Obama makes education pitch
Candidate says failure in schools costly to America
By David Montero, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Originally published 12:05 a.m., May 29, 2008
Updated 09:30 a.m., May 29, 2008
Matt McClain / The Rocky
Sen. Barack Obama visits with the crowd after giving a speech on education and other topics at Mapleton Expeditionary School of the Arts in Thornton on Wednesday. Obama said that if the United States doesn't improve how it educates its youth, it will prove economically disastrous down the road.
The topic was education, but Barack Obama's stop Wednesday in Colorado was also a campaign event, a fundraiser and an acknowledgment of the state's battleground status in the general election.
Obama never mentioned by name Sen. John McCain - his opponent if the Illinois senator clinches the Democratic presidential nomination. Montana and South Dakota will end the party's primary season on Tuesday.
And Obama didn't directly refer to President Bush, who was in Colorado Springs for the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation in the morning.
But in case it wasn't clear that Obama was running for president, former Gov. Roy Romer introduced him loud and clear at Mapleton Expeditionary School of the Arts as "the next president of the United States."
This prefaced Obama's criticisms of one of Bush's signature policies - the No Child Left Behind Act that calls for all children to meet academic standards by 2014.
'Must provide the funding'
"We must provide the funding we were promised, give our states the resources they need, and finally meet our commitment to special education," Obama said.
"We also need to realize that we can meet high standards without forcing teachers and students to spend most of the year preparing for a single, high-stakes test."
That Obama chose Romer to introduce him had less to do with Romer's status as former governor and a lot more to do with Romer's zeal for the topic of eduction - he is the former superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District.
And Romer now heads the nonprofit group Strong American Schools, based in Washington, D.C.
"This is a man who has an ability to look at problems in a new way," Romer said of Obama. "We need that in this country."
Obama weaved his way through a variety of hot-topic issues related to schools in a state that has seen only a slight improvement in high school graduation rates over the past eight years. In 2000, according to the U.S. Census data, the graduation rate was 86.9 percent. In 2006, it was 88 percent.
Obama presented troubling numbers - namely that if the 16,000 Colorado students who dropped out of high school last year had graduated, they could expect to collectively earn an additional $4.1 billion over their lifetimes.
Schools a Ritter priority
And the state has tackled education reform as well, with Gov. Bill Ritter making it one of his top priorities.
A bill that passed the legislature earlier this month could result in seniors seeing more tests and in school districts doing assessments in subjects that aren't covered in statewide achievement tests - subjects like social studies.
Obama said that if the United States doesn't improve in educating its youth, that failure will prove economically disastrous down the road.
"There simply aren't as many jobs today that can support a family where only a high school degree is required," he said. "And if you don't have that degree, there are even fewer jobs available that can keep you out of poverty.
"In this kind of economy, countries who out-educate us today will out-compete us tomorrow."
Obama's town hall event - an invitation-only affair that also featured a fundraiser earlier in the day - marked another wild day of politics in Colorado.
On Tuesday, McCain gave a foreign policy speech at the University of Denver before attending his own fundraiser in Aurora.
The state's nine electoral votes - combined with the four electoral votes in New Mexico and the five in Nevada - could prove pivotal for both parties' presidential campaigns.
And Obama got a boost early Wednesday in his nomination fight with Sen. Hillary Clinton when Colorado Democratic Party Chairwoman Pat Waak endorsed him.
"What we're seeing is proof we're a battleground state," Waak said. "There are, and will be, lots of attention and resources poured into the state."
And just to make sure Obama didn't think McCain wasn't paying attention, the Arizona senator's campaign had former Colorado Gov. Bill Owens attacking Obama. McCain's campaign also issued a statement soon after Obama's speech.
'Weak leadership'
"While in the U.S. Senate, Barack Obama has never spearheaded education reforms, which, despite his lofty rhetoric, demonstrates his weak leadership on an issue that is critical to the economic strength of our country," McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds said.
"It's no coincidence that a leading education magazine noted that Senator Obama has made no significant mark on education policy."
