarism didn’t bother me, much. She didn’t write the responses anyway. Her ignorance of federal education law raised suspicions, but I blame her handlers.
I cannot, however, abide her lying to Congress on the supposed success of charter schools.
But most appalling was her complete and utter lack of compassion and concern for millions of public school children. She might as well have been seeking Secretary of Robots. Oh wait, that’s Puzder’s job.
Her plagiarism didn’t bother me, much. She didn’t write the responses anyway. Her ignorance of federal education law raised suspicions, but I blame her handlers.
I cannot, however, abide her lying to Congress on the supposed success of charter schools.
But most appalling was her complete and utter lack of compassion and concern for millions of public school children. She might as well have been seeking Secretary of Robots. Oh wait, that’s Puzder’s job.
6
I am proud that New England voted NO.
3
We have the best public schools in the country, even better than parochial and private schools in the state. My son who teaches in some of the poorest schools in NYC wants to bring his New England trained education to the students there, it's his gift to them.
4
I am truly disgusted by what is happening in our government. How can a kindergarten teacher be expected to have more education that the person that is in charge of the entire National Education System? This proves my suspicions, the Republicans WANT a dumbed down public. It makes it easier for them to sell all that FAKE news they have been promoting on the FOX News Network. After all, it won them the election this year!
4
Please publish the names of the Republican sheep who voted for deVos over the express pleas of their constituents so that we can begin to find their replacements
3
Now the public can pay to send other people's children to schools they can't afford to send their own children to. Fair is fair, and opportunity for all.
Public money for religious education. Tax dollars spent on the proper indoctrination of our nation's youth. Shouldn't that come from private donations?
Public money for religious education. Tax dollars spent on the proper indoctrination of our nation's youth. Shouldn't that come from private donations?
1
Great! Anti-education at Education; anti-environment at the Environmental Protection Agency; anti-labor at Labor; a racist in the Attorney General's office; a pharmaceutical products profiteer at Health and Human Services; a troll at the FCC, and Know-Nothings at Energy and Housing and Urban Development. These choices aren't inadvertent. President Bannon is simply going to show the minority who voted for Donald, now that he is out of the way, that government doesn't work and isn't to be trusted, while Donald, telling lies from the caboose, tries to convince the same minority that the media isn't to be trusted, either. Wait - I thought the Constitution charges these guys with promoting the public welfare. Isn't undermining the public welfare an impeachable offense? And where are those jobs that Donald and Hillary both promised? The only people who have gotten jobs so far are billionaires and generals already receiving military pensions. Take that, Michigan! Take that, Pennsylvania! You're watching the biggest con game in U.S. history.
4
Schools are run and funded at the local level, why is there still a federal office?
1
Bought and paid for.
3
So much for the "statesmanship" and "bipartisanship" of McCain, Lindsay, Portman, Hatch, Alexander, Grassley...
Political hacks, one & all. Nothing more, nothing less.
I'd add "Shame on you all", but they know admit no shame...
Political hacks, one & all. Nothing more, nothing less.
I'd add "Shame on you all", but they know admit no shame...
2
Isn't it ironic that Mike Pence, a guy that was in all probability was not going to be re-elected in Indiana, should make such a momentous vote? What a "great" country we live in. A guy who couldn't get re-elected as a governor is now the vice president. In all my 70+ years, I don't think I have ever seen anything like this. Politics in this country sure stinks!
19
As a school-teacher, I suffer the arrogance of legislators regularly. I sympathize with those who want a shake-up, but how would you like someone to be a passenger in a plane where the pilot's only qualifications are that she's been in one? Foolish or stupid? It seems part of the e-v-i-l campaign by the current horror/Manipulator and his cheetos puppet.
9
Couldn't we have given her a trial education position first? Maybe the presidency of Trump University?
8
Teacher's unions hate Charter Schools because they are non-union. DeVos believes in Charter schools. Therefore, the teacher's unions hate DeVos. This is what this is really all about. DeVos could be Einstein and they would still oppose her.
With respect to the money angle, why would a billionaire want to buy her way into a $175,000 job, when she could just sit on a yacht and relax? Perhaps she believes that her way is the better way?
With respect to the money angle, why would a billionaire want to buy her way into a $175,000 job, when she could just sit on a yacht and relax? Perhaps she believes that her way is the better way?
7
Einstein would have been against charter schools.
2
oh come on. You're thinking rationally again. Left doesn't like that, or doesn't understand how it works exactly. Shouldn't you just throw a hissy fit? That seems to be the appropriate response among those who comment here.
