Open Mike

[Ventura Patriot]

  

By popular demand, we created this forum to cover almost any topic your heart desires.  The Forum name, "Open Mike" refers to the tradition that some comedy and music clubs have of offering all comers the opportunity to perform live impromptu at their establishments, with any material they come up with that is consistent with the theme and policies of that organization (in our case, the Mission statement in "Read Me" section), We'll even consider stuff not consistent, if you can persuade us that changes are needed.

 

Note to readers/posters: Reader comments are in chronological, indented sequence, with the newest ones on the higher-numbered pages below.  You must be registered on this site to post. You may have to scroll/page down to get to where you want to be. 

 

[Don W]

Download a copy of the Student Privacy Protection Request form

Opt-Out of Common Core Common Core State Standards Form for Parents

Common Core State Standards a Threat to Personal Liberty — Thomas More Law Center Develops Opt-Out Form for Parents

Amidst growing concerns from parents and teachers surrounding the Common Core State Standards and the Federal government’s control of classroom curriculum, the Thomas More Law Center (TMLC) has prepared a Student Privacy Protection Request form for use by parents who wish to protect their children by opting-out of Common Core aligned curricula, data mining and the release of information concerning their children’s personal beliefs.

The Thomas More Law Center (TMLC), a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, MI, designed the comprehensive opt-out form for parents concerned about Common Core and who want to protect their children’s privacy from educational data mining. The form allows parents to choose which Common Core State Standards and data driven practices they do not want their children to be a part of, including standardized testing.

Click here to download a copy of the Student Privacy Protection Req...

 The form allows parents to opt-out of sharing their child’s information with the federal government, as well as outside agencies and private contractors. Information which parents can opt-out of sharing ranges from test scores and religious and political beliefs, to biographic, biometric, and psychometric data, such as fingerprints, DNA and information related to children’s personality and aptitude.

Richard Thompson, TMLC President and Chief Counsel, commented, “The opt-out form is based on the constitutionally recognized fundamental right of parents to direct the education of their children and on federal statutes which were designed to protect student privacy.  Our Founding Fathers recognized the dangers to our freedoms posed by centralized control over public education.  However, today, all but a handful of state governments, enticed by millions of dollars in federal grants, are voluntarily inviting the federal government to take control of our public schools, imposing untested educational standards and obtaining personal information on children and their parents which would make any totalitarian government blush with envy.   We must ever keep in mind, ‘The philosophy of the classroom in one generation will become the philosophy of the government in the next.’ Clearly, Common Core is a threat to individual privacy and liberty, and to our Constitutional Republic.” 

Religious and private school educators have also criticized Common Core. In a statement the Cardinal Newman Society, an organization dedicated to the defense and promotion of faithful Catholic education said, “This school reform effort is nothing short of a revolution in how education is provided, relying on a technocratic, top-down approach to setting national standards that, despite claims to the contrary, will drive curricula, teaching texts, and the content of standardized tests.  At its heart, the Common Core is a woefully inadequate set of standards in that it limits the understanding of education to a utilitarian ‘readiness for work’ mentality.” 

Political Commentators Glenn Beck and Michelle Malkin have repeatedly reported on the dangers and horrors of Common Core, with Malkin saying, “It’s about control, control and more control.”

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) were developed under the supervision of the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to ensure that education and educational outcomes were consistent across the United States. The CCSS provides a set of standards they claim are “essential, rigorous, clear and specific, coherent, and internationally benchmarked.” 

However, the CCSS have come under heavy fire since the beginning for a variety of grievances including: incomprehensible, political and inappropriate assignments; costly ties to big corporations; in-test advertising; the elimination of locally appropriate standards; and the emphasis placed on standardized testing.

