I know those kids don’t deserve that- everyone deserves to have the same chance at success and education. It’s very sad to think not everyone is given an equal opperunity. Let me tell you something though, if you think for one minute we are stuck up little rich brats who are living in our own “bubble”, you are certainly wrong. In fact, we love the idea Rex is proposing- the exchange program. The idea is to send kids like us to one of the Corridors of Shame schools for one day and to go to school there, and the kids from there go to Dutch Fork. This also includes teachers. So that means Ms. Payne would go along with us. She would get to teach them. I think its an awesome idea. So does Ms. Payne. Right now we are trying to get the program started at Dutch Fork.

Also, don’t you remember when the girl from South Carolina wrote the letter to President Obama about her school? There were a bunch of press talking about her situation. It was on the national news everywhere.

Tons of people locally have reported on the situation of some of our schools here. People just don’t listen. To them, the results of the football game are more important than caring about children’s futures. We need more people like you who will be an advocate for these children. You have such a strong passion for them; maybe you could start a program to help them. I’d be happy to help you if you need it.

Here is why race matters. Dutch Fork is about 68% white, 15% of the students parents earn less than $16,000 per year and score on math exams at 74% proficient. If you lived in Lee County and went to public schools you would be going to a school that is 98% black, 87% of the parents would earn less that $16,000 per year and scores on math exams suggest that 26% of the students are proficient in math.

Let’s go to a Lee County or an Allendale and find black kids engaged in the rich content and opportunities that you guys are involved in. And let’s find a teacher like Mrs.Payne. And while we are at it, let’s find any political figures that are willing to come and talk to kids in Lee County or any media that would be interested if they did.

Lastly, Mrs. Payne would never, ever teach the kids in Lee County. Might not survive were she to try. Yet, these kids deserve all at you have and the rich experience that you are getting. It should not matter that your parents are able to buy a house in one of South Carolina’s most advantaged districts that can provide teachers like Mrs. Payne.

Race Matters,

Trey

You make valid points. I was not downing the use of blogs or technology. I think they serve a great purpose for young and old minds alike. I was simply stating that you, your peers, nor Ms. Payne were pioneers in this arena as Will likes to to paint you to be. People have always used what is available to them as they should. And before you toot the Neal Boortz horn to loud, just keep in mind that 24hr news channels have to have something to fill the air. That doesn’t discredit you or your class, but it’s just a fact.

I give you the utmost credit and respect and glad that you are eager to learn. However, my humble opinion is that it is easier to get people to come and speak with you b/c you are in Columbia, where government is HQ’d, so to speak. Never did I suggest you didn’t know what was going on outside Columbia. I suggested that FITS maybe do the same expose and love affair he has for your class on other schools (i.e. – get outside the Columbia comfort zone)

As for Will, he’s sort of like an open house in person when he speaks to group…kind of like most people, you see the best side and what he wants you to see. You don’t see the side that has the CDV conviction (not just a charge) or the side that makes up stories to simply not be true and then NEVER prove them (something that MSM still must do or be libel).

Keep up the good work Rebecca and congratulations to your class and Ms. Payne (one of the most beautiful people you’ve ever met)and don’t stop all the good you do this summer when school lets out…keep it going.

Point is taken. But you are showing your youth by stereotyping yourself. Have you set foot into another advanced civics class in a South Carolina public school…aside from DFHS? The point is Ms. Payne, while I am sure is an excellent teacher/motivator, is not breaking new ground here. 20+ years ago, when we had no internet in school, blogs were not even thought of, and MSA was it, I was challeneged by my 10th grade government teacher to do many of the same things, without half the resources you have today. That is not a knock on your or your class, as I do beleive you excel well, and probably above the average student. The point was that this class, while deserving credit, is not the only one in the state doing these things and Ms. Payne is not the only teacher motivating her students. My comments were directed to King Cotton and agreeing with his/her assesment. It is really more of a motivational speech to FITS to get out of the Columbia/Lexington comfort zone and see what’s happening in Greenville/Charleston/Pee Dee…etc.

And trust me, Will “pimps” Ms. Payne…in part if not all, because she is attractive and female, and the sooner you “it” kids realize what type of person he really is the better. My guess…5 years, he will be irrelevant in the SC political scene.