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AaronMayorga

(128 posts)
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 10:29 PM Oct 2012

Fact Checked My Teacher

Last edited Tue Oct 23, 2012, 11:14 PM - Edit history (3)

Before I begin, I would just like to formally introduce myself on DU. My name is Aaron, I'm 16 years old, and I'm from New York City, New York.

Anyway, let me begin, so in New York State in order to graduate, one must take a Health course. I know it sounds stupid, but for me its an easy 95. Regardless, my teacher is former military, pro-small government, and around fifty years old. He also has a sticker saying that he supports the separation of "Darwin and state," so it comes as now surprise that he is a Republican.

So in today's class, I walked in and saw on the board "$712 billion cut from Medicare" and an arrow pointing to AARP. This didn't come as a surprise since he done enough Obama-bashing for a lifetime. Anyway, I, who is not a fan of political discussion with teachers, thought to myself, seriously. So, we begin discusses what AARP actually does and why it endorsed the Affordable Care Act. He came to the conclusion that AARP endorsed the Affordable Care Act simply because its "Medicare cuts" forced seniors to get more supplement coverage from AARP. In other words, lobbying. It's an interesting argument that sounds reasonable, obviously it's was a bunch of stuff, malarkey if you please.

I'd had enough. I'd allowed him to walk over the Affordable Care Act for nearly two months, and allowed him to spew GOP talking points to the fellow classmates. I had heard this Medicare crap all throughout the summer, the conventions, and the debates. I, being a policy wonk, had that Joe Biden smile of death on my face as I raised my hand. When I was called, I quickly pointed out that it was not $712 billion in cuts but actually $716 billion. Next, I pointed out that the Medicare cuts wasn't from coverage to seniors, but actually from wasteful spending to hospitals and big pharma. Finally, I said that the Paul Ryan's budget also cut the same number, but the cuts under "Obamacare" extended Medicare by eight years. As I spoke, I realized that the class favored by facts over his talking points.

He tried to cut me off, but I persisted. I, then, pointed out the Washington Post had given it four pinocchios, and that PolitiFact.com (I had also pointed out that it was an arm of the Tampa Bay Times and was a winner of the Pultizer Prize) had deemed it as utterly false. He, then, said, "The Washington Post endorsed Obama. It's not true." I simply, "No, it's called facts." The class, in unison, yelled, "Oh!" My teacher looked at me with that face (the "I know I just got fact-checked face&quot , and had no reply.

Shut him up real good...

Edit: He also attempted to tell me and my friend that Fox News wasn't biased.

Note: I attend a Catholic High School on a scholarship; since most NYC high schools are terrible especially in the Bronx.

