Addressing Charlie’s question. 3 and final.
IEA Communications Director Charlie McBarron asked a question on his IEA site about how we should respond to the current situation in Springfield. His question caused me to think out loud. You can find part one here and part two here.
First. A thanks to Charlie. It’s not often those in positions of leadership in the IEA ask questions about tactics and strategy. In fact, as a local leader and as one who is politically active and leads a politically active local, I’ve never been asked about IEA’s political tactics and strategy and about its strengths and weaknesses. In fact, I’ve never been asked to share what we’ve learned at the local level. Ever.
So, good for Charlie. Asking tough questions is a rare but useful tool
There is no doubt in my mind that at this stage in the game we have no alternative but to support an income tax increase to fund social services and schools. If it contains so-called pension reform that includes a two-tier pension system, it still would irresponsible to advocate a defeat of a fair funding bill.
Charlie raises this question as if it is a strategic dilemma. As if to sacrifice one issue for a greater one might be a sacrifice of principle. I don’t think it does.
The problem lies with the work that led up to this tactical decision.
The IEA political strategy has been to organize around what they call an “education party.” The IEA supports Democrats or Republicans, as long as they support a narrow list of education issues.
I think it is good that we don’t tie ourselves to just one political party.
I think we need to expand the strategy. What we should be building is not so much an “education party” but a “progressive party” (small “p”), a coalition that includes the other teacher union to be sure. And also others in the union movement, civil and human rights movements, urban, rural and suburban communities hit hard by the economic crisis, the anti-war movement and others.
These become reliable supporters when public schools are under attack. Reliable supporters are just what we have lacked over the past decade.
