What If Liberals Had Showed Up to Bush Events With Guns?
Your “Comment of the Week” (Weekly Wide Web, Jan. 14) from Edward Biebel sucked, big-time. Boo-hoo, right-wingers are being called names.
I’m surprised George W. Bush didn’t have an official “enemies list” like Nixon boasted about, which he used as bait for IRS and FBI investigators. As far as First Amendment rights are concerned, if liberals had showed up with guns (Second Amendment rights?) at Bush rallies (like right-wingers show up at Obama rallies), they would’ve been flogged to death.
So much for left-wing hypocrisy and political inequality … blah, blah, blah.
Alan Neff
Claim: Giffords Is a Carpetbagger!
In the spirit of our former illustrious governor, who has so distinguished herself as such a stalwart guardian of our country, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ surrogates, like the Weekly, maintain the aura of journalistic creativity by espousing her re-election as a “marquee race” (“Giffords Vs. Paton: 2010 Showdown,” The Skinny, Jan. 21). Yet no mention is made of her current carpetbagger status as an out-of-state representative.
Why doesn’t the Weekly report the facts concerning her absentee status? It would be instructive to have you report the percentage of Arizona residency Giffords (and presumably her husband) reports on her Arizona state income-tax return. Also, how much of her Arizona-based property is subject to Pima County personal property tax?
Giffords is just another clever user of the electoral system, which allows her to skirt the normal rules which we nonpoliticals are required to live by. She has attempted to portray herself as a “blue dog” Democrat. She should, in all candor, label herself as a “brown dog” Democrat who has her nose up Nancy Pelosi’s ass.
Lou Dudas
Sonoran Science Academy Responds
On behalf of Sonoran Science Academy-Tucson, we write this letter to formally respond to the Tucson Weekly article, published on Dec. 31, under the title of “Hidden Agenda? Parents Raise Concerns That a Tucson Charter School Has Ties to a Turkish Nationalist Movement.” We hope that you will consider printing this letter, to give your readers the opportunity to draw their own conclusions about the biased and one-sided “investigation” that led to the article. We also invite Tucson Weekly to visit our campus to get a more accurate picture of SSA, which is a transparent, public institution open to any questions or inquiries by public media officials. SSA highly respects the freedom of speech and expression.
The article by Tim Vanderpool raised questions about possible links between Sonoran Science Academy-Tucson (a public K-12 charter school) and a “Turkish nationalist movement.” The article was based on comments and allegations by a third party who apparently spoke to Mr. Vanderpool on the basis of anonymity. Mr. Vanderpool contacted Mr. Karatas, the principal, by phone to ask a few questions regarding the matter. Mr. Karatas kindly welcomed the inquiry. On at least three occasions during this call, Mr. Karatas requested that Mr. Vanderpool visit the school. Mr. Vanderpool stated that he was unable to visit and insisted on a telephone interview.
In the article, numerous quotes by Mr. Karatas were taken out of context. It sounded as if the school principal was “threatening the parents,” which clearly was not the case. Mr. Karatas has great respect for the fundamental constitutional right of every individual to express him/herself and would never threaten a student, parent or staff member. To our regret and disappointment, Mr. Karatas’ statements were tailored to fit the story, rather than attempting to show his authentic answers (and message) to the questions being raised.
The history and foundation of SSA-Tucson goes back to three visionary Tucson-based Turkish scientists (a prominent engineer at Texas Instruments, highly acclaimed heart surgeon in Tucson Medical Center and a researcher at the College of Optical Sciences at the UA) who saw an immediate need for quality math and science education in Tucson. These three visionaries established SSA-Tucson as a charter school that would focus on math, science and technology while providing a solid foundation in liberal arts education. SSA-Tucson has never had, and does not currently have, any links to any religious or nationalist movements. SSA is nationally acclaimed as a model school by US News and World Report, Newsweek and the American Mathematics Association. Most recently, SSA-Tucson was honored to be Arizona’s Charter School of the Year.
SSA takes pride in its transparency and dedication to serving the community. We were deeply saddened by the blatantly one-sided story written by Mr. Vanderpool and published by the Tucson Weekly.
Fatih Karatas
Principal, Sonoran Science Academy-Tucson
Corrections
In “And Speaking of Blood …” (The Skinny, Jan. 14), we reported that the Pima County Interfaith Council administered JobPath. According to JobPath’s executive director, the organization is a 501(c)(3) with an independent board of directors.
In “A Celebration of Leonard Bernstein” (City Week, Jan. 21) director Troy Hollar’s name was misspelled as Haller.
In “This Week on the Range” (Weekly Wide Web, Jan. 21), we incorrectly referred to Pat Robertson as Pat Robinson.
We apologize for the errors.
This article appears in Jan 28 – Feb 3, 2010.
