Dear Mr. Sanchez:
I am offended by the bulk mailing I received regarding the upcoming elections. I believe that the Obama campaign funded the mailing as it is so transparently an endorsement of not only that candidate, but of the Democratic Party and its platforms and issues. CTA is using this "nonprofit org US postage paid" mailing to further a very specific, limited political objective: support the Obama campaign.
I specifically object to:
Candidate Obama’s political ad, complete with a signed quote and a web address, is featured prominently on the first page of the political brochure, facing the “Candidate Comparison” graphic. Although both candidates appear equal in the plus and minus columns of the comparison, the perception is that Obama is the more well-qualified candidate, based on the premise that “Barack Obama wants to overhaul No Child Left Behind, reduce class sizes to help increase student achievement, prevent public money from going to school vouchers, make sure all educators are paid a living wage and bring affordable health care to all,” claims that are not supported by the quotes used in the comparison to “prove” his education plan.
“… that’s what we must change in a fundamental way” is not a plan, it’s a sound bite!
As a CTA member, I am directed "For more information about Barack Obama's Plan for Education, visit www.barackobama.com," but there is no equal access provided to Senator McCain! If I wanted to donate dollars to a political campaign, I would do it through a personal donation, not through my dues to CTA, and I would choose the candidate I want to receive my support, not CTA.
As a TEACHERS organization, I expect CTA to provide unbiased information about the candidates and the issues, rather than a Yes/No graphic organizer, followed by politically-ringing rhetoric that makes it clear which way TEACHERS are expected to vote: “Join CTA, Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Barbara Boxer and the League of Women Voters in voting no on Prop 8.”
Why? Because you say so? Or because CTA is being paid to say so?
Your rhetoric says that “CTA believes that all people should be allowed equal access under the law,” referring specifically to the “rules for gay and lesbian couples.” Your conclusion is “that’s not fair.” Well, life isn’t fair, which is no more convincing an argument than your banner headline: “Support Equality for All [Gays and Lesbians implied].” As a TEACHERS organization, “My CTA” should be concentrating its efforts on TEACHER issues, not on whether I, as an individual, support gay rights.
As a TEACHERS organization, it is inappropriate for CTA to actively endorse any candidate and/or voting issues for an upcoming election, especially as CTA implies that a vote in contrast to CTA endorsements is a “bad” vote, rather than a citizen’s individual right to determine. Re: Prop 4, CTA posits that “Teen Safety Comes First” because “no law can mandate family communication.” Has no one at CTA heard that a minor is still the legal and moral obligation of his/her parents until the age of majority, which (in this state) remains age 18. Driving another wedge between parents and their children does not keep teens safe, but it certainly does erode the rights of parents to govern their children!
Prior to CTA determining how TEACHERS should vote during an election, a vote of the entire TEACHER membership, which appears to be about 134,000, should be conducted to determine the preferences of the TEACHERS who are members of the organization.
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