Pearson Educational Publishing: No Profit Left Behind

A POLITICO investigation has found that Pearson stands to make tens of millions in taxpayer dollars and cuts in student tuition from deals arranged without competitive bids in states from Florida to Texas. The review also found Pearson’s contracts set forth specific performance targets — but don’t penalize the company when it fails to meet those standards. And in the higher ed realm, the contracts give Pearson extensive access to personal student data, with few constraints on how it is used.

POLITICO examined hundreds of pages of contracts, business plans and email exchanges, as well as tax filings, lobbying reports and marketing materials, in the first comprehensive look at Pearson’s business practices in the United States.

The investigation found that public officials often commit to buying from Pearson because it’s familiar, even when there’s little proof its products and services are effective.

Oligarchs should not own our newspapers

Right-wing super villains Charles and David Koch are looking to purchase media outlets in order create new mouthpieces for their propaganda. Staffers of the Los Angeles Times, one of the media outlets targeted by the Koch brothers, are not taking this lying down.

Last week, at an in-house awards ceremony for Los Angeles Times staff, columnist Steve Lopez asked everyone in attendance, "Raise your hand if you would quit if the paper was bought by the Koch brothers."

About half the staff raised their hands, perhaps dooming the sale of the newspaper to the Kochs.

Please sign our petition supporting the journalists and staff at the Los Angeles Times who are willing to quit their jobs if Charles and David Koch purchase the newspaper.

Labor Day Picnic

A post. Just in case you missed it.  You wouldn't know this if you relied upon the Sacramento Bee for your news.

Some 700 union members and their families  enjoyed a great Labor Day Picnic in William Land Park  on Sept.5.  There were jumping games for children, music, literature tables and lots of politics.  Each of dozens of important political issues were discussed and advocated.  Congressman John Garamendi, candidate Ami Bera, and Governor Jerry Brown, among others talked and met with folks.  Voters were registered.
Here is a button which I got at the picnic.  Those who can Teach.  Those who can't, pass laws about teaching.