"The Colbert Report": Week of 7/28/14

[trow125]

7/28/14 Beck - Album, “Morning Phase”
7/29/14 Jon Batiste And Stay Human - Album, “Social Music”
7/30/14 James Franco - Film, “Child Of God”
7/31/14 Campbell Brown - Partnership for Educational Justice

[M. Darcy]

 

Campbell Brown - Partnership for Educational Justice

 

Ooo, this should be good.   She has become very anti-teacher unions since leaving CNN without ever disclosing her conflict of interests for herself and her husband.  Here's a media matter's article with some background http://mediamatters.org/blog/2014/05/30/what-the-daily-beast-didnt-tell-you-about-campb/199511 What is she thinking going on the show - Stephen isn't stupid, he's going to know the entire story. 

[Fremde Frau]

I simply don't understand this country's dislike of teachers unions. We're a society where celebrities and sports stars are paid tens of millions, while the public education system is crumbling and teachers are dependent on food stamps. What the actual hell is wrong with our priorities?

[Gilmel]

I think one of the problems people have with teacher unions is not the salaries but the issues around how hard it is to fire someone who needs to be let go.

[shok]

Then fix the issue of tenure but don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Unions are very necessary, expecially in these days of right wing craziness.

[Fremde Frau]

Yes, one of the problems is that, instead of replacing tenured positions with full-time, non-tenured positions (which would take care of some difficulties in firing bad professors), they are replacing them with adjuncts. That makes a huge difference in the quality of education that the students receive, let alone how that system treats the teachers themselves. Adjuncts across the country are now trying to unionize.

[possibilities]

I saw this article about a former Tea Party enthusiast, which basically said that his former hatred for the public sector, even when it served his needs, was from a deep self-hatred and shame, and that's why he voted against his self-interest for so long. maybe this has something to do with the animosity towards everything from teachers to Affordable Care.

http://www.salon.com/2014/07/16/i_was_poor_but_a_gop_die_hard_how_i_finally_left_the_politics_of_shame/

 

Re the current flap over federal health exchanges, I really don't understand why "State" is not interpreted to mean "government" in the broader sense (i.e. both state and federal). When we stay separation of church and state, we understand this means federal as well as local. In fact, it's very common usage for "State" to refer to the federal government. We have a Department of State and no one thinks it means "liaison between D.C. and Kansas."

Edited July 25, 2014 by possibilities

[alexvillage]

If Stephen is in the mood he can simply destroy every argument Campbell Brown makes because she is not known for actually knowing things, she just memorizes answers and talking points. 

I hope he is in the mood

 

As for the unions, I do think they are the ones that should change things, like the tenure issue and the fact that when a teacher abuses a student (it happens in an inordinate amount of time in special ed classes) they stop protecting the teacher. That sours me towards them.

[ABay]

I think we're conflating unions: unviersities and K-12 teachers are not typically in the same unions, and different rules apply. Also, every chapter (could be one university, a state uniersity system, a school district) has it's own collective bargaining agreement and they're all different in specifics while having some features in common.

 

At university level, it is as @Fremde Frau describes. My union includes adjuncts but many don't. I don't know how most K-12 contracts work, but if a union stops protecting a teacher who's accused of anything, as @alexvillage posits, it seems like that would be a violation of their duty of fair representation. However, if the accusations are about criminal behavior, the union is most likely replaced by the judicial system. They should still express due process concerns, regardless.

Edited July 25, 2014 by ABay

[alexvillage]

I don't know what the responsibilities/rights agreements are between unions and members. I know that when a teacher steps on a disabled child's face, or forces disabled children to eat crayons, or hits them, sits on them, knowing that the children will most likely not be able to complain or report them, they should be fired and without the right to defend themselves.

This is what I mean by the Unions making some changes. I am not talking about allegations of abuse. I am talking about recorded, taped, confirmed abuses that allow for the teachers to continue to be paid, have a defense team (I suppose for free) and even when found "guilty", continue to teach disabled children. Every time one of these cases reach me, what I see is the Union refusing to comment, while using all resources to defend the teacher and eventually agreeing to a deal that does nothing for the children - like transferring the teacher to a different school/city/county. A little bit like what the church did to priests/sexual predators.

