Betsy Devos....probably going to need her own thread. (1 Viewer)

[Coeur de Lion]

I never said she was a good person.  Hell, I started the thread on how bad she is.  

 

[jamny]

I defer to teachers and parents that I know who are involved with their children's education and not one of them, Democrat or Republican, liked this pick.

 

[Sabertooth]

I defer to teachers and parents that I know who are involved with their children's education and not one of them, Democrat or Republican, liked this pick.

They need to be on the phone with their representatives.  They won't.  They'll just post memes on facebook and take it.  

 

[jamny]

They need to be on the phone with their representatives.  They won't.  They'll just post memes on facebook and take it.  

Not true. There are two in particular that have posted phone numbers to call and voice your objection to the nomination before the vote.

 

[Sabertooth]

Not true. There are two in particular that have posted phone numbers to call and voice your objection to the nomination before the vote.

Awesome.  I hope more follow suit.  

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

She's not a repugnant slimebag.  She's a privileged billionaire who has no background or experience with public education, and is totally unqualified for the position.  Frankly, because she is not a slimebag, I can't fathom why she would be willing to work for the Trump administration.  Her faith and values should cause her to pull back, and I'll be extremely disappointed if she doesn't do so.

An Amway billionaire who is anti-public school, pro-religion in public school, anti-gay, and who believes these things while purchasing her way into heading up the DOE with having no public school experience so she can forward her agenda is absolutely a repugnant slimebag, and I don't care if she has a big house or fancy clothes you can be a repugnant slimebag anyway, and she definitely fits the bill. She can keep the hell away from my school district and she can have a nice day.

 

[Apple Jack]

###king republicans. Its like you hate our country and that includes our children, so long as your team wins or you at least get to upset the other side.

Devos literally knows nothing about education or the education system, she proved that in her hearing.   jfc

I'd be surprised if she can spell public education.

 

[Sammy3469]

An Amway billionaire who is anti-public school, pro-religion in public school, anti-gay, and who believes these things while purchasing her way into heading up the DOE with having no public school experience so she can forward her agenda is absolutely a repugnant slimebag, and I don't care if she has a big house or fancy clothes you can be a repugnant slimebag anyway, and she definitely fits the bill. She can keep the hell away from my school district and she can have a nice day.

Don't forget that her policies she advocated for in MI have made MI schools test scores pretty terrible.

 

[Apple Jack]

Pouring money into organizations that promote "conversion therapy" for gay kids is absolutely repugnant. She's also perched atop the Amway pyramid benefitting heavily from that company conning desperate rubes out of money that they can't afford to spend. She's no saint, guy.

A repugnant dip#### big on conning rubes...hmm...sounds vaguely familiar.

 

[Don Quixote]

Susan Collins said she will vote No on DeVos.

 

[ZenMaster]

If you don't want to call here's a free fax service. https://faxzero.com/fax_senate.php

All you have to say is something like: Hello, my name is _____, one of your constituents in Your City, Your State, ZIP Code and I don't need a response to this fax. I am sending this fax to voice my opposition to the nomination of Betsy DeVos to the position of Secretary of Education and hope that you will vote accordingly. Thank you for your time."

Awesome. Just sent faxes to both of my Senators.

 

[Don Quixote]

Susan Collins said she will vote No on DeVos.

Whoa, and Murkowski just announced a no vote too.  One vote away from sinking.

Finish her, Heller.

 

[Reg Lllama of Brixton]

I defer to teachers and parents that I know who are involved with their children's education and not one of them, Democrat or Republican, liked this pick.

I teach in a very conservative school district in a very conservative city.  I haven't heard one person anything positive about Devos.  

 

[glvsav37]

Whoa, and Murkowski just announced a no vote too.  One vote away from sinking.

Finish her, Heller.

when is the final vote? and is there master list of who/who is not voting fro her? I think a full fledged call campaign is in order.

 

[Don Quixote]

when is the final vote? and is there master list of who/who is not voting fro her? I think a full fledged call campaign is in order.

