The person whom I was most excited to vote for this election was Betts Putnam-Hidalgo. I had the opportunity to meet her at a League of Women voter's event this year, where she encouraged young women to get involved in politics. I appreciated her perspective, and believe she truly cares about TUSD students, one of whom is her son. She has the experience to improve the district, which we desperately need.
And as a Jewish woman born and raised in this community, I am disgusted by the rumors started on this forum about any possible Anti-semitism. Citing ultra conservative, Xenophobic and Islamophobic organizations like CAMERA undermines criticism that Putnam-Hidalgo holds prejudice views. When people like "MJ" identify actions (like belonging to peace organizations, or criticizing violence) that are clearly not motivated by hate as Anti-Semitic, they undermine the true prejudice Jews have faced, and continue to face. I am not sure what the motivation for the comments about Putnam-Hidalgo have any thing to do with, but her fitness for office clearly has nothing to do with it. Fear mongering cannot win when we educate ourselves. This Jew continues to encourage others to VOTE PUTNAM-HIDALGO!
I respectfully agree with Tom's comments about the Memorial Service. I have never been to a memorial service where cheering occured. The service became more about the excitement of the President's visit than a rememberence of victims of the shooting.
Most of these postings make me sick. I like the article, thanks! Both sides spew hate, so if that's what you're selling, go elsewhere. We are responsible for our words AND actions. I have family who immediately started defending hate speech after the shooting because they were afraid blame would fall on them and their political party. Calm down, breathe, no sane person is blaming you for the shooting. If you're angry, say so, but do it rationally and constructively. I don't want my community to be torn down by hate, but to be built on the visions of a diverse group of individuals.
I'm so sick of both parties blaming one another, shut-up! If Republicans in our senate are so weak minded that Janet Napolitano was able to sway them so easily, maybe Arizonans should vote for individuals with spines. They had majority power last year, and instead of balancing the budget, senators passed bills requesting Obama's birth certificate and calling for a statue of the 10 comandments to be built in our state capitol. They are unable to pass constitutional bills, perhaps because the bills are written by corporations rather than public servants. There should be compromise between both parties because it's best for our state. The budget should not be balanced on the backs of the poor and middle class.
Budget cuts to DES have severely impacted individuals with disabilities and the poor. Who represents them in this state? How far can the senate cut into housing, therapies, health insurance, and job opportunities for individuals whose lives rely on the government? This rhetoric makes me sick!
One story that I haven't heard and would like to have covered is the TUSD graduation requirements adopted this year after an AZ Dept. of Education policy published in July 2010. A memo sent to TUSD "exceptional education" staff (http://www.tusd1.org/contents/depart/exced…) outlines new graduation requirements for students in special education. This led to many confused teachers and school staff to tell parents that their children will be forced to graduate earlier than expected. Students are then left without federally mandated transition services helping them either get jobs or move on to post-secondary education. Federal (IDEA 2004) and Arizona state law state that students receiving special education services are entitled to continue in school until they are 22, unless they receive a regular diploma. AZ state law mandates that all students receiving a regular diploma must take specific core classes to graduate, but that up to 1 core class substitution in each subject area and 4 total course substitutions may be made. Rather than complying to federal and state law, TUSD is pushing students who are unprepared to work or pursue further education out of High Schools. Many parents who were told their children had to complete core courses before receiving work training are now being told that thier children will not receive training after this year. Special education graduation requirements should be made on an individualized basis, according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Our district prefers to neglect and reject individuals with disabilities as an easy method to decrease their budget. Shame on them for balancing their budgets on the backs of children and young adults in their so-called "exceptional education" program. In the midst of cuts to AHCCCS and the Division of Developmental Disabilities, this additional blow to individuals with developmental disabilities shows just how much beauracrats and lawmakers think of this at-risk population.
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And as a Jewish woman born and raised in this community, I am disgusted by the rumors started on this forum about any possible Anti-semitism. Citing ultra conservative, Xenophobic and Islamophobic organizations like CAMERA undermines criticism that Putnam-Hidalgo holds prejudice views. When people like "MJ" identify actions (like belonging to peace organizations, or criticizing violence) that are clearly not motivated by hate as Anti-Semitic, they undermine the true prejudice Jews have faced, and continue to face. I am not sure what the motivation for the comments about Putnam-Hidalgo have any thing to do with, but her fitness for office clearly has nothing to do with it. Fear mongering cannot win when we educate ourselves. This Jew continues to encourage others to VOTE PUTNAM-HIDALGO!
Budget cuts to DES have severely impacted individuals with disabilities and the poor. Who represents them in this state? How far can the senate cut into housing, therapies, health insurance, and job opportunities for individuals whose lives rely on the government? This rhetoric makes me sick!