Illinois Drops Standard Test Component – The Cost of Doing Business Belies Results – Comparison Massachusetts Public vs. Private 2010

The State of Illinois will be dropping its writing assessment from standardized testing, citing budgetary issues according to WLSAM. The State will continue to asses student progress based upon math and reading skills and may institute the writing requirement in 2014. One has to ask, is it not essential to be able to write effectively? How prepared will students be in taking College Entrance Exams (SAT), when those tests contain a written exam (essay) portion?

In reviewing the cost of doing business in Massachusetts (Illinois having a similar program, and also receiving similar Federal AID), one finds that the average cost per pupil to educate a child in Massachusetts is $13,055, the cost to administer tests and provide materials: $757, teacher’s salaries, benefits, continuing education, administration of the school: $9,544. Teachers salary per student averaged $4598 per pupil (includes all teachers). The table is available at http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/profiles/finane.aspx. An overview is shown below.


Cost of education in Massachusetts schools, averaged per student 2010

For comparison purposes, the 2010 (2011 now available) MCAS (Massachusetts Standardized Testing) scores reveal that "(pfd summary: www.doe.mass.edu.mcas/2010/results/summary.pfd) (Pages 18 & 19): (Mathematics) Grade 8: 25% of Hispanics students scored proficient or higher, and only 58% of those “white” students managed to achieve proficient or higher. Reading (English Language Arts) scores were significantly higher, with 55% of Hispanic Latino’s scoring above proficient, and 84% of “white” students scoring above proficient. The graduation rate in 2009 and 2008 at an urban school system, using the state averaged cost of doing business, and test results shows a dismal 54 %.(*Masslive.com)

In comparing the public sector to the private: A typical Massachusetts Parochial School (Bishop Stang, Dartmouth, MA), tuition is approximately $7400 per year, families provide text books and study guides, at a cost of approximately $300 to $600 (used versus new or combined), the curriculum is geared towards advancement, standardized tests are given based on all subject matter areas, specifically of note: the graduation rates and the average SAT scores (college board) show above average scores, with a graduation rate of and the graduation rate of 88% to 4 year colleges, 10.5% to 2 year colleges and 1.5% Employment. Comparing tuition, scores and graduation rates from parochial schools across the state, the above was the average on costs, and all schools showed a similar if not identical graduation rate.

This is a valid argument for school choice, and vouchers, given the fact that the majority of the public school budget goes towards teachers, and additional testing (for teachers), administration, the private sector, (non-union) provides the same services for less, with stellar results. This is why the District of Columbia continues to fight tooth and nail to keep its school voucher system. In order to enroll your child in a private parochial school, one must pay an admission fee ($150-$200), the student must take an entrance exam, provide grades, and interview (any one of those three will weigh in the decision to enroll) and there is financial aid available, as well as loans. In addition, admission is not restricted to the Catholic Faith, and or any particular religious denomination – the key is that parochial schools offer a better education for less – in the meantime support legislation for school choice in all states

2012 GOP Poll Update - Bachmann Chasing Romney in New Hampshire and Texas

From Public Policy Polling: Michelle Bachmann has made a significant jump in the polls in New Hampshire with Romney at 25% and Bachman at 18%, followed by Sarah Palin (unannounced) at 11%. In April’s survey, Bachmann was at 4% - these polls suggest a fluidity in the early stages of the GOP, with any one candidate capable of making a “come from behind” advance, however, a candidate such as Bachmann, (or a Sarah Palin), must fight the anti-feminist sentiment towards women running for a higher office (regardless of the political party), therefore, this leap suggests that Bachmann is a force to be reckoned with. Although Public Policy Polling suggests that Bachmann (and Palin) are “Tea Party” candidates, the numbers apparently do not add up when viewing the marginals. The percentage of voters identifying themselves as “Tea Party”, do lean more towards Bachmann, however, she also picks up points from those identifying themselves as Republican primary voters in the Granite State. What might be seen as most significant to Team Romney is the fact that this surge for Bachmann is literally in Romney’s back yard, as he has a home in New Hampshire as well as Massachusetts, which borders New Hampshire.

