DFER and other neoliberal and hedge fund 'reformers' spray sour grapes on democracy in Newark
It's not enough that the hedge fund and other corporate "school reform" leaders from the White House to Silicon Valley have ruined, for at least a decade, the once serious reputation of the fact checkers at The New Yorker. That's the result after The New Yorker published a silly but long-winded puff piece about Newark's neoliberals just in time for their rich peoples' candidate guy -- Shaver Jeffries -- to lose the May 13 mayoral election to Raz Baraka, who, among other things. was a high school principal.
DFER's Joe Williams was one of many rich people who tried, unsuccessfully, to foist Shavar Jeffries on the people of Newark to continue the union-busting public school bashing "One Newark" program.The New Yorker piece was rushed into print at the last minute, when the plutocracy apparently realized that they were not going to be able to sell their "successor" to the union busting charter school loving Corey Booker to another generation. And so, in a lengthy piece destined to be shared and critiqued for years in reporting classes (it's all about checking the facts, which the New Yorker did with the stars of its hagiographic silliness) despite all that stuff about how Jeffries was a true blue "reformer" in the tradition of Mark Zuckerberg, Corey Booker, Oprah Winfrey, Chris Christie, and Arne Duncan.
Union busting. Privatization. Charter expansion. And programs like Chicago's "Renaissance 2010" and Booker's "One Newark."
By day's end on May 14, 2014, DFER (Democrats for Eduction Reform) was weighing in with a combination of silliness and sour grapes personally signed by Joe Williams.
As regular readers Substance know, DFER is a multi-million dollar front group for corporate union busting privatizing "school reform" guys (and some women). They specialize in fronting "minority" people who attack teacher unions and democracy on behalf of the Race To The Top visions and "choice." In Chicago, their spokesperson -- Rebecca Nieves Huffman -- gets regular space on the newspaper Op Ed columns, just as Stand for Children, Advance Illinois, and other Astroturf (i.e. phony grass roots groups) always do.
On the afternoon of May 14, 2014, while most teachers and others were celebrating democracy in Newark, DFER chieftain Joe Williams sent out the following:
All:
In an ideal world, Shavar Jeffries would have won his rightful place as Newark�s next mayor last night. But despite the loss, this election has positive implications for our movement.
Look at the numbers. Shavar�a true DFER�closed a nearly 50-point gap in polls in a few short months through his strong will and the support of people like you. Voters clearly see the pressing need to improve our schools and agree that the children and families of Newark deserve the promise of a great education.
So, we can�t stop fighting. We need your help to elect state Rep. Alisha Morgan, running for superintendent of education in Georgia.
Whether or not you are a voter in the Peach State doesn�t matter. Alisha is one of us: a courageous Democrat who knows great schools, great teachers, and high expectations for all will change lives.
Like Shavar, Alisha is in a tight race where every dollar matters, which is why your support is so crucial. Click here to donate as little as $25 to her campaign.
The next few months are critical for our kids, and for our worthy cause to improve educational opportunities for all. So let�s build on the momentum created by Shavar by:
Electing Alisha into office by donating now!
Telling your friends you support other worthy DFERs running in upcoming elections including: Marshall Tuck (State Superintendent, CA), Brendan Boyle (Congress, PA), Margo Davidson (State Representative, PA), and Erika Beltran (State Board of Education, TX).
Thanks,
Joe
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Joe Williams Date: Mon, May 5, 2014 at 5:17 PM
Subject: Off to the races
Friend,
Another Kentucky Derby is in the books, and while your trifecta might have earned you some green at the betting window, for two deserving DFERs there�s no option but a �win.�
Click here to contribute $25 or more to our May Reformers of the Month � state Rep. Alisha Morgan (GA-39), running for Superintendent of Georgia, and Marshall Tuck, CEO of Partnership for LA Schools, campaigning for CA State Superintendent.
The first African-American woman to represent her district, Alisha has spent six terms in the GA House fighting for kids. She�s sponsored bills supporting college and career-ready standards, public charter schools, and increased accountability.
Alisha is leading the pack ahead of the primary for GA superintendent on May 20th. But her main opponent, anti-reformer Valarie Wilson, is a serious threat. Polls show Alisha up by just a couple of points, and we need your support to keep that lead.
Donate $25 or more to help Alisha make great schools a reality for all kids in Georgia.
Marshall Tuck also faces an uphill battle in CA�s June 3rd primary for superintendent. Formerly of Green Dot, he�s the only candidate with a record of increasing grad rates, improving achievement, and turning around failing schools.
His major opponent, Tom Torlakson, has already received more than $3.2 million from teachers� union coffers. But you can help improve Marshall�s chances by clicking here to donate now.
The �Greatest Two Minutes in Sports� is over in a blink, but the race is just heating up for these two DFERs. Click here to make a donation now!
Joe Williams
