November 30, 2003
Mission of the Seattle Times editorial pages

This mission statement appears at the bottom of the Seattle Times Sunday editorial page:

To be the most respected editorial voice in the Northwest

To be independent and influential advocates for children, schools, safe and clean communities, a dynamic economy, and ethical leadership in public and private sectors.

To be a forum for community dialogue and learning.

That's all very commendable, but none of that is consistent with the Molly Ivins columns that the Times prints each Monday.

Posted by Stefan Sharkansky at November 30, 2003 04:15 PM
Comments

Shark,
By a fluke I flipped on Fox this weekend, Saturday I think? and caught part of a 1 hour special they did on the public schools. It was hosted by ED Hill and done in documentary 48 Hours style. They should do more of it.

They highlighted some great teachers in bad areas who are leading kids in classes they love and are getting motivated and eager to learn. This guy was the impetus for charter schools, publically funded but privately run. Children and parents have to sign agreement contracts to review their kids work and what they're doing every night and other things. Kids can be asked to leave the school and the teacher get no tenure. One was in North Carolina I think? THE RESULTS ARE ASTONISHING!!

I wish I could find the name of the elementary school teacher (5th grade?) who was the impetus for all of this. He wrote a book on it which led to the idea of charter schools.

Mike

PS I'll check the Fox website and see if I can find it.

Posted by: Mike on November 30, 2003 07:11 PM

Here you go Shark.
You are in debt to my generosity.
From now on I expect commentary from you following my brilliant insites. (kidding but slightly serious)

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,103777,00.html

Posted by: Mike on November 30, 2003 07:20 PM

Damn it, boy, you are not supposed to question the editorial content of a major newspaper. That makes you a wingnut.

Posted by: Rockabilly on December 1, 2003 10:53 AM

As demonstrated by this very blog, Molly Ivins' columns are in fact independent advocates for children, schools, safe and clean communities, a dynamic economy, and ethical leadership in public and private sectors. They also contribute to a forum for community dialogue and learning.

Pretty much on the mark of what the P-I claims to be about, if you look at it honestly.

Posted by: Simon on December 3, 2003 02:55 AM
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