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It feels like yesterday that my wife and I were shopping for grade schools for our daughter the same daughter who just graduated from high school.

We visited a bunch of private schools where the children of Washingtons elite get turned into the feedstock of the meritocracy.

The most remarkable thing about the experience was how nearly all of the schools were obsessed with diversity and all the pedagogic and social issues attached to the term. Many pitched diversity not merely as important but as their sole comparative advantage. The headmaster of one prestigious school even advised a group of parents to look at the mission statements of other schools. Youll see a lot of buzzwords like academic rigor and scholarship,' he warned, making scare quotes in the air with his fingers. Well, we want you to know that we consider our social justice mission more important than academics.

I often tell this story to point out that school choice isnt the solution to political correctness that many conservatives think it is. Parents who can afford to send their kids to private schools dont need vouchers; theyve got cash. Im bringing this up for different reasons.

Proponents of critical race theory and antiracism (the idea that being nonracist isnt good enough; you have to embrace an antiracist agenda) as an approach to classroom instruction believe America is shot through with structural racism and white supremacy and that white people must atone for their privilege somehow.

Taking this approach, they claim, will usher in a long-overdue reckoning with our past and present. They make it sound as if before 2021, it never occurred to anyone that kids should be taught about racism or the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow.

Currently, most k-12 students already learn a kind of Confederate Race Theory, whereby the Daughters of the Confederacy long ago imposed a version of history wherein slavery was not so bad and had nothing to do with the civil war, and lynchings and violence never happened, MSNBC host Joy-Ann Reid recently tweeted.

Well, I can report that this is otherworldly nonsense, going by my daughters experience or that of the children of people I know in Washington. At affluent K-12 schools, public or private, teaching about racism, slavery and civil rights has been central to social studies curricula for decades.

But you know what? This has also been the case at most non-elite schools. The idea that, absent a critical-race-theory lens, most students would be taught American history through the prism of Gone With the Wind or The Birth of a Nation is preposterous.

And parents know it. Which is why the debate over this new political hobbyhorse has people talking past each other.

Comparisons to the tea party protests of 2009 are imperfect but instructive. For liberals, the protests ignited by Barack Obamas stimulus package seemed illegitimate. For some, it was a racist backlash against a Black president. For others, it was a fake movement fueled by astroturfing political grifters. (The grifters eventually took it over, but that came later.) And some saw it as hypocritical. George W. Bush had his bank and auto industry bailouts, and conservatives went along. Why rediscover fiscal restraint now? But for increasingly populist conservatives at that time, more government spending by any administration was a last straw.

When proponents of critical race theory say they are merely proposing a belated corrective to the way American history has been framed, many parents dont buy it, having seen what their children are taught now.

The current battle over critical race theory is a wonderful gift to the Republicans in the short term. The GOP would love to win back white suburban parents with culture-war issues, now that it has no credibility on fiscal matters. But in the long run, this could be disastrous for the party and the country, because the last thing anyone needs is to redefine the culture war as a racial conflict.

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Battle over critical race theory won't benefit GOP in long run - Martins Ferry Times Leader

A Teesside grandad is raising a cuppa for the Trussell Trust.

Malcolm McGregor, 65, from Acklam, volunteered with Middlesbrough Foodbank during the covid-19 pandemic, and he is now encouraging local people to host a tea party with donations going to the anti-poverty charity.

Throughout this unprecedented period, Malcolm helped get thousands of emergency food parcels to people living in crisis in the town, along with a team of volunteers.

Read more: The hospital volunteers who made a massive difference during pandemic - and now have NHS jobs

When I was a young man in Middlesbrough there were lots of opportunities and really good jobs, but in recent years Ive seen more and more people affected by poverty.

The past year has been particularly tough for many of us and I wanted to do something in recognition of the hardship some people were going through, so I thought that helping and supporting the food bank would be a great way to give back, Malcolm said.

He was inspired to volunteer at his local food bank after seeing the levels of destitution and poverty rise across Middlesbrough in recent times.

Malcolm was born and bred in the town, and has dedicated hours of voluntary service to Middlesbrough Foodbank, which is part of the Trussell Trusts network.

He is a regular worshipper at Saint Barnabas in Linthorpe, along with his wife, and the pair became involved with the food bank station at the church.

Retired teacher Malcolm now welcomes people into the food bank, offering them a friendly welcome as they come to collect their food packages.