I don't know when the vote is.

Collins and Murkowski are the only GOP to say they will vote "no" so far. You can assume all Democrats are "no's" too. 

 

[Buckfast 1]

People seem to think the most likely remaining GOP swing votes against DeVos are Heller (NV), Portman (OH), Toomey (PA), and Flake (AZ).  Hit up their offices if you can.  

 

[tri-man 47]

An Amway billionaire who is anti-public school, pro-religion in public school, anti-gay, and who believes these things while purchasing her way into heading up the DOE with having no public school experience so she can forward her agenda is absolutely a repugnant slimebag, and I don't care if she has a big house or fancy clothes you can be a repugnant slimebag anyway, and she definitely fits the bill. She can keep the hell away from my school district and she can have a nice day.

Well when you put it like that.    I'll grant you guys the adjective, but given my college friendship with her (and childhood friendship with her husband), I'll still object to the noun.

And Sabertooth, she did come from money herself and then married **** DeVos, son of Amway co-founder Rich DeVos (as 3 C's stated).  **** only spent a bit of time at Amway.  Steve VanAndel (same age as DeVos and I) is current Chairman of the company.

And I do hope she does not get confirmed, given her lack of qualifications.

 

[joffer]

People seem to think the most likely remaining GOP swing votes against DeVos are Heller (NV), Portman (OH), Toomey (PA), and Flake (AZ).  Hit up their offices if you can.  

Cmon ####ers, grow a spine

 

[joffer]

Then again, I'm sure cheetoh could find someone worse

 

[jamny]

Then again, I'm sure cheetoh could find someone worse

I know she's controversial but what do people think about Michelle Rhee? I know she had some scandals regarding faked test scores although I'm not sure how that ended up. I've seen stories about her over the years and have been impressed. I think she was an early Trump interview for the position but turned it down.

I'm expecting a few "F her!" replies.

 

[Sabertooth]

Then again, I'm sure cheetoh could find someone worse

Stone Cold Steve Austin maybe? 

 

[Sammy3469]

Stone Cold Steve Austin maybe? 

Jerry Falwell Jr?

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

Well when you put it like that.    I'll grant you guys the adjective, but given my college friendship with her (and childhood friendship with her husband), I'll still object to the noun.

And Sabertooth, she did come from money herself and then married **** DeVos, son of Amway co-founder Rich DeVos (as 3 C's stated).  **** only spent a bit of time at Amway.  Steve VanAndel (same age as DeVos and I) is current Chairman of the company.

And I do hope she does not get confirmed, given her lack of qualifications.

Understood. Non-politically, she seems well-meaning in her way, but it's really at the expense of some narrow minded viewpoints and the MLM-pyramid money that stinks about her in the worst way. She's probably pleasant enough in person, and I do hope she has a good day in a genuine way.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

I know she's controversial but what do people think about Michelle Rhee? I know she had some scandals regarding faked test scores although I'm not sure how that ended up. I've seen stories about her over the years and have been impressed. I think she was an early Trump interview for the position but turned it down.

I'm expecting a few "F her!" replies.

She removed herself from consideration already. 

She is also incredibly more qualified then DeVos though. That would come with anyone who has a real history within the education system though.

Oh and Kevin Johnson on the assist!

 

[The Football Freak]

The top two Senators have already said they will vote against DeVos. Calling them can't hurt, though. Just to make sure. Toomey may be the best shot among the other three options to block her, but all three have been targeted as "possibilities."

Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)
@SenatorCollins
DC: 202-224-2523
ME: 207-622-8414

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
@lisamurkowski
DC: 202-224-6665
AK: 907-456-0233
907-586-7277
907-376-7665
907-225-6880

Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) 
@SenToomey
Allentown office: 610-434-1444. 
Philadelphia office: 215-241-1090. 

