As a former high school dropout, I was originally writing in the process of writing a short diary to bring forth a statement from John Edwards regarding the epidemic of high school dropouts and his proposal about what to do, Second Chance Schools.
Here is his statement in brief:
Our failure to help all of our children finish high school is shocking. As many as one-third of all students drop out of school, and the rates are even worse for poor and minority students. At nearly 1,000 high schools, students have less than an even chance of graduating. Most of these students quickly regret it.
America is about second chances. As president, I will create second-chance schools to help former dropouts get back on track with one-on-one attention and a chance to earn a diploma at night or at a local community college. I will also invest in expanding preschool programs, attracting and paying excellent teachers, and making college more affordable.
http://johnedwards.com/...
This proposal education certainly complements other Edwards's proposals, such as providing universal health care, a working society, and changing patterns in housing that lead to segregation and disparrity of economic and other opportunities. He addresses real issues and problems facing the powerless and average Americans. He provides common sense solutions that will better the lives of many people. He understands the burdens that they face. The investments he calls for will have long term benefits to society. Education is a key to American prosperity. Kudos to Edwards for this.
While in the process of writing the above, however, something else popped up, something just as important to me.
To backtrack, here is some context:
A recent Newsweek poll showing Democrat Barack Obama leading top Republican presidential hopefuls could have been made up and might help al-Qaida, conservative commentator Ann Coulter said in her latest verbal broadside.
Coulter, a best-selling author known for outrageous and often controversial statements, was asked Sunday on Fox News' "At Large" what she thought about the survey results.
"I think this is Newsweek doing more push polling for al-Qaida," she said, referring to campaign-season telephone calls to voters masquerading as neutral surveys but designed to build opposition to targeted candidates.
Asked by host Geraldo Rivera whether she thought Newsweek would make up the results, Coulter said, "Yes, I do," adding, "In polls where people are actually allowed to vote, Republicans do a lot better."
http://www.breitbart.com/...
So here's what John Edwards has to say:
Just when we thought Ann Coulter couldn't take the politics of personal destruction any lower, she proved us wrong. Her outrageous comments are inexcusable and should not be tolerated in the public dialogue.
This is the latest example of how the political doctrine of Bush's Global War on Terror has created a climate where people think it's okay to use the threat of terrorism as a guise for hateful political attacks. There is no superior 'Republican' way to fight terrorism. The exercise of raw power alone does not make you a world leader, and will not make us secure. Our capacity to lead requires that we be strong - and that we have the moral authority to do it.
http://johnedwards.com/...
On April 18th, Edwards spoke about intolerance at the National Action Network Convention's "Keepers of the Dream Dinner."
Here are some of his words:
"Tonight, I want to talk about intolerance and inequality and the insidious way they feed on each other, hurting not only the people and groups they target, but all of us and the future of our country.
"We've obviously heard a lot about this lately thanks to the repugnant remarks of one broadcaster on the radio and television last week.
"I find it astonishing that there was even a debate over whether Don Imus' comments crossed the line. And I know I don't have to tell anybody here: Don Imus' comments didn't just cross the line. They defined the line that divides this country like the blade of a knife.
"There can be no debate over how much bigotry is too much bigotry. Any bigotry is too much.
"There can be no question of how much intolerance this country can tolerate; we have already tolerated its effects for far too long.
"And let's be crystal clear: Intolerance affects everything, starting with our economy and ending with our ability to lead at a time of massive global change and new threats to our security.
http://johnedwards.com/...
On May 4th, Edwards said the following regarding passage of the Hate Crimes Bill in the House of Representatives:
"As Americans, we should mourn the need for hate crimes legislation, just as we lament the fact that 25 Americans are victims of hate crimes every day. Yet today, we should also applaud the House of Representatives for taking an important and historic step in helping law enforcement ensure that all Americans have the same protections from hate crimes.
"Today, the House showed in an overwhelming vote, that it will not tolerate discrimination of any form, when it strengthened the ability of law enforcement to investigate and prosecute hate crimes based on race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity. President Bush should back down from his wrong-headed veto threat and work with Congress to enact this important legislation to show that Americans will not tolerate hate crimes of any kind."
http://johnedwards.com/...
Edwards's statements regarding Coulter's hate speech is yet another example of his greater his message against intolerance in an American society where diversity is what makes us strong. It's always the right time to confront the hate mongers and bigots. It's always the right time to call out the tactics they use to maintain power. Using fear and innuendo to cast aspersions about others and create division is over the line. There's no way Coulter or those she supports could win on the up and up. We must be intolerant of intolerance.
Kudos to Edwards for speaking out in support of a competitor against intolerance and the hate of Ann Coulter and the sleazy way her side operates.