I recall when Californians voted to end bilingual education. Among those most opposed to bilingual education were the Hispanic families who wanted their kids to learn and excel in school. I remember talking about this issue with the Asst Superintendent of Lompoc Schools. I suggested that an intensive 1-semester English language program be instituted. It was 1989. The previous year while in East Berlin, our 10 year old was enrolled in the GDR school for "auslanders." Eric studied -- and spoke -- only German 5 1/2 days a week , the only English speaking child among Cubans, Hungarians, Poles, and other Eastern bloc countries. In a few months he was fluent, including a perfect Berliner accent. The educator's response? "If we did that, we'd be segregating those students." To which I replied: "I'm talking about segregating them for one semester, you are segregating these young people for life." BTW, my primary reason for the meeting, my concerns that white flight was a reality in LUSD, from the "downtown" middle and high schools, to Vandenberg and Cabrillo across the valley. He saw no problem. We stayed with the schools within biking distance from our home. Eric received a fine education, including a social environment that reflected his community, making him a better human being.
My daughter attended a German Kindergarten where she attained fluency in about 3 months. This allowed her to attend the German elementary school down the block instead of enduring a pre-dawn bus ride to the Department of Defense Dependent School on an Army base. One of her classes in 1st grade was English, a course she excelled in. By 16, most German students are fluent in two or three languages, with one of those being English. Why do Anglo-Americans resist such a course of instruction here? Why all this "English Only" crap?
Nice story that supports Celeste’s point. Every country needs a common language upon which their populations can communicate and integrate. When in Germany, speak like the Germans. When in the US?….
Where in the US? Last time I was on the Navajo (Diné) Reservation, they were speaking Diné. The Amish have been here since before the Revolution and they still speak their German dialect. When I was growing up in the 1950's and '60's we still had services in our Lutheran church in German and Swedish. Forced English only "assimilation" has eradicated most of those languages as effectively as they did Native languages in the boarding schools for kidnapped Indian children.
I don't understand what you mean by "English only crap." Your daughter's experience mirrors my son's: immersion in the host country's language, attaining fluency quickly so they can be mainstreamed into the regular school for a successful education. Yes, German students become closexto fluent in other languages, but first, they have their own language. The optimal age to learn 2nd and subsequent languages is about 10 years of age. In the GDR, that's when students studied Russian as their second language; a year or two later, English as their 3rd. The serious issue here, the Spanish speaking population is not encouraged to become fluent in English. That's a serious impediment to success in school, career, and a prosperous life.
"The optimal age to learn 2nd and subsequent languages is about 10 years of age." WRONG! How many parents wait until their child is 10 years old before they teach them how to speak? If a parent is bilingual, BOTH languages should be used from birth. Find out what happens when you put your toddler in a pre-school that is ACTUALLY bilingual and you will discover the children of English "first language" parents and the children of language X "first language" parents are playing and getting along fine in BOTH languages. English is NOT the only "cultural" language of the USA, but it is the language of commerce and government. If you can't speak it you are at a definite disadvantage, I am just wary of the monolingual whack jobs out there who try to pretend that speaking ONLY English somehow proves that you are a "real American." Give me a break! During the Civil War, over 300,000 Union soldiers could not speak English at all, and that did not stop the U.S. government from recruiting them into a war to save the Union and put an end to chattel slavery.
I cannot attest to the success of the pre-school programs of which you speak, so I will not agree nor disagree, as for the rest of your post, I agree with you.
Fully agree Celeste. My late, great mother- in -law who was originally from Prague, spoke 5 languages fluently. She mastered English, not because she liked the way it sounded, but because it is the language of commerce. Her and her late husband learned English, not in a classroom, but in a refugee camp working for the American Army in Nuremberg. Why were they living in a refugee camp? Because everything they owned was taken from them by the Communists. Yes, virtually the same folks which are trying to take everything away from us now.
Something that I find disgustingly unfair is when people in Santa Barbara hire Hispanics to clean or garden who speak little English. And then use their employees to learn Spanish! Without even paying them extra for what are essentially language lessons. Speak English to your Hispanic help. If you want to learn Spanish go take a course from someone who gets paid for it.
Very informative article Denise. Admittedly, it is somewhat depressing to be made aware of these facts, but being aware is very necessary if any changes are to be made. You would think the vast majority of legal citizens and taxpayers would be up in arms about fraud, waste and illegal immigration. Sadly, this is not the case as many have a direct financial interest in maintaining this failing system. It should be obvious to all that our education systems are teetering on implosion. The current system is weighed down by ESL, predatory teachers unions and outrageous budgets and then to think we are dead last in industrialized nations when it comes to standardized testing.
The election of Donald Trump has shed a beacon of light on USAID and the fraud, abuse and theft of public funds which apparently, has been rampant for decades. What has become obvious is, USAID is nothing more than a slush fund for Democratic and liberal social causes. Sure, how else does one explain how groups of loud, obnoxious radicals can be activated so quickly, seemingly on a moments notice. In effect, liberal causes have a dedicated “Goon Squad” on call and ready to be implemented against any group which poses a threat. Just today, a hugh rally and protest at UCSB calling for a strike of service workers. Wonder if any USAID funding involved? I remember well, seeing bus loads of Teamsters being brought into UCSB to protest, intimidate and bully those that stand in their way. Suspiciously, there frequently seemed to be an uptick in cases of staff vehicles having flat tires.