In Texas polling by the same firm Rick Perry, Govenor of Texas, takes the lead in his home state with 31%, Romney at 15% and Bachmann at 11%. However, with Perry taken out of the mix, Romney and Bachmann are “neck and neck”: Romney at 17% and Bachmann at 16%.
Public Policy Polling, known as a Democrat leaning pollster, does place a great deal of emphasis on “Tea Party” versus “Republican Party”, however, those in the polling booth understand that both parties carry similar ideals, the Tea Party founded basically on Fiscal Conservatism, made up of individuals from all aspects of the political spectrum, which happens to include Republicans as their anti-tax, fiscally conservative stance is on the “same page” as the Republican Party. Therefore, it goes without saying that a Tea Party or Republican Candidate would be, at this present time (and into 2012) preferable to the incumbent. The use of “Tea Party”, is a warning bell for those “elite” who really do not understand the premise of the movement, rather see this movement as a threat to their preferred “Big Government”, liberal views.

It should be noted that if both Palin and Perry enter the fray, these numbers are subject to change, in addition, those that may come from behind, such as Tim Pawlenty, or a front-runner like Mitt Romney may find themselves with roles reversed – there has been two debates to date, both early in the scheme of things, and those debates, as well as the grassroots organizations built on the ground in early primary and caucus states (the most important being South Carolina), will eventually give the GOP in 2012, with two to four competitive candidates, a real horse race. The early primary states leading up to Super Tuesday, are so diverse in nature, that it is difficult for anyone to appeal across the board – New Hampshire running Republican/Conservative/Tea Party, with Iowa seen as an “Evangelical Christian” stronghold, and South Carolina as the Southern Tip off – one cannot win the nomination without either winning or tying in South Carolina.

From this perspective, although one would like to see both the fiery Texas Govenor enter the race, and Sarah Palin come in as well, (those who might think there is not enough room for two women in the same arena, should check their sexism at the door), would make this the most competitive GOP field in history. The exchange of ideas from such a diverse group of individuals would allow the small group that does watch these debates (political junkies and GOP primary voters, and the media) an ability to hear, first hand, the beginnings of each of the candidates “talking points” and ideas. One has to understand that in the debate arena of 2008, by the 3rd debate, all competitors (from both political parties) were being somewhat repetitive – it would be refreshing to see debates where the “same old talking points” were at the very least rephrased – freshened up a bit. That’s the candidate who would gain the attention – the individual who is able to communicate to all watchers or attendees without rehashing last week’s lines, and without the use of ludicrous slogans (A slogan is fine but once it’s repeated ad nausem in multiple settings it becomes – annoying: Example: “Yes, We Can” (used by both Deval Patrick and Barrack Obama in back to back campaigns) – Yes, we can – do what? After a point no one in the “crowd” has a clue as to exactly what it is that can be done – sounds snappy – but that’s about the end of it. (One can be sure there were others from both sides, but less memorable or perhaps just a bonus for living in Massachusetts and having heard the slogan not once, but twice, repeated constantly on air and by the candidates from 2006 to 2008.)

2012 Election Update: Massachusetts 2012 Primary Set for March 6, 2012, Pawlenty Airs First Ad in Iowa, Teachers Union Surprisingly Endorses Obama

Romney, Bachmann and Pawlenty - will the later compete in Massachusetts? - image New York Daily


The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has set its 2012 primary date for March 6, 2012, a movethat Democrat Secretary of State William Galvin suggests will give greater influence to the State due to Mitt Romney’s run for the Office of the Presidency.

Apparently, Galvin believes that other states would be watching Massachusetts to see how Romney fares in his “home” state, thereby lending said state more clout. However, it remains to be seen how well Romney actually does in the Bay State (think Tea Party). The Most recent polling data on the Bay State comes from Public Policy Polling June 15th, with 244 likely GOP voters taking part in the poll, Romney lec the field with 49%, followed by Michelle Bachmann at 10% and Sara Palin (unannounced) at 9%. The actual primary results will depend upon the number of the 51.6% of the Bay State’s “Unenrolled” voters who turn out to vote and choose a Republican Ballot. The Commonwealth’s electoral makeup is as follows: 36.48% Democrat, 11.33% Republican, 51.6% Unenrolled, .38% Libertarian and .2% other parties. It is “understood” that the Republican Party in Massachusetts is firmly behind Romney, and unless and until another candidate decides to step foot in the Bay State (Pawlenty, although polling low in PPP at 4%, and had visited the state for a Tea Party Rally in Boston – would actually have to have boots on the ground in the Bay State to put a dent in Romney’s numbers.)

