One of many photos of Saturday's rally in Austin appearing on the Austin American Statesman's website.
According to the Texas DPS, the turnout for yesterday's pro-education rally in Austin was less than 5,000 people. TSTA and other supporters had hoped for a showing of at least 10,000. Still, the rally received substantial press coverage and was an overall success. The Austin American Statesman's website included over 30 pictures from the rally. Additionally, there was a sharper focus on Governor Rick Perry's recent comments seeking to shift the blame for any layoffs from GOP republicans to the local school districts. This drew the ire of many in attendance and prompted signs reading "Flunk Perry".
Locally, the next planned TSTA event is an April 2nd march scheduled to originate at the Laredo Public Library's main branch on Calton Road and proceed to Blas Castaneda park on McPhereson. Logistically, this route is probably designed to prevent any possible problems. It involves only a few blocks and stays mostly on McPherson. The question is whether this proposed route is effective in making a loud and meaningful statement. After all, there are no schools, district offices or any other educationally-relevant sites in it's path. This has the connotation of a lack of focus or purpose. In Austin, the steps of the state capitol made a perfect place to protest. A similar sense of symbolism is absent from the existing plans for the upcoming march.
We, at LaredoTejas strongly suggest that these plans be re-evaluated. If nothing else, reverse the route and have the march go from Castaneda park to the library. This one change would have the march culminate at a location synonymous with books, learning and education.
If they carry torches and pitchforks perhaps they could get the attention the need.
ReplyDeleteBesides, who will be there to listen and pay heed? I thought all the head honchos were still gonna be in D.C. wining, dining, and sixty ***ing?
I guess I don't see who the villain is in this parade. Are those head honchos even allowed to represent Laredo anymore, they are never in town anymore.
ReplyDeleteGood point on march route. I wondered the same thing. I am also saw a TV add that said the city of Laredo is supporting this march. I wonder if that is a good use of taxpayer money to support TSTA's wishes to raise taxes on the citizens?
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize the city was supporting march financially, if they are- then probably not a good idea lf intermingling. What taxes are they proposing to raise? This is about allocating money and not raising taxes. I think Perry said no taxes and Raymond said no taxes and if you impose fees, then call them taxes. Thanks for the comment.
ReplyDeleteI think the route is perfect as nothing will change. Its time educators and the public start realizing that money alone won't get the job done.
ReplyDeleteFirst, cut the non productive and lazy educators (and there are enough that drag a school down). Second, get back to the basics. Third, parents start taking responsibility for your precious angels.
Not only does money along won't get the job done, money actually prevents teaching from taking place. Everytime a grant is accepted, there's a host of conditions that accompany it. Most teachers are given superficial training on whatever happens to be the latest fad and nobody wins.
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