I was ready to write some inane commentary about union bashing then comprehended the meaning of your post.

Good point, the candlelight vigil has been cheapened by overuse, the one in Central Falls a perfect example.

I don't listen to Jon Dopitro but think he should spend a day in a Central Falls High School. That only 50 % are failing is a miracle. How do you teach kids that don't speak English?

I guess that when one's religion is The State, and fantasy notions of taxpayers providing a heaven on earth for union members are collapsed by reality, a vigil might be one's first reaction.

But Monique, layoffs violate their fundamental right to public employment.

Short Order Cook - 1/2 cooked food: fired.

Bank Teller - Cash drawer off by 1/2: fired.

Data Entry Clerk - 50% accuracy: fired

Electrician - Load 50% of requirement: fired.

Assembly Line worker - 50% of quota: fired.

Assembly line worker - 50% quality of output: fired

Baggage handler - 50% of luggage delivered to the wrong destination: fired.

In many cases and real world professions, less than 99.9% is unacceptable (take airline safety, and most automotive safety equipment for instance).

Are the unions telling us we should be happy to expect LESS from those we charge with providing our children with knowledge and skills?

They really are despicable!

michael asked: "How do you teach kids that don't speak English?"

How's this for an answer: "Teach them English"

Why do students need to be in a grade based on age? Why not by body of knowledge? If a school gets a 10 year old child who has the knowledge level of a first grader, why can't he be placed in the first grade? Or some equivalent? If a school like Central Falls has 50% of their student body in this sort of situation, then why not special classes to teach them what they need. Why put a 10 year old with first-grade competency in the 5th grade and then wonder why he's failing? Put him where he belongs. If he doesn't speak English, spend all his time teaching him English. He can't learn anything else until he does, so start there.

This is an oversimplified version, but it seems to make more sense than "The teachers are idiots! The parents are lazy! The kids are lazy!"

Aother example of the weak mental capacity of the teachers' leadership.

Another example...from the Projo

"Central Falls Teachers' Union President Jane Sessums said teachers are unclear about what Gallo wants to achieve by requiring teachers to work longer hours, provide students tutoring before and after school, and attend 90-minute common planning time sessions after school hours."

THere is nothing else to say!

Thanks for posting this Monique. I had the same reaction when I saw those pathetic teachers and their evil union hacks trying (and failing miserably) to make themselves out to be victims. The contrast of their "plight" vis-a-vis the fire victims being remembered at a genuine vigil has quite stark.

Shades of the Duck Suit!!