Re: James Meeks proposes kids skip 1st day of school

More | Report Post

I cannot believe some of the things I am reading. I cannot believe that
any sane person would think that having children skip school is an
appropriate or effective way to do anything except prove to those
children that their education is expendable. My Father made me go to
school sick or not with absolutely no consideration for politics.
Unless I had a note from a doctor my Father would make me go to school
and politics would absolutely not come in the way of my education.

If you are a teacher and feel that you are not getting enough support, I
can understand how that can be frustrating, but that's your job. Don't
like it, move somewhere that has more funds and fewer people.

If you are a parent and you feel your child is not getting enough of an
education due to the lacking resources, you're taking the easy way out.
Take it upon yourselves to raise and educate you children, it's
called "parenting". This is the city that you live in and you must cope
with that in one way or another. Please tell me, when you keep your
kids out of school, and the money that isn't available still doesn't
come, where will you be then??? Depending on how long this absurd plan
goes on, some of the teachers may have moved on and the system will be
even worse off. How about this, your kids will have missed out on
valuable class time letting them fall more behind. I repeat, if you're
not happy with you're child's educational progress, then take a direct
approach to teach him or her. Keeping your child home is easy. I'm
sure those people that will participate in this ridiculous proposal are
the types of parents to leave their children home with no supervision
anyway, or at least that's what people will believe.

I'm wondering how many times Meeks can refer to "black" and "brown" in
his hate speeches. Fine Meeks, you're right, the government and the
rest of the taxpayers just don't care. If that's really what you
believe then you need to step down off your pulpit and put a cork in
it. You’re not rallying support only stirring outrage. Nobody is
making the children use the "black bathrooms".

To you who said
"The plain truth is that Meeks is right. Why should we rush to
>> send our children to a district that is failing. If you are
>> indeed a cps teacher, you certainly are aware of the lie we
>> publish each year concern test score increases while we
>> consistently lower the pass rate."

First, the plain truth is that Meeks is a racist. Second, the plain
truth is if you keep your kids out of school they will get absolutely no
education except what they learn on the street. Third, the plain truth
is that some children somewhere are hitting test scores. It's the
parent's responsibility to raise their child, if they feel their child
is not getting enough, spend more time helping with homework. Parent
people, parent. Take responsibility for yourselves and your children.

I'm a fan of Obama telling parents to parent. I don't think what he
said was racist; it's realistic and long overdue. If anyone writes back
saying that Meeks isn't making this a race issue, you have issues. It's
not a black issue! The funding inequity you refer to is called "Cook
County". We don't have enough money to pay for the suffering public
transportation system, which, honestly is more important. Why you
say!?!? Because if people can't get to work, they can't pay taxes and
pay for education. How did we get funds for the CTA? Did it come from
the state? No! It came from a 30% increase in Cook County property
Transfer Stamps. The money is not there. Ok, if there are more funds
elsewhere, at other schools, do you think that keeping kids out of
school is going to change that?

You say that nobody is doing anything to fix the problem, but that does
not mean that any off-the-wall, hair-brained idea other than the
conservative should be tried. Use your head. And just because a
Pastor/Senator that has done some good things for the community suggests
these ideas, doesn't mean they're good ideas. Use your head.

I hope to you, those parents with children in these suffering schools,
keep sending your children to school. Don't perpetuate ideas that you
are victims. People much worse off have persevered. Teach your
children through doing. Set an example. Be an example. Be strong.
Make time. Don't depend on this man to solve the problems in the system
at the expense of your children's future.