123 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Fact Checked My Teacher (Original Post) AaronMayorga Oct 2012 OP
AARP is an insurance company. Believe it. deaniac21 Oct 2012 #1
True dat truebluegreen Oct 2012 #3
I am by no means denying that AARP lobbies, AaronMayorga Oct 2012 #14
And, a wonderful Important Point it was, AM! It's the gop LIE that Cha Oct 2012 #39
As does the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Spitfire of ATJ Oct 2012 #40
OK, but NRA and US Chamber of Commerce aren't insurance companies. AARP is. nt Romulox Oct 2012 #81
There is nothing wrong with the AARP being an insurance company. LiberalFighter Oct 2012 #101
So? The teacher was wrong and the student -- and AARP -- were right. n/t pnwmom Oct 2012 #104
AARP is no more an insurance company... reACTIONary Oct 2012 #114
Um, AAA and AARP are both insurance companies. Where do people come up with this stuff? nt Romulox Oct 2012 #120
I belong to AARP. I have never bought any insurance from them. They are... reACTIONary Oct 2012 #122
Well done! truebluegreen Oct 2012 #2
At the moment, I've got a 95, I also had a teacher as a freshmen who thought AaronMayorga Oct 2012 #6
my 12 yr old has a teabagger teacher and it is public school but I imagine Catholic schools lunasun Oct 2012 #72
"my 12 yr old has a teabagger teacher " But.. Grins Oct 2012 #79
Yeah.... Plucketeer Oct 2012 #106
You just made my day! patrice Oct 2012 #4
Bravo Carolina Oct 2012 #5
I think you're gonna like it here, Aaron! Bozita Oct 2012 #7
Sounds like you got your head screwed on kid. Welcome to DU and to the greatest page. OffWithTheirHeads Oct 2012 #8
Nice redqueen Oct 2012 #9
Good for you!!!!!! imanamerican63 Oct 2012 #10
Well ... 1StrongBlackMan Oct 2012 #11
That's what I was thinking but... StarryNite Oct 2012 #15
A belated welcome to DU, Aaron! beac Oct 2012 #12
Document everything just in case. roody Oct 2012 #13
Yep! They like to call things like ending non-competitive "bidding" for medical supplies & temporary patrice Oct 2012 #16
well-done whippersnapper!! n/t ejbr Oct 2012 #17
Health class eh? Ask him if the people that wrote the Bible knew about hand washing? brewens Oct 2012 #18
k&r /nt Tien1985 Oct 2012 #19
Well done! Jamastiene Oct 2012 #20
Awesome. Maybe instead of "Mic check!" Habibi Oct 2012 #21
Bravo - You Are A Wonderful Young Man! mazzarro Oct 2012 #22
Hey good for you and you can also tell him it was the Meidcare Supplemental Drug Act K8-EEE Oct 2012 #23
Good job TlalocW Oct 2012 #24
Well done and welcome ashling Oct 2012 #25
Your teacher needs to be spoken to by his Superintendent, if it's a public school. Because he is in WinkyDink Oct 2012 #26
Catholic School, actually. AaronMayorga Oct 2012 #29
Well, that explains a lot. I guess that's why Republicans promote the voucher system: Propagandizing WinkyDink Oct 2012 #54
Um...Winky... WilliamPitt Oct 2012 #69
But....I'm a broad! ;-) Point taken. Can never forget the Berrigans, e.g. WinkyDink Oct 2012 #113
Mr. Aaron, Welcome to DU and I bow to your intelligence rurallib Oct 2012 #27
Nice job! But interesting development Keafirehouse88 Oct 2012 #28
It's a catholic High School AaronMayorga Oct 2012 #30
Watch your back nightscanner59 Oct 2012 #50
I agree with that advice! ecstatic Oct 2012 #71
Why is he talking politics ... surrealAmerican Oct 2012 #31
He wa trying to connect Obamacare to the government's involvement to one's health. AaronMayorga Oct 2012 #33
I think you're right. surrealAmerican Oct 2012 #35
That was my first thought. n/t geardaddy Oct 2012 #76
Truth to Power! BarackTheVote Oct 2012 #32
This made my day Entheory Oct 2012 #34
Best post I have read here in a long time rosesaylavee Oct 2012 #36
Welcome to DU, AaronMayorga! You did good! Cha Oct 2012 #37
I'm glad you are on our side!!! spooky3 Oct 2012 #38
Now wait a second... I went to NYC schools through junior high MannyGoldstein Oct 2012 #41
Well done! HooptieWagon Oct 2012 #42
"Nuns on the Bus" love Obamacare. ErikJ Oct 2012 #43
I used to do that to teachers over policy, history, government and economics Suji to Seoul Oct 2012 #44
Great job. ProudProgressiveNow Oct 2012 #45
"...the Joe Biden smile of death..." rationalcalgarian Oct 2012 #46
Yeah I like it too... ellisonz Oct 2012 #47
Nah. I think this is more appropriate. Panasonic Oct 2012 #67
Yes, most xxqqqzme Oct 2012 #48
You should be getting xxqqqzme Oct 2012 #49
Why is taking a Health class stupid? GeorgeGist Oct 2012 #51
Wouldn't it be nice if schools still taught civics? justiceischeap Oct 2012 #52
Let me know when you run for office... Javaman Oct 2012 #53
Way to speak truth to power! It's not easy to risk Surya Gayatri Oct 2012 #55
Good Job Aaron Sekhmets Daughter Oct 2012 #56
great job this why they want to cut education an informed public rejects falsehoods. n\t -LOKI -BAD FOR YA Oct 2012 #57
Great job young man!!!! Tennessee Gal Oct 2012 #58
Well done. go west young man Oct 2012 #59
Great going! Is this at Cardinal Spellman? bettyellen Oct 2012 #60
He's not talking. Smarmie Doofus Oct 2012 #66
Sotomayor also went to my grade school! Im very proud of her. bettyellen Oct 2012 #123
FACT: AARP is a massive insurance company. Here's their product page: Romulox Oct 2012 #61
"Nearly half of AARP's income is from kickbacks from insurance companies" Romulox Oct 2012 #62
Great job! I also attended a Catholic high school in NYC and had a few Republican teachers. NYC Liberal Oct 2012 #63
Kids like you give me hope txdemsftw Oct 2012 #64
Don't tell me...... Smarmie Doofus Oct 2012 #65
You know, AaronMayorga... WilliamPitt Oct 2012 #68
Good for you youngster! Catherine Vincent Oct 2012 #70
He sounds much more mature than many 50 year olds i know nolabels Oct 2012 #74
Rock-on little bro! tk2kewl Oct 2012 #73
Welcome to DU wryter2000 Oct 2012 #75
Great job! Are you sure you can't make it to 18 before November 6th? Welcome aboard! n/t AAO Oct 2012 #77
Welcome to DU Aaron..... prairierose Oct 2012 #78
*stands and applauds you* nt LittleGirl Oct 2012 #80
Great job! rightsideout Oct 2012 #82
Welcome to DU Aaron BadGimp Oct 2012 #83
Honored to Meet You Liberalynn Oct 2012 #84
Choosing to speak truths is a far more difficult path Oilwellian Oct 2012 #85
Thanks from a retired person that depends on Medicare. appleannie1 Oct 2012 #86
You are quite the wonk for a 16 year old. Bravo. I suspect that was self directed learning tavalon Oct 2012 #87
My 5th grader has a teacher like this BlueGirlRedState Oct 2012 #88
we feel at home you need to alert children to the limits of adult authority lunasun Oct 2012 #94
I would have been telling the teacher that is avebury Oct 2012 #111
Bravo, Aaron! So impressive! October Oct 2012 #89
Now you know why the GOP wants to PRIVATIZE all schools! ErikJ Oct 2012 #90
Your health teacher sounds about as brilliant as my health teacher back in 1979. TexasTowelie Oct 2012 #91
Welcome, Aaron. sakabatou Oct 2012 #92
Very glad to have you here, Aaron. Wheezy Oct 2012 #93
He also attempted to tell me and my friend that Fox News wasn't biased. AlbertCat Oct 2012 #95
WAy to Go Aaron!! beachgirl2365 Oct 2012 #96
Hey Red Chief! JustAnotherGen Oct 2012 #97
I remember reading that in 6th or 7th grade AaronMayorga Oct 2012 #98
Some "teacher". /nt mwb970 Oct 2012 #99
Good luck on maintaining that easy 95%. Methinks you just made it very hard on yourself. However, 1monster Oct 2012 #100
Thank you Aaron! Well done! ProfessionalLeftist Oct 2012 #102
Hey Aaron I'm another young DUer, who graduated high school 3 years ago. alp227 Oct 2012 #103
At 16, you are smarter than 47% of american adults. lindysalsagal Oct 2012 #105
nothing like seeing a liar exposed Mikeystyle Oct 2012 #107
Hee hee, life imitates art. Bucky Oct 2012 #108
I'm a high school English teacher: Bravo!! knitter4democracy Oct 2012 #109
Welcome to DU Aaron. lovemydog Oct 2012 #110
Great job! ivanincali00 Oct 2012 #112
"...Fox News wasn't biased." upi402 Oct 2012 #115
With young men like you our country will be in good standing. Keep up the good work. southernyankeebelle Oct 2012 #116
Well done, you. Take courage. Thank you. Dark n Stormy Knight Oct 2012 #117
You did great! I suspect you'll be quite Ilsa Oct 2012 #118
Welcome to DU Aaron! NEOhiodemocrat Oct 2012 #119
So...the OP didn't really "Fact Check" anybody; AARP is a huge insurance company. nt Romulox Oct 2012 #121

