It is time to end the confused, partial, hypocritical, destructive, and racist ban on the teaching of Critical Race Theory (CRT) in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD). The CRT ban is confused because it fails to define its terms and address the alleged issue in a clear and coherent manner. The CRT … Continue reading The CRT Ban in the PYLUSD is Racist
Author: Sam
I am a retired high school history teacher privileged to have worked with incredible students over forty years in many places near and far. I currently live in Southern California. I hope to use this site as a forum to engage constructive conversations about important social and political matters with all who are willing.
Congratulations to the Valencia High School Academic Decathlon Team
Congratulations to the Valencia High School (VHS) Academic Decathlon (AD) team for their third place finish in Orange County and for qualifying to participate in this year’s California State Academic Decathlon in Santa Clara! Kudos to all of the coaches and members of this outstanding team of young scholars for a success that reflects well … Continue reading Congratulations to the Valencia High School Academic Decathlon Team
The Current Orange County Board of Education Represents Goofy Science, Bad History, and Undemocratic Politics
When extremist Orange County school board members funded by dark money interests use the vain slogans of “parental rights” and “school choice,” what they are really advocating is the diversion of taxpayer money into a specific charter school that would operate outside the accountability structure of other publicly funded schools. This is clear to anyone … Continue reading The Current Orange County Board of Education Represents Goofy Science, Bad History, and Undemocratic Politics
A Perverse Marriage
An inspiring presentation by Moms Demand Action at a recent meeting of the Central OC Democratic Club inspired me to send the following message to all of my local, state, and federal representatives. Disclaimer: the policy proposal I suggest in the message is entirely my own and does not reflect specific policies ordered by either … Continue reading A Perverse Marriage
Nancy Watkins for OCBE
Nancy Watkins is an extraordinary educator who has dedicated her life to improving public schools for everyone. I have had the privilege of knowing Nancy as a colleague, mentor, administrator, and friend for the last twenty years. No one is more qualified to serve on the Orange County Board of Education (OCBE). No one is … Continue reading Nancy Watkins for OCBE
Wisconsin Politics is the Heart of America: A Response to John Nichols
Thank you, John Nichols, for reminding us once again how central Wisconsin is to understanding the paradox of U.S. history. As the birthplace of both Progressivism and McCarthyism (Joseph – not Kevin), your home state is a microcosm of both the best and worst in national politics. In this festival of absurdity that has brought … Continue reading Wisconsin Politics is the Heart of America: A Response to John Nichols
The Spirit of ’72
On this Thanksgiving weekend, one of the things for which I am most grateful this year was the WUHS class of 1972 50th reunion. When the planning committee asked me to be one of the emcees for the event, I prepared a brief introductory statement. The right moment for making this statement, though, never seemed … Continue reading The Spirit of ’72
Rules of the Road Runner
Chuck Jones created the brilliant Looney Tunes series, “The Road Runner.” The 9 rules that guided the cartoon express a moral gravity worth considering. Rule 3 seems particularly relevant to our time!
Brittney Griner is a Victim of Christian Nationalism
As the embodiment of what the Christian Right fears and despises, Brittney Griner has become a useful part of Vladimir Putin’s strategy to return the Party of Trump to power. Griner is thus another casualty of Putin’s global aspirations; a martyr who stands on a pedestal with the growing number of political prisoners in Russia … Continue reading Brittney Griner is a Victim of Christian Nationalism
Putin Is on The November Ballot
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy recently signaled to his far right base that the Republican Party will abandon Ukraine as soon as Republicans take control of Congress. This move will once again align his party with the subservient position that Trump maintained with the Russian dictator, Vladimir Putin. A Republican victory will fully surrender U.S. … Continue reading Putin Is on The November Ballot
Etiologies 