1
@ Max
How do you have the slightest clue what Einstein would have been against? That is the worst kind of "Appeal to Authority" type of argument, let me guess you graduated recently from a public school?
How do you have the slightest clue what Einstein would have been against? That is the worst kind of "Appeal to Authority" type of argument, let me guess you graduated recently from a public school?
1
"Betsy DeVos" and "Secretary of Education" in the same sentence? I don't have young children, and that has me peeling myself off the walls. She and her family have poured millions of dollars into groups that call creationism "science." She should not be anywhere near education. She would be unfit to work in a day care center.
Our children are our future--the nation's future and the world's future. I'm looking on in disgust and outrage at what morally bankrupt politicians have done to our children's future. I do not look forward to looking my nieces and nephews in the eye, knowing what our elected officials have let happen to them.
Our children are our future--the nation's future and the world's future. I'm looking on in disgust and outrage at what morally bankrupt politicians have done to our children's future. I do not look forward to looking my nieces and nephews in the eye, knowing what our elected officials have let happen to them.
10
Sec. Dumb de Dumb Dumb! NO Public Education experience. What a deceitful act by the GOP who IGNORED their voters! It's all about privatizing public education in an effort to dumb down the population and maintain control of an ill informed electorate, thereby retaining their "jobs" and continuing the stupidity! The decit the GOP is showing is appalling! Will the electorate see the reality and learn from this horrible mistake?
7
Um everyone who voted in the last election did so without the benefit of Mrs. DeVos. So they were already dumb. Use some logic. Oh I forgot your a lib. Never mind.
This is the GOPs plan! The GOP, in their deceit and deviousness, has concocted this devious plan, wherein their goal is to use the privatization of Education as the means to FUND CHURCH SPONSORED EDUCATION, thereby perpetuating THEIR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS! The GOP is using the SAME deceit and deviousness in their efforts to overturn Roe vs Wade! The GOP is Putin's best friend! They are doing what Putin cannot do! WAKE UP AMERICA!
When the first handicapped, disabled and students with disabilities and special needs are denied education because there are no funds for services, and they will indeed be denied, I am looking forward to reading the excuses that will be offered by Ms. DeVos and her supporters.
What choices will be offered to students in rural districts where the population is too small and widely scattered? Will students be compelled to be bused to schools far from home? What will happen when public schools are denied their budgets for books, teachers, and other school supplies? Will local taxes then have to be raised impacting homeowners and businesses?
And what about those Grizzly bears? I'm truly anxious to see what happens when those bears arrive. Maybe Ms. DeVos will arrive with a high-powered handgun or rifle.
I predict an imminent disaster for both students and Ms. DeVos.
What choices will be offered to students in rural districts where the population is too small and widely scattered? Will students be compelled to be bused to schools far from home? What will happen when public schools are denied their budgets for books, teachers, and other school supplies? Will local taxes then have to be raised impacting homeowners and businesses?
And what about those Grizzly bears? I'm truly anxious to see what happens when those bears arrive. Maybe Ms. DeVos will arrive with a high-powered handgun or rifle.
I predict an imminent disaster for both students and Ms. DeVos.
8
Executives aren't technicians. That's the mistake the left makes. They want a Jeb Bartlett as president and as head of every agency, that creature doesn't exist. DeVos has plenty of experts and lawyers to lean on for the dept. to execute it's basic mission. It looks like her job will be to return as much responsibility as possible to the states, promote structural alternatives to the current failing paradigm and downsize the dept. in the process. For that she doesn't need to be an education policy or legal expert. Good luck Betsy!
2
Betsy is as qualified to be Education Secretary as her new boss, the so-called president, is qualified to be president. SAD!
11
So it's going to be turtles all the way down?
2
The prognosis is always gloom and doom in the New York Times when the subject concerns Trump. Each commenter tries to outdo the others in an anti-Trump free for all. Doesn't anyone want this administration to succeed, to help the children learn, to help their parents find employment? Are we not all Americans? When will the stupidity of attacking everything Trump does stop? He is not a liberal, progressive Democrat don't expect him to act like one!
5
God bless Mike Pence, the next President of the United States. He will either serve out Trump's term if Trump is impeached and also serve for the next four years. Once America sees President Trump bring jobs back to America and bring factories to the inner cities, he will have a percentage of the inner city vote and get four more years. It's coming. Watch for it.
1
Talk about a runaway feedback loop.
