Meeks needs to address why he thinks money is the salve for Chicago urban school problems -- many innovative schools, like charters for example, do more with less.

Isn't the breakdown in Chicago Public School achievement the result of ineffective strategies, eroding cultural values,a lack of order and a lack of student/parent responsibility? Where do humans factor in all of this?

If Chicago school leaders get more money, but apply the same strategies and tired ideas will this drama really change anything?

Also, Meeks should urge school leaders to prune excess administrative and operational costs and apply more funds to direct instruction. It's called efficiency.

Gerard please read my post, and please ask the Rev. this two questions on your show please.

Romans 13:1 admonishes us to keep the laws of the land by subjecting ourselves to the governing authorities.

Romans 13:2 Says that "whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God."

Truancy is breaking the laws of the land. On whose authority is the Rev. telling us to break the laws by being truant?

And how does the Rev. reconcile encouraging children to be truant, thus breaking the law of the land, with the teachings of Paul?

I feel that Meeks is there where the bills are signed . Why have not dealt with it before this . I think they shouldnt boy cott because taking inner city children to wilmete for 1 day what happens next . They get scholing from people you feel that are certified . I totally disagree the inner city children are dying like fruit flies School might be the safest place for them . Some Parents can't afford to feed there children School might be the only place to get a meal . I think Meeks need help with re-election ....

Please ask about addressing the culture problem in our community that I've been gnawing at.

Thanks GM Live!:)

Parents "should" challenge Legislators by holding them accountable for EQUALLY meeting the financial academic needs of all Chicago Public Schoolaged children, both elementary and highschoolers.

Futhermore, let's not talk about "Chicago Charter Public Schools," because parents who really understand the Renassiance 2010 system's, social investments, and how much of their parental rights, as advocates, is being compromised doesn't even consider enrollment.

In addition, highly qualified teachers, which specialize in education are hired appropriately. Unlike, the Charter School administrative leaders, which are allowed to staff anyone with an undergraduate degree.

It appears that most political and advocacy groups want to garner publicity for the things that are easy. I believe we are in an Economic Tsunami. All these other issues must lead to the question of sustainability. Why don't James Meeks, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Mike Baisden, and any and all other interested parties place core emphasis on financial literacy, economics, and investments. Look around all over we are faced with fiscal challenges. The key and answers rest with those who have creative minds and are being overlooked. It is my opinion because we lack education in the aforementioned areas, we seek attention in the things subordinate to pure sustainability.

No matter how you look at it finances will be needed to truly satisfy most of these issues. The key is not to strong arm people or try to force people to change via threats but to introduce innovation and take advantage of the innovative minds amongst us.

P.S. It has been proven that innovation can originate from people of all ages, creed, race, religion, and educational backgrounds. Let's start an urgent quest for those with realistic ideas that can bring us into the 21st Century and get beyond our deficiencies.

Kenneth White
kwhite@choiceiii.com

I, too, oppose academic inequality. Our children are in desperate need of a high quality education. As parents, it is overwhelming and stressful. Especially for low income families. Most times, we are forced to make unfavorable decisions about educating our children. For example, a child may be required to leave their community or travel through unsafe neighborhoods to attend a better school, which offers the best learning environment.

In doing so, I question whether educational officials are providing the necessary funding to accommodate Students with what's mandatory to successfully compete for lucrative careers after obtaining a CPS education. If not, we need to do something about it, now.

If missing class today is the foundation for a significant change tomorrow.

I'm in support of a better tomorrow.

I can tell you all the money in the world will not help most of these failing students. The students who are failing are doing so because their parents do not value education! Many are tardy everyday (1-2 hours) or just don't show up at all. Many attend school on average 3-4 days a week. Additionally, many students NEVER complete their homework or read for pure enjoyment. I suggest that the students and parents go up to the North Shore and visit the schools and homes. Take a good look at what "real parenting" looks like-students that attend school everyday and then go home and do 3-4 additional hours of homework. Research shows that African-American students currently attending these "wealthier" schools are still lagging behind their classmates academically. I'd really love to hear what Bill Cosby has to say about this!

