Without a doubt, April was a bizarre month in New Jersey education news.  First, Bergen County Education Association President Joe Coppola requested divine intervention and death by suffering for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.  Then, elementary students were asked – regardless of sex – to dress up as women to commemorate Women’s History Month.  Talk about bizarre.

Let’s begin with Cappola’s plea.  In what I’m sure he thought was a fit of hilarity, he wrote the following in an email to union leaders:

“Dear Lord, you’ve taken away my favorite actor Patrick Swayze, my favorite actress Farrah Fawcett, my favorite singer Michael Jackson and my favorite salesman Billy Mayes. I just want you to know that Chris Christie is my favorite governor.”

Why such harsh words, you ask?  Like the rest of America, New Jersey is in a dire financial bind.  In an effort to reduce cuts and to keep teachers employed, Christie has proposed that teachers agree to a one-year pay freeze.  This, teamed with his request that educators contribute 1.5 percent of their income to cover medical benefits, has sent the unions reeling.  According to FOX News,

Christie added that $820 million in state aid cuts, primarily for school lunches, art teachers and language classes, among other programs, wouldn’t have to go if the teachers union would agree to a one-year pay freeze and to pay 1.5 percent of their salary toward their medical, dental and vision benefits.

While 11 local unions agreed, the union’s central authority refuses to jump on board.  Ironically, millions of Americans have lost their jobs and/or received no pay increases this year; many have fallen into poverty.  With our nation and our individual states in such horrific financial shape, it’s unconscionable that a body that represents a troop of public servants would refuse to allow educators to pay for their own health care, let alone give up a guaranteed raise.  Has the union forgotten that it’s bargaining with the peoples’ money?

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“For the past 22 years, I have dedicated my life to serving my community as a New York City pastor and spiritual leader. I have counseled the suffering, married couples, helped the grieving, fed the hungry and have acted as a liaison between my community and the government.” – Michel Faulkner, NY Post

In Feb., Rev. Michel Faulkner officially entered the ring to compete in a Congressional race that is sure to draw national attention.  This Nov., Faulkner is challenging Rep. Charles Rangel, a four-decade seat holder in the 15^th Congressional district.  Faulkner has a track record of success in truly uplifting the downtrodden.  Unlike Rangel, if elected, Faulkner won’t champion self-centered earmarks, they’ll be no ethics violations and most importantly – no pandering to the establishment.  Faulkner is the real deal and in a district with immense need.

What is perhaps most intriguing about Rev. Faulkner is his eclectic past.  While on his intriguing journey from NFL football player to college dean to pastor to his current role — Congressional candidate — Faulkner has consistently worked to improve the lives of those in need.  Unlike Rangel who is prone to ethics allegations, irrational earmarking and questionable conduct, Faulkner provides a fresh and untarnished aura.  As a representative, his background and passion would surely meld to formulate viable and effective leadership.  Unlike many politicians who enter the field for shear personal gain, Faulkner’s aspirations can be traced back to his intense faith and belief in the Almighty.  He wants to place power back into the hands of the people.

His past experience includes serving in a pastoral capacity in a number of churches, working to help the economically disadvantaged, assisting those with HIV/AIDS, serving on various NYC tasks forces, and forming his own not-for-profit that focuses on leadership development.  Faulkner’s resume shows him to be a genuine individual whose intense personal faith has bred a genuinely heartfelt duty to his fellow man.

Faulkner’s political platform is as robust and encouraging as his past works.  Aside from his unwavering belief that government should truly be driven by the American people (a virtue that Congress and the Obama administration have clearly forgotten), Faulkner champions ideals that have traditionally benefitted the most valuable areas of our society.

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The mainstream media were complicit in their coverage of the ACORN scandal. Their behavior was and continues to be an insult to democracy and journalistic responsibility as the Fourth Estate has ignored facts, engaged in one-sided sourcing, and avoided basic and inherently important journalistic questioning.

First, there was avoidance. Some media outlets simply ignored the story. On Sept. 15, five days after the Maryland tape was released, ABC’s Charlie Gibson said, “I don’t even know about it… so you’ve got me at a loss” and said that the story might be “just one you leave to the cables.” But, Gibson was not alone in his lack of knowledge. The New York Times did not cover the story for nearly a week. On Sept. 26, Clark Hoyt, The Times’ Public Editor, acknowledged the paper’s tardiness, but insinuated that the story was lacking in facts:

But for days, as more videos were posted and government authorities rushed to distance themselves from Acorn, The Times stood still.  Some stories, lacking facts, never catch fire…But others do, and a newspaper like The Times needs to be alert to them or wind up looking clueless or, worse, partisan itself.

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