3
We will become the new tea party. We are protesting and marching and getting active. Hell fire will reign down on the senators up for election this and next year.
If , and a very big if, and when his followers see what we are seeing behind the curtain, the supposed wizard of Oz is going to fall. Except for lying, which he is a master at, there is no way he will not be exposed. He may actually unify our great, yes already great, nation.
This confirmation of Devon sums it all up. He can't deliver, he won't deliver, to anyone but the wealthy who , like Devos, have paid to play.
Start quaking spineless unprincipled Senators. The clock is ticking.
If , and a very big if, and when his followers see what we are seeing behind the curtain, the supposed wizard of Oz is going to fall. Except for lying, which he is a master at, there is no way he will not be exposed. He may actually unify our great, yes already great, nation.
This confirmation of Devon sums it all up. He can't deliver, he won't deliver, to anyone but the wealthy who , like Devos, have paid to play.
Start quaking spineless unprincipled Senators. The clock is ticking.
5
No matter what the GOP says about vouchers, 99% of poor families depend on public education. Maybe DeVos and her family can afford a fancy private school, but most families cannot.
And can we somehow stop the GOP from shoving everything back to the states? How's Mississippi doing on real desegregated schools? How about Alabama?
And can we somehow stop the GOP from shoving everything back to the states? How's Mississippi doing on real desegregated schools? How about Alabama?
4
Thats the point Bruce, vouchers level the playing field. Or don't you want your most reliable [ at least until last year ] voting block which is poor unemployed to be educated?
The education market is worth billions and DeVos and the rest of the Tea Party would prefer to defund our public education system, eliminating them as competition with for-profit charters that don't teach kids better. I fear we are going toward an education system solely based on the ability to pay. The majority will defend public schools!
4
I am amazed (again) at the negative reaction before this person even gets a chance to do anything. Cabinet appointments are at the discretion of the Oval Office, and as you know cabniet posts are frequently changed during an Adminstration. Let Trump have his choice, and respond after this person has had a chance to perform in office. To prejudge is as bad as allowing a change and then ignoring the results.
Obviously more fake news. The truth is that she won by a landslide.
2
But she did win.
President Trump wanted us to be America Firster, Republicans are doing just the opposite, they are being Republican Firsters.
This Secretary of Education designate is totally bad news for our educational system. I guess people who voted for Trump would certainly be happy to have Devos as SOE
Good luck 2018
This Secretary of Education designate is totally bad news for our educational system. I guess people who voted for Trump would certainly be happy to have Devos as SOE
Good luck 2018
2
At this time 2839 comments full of outrage, most probably could not name the last secretary(s) of education under Obama.
4
Easy, lad. John King and Arne Duncan. Both of whom were qualified.
Arne Duncan
@ Lew and Louise
Ain't Google great?
Ain't Google great?
Does anyone else find it ironic that our executive and legislative branches talk of "extreme vetting" when it comes to immigrants and refugees, yet they are selecting and confirming the least vetted and most unqualified cabinet members in recent history?
11
This is just wrong, like everything else in this administration. All we can do is take to the streets in large numbers, like millions of citizens.
7
Exactly, do what libs do best. Start a riot.
You should instead be asking what makes it necessary to do so...
And then read up on the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, since Trump apparently hasn't.
And then read up on the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, since Trump apparently hasn't.
1
No reasonable or half-conscious person should be surprised by this continued downward spiral.
“The paradox of education is precisely this—that as one become conscious one begins to examine the society in which he is being educated.” James Baldwin
“The paradox of education is precisely this—that as one become conscious one begins to examine the society in which he is being educated.” James Baldwin
7
Well, Pence did his best to wreck education here in Indiana. Now he's trying to do the same for the whole country.
8
As a political science graduate with an emphasis on public policy, I completed in-depth research of educational expenditures versus student performance. The result? Essentially no correlation (at best, a very weak correlation) between per-student expenditures at the state level and performance, as measured by standardized tests.
The number one determinant of educational performance is socioeconomic status. The wealthier the household, the better a student tends to do in school. But there are things that can be done to improve performance in economically disadvantaged districts. Our national standards need to be raised to compete with other nations in the 21st century. For instance, most other post-industrialized countries require calculus in order to graduate. Start by holding students to a higher standard.
Given her downright poor understanding of public education and the issues affecting performance, Ms. DeVos is uniquely unfit to serve as SoE. Very disappointed.