In addition, with the implementation of the Common Core State Standards, whose educational value has not been demonstrated, also comes an alarming explosion of data mining within the classroom.  Student data are stored in databases designed to follow students from their entry into schools in pre-Kindergarten up through their entry into the workforce. These databases, through a complicated network of contracts and agreements, can then be shared with the federal government, contractors, researchers and other outside agencies. Testing corporations can then analyze the test data, produce recommendations for how to “remediate” student weaknesses, and then sell that information back to states and school districts.

These state databases, often referred to as P-20 systems, like Common Core are tied to federal funding, through the 2009 Federal Stimulus package and Race to the Top waivers, and in some instances can contain over 400 individual data points per student including health-care histories, income information, religious affiliations, voting status, blood type, likes and dislikes and homework completion. The data is then available to numerous public agencies. Despite federal student privacy protections guaranteed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the administration is paving the way for private entities to buy the data while the U.S. Department of Education is encouraging the shift from aggregate data collection to individual student data collection.

As a result of concerns expressed by a Michigan member of the TMLC regarding Common Core in March 2014, the Law Center began its study of the issues regarding the Common Core Standards.  The Student Privacy Protection Opt-Out Request was designed by the Thomas More Law Center as a result of that study.  It is available as a general reference and guide for all concerned parents.  However, each state has different laws that may impact educational issues differently.  Therefore, if parents are dealing with schools outside of the state of Michigan, it is important that they consult with a licensed attorney in their state for additional review and modifications of the opt-out form to comport with the laws of their respective states. 

 Additional Resources

Virginia Free Citizen Series on Common Core

Instructions and Information for Using the Student Privacy Protecti...

The Common Core: A Poor Choice for States – The Heartland Institute

Common Core Issues – Home School Legal Defense Association

Common Core: What’s Behind the Language – Rachel Alexander

Common Core – The Eagle Forum

10 Facts Every Catholic Should Know About the Common Core – Cardinal Newman Society

[Ventura Patriot]

We have a form specifically designed for California:

http://venturacountyteaparty.ning.com/profiles/blogs/common-core-op...

[Don W]

California form:

http://www.concernedparentsofcalifornia.com/Images/CommonCoreOptOut...

[Ventura Patriot]

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[Ventura Patriot]

Pentagon, Friday September 18. 2014 - After Action Report

From: hokahey

Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2014 9:56 PM

Subject: Pentagon, Friday September 18. 2014 - After Action Report

 

Brothers & Sisters,

Yesterday I attended the annual POW-MIA Recognition Day Ceremony

held at the River Terrace Pentagon Parade Field to honor our prisoners 

of war and missing in action. I receive from the Secretary of Defense

an invitation to attend every year and every year I make an effort to 

let our military leaders know that we are not only concerned about our

POW-MIAs.  I also know that this ceremony is just an effort to make the

unknowing public think that our leaders are really concerned about the

fate of our prisoners of war and missing in action.

 

This year, because our nation is facing severe terrorist threats, I decided

to prepare information packets to present to as many attendees among 

our senior military leaders as well as to Secretary Hagel.  The packets included

the recent memo to all Coalition member organizations which most of you received in the mail.

a copy of the latest message on the Chairmans' TOC regarding 9/11, the postcard of the

photo I had taken on 9/11 attached to which was a 'Rock the Casbah' sticker (attached),

the Molon Labe, Second Amendment memo and a reservation form to the Coalition's leadership Luncheon.

 

I was honored to have been accompanied by my dear friends, Father Alister Anderson, Coalition Chaplain Col USA ret. who is not only a Vietnam vet but also a World War II Navy veteran, 

and Col. Terrence McClain, Col USA ret. Vietnam veteran.  Besides attending the ceremony

which included speeches by the Vice Chairman JCS, Secretary Hagel and Senator Max Clelland,

the was a parade representing the honor and color guards of all branches of the US Armed Forces 

about 250 in total.  

 

As stated, our objective was to circulate information packets to senior military officials.

We positioned ourselves along the exit corridor through which all had to egress.

