Chicago teachers union chief faults ‘rich white people’ for city’s education mess

[Harsh_77 718]

In a scathing speech on Wednesday, the president of the Chicago Teachers Union charged that racism and “rich white people” are to blame for the immense financial crisis facing the Chicago Public Schools.

In her remarks to an audience at the upscale City Club of Chicago, union boss Karen Lewis strongly criticized Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. She also urged the city schools to follow the strategic blueprint of the Chicago Cubs baseball team.

Lewis called for “an end to corporate subsidies and loopholes.” She demanded “progressive taxation” to close the $1 billion budget deficit currently facing the Second City and its public schools.

Higher income tax rates on wealthy residents would generate billions in necessary revenue, the union chief suggested. She also proposed new taxes for commuters and for financial transfers.

“When the Cubs lose a game they don’t call for Wrigley Field to close down. They don’t want the entire team dismantled. Despite empty seats, the stadium isn’t accused of being underutilized,” she said.

Year after year — despite individual player performance, despite game losses and near wins — the fans show continue to show up. We keep cheering for our Cubbies. We know they are winners. We dream. We believe,” Lewis said.

The Chicago Cubs famously have not won a World Series since 1908 (or a National League pennant since 1945).

http://news.yahoo.com/chicago-teachers-union-chief-faults-rich-white-people-051815962.html

[decocker 7,198]

"he who opens a school door, closes a prison" - v.hugo

how many schools have closed in chicago over the past couple years?

[Darnell 8,478]

Chicago ! hahahahhahahhaaaa tis the summer, need more shootings.

Carry On!

[Ban Hammer 13,400]

the president of the Chicago Teachers Union charged that racism and “rich white people” are to blame for the immense financial crisis facing the Chicago Public Schools.

funny how she just implicated herself in that statement.

[Karee 4,190]

I think most of the rich white people packed up and moved to the suburbs a long time ago. I think this union boss is making sure the rest will follow suit. Yet another example of someone not accepting responsibility by playing the race card.

Edited June 20, 2013 by Karee

[Harsh_77 718]

"he who opens a school door, closes a prison" - v.hugo

how many schools have closed in chicago over the past couple years?

Nobody is for closing the close or degrading our school system… my point was look at the leaders. These leaders are supposed to setting an example and help improve the system.

These leaders compare themselves with someone working in corporate world and always complain they are not getting paid what ppl in corporate world get but in corporate world when one does not perform they are shown doors, they don’t want that.

[Harsh_77 718]

funny how she just implicated herself in that statement.

I guess Lewis does not consider herself rich, her predecessor was paid over $200k salary, so I am sure she is getting same or more.

[decocker 7,198]

smh.

[Darnell 8,478]

charged that racism and “rich white people” are to blame for the immense financial crisis facing the Chicago Public Schools.

well, when the 'tax base' moves out of the school district - who's fault is that ?

Seriously.

[X Factor 1,112]

Why all the racism

[Darnell 8,478]

It's Chicago !

[Harsh_77 718]

Why all the racism

Some ppl do not do their job and than just blame it on others.

Imagine if someone would had made a comment with race switched.. it would had been an uproar and media would had been all over it, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton etc. would had been on the streets.

[Teddy B 17,252]

charged that racism and “rich white people” are to blame for the immense financial crisis facing the Chicago Public Schools.

well, when the 'tax base' moves out of the school district - who's fault is that ?

Seriously.

It's the 1% krewe.......la!

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

In a scathing speech on Wednesday, the president of the Chicago Teachers Union charged that racism and “rich white people” are to blame for the immense financial crisis facing the Chicago Public Schools.

In her remarks to an audience at the upscale City Club of Chicago, union boss Karen Lewis strongly criticized Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. She also urged the city schools to follow the strategic blueprint of the Chicago Cubs baseball team.

Lewis called for “an end to corporate subsidies and loopholes.” She demanded “progressive taxation” to close the $1 billion budget deficit currently facing the Second City and its public schools.

Higher income tax rates on wealthy residents would generate billions in necessary revenue, the union chief suggested. She also proposed new taxes for commuters and for financial transfers.

“When the Cubs lose a game they don’t call for Wrigley Field to close down. They don’t want the entire team dismantled. Despite empty seats, the stadium isn’t accused of being underutilized,” she said.

Year after year — despite individual player performance, despite game losses and near wins — the fans show continue to show up. We keep cheering for our Cubbies. We know they are winners. We dream. We believe,” Lewis said.

The Chicago Cubs famously have not won a World Series since 1908 (or a National League pennant since 1945).

http://news.yahoo.com/chicago-teachers-union-chief-faults-rich-white-people-051815962.html

The Cubs have been sold multiple times. 107 years without result is too long for school districts.

You cannot raise taxes on people that have the option not to pay them by moving. Higher income tax rates will reduce revenue to the schools because the people that pay the tax will simply move to Evanston, Highland Park or Oak Park and give Chicago "the finger" in the rear view mirror.

[Harsh_77 718]

The Cubs have been sold multiple times. 107 years without result is too long for school districts.

You cannot raise taxes on people that have the option not to pay them by moving. Higher income tax rates will reduce revenue to the schools because the people that pay the tax will simply move to Evanston, Highland Park or Oak Park and give Chicago "the finger" in the rear view mirror.

I just didn't understand whom she is referring to by rich... she herself makes over $200k a year.