I must say that the reasoning for the Boycott that Sen. Meeks is valid, but boycotting school is not. Being a product of CPS and now working for CPS, the children do not need to miss any days out of school that is not scheduled. The Parents and students (not all parents and students) will only use this as an excuse for not attending school. What need to be done is for the parents to come to the school more often and stay in the principle and school official presence until something happens. The report card pick-up rate is horrible. S boycotting the schoolso for a day or week will not get them a better education, but an extra day or maybe 4 weeks for summer school. The public school system needs help, but should that start at home with the students parents. Children only believe education is as important as their parents stress to them. I was always taught that you can learn anywhere and any place if you want to learn. What happened years ago when the school systems didn't have books, but relied on the teachers knowlegde and dedication of teaching their students.
Their are a lack of books, because the students do not take care of them not because they were never provided. The students rip out pages, write obscinities and even place their bubble gum in it and throw away. Our children(parents) need to be taught, and who is responsible for that.

Does Meeks and his peers feel that the Black community is so weak that we need him to speak for us on issues? What was wrong with him and other pastors coming to the community to get our view before saying our children would boycott. This is not something parents or our children want to do.

Joe: He's gaining momentum though. And he has a huge church that will support him as well. It's clear where you stand, but the first day of school will be an interesting day in Chicago. GM

Monique: The report card pick up rate is low. Sometimes I wonder if parents exist. We're getting closer to that first day. Watch to see if someone tries to cut a deal with Meeks. I don't think he will accept just conversation this time. Thanks for commenting. GM

When I first heard of this boycott, I thought I didn't hear right. I couldn't believe that a Rev. especially with one with as much influence as Rev. Meeks would come up with a plan such as one to intentionally keep children from school.

His argument is that there is not enough funding but isn't he defeating the purpose by keeping children from school on the first day when first day attendence dictates how much funding the school will be granted? I think that our children need to receive some funding then nothing at all.

I think a better plan is to recondition the mind of parents, get them more involved in their childrn's education, it is not the sole responsibility of educators to educate our children.

Personally I think it would send a more effective message if we had nearly 100% attendence. It would say look our children are here and ready to learn so what is the excuse? The parents flooding the Board of Ed everyday demanding a meeting with the Gov. Mayor and all other paties to resolve the deficiency.

This whole thing is an absolute joke. I don't understand why Reverend Meeks continues to embarrass himself with his outlandish antics and idiotic proposals? Accountability and/or responsibility seems to be two things that Reverend Meeks is lagging in. Blame, blame, blame is the only message this Senator continues to send out.

It's not enough that this problematic individual employs the race card after getting pulled over in the past for numerous traffic violations, but then to urge CPS students to boycott the first day of school is absolutely reprehensible. What is enrolling CPS students at New Trier going to solve? These kids don't even live in New Trier's district, hence they can't attend there! Sounds like more irrational behavior employed by Reverend Meeks once again.

If Reverend Meeks honestly thinks that the lack of funding is the main reason as to why Chicago Public Schools are failing, then he is sorely mistaken. Has this mental midget ever bothered to delve into attendance issues or lack thereof? Truancy is a major concern within these schools, but Meeks doesn't seem to want to acknowledge that. Perhaps he should stop diverting the attention away from the real problems; parents and students.

That said, the issue here isn't one of monetary constraints, rather it's the lack of parenting for the vast majority of these kids. Does he really believe that students are thinking to themselves, "I don't think we should come to school today because of how underfunded they are"? That's highly doubtful to say the least. It is absolutely imperative that CPS parents get more involved in their kids lives so they are led in the right direction. They must also instill good values and morals conducive to future success. Money isn't a substitute for teaching responsibility, commitment, and a good work ethic. Good parenting is however.

Bottom line is, without proper parental guidance, no amount of money will ever rectify this situation. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink it. Maybe you should think twice before you spout off at the mouth again Meeks.