I find it interesting that Samantha Powers, former USAID Administrator, had a net worth of $6.7 million and in a short 3 years, has now a net worth of over $30 million. How is this possible even in a Bullish stock market? This should tell all we need to know.
I welcome the opportunity for citizens to get involved with local DOGE and start dismantling this massive confidence game!
Wow. Chocked full of pertinent information. It seems alarms have been going off about open borders but with people like Samatha Powers running USAID , well it’s not a surprise we are loosing.
Thanks for writing. The cost of government increases as we the people want it to do more. Education is a great example of parents walking away from the system and allowing the learned teachers to run the schools. The same has taken place with local government (police and fire), etc. This is a constant battle to keep expenses in line while providing the public a service. Public Service unions have only added to the expense. Like most businesses (and households), a basic principle is never let your expenses exceed your income. Simply put, government (whatever branch - and there are too many) doesn't operate this way: More expenses, more taxes.
Unlike business where you go broke, government's unique model never does ... until there's a revolution. Today this revolution is unfolding revealing the basic flaws in government: you better balance your books! For example: Public Education expenses MUST provide an educated and qualified graduate, and they are not. So, now we the people watch as government departments are cut because we the people have no more tax money to throw away. It took we the people to elect a good national leader. How are we doing around here, in Santa Barbara (We the People)?
Another great SB Current article. Indeed, let’s bring on the FAFO! Federal Agency for Financial Oversight. ❤️😉
I’m very concerned by what I’m seeing locally in regards to the corruption and capture of our local politicians and media by the DCC, our voting integrity, the condition and continued degradation of State Street, the clawing away of private property rights, the Bicycle Coalition cult of insanity overtaking our streets, the neglect and destruction of local landmarks and historical structures, the Housing Authority’s capturing of our real estate market and over-building of apartment buildings to sustain their sanctuary citizens….and so much more. Count me in for any way that I can be of assistance.
Author's states: "Language is culture. Immigrants assimilate by using the common language. Around 2001, I met two men in D.C. who started an NPO to make English the official language of the U.S. We engaged. Being a Californian, I pointed out that English is the official codified language of California (Constitution Article 3, Section 6 added by Prop 63 in 1986; Section 3.5 added after passage of Prop 5 in 1978)."
As a native Californian, I must agree, language IS culture. Ask any Lakota or Diné, and they would agree. A common language to communicate with your fellow Americans is also a good thing. Unfortunately, the author must have forgotten that California's first State Constitution was BILINGUAL and enshrined both English and Spanish as "official languages." It was only years later that monolingual anglo maniac "Nativist" transplants rewrote the State Constitution and required ALL Californians to "speak English only." Have none of you never heard your grandparents' stories of being punished in school for NOT speaking English? I certainly do. Instead of forcing non-English speakers to "Speak English only," why not just require EVERY high school senior to prove fluency in TWO languages before receiving a diploma? Of course, one of those languages MUST be English, the other would be one of their own choosing. Native Americans could then retain their language, as could speakers of Spanish, Chinese, Korean, German, Russian, etc., without fear of some monolingual "Nativist" punishing them or their children for speaking a heritage language. Likewise, the now bilingual children of mono linguists would acquire a life skill that would enrich their lives and hopefully make them less prone to such chauvinistic xenophobia. A Russian immigrant who was fluent in THREE languages once told me "When you are fluent in three languages, you have three souls." I did not understand what that meant until I had lived in Germany for 10 years and was often mistaken for a "German" due to my fluency in the language. Likewise, I witnessed it when my father-in-law Bernardo came to visit my wife and I during an extended stay in Mexico and I witnessed his "second soul" firsthand. We Americans are NOT English; let the English speak only English. America is a nation of immigrants and Native Americans where there should be a polyglot of languages spoken, not a labor camp of forced assimilation that requires the use of ONLY English. ¡Basta! How does one even READ a road sign in California without knowing some Spanish? And put the tilde back in "Cañon Perdido"!
Stephen, the only thing that you said in your comment that I agree with is that learning more than one language is a wonderful thing to know and it serves one well to be able to communicate with more people. What I totally disagree with you is that everyone who only speaks English in America should bend over backwards to learn x amount of languages to accommodate those that do not speak English and are not willing to learn it. If memory serves, I believe you were a member of the U.S. military which I am pretty sure demands that all enlistees be fluent in speaking, writing, and reading English. Why should there be a difference in other government agencies and schools? Your premise is that white people are basically racist and horrible except for the white folks that are Biden/Harris backers. It's great to help those that want to learn English but not helpful to anyone to take away the incentive to learn English.
I don't believe the Constitution mandates only English be spoken. That is different than English being the "official" language.
Yes, language is culture. Multi-ethnic societies are rich but multi-cultural societies fail. We are (or once were) a society of Americans. Our ethnic or cultural backgrounds should be secondary, while being reason for pride. Otherwise, a house divided.............