But Obama talked about his desire to make an impact if elected - by reversing some aspects of No Child Left Behind and by advocating a policy that would bolster attempts to make students bilingual, or even trilingual.
He said those steps need to be taken soon.
"We as a society do a really bad job teaching foreign languages," he said. "It is costing us when it comes to being competitive in the global marketplace. One of the huge advantages India has right now in the global marketplace is, in addition to speaking their native dialect, almost everybody is an English speaker.
"Which means they can go and understand their own culture, but they automatically have absorbed American culture, British culture."
While the speech - and the several questions afterward - generated applause, one area that Christina Eyre said Obama didn't sufficiently address was vocational training.
The 39-year-old Denver resident and Obama supporter since the February caucus said it is a mistake to think every high school student is suited for college. She said more should be done to allow those teens to learn trades.
"We're always going to need people that are auto mechanics or in other trades," she said. "When we think every kid should go and graduate from college, we set some of them up for failure."
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May 29, 2008
6:18 a.m.
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Michael writes:
If you have a few minutes to kill:
http://www.eyeblast.tv:80/public/vide...
May 29, 2008
6:42 a.m.
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mojambo writes:
the world needs ditchdiggers, too, Danny.
May 29, 2008
7:11 a.m.
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ToeNee writes:
Hey Obama. Look at the disaster you and your liberal buddies have done to the education system in this country over the last 30-40 years. No wonder the young people adore you, they spent their life ingesting you narrow world view.
May 29, 2008
7:33 a.m.
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Earl writes:
does anyone but the liberals and teachers unions believe that if every teacher made 100k plus a year education would be better? I dont. the liberals such as backward place blame on accountability in the csap tests. LA at one time considered having all graduating high school seniors take a 5th grade competency test to get their diploma but that was too much for the high school seniors. anyone remember the teaching of 'ebonics' so everyone would be able to learn and work? yep bo would throw more tax money at a failed system knowing that money will fix everything.
backward not all kids are left behind in public education, just the ones who dont care and use their teachers as examples of how to live off the governement checks they get. If education was a real priority then vouchers should not be an issue as it would reduce the class size in public schools.
unions and liberals hate this as it would put a hole in their indoctrination system.
its really a shame that more teachers are not dedicated to teaching kids.
May 29, 2008
7:51 a.m.
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ToeNee writes:
Froward69, Why can't you liberals open your eyes beyond your political party agenda? Do you have any idea why many conservatives have abandoned George Bush and John McCain? Their moral compass is broken, and no longer do what is good for the country. I hate to pop your bubble but your leaders are just as selfish and greedy. Follow the money my friend, and you will find it's the reason for every action taken by almost every member in our congress! The corruption is stunning.
May 29, 2008
7:52 a.m.
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dilligaf writes:
Earl you were definitely left behind.
May 29, 2008
8:42 a.m.
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gary writes:
The people that do not want CSAP testing, are the ones that do not want to let people see that the school system does not teach and kids do not learn. Give them all a High School diploma in basket weaving or anything else. Then give them a free college education, yep...the democrat way. Dummies for Democrats...more dummies for the college professors like Campos and Churchhill. Our savior Barrak Hussien Obama. Change alright....loose change that is!!
Can you smell the change?? It has a B...ad H..orrible...O..dor
Nuff Said!
May 29, 2008
8:51 a.m.
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steel writes:
I still say he looks like "Curious George".
May 29, 2008
8:55 a.m.
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ToeNee writes:
Froward69, Your making my point. You only choose to notice corruption when it involves republicans. Many democrats have also made nice profits from war, and still are.
Respect around the world? Are kidding me? I never want America to lower it's standards to the levels equal to county's you say look down on us. Have you noticed what a mess those countries are in today? Their a joke. I suppose you think the UN is glorious origination too don't you?
Demicans & republocrats = equally embarrassing. Time for a new party to take us back to more noble times.
May 29, 2008
9:31 a.m.
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DenverDan writes:
toenee & Gene = true love
May 29, 2008
9:44 a.m.