When I started volunteering, I used to label tins of food but now I work more closely with the people who come into the food bank and need help and support.

Im one of the first faces people will see when they walk into the food bank.

Before the pandemic, people would come in and sit down and I would chat to them and offer them tea, coffee and cakes whilst their order was being processed.

Although this has now changed due to social distancing restrictions, I am still there to offer everyone kind words, words of encouragement.

I feel its important to make that contact and show people that theyre not just coming in for food, but also to meet people who care, who take the time to spend a few minutes with them, Malcolm said.

He is now encouraging people across Middlesbrough to host a Tea for Trussell tea party and raise vital funds for the charity that aims to end the need for food banks in the UK.

Families, friends and colleagues can come together over a brew and cake on a day that suits them, with fundraisers able to host events at home or virtually to raise their mugs with love.

As lockdown restrictions begin to ease, the event will be a brilliant way to get the team together over a cup of tea and cake, while supporting an important cause which is making a difference to thousands of people in crisis.

Its not right that anyone is forced to turn to a food bank and we owe it to each other to make sure that sufficient financial support is in place when we need it the most, Malcolm said.

Whether youre an expert baker or you prefer to buy pre-made goods, Tea for Trussell is a fun way to catch up over a cuppa and make a difference to thousands of people living in crisis.

I would urge everyone across Middlesbrough to get involved and join in with Tea for Trussell.

Its tough to hear about people needing to use food banks to get by, but together we can all make a difference and help build a UK where everyone can afford the basics, Malcolm said.

The charity supports a nationwide network of over 1,300 food bank centres, including the one in Middlesbrough, and provides support to thousands of people in poverty.

Between April 2020 and March 2021, Middlesbrough Foodbank distributed 8,594 emergency food parcels to those facing crisis.

Events engagement manager at the Trussell Trust, Kate Merrified said: We are incredibly grateful to Malcolm and the team at Middlesbrough Foodbank for supporting Tea for Trussell.

Hosting your own tea party is a brilliant way to bring friends, families and colleagues together this summer, while raising vital funds to end the need for food banks.

We all know that some of the best conversations happen over brew, which is why a cup of tea is also at the heart of our food bank network.

The warm welcome of a cuppa has the power to spark conversation and offer support to people coming into the food bank, while helping to uncover and address the underlying issues of poverty.

Free fundraising packs with recipes and top tips are available here or by emailing fundraising@trusselltrust.org

The Trussell Trust is determined to create a future where food banks would not be needed in the UK.

All money raised from Tea for Trussell will go towards the charitys vision of a country where everyone can afford life essentials.

Sign up to Teesside Live's newsletter here.

Kate said: Its not right that any of us need to use a food bank but we know that this can change.

Thats why were urging everyone across Middlesbrough to put the kettle on and get their loved ones involved in this exciting event.

Whether you prefer your tea milky or black, with sugar or without, builders brew or a masala chai, anything goes, as long as youre having fun!

Now is the perfect time to raise both a cuppa and donations, so that together we can build a hunger free future.-

Link:
Malcolm's seen what life on bread line is like for others - and now tells his food bank volunteer story - Teesside Live

She bought some new jams and wanted to put on her hat with them.

This is her face when we saw the neighbors dog when we were walking outside that night before going to bed. She only likes animals!

A friend of mine recently gave birth to a child, and she also has a one-year-old child and a two-year-old child they are raising. I went to spend an afternoon with her children so that she could have a little free time. I played a tea party and had a lot of fun with her daughters. When Kierstyn was two years old, it made me very excited!

I flew to Little Rock that day and recorded some family life radio interviews about my book, Love-centered parenting. This is my first business trip in a year and a half, and it feels very strange! But being able to record a subject that I am passionate about in the studio is so vital!

At the end of the interview, one of the moderators, Ann, asked if she could pray for me. This is such a special moment, and it makes me very lucky-I am very happy that someone in the sound studio took a picture!

This summer, Silas joined a tournament team and loved it. He must cast one of his games in his last game. This is his favorite game!

A week ago, we went to Paducah, Kentucky, Branson, Missouri, and Wichita, Kansas for summer road trips. We stopped in Clarksville, Tennessee to let Jesse try the new Black Rifle Coffee Company store!

One of the best ways to keep young children in a hotel room: let them look out the window, watching all the cars and people!

In Paducah, we went to this highly recommended donut shop-Reds Donuts.

