Sunday, February 11, 2007
Fasten your Seat Belts: Unity Attacks Getting Ugly and Will Probably Get Still Uglier
The Unity Caucus (Randi Weingarten's political party) is so unbelievably scared of having any opposition within the United Federation of Teachers that they will say anything to discredit any opposition group in order to maintain Unity's forty-seven year grip on power within the Union.
Unity's latest piece of literature reaches another new low as they refer to ICE and Teachers for a Just Contract as the "axis." The obvious implication is that we are like the World War II axis powers that consisted of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and imperial Japan or George Bush's "Axis of Evil" of North Korea, Iraq and Iran from 2002. Since World War II, the word "axis" has obviously taken on a very negative connotation and no alliance would refer to themselves as an axis.
Because we oppose Randi-Unity and their New Action partners, we are compared to some of the worst regimes of the 20th and 21st centuries. Unity's attacks on our positions on the issues and their defense of the 2005 givebacks are unsustainable so they have to resort to calling us names instead. We will not be shy nor will we make apologies about aggressively responding by pointing out the facts about Unity and New Action.
Unity's position now that TJC and ICE are the "axis" and their 2005 Nazi baiting of the Unified Teachers Party are quite hypocritical because last year when a teacher who had been reassigned out of the classroom came to an Executive Board and compared treatment in the temporary reassignment center (nicknamed the rubber room by many) to the way Nazis treated people, Unity's Mel Aaronson told the person to stop trivializing what the Nazis did. Unity obviously does not practice what it preaches.
In addition to calling us the axis, since we announced our coalition with TJC, Unity has called us "zero plus zero"; they have compared us to Richard Nixon; they have created their own insulting acronyms for ICE and TJC and Unity visitors to this blog have made vicious personal comments against us regularly. We have no problem with their free speech right to say whatever they want to say but don't expect us to meekly sit back and take it. We know how to fight back and we will set the record straight.
As our friends at UTP say, "Brace yourself." This is going to be one bumpy ride.
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93 comments:
Brace yourselves for the Unity attacks that will be coming. You can bank on them. They will make Karl Rove seem tame. Of course they will be baseless but we know it's coming. Hang in there ICE.
This election is crucial to the existence of a true union of professional teachers. Name calling will not divert the membership's attention away from what the current union administration has done- delivering us the two worst contracts in UFT history. Their attempts to demean the opposition will not succeed this time around. Teachers are suffering from the weight of the oppressive 6 hours and 57.5 minutes they live through through each day. There's plenty of name-calling when those letters are written to our files and we cannot challenge them. There's plenty of name-calling when our profesional period is spent walking the halls or listening to the screams of our kids in the lunchroom. There's plenty of name-calling when the principal says no and there's no Step II grievance available to us. There's plenty of name- calling when Spring comes and the Seniority Transfer list doesn't appear. There's plenty of name- calling when the only people transferring to other schools are new teachers or old friends of the receiving principal.
My seatbelt is on tight.
All good points Rotate. Don't forget when you are absent over ten days and they send you for a time and attendance hearing to make you sign away your tenure rights. That was part of the sell out contract as well and people who are being suspended without pay before a 3020A hearing should be mentioned also. Unity will say anything to maintain power. They certainly won't be running on their record.
James, you and ICE/TJC have my vote. Calling you guys the Axis powers... hmmm, does the term projection mean anything to you? Let's see how democratic THEY are. How many hacks will post negative comments to the blog this time? But, it's okay. You guys are the real deal and the word is out.
You look so much more nartural than Kit. Why is he running fro president and not James or jeff?
ICE video! What will you guys think of next? Independent voices are healthy for a democratic union.
We need Jeff and James on the Executive Board. Vote ICE!
I see your friends at UTP took out their Charles Lindbergh quote.
Yea, we replaced it with a link to the Lindbergh Foundation.
Can't you read? Or is this your typical Unity selective vision?
Move along, moron.
I just commented that your friends took out the Charles Lindbergh quote. I didn't say anything about all the fists, or the eagles, or the colors of the website. I just simply said they took out the quote. Why am I called a moron?
Axis or triple alliance? Who cares!
One day all the UTP flags will fly from 52 Brdwy. and all teachers--and real people too---will be free of the damned Unity oppression. All shall have the double pension.