In cases like these, she it is clear that the teacher is in the wrong job, the Unions should stand by the students and change their policies or whatever they need to change.

[ABay]

The union's responsibility is to the teacher, just as the public defenders responsibility is to the defendant, but the scope of the union's duty is defined by whatever the agreement is between it and the state, school board, or whoever the other party is. It can certainly be distasteful to have to defend the due process rights of someone you believe to be completely guilty, but even total scum have a right to due process, to have any mitigating factors brought to the attention of the court or whoever, to have objective procedures applied as evenly to them as to the saint who has been falsely accused. People can usually be put on leave while the process runs its course.

 

Every contract is different, but I've never had one that paid for lawyers. For our members, it's sometimes a choice between using the union representative or mortgaging their house to hire a lawyer. If they're charged with a crime, it's out of the union's jurisdiction.

Edited July 25, 2014 by ABay

[alexvillage]

 

the scope of the union's duty is defined by whatever the agreement is between it and the state, school board, or whoever the other party is. It can certainly be distasteful to have to defend the due process rights of someone you believe to be completely guilty, but even total scum have a right to due process, to have any mitigating factors brought to the attention of the court or whoever

The school districts are also pretty bad when it comes to abuse. I do understand that there is a due process but as I said, these agreements you mentioned should have some common sense instead of granting tenure to the "scums". I am not against their right to defend themselves. I am against the what things are done and the fact that, even all the process is over, the scum teachers get a slap on the wrist and move on, usually unsupervised, to another group of kids (the crayon teacher I mentioned above is one case and she did it again, at another school).

I know awesome teachers, including special ed teachers. I am not against Unions. But they should, for their own sake, make some changes in their agreements. Defend the teacher if they may, but do not send them back to a classroom as if this kind of behavior is a one time thing.

[possibilities]

There should be a standard of ethics, so that if the teacher is guilty of abuse as described (not just accused, but actually guilty), they should lose their teaching license and eligibility for union membership. it's not that complicated. Doctors and lawyers have rules they need to follow, and they are a notoriously powerful group. There needs to be standards.

 

I personally think that teachers in general are treated extremely badly by the system, as are students, and that the entire education system needs an overhaul. But when there are crimes, they should not be covered up, no matter who is the perpetrator. It's ironic because aren't teachers mandatory reporters for abuse by others? All the more reason the profession itself should be held to a high standard (and rewarded well for their service-- which would attract more people to the profession and make it much easier to weed out the duds).

[formerlyfreedom]

I think there's been enough discussion on the issue of teachers and unions at this point, especially since the episode regarding the issue doesn't air until next Thursday. If you want to continue the conversation via PM, please do so. Otherwise, let's drop it here. Thank you.

[Victor the Crab]

Loved the song Beck was playing. And I liked how Stephen gave him a hug at the end of the interview.

[Fremde Frau]

TCR was a nice counterweight to TDS tonight, mostly comprised of fluffy, cheery fun. It was great to see what a hit Stephen was at the convention.

[peeayebee]

Why didn't I know Stephen was at Comic Con? I've been reading tweets from a few TV critics, and none mentioned it. Maybe because they're TV critics, not movie critics. Still, I was surprised to learn that. The panel must have been a blast.

 

I wonder if Jimmy Fallon will bring up Stephen dissing his ice cream again. Late Night Clap. Hee. 

 

Oh, and I really loved that poster for Radcliffe's movie 'Horns.'

[Victor the Crab]

I find that a very tall glass with a third of some Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum (94.6 proof, 47.3% alcohol) then filled to the top with A&W Diet Root Beer will help to relieve all the depressing news today.

 

Now why would I want to pay to have a virus called Sara Palin Channel uploaded to my computer?

 

WOW! That was awesome of Jon Batiste to lead Stephen and the crowd out onto the streets. Who wouldn't want to have been there for that?

[buttersister]

Jon Batiste killed it. (And the look on Stephen's face when he announced they'd bought thesarahpalinchannel.com was divine.)

 

Ah, he'll be performing at Lollapalooza on Saturday. Can't deal with the crowds, but maybe we can get downwind and hope the music blows our way.

Edited July 30, 2014 by buttersister

[trow125]

I have no idea if TCR plans to do anything with thesarahpalinchannel.com, but right now it's a tumblr with a link to an old Colbert video making fun of Sarah. It also says it's "The only Sarah Palin Channel on the internet with a definite article in the address!"

