This is clearly a partisan, bullying effort orchestrated by the school officials & union representatives, egged on by Democratic activists and malcontents from the last election.

To quote Marie Lakin: "What's the point of going to a meeting with 12 people in the rain?"

As the Star discussed today, there were 40 some odd people there, and they achieved their goal, which was protesting Tony Strickland's poor representation of his constituents.

Since you are not affected by this protest, why would you care that others decided to exercise their First Amendment rights, Mike?

Wrong again, Kara. I am affected (and offended) by the notion of union activists and Democratic shills advocating for their own self-interests and using kids and pawns in their little game. It's disgraceful and accomplishes nothing except partisan grandstanding and the blowing of hot air.

My prediction is the "Big 5" in Sacramento that are working on the budget deal behind closed doors will emerge within days with a finely-crafted 2-year budget plan that will be filled with compromises and concessions from both sides, some good and some not so good (IMHO). They will put it to the Legislature for an up or down vote with 24 hours (to avoid having it attacked by special interests and the media) and it will pass.

Now, is this good public policy? You tell me. I'll leave it as an open question.

Mike,

I am not persuaded by your argument that you are personally affected by others' exercising their right to organize a protest against cuts in education. But since your kids are all grown and not in need of a good public education, you probably don't care that California schools are going to be even worse off than they already are. I currently have two kids in VC public schools, so I see every day how pitiful the situation is. Makes me wonder why people like living here so much.....it certainly isn't for the public services because there aren't many of which to speak.

You are clearly anti-union It's no wonder your wife played up your disappointment that Ventura didn't roll out the red carpet for WalMart in her announcement that you are running for City Council again. I do have a question for you though. If you are elected to the council, are you going to push the council to invite companies that have a long history of discrimination against women, paying their workers substandard wages, destroying small businesses, and putting large corporations out of business due to demanding such low wholesale prices for products to set up shop in Ventura? Employees of WalMart rely heavily on state-provided medical care because WalMart sets hours for rank-and-file workers such that they do not qualify for benefits. Are you going to trade the welfare of Ventura city residents for a quick buck?

Gibson for City Council. Vote for Mike Gibson for City Council; Hellhole, North Dakota.

Yep, him and his pal, Osborn, should both be packing their suitcases. They'd make great traveling partners.

Not Gibson, I agree. Unfortunately, I think the Strickland machine is already in full swing for this guy. Stay tuned.