Letter to President Bush, from the Teacher Union President: We Support You in the War on Terrorism

Teachers' Union -- NEA -- Online ^ | Undated, but similiar letters to others dated: Oct. 5, 2001 | NEA President Bob Chase

[summer]

Thank you for your wonderful post #55, and God bless you and your wife, and all the other teachers in your family. I too was very happy to read this letter from Bob Chase of the NEA. I wish every news channel would heavily publicize it. Thanks again for posting! :)

[summer]

dan909, Perhaps you would like to publicly respond to dwbh's post #60. Sincerely, summer :)

[summer]

I also think that those who are anti-war deserve to have their voice heard.

dwbh, I am truly not a "hard-liner" or a "war monger" but I strongly agree with GW in what he said about this particular war: Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.

So, if a person is "anti-war" in that a person doesn't like the way it's going for us -- and, one has a better idea on how to win the war, then, yes, I am most interested in hearing what you have to say.

But, if a person is "anti-war" in that a person doesn't like us being involved in this war, and wants it to stop, then, I say: Go talk to the people who orchestrated this horrific tragedy and join their side.

I have never felt this way before, but I do now, as of this date, concerning: this war.

[Boss_Jim_Gettys]

"May God give you wisdom and strength, Mr. President, and may God bless our great nation."

The president of the NEA used the "G-word" (twice) in his letter to President Bush? That's clearly a violation of the separation of church and state. I'm callin' the ACLU!

[summer]

Re your post #59 - LOL!

FYI -- I am a teacher, know how to spell and am a good typist; however, you'd never know it from reading some of my posts here on this forum!!! :)

[summer]

LOL! Please post what they say! :)

[headsonpikes]

Have you ever entertained the thought that aliens may have taken over Bob Chase's body?

This support of Bush is just too far-fetched! ;^)

[summer]

Re: Your post #35

Yes, I noticed the same thing you did! And, I too was very surprised -- and glad -- he actually listed such documents! :)

[summer]

No, but AmericaUnited also thought so in post #22! :)

[summer]

I enjoyed reading every word of your reply #41. Thanks so much for posting! :)

[summer]

And, same re: your post #42! :)

[ThomasMore]

Hi Summer,
If they really want to get my attention, they can begin by rebuking the multitude of socialist-minded teachers that are corrupting the political, religious and moral values of the Republic. This letter is a start (and a shock!) but they have a long way to go in my book.

Anti-Americanism started with the academia in this country and must come to an end by them. Communist-socialist values still run strong amongst educators and these values and ideals are contrary and intolerant of all that America is and stands for.

What say you?

[Fishtalk]

The words written by NEA President Bob Chase certainly sound sincere to me. Will you not concede that the attack of 9/11 served to knock some sense into a lot of heads?

My next door neighbor is a teacher. Used to march lock stock and barrel to the union line. She wasn't a very good teacher, either, but don't believe me. Even our very liberal state didn't know what to do with her (Merryland) and moved her all over the place.

She's a sweet woman, really, a real joy to have as a neighbor. But independent thinker? Seeker of truth? Inspiration to the youth she teaches?

Never.

We chanced to talk the other day, over the fence as it were. "How are your students doing?" I asked. For here lately my mind's run amok with the effects of all this on our children and hey, I don't think it's necessarily a BAD thing. My daughter, who I love dearly, grew up in an era of peace, prosperity and no fear. I stupidly sent her to public schools and believe me, she's a product of same if ever there was a definition.

But I digress.

Anyway, meek, mild teacher tells me how she blew up in the teachers' lounge. "Another teacher was going on and on about Bush, how he can't talk properly....really making fun of him," she explained. She told me she couldn't stand it for another minute, jumped up from the table and shouted, "What's a little verbal stumbling with all this man has on his mind? He's done a fine job and for all your mockery, would you rather have Clinton at the helm? Thank God we don't."

*MY* mouth like to drop to the ground at the description of the outburst. This woman is very liberal, total Dem and, well, she's a teacher.

I then launched into a mini-rant about how kids today are going to be a whole different breed, THEY'LL be the ones to change the world. I even, so inspired was I at the sound of my own voice, raved about the importance of teachers, more now so than ever. Those precious and frightened children, I ranted, need guidance and leadership top notch.

Teacher neighbor tells me how they say the pledge of allegiance and she can see their endless pride. They're collecting money for the children of Afghanistan, a Bush move that I thought to be pure and unadulterated genius. They have a "patriotic" moment every afternoon. She said they're keenly interested in American History.

My goodness she was so animated, so into it. For a brief shining moment I envied her...me, the person who'd sniggered at her life of lazy summers and tenacious tenure.

I'd disagree that the NEA President's words don't ring true. The NEA might well be reflecting the change in the very students they teach.

[summer]

I say:

Dearest ThomasMore,

It's been way too long since I've heard from you. Thank you so much for posting and sharing your thoughts on this thread.

IMO, I believe: (1) America first; and (2) there always needs to be a mix of people in education. To have people of mostly one extreme political-leaning, whatever that is, would not be reflective of our country, nor would it be enjoyable to the very few teachers of whatever minority group exists.

Since the description you gave of current teachers is one which I know many other people do believe, I would simply like to remind all those people, including you:

Now is the time for you folks to get into education, as about 50% of all teachers in this country will retire in the coming decade.

So -- hope to see you teaching down the hall from me someday, ThomasMore!

Sincerely,

summer :)

[summer]

A big BTTT to your reply #73 -- and, loved reading every word of your post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dwbh]

So, if a person is "anti-war" in that a person doesn't like the way it's going for us -- and, one has a better idea on how to win the war, then, yes, I am most interested in hearing what you have to say.

I haven't heard any other good ideas either, but that doesn't mean they can't try. =) They don't want to "win a war", but they want to ensure that we are no longer threatened by these terrorists, just like us. And they shouldn't be shut out, called anti-American, or whatever because they're trying to reshape their beliefs around what happened on 9/11.

This is the first war I've ever supported myself, including Vietnam and Desert Storm, and I had a tough time coming to grips with the reality that innocent Afghan civilians are going to be extraneously killed. But that fact that more civilian deaths would result through inaction in the long run convinced me.

[doug from upland]

Maybe the union should give the money they extort from members that goes to gay rights, fisting, supporting RATS, etc --- and give it to the Pentagon to build more bombs.

[summer]

But that fact that more civilian deaths would result through inaction in the long run convinced me.

Same here, dwbh.

As for another war? Under different circumstances? I might be very vocally opposed to our country's involvement.

But, this war is the one we're all talking about right now. This war.

[summer]

Now, there's an idea! Start transferring union dues money which usually goes to support candidates who do nothing to help teachers, and instead, use the money to build more bombs so we can win this war. Yes, I can endorse that! :)

[summer]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/fr/558465/posts

dwbh, I don't think you posted on the above thread, but I think you would find it quite an interesting discussion. And, somewhere on that thread -- and, I'll look later -- are comments by another teacher and me about how we strive to keep our views OUT of the classroom! :)