AaronMayorga

(128 posts)
14. I am by no means denying that AARP lobbies,
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 10:42 PM
Oct 2012

but so does the NRA and US Chamber of Commerce. My point was this mythical cutting of benefits by the AHA simply wasn't true

Cha

(295,899 posts)
39. And, a wonderful Important Point it was, AM! It's the gop LIE that
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 11:41 PM
Oct 2012

keeps on going. Important to stand up to it any chance we get.

Like that "less ships in the Navy than in 1916" Bulloney that mitt's been saying for months and again last night in the debate when Pres Obama was READY for him..



http://theobamadiary.com/

The gop have nothing but lies and bogus talking points.

LiberalFighter

(50,496 posts)
101. There is nothing wrong with the AARP being an insurance company.
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 03:02 PM
Oct 2012

It is no different from any other health care that a retiree might enjoy if they receive it.

Medicare only covers 80% of covered expenses. So what is a person suppose to do if they don't have insurance that covers the other 20%?

I don't totally support AARP but I don't consider this part something to take issue.

reACTIONary

(5,749 posts)
114. AARP is no more an insurance company...
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 07:57 PM
Oct 2012

...than AAA is an insurance company. AARP is a policy / advocacy group for seniors (as AAA is for drivers).

It lends its brand insurance companies in order to generate revienew to support its non-profit programs. Seniors need insurance and by buying AARP branded products they not only get a service they need, they also help out a policy / advocacy group that supports them and their interests.

I'm a member of AARP. I appreciate their work on my behalf and on behalf of all seniors.

reACTIONary

(5,749 posts)
122. I belong to AARP. I have never bought any insurance from them. They are...
Thu Oct 25, 2012, 08:39 PM
Oct 2012

... a non-profit advocacy organization. Like many such organizations they license their brand to companies that provide products and services, including insurance. But they are not an insurance company.

http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/info-2011/what-we-do.html

"Advocacy -AARP fights for 50 and over individuals and their families at the local, state and national levels. Last year, we won many battles on behalf of older Americans.... This year at AARP, we are continuing our work to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare, to save you money on your utility bills and to improve your access to quality health care. Whether in the nation's capital, in statehouses across the country or in the courts, we're in your corner, fighting on the issues that matter to you and your family. To learn more about our advocacy, please visit our Advocacy section on AARP.org."

http://www.aarp.org/content/aarp/en/home/politics-society/advocacy.html


http://www.aarphealthcare.com/important-disclosures.html

AARP and its affiliate are not insurance agencies or carriers and do not employ or endorse individual agents, brokers, producers, representatives or advisors.

AARP Health is a collection of health-related products, services and insurance programs made available by AARP. Neither AARP nor its affiliate is the insurer.

AARP contracts with insurers to make coverage available to AARP members. Insurers and providers pay a fee to AARP and its affiliate for use of the AARP intellectual property. Amounts paid are used for the general purposes of AARP and its members.

