I believe the local Universities have much the same polities in place. ‘You work for the State - you cannot speak against the State,’ same thing goes for our city I understand. When you force the people who have access to and understanding of information about what is really talking place inside a governmental structures from being able to protect the public interest by speaking out, you contribute to the construction of a fascist state. There is no reason to fear the light of day on your policies or procedures - if they are honest and true. This is kind of my spin on what my father told me when I asked him about secretive societies/religions “Son, no good works need fear the light of day.”

Posted by Gregory | reply to this comment
September 29, 2008 11:47 am

No, Scott. I think you have this one nailed. It is the epitome of stupid -- even though it is a practice widely in use in ultra-totalitarian regimes. Those kinds of regimes always (as in without exception) end up going out in flames. North Korea, Cuba, etc., will follow suit someday. There is, however, a clear distinction to be made between public employees and elected officials. Too bad the school board doesn't understand that -- or much else, apparently.

Posted by Edgar | reply to this comment
September 29, 2008 6:26 pm

The other day I got a letter from Steve F. suggesting that I support Ms. Lee, who is running against her? A PhD named Evens I believe. Therefore, I called Steve F., and although he apparently supports Ms. Lee he never responded to the message I left ‘would you please call me back and share with me exactly what policies, she voted in support of, bettered the condition of or performance of students in the SDUSD?’ At debates South of Eight, I have not seen her show-up to any; I have not seen a single time when she was even daring enough to show-up for to debated the challenger, Dr. Evens. As for the School board in general – I say replace them all. It is clear to me that those willing to silence their voices, and therefore OUR voices for they represent all of us are not willing and/or able to do their job. Their job is to represent us, not their own private agendas.

Posted by Gregory | reply to this comment
September 30, 2008 7:14 am

Chill, Gregory. The School Board (excluding lame duck Luis Acle) voted last week to rescind the silly "gag" rule, recognizing that it would potentially silence meaningful communication with their constituents. You can vote for whatshisname running against Mitz Lee, but I prefer to support Lee's experience, intelligence, devotion and hard work. Mitz has excellent relationships with people all over this city -- especially south of 8 -- so I don't know what you're talking about when you claim she's AWOL from disadvantaged neighborhoods. Mitz is deeply committed to providing all parents a voice in the perennial struggle between teachers and administration. Mitz doesn't pander to the powerful teachers' union (which understandably worries about budget cuts, personnel layoffs and upcoming contract negotiations.) But Mitz advocates for teachers and families who want the best for kids, plus she knows curriculum and demands fiscal transparency and accountability.

Posted by Frances O'Neill Zimmerman | reply to this comment
October 21, 2008 7:50 pm

Chill, Gregory. The School Board (excluding lame duck Luis Acle) voted last week to rescind the silly "gag" rule, recognizing that it would potentially silence meaningful communication with their constituents. You can vote for whatshisname running against Mitz Lee, but I prefer to support Lee's experience, intelligence, devotion and hard work. Mitz has excellent relationships with people all over this city -- especially south of 8 -- so I don't know what you're talking about when you claim she's AWOL from disadvantaged neighborhoods. Mitz is deeply committed to providing all parents a voice in the perennial struggle between teachers and administration. Mitz doesn't pander to the powerful teachers' union (which understandably worries about budget cuts, personnel layoffs and upcoming contract negotiations.) But Mitz advocates for teachers and families who want the best for kids, plus she knows curriculum and demands fiscal transparency and accountability.

Posted by Frances O'Neill Zimmerman | reply to this comment
October 21, 2008 8:29 pm

• Users may post more than one comment, but should not pose as multiple users. Multiple posts from the same IP address but with a different user name on each will be reviewed to determine whether abuse has occurred.
• Posts with overly personal attacks or unsubstantiated allegations may be edited or deleted.
• Please be patient with the posts -- there may be a delay before they appear on the site -- and make sure to enter the code in the "image verification" box.