Huckleberries Online

Hayden Meadows Protest Escalating

Posted by DFO

May 13, 2010 8:17 a.m. • 43 comments

Item: Stakes rising in International Baccalaureate fight: Deputies called to keep an eye on program protest/Maureen Dolan, Coeur d’Alene Press

More Info: Public controversy regarding the International Baccalaureate Organization’s Primary Years Programme at Hayden Meadows Elementary School spilled into the street this week. Kootenai County Sheriff’s Lt. Stu Miller said his department responded Friday and Monday to a request from people at the Hayden Avenue school asking officers to do some extra patrolling in the area because there were people protesting the school’s IB program.

Question: What do you think the children at Hayden Meadows think of all this?

43 comments on this post so far. Add yours!

moscow_minidoka on May 13 at 8:25 a.m.
They probably wish their parents would quit embarrassing them.
Phaedrus on May 13 at 8:31 a.m.
What do you think the children at Hayden Meadows think of all this?

that the adults are behaving like spoiled children who have not gotten their way so they are going to hold their breath until people pay attention to them.
Christa_Hazel on May 13 at 8:52 a.m.
I think this could have been avoided to some degree if the School District would step up to the plate on dispel some of the rumors that fuels this debate. This is a public relations nightmare that is now placed squarely on the backs of parents at Hayden Meadows and other schools of choice. The district should convey things like the district policy on saying the Pledge of Allegiance and flying the American flag instead of school staff & parents fielding multiple phone calls on this issue. Good job District #271: You have the anti-IB people AND the program’s supportive parents upset now.
TruthAboutIB on May 14 at 3:41 a.m.
People should be very concerned with what the children at Hayden Meadows are being told by their teachers about the Kolers exercising their right to peacefully assemble and protest school policies. I watched the Power Point Mr. Koler put together for the public meeting he held at the library which 120 people attended. These kids are being taught that cars should be eliminated and factories should be shut down. This is not hearsay, Mr. Koler has verifiable evidence of letters written by children at Hayden meadows.

Those of you who want to make fun of the Kolers and label them extremists should be ashamed of yourselves. It takes a lot of guts to put themselves out there and fight for what’s right. The School Board dismissed their requests for discussion out of hand. Americans are waking up and this arm of UNESCO seeking to undermine our traditional American schools and push its socialist agenda through our children, must be stopped.

Instead of mocking the Kolers, educate yourselves as to exactly what your taxdollars are being wasted on and SAY NO TO IBO!

www.truthaboutib.com
Mommy4Truth on May 14 at 4:59 a.m.
Lisa, I really don’t understand your point here. Children have been “being taught that cars should be eliminated and factories should be shut down” ever since the 1970’s when a sad Native American with a tear running down his face in a commercial, taught us all to be careful with the planet God created for us…okay, in the commercial it didn’t say God, but in my young heart back then, this was what it was all about. In school, we were taught things about not polluting, and doing our part with recycling. THIS is not something new - and has NOTHING to do with IB!

Cleaning up this earth is not a bad thing. You’re from New York…you know how polluted the skies were in the 1970’s. It was by everyone doing their part, that one can now see the blue skies above - even in NYC. As a child, I can vividly remember the brownish haze covering the city. Progress in not all bad!
TruthAboutIB on May 14 at 5:45 a.m.
MommyforProgressivism,

Your Progressive agenda is NOT the truth. Anyone who condones the Progressive agenda (thank you for reviving the memory of the crying American Indian) does not support the truth. Progressives seek to rewrite history and cast anyone who opposes their obfuscation of facts and free market capitalism as extremists and “the enemy”.

