Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Fox News rewrites reality; Turner agrees with Jane Cunningham on Facebook law
I was shocked to discover a few moments ago that I supported Sen. Jane Cunningham on her bill that prohibits contact between teachers and students through Facebook and other social networking sites.
It was the first time in dozens of interviews over the years that a reporter has misquoted me or taken what I said out of context. I suppose I should not be surprised that the reporter was from Fox News.
This is the portion of the story that included me:
The story makes it sound as if I agree with Jane Cunningham when she says her bill when she said a teacher with nothing to hide does not have to worry about this law. In fact, the reporter never even mentioned the Cunningham quote. I told him, as I have told others who have asked that the only teachers who will be punished by this law are the ones who would never think of crossing the line with a student.
I also never used the term "professional service." I said that I always act in a professional manner when I am communicating with students through Facebook. I never made it sound like I was trying to provide some kind of service to my students.
The reference to innocuous questions about the weather is also a misquote. I told the reporter that students would not have a problem posting that kind of message on a wall, but might not be willing to reveal that he or she is having problems in a class.
***
I have just looked at the latest version of the story on Fox and the part that made it appear that I agreed with Jane Cunningham has been removed. I do appreciate that. The new version is much better.
It was the first time in dozens of interviews over the years that a reporter has misquoted me or taken what I said out of context. I suppose I should not be surprised that the reporter was from Fox News.
This is the portion of the story that included me:
Districts will have several additional months to implement the social-networking aspect of the new law. "Frankly, a teacher that has nothing to hide will be real pleased by this, because it's going to show their good work," Cunningham said.
"A good teacher is going to like this," Randy Turner, a communication arts teacher at East Middle School in Joplin, Mo., told FoxNews.com. Turner said he's fearful districts will ban usage of social-networking sites altogether to eradicate any potential gray areas.
"I understand people have concerns about who their children are having as friends on Facebook, but I know many teachers who have used Facebook, and all of them have been professional," Turner said.
"We're not getting on there to be pals. It's a professional service."
Turner said he's also worried that the new law removes an important "avenue" for contact between teachers and students -- both during times of emergency and during the everyday grind of homework. "A student having difficulty with a classroom assignment probably won't want to advertise on Facebook that he or she is having a problem with it," he said.
Under the new law, Turner said teachers wouldn't be able to respond directly to seemingly innocuous questions like whether school will be in session tomorrow or to directly disseminate information during times of emergency. Turner said he used Facebook extensively in May following the tornado that killed at least 116 people in Joplin.
The story makes it sound as if I agree with Jane Cunningham when she says her bill when she said a teacher with nothing to hide does not have to worry about this law. In fact, the reporter never even mentioned the Cunningham quote. I told him, as I have told others who have asked that the only teachers who will be punished by this law are the ones who would never think of crossing the line with a student.
I also never used the term "professional service." I said that I always act in a professional manner when I am communicating with students through Facebook. I never made it sound like I was trying to provide some kind of service to my students.
The reference to innocuous questions about the weather is also a misquote. I told the reporter that students would not have a problem posting that kind of message on a wall, but might not be willing to reveal that he or she is having problems in a class.
***
I have just looked at the latest version of the story on Fox and the part that made it appear that I agreed with Jane Cunningham has been removed. I do appreciate that. The new version is much better.
Monday, August 01, 2011
Video explains Missouri's new teacher-student Facebook law
The accompanying video offers a good description of the Amy Hestir Student Protection Act, and also quotes from The Turner Report:
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Billy Long votes for debt ceiling bill: A step in the right direction
(From Seventh District Congressman Billy Long)
Today in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Billy Long voted in favor of the Budget Control Act of 2011, a bipartisan bill that would cut excessive federal spending, create enforceable spending controls, form a deficit reduction committee, establish a balanced budget vote provision, and prevent America from defaulting on debt obligations.
“The Budget Control Act of 2011 might not be perfect, but it is a step in the right direction,” said Long. “It has real spending cuts, tough spending controls, a balanced budget provision, and no tax increases. The simple truth is that in just seven months, the debate in Washington has changed from ‘How much can we raise taxes?’ to ‘How much can we cut spending?’”
The Budget Control Act makes a down payment on severe spending reforms with cuts and controls totaling $917 billion over the next decade. The bill reduces the FY2012 budget deficit by $17 billion and holds federal spending below FY2010 levels until FY2016. With the formation of the Joint Select Committee, Congressman Long is optimistic a serious plan to achieve another $1.5 trillion in deficit reduction can be produced by November of this year.
“No one knows the ramifications of not passing a debt ceiling increase and this plan prevents us from finding out, said Long.” “When Republicans only control 1/2 of 1/3rd of the government, this is about as good of a deal as we are going to get.”
Nixon: The state will pay Joplin's share of federal debris removal costs
(From the governor's office)
Gov. Jay Nixon today announced that the State of Missouri will pay the full 10 percent of the state/local share of the costs of the federal Expedited Debris Removal Program. Through this program, local contractors are working with federal agencies and the Missouri National Guard to remove debris and clear parcels in parts of the Joplin area that received catastrophic or extensive damage from the May 22 tornado.