Unfortunately, more often than not, major party candidates tend to avoid the Bay State unless there is a major donor fundraiser event (usually Democrat) in Boston. The Bay State is not a “winner take all” primary state – therefore, any Candidate in competition with Romney might be well served by spending more than 20 minutes in Boston and spend some time shaking a few hands in the once great industrial cities sprinkled about the state – keeping in mind that the majority party – Unenrolleds – rule the roost in MA and decide many a primary and election. (Note to Bachman, Palin and Pawlenty – this state did vote for Reagan twice! (See Jimmy Carter).

Tim Pawlenty has aired his first television commercial in Iowa and has hired political strategist, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, to lead his team in Iowa. The campaign ad speaks to Pawlentys ability to fight the Unions by holding the line against tax increases, The quotes from race42012.com go back to a 208 article from a left blogger entitled: “How Tim Pawlenty Made his Case for VP by Wrecking the Minnesota Economy”:

Voters across the country might be interested to know that no one has been more influential than Pawlenty in reversing Minnesota’s longstanding tradition of using progressive taxes to make prudent but significant investments in our social and physical infrastructure — education, transportation, health care and the environment (emphasis mine).
Among complaints Robson makes about Pawlenty:
“A biennial budget that contained more than $2.7 billion worth of tax relief” (It was more than twice as large, per capita, as any other state tax cut in the nation.)
“The very next year …returned hundreds of millions of dollars through an income tax cut and reduced vehicle license fees”.
“Lowered property taxes”
“Rebated $700 million worth of sales taxes back to citizens”
“Pawlenty had signed a pledge not to raise taxes. As billions of dollars’ worth of state programs were slashed, most of them in health and human services, the governor stood fast on his pledge”
“To dramatize just how radical this no-taxes stance was… Pawlenty has tenaciously rebuffed any income tax increases during his six years in office”

Although the Wall Street Journal, at the same time, posted an article that indicated Governor Pawlenty liked to impose “fees”, and even walked across the aisle more than once to get things done. (i.e. Tax Hikes and fraternizing with the enemy) Anyone who lived in Massachusetts under the Romney Administration understands “fees” all too well – especial when prefaced by the word “Increased”. Additionally, those GOP Governors who are virtually surrounded by Democrats in control of a State Legislature have to walk that walk in order to get anything accomplished.

Finally, the One of the two (yes there are two) National Teachers Unions, the National Education Association, while holding their annual convention in Chicago came out with a strong endorsement of the 2012 Obama campaign yesterday. Apparently after spending a day with Joe Biden, the union had no choice but to offer an early endorsement of the President. What your children will be learning in school between now and the first Tuesday in November 2012, might have little to do with math, science or reading – instead, they will be given a course on rhetoric. However that rhetoric may be wasted on those students faced with increased debt for college (under the government takeover of student loans which was added to the Omnibus bill that also included Mandated Health Care), and/or the inability to find a job in this “economic climate, as well as an ability to vote and a glaring lack of respect for what their teachers may have to say on any given day. One can assume, that unions members will be voting for Obama in this election, however, union membership in the nation is declining and represents only 11.9% of the U.S. workforce. (Bureau of Labor Statistics) Obama also has, what has become to be known as, “the mainstream media” and their members which will, no doubt, be actively supporting his reelection.

Mitt Romney Leaves $4.75 Tip at Child’s Lemonade Stand – New York Times calls Foul – Engaging in Obama’s Class Warfare?

Mitt Romney, Lemonade Fan, get's the "Bad Republican, Millionaire" treatment from the New York Times - image: mittromneycentral.com



Anyone who is aware of former Massachusetts Governor, 2008 GOP Presidential Candidate and 2012 Presidential GOP Candidate, Mitt Romney, understands the man has made some money in his lifetime – in fact, he would be categorized my some as “rich”. That said, apparently, it is a faux pax for a Republican candidate (or possibly anyone today) to a) carry $100 bills in a wallet if they are running for office, and or b) leave what the New York Times suggests is a large tip at a child’s lemonade stand.

Perhaps, just perhaps, the candidate should have been praised for his kindness towards a child who was out trying to make a few bucks by selling some lemonade, for encouraging the young entrepreneur who may one day become a small business (or large) owner – something that this nation needs and the whole premise of our financial system – free enterprise.