Giffords receives $210,000 per year for her lease of land for how long? 55 years. Expensive for 31/2 acres
So why does Sonaran Science academy need a lawyer on tax payer money to talk to ARizona State Board of CHarters schools that has no teeth, no authority, no reason toexhist other than to vent? SSA is hiding alot more than you know, REad the comments left and the concerns. Googlr gulen charter school. Gueln salt lake tribune,
Guen movement threats
Does this really sound like he is telling the truth? Mr. Karatas staed in his letter
” We also invite Tucson Weekly to visit our campus to get a more accurate picture of SSA, which is a transparent, public institution open to any questions or inquiries by public media officials. SSA highly respects the freedom of speech and expression”
Now read my letter given by the schools attorney. To threaten me for telling the truth?
Bill Thacker
Re: Sonoran Science Academy
Dear Mr. Thacker
As you are aware, this firm represents Daisy Education Corporation dba
Sonoran Science Academy (“SSA”). SSA has been aware for several months
that you are posting defamatory, insulting and inflammatory comments
about SSA on craigslist. These posts are resulting in a significant
disruption of the SSA community. Furthermore SSA may be suffering
potential financial damages as a result of the false statements you are
circulating in the online community.
SSA responded numerous times to your complaints and concerns, responded
to the Arizona State Board of Charter Schools and has allowed you to
continue making defamatory comments on the internet for several months.
Now it must stop.
If you do not immediately cease posting SSA will pursue litigation against you, including an injunction to prohibit further publication of defamatory statements and a lawsuit for damages. SSA has been tracking and collecting evidence of your defamatory
statements. Including copies of your posts on craigslist and will
utilize this evidence in a lawsuit against you if necessary.
Very Truly Yours,
Heather K. Gaines
Dear Ms. Gaines,
Thank you for your letter dated June 29. I have reviewed it and would
make these points.
1. The “slap suit” is not a new idea but seems like a radical step for
a charter school. That school to sue a parent who had a poor experience
at Sonoran Science would appear to have a chilling effect on the
aforementioned school’s ability to attract new students. Is it truly in
the best interest of your client to have such a reputation?
2. For a school filing a slap suit on a working-class single dad would
be such a novelty that it would risk lending media credibility and a
much larger platform for me to make my case. That charges would be
hashed and rehashed and whatever harm done on Craig’s List would be
magnified. And, as you are aware, gaining prior restraint against the
media is an extremely high bar.
3. I sold plasma to buy my daughter lunch and Sonoran Science staff
threw it away, refusing to give it to her. That’s pretty compelling.
4. Should you pursue legal action, your firm would make money off
billable hours but every dime spent on pursuing a father struggling
through the current economic challenges is a dime not spent teaching
children. Is this the proper role of state and donation money that is
supposed to be spent on children?
5. How much are you willing to turn over during discovery? You are
claiming that I am wrong in my assertions against Sonoran Science. I
would then have the right to prove I’m not wrong. I’m not a lawyer
(public school advocates may take an interest but let’s assume they
don’t) and you can beat me back. But that’s more scut work for you,
more money coming out of class rooms and more risk of media attention.
6. All I want is an apology for: a) Not informing me of an
investigation concerning my daughter’s accusation that a teacher had
acted sexually inappropriately toward her; b) Forcing me no end of
headache when both myself and doctors repeatedly provided records of
immunization records Sonoran Science never seemed to get as they
threatened to keep my daughter from class. Felt like harassment; and c)
Throwing away a sandwich I bought with, literally, blood money. D) When
informing the principal of the school he ignored my concerns and
threatened me with a lawsuit. An apology, one for me and one to my
daughter.
I find it bizarre that you would threaten me with legal action for
criticizing a public institution on a Web Site not typically covered by
libel rules. I currently earn $12 an hour. I rent. I even rent my
furniture. I have a car payment. I am a student. I send money to my
ex-wife for my daughter. How much cash do you think you can get from
me? Moreover, how many parents will send their children to a school
that sues unhappy “customers”? They are a business.
Food for thought.
Regards,
Bill M. Thacker
Mr. Karatas paid a lawayer ( your tax money ) to tell me and the Board of Charter schools something different.
We are not intrested in awards and visiting the school and seeing what is happening on the outside. We want to see what is going on the inside.
Read the full article and comments left from concerned parents.
http://www.tucsonweekly.com/gyrobase/hidde…
What we also would like to know is where is the money coming from to fund the expansions of more schools? Mr Karatas had stated in the news letter that the school has been hit by cut backs. That they need your donations which was false. In the SSA newsletter he stated this. In the Nov. the Az Daily Star stated that charters have not been hit with cut backs at all! So we would like to know where the money is coming from to build new schools. Every business in the state has been effected yet SSA is thriving and expanding. How is this even possible?
Mr. Adak is asking for approval now for replications because there will be more time to work on the building. The facility is very important. Dr. Yilmaz would like to approve for replications, but want to make sure that we have flexibility due to financial concerns. Dr. Yildiz explained that time is necessary when charter applications are submitted. There is no time limit, but a time line once state approves. Mr. Adak gave a presentation for the proposed Oro Valley site: K-8, 450 students, 10-12 acres, 2 classes per grade. There are four options so far; Mr. Adak showed top four options. Dr. Yilmaz to go ahead and apply for replication for SSA-Oro Valley with Mr. Adak as the signer and SSA-Flagstaff with Dr. Yildiz as the signer. Dr. Baysal seconded the motion and all members present voted yes to the proposal.