AARP does not recommend health-related products, services, insurance or programs. Insurance products carrying the AARP name are intended to be competitive products and may not be the lowest priced products. You are strongly encouraged to evaluate your needs and compare products.

 

truebluegreen

(9,033 posts)
2. Well done!
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 10:33 PM
Oct 2012

But I hope you weren't counting on a good grade in that class; you know how Republicans can be...

AaronMayorga

(128 posts)
6. At the moment, I've got a 95, I also had a teacher as a freshmen who thought
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 10:35 PM
Oct 2012

that Allen West was a good candidate.

lunasun

(21,646 posts)
72. my 12 yr old has a teabagger teacher and it is public school but I imagine Catholic schools
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 10:31 AM
Oct 2012

are filled with these types by now since they can get away with more at privates but stay strong

One thing we told the young ins is.......... that all your life you will have bosses, dates, friends try to sway you to their beliefs and that is all they are > their beliefs not facts.
Everyone has beliefs so try to form yours by weighing the facts then make up your own mind away from the noise..............

Funny the teachers are so off that even young kids already know now days when one is out of bounds
It is hard for all kids now everywhere
So take the good education part and do not get too caught up wasting energy with debates
All through life you will find some can retaliate if in a place of power if you alone protest too much
So organize and pick what your fights are carefully and where they can enact change or thought
just imo -you are young and smart and may have better ideas and sound like you can handle this - good luck
and good for you!!!!

Grins

(7,132 posts)
79. "my 12 yr old has a teabagger teacher " But..
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 11:45 AM
Oct 2012

But...but...but our schools are filled with liberal teachers!

 

Plucketeer

(12,882 posts)
106. Yeah....
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 06:05 PM
Oct 2012

my civics-teaching wife would be thrown out on her ear if she took a liberal slant. Conservative ideas she could probably get away with in this blood red part of California, but being progressively liberal, she has to play neutral in the classroom.

Bozita

(26,955 posts)
7. I think you're gonna like it here, Aaron!
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 10:36 PM
Oct 2012

And you've already gained my respect.

Keep on posting here. I'll be looking for more of your stuff.


 

OffWithTheirHeads

(10,337 posts)
8. Sounds like you got your head screwed on kid. Welcome to DU and to the greatest page.
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 10:36 PM
Oct 2012

Hope to see you in both places often.

imanamerican63

(13,668 posts)
10. Good for you!!!!!!
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 10:38 PM
Oct 2012

It sums up what they think know or want to hear! Keep smiling like Joe does!

Also, welcome to DU!

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
11. Well ...
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 10:38 PM
Oct 2012

If this guy is true to the republican nature ... Kiss that "easy 95" bye, bye.

But welcome to the family!

beac

(9,992 posts)
12. A belated welcome to DU, Aaron!
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 10:40 PM
Oct 2012


Good for you for standing up for the truth. Tomorrow, ask him about R&R's "coupon care" and how in the world that could possibly improve the ""Health" of seniors.

patrice

(47,992 posts)
16. Yep! They like to call things like ending non-competitive "bidding" for medical supplies & temporary
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 10:46 PM
Oct 2012

staffing contracts "Medicare Cuts" and that's just the tip of this particular iceberg.

Perhaps you have seen commercials about how easy it is to get Medicare to pay most of the price of motorized wheelchairs? Guess who owns a BIG piece of that action?

http://www.thenation.com/article/170470/tagg-team-romney-family-recipe-crony-capitalism

In 2007, the Scooter Store gave up $13 million in Medicare payments and paid $4 million to settle with the Justice Department over allegations that it had overbilled for its electric wheelchairs. The company, which has been bleeding money over the years as regulators moved to curb waste, still faces challenges that could make or break its business model—challenges that could be mitigated by pressure from the executive branch.

A Romney administration, for example, would have a role in the fate of a recently launched pilot program ensuring that patients see a doctor face to face to determine if a Medicare scooter is medically necessary—a program that has reportedly already reduced billings to the Scooter Store. Another challenge for the company is Section 3136 of the Obama administration’s Affordable Care Act. If Romney wins and repeals significant portions of the ACA, would he retain this provision, which compels Medicare to have a competitive bidding process for motorized wheelchairs?


Really! You did just make my day; I was just talking on FaceBook to one of the younger social justice activists that I know and she told me how a local candidate visited one of her classes at UMKC and the class just was NOT passive at all. They asked tough Civil Rights questions and really "talked back" on the issues, especially about education. You just put the icing on that particular cake for me today!

brewens

(13,393 posts)
18. Health class eh? Ask him if the people that wrote the Bible knew about hand washing?
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 10:49 PM
Oct 2012

I don't let anyone that doesn't wash their hands after taking a crap tell me anything.

Habibi

(3,596 posts)
21. Awesome. Maybe instead of "Mic check!"
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 10:56 PM
Oct 2012

students with teachers such as these should be treated to "Fact check!" scenarios.

mazzarro

(3,450 posts)
22. Bravo - You Are A Wonderful Young Man!
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 10:57 PM
Oct 2012

You do deserve all the accolades that can be mustered for this great feat. More of it young man and be proud of yourself 'cause your great!

