New York Gritty

I’ve been a New York City public school teacher, a journalist, a stand up comic and a playwright, and I can say without question that teaching was the toughest challenge of them all. I still have scars from the classroom, and I’m talking literally.

So I have lots of sympathy for educators. But though the recently revised teacher evaluation process makes many of them angry, I’m convinced it will be a positive not only for students, but for teachers as well__at least the good ones, who are definitely in the majority.

The system will rate teachers using a combination of classroom observations, standardized tests and student feedback, according to State Education Commissioner John King. The teachers union has been blocking any system that would weed out incompetent teachers for decades, so congratulations, Commissioner.

I remember great fellow teachers who made learning an exciting experience. I also recall the entitled goof-offs and burnouts who were protected by the system.

Most teachers privately admit the presence of at least one or two incompetent educators in each of their schools. There are some 1,700 public schools in the city, so if we played out those numbers, that’s up to 3,400 ineffective teachers.

Yet the schools fire only about 25 a year, a tiny percentage. The rest remain, wasting a precious year of their students’ educations. Time to cut them loose.

But there are problems with the new system. Many teachers understandably fear that some principals will protect their friends__and that’s a real concern. Good teachers who challenge principals’ decisions may find a target on their backs.

And a veteran teacher I know predicts a surge in an already existing problem he drily calls “tutoring during the tests.” With jobs on the line, expect a big jump in borderline teachers “guiding” their students during the standardized exams. Tabloid headlines to follow.

Still, though the new system is imperfect, it’s better than what we’ve got. Getting rid of the incompetents will make everyone’s life easier, including fellow teachers who have to pick up the pieces of students’ lost academic years.

But what is the state planning to do about these issues, the “danger ahead” signs on the noble road to teacher accountability?

In a clown car of mayoral candidates, former city Comptroller Bill Thompson seemed like a thoughtful moderate. The man who gallantly battled Michael Bloomberg in the last mayoral election__and nearly beat him, despite being outspend 11 to 1__appeared to be an adult among adolescents.

That is, until Thompson opened his mouth last week and put his foot in it.

That’s when Thompson made a big stink about Christine Quinn’s use of the words “environmental racism” about his criticism of a plan to place a waste transfer station on the Upper East Side. The term refers to the zoning of toxic facilities in minority communities because their residents have less political clout.

“I have to tell you that as a black man, being accused of racism by City Council Speaker Quinn is insulting,” huffed Thompson.

Excuse me?

I’m no big fan of Quinn, but she is clearly speaking out against racism here. The powers that be know that minority neighborhoods are less likely to challenge such proposals or seek financial compensation for health damage that can often be exacerbated by these facilities.

Thompson is trying to gain traction as a candidate, and challenging Democratic front-runner Quinn is the fastest way to do it. But saying Quinn accused him of racism doesn’t quite cut it.

“You’re either for reducing asthma rates in low income communities or your not,” said Quinn last week. Pretty clear, no?

Thompson replied that he is against putting the transfer station on the wealthy Upper East Side because it’s near a playground, not because of the political clout of its residents. Maybe. It should also be noted that Thompson’s biggest backer, ex-Sen. Al D’Amato, is a lobbyist for local real estate interests.

Quinn has long spoken out in favor of neighborhoods sharing equal responsibility in the placement of municipal refuse stations, and was nearly booed off the stage at a forum on the Upper East Side earlier this year for this principled position.

Meanwhile the other candidates swing back and forth on this issue, trying to appease each side.

But Thompson remains wrong and strong. He is “highly insulted” by Quinn’s statement. What you’re doing, Bill, is insult the intelligence of New York City voters.

Oh my God, he’s running.

Even after a Quinnipiac poll released this week shows more people are against his candidacy than for it. Even after the Clintons ran the other way in horror.

And worst of all, even after Weiner says it’s “possible” that more of his sexting photos are still out there in cyberspace and other women may come forward.

Oy. Forgive me, Anthony, but you’re the one out in space. Yes, I know if you didn’t use your $4-million-plus war chest this year, you’d lose $1.5 million in matching funds. But that’s not a good enough reason to run.

Since no one in your inner circle seems willing (or able) to break it to you, allow me: By throwing your hat into the ring now, you are not only doomed to lose the race, but very likely your marriage and family as well.