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davies writes:
Obama: "We must provide the funding we were promised..." Now what does that mean? Is it: We (federal taxpayers) must provide the funding we promised? Or is it: We must obtain the funding we were promised (from the federal taxpayers)? Either way, same old solution: just pay more, no results guaranteed.
May 29, 2008
9:45 a.m.
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ToeNee writes:
toenee and McSame preach from the same place??? what are you talking about? Is there another ToeNee posting here that your responding to?
Regardless, It's obvious your for a new socialist America, and I will defend my freedoms to the end, so we should agree to disagree.
Thanks for the chat, and have a great day.
May 29, 2008
10:18 a.m.
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DenverDan writes:
Gene
Where did your family come from? Do you speak that language?
Why do you spend all your time bad mouthing Obama and not telling me what your boy Mcshame is going to do? SAY NO TO BUSH 3.
May 29, 2008
10:23 a.m.
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ToeNee writes:
Froward69, Please explain the difference between socialism and fascism? I see very little differences. I want government to stay out of my life, not one that dictates my every move. That is why I can not vote for Obama, Clinton or McCain. It has nothing to do with racism, sexism or gerontophobia either. I just don't believe any of them have the wherewithal's to run a lemon-aid stand let alone a country.
May 29, 2008
10:30 a.m.
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Getaclue writes:
Have you Libs not noticed that true conservatives are not 100% behind McCain? You are matching Bush and McCain in which is so far from the truth. Go read your liberal blogs and repeat only what you read. Conservatives are not behind McCain in immigration, but we also think McCain is better prepared to protect the country. Let Obama be the "nice" guy to Iran and other countries that want to kill us. Remember, Clinton was that "nice" guy that let Osama Bin Laden on that plane instead of shooting it down. HMMMM, but he is a nice guy.
May 29, 2008
10:37 a.m.
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DenverDan writes:
Getaclue
What about Regan talking to Russia? Was that bad too. You dont know what your talking about. You say you dont support Mccain, but you bash Obama. That is like saying I dont like football but hate the Broncos. Get off the computer DORK!
May 29, 2008
10:45 a.m.
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steel writes:
DenverDan, your comments are getting much more mature for a sixth grader. Bet you're excited about school almost out for the summer.
May 29, 2008
10:57 a.m.
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ToeNee writes:
Froward69, that's what I thought. You really don't understand socialism.
May 29, 2008
11:02 a.m.
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gamby writes:
Froward69
And just how does the individual succeed?
How does the gov't give taxes back to the people?
How does the gov't give rights back to the people?
How does the gov't give responsibilities back to the people?
Seems to me it is going in the opposite direction no matter who is in control of the gov't!!!
How is raising taxes going to taxes back to the people? Do you mean redistributing wealth (taking from those who make more to give to those who don't feel the need to advance themselves)?
May 29, 2008
11:11 a.m.
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DenverDan writes:
steel
Did that hit home. You must of voted for Bush Twice. Do you still have bush stickers on your ride? I feel bad for you mad freaks on the right.
May 29, 2008
11:33 a.m.
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ToeNee writes:
Froward69: Are you looking forward to renaming the United States as, The Socialist Republic of America? Wait, that's far to quaint for the elitist Liberal mind. How about, The Socialist Republic of the America's" or better yet, The Socialist Republic of Earth" with lord Obama as it's ruling dictator.
May 29, 2008
11:49 a.m.
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DenverDan writes:
gamby
Are you saying that you agree that the people in the top 2% need a tax break? I understand they pay more, but they will still have a Porsche and a big house on top. The mid class need more of a tax break. Why give a tax break to people who dont need one? Even if I get rich, i would feel the same.
May 29, 2008
11:57 a.m.
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DenverDan writes:
Froward69
Well said. Outstanding!
May 29, 2008
12:21 p.m.
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davies writes:
DenverDan: "Even if I get rich, i will feel the same."
I truly doubt that. The perspective of so many of your kind is that others who are better off than you should be made to give more. But the average American is already rich in the context of global living standards. The way you feel about people with Porsces and "a big house on top"(?), is the same way that much of the rest of the world sees you.
