Every kindergartener knows to keep his hands, feet and other objects to himself. So, why is it so hard for our state representatives to do the same thing? The latest sex scandal involves Rep. Mark Lovell from Eads (TN District 95) in west Tennessee. Lovell didn't even make it to one hundred days in office before he was forced to resign in shame, accused of sexual harassment.

According to the Tennessean, Lovell quickly gained a reputation as a party boy in Nashville. At a legislative reception, "he was seen visibly intoxicated…dropping cash on the floor as he spoke with the women tending bar." Another night, Lovell attended several legislative functions and was "visibly drunk" by 8:00 p.m. Sometime thereafter, Lovell allegedly grabbed a woman by her breasts and buttocks then attempted to restrain her from walking away. According to reports, he also touched another woman inappropriately that night. The whole thing was observed by witnesses who reported his behavior. One woman filed formal charges which eventually led to his resignation. 

The Tennessee Federation for Children continued supporting Lovell's campaign for state representative despite controversies regarding ride operations at his Delta Fair last fall. According to one account, a ride operator prematurely released restraints on the moonraker ride. Lovell told reporters that there were no injuries. This turned out to be untrue. Children came forward telling their stories to the press. Two girls who fell from the ride when their safety bar gave way, suffered broken bones and other injuries. ​Lovell faced criticism for covering up the details of the accident and lying about the extent of the children's injuries. Angry fairgoers took to the Delta Fair Facebook page to express their anger. One person wrote, "The situation was handled very messy and unprofessional. We will not be attending between the workers being shocked to the unprofessionalism of yesterday's actions speaks volumes." That person was referring to another accident at the 2016 Delta Fair where two workers installing rides hit a power line. They were taken to the hospital and 1600 homes lost electricity. 

In 2016, the Tennessee Federation for Children, the state arm of Betsy DeVos' organization, targeted long time incumbent, Curry Todd, the TN District 95 Republican Representative from Collierville. Over the years, Todd carried a number of education bills and was known to be an opponent of vouchers. He definitely wasn't the most perfectly well behaved representative but unlike Lovell, we don't remember him ever being investigated for sexual harassment. And one thing people could say about Rep. Todd was that he always had a heart for children. We have it on good authority that Todd walked three blocks from the State Capitol in the rain to have lunch with a group of visiting children from Shelby County. Of all the lawmakers that were invited to lunch, he was the only one who showed up.

But those good deeds fell by the wayside when the American Federation for Children began its slick smear campaign against him. Mailboxes in the suburbs of Memphis were soon filled with glossy brochures trashing Todd.

​Any guesses who paid for them?  

The Knoxville News Sentinel reports, "In state legislative primaries, the standout spending was by Tennessee Federation for Children in advertising attacking state Rep. Curry Todd, R-Collierville, who lost on Aug. 4. The group had earlier reported spending $109,363 in opposing Todd and disclosed last week another $23,714 in the new report for a total of about $133,000 – an apparent record for a single PAC against a single legislator." 

Maybe, Sen. Alexander should have asked the incoming Secretary of Education, what she had against Curry Todd?

​But we all know the answer to that—he opposed vouchers.

We've heard from our Momma Bears in west Tennessee that during the state primaries, it seemed like Mark Lovell's political yard signs began appearing overnight in almost every place imaginable. There were signs in medians, public property, vacant tracts of land, and even in yards without the owner's permission. Folks in Collierville were complaining on Facebook that Lovell signs were appearing in their yards and they didn't want or request a sign.

Next thing you know, the local news is running footage of Curry Todd pulling up one of Mark Lovell's signs.

Was he removing it from the public right of way, did he have permission from the landowner to take it down, or was he stealing the two dollar sign???? Well, there is a criminal case about that going on right now. Yep, you read that right— a criminal case so cue the Law & Order music.

Two days before the primary election, Curry Todd was arrested and charged with theft under $500 for removing/taking Lovell's yard signs. Not only was that story on the local news in Memphis, but it was all over the national press. The story appeared on NPR, The Washington Post, Fox News, New York Daily News, MTV News, USA Today, Daily Mail (UK), and others.

Who would have thought a misdemeanor involving political signs in a small Tennessee town would have made the news around the country and over in Britain???? Seriously? Doesn't that kind of stuff happen in every election in every town. Another candidate in the race even came forward claiming she was also missing yard signs so Todd must have stolen those too. But her claim never made news around the world so, it must be a rule in politics that only candidates with ties to really rich, powerful people get national press coverage.