We are NOT the enemy. I guarantee you the Kolers recycle, support reasonable environmental conservation and the use of technology to prevent real toxicity from filtering back into our waterways and air. That is a HUGE difference between the hypocrisy of Progressives instructing children that ALL factories are bad, that cars are evil and that electricity costs (“must necessarily skyrocket” -BHO), under Cap and Trade. This is not progress! This is a concentrated effort to COLLAPSE our industrial entrepreneurial society. And now our U.S. taxdollars are being usurped by an arm of the UN to brainwash the next generation into believing that the only way to “save the planet” is to put every country’s fate in the hands of one world government, sing kumbaya, ride bicycles and live in teepees or geodesic domes.

Let me ask you, have you ever visited Lancaster Co. in PA in August? The smell of the horse dung on the roads is pretty grotesque. While I personally admire the Amish for their strength of character, strong faith and personal values, it’s not a lifestyle that is considered “the norm” for modern day U.S.A. Our country was founded on freedom OF religion and individual liberty. Progressives seek to use religion only when it suits their regressive agenda, like Nancy Pelosi’s recent orders to the Catholic church to promote “Immigration Reform” from the pulpit on one hand, while endorsing ACLU attacks against Christians on the other.

American public schools should be APOLITICAL. I don’t know how many times I have to say this. IB has a clear political agenda and it is one that Americans have finally awoken to and are saying, “Enough is enough!”. Six years ago when I first became aware of IB, I was not a political activist. I couldn’t understand why people were attacking me personally for asking questions about IB, questions to which I never received straight answers from the administration in my district, or from IBO itself. It made no sense to me. Why wouldn’t people want the truth about this very expensive program that was raising questions across the country, questions from intelligent individuals like Dr. Thomas Sowell? My gut told me there was something very wrong with IB, but I couldn’t explain the hateful reactions of those who support it towards those with objections. I have to thank Glenn Beck for putting everything into perspective, for uncovering Cloward and Piven, Saul Alinsky’s Rules for Radicals and evil entities like George Soros and Maurice Strong. Now it all makes sense. Now I understand.

I think perhaps the only time this country has ever been so politically divided as it is now, was during the Civil War. We must not let history repeat itself. So you can choose to stand for the destruction of our Constitutional principles, values and our economy, or for the restoration of our Constitutional Republic and the free market. You can choose to support the “Progressive” agenda which is nothing but regression and oppression, or join with those of us who value freedom and educating our children truthfully. I’ve made my choice and I fully support the Kolers in theirs. If you choose Progressivism, then YOU are the enemy of freedom. So what’s your choice?
Mommy4Truth on May 14 at 6:06 a.m.
WHOA! Where did I mention I was for “Progressivism”? Before blasting others, PLEASE read what people post and NOT look at everything as though someone is trying to attack you.

When you spew hatred, others stop listening.
Christa_Hazel on May 14 at 6:51 a.m.
Who is Lisa? Is this an attempt to out someone?
Christa_Hazel on May 14 at 6:57 a.m.
“This is not hearsay, Mr. Koler has verifiable evidence of letters written by children at Hayden meadows.”

Seriously? Letters written by children is “verifiable evidence”? My children still write letters to Santa Claus.
Arpie on May 14 at 7:49 a.m.
Im all for patriotism, but if we can’t admit that we as citizens of the United States are also citizens of the world, I fear for the future of the United States and The world. Not looking big seems only small minded to me. I think the goal should be for the U.S. to be a leader in finding solutions to problems facing our planet.
idawa on May 14 at 8:29 a.m.
My two favorite lines from “Truthabout…” rant,
“We are NOT the enemy.”
“f you choose Progressivism, then YOU are the enemy of freedom.”

Can’t get any clearer statement of why it’s just impossible to have a civil society when you have a segment of right-wing fundies who believe that they are engaged in an all out cold war for Freedom against their fellow citizens.
Norther on May 14 at 8:47 a.m.
I have never even heard of the IB programs. What is all the hubbub about? If they don’t like the curriculum, then send the kids to a different school. Seems pretty simple to me.
TruthAboutIB on May 15 at 12:32 p.m.
Mommy4Truth violated the rules and attempted outing. It’s an old Progressive’s slime tactic. They use it all the time. IB supporters are confused, disingenuous and anti-liberty.