The "nativist" movement is based on the fact that many children--despite years of being in "bilingual education" programs, still were not English-proficient. Overreaction by some, perhaps, but it is a reaction to the utter lack of common sense by our education system/government, and/or the conscious effort to keep an entire demographic down, then of course they turn around and say it's because of "systemic racism", when in fact, the racism is on the part of those supporting these programs, whether or not they realize this. Please bear with me as I share my observations.
I remember two things from the late 1990's, (forgive my imperfect punctuation), one, reading in one of the mainstream Santa Barbara newspapers that there were eighth-grade students at Franklin school who despite being enrolled in that school since first grade, were STILL not English-proficient. The second thing was that I attended two school board meetings during that time period with an open mind, wanting to hear the side that supported bilingual education voice their views and here is what I observed: not one of the parents who spoke in favor of it even attempted to speak English, (enabled by the fact that everything is available in Spanish), and they were terrified by the idea of their kids being taken out of those programs, the fact that the translator the school hired made numerous mistakes, and those of us in the audience who were proficient in both languages corrected this person numerous times, and the self-loathing White teacher of one of the local schools literally comparing the ending of these programs to "Hitler's Final Solution". (I can think of 11 million people torture-murdered who might disagree, and how ironic that the Jews know that literacy and education are the key to battling antisemitic bigots). I also remember an old lady pointing out how when her father came to the U.S. from Germany, he was eight years old and had no English, but wasn't enabled by the patronizing programs we see for Spanish-speaking students, and she flat out said "what is it with you people (meaning the people who are in the education system who supports these programs, are you telling us that native Spanish speakers are not as smart as the rest of the immigrant groups?" (Or words to that effect) I saw all the arrogance, and self-righteousness of the teachers, self-loathing Whites, and Chicano "activists" drain from their beings. BOOM!
Back in 2014, I remember seeing at one of the polling places in Santa Barbara the bilingual signs, and when I read the Spanish, I was appalled at the numerous grammatical and spelling errors of that sign, but again, the goal--whether by design or default--is to keep people from learning English. I complained to the bigwigs at the courthouse about this, and the woman with whom I spoke was likewise appalled, and while I didn't get into the fact that I don't think spoon-feeding people in Spanish and treating them as if they are helpless children is a bad idea, I did get my point across that at least if they are going to print signs in Spanish, at least get someone who can write educated Spanish, and not the semi-literate Spanish I saw.
Finally, I agree that Americans should be exposed to foreign languages when they go to primary school, and in my case, my Spanish is self-taught as an adult. I also don't like the idea of forcing an "official" English policy, although I don't think that other than emergency services, the government should provide anything in Spanish, because human nature dictates that if one doesn't have to learn a foreign language, most likely they won't.
After witnessing the emotion-driven arguments of the so-called "experts" in the school system who advocate for "bilingual education" I wonder if there is perhaps, a financial stipend for the continuation of these programs, or, as the woman suggested, maybe benevolent racism is at the core of their beliefs, seeing people south of the border as simple-minded Beasts Of Burden put on this planet to "do the work Americans won't do" (translation: exploiting cheap labor and getting around labor laws)
Finally, I think of the Spanish saying "saber es poder" which roughly translates to "knowledge is power" and in that context I think of how the slave-owning caste system in the U.S. made it a crime to teach a slave how to read and write because they knew that literacy (again think back to the Jews who succeeded despite rampant anti-semitism in the U.S. and abroad) would be a powerful weapon. Think of how much of a disadvantage a person is facing if they cannot read or write, but imagine how much worse it is if they cannot even verbally communicate in the language of the land?
I did not hear one argument that made any sense on behalf of the entrenched programs, which clearly prevented both students and parents from progressing socio-economically.
Rather than totally disband USAID I would have preferred they eliminate the wasteful spending. The largest percentage of its funds, 16 billion, went to Ukraine for humane assistance. I’m sure the person most pleased with a total shutdown is Vladimir Putin.
Victoria, I’m not sure if you posted this article as a joke but if so, ha ha. If not, and you do actually believe the nonsensical rantings of this clown you referred us to then your hopeless, and I am no longer laughing with you but at you. Either way
You’re kidding, right? To suggest that there’s some kind of right wing conspiracy to control the printed press is ridiculous. Just the opposite is true. What was the net effect of a bunch of nutty leftists causing a mutiny in the newsroom at the SBNP? The paper went bankrupt and many people lost their jobs and we as a community lost our only newspaper. I guess they showed us!
I’m the first to admit not being a fan of the former owner, but doesn’t she have a right to run her own company the way she sees fit? Soon-Shiong owner of the LA Times, Bezos with WAPO have no right to cover the news with their well known slant? Wait, isn’t Bezos just now changing the editorial page? I guess he sees the writing on the wall…too bad many failing liberal papers don’t.
Mine was an objective response to the question. As one who has been called a "fascist" by Jerry, I am no apologist. I found his namecalling deeply and personally offensive. I expect better.
Ms. Adams, If MTG is leading anything, it’s a disaster waiting to happen. That woman has no brain cells. Also, don’t worry about dismantling education just start learning Russian.
