Hi all,
I'm having a discussion with a friend and I need some help with a talking point. Two weeks ago, I wouldn't have bet a cent on being able to make any headway with her. She's smart and well informed, but still buys into the myth of republican fiscal and security strength. But between Obama's speech last week (I told her I would watch McCain's if she would watch Obama's) and the Palin pick, I think I might finally see some wiggle room in her thinking. Anyway she follows the independent4mccain blog and sent me a link that I need help rebutting. They are below the fold...
independent4mccain
Here is the one that concerns her. She points to this to say that Barack is a politician like any other politician. I know he's not, but he already has my vote. I want him to get hers. What should I respond to give her the real information about this issue. Does anyone know? I'll google it as well, but I thought someone here might know the issues and story. Thanks in advance!
In 2007, Obama proudly accepted the endorsement of the Chicago Teachers Union and used this endorsement to justify his educational reform agenda. What he did not disclose was the CTU’s inexcusable handling of Chicago’s school crisis. Chicago’s public schools send students home after only 5 hours and 45 minutes each day due to budget shorfalls. Only 54 percent of high school freshmen graduate, and only 6 percent will earn a college degree. Nearly 70 percent of Chicago students fall below state testing standards. Yet, Chicago’s teachers haul in over $80,000 per year, and the CTU has indignantly opposed extending the school day. In his years as an Illinois state senator, as well as his US Senate career, Obama has never attempted to address the problem in his home state, and has never taken a position that placed him at odds with the CTU. To do so would risk losing the backing of this imporant lobby, so he continues to play old-style Chicago politics, once again. That is not putting education first. That’s putting politics first.
By the way, most of the stuff on that link she doesn't buy into, but this one 'concerned' her. Thanks in advance for your help!
Lisa