The article here at http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/04/mitt-romneys-5-lemonde is, at first glance, merely petty, however when one looks at the bigger picture so to speak, one understands that the “tag”, “millionaire presidential candidate”, fits in perfectly with incumbent Presidential candidate, Barack Obama’s “corporate jet” rant at a recent campaign stump speech and press conference where he used “corporate jets” in a “Carteresque” ”Three Martini Lunch” line, (a slur against big business used by Carter to "rally the poor" during Carter’s failed bid for re-election) In other words, the “Tax the Rich”, line but with a vengeance, and, some might suggest with consequences.

With the economy in shambles, to paint someone as a have, against the tide of have nots suggests that they are somehow “less worthy” for being well-to-do, and that someone having made “millions” is a negative. However, for anyone who invests, (in say even a 401K) or a young lemonade stand owner who dreams of one way having a big business, and possibly owning one of those jets so that they can travel from office to office or manufacturing plant to manufacturing plant (hopefully in the USA), that million dollars is a worthy goal. In other words, don’t’ buy that lottery ticket, or you too, may become a target of the “have nots”. Frankly, one who is “generous” and leaves a “decent tip” (above and beyond the 20%) at a restaurant, or where-ever tips might come into play, are helping those who are making either minimum wage, possibly working two jobs, or even hoping to save up for that nifty new bike, which helps out their parents, should be praised for their “good deeds”, especially since, the President, on the campaign trail in 2008 suggested that those “have’s” might “spread the wealth” to those who “have not”.

Obama, like Carter, and other progressives, somehow suggest that taxing corporate jet owners and making $3 billion in taxes off the deal, is going to alleviate the trillion dollar debt he’s got going and ensure continued entitlement programs. However, with stump speeches that are inflammatory, especially those coming from a President, might result in a group of the “have not’s” (underprivileged teens) feeling perfectly ok with say forming a mob of hundreds and robbing, pillaging and assaulting anyone who might even look like they “have” more – in places such as Delaware, Philadelphia, Chicago, Kansas City – (see article here). This from June 27th, with the President speaking on the same day, about “Republicans” siding with the “rich” (i.e.: “billionaires and corporate jet owners” as part of his ongoing attack against Republicans cutting the federal budget rather than taxing his way out of the massive mess.

Therefore, according to the New York Times, Romney, (bad guy who has “millions “and is a Republican to boot!) was wrong for carrying “$100 bills” at some point, and then giving a kid a generous tip. In other words, sharing in the Presidents current attempt to gain reelection through the use of class warfare – one has to wonder how many of those who have been victimized by any of the aforementioned “mobs of teens”, or those who might be making that six figure income, are feeling about the President these days?

Fortunately, those teens who are rampaging through the streets of whichever city is nearby – taking what they think the world owes them – because everyone’s check isn’t going too far what with the high unemployment rate and inflation on food and clothing through the roof, most likely aren’t reading the New York Times. However, these teens do listen to the “hate speech” about “the rich” from teachers, politicians and the like who are more anti-business and pro-“spread-the-wealth”.
The sad attempt to make Romney out to be some kind of bad guy because he is successful and left a generous tip at a lemonade stand is, in a word, shameless, campaign rhetoric (It is what it is), coming from what once was “the newspaper of record”.

The Declaration; Read Worthy, no Matter how Often One has Done So.

From The Charters for Freedom www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration:

The Declaration of Independence: A Transcription

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

The 56 signatures on the Declaration appear in the positions indicated:

Column 1
Georgia:
Button Gwinnett
Lyman Hall
George Walton

Column 2
North Carolina:
William Hooper
Joseph Hewes
John Penn
South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge
Thomas Heyward, Jr.
Thomas Lynch, Jr.
Arthur Middleton

Column 3
Massachusetts:
John Hancock
Maryland:
Samuel Chase
William Paca
Thomas Stone
Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia:
George Wythe
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Carter Braxton

Column 4
Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Franklin
John Morton
George Clymer
James Smith
George Taylor
James Wilson
George Ross
Delaware:
Caesar Rodney
George Read
Thomas McKean