OUr professors and teachers are almost exclusively woke leftists who hate America, the left knows if they can indoctrinate our kids, they will have all the votes in the future. Our Universities no longer teach how to critically think, only to obey. Home schooling never looked so good. Yes abolish the Dept of Education, or at least rename it so it shows its true purpose 'The Department of Indoctrination'
As for the Federal Department of Education, it was not enacted until the late 1970's, so we clearly survived without it, yet today we hear all about "low test scores" and so forth. Per "bilingual" education:
The "nativist" movement is based on the fact that many children--despite years of being in "bilingual education" programs, still were not English-proficient. Overreaction by some, perhaps, but it is a reaction to the utter lack of common sense by our education system/government, and/or the conscious effort to keep an entire demographic down, then of course they turn around and say it's because of "systemic racism", when in fact, the racism is on the part of those supporting these programs, whether or not they realize this. Please bear with me as I share my observations.
I remember two things from the late 1990's, (forgive my imperfect punctuation), one, reading in one of the mainstream Santa Barbara newspapers that there were eighth-grade students at Franklin school who despite being enrolled in that school since first grade, were STILL not English-proficient. The second thing was that I attended two school board meetings during that time period with an open mind, wanting to hear the side that supported bilingual education voice their views and here is what I observed: not one of the parents who spoke in favor of it even attempted to speak English, (enabled by the fact that everything is available in Spanish), and they were terrified by the idea of their kids being taken out of those programs, the fact that the translator the school hired made numerous mistakes, and those of us in the audience who were proficient in both languages corrected this person numerous times, and the self-loathing White teacher of one of the local schools literally comparing the ending of these programs to "Hitler's Final Solution". (I can think of 11 million people torture-murdered who might disagree, and how ironic that the Jews know that literacy and education are the key to battling antisemitic bigots). I also remember an old lady pointing out how when her father came to the U.S. from Germany, he was eight years old and had no English, but wasn't enabled by the patronizing programs we see for Spanish-speaking students, and she flat out said "what is it with you people (meaning the people who are in the education system who supports these programs, are you telling us that native Spanish speakers are not as smart as the rest of the immigrant groups?" (Or words to that effect) I saw all the arrogance, and self-righteousness of the teachers, self-loathing Whites, and Chicano "activists" drain from their beings. BOOM!
Back in 2014, I remember seeing at one of the polling places in Santa Barbara the bilingual signs, and when I read the Spanish, I was appalled at the numerous grammatical and spelling errors of that sign, but again, the goal--whether by design or default--is to keep people from learning English. I complained to the bigwigs at the courthouse about this, and the woman with whom I spoke was likewise appalled, and while I didn't get into the fact that I don't think spoon-feeding people in Spanish and treating them as if they are helpless children is a bad idea, I did get my point across that at least if they are going to print signs in Spanish, at least get someone who can write educated Spanish, and not the semi-literate Spanish I saw.
Finally, I agree that Americans should be exposed to foreign languages when they go to primary school, and in my case, my Spanish is self-taught as an adult. I also don't like the idea of forcing an "official" English policy, although I don't think that other than emergency services, the government should provide anything in Spanish, because human nature dictates that if one doesn't have to learn a foreign language, most likely they won't.
After witnessing the emotion-driven arguments of the so-called "experts" in the school system who advocate for "bilingual education" I wonder if there is perhaps, a financial stipend for the continuation of these programs, or, as the woman suggested, maybe benevolent racism is at the core of their beliefs, seeing people south of the border as simple-minded Beasts Of Burden put on this planet to "do the work Americans won't do" (translation: exploiting cheap labor and getting around labor laws)
Finally, I think of the Spanish saying "saber es poder" which roughly translates to "knowledge is power" and in that context I think of how the slave-owning caste system in the U.S. made it a crime to teach a slave how to read and write because they knew that literacy (again think back to the Jews who succeeded despite rampant anti-semitism in the U.S. and abroad) would be a powerful weapon. Think of how much of a disadvantage a person is facing if they cannot read or write, but imagine how much worse it is if they cannot even verbally communicate in the language of the land?
I did not hear one argument that made any sense on behalf of the entrenched "bilingual" programs, which clearly prevent both students and parents from progressing socio-economically.
With the invention of DOGE, the Feds won't waste IRS taxpayer money sent to corrupt states ... it's simply another source of corruption in the new eyes of the Feds. DOGE could enforce finance review as far down as county and city governments. Especially now with any government entity proven to be a probable place for corruption, sources of waste, inefficiency ... and all the other things we don't want to see in any government.
Longterm, DOGE might turn into an independent (non-political) organization, if that's possible. My concern is with another political party in power that could eliminate the DOGE department and corruption and waste return.
Glad to hear there is finally something we can coalesce behind S.2. You mentioned LGBTQ schools, what is that? Reading, writing and arithmetic is different for gay students?
I recall when Californians voted to end bilingual education. Among those most opposed to bilingual education were the Hispanic families who wanted their kids to learn and excel in school. I remember talking about this issue with the Asst Superintendent of Lompoc Schools. I suggested that an intensive 1-semester English language program be instituted. It was 1989. The previous year while in East Berlin, our 10 year old was enrolled in the GDR school for "auslanders." Eric studied -- and spoke -- only German 5 1/2 days a week , the only English speaking child among Cubans, Hungarians, Poles, and other Eastern bloc countries. In a few months he was fluent, including a perfect Berliner accent. The educator's response? "If we did that, we'd be segregating those students." To which I replied: "I'm talking about segregating them for one semester, you are segregating these young people for life." BTW, my primary reason for the meeting, my concerns that white flight was a reality in LUSD, from the "downtown" middle and high schools, to Vandenberg and Cabrillo across the valley. He saw no problem. We stayed with the schools within biking distance from our home. Eric received a fine education, including a social environment that reflected his community, making him a better human being.
