AZ teachers abandon students again

AZ Gov. Ducey should emulate Pres. Reagan’s handling of union strikers 

Mass resignations of teachers are occurring in two East Valley public school districts in the wake of schools reopening during the COVID-19 virus. 

Although the majority of parents and health officials want students back in school, the teachers are not only objecting, but are taking a permanent hike. According to news reports, other teachers plan to abandon classes in a solidarity protest with those who have resigned. That’s what they do best since U.S. education standards have been falling for years.

Pew Research Center 2017 data show U.S. students’ dismal academic achievement on science, math and reading scores significantly lag behind those of their peers in Singapore, Hong Kong, Estonia and Taiwan — to name a few

This April 27, 2018 report, “#REDS for ED: Union thugs demand more $ for less,” is worthy of review bringing relevant background to today’s topic.

Gov. Doug Ducey, a McCain protégé, created this monster scenario when he caved to the far-left unionist teacher’s* demands after they walked out for over a week following 24-year-old uncredentialed hip hop music teacher and avowed Socialist Noah Karvelis.

Taxpayers are the teacher’s employers and have a right to expect classes resume. Imagine if necessary government and utility company employees or hospital personnel unilaterally decided they would walk off their jobs due to concerns over conditions over which they had no control. They would be fired and replaced, as the teachers should be.

In 1981 President Ronald Reagan handled the 11,359 PATCO union strikers who walked off their Air Traffic Controller jobs in violation of his order for them to return to work in this instructive manner:

 

In addition, Reagan declared a lifetime ban on the rehiring of the strikers by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). On August 17, the FAA began accepting applications for new air-traffic controllers. On October 22, the Federal Labor Relations Authority decertified PATCO.

 * Center for Responsive Politics

Phx police new enemy as emboldened mob demands control

The men and women of the Phoenix Police Department take an oath of office swearing to “protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution and laws of the State of Arizona, and will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, and defend them against enemies, foreign and domestic.”  These words are embedded in Arizona Revised Statutes and are also affirmed by elected officials. From 1928 to the present, the Phoenix Police Department has lost 38 Officers in the line of duty.

Suddenly those who put their lives on the line to protect and defend the rest of society are the enemy as marauding criminal gangs have taken to the streets across the nation, using the needless death of a black man arrested for passing a counterfeit $20 bill in Minneapolis as an excuse for violence, looting, arson, and hurling bricks at, and even killing police. The white officer restraining George Floyd with a knee to his neck causing his death and other officers who witnessed it have been jailed, and are facing murder charges.

The repercussions of this death nearly 1,700 miles away, have emboldened ransacking mobs, blandly described by the local, far left newspaper as “activists and protesters” Bolstered by the lack of resolve of weak Democrat Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, a crowd reported in excess of 1,000 descended on City Hall demanding a 25% decrease of police funding while “fully funding an Office of Accountability and Transparency.”

As widespread domestic terrorism erupted in Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey activated the National Guard.

In a recent interview, Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams, a black female, bizarrely commended Phoenix police officers who took a knee along with protesters during a night of protests saying, “We lead with heart,” and opining, “that sentiment reflects the beliefs of the majority of the police department.”

If that’s truly the case, which we doubt, we’re in trouble.

Amid widespread domestic terrorism, AZ Gov. Ducey activates Nat’l Guard

Sunday night, following Gov. Ducey’s issuance of a State of Emergency declaration, hundreds of criminal looters and defilers took aim at Scottsdale Fashion Square mall and surrounding businesses including the Mercedes-Benz dealership. Their wanton destruction was estimated in “millions of dollars”

In a rare Sunday announcement, (Read it here) Gov. Doug Ducey declared a State of Emergency including activating the National Guard and issuing a week-long statewide, limited curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

The overriding question as violent demonstrations, arson and looting arise with contrived spontaneity in Arizona, states across the country and have now erupted in our nation’s capitol, is who is organizing them? The obvious intent is to destabilize our social structure, coupled with respect for authority and law, which bind our enviable, constitutionally-based society.

The disingenuous headline in Sunday’s edition of the radically-left local newspaper was, “Anger and Anguish.” The question of whose anguish and anger is made all too clear with the accompanying front page article, headlined, “Ariz. governor’s remarks focus on ‘rule of law’ not community pain.” 

