Alex Trebek made my day. He mentioned having just finished the Teachers’ Tournament, and then he said that based on his observations, the country’s children are in good hands.
Consider the following. Instead of a Teachers’ Tournament, Alex Trebek would host a gathering of the great, er, the leaders of several states. I can see it now: Scott Walker, Chris Christie, and — well, who would you like in the third spot?
Alex: And the categories for the first round are — Roadblocks, Foreign Policy, Involuntary Quarantine, College Honor Codes, Scandals ending in -Gate, and Everything’s Better with Koch. Where should we start?
Walker: I’m going to punt on that one.
Christie: Wait, let me get my fleece. It has my name on it.
Alex: Gentlemen, a category, please.
Christie: Scandals ending in -gate for 200, Alex.
Alex: The first -gate named scandal started with a break-in at this hotel.
Walker: What is the Farm Bed and Breakfast gate?
Alex: No. I know Wisconsin is the Dairy state, but, um, no.
Christie: Foreign Policy for 200, Alex.
Alex: Yes, Scott?
Walker: I just don’t think you talk about foreign policy while you’re on foreign soil.
Alex: We’re in Hollywod. Southern California.
Walker: Then we’ll go to College Honor Codes, whatever they are, for 400.
Readers, you get the idea. Today’s children are in good hands for now. But if the narrow and uber-conservative right get their way, none of will be in good hands. If we want representation of the people, by the people, and for the people to remain, it’ll take more than a game. Stay informed, and stay active.
Many accusations are thrown at Walker. Few, if any, are supported by empirical data. The breakfast crowd I am with have little sympathy for teachers throwing dull darts. Many consider teaching a part time job. 180 days per year is their cry.
I am going coyote and fox hunting this morning. I can’t find anyone who would like a fox or cyote hat. I think I will settle for gloves.
I loved Trebek’s remark. My parents are retired educators, my boyfriend is a teacher and my daughter is a teaching assistant, so maybe I’m biased, but I agree with Alex.
I’d add Bobby Jindal to the game.