Are you really that out of it? Don’t you understand how the public perceives you? Don’t you watch Showtime’s Homeland, where the returning POW was running for the vacated seat of the “fictional”, crotch-tweeting ex-Congressman “Dick Johnson?” That’s you!

And now you say there may be other photos out there? You’ve already admitted to communicating with a 17-year-old girl. Even if you didn’t send her any lewd pictures, that’s disturbing. Do you really think the media (and Christine Quinn) aren’t prepared to jump back into this? Do you really want to reopen this can of worms?

I’m sure you’re right when you say there are people eager for you to run. Unfortunately their names are Letterman, Leno, Fallon and Kimmel. Are you that much in denial that you don’t realize you need to earn your way back into our trust?

Bill Clinton polished his images with a combination of good works, plus time. Perhaps you could volunteer somewhere, rescue a kitten from a burning building__ anything to make our lasting image of you something other than someone flashing his… no, it’s too easy.

Instead you’re running for mayor. Yes, it’s a flawed field of contenders, but the last thing we need now is one more.

Weiner was a strong congressman, and everyone deserves a second chance. But this campaign appears to be the height of self-absorption__and self-destruction. Someone who cares about him should read him the riot act.

You don’t need this, Anthony. And neither do we.

(versions of this blog have appeared in amNY and the Opinion section of Newsday.com.)

Last week’s announcement that the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at Ground Zero will charge $20 to $25 per person to visit the museum was the last straw for me. I will pay my respects to the victims of 9/11 elsewhere.

It is outrageous that 12 years after the tragedy we still don’t have a museum. People have been playing politics with the project for more than a decade. It began when the focus was taken off the victims. For a while, it was suggested that their names be presented in random order and the memorial not be dedicated to them but to “man’s inhumanity to man for over a thousand years,” or some PC drivel to that effect.

Yes, it takes money to sustain a memorial and a museum. But the foundation that runs the site has already blown through hundreds of millions of dollars and now wants more. With a more efficiently planned project it could have been sustained by donations. But the agendas and bloated salaries of those running the project (average salary $300,000 per year each) has turned off many potential donors.

For a contrast, look at the Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance, which is maintained by donations. When I first walked past the Brooklyn Wall on my way to the beach at Coney Island, its simple eloquence stopped me in my tracks. Organized by volunteers, the wall was completed years ago.

The Brooklyn Wall depicts moving portraits of more than 400 first responders from Brooklyn killed on 9/11, each honored with a bronze plaque bearing his or her image. It has brought comfort to many families and stands in sharp contrast to the building of the memorial at Ground Zero.

It would be nice if future generations had a place to learn what happened and pay respects. But as someone who was downtown on 9/11, I don’t need reminders. The image of people running in horror from the burning towers is still fresh. The most vivid memory is of the fire trucks racing past my window, hearing the sirens wail and realizing these brave souls are racing toward the death trap.

Most of them lost their lives that day. It is obscene that many of their fellow firefighters and other people of modest means may find they can’t afford to take their families to the museum to pay respects.

You don’t have to wait until the 9/11 anniversary rolls around again to pay yours. Do so anytime at the Brooklyn Wall, or at the many other simple, respectful memorials in the five boroughs and beyond.

Just don’t do it at the disgraceful Ground Zero Memorial-Museum.

Great news: We can get cellphone and Wi-Fi service at 30 subway stations, and before you know it at all of them. And even greater news: We may one day be able to use our cells in subway tunnels too!

What’s that? Not such great news?

“I’m happy that I can can reach my clients here,” said Tatiana, an East Harlem social worker who sat on the bench beside me at the 86th Street B and C station. “But in the tunnel? During rush hour? People yakking on their phones?”

I saw her point. A few feet away, a Type A executive in a pinstripe suit and red tie was on his phone barking orders. “I’m  at the station now__you’ll see me in about  15 minutes!” he bellowed.

Down the platform, those who would usually be reading their newspapers had their heads buried in their cells. Another blow against print media!

Wireless service should be available in all NYC subway stations without three years. In addition Transit Wireless, which is in charge of wiring the stations, is now setting up a test program for service in the tunnels.

“If this works it would be an elegant solution to cover the trains,” Transit Wireless CEO Bill Bayne Jr. said.

Elegant?