My daughter attended a German Kindergarten where she attained fluency in about 3 months. This allowed her to attend the German elementary school down the block instead of enduring a pre-dawn bus ride to the Department of Defense Dependent School on an Army base. One of her classes in 1st grade was English, a course she excelled in. By 16, most German students are fluent in two or three languages, with one of those being English. Why do Anglo-Americans resist such a course of instruction here? Why all this "English Only" crap?
Nice story that supports Celeste’s point. Every country needs a common language upon which their populations can communicate and integrate. When in Germany, speak like the Germans. When in the US?….
Where in the US? Last time I was on the Navajo (Diné) Reservation, they were speaking Diné. The Amish have been here since before the Revolution and they still speak their German dialect. When I was growing up in the 1950's and '60's we still had services in our Lutheran church in German and Swedish. Forced English only "assimilation" has eradicated most of those languages as effectively as they did Native languages in the boarding schools for kidnapped Indian children.
I don't understand what you mean by "English only crap." Your daughter's experience mirrors my son's: immersion in the host country's language, attaining fluency quickly so they can be mainstreamed into the regular school for a successful education. Yes, German students become closexto fluent in other languages, but first, they have their own language. The optimal age to learn 2nd and subsequent languages is about 10 years of age. In the GDR, that's when students studied Russian as their second language; a year or two later, English as their 3rd. The serious issue here, the Spanish speaking population is not encouraged to become fluent in English. That's a serious impediment to success in school, career, and a prosperous life.
"The optimal age to learn 2nd and subsequent languages is about 10 years of age." WRONG! How many parents wait until their child is 10 years old before they teach them how to speak? If a parent is bilingual, BOTH languages should be used from birth. Find out what happens when you put your toddler in a pre-school that is ACTUALLY bilingual and you will discover the children of English "first language" parents and the children of language X "first language" parents are playing and getting along fine in BOTH languages. English is NOT the only "cultural" language of the USA, but it is the language of commerce and government. If you can't speak it you are at a definite disadvantage, I am just wary of the monolingual whack jobs out there who try to pretend that speaking ONLY English somehow proves that you are a "real American." Give me a break! During the Civil War, over 300,000 Union soldiers could not speak English at all, and that did not stop the U.S. government from recruiting them into a war to save the Union and put an end to chattel slavery.
I cannot attest to the success of the pre-school programs of which you speak, so I will not agree nor disagree, as for the rest of your post, I agree with you.
Fully agree Celeste. My late, great mother- in -law who was originally from Prague, spoke 5 languages fluently. She mastered English, not because she liked the way it sounded, but because it is the language of commerce. Her and her late husband learned English, not in a classroom, but in a refugee camp working for the American Army in Nuremberg. Why were they living in a refugee camp? Because everything they owned was taken from them by the Communists. Yes, virtually the same folks which are trying to take everything away from us now.
Something that I find disgustingly unfair is when people in Santa Barbara hire Hispanics to clean or garden who speak little English. And then use their employees to learn Spanish! Without even paying them extra for what are essentially language lessons. Speak English to your Hispanic help. If you want to learn Spanish go take a course from someone who gets paid for it.
Very informative article Denise. Admittedly, it is somewhat depressing to be made aware of these facts, but being aware is very necessary if any changes are to be made. You would think the vast majority of legal citizens and taxpayers would be up in arms about fraud, waste and illegal immigration. Sadly, this is not the case as many have a direct financial interest in maintaining this failing system. It should be obvious to all that our education systems are teetering on implosion. The current system is weighed down by ESL, predatory teachers unions and outrageous budgets and then to think we are dead last in industrialized nations when it comes to standardized testing.
The election of Donald Trump has shed a beacon of light on USAID and the fraud, abuse and theft of public funds which apparently, has been rampant for decades. What has become obvious is, USAID is nothing more than a slush fund for Democratic and liberal social causes. Sure, how else does one explain how groups of loud, obnoxious radicals can be activated so quickly, seemingly on a moments notice. In effect, liberal causes have a dedicated “Goon Squad” on call and ready to be implemented against any group which poses a threat. Just today, a hugh rally and protest at UCSB calling for a strike of service workers. Wonder if any USAID funding involved? I remember well, seeing bus loads of Teamsters being brought into UCSB to protest, intimidate and bully those that stand in their way. Suspiciously, there frequently seemed to be an uptick in cases of staff vehicles having flat tires.
I find it interesting that Samantha Powers, former USAID Administrator, had a net worth of $6.7 million and in a short 3 years, has now a net worth of over $30 million. How is this possible even in a Bullish stock market? This should tell all we need to know.
I welcome the opportunity for citizens to get involved with local DOGE and start dismantling this massive confidence game!
Wait until Jerry Roberts reads this! His head will be turning around like Linda Blair in The Exorcist.
Wow. Chocked full of pertinent information. It seems alarms have been going off about open borders but with people like Samatha Powers running USAID , well it’s not a surprise we are loosing.
