My long-running battle with the DOE began in 2006. MCSM received approximately $850,000 in Title I funds to assist at-risk students, but teachers were not allowed to know who the students were and the funds could not be used to help students who would not graduate. The mandates were contrary to Title I legislation, and I wrote countless letters and initiated numerous legal proceedings. Some believed I was obsessed--I still am--and others believed I was crazy--I’m not, the Superintendent had me tested.
I have been portrayed as a man hissing, with a lust for vengeance, “From hell’s heart I stab at thee; for hate’s sake I spit my last breath at thee.” The quotation is Captain Ahab’s dying curse at the white whale in Moby Dick or--considering the intellect of those accusing me--Kahn's last breath in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn.
I--and others with similar goals--should not be identified with Captain Ahab, but rather the whale. Moby Dick was hunted and targeted, but eventually prevailed while the crew of the whaling ship perished. We may take a few harpoons, but we will surface each time. When the saga of MCSM is written, the opening line will be “Call me Bonnick.”
In some ways I have been handcuffed in my efforts to revive this blog, and I find it difficult to discuss principles openly. Comments will be moderated to reflect my current situation.