So, you are sitting in the park one day when you notice a group of wholesome looking kids wearing school uniforms approaching your child. The creepy kids start hugging your child like he is their new best friend. Then, a kid who used to go to his school comes out of the crowd and says, "Hey! We need to talk about something important that will change your life." 

They invite him for a triple scoop hot fudge ice cream sundae and tell him we have these everyday in our new school. "Bet your failing public school doesn't have hot fudge sundaes. Or a brand new pool." They hug on him some more and tell him that they heard that he is a really smart kid. The kind of kid who should be attending a successful school so he can grow up to be a successful person. Then, show other kids how to enroll in a successful school so they can be successful too.

After a brief prayer: "Lord, we ask you for a spirit of openness so that we might change the lives of all children. In Jesus's mighty name, we say, Amen." They then ask your son if he is interested in knowing more about being successful. 

These kids are called "uplines." They love bomb unsuspecting children to be their new best friend then convince them to enroll in the new Bitsy DaBoss American Way Academy where they have yacht rides and other luxuries. Students there are called Ambots and their school mascot is the dollar sign. These kids don't have athletics or art. No homework either. They don't have time. They live, eat, sleep to enroll new students into their school. After enrolling four kids, those four kids have to enroll four more kids. After a a while, they rise to the top of the pyramid and can win new school uniforms or special privileges. 

In order to encourage each other to recruit more students, they meet in school assemblies where they hear inspirational speakers. The students often chant, "Freedom!! Flush that stinking public school education. Freedom!! Flush that stinking public school education."

The excitement builds as students come forward with their success stories. "I was stuck in a a failing inner city school." The crowd boos. "Yes, I was. I was hopeless. Hopeless, I tell you. Until, Miss Bitsy come along and rescued me. Brought me to this fancy new school and now, I am going to be a successful student."

Another student comes forward to say, "I got into this school for five reasons. Five good reasons. The first is to get a good education. The second is to get a good education. In fact, all five reasons are to get a good education." His statement is met with thunderous applause from the audience.

A teacher tells the children, "Tracking me now. All eyes on me. Tracking me." She goes on to say that "95% of students will be failures in a failing public school. And the other 5% will be will be successful students at the AmWay Academy." Another teachers starts to ask where did those statistics come from but after a few dirty looks, she quietened down. Later that day, those statistics were all over the school's Facebook page. But without any citations, of course.

Sadly, AmWay Academy doesn't work out for all kids.

There are stories of children whose families took the vouchers, bought the schools uniforms, worked the mandatory volunteer hours, paid the school fees, yet…it all came crashing down for them. Crying moms told stories of their kids being kicked out for low test scores. Other families say they lost everything when their child was expelled for chewing gum. They tried to re-enroll in their neighborhood public school. But it had closed down. The school system ran out of money. 

Teachers came forward, using the word "scam." "It is a scam," said one teacher who admits to not having a teaching license. Another one asks, "How can we promise these kids a successful education when we are not equipped to teach them?" "I just graduated from college three months ago. I don't know anything about teaching children." Teachers say that they were paid a small pittance. Usually, just enough to make their student loan payment. "It was so overwhelming. I told the children to get on their carpet square but they didn't do it. I couldn't find a bee so I ate an ant but they still didn't follow my instructions."

How can you support this? You will destroy schools, teacher's jobs, children's education.  Why are you not listening to the people who elected you?


Oh vomit.


You should be ashamed of yourself. I know for a fact you received at minimum hundreds of calls opposing this. You are no man of the people and obviously do not respect or care about your constituents.


You're not a good person. You know that, right?


Senator Bob Corker,
I am a member of your constituency. I do not believe that Mrs. DeVos is the right person for the job, and you've not changed my mind with this statement. Our educational system needs more than "heart" and vague "ideas" from its leaders. It needs experience, wisdom, and compassion. Mrs. DeVos has none of those qualities.
Please vote "NO" at the confirmation hearing for Betsy DeVos.


You obviously do not understand what your constituents are feeling about your dear friend, Betsy....that would be a great big NO for her nomination.


I voted for you, but never again since your vote for DeVos.


Can't wait to vote you out!! You literally ignored your constituents from BOTH sides of the aisle. See you!!!


I'm caring and passionate about healthcare but that doesn't make me a doctor!  As an educator it is obvious you, and Betsy DeVos know nothing about education.  Represent your constituents!  Sadly the children will pay for your ignorance. 


