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Hypocrisy, racism, and greed.  This is a country of immigrants with a population that takes every available opportunity to preach about its Christian values. My question for all non Native Americans and non-atheists is what makes you think that God cares more about you and your needs than he does for human beings who happened to have born elsewhere? How do immigration conservatives reconcile this essential conflict Sunday morning in Church?  Are we all children of God, are we all one human family or are we not?

posted 2 years, 11 months ago
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I believe that Jefferson should be kept open and turned into a beacon of excellence.  What is required is not sexy innovations, but creating an environment and culture and a sense of excitement that will attract the best and brightest of all PBS HS teachers.

I have seen it occur elsewhere.  If Jeff was known as having the best faculty, the best facilities, and best programs in the district...the bright kids in the neighborhood will stay there and kids from advantagd neighborhoods were do whatever they can to get it in there.  It is no secet why Lincoln and Wilson are as good as they are......those are the best places to teach in Portland.  Teachers aren't attracted to teach kids because of the family's social class, rather they are attracted to take on meaningul challenges providing they have the support and comradarie to make it happen.  The challenge to make Jeff as good as any private school in the area will not only serve the neighborhood's students well, but it will make Portland a national model of bringing excellence to disadvantaged communities.

PBS should commit itself to make Jefferson great (not with gimmicks, but with great teachers and great programs), not close it.

posted 2 years, 11 months ago
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