Its delicious-a box of 12 different doughnuts is only $8!

We also visited Pipers Tea & Coffee-this is also our recommendation!

He is such a good traveler! But he always acted very happy, getting up from his car seat, being hugged or lying on his stomach in the hotel room!

We went to Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri-one of our favorite places! Jesse and I both grew up there, so it left us with a lot of special memories!

Very important first stop: cinnamon buns!

Jesse is not really a roller coaster fan, so I love to ride some bigger roller coasters with the girls.

Kierstyn started her first ride!

At first she was not sure what to think, but in the end she enjoyed it!

Some Harlem globetrotters are in Silver Dollar City, so we must go to see their performances.

After spending a day in Silver Dollar City, we went to Wichita, Kansas to visit our family.

Kierstyn really likes hanging out with Uncle Stephen.

She also likes grandma and grandpas dogs!

One morning, my mother and I went to Bramble Cafe on Eldersley Farm.

She bought me this goat cheese there (its delicious!)

Speaking of deliciousness, the one KS restaurant I always miss in Tennessee is Braums. So we had to stop for some frozen yogurt and burgers!

Caitlin can skate on the skating rink in Kansas, and my mother has to come and see her day.

Kierstyn likes hanging out with her cousins!

We finally went to Chicken N Pickle!

I met a friend I havent seen in 17 years! ! (She drove to pick me up from Oklahoma in the afternoon!)

My parents also invited a group of our friends to a grand picnic in one evening!

We are all going to visit my grandpa (Kierstyn loves his dog!)

We ended our time in KS and took some trolleys in Jesses house!

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A glimpse of the past two weeks (trips to Little Rock, Branson and Wichita) - QNT

Linda Kember, Malcolm Clarkson, Shirley Tucker, Raven Wyntre-Clarkson, Polly Vaughan, Ralph Wimmer, Andrea Ochave celebrate Shirley Tuckers 104th birthday. (Susan Walker photo)

Shirley Tucker turned 104 last month

Shirley Tuckers shouting tea party for her 103rd birthday was so nice, she did it twice. Though, provincial health orders were truly to blame for both.

Named by the birthday girl herself, Tuckers first shouting tea party marked her birthday May 9, 2020, when provincial health orders put the kibosh on traditional celebrations. Even her son was trapped in California and couldnt be present as usual.

A decision was made to hold a tea party on the lawn, where guests could be physically distanced.

This year the same group of friends and relations gathered on the Weald Road lawn for a shouting tea party and to toast Tucker on her 104th birthday.

RELATED: Party like youre 99

Tucker graduated from Victoria High School before attending Victoria College when it was at Craigdarroch Castle. She received degrees from the University of Washington and Columbia University. After retiring from teaching in 1981, Tucker returned to Victoria and joined the Oak Bay Lawn Bowling Club in 1984.

Tucker continued to bowl into her 90s.

c.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca

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Oak Bay woman marks two pandemic birthdays with shouting tea parties Saanich News - Saanich News

U.S. President Donald Trump is greeted by Texas State Chairman of the Republican Party Allen West as he arrives at Midland International Air and Space Port in Midland, Texas, U.S., July 29, 2020. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo

Allen West, the chairman of the Republican Party of Texas and a conservative firebrand, said on Friday he was resigning after less than a year on the job.

A former one-term Florida congressman and darling of the Tea Party movement, West will remain in his role until a new leader is chosen next month, the state's Republican party said in a statement. No reason for his resignation was given.

West, a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump, has sharply criticized other Republican leaders in Texas during his tenure as party chairman, including Governor Greg Abbott.

West has said he is mulling a challenge against Abbott next year, despite Abbott having earlier this week won the endorsement of Trump for his reelection bid. There is speculation that West may also try for a congressional seat or the lieutenant governor spot.

The Republican Party of Texas said in its statement that West "will take this opportunity to prayerfully reflect on a new chapter in his already distinguished career" and hailed him as a "bulwark against progressive socialism."

Last weekend West delivered remarks at the "For God & Country Patriot Roundup" in Dallas that featured Trump's former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and other proponents of the Q-Anon conspiracy theory.

West, who has lived in Texas since 2014, spent 22 years in the Army and was a battalion commander during the Iraq war. He was relieved of his command in 2003 and fined $5,000 after firing a gun near an Iraqi man's head during an interrogation.

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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Conservative firebrand West resigns as Texas Republican leader - Reuters