Many of the guests and spectators were ushered out but we remained behind thanks to 

the deference of our usher to the colonels, Father Alister was in in dress greens.

Accordingly, we were able to intercept all the dignitaries as they left. We all

exchanged greetings and pleasantries, in the little time we had, and to each of the 

senior military (major general and above) we present with the above information 

packet.   I think we also gave a packet to General Odierno. In addition, I presented

a packet to a senior Russian general who indicated that he knew General Shimanov,

'the Butcher of Chechnya.  I that he convey my regards to the general and my 

sentiments regarding Muslims which, of course, were part of the packet.  Shortly

thereafter, we were greeted by fellow Vietnam veteran, and former Senator, Max Celland 

who seemed very happy to see us and we gave him a packet.  Finally, Secretary Hagel 

was leaving the area ans was stopped to greet us as fellow Vietnam veterans.  Not only

was Secretary Hagel presented with a packet, I also gave him a copy of Robert Spencer's

Arab Winter Comes to America.  He looked at the title and graciously accepted the book.

At that point, as I promised Artie Muller I would do, I reminded Secretary Hagel that we 

were very concerned about Sgt. Tammorisi, USMC. Secretary Hagel nodded shook my hand

and we exchanged farewell pleasantries.  At that point, we were escorted to the shuttle bus

for the Pentagon parking lot.  Father Alister. Col. McClain and I were quite pleased in that

we realized that our mission had been accomplished.  Those who received these packets,

including the Secretary, have been made aware of our concerns and we shall stand

up for our nation our rights and our freedom.  And if they want to know more they can

attend the Coalition's Veterans Leadership Luncheon.

 

In light of what has been occurring in Australia,  the information being circulated about 

the presence of ISIS in America and the pro terrorist exhibits during the Muslim day 

Parade in New York last Sunday, we had better be prepared and warn our friends and 

our families.  This is not meant to alarm them but to make them aware.  We should

also be cognizant of each and every one of those cretins who portrayed terrorists

at the parade, should Muslim terrorists harm any Americans, those bastards had better find

a place to find in the New York sewer system, where they belong.

 

John J. Molloy, OSJ

Chairman

National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition

 

Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
-Isaiah 6:8

[Don W]

Ted Cruz tops Values Voter Summit presidential straw poll for second year running

By Sebastian Payne September 27 at 5:03 PM

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) delivers his remarks at the morning plenary session of the Values Voter Summit in Washington September 26, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) has come in first in the Values Voter Summit presidential straw poll for the second year running. Receiving 25 percent of the votes cast, down from 42 percent in 2013, Cruz was the favorite for the 2016 Republican president nomination among the 2,000 social conservatives activists at the conference.

Dr. Ben Carson, the former neurosurgeon, was second in the poll with 20 percent of the vote, up from 13 percent last year, while former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee came in third with 12 percent. Other speakers at this year's summit include Rick Santorum, who was fourth with 10 percent, and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, fifth with 7 percent.

One name often mentioned for 2016 fared less well amongst social conservatives. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who spoke after Cruz on Saturday with a more measured address, came in sixth — 7 percent chose Paul. In his speech, Paul attempted to show his pro-life and religious liberty credentials but many values voters appear to remain unconvinced.

Carson topped the vice presidential poll with 22 percent, while Cruz was second with 14 percent and Jindal third with 11 percent. The Republican Leadership Conference also put Cruz first and Carson second in a straw poll earlier this year — raising the prospect of social conservatives backing a Cruz-Carson ticket in 2016.

Tony Perkins, the president of the Family Research Council Action which sponsored the annual conference, said that values voters are looking for leaders who “say what they mean and mean what they say.”

“They are looking for leaders who will take clear, unequivocal stands on the challenges facing our nation, not nuanced politically correct speeches. This is evidenced by those who finished top of this year’s straw poll,” he said in a statement.