Even morons, and Norm, shall be free range.
Hail UTP!
You're called a moron because ve do not know ze Geramn vword for idiot, dummkopf.
You will please be unconscious.
We're glad that the UTP has got our backs.
ICE
Who is ICE?
Would someone explain the symbolism of those flags and eagles. What are they supposed to represent?
I don't understand why your website is not fully updated? Your Ex Bd reports and DA reports date back to Oct. 2005. Why isn't that info updated?
James says he and his ICE Ex Bd members are true opposition. But their oposition has been to be against whatever is the leadership says. Opposing everything doesn't help our members. Being independent means more than just manipulating the truth to take a political jab (as seen in the DA and on this blog about the negotiating committee). They say are they "are not beholden to anyone" I suppose that also includes the truth.
Why were you guys so quiet the last DA?
Unfortunately this leadership sold a contract that is horrible to its members. Randi heard the complaints as she went from school to school and did nothing.
She was in a position of power given that it was an election year, and lost a big advantage.
Now Spitzer is going to turn against the union too, and what will Randi do? Will she give in to the new demands of a longer school day and year?
How many teachers do you really believe love this contract???
We have seen so much of it already abused--more letters in file; teachers told they need to have lesson plans for extended day; some schools putting more than 10 in a class.
Even the school that was featured in NYTeacher said that the majority of the teachers did not sign the grievance. Why do you think that is? It's because their is a lack of confidence in our union to protect us on the homefront.
If more Unity members took a stand against Randi's point of view, I think we would have a stronger union. Sometimes it's the best thing to question and not just follow.
Of course if it means losing a 2nd income or pension, then it's understandable. Randi now controls who becomes our DR. That isn't right either.
Spitzer's going to turn against the union? Are you kidding me? Are you that out of touch? Do you think teachers in New York are going to buy Spitzer as a boogeyman? seriously, as he's trying to settle CFE? Are you revving the troops by telling them that somehow Spitzer is going to start negotiating our contracts, when our contract is closed. Puhleeze, those of us who are chapter chairs inside the UFT are a little too aware of what's going on in the real world to think we're negotiating with Spitzer.
I have to say, all I've ever seen on these blogs are a series of insults against Randi, some which are sexist in their origin. How can you complain about being called a "zero" in campaign literature when you're calling people a c****.
ICE supports many Unity positions. When the're right, ICE reps have no problem voting with them. Check out the minutes that Jeff sends. In fact, Unity likes to take ICE positions as their own. ICE does a lot more than complain.
I miss the wit and wisdom of Redhog.
First of all I do not think this "axis" thing is a big deal since you have to be over 50 to get it. But when did anyone at ICE call Randi a c-word?
James and Jeff are gentlemen.
As for Spitzer, I was not talking about a contract, but about how he can influence the demands of the next contract. You already agreed to a longer day and taken away 2 summer days. What's next???
The UTP is a powerful force, they don't back down and are always brutally honest. The fact that they are endorsing the ICE-TJC slate should give you guys a big boost. Many people respect and trust the UTP because they have the guts to attack anything that they feel is bad for the membership of this union. Obviously they have struck fear into the hearts of Unity lackeys everywhere or Unity wouldn't be resorting to smear tactics to discredit them. Consider it an honor that our enemies call us names and work against us, it shows we have their attention. Soon all the UTP flags will be flying at 52 Broadway!!
Go UTP
One thing you could do is to put out a counter leaflet taking apart their arguments. Just one school but our goal is to have many out there like you to counter them school by school. That is the long-term battle in this union that goes beyond this election.
If you want to remain anon there are still ways to do it. We can help you if you want.
Unity collects dues from its members $25. But at election times they ask all people who want to be delegates to the conventions to pay $100 -- and this year they held a lottery so not all who pay will go.
They just got 700 new people to join so they could have 1-2 thousand members. Lots of dough.
One new CL who just joined is so pissed about that and other stuff and is coming to an ICE meeting. That may be our best recruiting.
They are very careful with money but the use of personnel and probably printing machines is another issue. All caucuses can send out stuff to CL and ask them to put it in the boxes. But Unity gets favored treatment and they use the District reps as part of the network. We feel it would be a waste with so many Unity CL. At some point we will try to id all of them and send to the schools without them but that is a massive process.