The number one determinant of educational performance is socioeconomic status. The wealthier the household, the better a student tends to do in school. But there are things that can be done to improve performance in economically disadvantaged districts. Our national standards need to be raised to compete with other nations in the 21st century. For instance, most other post-industrialized countries require calculus in order to graduate. Start by holding students to a higher standard.
Given her downright poor understanding of public education and the issues affecting performance, Ms. DeVos is uniquely unfit to serve as SoE. Very disappointed.
17
" Essentially no correlation (at best, a very weak correlation) between per-student expenditures at the state level and performance, as measured by standardized tests. "
Here in NJ, special state funding allows inner-city schools to spend as much, or even more, per pupil than the most affluent suburbs yet these schools still have the lowest graduation rates and test scores in the state. As the old saying goes "you can lead a horse to water (education) but you can not make it drink (learn) unless it wants to".
Here in NJ, special state funding allows inner-city schools to spend as much, or even more, per pupil than the most affluent suburbs yet these schools still have the lowest graduation rates and test scores in the state. As the old saying goes "you can lead a horse to water (education) but you can not make it drink (learn) unless it wants to".
2
We won't need calculus. We have jobs mining coal and working in factories. Great, again!?
The perfect storm of irresponsibility - Trump, the Senate, Pence.
10
Make sure you attend the March for Science. #marchforscience
Science, not Silence!
Science, not Silence!
9
Republicans should be ashamed of the incompetent leadership team that they have assembled. Betsy DeVos is not qualified to be a school principal, much less Secretary of Education.
10
Joe - she isn't even qualified to be the school janitor.
3
She's not qualified to be a teacher, period. She has never worked in education, period.
1
The party of no integrity continues its ways. I understand the position Pence was in but Senate Republicans - more concerned with making Trump look good than with the quality of our schools - caved in again. Parties like this are what make politics look so sleazy.
De Vos is another embarrassment foisted on our country by Donald Trump and his allies.
De Vos is another embarrassment foisted on our country by Donald Trump and his allies.
15
The only people celebrating today are public school haters, far right wing Republicans, and people like Eva Moskowitz, who will no doubt be well-rewarded for her strong endorsement of Betsy DeVos.
5
What a travesty !
7
I'm really trying hard not to overthink what happened today and while I agree that public education has had challenges, there are tremendous improvements and success stories around the country of children, especially those from impoverished areas defying the odds and who have accomplished great things. Will Mrs. Devos ensure schools are racially balanced when rolling out charter school revisions, will she ensure quality Early Learning opportunities through Head Start, Early Head Start and public preschool for all for our less advantageous youth? Will she protect students with disabilities? I'm appalled that her wealth makes her qualified to run one of our most important agencies in our government versus her actual knowledge of public education. I feel like the bigger issue here is to dumb down or Nation and destroy critical thought like during slavery when it was illegal to teach slaves. This is looking less and less like America and more like the past that refused to accept that all people were created equal. Just because you are a billionaire doesn't make you better than hardworking intelligent Americans who would run circles around our current cabinet members besides Mad Dog any day. I'm so disappointed that millions of people voted for disruptive, ad hoc, non vetted change without understanding the unintended consequences....our most precious resources...America's children.
9
While Headstart is wonderful., you do know that any gains have been shown to disappear along the way. The methods of teaching change and the children now fall thru the cracks.
What me worry....I love your post name as I need not worry indeed, my Heavenly Father is in control. :-)
To your point, I am aware that there are instances where gains were not sustained from HS to elementary school, but I believe that is more representative of inept administrators and teachers versus the HS model. It would bring a smile to my face to see public classrooms and schools around the country with effective teachers and administrators, but at this time, that is not the case in every school district. I'm prayerful that one day all public school students will have effective teachers and administrators in their schools.
What me worry----is this really what Trump voters wanted? I'm trying very hard to understand their perspective especially conservative pastors, but it seems like many these days have lost their first love:-(
To your point, I am aware that there are instances where gains were not sustained from HS to elementary school, but I believe that is more representative of inept administrators and teachers versus the HS model. It would bring a smile to my face to see public classrooms and schools around the country with effective teachers and administrators, but at this time, that is not the case in every school district. I'm prayerful that one day all public school students will have effective teachers and administrators in their schools.