It begins by disparaging Republican governors “across the country,” while specifically targeting Republican Gov. Ducey for being forcefully outspoken in his denunciation of criminality committed by what the newspaper terms “marginalized persons.”  The full quote from a Tucson-based ‘Black Lives Matter’ advocate is, “I think the governor has always made it clear that he values law and order over the everyday person, specifically marginalized people — “black people, incarcerated people,” she stated.

The rest of us can only hope so.

Reacting to outcry, AZ Gov. Ducey OKs partial reopenings

Ducey will also be on hand to greet President Trump today

Bowing to pressure, Gov. Doug Ducey has issued an Executive Order allowing salons and barber shops to resume appointment-based services this Friday, May 8. Restaurants and coffee shops will be able to resume dine-in services with physical distancing measures on Monday, May 11.

This is the official “Whereas” laden document, complete with an embossed gold state seal, official signature and attested to by the illegible signature of the AZ Secretary of State.

Massive rallies by citizens who desperately want to get back to work, and were armed with petitions demanding his recall, obviously pushed Doug Ducey’s sensible buttons.

Gov. Ducey, keenly aware of the need to placate Arizona conservatives, will be on hand to welcome President Trump today. We should not forget, however, that along with McCain and Flake, Ducey intentionally boycotted Donald Trump‘s initial Phoenix Convention Center campaign rally in July 2015. So many supporters requested tickets, the venue had to be moved three times to accommodate the enormous crowd, though many still had to be turned away due to fire code restrictions.

Pres. Trump will be in Phoenix touring a Honeywell facility producing protective face masks. Sen. Martha McSally is accompanying the president to Arizona on Air Force One. U.S. Reps. Debbie Lesko (CD-8) and Paul Gosar (CD-4) are also flying from D.C. to Phoenix with President Trump.

AZ Gov. Doug Ducey’s curious connection

We’ve recently become acquainted with the conservative site National File.* The following attention grabbing article by investigative journalist and Breitbart alumni Patrick Howley deserves to be redirected to Arizonans who might not have discovered its fact-filled pages. It’s important to read “Arizona Governor Sits on Board of Group Doing Testing, Affiliate of Prospective Coronavirus Vaccine Maker,” which unequivocally poses the question of a conflict of interest.

That report links to this Arizona Capitol Times article detailing,“Ducey could have sole discretion over a large pot of state, federal aid funds.”

This page features the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) Board of Directors/Governors. Gov. Ducey is a stand-out, with the flags of Arizona and the United States providing the patriotic backdrop to his photo.

How reassuring it is to know that TGen has a conflict of interest policy posted on its site. Whether it has ever been enforced presents a broader question.

* Launched August 2019, readership outpacing competition

Virus crisis not enough for Dem Chris Herstam: he advocates for assassination

Easily manipulated mail-in ballot scheme tops Dems agenda

Months prior to the Aug. 4, (Primary Election) and Nov. 3, (General), mail-in ballots are making the news. Chris Herstam, a onetime Republicrat, who ultimately ended his charade and re-registered as a Democrat, exemplifies the consequences of his brain turning to mush. In a recent appearance on left-leaning KAET “Horizon,” he advocated violence against Arizona state legislators and Gov.  Ducey, saying they “should be shot,” if they don’t implement a statewide mail-in ballot plan. Host Ted Simon didn’t bat an eye.

Herstam, 71, a former state representative, former member of the AZ Board of Regents, and former lobbyist, can now add another former to his résumé. His deplorable words supporting gun violence against elected officials, repeated on two separate occasions, have earned him the title of former columnist for the Arizona Mirror, where his unhinged, blatantly deceitful writings referred to President Trump as a “white nationalist.” Observing the swift negative effect of his assassination comments, he apologized, but it was too late. After initially being put on a one month leave, he’s been given his permanent walking papers.

Three deep blue states (Oregon, Washington, and Colorado) conduct their elections completely by mail. Herstam would like us to be among them. During his interchange with Ted Simons, Herstam went on to describe President Trump, using these words: “In my opinion, Trump is the most corrupt, the worst president in our history.” Again, Simon didn’t flinch.

Hans von Spakovsky, a Senior Legal Fellow and authority on election law at the Heritage Foundation wrote, “Elections Exclusively by Mail: A Terrible Idea Whose Time Should Never Come.”

Although not recent, it remains pertinent in view of the Left’s push to implement the easily manipulated scheme of all mail-in ballots. We urge you to read this fact-filled and important article.