Covering the full cost of the state/local share is an extraordinary step for the state, but Gov. Nixon said it is necessary in this case because of a reduction in the local tax base as a result of the storm and to expedite the recovery and rebuilding process.
"We've made tremendous progress in removing debris in the wake of this devastating storm, but there is still more work to do," Gov. Nixon said. "Because of the massive scope of this effort and significant disruption of the local tax base, the State of Missouri will provide the resources necessary to cover the full state/local share for the Expedited Debris Removal Program. We will continue to work together to make sure the people of Joplin can recover and rebuild as quickly as possible."
More than 1.13 million cubic yards of debris have been removed already under the Expedited Debris Removal Program. That equals approximately 91 percent of the estimated 1.25 million cubic yards within the area designated for expedited removal. Nearly 2,300 parcels within the expedited removal area, or approximately 67 percent, have been cleared.
Four businesses from southwest Missouri have been awarded major contracts for debris removal in Joplin. This emphasis on local contractors ensures that residents of the Joplin area are employed through the process. More than 400 temporary workers also have been hired through the Missouri Disaster Recovery Jobs Program, which is coordinated by the Missouri Division of Workforce Development.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA are the lead federal agencies on this program. Gov. Nixon has designated the Missouri National Guard to serve as the state's point agency on debris removal
Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen from the National Guard have worked more than 25,000 hours to provide logistical support and coordination for the expedited debris removal project. Volunteers, including individuals and faith and civic groups, have worked more than 249,000 hours on debris removal projects.
Under the Expedited Debris Removal Program, the federal government will pay 90 percent of the cost of debris removal from the areas that received catastrophic or extensive damage, through Aug. 7. The Governor has requested that FEMA extend the program.
Because of the extensive property damage caused by the tornado, Gov. Nixon also today ordered the Missouri Department of Revenue and the Missouri State Tax Commission to work with county and local officials to review the impact of the destruction on the property tax, personal property tax and sales tax revenues of local jurisdictions, including counties, municipalities, school districts, fire protection districts, water districts and others. This study will analyze the potential impact on services provided by these jurisdictions, including schools, roads and law enforcement.
"These jurisdictions provide their citizens with essential services such as schools, roads, water, and fire and law enforcement protection," Gov. Nixon said. "With thousands of homes and hundreds of businesses destroyed on May 22, it's important to know the scope and impact of lost revenue on providing those vital services. As we prepare to consider the most effective way to finance disaster recovery and rebuilding in the upcoming special session, this review will provide a clear view of the financial challenges local jurisdictions are facing."
***
Coming in September, our book about the Joplin tornado- 5:41- Stories from the Joplin Tornado. Find out more about the book, the stories and photos that are included, and see the photo that was selected for the cover at this link.
Gov. Jay Nixon today announced that the State of Missouri will pay the full 10 percent of the state/local share of the costs of the federal Expedited Debris Removal Program. Through this program, local contractors are working with federal agencies and the Missouri National Guard to remove debris and clear parcels in parts of the Joplin area that received catastrophic or extensive damage from the May 22 tornado.
Covering the full cost of the state/local share is an extraordinary step for the state, but Gov. Nixon said it is necessary in this case because of a reduction in the local tax base as a result of the storm and to expedite the recovery and rebuilding process.
"We've made tremendous progress in removing debris in the wake of this devastating storm, but there is still more work to do," Gov. Nixon said. "Because of the massive scope of this effort and significant disruption of the local tax base, the State of Missouri will provide the resources necessary to cover the full state/local share for the Expedited Debris Removal Program. We will continue to work together to make sure the people of Joplin can recover and rebuild as quickly as possible."
More than 1.13 million cubic yards of debris have been removed already under the Expedited Debris Removal Program. That equals approximately 91 percent of the estimated 1.25 million cubic yards within the area designated for expedited removal. Nearly 2,300 parcels within the expedited removal area, or approximately 67 percent, have been cleared.
Four businesses from southwest Missouri have been awarded major contracts for debris removal in Joplin. This emphasis on local contractors ensures that residents of the Joplin area are employed through the process. More than 400 temporary workers also have been hired through the Missouri Disaster Recovery Jobs Program, which is coordinated by the Missouri Division of Workforce Development.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA are the lead federal agencies on this program. Gov. Nixon has designated the Missouri National Guard to serve as the state's point agency on debris removal
Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen from the National Guard have worked more than 25,000 hours to provide logistical support and coordination for the expedited debris removal project. Volunteers, including individuals and faith and civic groups, have worked more than 249,000 hours on debris removal projects.
Under the Expedited Debris Removal Program, the federal government will pay 90 percent of the cost of debris removal from the areas that received catastrophic or extensive damage, through Aug. 7. The Governor has requested that FEMA extend the program.
Because of the extensive property damage caused by the tornado, Gov. Nixon also today ordered the Missouri Department of Revenue and the Missouri State Tax Commission to work with county and local officials to review the impact of the destruction on the property tax, personal property tax and sales tax revenues of local jurisdictions, including counties, municipalities, school districts, fire protection districts, water districts and others. This study will analyze the potential impact on services provided by these jurisdictions, including schools, roads and law enforcement.
