FCAT Scores and Education Funding

Try to remember this: The FCAT is only a snapshot of how one child does on a particular test on a
particular day.

Those are the wise words of Mark Pudlow, a spokesperson for the Florida Education Association.
More of his wisdom reminds us that providing education for the youngest members of our society
should come FIRST not LAST.

So when it comes to budgeting for education why are our legislators always finding money for other things first and cutting education funding? Pudlow says it is tremendously short sighted. Do you
wonder if our children, when grown, will be able to compete against the rest of the world in our
global economy?

Federally, the No Child Left Behind legislation promised specific amounts to schools. But Pudlow
says they haven't given what they've promised from day one.

And in the six years Governor Bush has been in office he's given over $8 billion in tax breaks but claims the state can't afford to implement the Class Size Amendment passed in Florida's 2000 election.

Pudlow mentions an underlying strategy behind labeling schools as failing and mandating the "high stakes testing" which is to take the job of education away from the government and give it to private businesses and churches.

To hear about vouchers, public vs. charter schools, and more about privatizing education listen to this show in the Criminal Justice Radio Archive.

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Your Vote Counts

Why do you suppose an average of only 50% of people eligible to vote actually do so? Is it because they have no faith in our government, or because they don't see a difference in the two main parties, or they think the issues don't affect them?

Remember learning about the America where only white male property owners were allowed to vote? Fortunately all American citizens are now guaranteed a vote as a right (except some in Florida and six other states- see Florida's Voting Ban which aired on 8/7/04 for details).

We vote to elect our representatives. And we probably want our judges, senators, governors, presidents, city council and school board members making decisions we agree with when it comes to taxes, schools, health care, social security, the draft, or our lives.

Tracy Moavero explains that members of congress can't be experts in everything so they rely on their staff and their constituents to keep them informed. If you or anyone you know has ever stood in front of a judge, been denied health insurance, tested positive for HIV/AIDS, have children in school or of draft age, had trouble finding work, or paid into social security you may not be an expert in the subject, but you may know much more about the subject you're your legislators. So, tell them your opinion.

Listen to this show on our Criminal Justice Radio Archive where you can learn if one vote really makes a difference. And, ensure your voice! Vote and then participate in your right as an American citizen to participate in our democratic process by telling your representatives your opinions and keeping them accountable.

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Florida's Bullet Train

When asked in the 2000 election, voters said they wanted a high speed rail. The Amendment directed the Florida Legislature to develop a high speed ground transportation system. And this year, there is another Amendment on the ballot about Florida's bullet train, but this time, it is calling for a repeal of the high speed rail Amendment which was passed in the last election.

There are countless ways Floridians could benefit from a high speed rail…less congested highways, safe and speedy travel, convenience, an alternative to air travel, option to avoid growing gas prices… but the only argument the opponents of the bullet train have is its expense.

Who is leading the opposition of high speed rail in Florida? Florida's Governor and Chief Financial Officer. And their argument isn't even a valid one, according to Keith Lee Rupp, President of the Florida Transportation Association. He says the Florida legislature has set aside $75 million per year for high speed rail, which is less than 1.5% of Florida's $6 billion transportation budget.

Rupp also says "building a sound transportation infrastructure is a legitimate and proper role for government… instead of elected officials [yelling NO!] they should be helping us find a solution to move forward toward building something that will help Floridians for generations to come."

Listen to this show on the Criminal Justice Radio Archive to hear the other benefits of a bullet train to Florida's economy, Florida's environment, and even Florida's drivers.

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LEAP

Why would a retired state police officer with 26 years experience who spent 14 years as an undercover narcotics agent in New Jersey want to legalize drugs? His answer is simple: to keep them out of the hands of children. Jack Cole is so determined to bring about drug regulation, he co-founded the international advocacy group, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition or LEAP.

Among the group's 1700 members are current and former law enforcement professionals including judges, parole officers, lawyers, probation officers, as well as police officers and DEA employees. While anyone can join the group, speakers of the group must have worked in some aspect of drug enforcement. And if they are speaking against drug prohibition, we should listen!

LEAP's mission is not to create more drug users, instead, Cole wants to legalize drugs so we are able to control their production, distribution and sales. He mentions 10 years of government surveys where kids report that it is easier for them to buy illegal drugs than to purchase cigarettes and alcohol.

We are spending $69 billion annually, according to Cole, to fight the "war on drugs." And he says that today drugs are cheaper, more potent, and easier to get than they were in the 1970's when he began his work as an undercover agent.

To listen to this show visit our Criminal Justice Radio Archive where you will hear about a drug rehab program which is actually reducing heroine addiction by more than 20% by administering heroine to users up to three times a day. You'll also find out if there really is a relationship between drugs and terrorism.

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, aired October 2nd

Three area domestic violence awareness advocates discuss the issue and details of local events planned to bring awareness and hopefully a near end to this pandemic. Listen in our Criminal Justice Radio Archive. And, be sure to check our Calendar of Events for more information on the planned events.

In the near future...

Jackson Katz, airing October 9th 

Men are disproportionately committing abusive crimes including rape, assault, murder, domestic violence and child abuse. Jackson Katz, a gender violence prevention advocate, explains how our culture condones violence in males through our definition of masculinity.

Medical Malpractice, airing October 16th 

Is it a battle between the doctors and the lawyers coming up in Florida 2004 election? Who is vying for patients? How about the insurance companies? Do you know who you will vote for? And will your vote ensure a safer and more affordable health care system for Floridians after the election? Listen as Amendments 3, 7 and 8 are explained.

The Effects of Children Exposed to Violence, airing October 23rd Folks from the Safe Start initiative of the Pinellas Juvenile Welfare Board discuss the impact of witnessing violence as a young child under seven.

Florida's 2004 General Election Amendments 1 airing October 30th An Amendment is proposed on Florida's ballot to limit the right of young women under the age of 18 to seek abortion without a parent's consent.

Check out our lineup on the web at http://www.criminaljusticeforum.com/justice_radio.htm to find out what's coming next.

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