What me worry----is this really what Trump voters wanted? I'm trying very hard to understand their perspective especially conservative pastors, but it seems like many these days have lost their first love:-(
1
i can only hope my deceased mother, a public educator for thirty-five years, will summon the will and rise from the dead to haunt Trump, Pence and now DeVos. A demi-God for a President, a sycophant for a Vice President and a coven of cabinet members who in the past have assailed the very positions they are to administer. Innuendo and lies served as truth. What is wrong with us? How could this have happened? I can only urge those that didn't vote in 2016 will see fit to vote in 2018 and undo this travesty.
15
This is a new goverment where conflicts of interest are "legal". Really.
So, tell me again that DeVos was the only qualified candidate to head the Dept of Ed. Really.
So, tell me again that DeVos was the only qualified candidate to head the Dept of Ed. Really.
13
Betsy DeVos is both a very bright woman and highly knowledgeable about the public and private education system. On the other hand the Teacher's Unions have been a disaster and so it is not a surprise to hear their fiery rhetoric, flawed and hypocritical as it may be. The Teacher's Unions have bullied school boards, hired 'sharks' as negotiators and forced the lowest common denominator as far as qualified teachers. Thank God Betsy was affirmed, this was a win for the American public.
7
Thanks, Mr. DeVos.
4
God has NOTHING to do with it & sadly now her idea of God & private/public education has everything to do with it. This person is sooo unqualified Republicans are so shameless. Drain the swamp? Give me a frickin break!
1
Really, that's the best you got. Come on now...complain all you want about unions, negotiators etc., but please, she is the best we have? Not a chance, not a hope, not a prayer!
Just noting that the only two senators with the courage to stand up to Trump were women.
12
Don't kid yourself--those two senators could have had actual courage by voting against DeVos in committee before it progressed to the Senate floor, and that would have finished it. They played both sides on this knowing *exactly* how it would play out--I'm SURE many other senators wished they had thought of it first. They knew perfectly well that no one else was going to have the guts to vote "no"--it would have been political suicide, in the short term. This Congress and this Admin is vindictive.
The vote for DeVos is a vote against the children of the United States.
DeVos is one of the most incompetent, unprepared and unqualified nominees for any cabinet post and most especially for Secretary of Education. Whatever she will do will strike blows against the nation and our public schools system in all of our states.
It is incomprehensible that only two republican senators had the courage to vote against this person. The rest of the senators and the vice president voted the party line in the face of absolute proof DeVos was utterly wrong for this important cabinet position.
I fear for all children across America and my four grandchildren in public schools in Georgia.
DeVos is one of the most incompetent, unprepared and unqualified nominees for any cabinet post and most especially for Secretary of Education. Whatever she will do will strike blows against the nation and our public schools system in all of our states.
It is incomprehensible that only two republican senators had the courage to vote against this person. The rest of the senators and the vice president voted the party line in the face of absolute proof DeVos was utterly wrong for this important cabinet position.
I fear for all children across America and my four grandchildren in public schools in Georgia.
15
It's a vote for minority children who have been stuck in failing public schools for the last 50 years.
3
If all elected officials and members of a presidents cabinet and his minions, had to enroll their children and/or grandchildren in public schools in big inner city schools, bet education would get better so fast that the world would spin twice as fast, making days only 12 hours long.
I say an end to social promotions, each student, deemed normally intelligent should have to pass a test each year about subjects that should be taught that year. No mandate to the schools to teach these subjects, but, if 10% of the students dont pass, the school looses all funding and is closed, permentantly. The state and city would have to open a new school, starting with summer school. There only these subjects would be taught. Kids pass them, they are promoted, dont, they stay in the grade they are in another year, or 6. The parents should be called in and told that education comes before anything but health of the child. Including vacations. I have seen school age children at Disney World, when schools are in session. They should not be allowed in. Tickets should not be refunded. Miss too much school not excused by a doctors note, automatic stay back for the year. All schools even private schools for those of normal intelligence would have to follow the rules. Parents who pull their kids out of school Willy Nilly, should face having every child forced to stay back. Too many stay backs and childrens services show up at the home to see why the children are abused.
I say an end to social promotions, each student, deemed normally intelligent should have to pass a test each year about subjects that should be taught that year. No mandate to the schools to teach these subjects, but, if 10% of the students dont pass, the school looses all funding and is closed, permentantly. The state and city would have to open a new school, starting with summer school. There only these subjects would be taught. Kids pass them, they are promoted, dont, they stay in the grade they are in another year, or 6. The parents should be called in and told that education comes before anything but health of the child. Including vacations. I have seen school age children at Disney World, when schools are in session. They should not be allowed in. Tickets should not be refunded. Miss too much school not excused by a doctors note, automatic stay back for the year. All schools even private schools for those of normal intelligence would have to follow the rules. Parents who pull their kids out of school Willy Nilly, should face having every child forced to stay back. Too many stay backs and childrens services show up at the home to see why the children are abused.