Wow.
Thanks for writing. The cost of government increases as we the people want it to do more. Education is a great example of parents walking away from the system and allowing the learned teachers to run the schools. The same has taken place with local government (police and fire), etc. This is a constant battle to keep expenses in line while providing the public a service. Public Service unions have only added to the expense. Like most businesses (and households), a basic principle is never let your expenses exceed your income. Simply put, government (whatever branch - and there are too many) doesn't operate this way: More expenses, more taxes.
Unlike business where you go broke, government's unique model never does ... until there's a revolution. Today this revolution is unfolding revealing the basic flaws in government: you better balance your books! For example: Public Education expenses MUST provide an educated and qualified graduate, and they are not. So, now we the people watch as government departments are cut because we the people have no more tax money to throw away. It took we the people to elect a good national leader. How are we doing around here, in Santa Barbara (We the People)?
Another great SB Current article. Indeed, let’s bring on the FAFO! Federal Agency for Financial Oversight. ❤️😉
I’m very concerned by what I’m seeing locally in regards to the corruption and capture of our local politicians and media by the DCC, our voting integrity, the condition and continued degradation of State Street, the clawing away of private property rights, the Bicycle Coalition cult of insanity overtaking our streets, the neglect and destruction of local landmarks and historical structures, the Housing Authority’s capturing of our real estate market and over-building of apartment buildings to sustain their sanctuary citizens….and so much more. Count me in for any way that I can be of assistance.
Author's states: "Language is culture. Immigrants assimilate by using the common language. Around 2001, I met two men in D.C. who started an NPO to make English the official language of the U.S. We engaged. Being a Californian, I pointed out that English is the official codified language of California (Constitution Article 3, Section 6 added by Prop 63 in 1986; Section 3.5 added after passage of Prop 5 in 1978)."
As a native Californian, I must agree, language IS culture. Ask any Lakota or Diné, and they would agree. A common language to communicate with your fellow Americans is also a good thing. Unfortunately, the author must have forgotten that California's first State Constitution was BILINGUAL and enshrined both English and Spanish as "official languages." It was only years later that monolingual anglo maniac "Nativist" transplants rewrote the State Constitution and required ALL Californians to "speak English only." Have none of you never heard your grandparents' stories of being punished in school for NOT speaking English? I certainly do. Instead of forcing non-English speakers to "Speak English only," why not just require EVERY high school senior to prove fluency in TWO languages before receiving a diploma? Of course, one of those languages MUST be English, the other would be one of their own choosing. Native Americans could then retain their language, as could speakers of Spanish, Chinese, Korean, German, Russian, etc., without fear of some monolingual "Nativist" punishing them or their children for speaking a heritage language. Likewise, the now bilingual children of mono linguists would acquire a life skill that would enrich their lives and hopefully make them less prone to such chauvinistic xenophobia. A Russian immigrant who was fluent in THREE languages once told me "When you are fluent in three languages, you have three souls." I did not understand what that meant until I had lived in Germany for 10 years and was often mistaken for a "German" due to my fluency in the language. Likewise, I witnessed it when my father-in-law Bernardo came to visit my wife and I during an extended stay in Mexico and I witnessed his "second soul" firsthand. We Americans are NOT English; let the English speak only English. America is a nation of immigrants and Native Americans where there should be a polyglot of languages spoken, not a labor camp of forced assimilation that requires the use of ONLY English. ¡Basta! How does one even READ a road sign in California without knowing some Spanish? And put the tilde back in "Cañon Perdido"!
Stephen, the only thing that you said in your comment that I agree with is that learning more than one language is a wonderful thing to know and it serves one well to be able to communicate with more people. What I totally disagree with you is that everyone who only speaks English in America should bend over backwards to learn x amount of languages to accommodate those that do not speak English and are not willing to learn it. If memory serves, I believe you were a member of the U.S. military which I am pretty sure demands that all enlistees be fluent in speaking, writing, and reading English. Why should there be a difference in other government agencies and schools? Your premise is that white people are basically racist and horrible except for the white folks that are Biden/Harris backers. It's great to help those that want to learn English but not helpful to anyone to take away the incentive to learn English.
I don't believe the Constitution mandates only English be spoken. That is different than English being the "official" language.
Yes, language is culture. Multi-ethnic societies are rich but multi-cultural societies fail. We are (or once were) a society of Americans. Our ethnic or cultural backgrounds should be secondary, while being reason for pride. Otherwise, a house divided.............
The "nativist" movement is based on the fact that many children--despite years of being in "bilingual education" programs, still were not English-proficient. Overreaction by some, perhaps, but it is a reaction to the utter lack of common sense by our education system/government, and/or the conscious effort to keep an entire demographic down, then of course they turn around and say it's because of "systemic racism", when in fact, the racism is on the part of those supporting these programs, whether or not they realize this. Please bear with me as I share my observations.