“I’m getting off the subway,” Mr. Type A roars into his phone at 42nd Street. “You’ll be seeing me in five minutes,” he grunts, undoubtably thrilled with the new underground service.

Imagine this guy stuck between stations for 15 minutes with cellphone access. Imagine you standing across from him.

Yes, I understand the blessing of being able to use our mobile phones in emergencies while on the subway, and the convenience of reading emails and texting in transit.

I also understand that cellphone theft has continued to steadily rise over the past two years as the number of stations with this service increased.

But whatever the plusses and minues, it seems cell and Wi-Fi service across our vast subway system is a foregone conclusion.

We can already see the light at the end of the tunnel, and in this case that’s barely a metaphor. It actually involves a speeding train.

But will we be glad when it arrives?

How is it possible that, though registered Democratic voters outnumber Republicans six to one in New York City, a Democrat hasn’t been elected mayor in two decades?

Beside the fact that our unique brand of pro-gay-marriage, pro-choice, pro-gun-control Republicans would be considered flaming liberals in many other places, Democrats do their part by running a bunch of hack politicians who instill no confidence as they do their best to destroy one another.

And this year’s crop is taking it to a whole new level.

A TV ad that started running last week attacks Christine Quinn, the City Council Speaker and current Democratic front-runner, as a ruthless power broker who doesn’t have the interests of real New Yorkers at heart. If you think its sponsor is a Republican hit squad, think again. It’s a coalition of progressive Democrats and unions.

Quinn’s team immediately put the blame for the ad on Democratic opponent Bill de Blasio. Public Advocate de Blasio’s team quickly denied it and struck back, saying “Nothing undermined our democratic system more than when Speaker Quinn overturned term limits and let Mayor Bloomberg spend $100 million buying four more years.” Zing!

And that’s not all. When Democratic State Senator Malcolm Smith’s pathetic attempt to run on the Republican line was exposed, it also revealed an alleged plot by City Councilman Dan Halloran to use City Council discretionary funds to pay off a campaign contributor. Quinn’s opponents used this as an opportunity to jump all over her.

Candidate Bill Thompson accused Quinn of running a “broken system that…has clearly not been adequately reformed under the speaker’s leadership.” De Blasio’s team piled on, while Quinn’s people angrily fired back that this was “mudslinging of the worst kind.”

Yep, NYC Democrats have once again formed a circular firing squad. And if they believe they’ve got the election in the bag simply because they’re overdue, the Democrats may be in for another rude shock come November.

That is, unless they have some white knight ready to save them from themselves. Hey, wait a minute, who’s that charging up the hill?

Oh my God, it’s Anthony Weiner!

After I graduated from college I taught sixth grade in East New York, Brooklyn. One of my best students was a smart, personable girl named Lisa. I was certain she had a bright future ahead.

A couple of years later, I had Lisa’s brother in my class and asked what she was up to. He told me Lisa had gotten pregnant and dropped out of school.

That’s why I have little patience for criticisms about the city’s latest effort to curb teen pregnancy.

By now you’ve seen the ads on subway walls and bus stations directed at girls like Lisa: Kids of teen moms are twice as likely to drop out of school. Children cost thousands of dollars a year to raise, and a guy who impregnates you is unlikely to stay with you.

These are the facts of life. Why are these ads making people angry?

Bronx Councilwoman Annabel Palma complained that Mayor Bloomberg and the city are stimatizing teen pregnancy. You’re right, councilwoman. That’s the point.

The campaign isn’t aimed at those who’ve already become young unwed mothers. They’re targeted to teenage girls who haven’t, who are being pressured by their boyfriends to have unprotected sex and aren’t considering their futures.

Shouldn’t these girls think about what they’re getting into before it’s too late?

Years ago many complained when Mayor David Dinkens began a program distributing condoms in high schools. Later Bloomberg extended it by handing out Plan B, an emergency contraceptive, in select schools.

The data shows that teen pregnancy rates drop when contraception is made available to teens, and city officials hope this new initiative shows similar results.

That would be a good thing, wouldn’t it?

Yet the protests about the ads often come from unexpected quarters. “Teenage parenthood is simply not the disastrous and life-compromising event these ads portray,” says Haydee Morales, vice president of Planned Parenthood of New York.

Really? Getting pregnant at 14 isn’t a life-compromising event? On what planet?