Given so much opposition to her canditaure, if Betsy DeVos had any iota of shame, she would have withdrawn her nomination.
9
It's difficult to believe that 51 people in what used to be thought of as the most august deliberative body in the world could have voted in favor of this confirmation. Party loyalty and loyalty to a demogogue obviously takes precedence over everything and everyone, including our children. The 50 senators and one vice president who voted for her should be embarrassed, though I doubt their arrogance and ignorance would ever allow them to feel it.
12
All their kids and grandkids should be required to go to inner city schools as long as they are in office. Only fair. Will make them care about our schools. Though I bet they would say it wouldnt make a bit of difference. (Ya right)
"This is a matter best left to the states" her response to an inquiry about the education of students who are served by IDEA- a federal program ensuring students with special needs are given a free and appropriate public education(FAPE). This is the turning point at which public education, educators, institutions and people who believe in them will come together and make her regret she ever considered accepting this nomination. At every point, the informed questioning during the brief confirmation hearing revealed to the public and to her supporters and even herself, if she had any ability to self reflect, that she did not have the qualifications or an basic understanding of how and why public education exists in the United States.
So she can feel like she has contributed and it will keep her busy for quite some time, can anyone assign her to the task of teaching Donald how to read.
This is hypocrisy's hypocrisy.
So she can feel like she has contributed and it will keep her busy for quite some time, can anyone assign her to the task of teaching Donald how to read.
This is hypocrisy's hypocrisy.
11
Should be a law that Betsy Wetsys children orrrrr she looks kinda long in the tooth, grandchildren should have to attend public schools in an inner city, schools mostly of children of color. I can hear her scream "but they wont get a good education! Could be, but, it is up to her to see that every child gets a good education, even in our inner cities. Lets see should they have to go to Chicago schools or NYC schools, maybe Newark? Should also be a requirement for all minor children and grandchildren of the president. Just to keep them honest (ya right).
1
Call Trump all names, but he's not a lying politician. He pretty much showed his true colors during the campaign, but people were crazy enough to think he'll change once he got elected. Laughable. He's doing exactly what he promised to do: sell out and ruin this country, unashamedly.
By the time his rank and file voters realize their mistake they'll all be bought and sold. Unfortunately, sane Americans who did not vote for him will be collateral damage.
By the time his rank and file voters realize their mistake they'll all be bought and sold. Unfortunately, sane Americans who did not vote for him will be collateral damage.
10
Correction - before the election he was just a liar. NOW he's a lying politician.
1
@Citizen:
Yes sir, before the election he was a liar; but no, he is not a lying politician, because he did not pretend he would stop lying once he got elected. As president he's consistent with his life-long characteristic of lying. Therefore he's not a hypocrite as far as lying is concerned.
Substitute lying with some other activity and you may understand my point: "before the election he was a lobbyist; but no, he is not a lying politician, because he did not pretend he would stop lobbying once he got elected. As president he's consistent with his life-long characteristic of lobbying".
Yes sir, before the election he was a liar; but no, he is not a lying politician, because he did not pretend he would stop lying once he got elected. As president he's consistent with his life-long characteristic of lying. Therefore he's not a hypocrite as far as lying is concerned.
Substitute lying with some other activity and you may understand my point: "before the election he was a lobbyist; but no, he is not a lying politician, because he did not pretend he would stop lobbying once he got elected. As president he's consistent with his life-long characteristic of lobbying".
I see the public education system surviving and improving if all sides work together. There is a place for alternative schools. Problem is that parents and the unions are very self-serving and work against improvement. All you have to do is read The Prize: Who's in Charge of America's Schools to see how wacky the current system is in Newark.
The Teachers Union said that NYC hedge funds wanted to take over the Newark School System. Absurd comments like this make me wonder if the union leaders are related to our 'so-called president" Mr. Trump.
The Teachers Union said that NYC hedge funds wanted to take over the Newark School System. Absurd comments like this make me wonder if the union leaders are related to our 'so-called president" Mr. Trump.
1
51 Republicans did not find DeVos's hearing an absurdity. They have no shame.
13
The damage to the public education system after this woman has her way will resemble the entire banking deregulation nightmare due to Ronald Reagan's actions. The long term effects of both have and will continue to cripple this country beyond our wildest dreams. The decision to confirm her as Education Secretary will be only the beginning of other disastrous decisions to be made by this administration. Our future days will continue to look even bleaker and darker while these dangerous pinheads are in charge.