It’s the weekend and we’re all being asked to self quarantine. What better time to hone your arguments against the Dem’s favorite new issue.

AZ Gov. Ducey issues sweeping reforms to combat Wuhan Coronavirus

Executive orders activate Nat’l Guard to assist with food distribution, halt elective surgeries, aid businesses, waive ADOT requirements during Wuhan Coronavirus emergency

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced these latest directives to combat the Wuhan Coronavirus/COVID-19 that is adversely altering the daily lives of Arizonans as well as Americans across the nation. Ducey’s announcement also includes a recap of actions that have been taken prior to the date of this news release. To see them, scroll to the bottom of the link.

 Ensuring food access:

Ducey is activating the National Guard to assist grocery stores and food banks with re-stocking shelves in the face of heightened purchases of food and other necessities due to self-quarantining. Arizona grocery stores are facing unprecedented demand, and this assistance will help ensure the continuation of food supply. 

 Increasing hospital capacity:

The Executive Order halts all elective surgeries in the state of Arizona to free up medical resources and maintain the capacity for hospitals and providers to continue offering vital services. This will help keep critical personal protective equipment (PPE) available for the fight against COVID-19.

 Updated guidance and flexibility for restaurants, bars and other businesses:

The directive also requires restaurants in Arizona counties with confirmed COVID-19 cases to provide dine-out options only, and all bars in those counties close. This also applies to movie theaters and gyms, following the previous guidance from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to ensure one consistent policy across jurisdictions. To assist in mitigating the financial consequences of restaurant closures, the Executive Order also allows restaurants to deliver alcoholic beverages with the purchase of food. At his time, the six affected counties are Coconino, Graham, Maricopa, Navajo, Pima and Pinal, which all have verified cases of the virus.

Additionally, the Governor’s directive allows manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers to buy back unopened products from restaurants, bars and clubs.

 Waives ADOT requirements for seniors and commercial drivers:

Gov. Ducey has also delayed expiration dates on Arizona driver licenses ensuring residents over the age of 65 do not need to visit Motor Vehicle Division offices to renew their driver licenses during the public health emergency. This protects seniors and vulnerable Arizonans from community spread and supports efforts to social distance. The policy applies to commercial vehicle drivers — ensuring that drivers stay on the road not in-line at MVDs.

These orders become effective at close of business today — Friday, March 20.

WH issues guidelines to combat Coronavirus: “15 Days to Slow the Spread”

Arizona issues ‘Declaration of Emergency’

President Trump and the White House Coronavirus Task Force issued new guidelines to help protect Americans during the global Coronavirus outbreak.

Known as “15 Days to Slow the Spread,” the new recommendations are simple to follow but will have a resounding impact on public health. While the President leads a nationwide response, bringing together government resources and private-sector ingenuity, every American can help slow the virus’ spread and keep our most high-risk populations safe:

     1. Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities.

     2. If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.

     3. If your children are sick, keep them at home. Contact your medical provider.

     4. If someone in your household has tested positive for the Coronavirus, keep the entire household at home.

     5. If you are an older American, stay home and away from other people.

     6. If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition—such as a significant heart or lung problem—stay home and away from other people.

Monday’s guidelines build on the CDC’s general recommendations to help prevent spread of the virus. Americans should continue practicing strict personal hygiene, including washing hands regularly for at least 20 seconds at a time and wiping down surfaces in the home often.

Even if you are young and otherwise healthy, you are at risk — and your activities can increase the risk of contracting the Coronavirus for others. Everyone can do their part.

There’s no better way to protect your family and your community than by arming yourself with accurate, up-to-date information.

_______

During this unprecedented health crisis, the nation’s schools, including colleges and universities (implementing plans to move classes online), businesses, sporting events, theaters and restaurants have shuttered. Weddings and even memorial services have been postponed due to restrictions on large gatherings. The CDC has this site (updated as of March 16, 2020) devoted to travel. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issued this Declaration of Emergency regarding the highly contagious disease.

AZ Gov. Ducey allows Mexican official to determine legal policy

Arizona citizens lose their vote in this duplicitous stunt

Friday’s SRAZ’s post, “Slickster AZ Gov. Ducey halts sanctuary city ban,” generated a great deal of interest. But the follow-up will set your hair on fire.