May 29, 2008
12:25 p.m.
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ToeNee writes:
Democrats insulted blacks by trying to legitimize lazy communication skills by giving it a name "Ebonics" All I was doing was rubbing stupidity back into the faces of those who created it. Progressive Liberals seem to be the group who focuses most on hate and segregation, conservatives tend to reward hard work and abilities not skin color.
May 29, 2008
12:53 p.m.
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gamby writes:
Not talking "need" of tax breaks. I am talking redistribution of wealth from people who actually work for it.
It took me over 20 years of living near the "poverty" limit, and now that I am close to the 10% of "high income", I should just sit back and enjoy being forced to give my money to people that don't have the same work ethic? I think not.
Kudos to davies on his comment....
lest anyone think I am greedy, I give over 10% of my "Gross" to charity...which is much better than what the gov't does with its redistribution...
May 29, 2008
1:20 p.m.
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davies writes:
Froward, (for once) I can appreciate what you have to say. I'm not asking you to tell, but I hope you are also saying that there are worthy causes to whom you already direct some of your resources voluntarily, and you're not just waiting for a flat tax to be implemented by the government.
My big soapbox issue is that so many people characterize themselves as compassionate liberals, when in fact they actually do nothing to help those less fortunate of their own accord. Instead they rationalize that the government should be responsible for helping everybody. Then all they are really doing is absolving themselves from doing anything personally, in my opinion.
May 29, 2008
1:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
ToeNee writes:
Ebonics: Excuse me, I was stating FACTS as I believe them to be. Why would you call my beliefs as back peddling? You know nothing about me.
Liberals like to pick at the scab and keep the racial division wound wide open. Conservatives always try to move on in life but you libs just can't or won't.
May 29, 2008
1:52 p.m.
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davies writes:
ToeNee: Agreed. There are and will always be some legitimate instances of racial discrimination and racial issues, but in the big picture, maintaining a permanent "underclass of victims" serves the Democratic Party's demographic needs very well, vote-wise. And I tend to think Ted Kennedy and other Dem bigwigs don't really care if they're helping these people or hurting them.
May 29, 2008
2:38 p.m.
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ToeNee writes:
davies: It makes me sad that a majority of blacks and other minority groups take the bait from the democrats and really believe the party leader care about them and their needs. It seems so obvious to me that they don't. Their just another exploited resource to collect money through special interest group donations/contributions. Democrat party leaders know to toss out a bone once in a while so minority groups don't wander off. Both parties are guilty for what they are doing to illegal immigrants. But that's another issue.
May 29, 2008
4:44 p.m.
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mrNiceGuy writes:
The woman, the black guy, and the old guy are all the same person but with different disguises. Really, what does the President do? He/she is just a face, the face of the nation. Do you think Obama has the ability to single handedly solve the education problems faced by the nation? Do you think Hillary has the ability to single handedly solve the health care problems of the nation? Do you think McCain has the ability to cleanly finish a war that is so riddled in filth? No, no and no. They know these are the biggest issues that people want to hear about so they feed us. It's like sticking a lollipop in crying child's mouth. Once they become President, it's gone and we're crying again.
May 29, 2008
4:46 p.m.
Suggest removal
mrNiceGuy writes:
Oh and BTW,
Really RMN? You can't use the word s*cker (ref to lollipop)? Wow! Viva la freedom of speech. Racist remarks, ok. S*cker, you better watch your mouth mister!
May 29, 2008
7:57 p.m.
Suggest removal
HSTOWEL writes:
It's nice to know that Oblabba believes that we should be bi or trilingual rather than immigrants (illegal or otherwise) learning to speak our language. This guy is a disaster for this country in so many ways it's impossible to count. None are a great choice but he is absolutely the worst and most dangerous to come along for a very long time not to even mention his lovely wife.
May 30, 2008
1:05 a.m.
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BillK writes:
Can you imagine the vitriol had a Republican or supporter of a Republican made the statement Christina Eyre did?
It would be reported as "Republican Supporter: 'Some kids just too stupid for college.'"