7
I just don't understand the Republican Party but I say get them on record. Get them on record voting for incompetence. Get them on record voting against Consumer Protection and for Big Banks. Get them on record installing men who want to do away with Medicare and Social Security and Civil Rights and then remember. Pence won't speak to anything clearly (even the lack of moral equivalency between US and Russia) so get him on record as often as possible. And then remember and do something about in 2018.
17
Or earlier. If it becomes apparent that "he who must not be named" is set to ruin this country, and steal it blind, we must act before 2018. If congress does, fine. But, I think this proves it wont. So take names, make sure everyone has a copy. Find their addresses in both the DC area and their home state. Then when we march on Washington to save the country, it wont only be Voldemort and his crooked cohorts, but, all of congress too (not just the leaders), after we take care of those in DC we can find all the others. Try them, find em guilty, sentence them for Treason. Then hang them. Deny any benefits supposedly earned by them to spouses/children. Make sure they only can earn enough to be considered massively poor. Make sure all congresspeople know this NOW, so they cant complain when they are walking to the gallows. We originally revolted against a "mother country" we were no longer a part of. France followed, but, revolted against its own government. That is the revolution that will be here. The regime that cheated and committed treason to get in, shouldnt expect niceties.
There must be a reason for this agenda. Keep them uneducated, raising unwanted babies, forever poor. Could it be that the republicans are playing the long game? More deplorables for more votes?
18
No. But, to many machinery of some sorts are too expensive. Poor people you can make work 18 hour days for pennies, throw away when they arent any good anymore are cheaper. They need the poor, uneducated to do the dirty jobs that immigrants will no longer be doing after the mass deportations. See repugs pregnancy rate is so low, that they are afraid they will be overwhelmed by people of color (they dont know they are already in the minority. Read what they say, and the always break the races down separately. If you hate them all, add em together, except that means they are so few they will cry). They wont count the trash in their numbers because they are......trash. Not upper upper middle class, or wealthy. They themselves distain education, have no idea where babies come from, hate the idea of contraception (though they dont understand it, they believe it makes a man impotent). So, first get rid of immigrants, then people of color, then the trash. They forget that at minimum it takes 100,000 people to keep one wealthy family comfortable. I doubt the middle class would be interested in taking on the jobs all those below them did, before their demises.
The time to fight is now. All of us (though I dont trust the trash). Get rid of the regime and we can take our time finding and learning about the wealthy and deciding which of them are not so perverted and crooked all they deserve is death. Some dont. Buffet, Gates, others like that. But, many we havent even heard deserve it.
The time to fight is now. All of us (though I dont trust the trash). Get rid of the regime and we can take our time finding and learning about the wealthy and deciding which of them are not so perverted and crooked all they deserve is death. Some dont. Buffet, Gates, others like that. But, many we havent even heard deserve it.
It's beyond belief that there was NOT ONE MORE Republican senator with a conscience! Not one. We will not forget!
19
But why is it beyond belief??? --This has been the lock-step Republican way of doing things for years....especially, the last 8 years.
1
You may not forget. But you would probably never vote Republican anyway so it doesn't matter. And every non-partisan will forget.
1
Truly another low point for our overflowing swamp of a govt.
How demeaning to have a Vice President called to the Hill to scoop up the stinking mess left by DeVos.
8
Well, this administration is showing what it doesn't care about: women, the environment, then refugees, and now children. However, what it seems to care about is Putin, guns, oil, banks and lying lying lying. Is this really America and I have been in a bubble?
15
No. To paraphrase the Bible: Remember the crooks you will always have with you.
We just got lazy, thinking they were gone. Now we have to fight to make them gone.
We just got lazy, thinking they were gone. Now we have to fight to make them gone.
We all know that Finland has fantastic public schools. There are many reasons for this. For example, only the most accomplished students are admitted to teacher training programs. But here's something else to know about Finland's system of education: private education as we know it -- selective admission, high-tuition, largely unregulated--does not exist. Almost all the children--rich, poor, disabled, able-bodies, delayed, advanced, etc all attend the same school. (There are a very few private schools, most notably Rudolf Steiner schools, but they are required to accept all students. They cannot charge tuition.) Imagine if Barron, the De Vos grandchildren, Malia and Sasha, etc. all attended public schools attended DC public schools!