Column 5
New York:
William Floyd
Philip Livingston
Francis Lewis
Lewis Morris
New Jersey:
Richard Stockton
John Witherspoon
Francis Hopkinson
John Hart
Abraham Clark

Column 6
New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett
William Whipple
Massachusetts:
Samuel Adams
John Adams
Robert Treat Paine
Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins
William Ellery
Connecticut:
Roger Sherman
Samuel Huntington
William Williams
Oliver Wolcott
New Hampshire:
Matthew Thornton

Palin 2012 - Will She Or Won’t She Enter GOP 2012 Race – Time is On her Side

Palin most likely to announce 2012 via social media, not the New York Times, image: Another-Black-Conservative - blogspot blog



An excellent article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette by Jack Kelly, entitled “The Power of Palin” brings to bear some excellent points in favor of a Palin announcement and run.

Anyone who has been watching this GOP unfold understands that there are several GOP “figures” still sitting on the fence, among them Governor Rick Perry of Texas, and the focus Kelly’s article. Apparently, Palin’s daughter, in an interview on Fox and Friends, indicated her mother knows now when/if she is running, yet, as noted by Kelly, she declined to tell the New York Times. The Times, among other “old guard media” should be prepared to be the last to know – as Palin is more apt to announce in a less than “mainstream” manner.

The whole rush to enter the race and the countdown of the Cash on Hand, has begun, pushing Mitt Romney to the front of the cash pack, with others bringing in 4 million here, 2 million there – does it matter? Not one whit - due to the restructuring of the GOP nomination rules which actually makes it easier for candidates with less cash to compete.

Of course, the “mainstream” media continues to harp on about “no choices for GOP field”, and the fact that few can beat Obama (citing early June polls), which, to be fair, will all be out of date within the next two months.

When will Palin announce, if she is running, that is: Most likely when she chooses – Bill Clinton entered the Race against incumbent Present George H Bush in October of 1991 going onto win the nomination and the presidency.

Apparently, that leaves a lot of room for Palin to ponder the if’s/when’s and overall strategy, while her PAC is busy getting copies of ”The Undefeated”, a documentary by Stephen Bannon on Palin’s early career to her crucifixion by the “main stream media” during the 2008 general, out to the public by any means possible.

The film will debut in ten cities on July 15th, her grassroots organization is asking individuals who are not in those cities to host viewings as well as make a donation to the PAC. When one has a strong grassroots, the likes of Palin’s, then one can count on one’s grass roots to get out the “movie” before getting out the “vote”. Interesting choice of locations for these debuts include heavy red states: (Nationwide Release): in Dallas, Denver, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Atlanta, Orange County, Phoenix, Houston, Indianapolis, and Kansas City. The film has debuted in the Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Strategic Planning - Yes!

The media has exhausted its ability to criticize (but will, of course, keep on trying) , Sarah Palin (or any other female Conservative Candidate (see Michelle Bachmann, try to find specific news article that does not contain slurs – good luck.) will face a constant battle from the Press, but, Palin has lived through, media stalkers, liars, and crackpots fighting for their fifteen minutes of fame on MSNBC, and is, perhaps, more prepared than any other candidate in the history of the GOP. She also has the wherewithal to stand up and tell it like it is, something that irks those who think they know better than the “masses”. (Plus puts her miles ahead of her male counterparts - ditto to Michelle Bachman.)

The conventional wisdom of Mr. Kelly suggests that Palin can forestall, but must shine in the debates, the schedule for GOP debates allows Palin that time. For example, viewing the entire schedule at www.2012presidentialelectionnews.com/2012_debte_scheude one finds that if Palin, like Clinton announces in October, she will be able to participate in six to eight national debates. (Depending on when in October, an announcement would be made). In total the GOP Dates scheduled post July: 1 Debate in August: FOX, 3 in September: CNN, MSNBC (type that with a straight face) and FOX, 2 in October: Bloomberg and CNN, One in December: ABC, 2 in January: ABC and PBS, 2 in February: ABC & Fox, and finally one in March on NBC.

One might suggest that prior to the nomination, the nation will have ample opportunity to view these candidates, make up their minds (those Republican and Independents and Moderate Democrats who have no home), and chose the candidate they wish to support - the one in the field who can beat Obama – which according to some polls, could be any Republican by at least 4 points (46% to 42%) (Minus margin of error a 1 to 2 point spread, which is, historically, about the norm.