I remember two things from the late 1990's, (forgive my imperfect punctuation), one, reading in one of the mainstream Santa Barbara newspapers that there were eighth-grade students at Franklin school who despite being enrolled in that school since first grade, were STILL not English-proficient. The second thing was that I attended two school board meetings during that time period with an open mind, wanting to hear the side that supported bilingual education voice their views and here is what I observed: not one of the parents who spoke in favor of it even attempted to speak English, (enabled by the fact that everything is available in Spanish), and they were terrified by the idea of their kids being taken out of those programs, the fact that the translator the school hired made numerous mistakes, and those of us in the audience who were proficient in both languages corrected this person numerous times, and the self-loathing White teacher of one of the local schools literally comparing the ending of these programs to "Hitler's Final Solution". (I can think of 11 million people torture-murdered who might disagree, and how ironic that the Jews know that literacy and education are the key to battling antisemitic bigots). I also remember an old lady pointing out how when her father came to the U.S. from Germany, he was eight years old and had no English, but wasn't enabled by the patronizing programs we see for Spanish-speaking students, and she flat out said "what is it with you people (meaning the people who are in the education system who supports these programs, are you telling us that native Spanish speakers are not as smart as the rest of the immigrant groups?" (Or words to that effect) I saw all the arrogance, and self-righteousness of the teachers, self-loathing Whites, and Chicano "activists" drain from their beings. BOOM!
Back in 2014, I remember seeing at one of the polling places in Santa Barbara the bilingual signs, and when I read the Spanish, I was appalled at the numerous grammatical and spelling errors of that sign, but again, the goal--whether by design or default--is to keep people from learning English. I complained to the bigwigs at the courthouse about this, and the woman with whom I spoke was likewise appalled, and while I didn't get into the fact that I don't think spoon-feeding people in Spanish and treating them as if they are helpless children is a bad idea, I did get my point across that at least if they are going to print signs in Spanish, at least get someone who can write educated Spanish, and not the semi-literate Spanish I saw.
Finally, I agree that Americans should be exposed to foreign languages when they go to primary school, and in my case, my Spanish is self-taught as an adult. I also don't like the idea of forcing an "official" English policy, although I don't think that other than emergency services, the government should provide anything in Spanish, because human nature dictates that if one doesn't have to learn a foreign language, most likely they won't.
After witnessing the emotion-driven arguments of the so-called "experts" in the school system who advocate for "bilingual education" I wonder if there is perhaps, a financial stipend for the continuation of these programs, or, as the woman suggested, maybe benevolent racism is at the core of their beliefs, seeing people south of the border as simple-minded Beasts Of Burden put on this planet to "do the work Americans won't do" (translation: exploiting cheap labor and getting around labor laws)
Finally, I think of the Spanish saying "saber es poder" which roughly translates to "knowledge is power" and in that context I think of how the slave-owning caste system in the U.S. made it a crime to teach a slave how to read and write because they knew that literacy (again think back to the Jews who succeeded despite rampant anti-semitism in the U.S. and abroad) would be a powerful weapon. Think of how much of a disadvantage a person is facing if they cannot read or write, but imagine how much worse it is if they cannot even verbally communicate in the language of the land?
I did not hear one argument that made any sense on behalf of the entrenched programs, which clearly prevented both students and parents from progressing socio-economically.
Rather than totally disband USAID I would have preferred they eliminate the wasteful spending. The largest percentage of its funds, 16 billion, went to Ukraine for humane assistance. I’m sure the person most pleased with a total shutdown is Vladimir Putin.
This is a good a place as any to share the piece from Jerry Roberts' publication today: https://open.substack.com/pub/sbnewsmakers/p/a-guide-to-trumps-authoritarian-strategy?r=39sw54&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
He’s the ringleader of the nitwit journalists writing the false narrative of this community
Victoria, be afraid. Be very afraid. The Jerry Roberts zombie army has you.
Polly, reading different viewpoints and not just listening to echo chambers of your current thinking is the best way not to become a zombie.
I read it Thomas John. I read many different viewpoints. So … what exactly are you criticizing me for?
No critique. And happy you're not a zombie.
Victoria, I’m not sure if you posted this article as a joke but if so, ha ha. If not, and you do actually believe the nonsensical rantings of this clown you referred us to then your hopeless, and I am no longer laughing with you but at you. Either way
🤣
Who? Garbage peddler, Jerry Roberts? Remind us again Victoria, why was Roberts let go from the SBNP, something about material on his work PC?
Excellent documentary that touches upon this subject:
https://youtu.be/hXb53q_kDfc?feature=shared
You’re kidding, right? To suggest that there’s some kind of right wing conspiracy to control the printed press is ridiculous. Just the opposite is true. What was the net effect of a bunch of nutty leftists causing a mutiny in the newsroom at the SBNP? The paper went bankrupt and many people lost their jobs and we as a community lost our only newspaper. I guess they showed us!
I’m the first to admit not being a fan of the former owner, but doesn’t she have a right to run her own company the way she sees fit? Soon-Shiong owner of the LA Times, Bezos with WAPO have no right to cover the news with their well known slant? Wait, isn’t Bezos just now changing the editorial page? I guess he sees the writing on the wall…too bad many failing liberal papers don’t.
LT - not sure getting let loose of SBNP is a black-eye on anyone's resume. Same with the Independent.
How much is Andy Caldwell getting paid? 150? 200k? I won't say it's garbage but is is partisan.
I don't believe Jerry is paid, other than the modest subscriptions to his Newsmakers blog. This is a personal crusade for him.