K8-EEE

(15,667 posts)
23. Hey good for you and you can also tell him it was the Meidcare Supplemental Drug Act
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 10:57 PM
Oct 2012

that he must be thinking of --- rip off to taxpayers AND set in motion all sorts of supplemental ins. scams (Bush era natch.)

Here in CA we have to take this "Health 1" class in college I have to tell you as boring as I thought it was it was one of the most important classes I ever took because oddly a couple of years later I kept thinking of what the teacher said about tobacco addiction and decided that although I thought I could quit whenever when I was in school I was in fact hooked.....and I remembered how show said, the longer you put off quitting the harder, so I quit for my 25th b-day - 26 years ago!!

The teacher was an ex-smoker and had mentioned swimming regime as an anti-smoking program because you can't smoke when wet, and, you can exercise and breathe better a little more every day. It totally worked! I couldn't believe how I was remembering later all this stuff that bored me so much at the time, you never know!

TlalocW

(15,358 posts)
24. Good job
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 10:58 PM
Oct 2012

But I've seen the vindictiveness of teachers so be careful. In college, a professor of mine didn't like another student's liberal politics (this was an advanced math class where politics didn't belong), and he erased parts of my friend's work on tests to give him a lower grade. My friend was a bona-fide math genius though so he started doing everything in pen and stymied the professor.

It's amazing how teachers can really make a school. In high school, even though I was in a small farming community in Kansas, the teachers kept their opinions to themselves for the most part, even when asked, because they were there to teach us their particular subject. After I graduated, the science department really went downhill according to a friend who was two years behind me - while the chemistry/physics teacher and the biology teacher were still top-notch, the general science guy they brought in tried to teach that men had one less rib than women because of the account in Genesis, and that thunder causes lightning, not the other way around. Fortunately, my friend was like you and argued strongly against him.

TlalocW

 

WinkyDink

(51,311 posts)
26. Your teacher needs to be spoken to by his Superintendent, if it's a public school. Because he is in
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 11:00 PM
Oct 2012

serious trouble for his politicking, unless he can show how it is an essential part of the course of studies.

AaronMayorga

(128 posts)
29. Catholic School, actually.
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 11:11 PM
Oct 2012

But, I respect him. He seems like a decent person; I simply couldn't allow him to regurgitate GOP talking points to my friends who may not follow politics as closely as I do.

 

WinkyDink

(51,311 posts)
54. Well, that explains a lot. I guess that's why Republicans promote the voucher system: Propagandizing
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 08:41 AM
Oct 2012
 

WilliamPitt

(58,179 posts)
69. Um...Winky...
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 10:20 AM
Oct 2012

I taught at a private Catholic school while writing books against the Bush administration and the wars. The admin was, to a person, very very liberal, and they made it God-wrathingly clear that NO POLITICS shall enter the classroom by way of a teacher.

Take care with that broad brush.

rurallib

(62,344 posts)
27. Mr. Aaron, Welcome to DU and I bow to your intelligence
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 11:07 PM
Oct 2012

and guts. Standing up to a teacher like that is not easy.
May you have a long and happy stay at DU.
I will look forward to contributing to your first campaign.

Keafirehouse88

(25 posts)
28. Nice job! But interesting development
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 11:11 PM
Oct 2012

I grew up and currently live in NYC as well. I thought by law, a teacher wasn't suppose to talk about personal politics? Oh we'll at least you got your point across

nightscanner59

(802 posts)
50. Watch your back
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 01:12 AM
Oct 2012

I hope the class represents a challenge and interesting discussions for you. I do, as other DU'ers mention here, remain highly suspicious of right-wing brainwashing efforts... especially in schools.
Keep a log, Aaron. Start with a couple notes on how this exchange went and any changes in how this teacher behaves towards you. Post it on DU as you have here, for instance, just so you have a memo months from now when this is a distant memory. Mention to your classmates when something seems to support a wingnut viewpoint and note who agrees that it seems a little skewed. Keep it to yourself till the end of the year, should it seem you are being discriminated against.
Hopefully this teacher won't let biases affect things like grading for you, but just in case it does, you don't want to be in a "your word against his" situation fighting for your passing grade. Just keep a log till the year is up, and I hope you don't have to utilize it.

ecstatic

(32,566 posts)
71. I agree with that advice!
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 10:26 AM
Oct 2012

I wish I had stood up to a former teacher who lowered my grade due to a non-related incident.

surrealAmerican

(11,340 posts)
31. Why is he talking politics ...
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 11:15 PM
Oct 2012

... or economics for that matter, in health class?

Shouldn't this be about sex, drugs, diet, exercise, disease or something else along those lines?

AaronMayorga

(128 posts)
33. He wa trying to connect Obamacare to the government's involvement to one's health.
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 11:18 PM
Oct 2012

But, I think that he's just trying to push an agenda

surrealAmerican

(11,340 posts)
35. I think you're right.
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 11:23 PM
Oct 2012

There's plenty of "government involvement" that would be far more applicable to you and your classmates: things like food safety, water quality, vaccines, etc. This is not relevant to teens.

rosesaylavee

(12,126 posts)
36. Best post I have read here in a long time
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 11:26 PM
Oct 2012

Good for you! You are learning to think critically and make your decisions!

