Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Quick Thoughts On Last Week's News
I was really busy last week which kept me from commenting on a number of interesting news stories. Here is a quick summary of the stories I missed.
The Kentucky Public School System Is An Embarrassment
Last week we learned the following about our public school system.
More than half of Kentucky's public schools -- 594 of 1,157 -- achieved their two-year goals on statewide tests and are on track to meet their long-term proficiency goals, according to data being released today.
Yippee! 51.34% of our schools met their two year goals. You have got to be kidding me. How is this seen as anything other than a complete failure by our public education system? 51% is not even a passing score in school yet alone in the real world. If this were a private corporation, the entire executive leadership would be replaced and major changes would occur throughout the organization. Instead, we will get to hear platitudes about how we are at least moving in the right direction.
Completely unacceptable. The time has come for our public education sector to be treated like a private company. Let's fire those who aren't moving us forward and promote those who are. Unless we get serious, we will continue to enjoy an abysmal record in education.
Beshear - Politics as Usual Part 873
For some time we have noted that Beshear had no intention to fulfill his campaign promise to bring a new type of politics to Frankfort. Instead it has been more of the old way of doing business. Well, we have yet another story about how he is taking care of his own. His own Democratic party.
In 2007, gubernatorial candidate Steve Beshear criticized incumbent Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher for combining official and political travel while using state resources.... But Tuesday, Governor Beshear handed out checks in Barren County and attended a regional economic development meeting, with Democratic state Senate candidate Steve Newberry at his side, and then attended a private fundraiser for Newberry.
There is very little new to say about this issue. I just wanted to document this indiscretion so we can have a complete list of his political record in 3 years.
Let the Democratic Blood Bath In the House Begin
It is now official. Stumbo has made an official announcement that he is taking on Comrade Richards for Speaker of the House. Richards countered Stumbo's announcement by saying he has enough support to keep his position. I believe that Richards, right now, probably does have enough votes to win the race. But as Stumbo starts putting pressure on him, I wonder if Richards will be able to keep enough votes to win. I can't imagine that Stumbo entered the race if he didn't think he had a good chance of picking off enough votes to win.
Regardless, it will be entertaining to watch. What will Stumbo do if he loses the race? I can't imagine he will be another back bencher. I am sure he will try to position himself for another leadership run. If Comrade Richards loses, will he and his allies try to sabotage Stumbo's term? Will Beshear lend his "golden touch" to the race? Pass the popcorn!
State's Financial Woes Were A Bit Overstated
Kentucky's revenues grew 8.7% in August. It looks like our economy this year appears to be stronger than the national average. I guess we no longer will hear about the economic doom that was created during Fletcher's term. I wonder if the current administration will apologize for their chicken little stance earlier this year. I doubt it. More likely we will be treated to stories about how remarkable the economy has done during the Beshear administration.