On 7/31/08, Tony wrote:
> Annie,
>
> Let me first state that it isn't my intention to offend or attack you
> neither is it my intention to attempt to change your position. If
> anything, my hope is that some understanding will be gained in the
> expression of our views.
> Having said that, it seems that their are many who feel that Pastor
> Meeks is going about this the wrong way, but no one has stepped
> forward to offer a realistic way to go about it. All legislative
> actions he has sponsored were not supported, the promised 2 billions
> from our Governor was never delivered, and the state seem to have
> other priorities with education being the least of them (apparent
> from our ranking of 49th of 50 states in school funding).
> While eveyone is talking and debating about the problems, no one is
> really taking forceful action while our children are being left to
> suffer in a system that doesn't properly educate them.
> I don't believe anyone would argue that the problems facing CPS
> extend beyond money and that money alone won't fix the problems. But
> with most situations, one must begin somewhere and usually with the
> variables the can be immediately changed and then move on to those
> that require time, conditioning, and processes. We can't change lack
> of parenting and/or difficult homes immediately, but as i stated
> before, funding is one part of the problem that shouldn't be a
> variable to begin with.
> Additionally, let me make another reference to Dr. King who many tend
> to forget was just as controversial on a much broader scope in his
> actions as Pastor Meeks. You do realize people had similar opinions
> of him for using school-aged children to protest bus boycotts and
> segregation in ther schools. He did this knowing their would be a
> good chance they would be bitten by dogs, sprayed with hoses and
> beaten. At least, these are consequences our students that
> participate in the protest will not likely face.
> Our history proves that nothing is gained in terms of civil rights
> and equality without people demanding it and protesting for it which
> usually causes them to labeled as trouble-makers.
> Now I cannot, will not, feel no need to totally defend Pastor Meek's
> comments. I will however share some highlights of him. His role,
> divine appointment, and effectiveness as a man of God simply cannot
> be argued. I would never exalt Salem Baptist Church of Chicago above
> any other Christian institution or organization. I believe we are
> part of the same body each with its unique calling but common goal
> and bond. It may surprise you to know that while we are the largest
> predominantly black church in the state, we do have several caucasion
> members as well as hispanic and other ethnicities.
> I do believe it is unfair to degrage his character solely on is use
> of the "n" word and interpret it as hate. The black community seems
> to be split of their opinion of using the "n". I myself must admit
> that I use the words among friends, but i also realise its
> controversial value and chose not to use it outside of personal
> occasions. Pastor Meeks has never been beyond rebuke and after much
> scorn has stopped using the word in the pulpit. We also know
> especially in election season how media clips can distort anyone's
> real message. Never, never, never, and I repeat never has Pastor
> Meeks preached, taught, or spoken hate. He is and alway has been
> adamant about presenting the truth plainly and sometimes without
> elequent speech whether it be sin, societal ills or governmental
> issues. He then challenges us to be a part of the solution whether
> it's on an individual level or as in the present case collectively.
> Finally, I am not asking you to like Pastor Meeks but I do hope you
> can at least understand what he stands for even if you feel some of
> his ways are flawed. I urge you to come out to the Salem Baptist
> Church of Chicago to see for yourself what is really taught and
> preached as well how the media attempts to distort that message. If
> you feel overwhelmed by the thought, check out a broadcast on WJYS or
> streaming faith on the internet.
> My final thought! If we don't do something drastic now-who will?
> On 7/31/08, Annie wrote:
>> Tony,
>>
>> First, thank you for your response. You know more of the situation
>> than I do since you are in the thick of it. I gained more knowledge
>> from your post.
>>
>> Second, please know that I do not discount the positive things
>> Senator Meeks has done.
>>
>> I believe you missed my point. I am a teacher and realize how
>> important the support of your community is. It is not the teachers'
>> fault that the situation is the way it is. Nor is it the school
>> buildings. My point is that adults should NEVER use kids to fight
>> their battles. Shame on Senator Meeks for doing this. It is
