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Issue 2, VOL 99 Jan. 26, 2012 - Feb. 1, 2012
AZ education system to undergo reforms
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Bekka Christ, a senior majoring in social work, stands out on the sidewalk of the courthouse holding her sign while hulahooping. (Photo by Andrew Conte)
Advocates rally for constitutional amendment
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BY MARK SAUNDERS
rivers honked their horns as they recognized a group of students and locals waving signs vying for legislative change on Jan. 21, outside the Coconino County Courthouse. Flagstaff Citizens Against Citizens United (FCACU), a group pushing to reverse the 2010 Supreme Court case that ruled corporations are people and money is protected speech under the Constitution, coordinated a rally to raise awareness about the issue at hand. Through the rally, volunteers shielded themselves from rain and snow flurries under a canopy to collect signatures and inform passers-by about the proposed 28th Amendment. Others grabbed a hot beverage and a colorful sign and chanted phrases like, “Don’t be a tool, end corporate rule,” along the sidewalk. Joe Bader, a volunteer and member
of the Progressive Democrats of Northern Arizona, said there is more about their cause than reducing corporate influence in politics. “[Overturning Citizens United] has been an effort by groups all over the country, on all sides of the [political] spectrum, to try to figure out a way to defeat this decision so we can return our democracy back to the people and not have it dominated by corporate interests,” Bader said. The organization for the movement at large, Move to Amend/Occupy the Courts, has sponsored events in multiple states across the country introducing resolutions against corporate personhood. On Jan. 20, more than 80 events were held at local courthouses around the U.S. to rally in support of the amendment. The proposed amendment from the Move to Amend website is as follows: “The rights protected by the
Constitution of the United States are the rights of natural persons only.” In addition to rights being reserved for people, the amendment would make corporations subject to regulation by citizens through local, state or federal law. Bader said it will be tough to ratify the amendment but it will happen eventually. “If Congress could pass it, then it goes to the states for ratification. [It is an] uphill struggle; a tough battle. But worth it in terms of the quality of lives going forward,” Bader said. “It always comes back to the people of the U.S. and how involved they want to get. It certainly will not happen absent of a mass movement of people.” Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern introduced legislation to reverse corporate personhood. The House and see PROTEST page 5
BY AURELIA ACQUATI
rizona’s public education system is currently on the brink of undergoing drastic changes set in place by Gov. Jan Brewer and several education councils. Craig Barrett, retired CEO and Chairman of Intel Corporation, was announced as chairman of the Arizona Ready Education Council. According to a press release by the state of Arizona, Barrett will be heading “Arizona Ready,” the focus of Arizona’s reform plan for education. Barrett said although there are certain schools through Arizona doing well, the education system still needs improvement. He said students need to have the reassurance from society that they can succeed in school and life. “There are certainly some bright spots in the education system here in Arizona,” Barrett said. “We have the most liberal school choice laws in the nation and some of our charter schools rank very high in national studies. Suffice it to say, there is a lot of room for improvement in the K-12 education system in Arizona. I believe it is the responsibility of society to give the next generation the tools to be successful.” Barrett says it is important for schools to compare their standards with the rest of the world’s and not just the nation’s. He believes Arizona, and the rest of the country, needs to challenge the education system to meet international standards and give students the education they deserve. “Our major challenge is to get all schools to mirror the successful examples,” Barrett said. “This is why international comparisons are so important. It is not appropriate to just compare one local school district, or state, with another. You have to compare the accomplishments of your students with the best in the world. So, my main concern for the young children of Arizona and the U.S. as a whole, is that we are not equipping them with the educational tools necessary for them to be successful going forward.” Barrett is a known leader in education reform and serves as president and chairman of BAsee REFORM page 5
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