FL Teachers Union Goes Ballistic Over: New TV ads, showing FL "Teachers of the Year" Support Jeb

FL Teachers Union Web site ^ | April 24, 2002 | summer

[summer]

FL Teachers Union Goes Ballistic Over: New TV ads, showing FL "Teachers of the Year" Support Jeb

Written by summer - a former Dem, now an independent and a FL certified teacher

For those of you wondering what's new in the FL gov race, the answer is: two new GOP TV commercials, showing Gov. Jeb Bush and four of FL's "Teachers of the Year" endorsing Jeb for governor.

The fact these FL teachers -- who are so well qualified and knowledgable -- support our current GOP governor has caused the FL Teacher's Union president to go bananas. She has actually written a letter to Gov. Bush demanding he take these ads off the air.

It seems the sight of outstanding educators supporting this governor is giving the FL Teacher's Union president a very rude awakening.

In addition to the FL Teachers Union president going off on a baseless rant to Gov. Bush, some in the FL media appear to be going nuts as well.

Their big complaint is FL Gov. Jeb Bush did not film these commercials at a public school; rather, he chose a private school.

They do not mention he did so for commercial production purposes. And, frankly, he was right to do so, because filming in a public school is a major hassle. But, they all claim the reason he chose a private school is otherwise. They also omit the fact Jeb has continuously been warmly welcomed whenever he goes to FL public schools, which he has done throughout his term as governor.

Here is a link, from the FL Teachers Union web site (the FL union is known as the FL Educators Association, or "FEA"), to nine articles and editorials about these commercials, which hit the airwaves today: click here. You'll also find the scripts to these two new commercials on this link.

If you want to read the FEA President's letter to Gov. Bush, click here. I notice she made no mention whatsoever of Gov. Bush's published response to the subject Orlando Sentinel article, which Gov. Bush has posted on his official campaign web site here.

Finally, I do not really consider this an editorial piece -- I am just honestly telling you what is going on here in FL today in this FL gov race.

BTW, if you are a teacher who wants to learn more about Gov. Bush's education policies, click here. And, if you are a teacher who already supports Gov. Bush, you can let his campaign know by clicking here.

[floriduh voter]

If you just look at the length of this thread, it's apparent that EDUCATION is going to be a key issue in the governor's race. Jeb's the only one running with a TRACK RECORD regarding education. No reason to mention the dems. You know who they are. LOL I read today that class size is being debated here in Florida. What will the dems do if their favorite issue ad nauseum, class size, is dealt with BEFORE THE ELECTION? Oops!

[Sungirl]

I saw this ad.....It was great to see! Teachers of the year speaking on behalf of the great job Jeb is doing....I really like this man. Wouldn't it be great if George W. got in for a second term...and then Jeb gets in? Hopefully though..W is going to stop this wishy washy stuff and get tough again...

[onevoter]

This from the CNS News Service Article, "One last national statistic needs mentioning," Antonnuci wrote analyzing annual statistics published by the Labor Department, "the aging of the union membership." "About 18 percent of all workers over the age of 45 belong to unions, but only 15 percent of the 35 to 44 age group and 11.5 percent of the 25 to 34 age group do," he continued." What I love is that my daughter, who recently received her teaching degree from Michigan State University passed on the opportunity to see then President Bill Clinton speak at the university during the 2000 Presidential election year but was thrilled and excited to attend when George Bush came to campus and equally enthusiastic at being able to vote for him. There is hope for America's Future Teachers!

[summer]

Thank you for sharing that. Quite unexpectedly, I myself burst into tears when I heard GW say in a televised speech that we must all stand "WITH" our nation's teachers. Congrats to your daughter! BTTT! :)

[summer]

There is hope for America's Future Teachers!

I think so, too. :)

[summer]

FYI. :)

[MASShole fever]

I just love teachers! They rock my world inside and out.

[patriot_wes]

The Demos and the NEA think they control campaign funds confiscated from all teachers!

.... "all your union dues are berong to us!"