I am not a citizen of the world. I am an American citizen.
TruthAboutIB on May 15 at 12:35 p.m.
Northerner,

Why should I have to move, sell my house and take my children away from their friends because my PUBLIC schools made the unfortunate choice, a choice which can be changed, to purchase an expensive, controversial, politically motivated program that MANY have objections to? Why should I have to subject my children in a PUBLIC school to UN indoctrination?
nic on May 15 at 12:40 p.m.
TruthAboutIB refuses to answer direct questions and deliberately misstates facts. It’s an old conservative’s slime tactic. They use it all the time. IB opposers are confused, disingenuous and anti-liberty.

See how easy it is to turn that around?
nic on May 15 at 12:45 p.m.
Why should others have to move, sell their house and take their children away from their friends because their PUBLIC schools are forced to make an expensive and controversial, change away from current curriculum (that MANY support) because of your politically motivated protests?
nic on May 15 at 12:47 p.m.
“Mommy4Truth violated the rules and attempted outing.”

What rules? Is it stated somewhere explicitly that “there shall be no outing attempts? I know those rules because I’ve participated here for a very long time. But Mommy4Truth is not a long-time participant here, and the only posted rules says “keep it civil” it’s a honest mistake.
JIMMYMAC on May 15 at 12:58 p.m.
I’m pretty sure you aren’t supposed to out anyone, Nic.

I’m just reading everything on here because this is the first I have ever heard about it and I haven’t formed an opinion yet.

With that said, I think everyone knows that there is a certain etiquette that you should follow on here. You’ve been on here as long as almost anyone.
OrangeTV on May 15 at 1:17 p.m.
Seems to me this is just another group of paranoid troublemakers throwing teenage tantrums because the whole world doesn’t agree with their myopic world views. Most people learn it around age 18 or so: life isn’t fair and the whole world doesn’t revolve around you. A classic case of being reactive instead of proactive and practical.

You don’t like parts of the public school curriculum, fine. Fair enough. There are other options for “indoctrinating” your kids into whatever kind of bananas education you decide to give them. But guess what? There are quite a few parents who have no issues with the IB program, and find it entirely valid and valuable. Why the heck should your desire to not have your kids participate in the program trump the rights of the parents who want their kids involved?

Isn’t that essentially taking away someone’s freedom to choose, something these folks likely claim to hold in the highest regard? I just don’t get what makes these people tick.

This whole protest kind of stinks like an attempt to springboard into the public eye in order to promote some kind of anti-Obama, anti-government, JBS-y madness that goes much deeper and darker than merely the IB thing…
nic on May 15 at 2:28 p.m.
I know that Jimmy… but as a first time participant, I won’t assume that Mommy4Truth knew that rule.

Like I said, an honest mistake.
JIMMYMAC on May 15 at 6:54 p.m.
I highly doubt it because said poster also has his or her own alias. Whether or not they knew it or not…people always get drilled on here for outing regardless. Fairly common principle wherever you go.
Phaedrus on May 15 at 7:17 p.m.
” I have to thank Glenn Beck for putting everything into perspective,”

I KNEW IT!

“Socialist’s Tourette’s!”
TruthAboutIB on May 15 at 8:24 p.m.
OrangeTV,

If you can put aside your juvenile name-calling and accusations of mental disorders for a moment, you might try to understand that a public school system is supposed to be secular and apolitical. Seeing as how it is funded with public property taxes, it is incumbent upon those who represent the taxpayers (the BoE) to give due consideration to the opinions of those who support the system who can present evidence of a particular program having either political or religious affiliations that are not compatible with a neutral delivery of education.

