I just got push-polled by our Repuke governor

[KamaAina]

who is flogging an education plan packed with stuff like "local districts" (= draw lines so the wealthy suburbs get the good schools), "accountability" (=teach to the test), "discipline" (=punish kids for having disabilities) and so forth.

http://starbulletin.com/2004/01/27/news/index1.html

(Caution: Contains picture of ugly Repuke :-) )

In her second State of the State speech, Lingle repeated her call for seven elected school boards to replace the single, statewide system and also pressed for expanded police powers to fight illicit drug dealers....

In a media briefing after the 64-minute speech yesterday, Lingle said that to answer critics who wanted specifics of her school reform plan, the administration is offering an "omnibus school reform" package.

"The Legislature will have a fully developed bill that says how the transition will be carried out and how the local school boards will get up to speed," Lingle said.

The extra information, Lingle said, will help legislators "feel good about putting the issue on the ballot." Changing the school board would require a constitutional amendment that would need voter approval in the fall elections.

The chirpy young woman giving me the poll* uttered the phrase, "Governor Linda Lingle" on average every 5.5 seconds. I must confess I started to unload on her a bit... "Why didn't you even mention special education?!"

Near the end she asked if I or any member of my household (who? The gecko? The roaches?!) belonged to a labor union! (translation: "It's that damned obstinate teacher union that's blocking my plan".)

And then, the coup de grace: Before hanging up and getting back to my Urkel rerun :-) , I asked Ms. Chirpy who was paying for the poll*.

"I'm sorry, I can't tell you that... We're an independent firm, I don't know who we're working for."

Well, which is it? Can't tell, or don't know? Perfect considering Lingle is heading up the Bush* campaign here, don't you think?

:puke:

[hatrack]

1. How did this vacuum bag ever get elected in Hawaii?

I thought y'all were much more sensible and Democratic than that!

[KamaAina]

2. Six-month-long nonstop media blitz

paid for by crates full of mainland soft money.

I watched a LOT of PBS during those last two or three weeks, so as not to throw a rock through my then-brand-new TV; the Repuke onslaught was on literally during every single commerical break, on every channel.

Also the Dem "candidate", former Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono, has all the personality of a collectible plate from the Franklin Mint. But still, we shouldn't have done it -- and now that Cali's gone, I don't really have anyplace (within the U.S.) to flee to :(

[guitar man]

3. "push-poled"

That's what our ex repuke gov. douchebag Frank Keating did to this state for his entire mis-administration. Most of us are still bent over wondering if we can ever straighten up. God knows he didn't bother to use any vaseline:(