I am completely flabbergasted at such an overtly partisan, irresponsible decision on behalf of the Arlington Independent School District of Texas. Top-level officials had no problem denying students the opportunity to watch President Barack Obama address students this past Tuesday. But, they have no reservations about BUSSING 28 FIFTH-GRADE CLASSES, on the taxpayers' dime, to see none other than George W. Bush himself! More below the fold...
Yes, you read that correctly. Students could not watch the President speak for fifteen minutes in the classroom over public airwaves, "intended" to avert any classroom disruption in AISD. But, an off-campus visit to good ol' Dubya? NO PROBLEM!
http://www.examiner.com/...
The Texas school district that refused to show students President Obama’s live speech regarding education, is now planning to bus students to hear a message from former President George Bush.
The Arlington Independent School District will travel to see the former head of state speak on Sept. 21 at Cowboys Stadium. The trip is being made as part of a field trip that was planned several months ago, according to the school district.
What a fantastic opportunity to see such a wonderful, historic leader in the illustrious Cowboy's Stadium--a fine, upstanding example of wisely expended taxpayer dollars! Seriously, who doesn't need a brand new fucking stadium these days with an excuse to pay even more exaggerated ticket prices and ludicrously appraised concessions?
Look, I know most of you--if not all--have health care fresh on your mind notwithstanding the President's overwhelmingly effective message this evening. But, this is no excuse to forget about the other outrageous affronts to fairness in this country. I've already e-mailed Rachel Maddow about this in hopes that she'll cover this, but it's up to the rest of you to take action!
Let the district know how you feel about their irresponsible actions!
Here is the information for the board of trustees:
http://www.aisd.net/...
Mike O'Donnell - President
P.O. Box 13072
Arlington, TX 76094
817-274-8337
mikeodonnell1@yahoo.com
Place 5-ends 2010
Gloria Pena
Gloria Peña - Vice President
P.O. Box 172648
Arlington, TX 76013
817-483-5165
fax: 817-459-7299
GloriaPena.AISD@yahoo.com
Place 1-ends 2012
Wayne Ogle
Wayne Ogle - Secretary
P.O. Box 181822
Arlington, TX 76096
817-371-2872
wayneogle@sbcglobal.net
Place 7-ends 2011
Jim Ash Jim Ash - Asst. Secretary
P.O. Box 202303
Arlington, TX 76006
817-640-6401
fax: 817-640-6458
aisd@jimash.net
Place 4-ends 2010
Peter Baron
Peter Baron
P.O. Box 13092
Arlington, TX 76094
682-867-7344
fax: 817-459-7299
peterbaronaisd@tx.rr.com
Place 2-ends 2012
Dr. Aaron Reich
Dr. Aaron Reich
P.O. Box 122298
Arlington, TX 76012
817-277-5498
fax: 817-265-8905
areich.aisd@tx.rr.com
Place 3-ends 2012
Bowie Hogg
Bowie Hogg
P.O. Box 122596
Arlington, TX 76012
817-565-2636
fax: 817-459-7299
bowie@bowiehogg.com
Place 6-ends 2011
You can also cc the Director of Public Information:
http://www.aisd.net/...
Contact Veronica Sopher, Director of Public Information, at vsopher@aisd.net or 682-867-7342.
Don't forget to let the local papers know how you feel!
Dallas Morning News:
http://www.dallasnews.com/...
Associated Press, Dallas:
4851 LBJ Freeway, Suite 300
Dallas TX 75244-6002
(972) 991-2100 News
991-7207 Fax
Fox 4 News:
http://www.myfoxdfw.com/...
NBC 5 News:
http://www.nbcdfw.com/...
WFAA 8 News:
http://www.wfaa.com/...
CBS 11 News:
newstips@ktvt.com
CW 33 News:
http://www.the33tv.com/...
IF THERE ARE OTHER NEWSPAPERS/MEDIA THAT YOU FEEL NEED TO BE MENTIONED, PLEASE MAKE IT KNOWN IN THE COMMENTS AREA AND I WILL UPDATE! Put something like "OUTLET:" in the topic area of your comment to make it easier to sift through. Thanks!