RESOLVED that applications for replication be submitted for SSA-Oro Valley with Mr. Adak as the signer and SSA-Flagstaff with Dr. Yildiz as the signer.
Do you realize how pathetic and ridiculous your replies are Ex SSA Parent? I doubt it, seeing as you have made it your new life long goal to defame SSA. Don’t get me wrong however, I’m glad you’re trying to do SOMETHING with your life. Just try to find something that is a little more useful.
Islamist Gülen Movement Runs U.S. Charter Schools
By Stephen Schwartz
A secretive foreign network of Islamic radicals now operates dozens of charter schools — which receive government money but are not required to adopt a state-approved curriculum — on U.S. soil. The inspirer of this conspiratorial effort is Fethullah Gülen, who directs a major Islamist movement in Turkey and the Turkish Diaspora but lives in the United States. He is number thirteen among the world’s “50 most influential Muslims,” according to one prominent listing.
Gülen has been criticized as the puppet master for the current Turkish government headed by the “soft Islamist” Justice and Development Party, known by its Turkish initials as the AKP, in its slow-motion showdown with the secularist Turkish military. But Gülen is also known in Muslim countries for his network of 500-700 Islamic schools around the world, according to differing sources favorable to his movement. A more critical view of Gülen’s emphasis on education asserts that his international network of thousands of primary and secondary schools, universities, and student residences is a key element in solidifying an Islamist political agenda in Turkey.
But in startling news for Americans, the Gülen movement operates more than 85 primary and secondary schools on our soil. A roster of the Gülen schools and of the numerous foundations that support them has been released to the public by the patriotic group Act! for America. The Gülen schools are often designated as “science academies” and are concentrated in Texas, Ohio, and California — with others scattered across the rest of the country.
Two states that host Gülen charter schools are Arizona and Utah. In the former, the Daisy Education Corporation (the Gülen movement loves friendly-sounding institutional names) operates three schools in Tucson: one serving kindergarten through the eighth grade, another designated as an elementary school, and a middle-high school, all under the rubric of the Sonoran Science Academy. In Phoenix, it runs a satellite kindergarten-to-10th-grade campus with the same name.
The appearance of Gülen charter schools in Tucson has produced critical attention in local media. The Tucson Weekly published a report at the end of 2009 noting that the Sonoran Science Academy in the southern Arizona town had been named “charter school of the year” by the Arizona Charter School Association. But writer Tim Vanderpool reported that according to one dismayed parent, who declined identification while pointing out the Gülen movement’s history of intimidating critics, “the Sonoran Academy seems constantly to be bringing Turkish educators into the United States, and subjecting students to substitute teachers while the teachers await work visas.” Vanderpool submits that “several Sonoran Academy parents believe the school has a hidden agenda to promote Gülen’s brand of Turkish nationalism, advance sympathy for that country’s political goals such as winning acceptance into the European Union, and discourage official acknowledgment of Turkey’s genocide against the Armenians during World War I.” Such issues are exotic, to say the least, for Tucson parents.
Earlier in 2009, the Beehive Science and Technology Academy, a high school in Salt Lake City, came under similar critical scrutiny from the Salt Lake Tribune. That major daily’s writer, Kirsten Stewart, reported that the Utah State Charter Board had begun an investigation of the Beehive school following complaints from a former teacher and an alarmed parent. The complainants asserted that while “Beehive advertises itself as a public charter school offering college-bound seventh through 12th graders a foundation in math and science … the school has another mission: to advance and promote certain Islamic beliefs. They point to questionable financial transactions and hiring practices as proof of the school’s covert ties to Turkish Muslim preacher Fethullah Gülen.”
But while Fatih Karatas, principal of the Sonoran Science Academy middle school in Tucson, flatly denied any connection with the Gülen movement, Beehive principal Muhammet “Frank” Erdogan in Salt Lake City admitted such links in the case of his school. The Salt Lake Tribune quoted his admission that along with him, “many of Beehive’s teachers and founders also support Gülen’s ideals.” The paper also described how “Adam Kuntz, a first-year history teacher at Beehive, was fired [in spring 2009], he alleges, for taking academic freedom concerns to the state board. Earlier in the school year, Kuntz had a run-in with Erdogan over a lesson plan on World War II and the Holocaust. Erdogan wanted Kuntz to revise the plan and during a tape-recorded meeting, questioned conventional accounts of the genocide.”
Kelly Wayment, a parent of three children in the school, was removed from his post on the Beehive administrative board after he e-mailed other parents about Gülen movement influence in the school. Wayment told the Salt Lake Tribune that as in the Tucson case, teachers “tend to be from Turkey and central Asian republics living here on work visas.”
Americans should ask both why and how the Islamist Gülen movement has managed to establish such a large presence for Turkish religious political indoctrination in publicly financed education — and should unite to oppose it.
Stephen Suleyman Schwartz is executive director of the Center for Islamic Pluralism in Washington, D.C. This article was sponsored by Islamist Watch, a project of the Middle East Forum.