Welcome to DU!

Cha

(295,899 posts)
37. Welcome to DU, AaronMayorga! You did good!
Tue Oct 23, 2012, 11:33 PM
Oct 2012

Very excellent at writing your story, too..I was enthalled. YAY!

Student schools teacher..how often does that happen? Your teacher has been asking for this for quite awhile it seems but not many kids would be able to follow through so brilliantly!

Thank you!

There should be a law against teachers pushing propaganda.

 

ErikJ

(6,335 posts)
43. "Nuns on the Bus" love Obamacare.
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 12:36 AM
Oct 2012

From their website:

Healthcare

Since our founding more than 40 years ago, NETWORK has advocated for accessible, affordable, quality, universal healthcare. We believe, on the basis of Catholic Social Teaching, that access for all to affordable, quality healthcare is a fundamental social good – i.e., something that benefits all of us – as well as a human right.
The passage and signing in March 2010 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (healthcare reform) marked the first time in U.S. history that our government has committed to steps to ensure that people of all ages, including those with preexisting health concerns, have healthcare coverage. The new law does not have everything we wanted, but it is a historic step.

The new law promotes quality healthcare that is more accessible, affordable, universal and pro-life.

Specific changes in our healthcare system are occurring year-by-year as aspects of the new law come into effect.

Our support of the current law does not mean that we are completely satisfied, however. There are a number of steps we still need to take to improve our U.S. healthcare system. http://www.networklobby.org/issues/healthcare

 

Suji to Seoul

(2,035 posts)
44. I used to do that to teachers over policy, history, government and economics
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 12:37 AM
Oct 2012

IT got to the point that when my hand went up, the teacher would shut up and move on quickly, knowing I would decimate anything the fool said.

Then I became a teacher of history/government/economics. Students try to challenge me, but facts are on my side and ideology and hubris is on theirs.

Good job, kid! You make this ACLU member history teacher proud! I would love you to be a student in my class.

xxqqqzme

(14,887 posts)
49. You should be getting
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 01:06 AM
Oct 2012

high numbers in whatever passes for composition these days (if there is any writing classes). You know how to turn a phrase.

Sorry you can't vote this time around. Welcome to the crowd.

justiceischeap

(14,040 posts)
52. Wouldn't it be nice if schools still taught civics?
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 07:38 AM
Oct 2012

It would be nice to see more high schooler's informed and curious about politics and the government. It would be really nice to never see Jay Leno go out and ask who the President or Vice President is and have people give him really dumb answers or stare at him open-mouthed, blinking.

Javaman

(62,439 posts)
53. Let me know when you run for office...
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 08:38 AM
Oct 2012

You'll have my vote.

Good Job.

You restore my faith in the future

Cheers!

 

Surya Gayatri

(15,445 posts)
55. Way to speak truth to power! It's not easy to risk
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 09:20 AM
Oct 2012

a good grade by pointing out that your teacher is a willfully ignorant dufus.

Keep telling the truth as you know it, Aaron, and spread the word to your classmates and your elders.

It's your future and your planet that you're defending.

And welcome to DU. We need young people's enthusiasm and energy!

Tennessee Gal

(6,160 posts)
58. Great job young man!!!!
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 09:40 AM
Oct 2012

Very proud of your ability to think on your feet and have the facts straight! That is not an easy task.

I agree with a poster above about researching the Nuns on the Bus positions for future use.

Keep your head up and continue to know the truth.

 

go west young man

(4,856 posts)
59. Well done.
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 09:55 AM
Oct 2012

Young people like yourself are the hope of the nation. You write very well and stick to your guns. Judging from the teachers mindset he will probably attempt to unjustly punish you for making him look as pathetic as he really is but keep your head up. People like him are weak and sad and their fear and ignorance is hurting the country. Especially as he attempts to spread it to teenagers.

 

Smarmie Doofus

(14,498 posts)
66. He's not talking.
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 10:07 AM
Oct 2012

Maybe he shouldn't.

Sotomayor went there but she's probably not the alum of which the CHS system is most proud.

NYC Liberal

(20,132 posts)
63. Great job! I also attended a Catholic high school in NYC and had a few Republican teachers.
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 10:01 AM
Oct 2012

Only one was obnoxious about it. The two others (who I knew were Republicans) were actually two of my favorite teachers there.

txdemsftw

(461 posts)
64. Kids like you give me hope
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 10:01 AM
Oct 2012

for the future. Not afraid to speak up and refuse to be bullied by repukes.

Good for you!!

 

Smarmie Doofus

(14,498 posts)
65. Don't tell me......
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 10:02 AM
Oct 2012

Fordham Prep!

No?

Spellman!!

No?

Hayes !!!

No....


Mount!!!!!


I give up. I went to Stepinac. Back when Martha Washington was a babe and dinosaurs roamed the earth.


Then I taught in the public school system for... let's just say... a long time.

Nice job educating your RW teeech. CHSs have always had a RW bias.

