Numerous readers responded to our cover story regarding the proposed reorganization and "charterization" of the public schools ["Who's Killing Philly Public Schools?," Daniel Denvir, May 3, 2012]. At citypaper.net, commenter brinsley wrote, "Thank you for an excellent and well-researched article. It is important that Philadelphians understand the context in which this 'plan' is being proposed. The fight against this bargain-basement sale of our schools has just begun." Online commenter j$ noted, "The same strategy is being used on the post office: cut cut cut, then point the finger that it's a failing system and suggest privatization as the ONLY alternative." And commenter sabelotodo wrote: "As a retired teacher from the SDP, I must commend you on a superb article. This really explains how the politicos are sucking the money/resources out of the district and redistributing it to their friends/allies."
Chris Randolph sent an email that said, in part: "Democrats will always take union money, votes and volunteer time and stab organized labor, teachers in this case, in the back. ... Philadelphians re-elect any connected clown with a 'D' after their name to shove the most repulsive corporate voodoo economics and austerity assaults down our collective gullet. Shredding the social contract by ending the notion of bothering to have a public school system is the inevitable outcome of generations of Philadelphians not having the will or the intelligence to support independent progressive politics. Now more than ever people need to support the Green Party of Philadelphia, Philly Socialists and/or any individualist who runs against our suicidal political machine."
Online commenter samac noted: "If Philly pols really cared about funding schools, they would collect the $470 MILLION in unpaid property taxes and send tax delinquents' properties to auction. But complaining about Harrisburg and the right-wing straw men is easier than taking any responsibility or action. So you shortchange schools to protect deadbeats."
Online commenter bartfr disputed the story's point about the district's insufficient funding: "There is no evidence that throwing more money at the schools or the families will produce any positive change. My suggestion? Take a fresh look at whether we are addressing the correct problems. Consider issues such as family values, absentee fathers, unwed pregnancies, entitlements and the 'message' being offered to the African-American community by their very own leaders."