I still want to know what the flags and eagles are supposed to mean!
Kit put out a good video, but I wish he didn't use the "s" word.
For those UTP who comment here to sound so radical is not a wise thing to do right now. However, while I will be voting for Jeff, James, Arthur and the rest, I would hate to think that there is something amiss with UTP.
So please tell me what the flags and eagles stand for.
Unity must go you should put the ICE or TJC literature in the mailboxes. You have every right to distribute both sides. If you need the memo that allows you to distribute, contact Norm.
an ice record. 2 ice members quoted in the times this am! good work james and john. standing up for the kids.
Some think that the eagle is a bird that shits on you, like Unity; others, use the flags for cover from those birds that shit.
Still others, would suggest you look up the meanings of flags, fists, and eagles as they relate, historically, to labor unions. Make it easy on yourself: go to the United Farmworkers site. They have a whole bunch of stuff: flags, eagles, fists...and a spine.
Or you could just eat your vanilla pudding and work on your lesson plans.
Comments as yours make us wonder if maybe Unity is correct, indeed, and our members shouldn't be allowed to vote at all.
Hey you Norton, get off that roof.
Waffle...whatever your name is...
For someone who is supposed to represent people who want to lead our union, I am surprised by your comment. It was totally uncalled for, and makes me further wish that it was James who was leading the ticket!!! A public relations expert you're not!!! I have every right to question an organization I never heard of before this election who has been labeled as radical. But you have no right to use name calling and write such a disgusting response!
I have no other choice but to rethink my vote for Kit who I said had a good video but never should have mentioned "strike", because that comes off as radical.
Anonymous don't take it so literally. I don't think a man who goes by the name of Waffle iron pockets is really looking to be taken very seriously; certainly not literally.
If he is representing the TJC, than I do take it literally!!!
Why is it that Kit himself does not respond on this blog???
Either way the comment is disgusting and inappropriate for a site that wants to show a better alternative to Randi.
I don't think waffle iron pants represents TJC. TJC people are usually very serious. If you want to get in touch with Kit, contact TJC directly. I'm sure he will respond.
I don't think I should reach out to Kit. It should be he reaching out to the teachers via avenues such as your blog and other teacher blogs.
This Waffle guy does seem to have a connection to him. But I think his comment should be considered for deletion given the inappropriate use of language.
I agree with the waffle!!! The opposition in this union needs more eagles, and fists and flags!! Now you guys are afraid to be radical? I think radical drastic, revolutionary actions are called for to save our union. If you guys don't step it up you are going down. The Unity machine will grind you under its wheels and not even look back, unless you stand up strong. People follow strength, they want to back a winner. Stop whining and go on the attack. Our flags are flying high, our banners we all hail, there is no stopping us the UTP will prevail!
Deletion is up to Jeff.
I don't think the UTP is the same as TJC. This is all a coalition and they're not the same. The opposition does need to be strong but insulting voters who ask questions might not be the best way to persuade them to vote for you. Anyway, I like the UTP's direct approach and sense of humor.
If that is not to your liking, then so be it.
If we have to use profanity to show a sense of humor, how sad.
I believe Randi should have just said no to the givebacks and stood her ground. The mayor at that point didn't care what Klein wanted, he just wanted an election without headaches. That's not being radical, that's looking out for our interests.
What are you proposing that you think a radical approach is so necessary? And why couldn't the question about the eagles have been answered without having me do the research?
Sometimes the best humor includes profanity and insults. It really points out and covers some of the important issues that have to deal with our union. It proves to me that nothing is sacred and shows how angry members are with our leadership. I enjoy the truth. Regardless of how it comes about.
I meant to type irregardless.
I am fed up with the 37.5. I am ready for the strike. Why do we have to wait for the election for a strike? If Randi doesn't want to strike...too bad. Kit and James and Jeff will be there to lead us. Brothers and sisters, let's not wait! Let's take action now!
I miss the wit and wisdom of Redhog.
irregardless....mmmm?
Must be an English AP.
So when a question is asked, instead of answering it, make a stupid senseless joke?
