School-Voucher Debate Frays Traditional Political Alliances

The Wall Street Journal ^ | Monday, July 1, 2002

[TroutStalker]

The cause of school vouchers has long been anathema to many black leaders. But when Tiffany Gipson, an African-American educational consultant in Oakland, Calif., visited Milwaukee last month to learn about that city's school voucher program, the nation's oldest and largest, she came back a convert. "What they have in Milwaukee works for them," she says, adding that she saw some "shining examples."

[IronJack]

Like other well-established organizations that advocate for minorities,

"Like other bankrolled socialist infil-traitors who work their deeds under the siege engine of racial rhetoric ..."

... the NAACP has staunchly opposed voucher programs, which provide public funding for students to attend private and religious schools, on the grounds that they drain students and resources from public schools.

"... the NAACP has staunchly opposed voucher programs, which allow parents to spend their own education dollars on schools that actually teach something, on the grounds that what's mine is mine and what's yours is mine, and I can better decide how you spend your money. You have the obligation to educate MY child. Besides, it's not really about education anyway, but redistribution of wealth. You have to understand that I, a deadbeat loser on my tenth generation in the ghetto, have a pre-emptive claim to the fruits of YOUR labor. Get it?"

[TroutStalker]

Some local NAACP officials are also becoming critical of the organization's longstanding alliance with the the two largest teachers' unions, the NEA and the American Federation of Teachers, against vouchers. "We have to put the kids before the unions," says Shannon Reeves, a 34-year-old black Republican businessman who is president of the NAACP's Oakland branch. Mr. Reeves says the NAACP should act as a sounding-board for all views rather than as an antagonist to vouchers.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

The NAALCP stopped being about equal rights a long time ago.

[TroutStalker]

And more and more of their members (including some officials) are starting to see and understand that. This is the perfect issue to divide those that are interested in power from those who are interested in their children's future.

[Kermit]

If the GOP weren't the Stupid Party, they'd find some good Black candidates and back them on the voucher issue in the inner cities. They'd stir up such a hornet's nest, it'd be worth it. They might not win the first time, but the second or third they'd win. Hilliard's loss in Alabama, because of his anti-Israel, pro-Arab attitude, shows that they are opportunities.

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

Bump.

[eureka!]

Maybe some are leaving the plantation ping...

[mafree]

Thanks for the bump.

Once people understand where the $$ to fund the NAACP comes from and what some of their partners are really about they lose credibility. Vouchers is one of the main issues that can bring that about.

[Sci Fi Guy]

If the GOP weren't the Stupid Party, they'd find some good Black candidates and back them on the voucher issue in the inner cities.

You're right about the GOP, but it's something that will take time. We need to show that we will stick around and not disappear right after election day. The republican who's the head of the Oakland NAACP has said that we need to become leaders within the black community, not just an outside voice.

Also we need to make sure that the conservative message is heard. I was so disappointed last election when I heard a radio ad intended for a black audience. It was an apology for ignoring them! How stupid, how liberal, instead of standing up for the Truth about the republican record. They surrender to the rat lies. When Steve Forbes spoke before a black audience, he spoke on how his tax plan would help the black community. Anyone want to guess on which approach was most effective?

[tahiti]

"Most private and religious schools in the city are already full or have waiting lists, they note."

The resulting surge in demand for private schools because of the enactment of a voucher system will be satisfied by the entreprenuers who will be build the schools to satisfy that demand.