Comments for No Poison Apple? Terry Branstad’s Education Proposal Aims to Be Palatable to Varied Legislators and Interests. They’re Open to Reform but Leery. at http://www.rcreader.com , comment 1 to 1 out of 1 comments http://www.rcreader.com Fri, 24 May 2013 16:21:51 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.rcreader.com/commentary/branstad-education-reform/#comment-4036 I haven't read the entire story, and I realize that a major initiative/major proposed legislation such as the "One Unshakable Vision" plan to improve education in Iowa deserves close scrutiny by all interested parties: teachers, legislators, taxpayers, and so forth. Depending on what is included in the final version – it may be all of it, some of it or none of it, and it could be several years before any adoption is made – it will have far reaching implications on the public. That being said, I fear that this story is an example of what I've noticed lately in the River Cities Reader: Negative-slanted coverage of an important issue affecting daily life, creating the impression that all elected officials are corrupt and power hungry to the point of narcissm. Here, I fear that it's implied that none of the proposed legislation will work toward its ultimate goal of improving education, and that it is some covert plan for unions and certain legislators to control education and in essence use "mind control" on the students. The cover art with this story – a caricature of Gov. Branstad as the Wicked Witch – seems to support your stance. I think the merits of points in the plan will be debated in the halls and chambers of Capitol Hill. As the debate happens, commentary will then be appropriate. I just don't think now is the time just yet for editorial comment. As far as editorials go ... ever think of writing something positive for a change that doesn't have any negative references to politicians? - Bobaloo Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:05:16 +0100