>> sending the wrong message to kids and you are harming their
>> education. Does the situation need improved--absolutely. You and I
>> are on the same page as that. But, you're going about it the wrong
>> way. You see, it is your state Department of Education and your
>> state politicians that decide funding. That is who Mr. Meeks should
>> be fighting.
>>
>> I must admit that when I said it was unfortunate Senator Meeks is
>> going down in our history it was mostly because of his speech where
>> he called people the N word and slave masters. Shame on his, as a
>> pastor particularly, in saying this. He proves he is not a true man
>> of God. God would never approve of that hatred and disrespect. I've
>> heard speeches from Senator Meeks that perpetuates hate and even
>> racism, the very thing he fights against. I imagine Bill Cosby, a
>> true positive and PRODUCTIVE role model of the black community would
>> tend to agree with me. The hate and anger and misguided direction
>> Senator Meeks speaks of in his hate speeches produces kids like the
>> one that came to my door the other day. My husband was called the N
>> word by a misguided young African-American because he wouldn't buy
>> his magazines and asked him to get off our property ONLY for the
>> reason that soliciting is illegal. I was very offended by this
>> young man, but also realized it wasn't his fault. It was the ADULTS
>> in his community that failed to teach him positive, productive and
>> mature ways to handle the true problems that exist today (one of
>> which, I agree, is racism). But not all white people are racist,
>> and many of our young black youth grow up being taught this.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 7/29/08, Tony wrote:
>>> Well Annie, while you are welcomed to your opinion, I feel the
>>> need to express mine. Let me first state that I am a certified
>>> CPS teacher as well as a member of Salem Baptist Church where
>>> Meeks is pastor.
>>> The plain truth is that Meeks is right. Why should we rush to
>>> send our children to a district that is failing. If you are
>>> indeed a cps teacher, you certainly are aware of the lie we
>>> publish each year concern test score increases while we
>>> consistently lower the pass rate. How dare we celebrate our
>>> children pasing with 26%
>>> Another plain truth. Our schools in Chicago with very few
>>> exceptions, are seperate and unequal. You may assign any number
>>> of reasons for this, but the truth is evident.
>>> Finally, While Pastor Meeks admitted that money is certainly
>>> not the only issue and stated that parents, teachers, and the
>>> community at large must be accountable, he did make the point
>>> that money (equitable funding) shouldn't be one of the problems
>>> in the equation.
>>> So while I respect your position, it does remind me of the
>>> naysayers that voiced similar sentiments when Dr. King was
>>> marching and protesting what many called "silly battles."
>>> Pastor Meeks is definitely a great role model. Ask the citizens
>>> in Roseland who don't have liquor stores on every corner
>>> anymore. Ask the people in zip code 60628 who are provided with
>>> food, clothing, household neccessities, immunizations and other
>>> things each week during the summer Vision projects. Ask the
>>> folks at Willow Creek Church in Barrigton who have partnered
>>> with us to deal with racial reconciliation. Ask the cps
>>> children on the far south side who receive mentoring and
>>> academic tutoring from Salem. Ask the 25,000 of us at Salem
>>> Baptist who call Rev. Meeks pastor. And finally, ask yourself
>>> what significantly are you doing to address the problem.
>>> On 7/29/08, Annie wrote:
>>>> I made a typo in the following sentence:
>>>> "Senator Meeks call for kids to skip the
>>>> first day is not what is best for school." I meant to say
>>>> that is not what is best for KIDS.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On 7/29/08, Annie wrote:
>>>>> I read this morning that Illinois Senator James Meeks is
>>>>> organizing a protest that calls for children to skip the
>>>>> first day of school. This is very sad and unfortunate for
>>>>> those kids. When thinking about issues that involve kids
>>>>> and as leaders in our nation, we should always ask "what is
>>>>> best for kids?" Senator Meeks call for kids to skip the
>>>>> first day is not what is best for school. If he disagrees
>>>>> with the inequality in school funding (which is the reason
>>>>> he is protesting it), he needs to call on the adults of
>>>>> Illinois to take action, not the youth. Unfortunately,
>>>>> Senator Meeks is not a good role model for the black
>>>>> community and find it unfortunate that he will go down in
>>>>> our history as being a Senator.

RESPOND TO THIS POST START A NEW THREAD RETURN TO CHATBOARD

Posts on this thread, including this one