7
Imagine.
Should be. Along with the same basic subjects (by grade) for all. Having to pass a test at the end of the year in these basic subjects or you dont advance. I would call it common core, but that makes some go ballistic. There is a common set of subjects all students need to learn. After that, let your mind go wild. But, ban tablets and computers in all schools, teach reading, writing (including penmenship), and arithmatic in grammar schools. Along with simple geography, basic history. Move to harder stuff in Middle School, even harder in High School. Adding other stuff along the way. In history more than just dates, places, battles. Civics classes. Study both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Including how to get an amendment passes (it is not easy). Civics you should have to pass the "basics" class to register to vote.
In Middle School learning computers can be added, even as a basic. But, using them in other classes should still be forbidden. Teach kids that memorization (multiplication tables for instants) has a use. I have looked at answers to a math problem, done on a calculator, just sensed it wasnt right. Why? I know the tables. Redo it, and its right. Kids today have no idea. Give them a set of instructions to get somewhere and they ask you text it to them. What if the battery dies? If you dont use your brain, why have it?
In Middle School learning computers can be added, even as a basic. But, using them in other classes should still be forbidden. Teach kids that memorization (multiplication tables for instants) has a use. I have looked at answers to a math problem, done on a calculator, just sensed it wasnt right. Why? I know the tables. Redo it, and its right. Kids today have no idea. Give them a set of instructions to get somewhere and they ask you text it to them. What if the battery dies? If you dont use your brain, why have it?
What fun!
Democrats please remember what you have just done.
Every future presidents recommendations for cabinet will now be bitterly opposed- borked- all started by the democrats
Also many thanks Harry Reid for changing the rules from 60 to 51.
Democrats are geniuses
Democrats please remember what you have just done.
Every future presidents recommendations for cabinet will now be bitterly opposed- borked- all started by the democrats
Also many thanks Harry Reid for changing the rules from 60 to 51.
Democrats are geniuses
3
Keep in mind that Republicans refused to nominate a new Supreme Court justice for over a year.
But no, you're right, it's all the Democrats' fault.
But no, you're right, it's all the Democrats' fault.
DeVos's qualifications or lack thereof are of no more interest to Trump supporters than are Trump's own dubious bona fides, nor do Trump's followers care about self-dealing or conflict of interest. They do care that vouchers will mean more money for "Christian" academies that help maintain segregation, and that aid cuts will mean less of their tax money going to those public schools with their overpaid, lazy teachers and shiftless black thug kids.
5
Our schools are a joke all across the country. Tenured teachers go on auto pilot teaching the same subject matter the same way - year after year. Maybe someone outside the system can see it differently. And yeah, she bought the position, yadda yadda yadda.
And this is something new to politics???
There's no discipline or recourse in schools because we my hurt somebody's feelings. Teachers get hefty retirement packages whether they teach or just show up and play cards online.
And before get your shorts in a wad, I voted for Bernie.
And this is something new to politics???
There's no discipline or recourse in schools because we my hurt somebody's feelings. Teachers get hefty retirement packages whether they teach or just show up and play cards online.
And before get your shorts in a wad, I voted for Bernie.
7
Parents are the ones who did most of the degrading in middle class schools. For some reason a whole generation decided their kids were so malformed they were incapable of handling anything but success. So, first, when a child got into any competition, they must get a trophy. My favorite is "most improved loser", or "best loser". Then parents hit schools for actually failing their children who were doing failing work. NO Fs, Not even Ds allowed. Nothing below a C. Social promotions every year. These kids grew up the Millenials, feeling entitled to be happy all the time, in everything. (Sorry, I know, Nick, not all of you in that age group, but, way too many.) Now most of them demanding to be happy at work. Not IN their work, but AT work. When companies wake up, they wont be happy, on the street on their bu tts. Not schools fault for the most part. Parents fault. Teachers giving the same class every year? What is the problem with that? Should be different kids. Same materials. US History 1775-1859 doesnt change year to year. Always have some teachers not fit to teach. When a senior 2 history teachers 4 doors apart. One screamed threats at his students the whole period, every period, so loud that 4 doors down (closed doors) I, sitting right beside where my history teacher was standing, talking in a normal voice, couldnt hear him talk. He had us study both the DI and the Constitution. Discussing it. Other teacher? Names, dates, places, battle names. Who learned more?
Take plenty of pics. Then we can match the current GOP in congress with their daddies and grandpas from celebrated lynching pics from prior generations.