 

My husband wondered if anybody had registered asarahpalinchannel.com. Heh -- click on that link and see what's there. I don't want to spoil the surprise. (No worries, @victorthecrab, it won't give your computer a virus!)

[Fremde Frau]

Why would anyone pay money for an exclusively Sarah Palin channel? It's mind-boggling. It's bad enough for me that I share a first name with her. Back in 2008, my dad used to introduce me to his friends and co-workers as "Sarah, just like Sarah Palin" and tell me things like "You know, you and Sarah Palin are a lot alike," and all I could say in response--and with complete sincerity--was "Please. Stop."

[6 MeowMeowBeenz]

People pay for Glenn Beck...some people do, anyway. 

[Nellise]

Why would anyone pay money for an exclusively Sarah Palin channel? It's mind-boggling.

 

My mom loves Sarah Palin for some reason and would instantly sign up for it if she knew how to use her computer. Luckily she doesn't and I'm not going help her. She wanted Glenn Beck's similar thing too but I...uh....couldn't figure out how to set that up. Yeah, that's what happened.

 

My right-wing side of the family thinks she tells it how it is and is trying to bring back the "real" America. They really buy into what she's selling. Maybe I'll just add links to thesarahpalinchannel or asarahpalinchannel for them.

[LADreamr]

 

maybe we can get downwind and hope the music blows our way.

 

I liked your whole post, buttersister, but had to highlight this, because it's just a lovely phrase.

 

 

Why would anyone pay money for an exclusively Sarah Palin channel? It's mind-boggling. It's bad enough for me that I share a first name with her.

 

Me too.  And middle name, as well.  Her intro video was so incoherent, I couldn't imagine paying to hear more of that rambling.  Although, that is the least of the reasons I wouldn't pay for it.  I can't stand to listen to her for free.

[Sharpie66]

I loved that musical performance so damn much! TCR always gets me to enjoy new artists I've never heard of before, and Joe Batiste blew me away.

[Hanahope]

Oh my, a fool and their money are definitely quickly parted for those people that sign up for the SP channel.  Seriously.  I'm just flabbergasted that there are people who would pay Sarah $10 a month to watch her life.  But I guess that's how most scammers work.  People buy magazines to read about the Kardashians too.

[teddysmom]

My mom loves Sarah Palin for some reason

 

 

The people I pet sit for are the loveliest people in the world. I saw her book on the shelf in their family room and I about fell over.  I knew they were on the conservative side politically, but I'm praying somebody gave them the book and they just stuck it up there and didn't actually buy it themselves or read it.

 

You know Palin's going to go batshit crazy when she finds out Colbert bought those domain names.  She should thank her lucky stars it was Stephen and not a company that produces porn videos.  

[trow125]

You know Palin's going to go batshit crazy when she finds out Colbert bought those domain names.  She should thank her lucky stars it was Stephen and not a company that produces porn videos.  

 

There was actually a Sarah Palin porn video a few years ago (starring an actress who looked alarmingly like Sarah) called "Who's Nailin' Palin?" So yeah, it could have been a WHOLE lot worse -- a "Sarah Palin channel" with nothing but Palin porn! (shudder)

[monakane]

Stephen has been on fire this week.  This is why I'm sad to see him go.  I don't think he'll be able to do the same type of satire on CBS that he does on TCR.  I'm afraid his new show will be lukewarm monologues and interviews with celebrity bobble heads.

[teddysmom]

This is why I'm sad to see him go.  I don't think he'll be able to do the same type of satire on CBS that he does on TCR.  I'm afraid his new show will be lukewarm monologues and interviews with celebrity bobble heads.

I guess we'll have to see, but I have a feeling he'll still do bits like he does now on TCR.   He won't be playing "Stephen Colbert" like he does now, the uber conservative buffoon, but I doubt he'll stop skewering politicians, celebrities, etc.  

 

Stuff like buying those domain names is how Letterman started.  He wasn't always just sitting behind the desk being grumpy.  He was always pulling pranks, exposing the ridiculous, etc.  