Having emotional outbursts and telling your neighbors and fellow parents that it’s YOUR way or the highway, simply isn’t defendable. Your attempt to characterize the IB opposition as “anti-government” is just another radical talking point that will get you nowhere. Unlike you, we respect our Constitution and believe in equal justice, not social justice.
Phaedrus on May 15 at 8:38 p.m.
* an old Progressive’s slime tactic
* Anyone who condones the Progressive agenda… does not support the truth.
* If you choose Progressivism, then YOU are the enemy of freedom.
\If you can put aside your juvenile name-calling and accusations…
—TAIB

oh, the hypocrisy of it all! TAIB is all about labeling her opposition, but objects when others follow her lead. Welcome to the world of GlennBeckistan, where there is only one truth and one-way and all others are the enemy.

TIAB, people can disagree with you, the Kolers and your opinion of IB/PYP and UNESCO without being ant-freedom, or anti-American.

The fact that you insist on labeling others and erecting “with us or against us walls” and refuse to accept the right of others (the majority) to hold an opposing viewpoint does more to hurt your cause than help it.
Phaedrus on May 15 at 8:41 p.m.
“Why wouldn’t people want the truth about this very expensive program that was raising questions across the country, questions from intelligent individuals like Dr. Thomas Sowell?”—TAIB

Do you also believe Sowell is correct in his opinion that all drugs should be decriminalized?
spokelooneh on May 15 at 10:49 p.m.
Got a live JBS-er here. Quite entertaining.
TruthAboutIB on May 16 at 6:12 a.m.
Phaedrus,

Yes, I absolutely support the legalization of all drugs. I am a Libertarian. God gave us free will and the government should not control what someone wants to put in their own body. There are plenty of laws in place that if someone commits a crime against another while under the influence, they can be properly prosecuted.

Legalization of drugs will eliminate the black market, eliminate the forbidden fruit factor, provide a means of screening for impurities and create an enormous venue for tax revenue.

How well did Prohibition work out? How many billions have we wasted on the “War on Drugs”?
TruthAboutIB on May 16 at 6:20 a.m.
Phaedus,

Ah, but there is only ONE truth.

“a fact that has been verified”

The opinions of what you claim are the “majority” are subject to change, especially when they realize they were lied to. The last Rasmussen Poll I checked indicated only 21% consider themselves Liberal compared to 46% Conservative. I wouldn’t hold on so tightly to that “We Won” nonsense once November rolls around. ;-)
nic on May 16 at 7:23 a.m.
“but there is only ONE truth.”

Sure, I can agree with that. However, your credibility is irreparably damaged, so I have no reason to accept anything you’ve posted as truth.
nic on May 16 at 7:29 a.m.
“The last Rasmussen Poll I checked indicated only 21% consider themselves Liberal compared to 46% Conservative.”

Care to provide a link to that poll? I searched the Rasmussen site and couldn’t find anything to support your claim. The closest I could find is 25% who say the SCOTUS is too conservative vs. 39% who say it’s too liberal.

Really, it looks like you’re making stuff up. And if you’re fabricating poll results, I’m lead to believe that you’re not being honest about the evils of IB.
Christa_Hazel on May 16 at 7:42 a.m.
I’m surprised Truth wants me to have more choices with drugs than my schools.
TruthAboutIB on May 16 at 3:29 p.m.
While I search for that Lib/Conserv poll, this one might interest you:

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/april_2010/tea_party_48_obama_44

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/august_2009/51_say_congress_is_too_liberal_22_say_it_s_too_conservative

I can’t find it. I think it was from a couple of months ago. But it’s pretty clear to see from a wide variety of polls that public opinion has shifted and the MAJORITY are not happy with the direction the Obama administration is taking U.S.
Phaedrus on May 16 at 3:47 p.m.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x07BOja7eog
OrangeTV on May 16 at 6:05 p.m.
OK, so I randomly picked up a free 4-page newspaper called “Your Local Capitalist” outside of Pilgrim’s Market. It bills itself as a “freebie directory”, is published by “Wildlife Marketing”.