Cruz’s vigorous speech to the summit has raised his standing amongst some activists. He warned the crowdthat  we are living in “dangerous, extreme, radical times,” and dubbed Democrats “an extreme, radical party.”

Stephen Jones, a retired accountant from Miami Beach, Fla. said, “I came here thinking I’d vote for Carson until I heard Cruz yesterday. I liked his passion. I felt he was the more spirited candidate.”

His sister Lavinia Griffin, a retired nurse, described Cruz as "passionate." "I felt we need someone who is really going to be able to portray what’s important with some strength. After hearing him yesterday, that’s what persuaded me.”

Sebastian Payne is a national reporter with The Washington Post. He is the Post’s 35th Laurence Stern fellow.

[Ventura Patriot]

Too bad he's not eligible.  He will split the party if he tries and use up a lot of good will.

[Don W]

Average Time Spent Calling Voters MoveOn members in Ventura: 71 min. You: 0 min. Can you sign up to attend a GOTV call party in Ojai on Sunday to make sure progressives show up to vote on Election Day? Yes, I'll Sign Up!

Dear MoveOn member,

I don't need to tell you that this election is a toss-up, that time is short, or that control of the Senate is at stake—and what a disaster it would be if Republicans took the majority.

You already know all this. After all, you're reading this email.

You might be thinking, "You're preaching to the choir."

You're right: You—as a MoveOn member reading this email—are among the most passionate progressives in the country. I'm not worried whether you'll turn out.

I'm worried about the millions of Obama Democrats who don't plan to vote on November 4—voters who elected the president in 2008 and 2012 but sat out in 2010, when the Tea Party swept into power. They may decide control of the Senate—and we need your help getting them to the polls.

Click here to sign up to attend a get-out-the-vote call party in Oj...

Or click here if you'd like to sign up to call voters from home.

If we can get these "drop-off" voters to the polls, we can win. In the key states that will determine control of the Senate, a few thousand votes—a few thousand people—will make the difference. Polls have been swinging back and forth in Iowa, Colorado, North Carolina, and other close races. In the end, it all comes down to turnout.

I can't reach all those Democratic voters with this email, nor convince them to come out and vote. But MoveOn members can mobilize them with our Voters Rising campaign.

And that's where you come in. This campaign is ambitious and effective—through a combination of technology and targeting, MoveOn members are making calls six times as effective as the calls we made in 2012. And we know that person-to-person contact is the only way to cut through the campaign noise and overcome the Republican Money Machine.

The program is in place. Now, we just need to make the calls. Will you join the all-hands-on-deck effort to get out the progressive vote? The best way to do it is together with other MoveOn members at a call party near you. 

Yes, I'll sign up to talk to voters at a call party in Ojai!

No, I can't make the call party but I'll sign up to call voters fro...

You know, there's a reason why preachers preach to the choir every week: Because it works.

So, yes, I'm preaching to the choir—for the same reasons preachers do: We want to hear that choir sing. 

If you're ready, it's time to sing out!

Count me in—I'll sign up to help turn out voters by Election Day at...

I can't make the call party but count me in to call voters from home.

When MoveOn members take action together, amazing things can happen—like saving America from a Republican takeover of the Senate.

Thanks for all you do.

–Matt, Ben O., Joan, Mark, and the rest of the team

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Start a monthly donation here or chip in a one-time donation here.

---

PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

And this is what they up to.

Don W.

[Ventura Patriot]

This would be more visible if you posted it as blog, Don.

[Ventura Patriot]

Is the "New World Order" real?  wooooo-woooooo!

A liberal troll on the CA Republican site claimed NWo was a "conspiracy theory." So, in the public interest, we provide these quotes which show otherwise.

http://endtimesprophecyreport.wordpress.com/2013/06/05/new-world-or...

[Don W]

[Ventura Patriot]

Still ineligible. Born in a foreign country to a foreign father. He might have been eligible to be naturalized as a Citizen, but NEVER a natural born Citizen.