Thread by @CarpeDiemCyber

Dear @IngrahamAngle, in this segment you refer to me as “insufferable left-wing blowhard and ... school board member Philip Reitinger” for the crimes of suggesting that we (1) do more for diversity and inclusion, … (1/n) video.foxnews.com/v/624145719500…

2) have a more inclusive curriculum, and (3) adopt a diversity, equity and inclusion policy that unites the community and specifies further action. I am happy to accept your scorn, because I believe all those things. (2/n)

But let’s briefly discuss a few of things you raise. You applaud your middle-class schooling in Glastonbury, CT. Interestingly, my father was the pastor at the Congressional Church in South Glastonbury when I was born. (3/n)

I didn’t get to experience the public schools in CT, as we moved to the liberal stronghold of Jacksonville FL when I was very young. There I attended the public schools K-12. (4/n)

I also had great teachers, and they taught me essential American values: equality, fairness, and democracy. These values remain my signposts today. (5/n)

You go on to reference Horace Mann, the father of public education in the US. Perhaps of interest to you, he was an ancestor of mine. That doesn’t give any validity to my opinions, but like most Americans I value my family history. (6/n)

Funny thing about that. Horace Mann was an abolitionist, and as a leader of the Common School movement, I’m pretty confident he would oppose the vouchers you love with every ounce of his energy. Public schools were to be UNIFYING forces. (7/n)

Other indicia of my radicalism. I was a College Republican (@CRRWU), and even attended its Fieldman’s School around the 1980 election. (8/n)

I did attend @YaleLawSch and was a member of the left-wing @YaleFedSoc, with known liberal radicals @gtconway3d and Bob Guiffra. (9/n)

A few years ago, I was elected to the school board, and then I was reelected. I don’t accept pay for that position, which is either an indicator of a leaning toward socialism or the fact that I want the money to go to kids instead. (10/n)

Summary: I grew up middle-class in Florida. My father was a minister. I was a Republican for most of my life. I know how to change a tire. And yes, I do support diversity, equity and inclusion.

Perhaps, just perhaps, the problem isn’t me, it’s you. (11/11)

"Congregational" not "Congressional." Thanks, spell check.