 

I'm very much looking forward to what Stephen will do with an hour long show, five nights a week.  Jon Stewart said Stephen has gears none of us have seen yet.  I don't think CBS would have hired him and then told him, "okay you have to be Jay Leno."

[ABay]

Wow, Neil deGrasse Tyson has been working out! And manscaping!

[peeayebee]

Neil deGrasse Tyson? Where was he?

 

Loved all the mashup relationship names. Morlando Blur, Mustin Keebler, Jelusty Gobbler, Sorlena Blomez.

[ABay]

^^^When Stephen was suggesting other naked shows.

 

The mashups were genius. I loathe those things and so am pleased to see them mocked.

[attica]

Because I'm that kind of asshole, I am compelled to point out it should properly be "Morlando Blerr."

[marceline]

The only time I find James Franco tolerable is when he's on TCR. In fact I even find him a little likable. I give him credit for realizing and being honest about how fortunate he is to be able to do just about anything he wants and that, given that, he pursues higher education.

[Hanahope]

Neil deGrasse Tyson? Where was he?

 

Naked Cosmos.

[maraleia]

The adult actress that did the Nailin Palin video and performed in Tampa during the 2012 GOP convention is Lisa Ann. She hates Palin with the passion of a thousand burning suns but is grateful that she exists because Lisa makes so much money off of Palin. Yes I call porn performers adult performers because that's how I roll.

[M. Darcy]

Well, you must be secure in your position if you get the audience full of your supporters.  I don't think Campbell Brown did herself any good by going on the show.  He didn't bring up the conflict of interest with her husband but did get her to say a few times that the donors are secret.

[ChelseaNH]

How is it that the protesters are trying to silence the parents, exactly?

[Nellise]

That was about as close as I've seen Stephen breaking character in a mostly serious interview (he usually breaks a bit when he's geeking out about something). It really seemed like he wanted to say something other than "I respect....you".

[Victor the Crab]

Stephen saying he wants to go to Japan to hunt dolphins seems quite in line with the asshole financial contributors saying it's perfectly acceptable for corporations to dodge paying their taxes by becoming subsidiaries with foreign corporations.

[Hanahope]

You want excellent teachers?  Pay them the same salary paid to corporate executives instead of making them beg for school supplies from parents.

 

Frankly, I'm suspicious of any group who's members don't want to be identified. If you don't stand up and support your so-called cause, then I don't think you really believe that what you support is for the public good.

Edited August 1, 2014 by Hanahope

[candall]

 

If you don't stand up and support your so-called cause, then I don't think you really believe that what you support is for the public good.

Ha!  Somewhere in these boards, someone asked if the "thumbs up" clicks could be anonymous.  David T. Cole said:

 

"Own your likes."

 

.

[Wax Lion]

People pay for Glenn Beck...some people do, anyway. 

 

What I know of The Blaze, it at least has content that's not Glenn Beck. It's got a variety of programs, though all of it is for people who agree with Beck 99% of the time (the other 1% being Beck's stopped clock moments). I haven't seen anything to suggest SarahPalinChannel is going to have anything buy Palin and "user created" content.

 

I kinda thought Brown handled herself decently, she memorized all her talking points and Stephen didn't manage to throw her. You'd have to examine her arguments closely to notice all the problems and the halfway truths.

 

Still, I get tired of people presenting the real problem as teachers not being treated like disposable cogs the way minimum wage workers are treated.

[alias1]

I'm in favor of keeping teacher's unions.  I don't know anything about Campbell Brown and her organization so if Stephen's point was to debunk what she stands for, he did a poor job of it (very unusual for him).  I didn't get a negative feel from anything she said.  She was on point throughout.  Until I read the comments here, I couldn't even tell she was against what I'm for.  Kind of scary.

[alexvillage]

An open letter to Campbell Brown - can't stand the woman - about her appearance on TCR. Apparently there were people protesting outside the studio (has anyone mentioned this?)

 

http://baileyshawley.wordpress.com/2014/08/01/an-open-letter-to-campbell-brown-from-a-teacher-on-leave/

[6 MeowMeowBeenz]

Apparently there were people protesting outside the studio (has anyone mentioned this?)

 

She sure as hell did...those protesters were mean to her :(

And I wish Stephen had asked Ms Brown: of all the issues that face our educational system, do you truly think tenure is the most important?

 

Follow up question: Seriously??