Rachel Maddow & Lansing, MI mayor on threats to schools, democracy

Are schools failing, or are they being failed?

April 29, 2011

by Sabrina

Last night, Rachel Maddow covered the “Emergency Manager” situation in Michigan. Unilateral power is being given to a single individual, who can override democratically-elected officials while being simultaneously paid by the state AND by private companies and individuals. Money is being taken from the schools– whose budget was in the black– and given away to the wealthy in tax cuts. Some districts (largely poor and minority) are now being targeted for control by “Emergency Managers;” in an all-too-familiar tone, these communities are being told that respectful, democratic treatment isn’t their right, but a luxury they can’t afford.
This is truly scary stuff.

Rachel Maddow & Lansing, MI Mayor on threats to schools, democracy