Senator Richard Burr (R-NC)
@SenatorBurr
DC: 202-224-3154
NC: 336-631-5125

Senator Tim Scott (R-SC)
@SenatorTimScott
DC: 202-224-6121
SC: 803-771-6112

 

[The Football Freak]

Almost forgot to add the other Senator from Alaska.  He could possibly vote with Sen Murkowski.

Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) @SenDanSullivan
DC (202)-224-3004
Anchorage (907) 271-5915

 

[3C's]

If they fast track Sessions and he's confirmed don't they lose an (R) vote?

 

[saintfool]

I know she's controversial but what do people think about Michelle Rhee? I know she had some scandals regarding faked test scores although I'm not sure how that ended up. I've seen stories about her over the years and have been impressed. I think she was an early Trump interview for the position but turned it down.

I'm expecting a few "F her!" replies.

i don't mind Rhee. She's a bit of a grandstander but she's at least got experience. She's taught, worked at the district level, and outside of it. She's passionate about public education at least. 

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

So let me get this straight... DeVos has no real experience in education, didn't seem to understand the basics of how education works in her confirmation hearing, copied her homework for the written part of the confirmation.... and the Senate is currently 50-50 on her?  

What more would it take for some to change their mind and reject her?

 

[saintfool]

So let me get this straight... DeVos has no real experience in education, didn't seem to understand the basics of how education works in her confirmation hearing, copied her homework for the written part of the confirmation.... and the Senate is currently 50-50 on her?  

What more would it take for some to change their mind and reject her?

lesbian maybe? 

 

[joffer]

So let me get this straight... DeVos has no real experience in education, didn't seem to understand the basics of how education works in her confirmation hearing, copied her homework for the written part of the confirmation.... and the Senate is currently 50-50 on her?  

What more would it take for some to change their mind and reject her?

Enough of your mass hysteria!!!!!!

 

[rascal]

The top two Senators have already said they will vote against DeVos. Calling them can't hurt, though. Just to make sure. Toomey may be the best shot among the other three options to block her, but all three have been targeted as "possibilities."

Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)
@SenatorCollins
DC: 202-224-2523
ME: 207-622-8414

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
@lisamurkowski
DC: 202-224-6665
AK: 907-456-0233
907-586-7277
907-376-7665
907-225-6880

Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) 
@SenToomey
Allentown office: 610-434-1444. 
Philadelphia office: 215-241-1090. 

Senator Richard Burr (R-NC)
@SenatorBurr
DC: 202-224-3154
NC: 336-631-5125

Senator Tim Scott (R-SC)
@SenatorTimScott
DC: 202-224-6121
SC: 803-771-6112

FWIW, I called both of my senators (Oklahoma) and asked them to vote against her.  I'm sure it won't do anything, but it can't hurt.

 

[joffer]

FWIW, I called both of my senators (Oklahoma) and asked them to vote against her.  I'm sure it won't do anything, but it can't hurt.

"Snowball" Inhofe

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

Sen Jerry Moran (R-KS) has expressed concerns about DeVos.

202-224-6521

(DeVos's policies will be terrible all-around, but especially destructive in low-population-density areas that have strong schools.)

The other KS Senator, Pat Roberts, is a lost cause.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

Moran's DC number voicemail box is full.  Here are the numbers for his state offices in Kansas:

Olathe: (913) 393-0711 
Wichita: (316) 631-1410
Pittsburg: (620) 232-2286
Hays: (785) 628-6401
Manhattan: (785) 539-8973

Form to e-mail Moran

 

[Sinn Fein]

So let me get this straight... DeVos has no real experience in education, didn't seem to understand the basics of how education works in her confirmation hearing, copied her homework for the written part of the confirmation.... and the Senate is currently 50-50 on her?  

What more would it take for some to change their mind and reject her?

She was secretly a Democrat

 

[cockroach]

Sen Jerry Moran (R-KS) has expressed concerns about DeVos.

Send him this:

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EKurxTYpVo0/hqdefault.jpg

 

[Ilov80s]

I know she's controversial but what do people think about Michelle Rhee? I know she had some scandals regarding faked test scores although I'm not sure how that ended up. I've seen stories about her over the years and have been impressed. I think she was an early Trump interview for the position but turned it down.

