Publius over at Kilroy’s Delaware had an epic meltdown cause I insinuated he may be racist last week. For those who don’t “know” Publius, let me enlighten you. I’ve been posting comments over on Kilroy’s for the past seventeen months. It’s how I got my start in blogging writing about my son’s experience at a Delaware charter school. I always wondered who this one guy named Publius really was. I figured it out after a few stumbles last December.
Publius is pro-choice. As in charter school choice. He thinks all parents should be able to have a choice over which school their child attends. In theory, he is right. However, without revealing his true identity, he is waist-deep in the kind of choice that leads to segregation, discrimination, and cherry-picking. He also thinks high-stakes standardized testing is a “march to proficiency”. Arguing with him is like fighting with a 500 pound gorilla. It always comes back to the same thing, his way or the highway. You can point out logic and reason to him, but if it goes against his modus operandi, he can’t be swayed.
So last week, I had enough. I’ve always felt he had a bit of racism based on his comments and his true identity. I honestly asked him how he really feels about African-Americans. Well this set him over the edge, causing a week-long set of diatribes by Mr. Anonymous (not really, many folks know who he really is). This culminated in a comment he made in reaction to my telling him he has “tunnel vision” when it comes to choice and charters. His response?
“KO “Mr Sensitivity for Disabilities” might want to rethink his blind “tunnel vision” comment.”
To which my response was:
“And if you ever bring up words like “Mr. Sensitivity for Disabilities” again, I will out you as the sniveling weasel of a coward you are. You don’t get to go there you pathetic excuse for a man. Test me, one more time, and everyone will know who you are. Try me…”
Reaction from others was just as strong. The following is Not Safe For Work…
“Yo Publius ! I am not sure if you know this or not, Kevin is a parent of a special needs child. But even at that not good!” -Kilroy
“KO “Mr Sensitivity for Disabilities” might want to rethink his blind “tunnel vision” comment.” is vile – and crosses every line. Kilroy, don’t give Pube a pass on this – don’t pretend he didn’t know. He knows exactly what he’s doing and KO’s history and story (He’s flippin’ commented on it). Then again, we all know who Pube is (as I’m sure everyone knows who I am). I watched him prance and skip down the aisle at the board meeting at Brandywine Springs last fall. You go, girl!” -Pandora
“Publius, we all know who you are, a verified asshole.” -John Young
I truly thought Publius would stay away for a while after this, but no, charter boy had to add one more thing today. This is what he does when he knows he got his hands caught in the cookie jar, he tries to come up with some lame excuse for why the things he says.
“Again, “tunnel vision” is a pejorative which uses visual impairment as an inferred weakness and as a tool to criticize. I can see from all of these constructive comments that I struck your chords. Your collective willingness to “select” what is insensitive and what is not is — (drumroll) — your choice. Isn’t choice grand?” -Publius
Charter Boy just doesn’t get it. Tunnel Vision is not a disability covered under any of the many under Federal law. If it was, we all would have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). I wouldn’t expect Publius to know much about special education, as he is really not that familiar with it at all. Would I out him? Possibly. If he went even further over the line than he has on many occasions. But I’m sure this was his reaction to my “racism” comment. I know all about blogger’s honor and all that, but Publius is special. He is my “blogging nemesis”. He stands for everything I hate and loathe about Delaware education. And it isn’t choice. It’s his special blend of choice that would limit others while holding those who are more advantage under the limelight.
It isn’t a case of charters vs. public schools. There are charters in this state that are very integrated and serve the average special needs students in their schools. Nobody has special education perfect as I’ve come to learn. But his “special sauce” for choice is abhorrent in my opinion. There are many who agree, and those on the polar opposite who agree with Publius. One day, he will tick someone off past the point of no return, and everyone will know who he is. That’s a day I can’t wait for.
The Season Of Myths 