You are a discredit to your state and a traitor to your constituents. DeVos is unqualified and has a record of destroying public education. NO NO NO!


Shame on you, Mr Corker!


Our Senators have become so comfortable and secure in their positions that they no longer need the support of their constituents. The best we can do is vote them out along with their arrogance.


Your claim about DeVos and the IDEA is simply dishonest. She stated over and again that decisions about educating students with disabilities should be left to the states.


As a pediatrician, father and Republican, I am ashamed you would support this nomination. This is not the time for partisan politics. She is ill equipped, ill experienced and a danger to our children. A vote for her is a dagger to your career. You are a fool.  Vote no.


Amazing. 2.4k have clicked angry yet Corker will vote to confirm her. I know at least 2.4k who won't be voting for him ever again.


You lying sack of sh*t.  DeVos utterly bombed Individuals With Disabilities Education Act questions, first saying she would leave it up to the states, and when pressed, had no answer as to how states might ignore federal regulations at their whim.


She may have a heart, but she doesn't have a clue.


What is he smoking or does she know his secrets???


COME ON CORKER.


How much did your vote cost her?


Everyone here needs to personally watch the confirmation hearings so you can know exactly how full of sh*t both Corker and DeVos both are.


TN will hopefully never be blue. Still I hope he changes his mind and votes no on this one.


What kind of alternative facts are you trying to pass to your constituencies? Shame on you for thinking about yourself and not our nations children!


A vote for Betsy DeVos is a vote against public education. This is a sad day in America.


I am very disappointed in you Senator, you have not listened to the people of Tennessee. It is a shame you feel this way. I am asking you to vote against Betsy DeVos .  We don't need someone like her over education.


No. From a lifelong teacher at public, private, and post-secondary schools, this is not the right person for this job.


You're disgusting, you're not doing what's in the best interest of the children of TN.


Nope. You'll never live this down, Bob Corker. Shame on you.


Look at that....over 3000 comments and climbing. Senate elections have been lost by that margin. Does that get your attention?


If you truly believe these words,  Senator,  then you don't belong in public service any more than Ms DeVos does.  Your support of an avid crusader against public education is wrong at best and political pandering at worst.  I'm embarrassed for you.


How can she enforce IDEA when she doesn't even know what it is?? Vote No!


I guess the days of being a public servant for the people are long gone. I hope you have to find a new job in 2018. DeVos is the absolute WORSE choice for this position. I honestly cannot think of anyone worse.


I am a Tennessean and I completely disagree with your characterization of DeVos.  She is way under qualified to be the Secretary of Ed.  Your and Alexander's unwavering support of her is embarrassing, especially considering how many of your constituents and other Americans are against her appointment.  I could literally not get through to you or Alexander by phone due to the high call volume.  I expect that if you run for office again, you will have an uphill battle stemming from this and your choice to not address some of the other questionable things the administration is doing.  I certainly will not be voting for you ever again.


Disgusting. She's does not have experience.  She simply knows the right people.  She has no idea about public education or special education.  She is NOT the person for this position.  You do NOT represent me, a Tennessean, if you support her.  Shouldn't you be voting as per your constituency?  I'll be voting against you in the next election because you clearly don't have the people's voice as your priority.


I am ashamed of both our Senators! They are selling out the students of Tennessee! Both both DeVos is all about privatizing public schools.. more billionaires getting wealth and power through the education of our children!


I do not support DeVos and neither should you.  Doubtful that you will take the time to listen to your voicemail messages (the mailbox is full) but I just wanted you to know that I have voted for you in the past but, since you have made it clear that you do not put the interests of your constituents ahead of your own, I will not make that mistake again.  In fact, I will go out of my way to support whoever runs against you!


What really is at stake here is the future of educating our country's children.  Please put politics aside and do the right thing for,our kids..for their sake and the future of our country.  Do the right thing for heavens sake!


You obviously aren't listening to your constituents then, SIR! Not even the teachers in your state want her confirmed!! She will singlehandedly ruin our education system! SHAME ON YOU!!!


She certainly has not advocated for all children and couldn't be bothered to learn basic US education laws like IDEA before pretending to be competent for this position. Our children and the entire country deserve better.  Without access to transportation, the vouchers she proposes do nothing to help the underprivileged.


You went against what? 100% of your actual constituents' wishes. You seem to be confused about how this works.


Hope this vote costs you your seat!!!


Wow, I can't find a single comment in support of you here.