I have no idea if the ads will work. Are they too judgmental? Maybe. Many say a prime reason teenagers have babies is to try to get some love in their lives, which is touching and sad. But these teens too often wind up uneducated, poor and isolated.

And that’s even sadder.

Think it couldn’t get worse than Tea Party Christian Right fanatics mucking up our politics? Think again.

Say hello to NYC Councilman Daniel Halloran, who is not only a Tea Partier but also practices Theodism. No, this ultra conservative is not a follower of Ted Nugent, but of Germanic paganism “dedicated to reviving the ancient folkways of the Norman people of Northern Europe.”

The Village Voice has described Halloran as “America’s First Elected Heathen.” But make no mistake__Theodism is an ancient, deeply held set of spiritual (more or less) beliefs.

Closely related to Asatru pagans, Theodism celebrates the sacred  ritual of sumbel, where a drinking horn full of mead or ale is passed around with repeated toasts and drinks as gifts are exchanged.

Perhaps Republican Halloran was in the midst of a sumbel when he decided that it was a good idea to accept a bribe from NY State Democratic Senator Malcolm Smith to place Smith’s name on the ballot for the upcoming Republican NYC Mayoral primary. Obviously there is nothing in Halloran’s ancient/new agey religion (it took off in the U.S. in the 1970s) that prohibits the blessed gift of under the table cash.

In addition to the obvious misstep of trying to bribe his way to a nomination, dim bulb Smith was under the impression that he could somehow run for NYC Mayor without changing his party registration (no, I can’t tell you  what Smith was drinking).

But I digress. Smith gave a $15,000 bribe to Halloran, who unbeknowst to both men was being tracked by FBI agents. When caught and charged,  the spiritual Councilman pleaded, “Hey, that’s politics in New York. You can’t do anything without the f—ing money.”

Not only did Halloran lose his ill gotten gains, but most likely will also lose his position as “first prince” of his Theodish tribe__not to mention face 45 years in the slammer.

But in his own way, Halloran has done his bit to bring all religions, mainstream and way out there, together. Halloran has once again shown that in the end all politicians, no matter what their disparate religious backgrounds, worship at the alter of one unifying god.

The Almighty Dollar.

You don’t know what danger you face today!”

The woman stood two feet from me. Her booming voice made my heart race. Why were we in danger? “Because you are sinners!”

We were not only sinners, but sinners trapped underground on the packed #1 train…

(Click here to continue):

http://www.amny.com/urbanite-1.812039/vogel-subway-preachers-it-s-time-to-repent-1.4918652

When RAMBO recently appeared on Google maps, developers jumped for joy. The name was now “official”, and residents were literally on the map! So why were so many locals unhappy?

I asked my friend Jim (Jimbo) who moved from DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Underpass) to RAMBO (Right Across the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) a few years ago.

When artists seeking inexpensive loft space began moving into the barren factories under the Brooklyn Bridge in the late 1970s, they coined the name DUMBO to keep away developers.

Ha! The opposite soon occurred__just as it did when struggling artists similarly began moving into abandoned downtown Manhattan sweatshops half a century earlier, in what was then known as Hell’s Hundred Acres.

Never heard of it? How about by its current name, SoHo? That trendy name caught on in the late 1960s, and it wasn’t long before struggling artists were priced out as yuppies flooded the neighborhood.

This ongoing pattern has Jimbo and some other RAMBO residents up in arms as they try to avoid the same fate.

With finite NYC running out of “new” neighborhoods and unable to expand outward, we simply rename nabes to make them sound cooler.

Manhattanites have long gotten used to the acronyms SoHo, NoHo, NoLita and SoLita (North and South of Little Italy). But what if you turn left? Will you discover an underdeveloped LoLiTa? Or just run into overdeveloped TriBeCa?

And now it’s Brooklyn’s turn, as I ride the F train through the exotic-sounding lands of BoCoCa (Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens).

With these trendy names helping to boost real estate values, it’s only a matter of time until virtually all city neighborhoods get a makeover. But what to do with decidedly unglamorous nabes like Flushing (FLOMO?), Gravesend (NOMO?) or Borough Park (SCHLOMO)?

If you’re thinking of trying to escape, don’t bother. The real estate people have their eye on your neighborhood already. Even the South Bronx is getting a makeover. Pardon me, did I say the South Bronx?

Of course I meant SoBRO.