Obama tours rural school in S.C., calls for more spending

[BeyondGeography]

DILLON, S.C. - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama on Thursday toured a dilapidated school in rural South Carolina and said children educated in run-down facilities are being shortchanged.

"Let's face it, money does make a difference," the Illinois senator said after a walking around J.V. Martin Junior High School, which was built in 1896. "Here's a federal and a state and a local responsibility that's not being met." The school of 600 seventh- and eighth-graders has needed new floors and wiring, and the auditorium is in such bad shape that it's closed. Because of a lack of space, students take classes amid drill presses and saws in a room once used for shop class.

..."Kids aren't stupid. And if they see that's the kind of attention and resources that are put into schools whereas new prisons are being built or the mall looks sparkly and new, that says something about our values as a society," Obama said. "That's the kind of attitude that all of us have to change."

V. Martin is apart of Dillon School District 2, which was one of eight rural districts to sue the state, challenging the way lawmakers fund public schools. The lawsuit drew national attention and spurred a documentary about conditions at the school, dubbed "Corridor of Shame."

http://www.timesanddemocrat.com/articles/2007/08/23/ap-state-sc/d8r6vaqg0.txt

[partylessinOhio]

1. Obama was interviewed on CNN in a school today, perhaps this one.

When asked if he would send his children to this school he said, "Well I wouldn't want my children in a classroom without windows and without air conditioning in the gym."

[elizm]

8. It WAS the one on CNN...

He talked about it tonight at the rally.

[illinoisprogressive]

2. I saw him on CNN today talking about it on the Situation Room.

We really need this man as our president.

[durrrty libby]

3. That ain't happening. His numbers are in the shitter. Thank fucking godess.

[ncabot22]

4. If you are going to thank your deity

You may want to spell "godess" correctly. G-O-D-D-E-S-S Goddess.

[Name removed]

9. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ncabot22]

11. Wow

You know, very rarely do I get to engage with someone so ignorant that the angels weep. Thanks for making it an interesting night. Tell me...what is it like in your world? I'm curious. You need to get back on your meds, sweetie. ;)

[durrrty libby]

14. Oh honey buns I give out the meds, and they are numerous

:toast: :dunce:

[durrrty libby]

17. "angels" hahaahaha

:applause: :applause: :applause: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[BeyondGeography]

6. Wow, Libby must be having a bad night with all this positive Obama energy in the air

You think you'd be happier with all that semi-meaningful polling data to play with.

[durrrty libby]

7. I had a great night. Thanks for asking. Woot woot

:toast: :hi: :loveya:

"positive Obama energy in the air" haha you funny
His #'s in the potty

[elizm]

10. You really need a life...

Or at least a candidate you can get excited about...instead of wasting your life crapping on all of the others.

[durrrty libby]

15. Such tripe you spew. "You really need a life."

[BeyondGeography]

12. Right back atcha

:hi: :toast: :wtf: ;)

Just back from the potty and no evidence of Barack's #'s...There was a John Edwards speech from today in there though.

[ncabot22]

13. LOL

That was amusing! Thanks. :toast:

[durrrty libby]

16. Low threshold for laughter is a sign of mental illness

:toast: :hi: :loveya:

[ncabot22]

18. Is that why you are always giggling?

[durrrty libby]

19. The "LOLs " are all you. Transference is sad, especially

Abusive Multiple Transference. Best wishes :hi:

[alteredstate]

5. This school is in SC's "Corridor of Shame"

I'm so glad that, thanks to Senator Obama, the public will be made aware of the horrid conditions in our schools.

http://www.corridorofshame.com/

[Colobo]

20. Obama is reminding us of our true priorities.

Schools, not wars.

[durrrty libby]

21. "true priorities" Defending cockfighting?

Yep..that's the ticket

[alteredstate]

25. k & r n/t

[alteredstate]

22. It's time to hit that "ignore" button!

Don't y'all agree?

[Colobo]

23. I did a LONG time ago.

I have around 12 Hillarites on ignore, starting with Tellurian.

[Name removed]

24. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[DangerDave921]

26. we need more

OK, don't everyone get pissed all at once, but we need a candidate who is going to do more than say let's spend more money on education. I live near D.C., which spends thousands of dollars per student and has some of the worst schools in the country. It can't be all about the money or else DC would be in good shape. What factor are we missing? If we threw more money at DC schools, I'm not convinced it would make a damn bit of difference.

Someone on the Dem side has to stand up and seek more creative ways to fix the schools. I'd rather see Sharpton and Jesse on the steps of the DC schools instead of trying to get Imus fired. Let's prioritize.

[alteredstate]

27. "Corridor of Shame" --- Watch the video

http://sic.sc.gov/sicvideoresources/viewcorridorofshame.htm

[BeyondGeography]

28. Obama doesn't disagree; that's why he promoted merit pay at the NEA speech last month

something no other Dem candidate has done. He also repeatedly says families have to get involved in their childrens' education (i.e. turn the TV off and read to their kids) and laments that smart students who take school seriously are often ridiculed by their peers. Individuals, educational institutions and government each have to do their part. It's an all-front war; he probably understands that better than anyone.