There are actually some pretty good public HSs in the Bronx. But none in which you or the teacher would be able to have that kind of lively intellectual/political exchange. So I give the CHS system credit for that.

I'm in Riverdale now. Welcome to DU.


 

WilliamPitt

(58,179 posts)
68. You know, AaronMayorga...
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 10:17 AM
Oct 2012

...I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.



(watch 'Casablanca' if you haven't yet to get the reference)



As a former teacher who was writing anti-Bush and anti-Iraq-war books while still teaching, I felt it was my highest duty (beyond educating my students) to keep my own politics out of the classroom. Kids need to figure that stuff out on their own, and I did not want my students a) parroting my beliefs back at me to curry favor for a good grade, or b) afraid to express themselves for fear of getting a bad grade.

Cheers, and welcome to DU.

nolabels

(13,133 posts)
74. He sounds much more mature than many 50 year olds i know
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 10:52 AM
Oct 2012

I don't understand why our world is so twisted in so many ways but it is. Things like Fox (non)news are kind of like more drugs for addicts. The brains of these fox addicts are too lazy to think so they just turn on the boob tube get the points on what they think they should think. It's a vicious little circle but thank goodness, looking at the numbers its looking like a critical mass has finally fallen off it.

prairierose

(2,145 posts)
78. Welcome to DU Aaron.....
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 11:34 AM
Oct 2012

it's nice to see young people here, especially young people who are engaged with their future.

 

Liberalynn

(7,549 posts)
84. Honored to Meet You
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 01:00 PM
Oct 2012

and glad to know young people such as yourself, have the future in your hands. It makes me breathe a lot eaiser! Thank you!

Oilwellian

(12,647 posts)
85. Choosing to speak truths is a far more difficult path
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 01:02 PM
Oct 2012


"The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it." ~George Orwell

tavalon

(27,985 posts)
87. You are quite the wonk for a 16 year old. Bravo. I suspect that was self directed learning
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 01:13 PM
Oct 2012

Welcome to our mad house.

BlueGirlRedState

(417 posts)
88. My 5th grader has a teacher like this
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 01:14 PM
Oct 2012

Good for you, Aaron!!!!

At the Open House in September, the teacher said she posts a political cartoon every day and they discuss current events.

"I'll be making little Republicans out of all of your children!"

My daughter comes home with "Miss Wilson said...." every day and it usually involves Obama increased the debt, Obama lied, etc. etc.

She's really stuck who to believe because she's always been taught to respect teachers yet she hears us discussing politics all the time, so she usually just gets confused and doesn't want to hear the details.

I don't want her in the position of being ridiculed by the teacher, and most likely she's the only child from a Democratic family.

lunasun

(21,646 posts)
94. we feel at home you need to alert children to the limits of adult authority
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 02:29 PM
Oct 2012

esp. considering all the molestation
but even for these political reasons/ sex /environment views oh whatever... not to disrespect them or disobey but have limits
see my post above re 6th grade 12yr old and what we have done from the get go!!

my own son said " I am too young to be hearing this stuff"!!!!

I agree and glad we all caught this early in the year
and no will not be fighting it through a kid like the teacher is!!!

avebury

(10,946 posts)
111. I would have been telling the teacher that is
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 07:26 PM
Oct 2012

she was incapable of presenting a balanced presentation of politics and what is going on in this country then she has no business even bringing up the subject. It is not the job of a teacher to try to brainwash a child into buying into the teacher's political nonsense. And then I would have been having a talk with the Superintendent of the School and the School Board.

 

ErikJ

(6,335 posts)
90. Now you know why the GOP wants to PRIVATIZE all schools!
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 01:47 PM
Oct 2012

So they can indoctrinate our youth 24/7 with their BS.

TexasTowelie

(111,292 posts)
91. Your health teacher sounds about as brilliant as my health teacher back in 1979.
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 01:48 PM
Oct 2012

We were warned about premarital sex because it causes Gentile diseases. The class was doomed since there weren't any Jewish people at my high school.

Thanks for presenting the facts and I hope that the teacher doesn't retaliate against you. Welcome to DU!

 

AlbertCat

(17,505 posts)
95. He also attempted to tell me and my friend that Fox News wasn't biased.
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 02:42 PM
Oct 2012

Did you ask him why it was that Fox News viewers were consistently uniformed and misinformed?

If I taught a class in Logic, I would have my students watch Fox News for an hour and count the Fallacies of Reference and all Logical Fallacies. You could fill a notebook! Even when reporting real events, they can present it in an illogical way.

 

beachgirl2365

(111 posts)
96. WAy to Go Aaron!!
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 02:42 PM
Oct 2012

My daughter experiences the same thing from her Economics teacher here in UT (GO figure!) Every week she has to write a summary on something from current events,..... Last week she gave a presentation on Sensata,..........sort of busted the lie that Rob-mey was a job creator, which BTW the teacher was spouting to some of the students just a couple days before............I'm a proud Mom, ......... as I'm sure your parents are too. Keep up the excellent work!

