Neil Bush/Ignite Software/NCLB and Propaganda

[liveoaktx]

http://interversity.org/lists/arn-l/archives/Feb2004_date/msg00293.html

***How prevalent is this software? So, NCLB not only benefits the Bush family's coffers but provides a propaganda tool for Bush and Republicans*****

In countless interviews, Neil has explained his motivation for starting Ignite!: Dyslexic, he was badly frustrated by traditional school. He has said he saw his son suffer through the same "boring" classes, and he felt a call to do something. So Ignite! designs and promotes software-based curriculum for "hunter/warrior" types -- kids Neil believes are just as smart as the eggheads, but aren't being served by traditional education.

Ignite! works hard to shake things up. There are cartoons, fast-moving graphics and songs. A trench-coat-clad Peter Jennings type delivers a talk on the founding of Jamestown, with a driving hip-hop beat in the background.

A lesson on the division of governmental powers features "Federal Powers Man," a Schwarzenegger-style cartoon hero in a tight red-and-blue leotard. He coins money and wages war until the scene shifts à la Batman and Robin, with "BAM!" exploding in big black letters. "States Rights Man," we learn, is in charge of education. (It's a small irony, considering George W.'s work on behalf of "No Child Left Behind.") Then BAM! Concurrent Powers Woman, who could rival Wonder Woman in the babe department, gets to lock up criminals.

Or take that "chat room for Georges." King George gets his dig in by citing the Beatles as a reason the Brits still rule, then briefly mentions the Monroe Doctrine. But the three-minute "chat" is really a chance for President George to rap about this country's power: "Our lands have grown, and so has our trade. / Our economy's blossomed to such a degree, all the world seeks to lie in its shade."

[phaseolus]

1. oh, thank you, thai prostitute man...

n/t

[SpiralHawk]

2. "oh, thank you, Silverado Neil..."

You are a beaut.