One day later a report in the failing Periódico de la República de Arizona (Arizona Republic) shines a bright light on Ducey’s deceptive backtracking on SCR 1007, a two sentence proposition he previously asked House and Senate leaders to move forward. The logical proposal, enshrined as a constitutional amendment disallowed any county, city or town of this state to limit or restrict enforcement of state or federal immigration laws. A ballot measure, the intent was to put it to a vote of the citizens of Arizona.

Gov. Ducey doesn’t trust us with that task, though he allows our tax dollars to pay for countless benefits directed to illegal invaders, including but not limited to, health care, housing, food assistance, education — including in-state tuition at the state’s colleges and universities. The criminal justice system is reeling under the weight of criminality.

The following is a brief excerpt from the newspaper’s coverage:

Jesus Seade Kuri, Mexico’s undersecretary for North America, said Friday he was pleased that Gov. Doug Ducey had decided to back off from his attempt to cement a sanctuary city ban in the Arizona Constitution.

Seade Kuri said he met with Ducey hours before the Governor’s Office announced late Thursday the effort was dead. Seade Kuri said he reminded Ducey and state lawmakers of the “importance of migrants to the development of Arizona…”

“We spoke of the closeness of the relationship and if that helped to move things in the right direction, I am very pleased.”

The newspaper’s offensive ethnicity-based reporting standard remains in place, ensuring the report was written by Daniel Gonzalez. Someone named Sean O’Grady would never be given this assignment. O’Grady would be relegated to writing about the deadly potato famine of the mid-1800s or the Irish Riverdance troupe.

Saturday morning’s multi-pronged coverage could best be described as deliriously ecstatic.  The front page headline screams, “GOP effort to prohibit sanctuary cities dead.” Columnist Laurie Roberts, formerly relegated to sob stories, now promoted to leftist disseminator of political distortions, has a column headlined, “Ducey drops sanctuary bill to avoid disaster.” She concludes her irrationally biased column with these words:

“For six weeks now, we’ve been told it was necessary to put a sanctuary city ban into the constitution in order to make it voter protected and beyond the ability of a future Legislature to repeal. Now suddenly … after seeing the impassioned response from Latinos (and perhaps remembering the fallout from SB 1070?) … we no longer need to put a sanctuary city ban on the ballot? Oh yeah, Republicans are running scared.”

Another report in the same edition is titled, “Analysts: Ducey’s attempt to put ‘sanctuary cities’ ban in state constitution a miscalculation.”

Take time today to read, “DHS Acting Secretary warns Democrat-backed New Way Forward Act would ‘gut the rule of law.’”

Knowledge is power.

Slickster AZ Gov. Ducey halts sanctuary city ban

Why would Republican Gov. Doug Ducey merit praise from the Hillary-endorsing, viciously-anti-Trump, open-border-supporting Periódico de la República de Arizona (Arizona Republic) newspaper? According to its account, Ducey has had second thoughts about legislation constitutionally banning sanctuary cities in the state of Arizona. This sensible legislation had been requested by the McCain protégé, who suddenly disdains any controls on the illegal invasion.

The newspaper confirmed that Ducey, in an after business hours action, engaged in a “joint decision” (arm twisting?) with legislative leaders to shut down the resolution he’d asked GOP lawmakers to carry in both the state House and Senate.

Don’t bother looking for any mention of this surreptitious double-cross on his office website with numerous pages devoted to Executive Orders and News Releases. There is no explanatory governor’s letter. There’s not a word touting his change of heart on what should not be a contentious issue.

This is the simple, single sentence amendment, SCR 1007, intended to put the issue to a vote of Arizona’s citizens. Ducey, now serving his final term, doesn’t trust us. When those the newspaper describes as “migrant rights advocates” refer to anything that demands adherence to the law by their reliable pejorative “racist,” Ducey tucks his tail between his legs, develops amnesia, loses courage and surrenders.

Juxtapose Ducey’s bizarre decision against the fact that he stood on the stage beside President Trump at the colossal “Keep America Great” Phoenix rally and accepted the president’s accolades regarding securing the border.

Unlike the rest of us, the elitist Ducey’s don’t have to worry about locking their doors at night. They just sold their Paradise Valley mansion in a gated community abutting the Paradise Valley Country Club and golf course for a discounted $8,150,000. But even in their opulent surroundings the rule of law should still be relevant. Previously an ice cream tycoon, as governor, Ducey signs bills into law.

Doug McDucey’s current term ends on January 1, 2023. It will be intriguing to hear what his future plans entail. Our bet is a high level appointment where he won’t have to face the citizen voters he conveniently dismisses.