David Frum's Blog, page 188

The High Cost Of Teacher Strikes

Optimists hope that the Chicago teacher strike will end quickly. Perhaps so. But as Dylan Matthews reports, even short strikes have crushing effects on vulnerable students.

Unintended Results From Florida's Voter Purge: One Illegal Canadian

The state of Florida launched a huge crackdown on illegally registered voters. After months of search, Florida authorities have to date caught ... one person. An Austrian-born Canadian citizen, Josef Sever, age 52.

Rahm Stands Up To Teacher Union Bullies

Chicago's teachers are on the streets -- instead of the classroom -- today, and it's important the country understands why they strike. It's not just because they want a wage increase next year reported at 19%, atop the 19-46% wage increase in their last five-year contract. It's also not simply that they want teacher promotion and retention to be tied to seniority, not test results.



Ultimately, this imminent strike represents a challenge to the wave of school reforms impo...

For Republicans And Poverty, At Least The Thought Counts?

Kevin Williamson thinks the GOP needs to place more public emphasis on attacking poverty.

Chick-Fil-A In Reverse

Walter Olson of the Overlawyered blog draws attention to a Chick Fil-A in reverse.

Good Riddance To Iranian Diplomats

In my column for the National Post, I detail why Canada severed diplomatic relations with Iran.

Canadian Talks

I'll be delivering five talks and lectures in Canada over the coming week, three of them open to all. If you are possibly able to join, I'll be delighted to see you.

Own Your Presidency, Mr. Obama

Noah Millman wasn't impressed with President Obama's speech, which he described as "wrapped in this sacramental progressivist cotton candy goothat leaves me just wanting to wash my hands."

2012 Election: Drama, Not Comedy

Walter Kirn dismisses critics of this year's campaign for failing to discern the distinction between "theater" and "drama." This error leads them to believe deep arguments are shallow, fascinating arguments are dull retreads, and that differences between candidates are not as important as they appear.

Swing Voter Desperately Seeking Non-Polarizing Presidential Candidate

Well, actually, I'm not really a swing voter, and I live in the District of Columbia, so it wouldn't matter even if I were.