Mine was an objective response to the question. As one who has been called a "fascist" by Jerry, I am no apologist. I found his namecalling deeply and personally offensive. I expect better.
Ms. Adams, If MTG is leading anything, it’s a disaster waiting to happen. That woman has no brain cells. Also, don’t worry about dismantling education just start learning Russian.
OUr professors and teachers are almost exclusively woke leftists who hate America, the left knows if they can indoctrinate our kids, they will have all the votes in the future. Our Universities no longer teach how to critically think, only to obey. Home schooling never looked so good. Yes abolish the Dept of Education, or at least rename it so it shows its true purpose 'The Department of Indoctrination'
As for the Federal Department of Education, it was not enacted until the late 1970's, so we clearly survived without it, yet today we hear all about "low test scores" and so forth. Per "bilingual" education:
The "nativist" movement is based on the fact that many children--despite years of being in "bilingual education" programs, still were not English-proficient. Overreaction by some, perhaps, but it is a reaction to the utter lack of common sense by our education system/government, and/or the conscious effort to keep an entire demographic down, then of course they turn around and say it's because of "systemic racism", when in fact, the racism is on the part of those supporting these programs, whether or not they realize this. Please bear with me as I share my observations.
I remember two things from the late 1990's, (forgive my imperfect punctuation), one, reading in one of the mainstream Santa Barbara newspapers that there were eighth-grade students at Franklin school who despite being enrolled in that school since first grade, were STILL not English-proficient. The second thing was that I attended two school board meetings during that time period with an open mind, wanting to hear the side that supported bilingual education voice their views and here is what I observed: not one of the parents who spoke in favor of it even attempted to speak English, (enabled by the fact that everything is available in Spanish), and they were terrified by the idea of their kids being taken out of those programs, the fact that the translator the school hired made numerous mistakes, and those of us in the audience who were proficient in both languages corrected this person numerous times, and the self-loathing White teacher of one of the local schools literally comparing the ending of these programs to "Hitler's Final Solution". (I can think of 11 million people torture-murdered who might disagree, and how ironic that the Jews know that literacy and education are the key to battling antisemitic bigots). I also remember an old lady pointing out how when her father came to the U.S. from Germany, he was eight years old and had no English, but wasn't enabled by the patronizing programs we see for Spanish-speaking students, and she flat out said "what is it with you people (meaning the people who are in the education system who supports these programs, are you telling us that native Spanish speakers are not as smart as the rest of the immigrant groups?" (Or words to that effect) I saw all the arrogance, and self-righteousness of the teachers, self-loathing Whites, and Chicano "activists" drain from their beings. BOOM!
Back in 2014, I remember seeing at one of the polling places in Santa Barbara the bilingual signs, and when I read the Spanish, I was appalled at the numerous grammatical and spelling errors of that sign, but again, the goal--whether by design or default--is to keep people from learning English. I complained to the bigwigs at the courthouse about this, and the woman with whom I spoke was likewise appalled, and while I didn't get into the fact that I don't think spoon-feeding people in Spanish and treating them as if they are helpless children is a bad idea, I did get my point across that at least if they are going to print signs in Spanish, at least get someone who can write educated Spanish, and not the semi-literate Spanish I saw.
Finally, I agree that Americans should be exposed to foreign languages when they go to primary school, and in my case, my Spanish is self-taught as an adult. I also don't like the idea of forcing an "official" English policy, although I don't think that other than emergency services, the government should provide anything in Spanish, because human nature dictates that if one doesn't have to learn a foreign language, most likely they won't.
After witnessing the emotion-driven arguments of the so-called "experts" in the school system who advocate for "bilingual education" I wonder if there is perhaps, a financial stipend for the continuation of these programs, or, as the woman suggested, maybe benevolent racism is at the core of their beliefs, seeing people south of the border as simple-minded Beasts Of Burden put on this planet to "do the work Americans won't do" (translation: exploiting cheap labor and getting around labor laws)
Finally, I think of the Spanish saying "saber es poder" which roughly translates to "knowledge is power" and in that context I think of how the slave-owning caste system in the U.S. made it a crime to teach a slave how to read and write because they knew that literacy (again think back to the Jews who succeeded despite rampant anti-semitism in the U.S. and abroad) would be a powerful weapon. Think of how much of a disadvantage a person is facing if they cannot read or write, but imagine how much worse it is if they cannot even verbally communicate in the language of the land?
I did not hear one argument that made any sense on behalf of the entrenched "bilingual" programs, which clearly prevent both students and parents from progressing socio-economically.
With the invention of DOGE, the Feds won't waste IRS taxpayer money sent to corrupt states ... it's simply another source of corruption in the new eyes of the Feds. DOGE could enforce finance review as far down as county and city governments. Especially now with any government entity proven to be a probable place for corruption, sources of waste, inefficiency ... and all the other things we don't want to see in any government.
Longterm, DOGE might turn into an independent (non-political) organization, if that's possible. My concern is with another political party in power that could eliminate the DOGE department and corruption and waste return.
Glad to hear there is finally something we can coalesce behind S.2. You mentioned LGBTQ schools, what is that? Reading, writing and arithmetic is different for gay students?
I was wondering that as well. And what is the LGBTQ agenda in schools you mention?