100% of the editorial content contained within is all about the anti-IB thing. Articles include “What’s the UN Doing in Our Schoolhouse” by Duncan Koler, “CDA Charter Gets Down to Business” which is basically an article praising Dr. Bill Proser and referring to him as “very conservative”, “Capitalist Pig Commentary”, written by the owner of the “Ammo Depot”, and “IN/PYP - The Not-So Hidden Agenda.”

The publication is jam packed with full color advertisements from Ammo Depot, Cd’A Chocolates, Courtyard Construction, Kootenai Coffee, Vital Health & Fitness, the Clark House and various others, along with a 1/4 section of suspiciously generic classified ads.

web link here:
http://www.yourlocalcapitalist.com/
bpoole on May 16 at 7:15 p.m.
TruthaboutIB,

Here’s poll for ya, it wasn’t hard to prove that more American’s identify themselves with the Democratic party rather than the Republican party. I Had a very hard time finding any poll that indicated the numbers that you had given.

“After declining for four straight months to the lowest levels on record, the number of Democrats increased a full percentage point to 36.2 in March, while Republicans inched up to 32.9%. This was consistent with other data showing that the health care debate heightened passions on both sides of the aisle.”

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/partisan_trends
Phaedrus on May 16 at 8:02 p.m.
I Had a very hard time finding any poll that indicated the numbers that you had given.—bpoole

Look for a Glenn Beck poll, he probably has one that says “Americans favor conservatives because Democrats are Nazis!”

;-)
bpoole on May 16 at 8:26 p.m.
Phaed>>>”Look for a Glenn Beck poll, he probably has one that says “Americans favor conservatives because Democrats are Nazis!”

I’ve seen that one! ;^)
YGBSM on May 16 at 9:12 p.m.
Why dont they just send their kids to schools overseas like everyone else on the planet or down to Arizona so they can mix it up with the Mexican?

Whatcha gonna do? Train your kid to work overseas where we are sending all the jobs to anyway?
TruthAboutIB on May 17 at 3:51 p.m.
bpoole,

Uh huh. And 31% of Americans refuse to identify with EITHER party:

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/mood_of_america_archive/partisan_trends2/number_of_americans_refusing_to_identify_with_gop_or_dems_reaches_new_high
TruthAboutIB on May 17 at 3:54 p.m.
Ah! Found it! It was Gallup, not Rasmussen:

http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/52602
Sisyphus on May 17 at 4:04 p.m.
Very nice, but it does nothing to support your statement here: “But it’s pretty clear to see from a wide variety of polls that public opinion has shifted and the MAJORITY are not happy with the direction the Obama administration is taking U.S.” In fact the poll itself states:

“In fact, while all 50 states are, to some degree, more conservative than liberal (with the conservative advantage ranging from 1 to 34 points), Gallup’s 2009 party ID results indicate that Democrats have significant party ID advantages in 30 states and Republicans in only 4.”

Indeed if anything your poll says more about the ability for the right wing noise machine (CNS is a prime example) to demonize the word “liberal”. But good luck in November.
Mommy4Truth on May 17 at 10:39 p.m.
Nic, you’re right…it was an honest mistake. I’m a mom, who hasn’t had much time on my hands (raising 4 little ones is time consuming!) - and I’m new to the whole “forum” thing. I’ve been a silent reader of various IB forums for the past year and a half, but just recently have started to make a comment or two. I had no intention to “out” anyone. TruthAboutIB usually tells people who she is and I thought she had already done so here. Sorry.

Thanks Nic for sticking up for me!
TruthAboutIB on May 21 at 9:07 a.m.
Sisyphus,

It’s 2010 now, not 2009. Better update your calendar!

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D.F. Oliveria is a columnist and blogger for The Spokesman-Review. Huckleberries Online was judged the best 2008 Idaho newspaper blog by the Idaho Press Club. And the best 2007 news blog in the Pacific Northwest by the Society for Professional Journalist. Print Huckleberries is a past winner of the Herb Caen Memorial Column contest by the National Association of Newspaper Columnists. The Readership Institute of Northwestern University cited this blog as a good example of online community journalism.