Rouge Forum Update--July 28--from Rich

Dear Friends,

Health and work delayed the update of the Rouge Forum No Blood For Oil web page at www.rougeforum.org. There you will find those good-for-the-rest-your-life nifty No Blood For Oil posters on sale and more. Plus, you will get a chance to see The Great Parade at the End of the Rouge Forum Conference in Ypsilanti this year: http://richgibson.com/rouge_forum/2009/Parade.mov

On the Education for Irrationalism Front: In a death by a thousand cuts, some one or some place may have to be first. It could be Detroit where between 1/3 and 1/4 of the teaching staff was notified that they had three days to find a new job in the school system as they were "reconstituted" by test scores. This announcement came from Bob Bobb, appointed Czar of the school system by the Democratic governor. What did the Detroit Federation of Teachers do? Less than nothing. They called a building rep meeting (not a mass meeting, too risky) for tomorrow, Tuesday, and then threatened a small group of teachers who tried to take up a petition opposing the firings, saying the petition had nothing to do with the DFT. This may be the end of what was once the finest school system in the western world. The end of the schools would mean, literally, the end of Detroit. DPS Vacates 2600 Jobs, Schools Reconstituted: http://www.detnews.com/article/20090722/SCHOOLS/907220369/DPS-vacates-2-600-jobs-at-41-schools

The Obamagogue's Stimulus Money for Schools is Merit Pay: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-teachers24-2009jul24,0,6767455.story

How Will the UC Survive? http://laprensa-sandiego.org/editorial-and-commentary/how-will-the-university-of-california-survive/

California Faculty Association's Narrow Vote For Furlough/Concessions: http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jul/24/us-california-university-cuts-072409/?dsq=13291864#comment-13291864

The American Federation of Teachers Sees Charters as a Cash Cow; NEA Next?http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/27/education/27charter.html?hp

Calpers/Sters Lose $100 Billion: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-calpers22-2009jul22,0,5416427.story

On the War They Are Not Going to Win (Long supply lines, difficult communications, no moral standing, huge country to invade--can anyone remember the US Revo?) Front: Payoff For War Crimes:

New Gi Bill: http://www.detnews.com/article/20090721/SCHOOLS/907210345/1409/METRO/A-surge-from-bunker-to-dorm--New-GI-Bill-takes-battle-out-of-higher-ed

Hedges: We are Losing the AFPAK Wars: http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/20090720_war_without_purpose/

On The Hoo-boy There Goes the Economy Again Front: Wall Street Jacks up Pay After Bailouts: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2009/07/22/AR2009072203687.html

But US Manufacturing at 2/3 Capacity: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/72485.html

And, of course, people fight back, even if we have to look for them at a distance: In France: More Bossnappings: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2009517317_apeufranceworkerunrest.html

In China, Steel Workers, Angered by Inequality and Layoffs, Demonstrate and Kill a Boss: http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE56P09620090726

Remember, nominations for the Rouge Forum Steering Committee close August 15.

We note with sadness the death of Ken Macrorie, an honorable man, a great teacher and writer: http://www.webfh.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=254464&fh_id=11112

Thanks to Susan H and O, Amber, Kelly, Sandra, Sally, Joan, Donna, Eric, Carol, Sherry, Peter M, Don A, Bill A, Terry Schaeffer, Ramona, Sharon, Ken, Echo, Beau, Daniella, Candace, Bob, and Della.

Good luck to us,
every one.
r