I'm expecting a few "F her!" replies.

Another Michigander. She's ok. Certainly better than Devos, but cut from the same cloth: anti-teachers union, treat schools like a business, free markets will fix everything. There's a lot of wealthy/educated members of "high society" that think they can fix all the problems for our poor minority kids with the right data and markets. They just don't get it. Data and markets are great, but:

1)Education has been greatly improving since the late 1800s and still is today. The system isn't broken. We should support the system and not be the hero that has the secret new plan. 

2) The schools and kids that are doing poorly are mostly doing so because of a deep fundamental problem with society and family, not the school. Just look at the environmental hazards that hurt kids in poor areas. 

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

Crap.

Moran caved.  He's gonna vote to confirm DeVos.  

ETA: still recommend contacting him.  

Fun story: one of the state offices of Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) is in Overland Park, a large suburb of Kansas City.  It's plopped right in the middle of one of the best public school districts in Kansas, two bordering school districts have national-quality public schools as well, AND the office happens to be across the street from a 20K-student community college.  

So many people came by Roberts's office today to protest DeVos and other confirmations, the office locked the doors and put up a standing threat to call the police on people who protested right outside the office.  Democracy at work. 

 

[The Football Freak]

FWIW, I called both of my senators (Oklahoma) and asked them to vote against her.  I'm sure it won't do anything, but it can't hurt.

Awesome. It certainly can't hurt.

The senators realize that they are getting lots of calls from out of state, so if anyone here is going to do that, they might take you more seriously if you picked a town/address.

Man, it would be great to get this one block. She could do a lot of damage.

 

[3C's]

I bet she would ban yoga pants. Call your senator now!

 

[massraider]

I bet she would ban yoga pants. Call your senator now!

I was in school once, and there was a grizzly bear in yoga pants right outside the window.  No AR-15 in sight.  It was pretty scary.  

 

[Random]

What do her supporters like about her?

 

[joffer]

What do her supporters like about her?

Have to ask Bannon.  Are there others?

 

[Joe Summer]

What do her supporters like about her?

She's going to make the Bible a textbook.

 

[Dickies]

What do her supporters like about her?

She is on their side?

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

I tweeted at Ivanka to ask them to reconsider Ms. Devos at DoE. Hopefully they see all the resistance and ask her to pull out behind the scenes.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

What do her supporters like about her?

Many of the 10% who send their kids to private schools would like a voucher system where the government helps offset the cost of private schooling.  It's free money from the government to help pay for something they were already doing.

A lot of people think teachers are lazy and overpaid because they get summers off.  DeVos as SoE will knock those uppity teachers down a peg or two.

Anti-union folk wouldn't mind teachers' unions getting busted in all of this.  In play under DeVos's leadership.

In general, weakening the education quality and access to the lower- and middle-class reduces the opportunity for social mobility.  The elite will stay the elite with fewer challenges.  Those who feel threatened by climbers will like DeVos's lack of devotion to families without giant gobs of money.

 

[jon_mx]

Why are people so spun up on this?  This was a fairly meaningless office until GW Bush came up with the No Child Left Behind thing and ballooned the office from $14 billion to about $60 billion.  At the time, most liberals spoke out against the No Child Left Behind.  It is still the smallest of cabinet offices and really has minimal impact on schools as most control of schools is at the local and state level.  I could not even name Obama's ED secretary, let alone anything that was accomplished by it. 

 

[Glass Joe]

Why are people so spun up on this?  This was a fairly meaningless office until GW Bush came up with the No Child Left Behind thing and ballooned the office from $14 billion to about $60 billion.  At the time, most liberals spoke out against the No Child Left Behind.  It is still the smallest of cabinet offices and really has minimal impact on schools as most control of schools is at the local and state level.  I could not even name Obama's ED secretary, let alone anything that was accomplished by it. 

So just ignore the nominee?