The question was not about Randi but about the symbols used by the opposition. Obviously this is something that they rather not discuss.
I too miss the wit and wisdom of Redhog, as I've yet to detect any.
Got ugly quicker than you thought, huh?
Yeah, even Redhog would be refreshing at this point.
Thank you!
Redhog the Refresher
And there are no calories in anything he says.
The UTP will not divulge the meaning of any of its ancient, cryptic symbols until you complete the UTP Caucus Application form and submit it with the application fee ($500.00/cash only). (Congress could not get us to tell them, and your sniveling won't get you "the answer" either).
You will have to adhere to all the Pythagorean dictates, listed on our site, as we all do. No pudding is allowed, you understand.
If this is not acceptable to you, our screening committee suggests you "do the research," or have your Principal change your IEP to include extra time, or get a Life-Para.
Have you noticed that the UTP is like the guest you invite to a party that wrecks your house, throws up on your dog, and never leaves?
The UTP is the party... without the UTP you guys would be boring people to death. The UTP has brought you guys out of obscurity, and when the whim strikes them, they will push you back under the rock you crawled out from.
I'm starting to understand why ICE-TJC has only a few minor accomplishments after all the years they have been at it. They take themselves way too seriously, and they lack the necessary balls to get the job done. They also eat beans and pudding which makes them soft. They are overly sensitve, humorless, and can't understand why it will take some radical action to take back our union. Go to the UTP site and revel in the flags, fists, and eagles!! Its the future of the oppostion. If you wanna be cool, there should be eagles everywhere!!
Not everyone in ICE is humorless. Norm, for example, is very funny. When we had dinner with him, and he cut out by the side door when the check game....That's funny ICE stuff.
I don’t understand about the eagles. Those are very ugly images there. I’ve studied history.
Why is there a Charles Lindburgh link on UTP’s website? How can you do this?
What kind of people are these running for election?
What is going on here?
Please cut it out with the questions about the eagles. Stop making everything that was said in the original post look correct. find something else to worry about. UTP has made their positions very clear.
From the dissidents who took over the LA teacher's union in California. UTP, ICE and TJC could all agree with this approach whether they use profanity or eagles or not.
"We need to once more begin transforming the image of teachers as friendly Caspar Milquetoast do-gooders into a unified, mobilized and proud bunch of unionists," Pechthalt and Jordan wrote in August 2004.
About half these posts are from redhog. He thinks he lurks in anonymity. While doing his research on eagles he should also study up on ip addresses.
Wow, he is one shrewd customer. He's crafty, that's for sure.
UTP made their position very clear???
By saying the eagles poop. Yes that's a clear image.
Maybe this question can be answered? Who from UTP is running for election? Are you willing to name names?
At least I now know that UTP and TJC are not the same people.
Where is redhog when we did him?
Redhog is hibernating for the remainder of the winter. He has left Harold Spinner in charge in his absence. At least he is not hanging around with some messed-up eagle.
He will return in early March to sing the praises of his beloved leader.
A number (4) of UTP members are running under the Unity banner in the upcoming elections. Early on, we realized that this was the only way to overthrow the Unity tyranny: become Unity and destroy it piece by piece, from the inside. It has taken years, but it will change the entire landscape of our union.
Jeff Brace is running with ICE TJC; isn't he?
One of the best things about being associated with ICE have been the phenomenal people I've had the chance to work with. It is no accident that so many ICE'ers have appeared in the news over the years based on engaging in activities in their schools related to improving the educational environment for their colleagues and their students.
Jeff Kaufman was punished for assisting an incarcerated student at Riker Island with getting his college credits. Maria Colon for exposing changes in Regent scores by the administration of Kennedy HS. Today, James Eterno is quoted in the Metro section of the Times condemning Jamaica High School's being named an Impact School by the DOE. Another Surge by the DOE.
John Lawhead also appeared in Sam Freedman's column in today's Times. Unfortunately, little of what I am sure John told Freedman about the closing of large schools appeared in the article. (As I've written before, hanging out with John after I met him through Ed. Notes, made the idea of getting a group of similar people together. ICE was the result.)
Redhog is the answer man!
If we strike now, people will realize we mean business and vote for us.
For the record an eagle is our national symbol. Has anyone thought of that? It's also a commonly used symbol of strength, thats something you should research too.
