[Vision2020] Thus spews Doug Wilson - Again

[J Ford]

Once again, Doug Wilson's Blog site if full of half-truths and deliberate 
mis-takes - this time, he is attacking the school levy vote that is 
approaching.  As a staunch supporter of the MSD, I highly recommend that we 
all take the deepest and longest look at ALL of the alternatives available 
to and for our children.  Then vote accordingly with a clear and educated 
mind.

Doug says:

"1. The MSD needs to recognize that they are asking for this money in a 
polarized community. That polarization has included more than a little 
malicious harrassment of local private schools. Some vocal supporters of the 
levy have been involved in this harrassment, and it is hard to escape the 
conclusion that the levy is part of a larger strategy of suppressing 
educational alternatives."

First of all, the use of the word harassment in reference to people 
expressing their support of local public schools is just silly.  Those that 
have spoken in support of the levy are NOT harassing anyone or any school - 
private or otherwise.  (BTW, Doug, the word is correctly spelled HARASSMENT 
according the Webster Dictionary - private schooling not withstanding.)  The 
definition of harassment is one that commences to trouble, worry or torment 
or to trouble by repeated raids, etc.  When was the last time Logas or any 
other private school has been picketed in Moscow?  When was the last time 
anyone verbally tormented Logas for not producing well/decently educated 
people?  When was the last time anyone on this web site ever said "Logas 
should just be burned down."?  Members of the Christ Church repeatedly and 
openly say this and much worse - often.

Secondly...aren't you being just a bit paranoid to suggest that there is 
some "larger strategy of suppressing education alternatives."  The school 
district has in the past given two charters.  Nor do they oppose any new 
private school opening (Atlas School for Boys opened and NO ONE on the 
school board ever said "That is not a good idea to allow that school into 
this district/town.")

"2. The MSD needs to recognize that (apart from those in the private 
education sector that they have alienated) many supporters of public 
education in principle can still recognize waste and mismanagement when they 
see it. Compared to other schools throughout Idaho, grazing contentedly in 
their pastures, the MSD budget is bloated like a cow that has been in the 
Rio Grande for three days."

Again, just how has MDS "alienated" any of the private schools in Moscow?  
When you consider that the SDA, Moscow Charter, homeschoolers, and other 
private schools (including Logas/Atlas) uses MSD facilities, are able to 
participate in MSD activities, are welcomed to any of the Board meetings, I 
don't see any covert attempt on MSD's part to alienate anyone.  You, on the 
other hand, do nothing but alienate folks in this town by not paying your 
fair share in taxes; sorry to inform you but taxes do not go JUST to the 
schools - they help pay for roads, city improvements such as parks, upkeep 
of city buildings and social programs, (which Christ Church absolutely does 
not open their coin bags to help with except for those church  members they 
feel worthy of such help.  Other churches in town open their wallets and 
doors on a weekly/bi-weekly basis to help the public no matter what their 
"faith or lack of faith".)

Yes, people outside of your vision do "recognize waste and mismanagement 
when they see it."  Funny thing is that in all of the e-mails that have been 
going out from you all lately, not once have you produced any concrete 
evidence that MSD is doing just that - especially in reference to the 
objects of this levy.  Can the belt be tightened - probably.  But I don't 
see you or your group offering anything in the way help in this - just a lot 
of rhetoric and accusations.  What proof do you have that MSD is a "bloated 
cow"?

"3. The MSD needs to recognize that rosy projections of enrollment growth 
are not consistent with the recent trends and history.

Since this last year the enrollment of MSD did indeed increase, you are 
totally off the mark with this one.  Especially considering the fact that 
the Sullivan Subdivision and others are going up with record speed, I 
believe you need to recheck your facts.

"4. The MSD needs to realize that there are reasons for the recent 
enrollment trends, and that it is possible to find out what those reasons 
are."

When you make statements such as the one above, you truly show your 
ignorance...MSD is very aware of the population fluctuations - fact is, if 
any of you would attend a board meeting you'd see that reports and studies 
on this very subject are constantly being done and presented so that the MSD 
can better plan for the upcoming school term.

BTW, Mr. Wilson - just how do you explain the enrollment loss that Logas has 
been experiencing?  Or the fact that Atlas has less than thirty students?  
Much less the fact that those you all loose from those two schools, the MSD 
gains about 80-90% of?

"5. The MSD has to come to grips with the fact that educational 
opportunities and alternatives are good -- and by this I mean homeschooling, 
internet tutorials, homeschool coops, private schools, additional private 
schools, etc. The more choices parents have, the more likely it is that they 
will be able to get what their child needs educationally. A vote for the 
levy will not be, as it will likely urged upon us, a vote "for the kids," 
but rather will be a vote to reduce educational choices. And consequently, 
there will be many taxpayers who will be voting no . . . for the kids."

Again, if you'd bother to talk to any of the Board members, the 
Superintendent, the teachers, etc. you'd realize these very hard working, 
intelligent people are VERY aware of just what alternatives are available 
and just how well they work - or don't.

Your nonsense of "A vote for the levy will not be, as it will likely (be) 
urged upon us, a vote "for the kids," but rather will be a vote to reduce 
educational choices" is just that - nonsense.  The whole point of revamping 
the buildings and putting up better facilities is so that the children will 
be given more and better choices.  Unlike at your school where the major 
improvement seems to have been the choice of spanking tools used to 
discipline with.

Just what do think the Board members and the MSD are doing - somehow 
pocketing the money and cheating our children out of their right to a FREE 
education (Logas/Atlas families pay hefty tuition to attend)?

I think you need to wake up and realize that you have no clear, much less 
educated clue as to what is happening in the MSD, Mr. Wilson.  Perhaps you 
need to recognize that your education at the University of Idaho was a 
"waste  and mismanagement" of resources.

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