"These jurisdictions provide their citizens with essential services such as schools, roads, water, and fire and law enforcement protection," Gov. Nixon said. "With thousands of homes and hundreds of businesses destroyed on May 22, it's important to know the scope and impact of lost revenue on providing those vital services. As we prepare to consider the most effective way to finance disaster recovery and rebuilding in the upcoming special session, this review will provide a clear view of the financial challenges local jurisdictions are facing."
***
Coming in September, our book about the Joplin tornado- 5:41- Stories from the Joplin Tornado. Find out more about the book, the stories and photos that are included, and see the photo that was selected for the cover at this link.
Debt limit deal passes House; Hartzler votes against it due to defense cuts
(From Fourth District Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler)
Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4) has taken a stand for fiscal discipline and a strong national defense, voting against the latest bill to increase the nation’s debt ceiling.
“I appreciate House Speaker John Boehner’s rejection of liberal demands for a blank check debt limit increase and liberal calls for tax increases, but the solution approved by Congress and sent to President Obama dramatically cuts our national defense,” said Hartzler. “This agreement strips $350 billion from the Base Defense Budget and has the Obama Administration bragging that this is, ‘the first defense cut since the 1990’s.’ The package also leaves the door open to the possibility of $500 billion in defense cuts down the road. This is unacceptable! The simple truth is that the United States Constitution requires the federal government to do only a handful of things – the most important of which is to provide for our national defense.”
“I also have concerns about a watered-down Balanced Budget Amendment provision,” continued Hartzler. “This agreement forces a vote on the Balanced Budget Amendment, but does not require it to pass and be sent to the states for ratification. I worked hard to include language requiring not only a vote on a BBA, but for the House and Senate to pass the Amendment and send it to the states. Only a Balanced Budget Amendment can force Washington to live within its means as American families must do. It is only through spending discipline that America can secure its future economic freedom.”
“Despite my opposition to this legislation, I am pleased that Republicans are changing the debate in Washington,” concluded Hartzler. “We will continue to work to control spending, solve America’s huge debt problem, and balance our budget.”
Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4) has taken a stand for fiscal discipline and a strong national defense, voting against the latest bill to increase the nation’s debt ceiling.
“I appreciate House Speaker John Boehner’s rejection of liberal demands for a blank check debt limit increase and liberal calls for tax increases, but the solution approved by Congress and sent to President Obama dramatically cuts our national defense,” said Hartzler. “This agreement strips $350 billion from the Base Defense Budget and has the Obama Administration bragging that this is, ‘the first defense cut since the 1990’s.’ The package also leaves the door open to the possibility of $500 billion in defense cuts down the road. This is unacceptable! The simple truth is that the United States Constitution requires the federal government to do only a handful of things – the most important of which is to provide for our national defense.”
“I also have concerns about a watered-down Balanced Budget Amendment provision,” continued Hartzler. “This agreement forces a vote on the Balanced Budget Amendment, but does not require it to pass and be sent to the states for ratification. I worked hard to include language requiring not only a vote on a BBA, but for the House and Senate to pass the Amendment and send it to the states. Only a Balanced Budget Amendment can force Washington to live within its means as American families must do. It is only through spending discipline that America can secure its future economic freedom.”
“Despite my opposition to this legislation, I am pleased that Republicans are changing the debate in Washington,” concluded Hartzler. “We will continue to work to control spending, solve America’s huge debt problem, and balance our budget.”
The new Axis of Evil: Drunk drivers, sex offenders, and classroom teachers
My latest Huffington Post blog addresses the continued targeting of classroom teachers in Missouri and other states across the nation.
A prime example of that is the so-called Amy Hestir Student Protection Act, which includes a prohibition against teachers and students being "friends" through Facebook or other social networking sites.
The blog includes the following passage:
A prime example of that is the so-called Amy Hestir Student Protection Act, which includes a prohibition against teachers and students being "friends" through Facebook or other social networking sites.
The blog includes the following passage:
It is only a small section of the bill, buried neatly toward the end, but in the spirit of protecting children from those evil classroom teachers, Mrs. Cunningham, the same legislator who showed her compassion for children this session by sponsoring a bill that would repeal child labor laws, fosters the notion that the only way a teacher can be a "friend" to a student is through some sort of sick sexual social-network stalking.
It also continued the now honored process among legislators of labeling teachers as perverts whose sole purpose in earning teaching degrees was to gain an invitation to a place where children are assembled.
And now the same political party, which each year gives lip service to keeping big government out of our lives, has an open door to continue the assault on teachers' reputations.
Cleaver: Debt deal is a "sugar-coated Satan sandwich"
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo. found probably the most colorful way to describe the debt deal reached between Republicans and Democrats Sunday:
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, said early reports of the new deal appeared to be “a sugar-coated Satan sandwich.” The Missouri Democrat said the CBC hadn’t yet made a formal declaration that the group would oppose it, “but this is a shady bill.”
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