Hell's bells

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Apr 3, 2007

April 2-6 is Colorado Charter Schools Week -- an opportunity for Coloradans to celebrate the flourishing of these alternative public schools, 14 years after passage of the landmark Charter School Act. State Rep. Michael Merrifield probably isn't celebrating, though, judging from the blistering words he had for school choice advocates in a "private" e-mail that became public last week.

Merrifield stepped down as chairman of the House Education Committee late last week, after an e-mail surfaced in which he told Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Sue Windels that "there must be a special place in hell for these privatizers, charterizers and voucherizers." Merrifield apologized for any "misunderstanding, hurt, or offense" the statement might have caused. But we don't think that will put the matter to rest.

The contempt Merrifield holds for those who support innovation in public education is thinly veiled, when it's veiled at all. His debt to teachers unions is well documented. And his prickly personality, combined with a persecution complex, make him an unsuitable choice to chair a committee that affects the lives of so many young people. That he was entrusted with such a position by Democratic colleagues is troubling.

The e-mail not only offers a glimpse into the mindset of the man Democrats have walking point for them on education issues, but it exposes the more radical agenda lurking behind the well-meaning veneer that Merrifield, Windels and others in the Legislature put forward. It shows that their real agenda isn't reformist, but reactionary -- an effort to roll back the progress Colorado has made in education.

Merrifield and Windels have portrayed their legislative assault on the state's Charter School Institute as an effort to "improve communications" between school districts and the institute, for instance. But the e-mail indicates that they were plotting the institute's demise, even if that offended pro-charter school Democrats. The duplicity hit a bipartisan nerve.

"I feel we were deceived," said Assistant Senate GOP leader Nancy Spence, the ranking Republican on the Senate Education Committee. "(Sen. Windels) touted SB-61 as establishing a 'good-neighbor policy' among the state, charters and local school districts. But her e-mail shows she was trying to stop state-chartered schools entirely." Sen. Peter Groff, a Democrat from Denver, said Merrifield "is clearly more concerned with defending a crippled and ineffective status-quo public education system then creating opportunities for all kids."

Merrifield stepped down as chairman for what's left of the session, but the threat lingers. He remains on a committee controlled by Democrats, many of whom are only slightly less hostile to school choice than he is. And the Senate Education Committee is still chaired by Windels, who was smart enough not to spew bile over a public e-mail system but also was plotting against the Charter School Institute.

Gov. Bill Ritter has thus far been silent on the flap. But since the e-mail has caused so much anxiety among charter school supporters, and raises questions about his own position on the issue, perhaps it's time that the governor made more explicit his own views on education policy -- and whether he intends to support the roll-back of public school progress in Colorado.

A celebration of freedom

Why is this night different from all other nights?" Thus began Monday night's ritual of questions, during the Seder meal, with which observant Jews start the celebration of Passover, or Pesach, which commemorates the deliverance of the Israelite slaves from bondage in Egypt. The youngest child at the table is expected to answer the questions, fulfilling the commandment, "And thou shalt tell thy son."

As related in the book of Exodus, the 10th plague Yahweh imposed on the Egyptians to convince them to let his people go was the death of the firstborn son in each family. The Jews were instructed to sacrifice a lamb or kid and smear its blood on the house's lintel or doorpost. Seeing the blood, the Angel of Death would pass over that house. After this plague, Pharaoh relented and allowed the Jews to leave.

Why do Jews eat only unleavened bread, or matzoh, on Pesach? To remember that when the Jews left Egypt there was not time to allow the bread to rise, so the dough was baked into hard crackers. Why eat bitter herbs? In remembrance of the cruelty the Jews suffered. Why do Jews dip their foods? They dip bitter herbs into Charoset made of apples and nuts, which resemble clay for bricks, to remind them how hard the slaves had to work. Parsley is dipped into salt water, symbolizing that spring is here and new life will grow. The salt water reminds them of the tears of the Jewish slaves. Why do Jews lean on a pillow? To be comfortable and to remind them that once they were slaves and now are free.

Passover is typically celebrated for seven days in Israel and among Reform Jews, and for eight days among diaspora Conservative and Orthodox Jews. It recalls the birth of a Jewish nation, freed of Egyptian oppression and able to serve Yahweh, or God, alone. The first and last days are full festivals, marked by abstention from work, special prayer services and holiday meals. Jews eat only unleavened bread during Passover.