JustAnotherGen

(31,681 posts)
97. Hey Red Chief!
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 02:43 PM
Oct 2012

Welcome to DU! Red Chief is the smart as a whip boy kidnapped in an O. Henry story (The Ransom of Red Chief). Not only did you fact check him - sounds like he tried to hold your beautiful mind for ransom and decided to give it back due to these little things called 'Facts' and 'Reason'.

1monster

(11,012 posts)
100. Good luck on maintaining that easy 95%. Methinks you just made it very hard on yourself. However,
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 02:56 PM
Oct 2012

congratuatulations on having the fortitude and integrity to stand up to your teacher's lack either of facts or integrity (whichever shoe fits).

My personal feelings are that partisan politics have no place in the class room. One can have discussions on poltical situations, but one must stick to the facts, and any personal opinions/feelings must be labeled as such.

alp227

(31,961 posts)
103. Hey Aaron I'm another young DUer, who graduated high school 3 years ago.
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 04:37 PM
Oct 2012

Wow, good on you for standing up to that Fox News host disguised as a teacher! I also took a health science class in HS. Except at least my teachers (I went to HS in the San Francisco area) were not as doo doo dumb as this teacher, and the one who WAS a Republican (this was for AP US Gov/Politics) was still a cool, knowledgeable guy respected by us students in a rather left leaning neighborhood.

I hope you continue to check out the rest of DU and learn more about politics!

in the meantime please subscribe to my youtube channel for various clips of progressive talk radio (including my favorite evening talk show Mike Malloy). Also some more resources:

- Democracy Now!: A daily hour-long independent news show covering the big political news and other stories, from an angle you won't see on ABC/CBS/NBC/CNN/the commercial media. You can hear it in NYC M-F at 8am on 99.5 WBAI or on youtube.com/democracynow for archives. It's such a great show I wake up at 5am in my part of the US just to hear the show live from the WBAI live stream.
- The Thom Hartmann Program: My favorite political talk radio show. Thom discusses the day's political news and even debates conservative advocates. M-F 3-6pm, in NYC on 1600 WWRL, also has a youtube channel, also streams online at livestream.com/thomhartmann or freespeech.org.
- The Young Turks: Daily online talk show hosted by Cenk Uygur, who provides a hard-hitting, funny, and in-depth take on politics (and some lighter subjects as well).
- The Norman Goldman Show: M-F 6pm-9pm (ET). Norman Goldman is a lawyer based in Los Angeles, and he provides a unique law-and-politics approach to his show. He also does "senior legal analyst" segments explaining the legalese behind what's going on. Listen live here, or if on a mobile phone select station 960 KNEW on the iHeartRadio app or Seattle's Progressive Talk on the TuneIn app.
- The Mike Malloy Show: M-F 9pm-midnight ET, live online streams (http://server2.whiterosesociety.org:8000/truthseeker) or here. Mike Malloy has a darker, angrier tone in his show, with 1960s/70s rock/psychedelic oldies as bumper music and Church Night Wednesdays with anti-religious rants. DU has a daily "truthseekers check in" thread at the General Discussion board at the top of the 9pm ET hour!
- Media Matters for America: The place to go to debunk the latest BS from Fox Boobs, Tush Limpballs, or Sean Insannity as well as how the "so called liberal media" like ABC and CBS aid/abet the right wing agenda.
- Addicting Info: Political news blog from a left wing perspective especially devoted to debunking right wing nonsense.
- Think Progress: A more serious version of Addicting Info, the blog of think tank Center for American Progress, also publishes many useful infographics even studies too.

lindysalsagal

(20,440 posts)
105. At 16, you are smarter than 47% of american adults.
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 06:03 PM
Oct 2012

The polls prove it.

I'm a teacher, and I wish I could give you an A+! Bravo, Aaron!

Mikeystyle

(208 posts)
107. nothing like seeing a liar exposed
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 06:06 PM
Oct 2012

well done!

I wonder if your teacher was even smart enough to know he was lying in the first place.

knitter4democracy

(14,350 posts)
109. I'm a high school English teacher: Bravo!!
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 06:23 PM
Oct 2012

I also used to teach in Catholic schools, so you get an extra hug from me.

You did just the right thing, and I find that really awesome. Great job!

upi402

(16,854 posts)
115. "...Fox News wasn't biased."
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 07:59 PM
Oct 2012

This teacher is a tool. Unfortunately he has power over you. You will need to USE HIM like a tool.

It is what it is. Keep fighting the good fight!

 

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)
116. With young men like you our country will be in good standing. Keep up the good work.
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 09:48 PM
Oct 2012

Just because they keep repeating the lie doesn't make it true.

Ilsa

(61,675 posts)
118. You did great! I suspect you'll be quite
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 10:16 PM
Oct 2012

Good at any career you undertake. Thanks for the great post, and on behalf of my family that has already needed the new provisions of the ACA, thank you for defending it to this knucklehead.

NEOhiodemocrat

(912 posts)
119. Welcome to DU Aaron!
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 10:18 PM
Oct 2012

I went to Catholic schools back in the 60's and that is where I learned about social justice, sounds like the schools have changed a bit since I was young. Stay strong and keep up the good fight!

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