The first stop on my national book tour was Books and Books, a wonderful old-fashioned independent bookstore in Coral Gables in Florida. I talked with Mitchell Kaplan, the owner, who is determined to keep the literary life alive.
This is our discussion.
After the podcast, I met with the leadership of the United Teachers of Dade County. My presentation at the store was moderated by Karla Hernandez-Mats, the leader of the union and a dynamo.
The Republican legislature is hostile to public schools and would like every child to have a voucher to attend a religious school.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
I am listening to you and Mitchell right now. Thank you for posting. I am going to send the link to a few of my conservative leaning friends and family. You speak in a way that should be easy and feel non-threatening for those who lean right to listen to – if they have an open mind. Your publicist should try to get you on Morning Joe.
I hope to be able to see you in Cambridge.
Thank you.
Just listened to the Podcast. It’s terrific.
Sharing it … has important information for all … LIKE!
Reason. One rarely here’s much of that these days! GREAT podcast. Sharing this.
Thank you, Diane and Mitchell!!!!
“I went to public school in Houston. I only had one sibling who didn’t go to public school. He misbehaved so much, they sent him to military school. And I always think about this in terms of Donald Trump, that when kids went to military school, it was to straighten them out. I guess they straightened out my brother, but they didn’t straighten out Donald Trump.” –Diane Ravitch, Interview with Mitchell Kaplan
“Over the last ten years, I’ve traveled a lot. I’ve . . . been in almost every state, and I have met thousands, literally, I don’t know how many—thousands of teachers—and I have been incredibly impressed with how smart they are, how dedicated they are, how hard they work, how they don’t get the recognition they deserve, and I feel that if there’s anything I can do to help them and to protect them and to stand up for them in the public sphere, that I can use whatever space I get to say, ‘I’m on your side, and I’m going to fight for you.’” –Diane Ravitch, Interview with Mitchell Kaplan
I listened . . . a great narrative! naming names and hitting all of the marks.
There was one thing I wanted to ask you about, but I can’t remember it now–so “taken” with the comprehensiveness of your presentation was I. So I’ll have to listen again and get back with you. CBK
Thank you.
MORE: . . . and I’m so glad you explained ALEC–they’ve been kept quite a secret so far–and their Orwellian tactics need to be exposed over and again to the public.
I don’t know about you, but I was enraged when I first heard about lockstep right-wing legislation made for their ALEC puppets in State legislatures to rubber-stamp. My guess is that ALEC carries at least some responsibility for our present Congressional malaise. Well done. CBK
ALEC is one of the most pernicious and influential forces of evil on our planet today. It’s so insidious. Where is the Democratic alternative? There isn’t any. Why? Well, when Democrats get big donations, it’s because they are indistinguishable from Repugnicans.
Bob: I don’t like to use this word in today’s environment, but I think ALEC has all the earmarks of a full blown conspiracy. CBK
It does. Oddly, like so many things today, it is a conspiracy in plain sight. McConnell can take millions from Russian gangsters. ALEC can bring legislators from Hicksville to a fancy resort and give them fine rooms and golf and martinis and draconian legislation to take back home and introduce as their own. And American know nothing about it because they are too busy watching the 49th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Great advice to states. “Get public education on the ballot. It will win.” Most crooked politicians do everything they can to keep public education off the ballot because they know it will win.
Diane – what a joy and reassurance to hear your voice – literally.
Since your tour can only travel to so many cities, we have this podcast (and hopefully more to come) to complement the new book and to share. It covers all of the critical issues to for others not fortunate enough to have heard your voice previously and those who need to hear it today. All three books should be mandatory reading and this podcast mandatory listening in every community.
As always – your explanations and positions are logical, common sense, informed, factual, and the truth – a rare combination to be heard by rural, urban, and suburban parents and community members, boards, and all.
You speak to all! No jargon. Informational. Objective. Critical, but not political in a way that turns off people before they hear a word. (dug in red staters and “the base” claim “fake news” and excuses for anything that goes against their loyalty – the way and facts with which you explain the issues cannot be denied – and if all politics are local – well – those with their heads in the sand need to hear the fate of their tax dollars and kids).
Too many are swayed by the “bait and switch” appeal of reformer schools receiving diverted public funds. Too many have no idea of the loss of revenue for local school districts. And, too many think “well, this doesn’t affect my public _______ (fill in the blank “rural” – “outstate” – “suburban” – “locally supported”) school and are sold on the rhetoric and politics that diverting funds “fixes” urban schools with choice and competition.
And most state legislators and local voters are unaware of the underbelly (landmines) of reform. I hope all spread the interview – and book – far and wide.
Can’t wait to read about the tour stops.
What a fantastic podcast!! You have a terrific memory and speak out very clearly. I sent this to friends who are interested in education. Most are retired teachers.