Or the Ben Franklin Unity turkey, represented by lawyer Weingarten.
I take offense at the demeaning way that you compared Unity to turkeys. Turkeys are noble birds who protect the entire flock, be it young, middle-aged or old. Unity sells out those in the middle, and gived too many rights to those retired from the farm!
You're correct. Randi would be more of a mockingbird, imitating the sounds of Klein and Bloomberg.
Calling all UFTers! To quote the great king of reggaae, "Get up, stand Up. Stand up for your rights. Get up, stand up. Don't give up the fight". Now is the time to get up and send a loud and clear message to the Unity's leadership and vote them out in this year's election. We are not going to keep them in to give us another crappy contract. BTW: Great video! Handsome fellow!
So is ICE only Jeff and James? Norm has his own website and I don't see any one else writing here (except the 2 guys from UTP). How can you really be an alternative?
Plenty of people comment here. What makes you think they're all James and Jeff? Come to an ICE meeting and you will see many more people than James and Jeff. More videos please guys.
More video, more video, more video?
It is rumored that Redhog visits here on occasion when his sleeping aids don't work. He has been overheard saying that your blog is a de facto generic.
No no
You're thinking of Leo on EdWize.
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Make a video of Leo. Then, ICE surely would win.
I think the question of ICE members was about ther writers here not about the 6 people in your meetings.
ICE meetings have many more than six people at their meetings. In fact, there are more than than six ICE candidates who are elected as chapter leaders and delegates in the Queens high schools.
All educators have some UTP in their blood, or either they are wannabees. To me the UTP is the backbone/jawbone of our teachers union. Hail UTP. They also have great taste in hats.
The UTP supports ICE-TJC and in fact some of their people are running on the ICE-TJC slate in this election.
The only way that ICE/TJC can be honestly said to have more than 6 members is if you figure that each of their personalities is split. Assuming they are not worse off than that, it amounts to an even ( or odd) dozen. Let's be generous.
I find the eagles, fists, flags and links to the Charles Lindbergh websites very telling. Apparently the UTP is some type of Nazi labor organization. Certainly not a party that any decent, normal educator should follow or vote for. How can ICE-TJC allow them to be part of their opposition coalition? It's no way to win an election by embracing the radical nuts.
Cut out the Nazi stuff. That was debunked ages ago. Can't you Unity guys ever argue facts?
Debunked? By whom? Just take a look at the site and the imagery and the link to Lindbergh You may think it doesn't evoke certain symbolism, but you're wrong. Ask any 10 people to check out the site and 9 1/2 will agree with me that there's a definite whiff of National Socialism about the UTP site. If it's unintentional, then they're fools.
Then I guess the fact that since background for the UFT blog EDWIZE looks exactly like the Japanese Imperial Naval flag, it means that the UFT supports the attack on Pearl Harbor. Give the Nazi stuff a rest. It makes people attacking UTP look like the desperate fools.
UTP rules
Welcome to the UFT-CWE wiki!
Wainer Clear Winner in Debate
ICE-TJC candidate Kit Wainer clearly demonstrated his clear vision for a union that represents its members instead of its leadership at a meeting held at our regular chapter meeting on March 2nd. While Weingarten came off as personable she clearly told us that raising awareness of adult education issues was "our problem."
"The work must be done by the Chapter," she stated suggesting that it was our responsiblity to get other organizations involved.
It is hard to understand why she would not help us more. She offered to allow us a few minutes at a Delegate Assembly meeting which, of course, is attended only by UFT members, hardly the group that needs to be convinced about the need for adult education.
We have not endorsed a candidate but it is clear who the winner should be. For more on Kit Wainer see his video at http://www.elfrank.com/Kit/.
Max "no problemo" factor said...
The UTP is not pro Klein. The UTP did not sell out teachers for three consecutive contracts. We did not support the '05 contract that gave virtually unlimited power to the DOE. We were not photographed getting a kiss from Klein. J' accuse Randi Weingarten of being pro Klein. J' accuse the UFT of serving it's members up on a platter to Bloomberg. But keep wearing those buttons.
3/01/2007 8:52 PM
You guys were right. Unity has descended into red baiting.
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