She has no experience or respect for the public school system which she will oversee.  This will not be forgotten in 2018, Mr. Corker.


Please listen to the people you represent You can still make this right.


I'm sorry I didn't have enough money to buy your vote, but I'm a special ed teacher.


As a pediatrician and educator, I am so ashamed on your behalf. I will mobilize all of the energy, resources, and personnel at my disposal to prevent your reelection.


And just which planet have you been on besides Earth? Your stubborn insistence, and this ingratiatingly pitiful post, reaffirm my belief that you do NOT listen to, nor represent your constituents. DeVos was as clueless at the charade of a confirmation hearing as these words of yours are.


Listen to your constituents!


We need strong public schools for ALL students. Not vouchers for some to go to private schools which may not really be "good, but often are discriminatory. Support public schools and education for everybody. DeVos is not for all students if she is for vouchers.


Sellout. You can count on my vote NOT going to you again.


Senator Corker, Mrs. DeVos most probably has a good heart and surely cares for children. But her confirmation hearing clearly demonstrated that she is uninformed on education issues that do not conform to her world view and is woefully unprepared to lead the Department of Education. As a constituent from Knoxville, I have previously defended you on positions that you have taken, but your recent turn to ingratiate yourself with the new administration reflects poorly on you and our great state. This is a perilous time for our country and we need grown ups on both sides to do what is right for our nation. Please be on the correct side of history on this issue and the many more to follow.


Answer your phone, pay attention to your constituents. Never again #votenooncorker


Shameful. You are a disgrace to this state. She could not be less qualified and has no respect for public education, and you know it.


It's great she has a passion for change - the facts are she isn't qualified for this job.


She has not strengthened schools in MI, she has weakened them. Creating charter schools that get federal money, but that do NOT have the same accountability for those funds...... the money gets channeled into the private pockets. 


She has never attended public school. She never sent her kids to public school. She hasn't lived the life of a public school teacher.  She is not for all students - look at her record in MI. 


Confirming her is a mistake for our students - but probably good for your pocket book. She and her family like to donate copious amounts of money for favors in policy. This is unfortunately not about public education and is about you getting donations. You should be embarrassed.


Betsy was so ill-prepared for her confirmation hearing it was painful to watch. She clearly wants schools to be privately owned and barely regulated so people can teach and educate ANYWAY they want. 


If teachers have to be highly qualified to teach why doesn't Betsy have to be highly qualified for her job?


I am more qualified to be the SoE than she is.


May I ask why you insist on voting against the interests of the very people you were elected to represent?  Your assumption that you know better than your constituents is galling.


She's bad news for public education, period. Shame on you Corker!!


Look at these comments!  Bob, YOU DO NOT represent your constituents! This woman does not have the necessary qualifications and experience to be Secretary of Education.  She is a joke.  NOW YOU ARE TOO!!


Corker, the way you have abandoned your constituents disgusts me. As an educator of ten years, I recognize that Betsy DeVos isn't qualified. You know this, and you've had thousands and thousands of opposition phone calls from constituents. Why are you still supporting DeVos?


Just because you "advocate" DOES NOT  mean you should be "rewarded" by being appointed to run the company or department!!  What a horrible representation of Tennessee!  We are already in bad shape educationally and you stand there and defend putting this billionaire bozo as secretary of education!!!!! What is wrong with you???


For the sake of our children's future #DumpDeVos and say no to the $70k they paid for your vote!


Senator, I urge you to listen to your voters.   Please don't turn your back on us.


Did you have a nice little lunch with Mrs. DeVos last week? Please do not insult our intelligence! Your constituents are apparently not as stupid as you would like for us to be. Please tell me what she has done for public education. I need specifics as her track record in Michigan is appalling. She has done nothing to support or promote public education. EVERYTHING she has done in regards to eduction has been in an effort to dismantle public education! She referred to public education as a "dead end!" I urge you to reconsider. Be the Republican Senator that puts children before party and hefty donors. VOTE NO!!!! Your constituents have spoken loud and clear. Should you have further political aspirations, you better think long and hard before you vote yes. I firmly believe a yes vote on your part will be political suicide. I do not think you will see another term if you ignore the will of the people. I also believe a no vote could boost you politically. You would be a hero to parents, students, and teachers. If you think the will of the people does not matter, look who is sitting in the White House!!! BE A HERO!! SECURE ANOTHER TERM IN THE SENATE!! VOTE NO TO CONFIRM BETSY DEVOS!!!!!

​Coward
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