I was surprised to learn that Mike Shulman has aligned himself with ARISE. I previously supported him, advocating that the Castle Doctrine could have been a defense when Portelos appeared at his house several years ago.

I met Mike once and was impressed. He struck me as a nice guy, a dedicated unionist, and a sharp dresser.

Why would Mike associate with a group of anti-Semitic, Israel-hating fanatics? Power? That's the only reason I can think of. It seems that at one time, Mike was a proud Jew. Here's an example...

I guess he became drunk with power, much like the Judenrat in the Nazi death camps and ghettos during WWII.

For those who don't know what a Judenrat is, I'll provide the essentials. You can also click here.

Judenrat, essentially councils, were individuals who lived under the control of Nazi officers running the camps and ghettos of Europe. They would, more or less, decide who lived or who was slaughtered, who got fed, who got a place to live, etc. So, as UFT Secretary, Mike would be ARISE's Judenrat.

At least to my eyes (and others as well), Mike does not seem to have any issues with MORE's (yeah, yeah, I know! It's ARISE, but who do you think is in control?) vitriolic hatred of Jews and Israel.

He doesn't appear to have a problem with Alex Jallot.

He doesn't have any problem with this hatred of Israel and Jews by MORE. 

Or this.

And this.

Dang! I almost forgot about this!

And then there's Maude MORE!

And lastly. 

So if ARISE wins, Mike will be there supporting the anti-Semitism, anti-Israel, of ARISE. All because he covets power. Like Chaim Romkowski. 

Mike is going to decide who gets what.

Mike, ¿te llevas bien con los dominicanos? Alguien en la lista tiene un problema serio con los dominicanos.

 Is MORE, the Movement of Rank and File Educators, committing tax fraud? This question has been put to The Crack Team. Since The Crack Team are neither accountants or nor tax specialists we can't make a final determination. The Crack Team can only present what they have uncovered and let you, the reader, make your own inferences. This investigation was spurred by several disenchanted MORE members who asked that this accusation be looked into. 

The Crack Team is in possession of MORE's most recent 990EZ filing (2023). This form lists the cash MORE had at hand at the end of 2023, it's officers, and monies spent. But there is more, which can seems to be more interesting. 

But there is something more (pun intended) interesting. On the IRS website it lists that MORE has had their tax exempt status revoked on June 15, 2022. 

Apparently, at the time, MORE had not filed for three straight years. In fact, only the 2023 and 2021 returns are available. But if you notice MORE is a 501(c)(4) organization. But more (pun intended) on that in a moment. 

In a letter dates May 25, 2023 the IRS states...

We're pleased to tell you we determined you're exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code(IRC) Section 501(c)(5). This letter could help resolve questions on your exempt status.Please keep it fr your records.

So it would be safe to assume that MORE presently has all it's ducks in a row. But does it?

What is a 501(c)(5)? Let's find out.

Section 501(c)(5) provides for exemption of labor, agricultural or horticultural organizations. To be exempt, an organization must meet the following requirements: The net earnings of the organization may not inure to the benefit of any member; and The objects of the organization must be the betterment of conditions of those engaged in the pursuits of labor, agriculture, or horticulture, the improvement of the grade of their products, and the development of a higher degree of efficiency in their respective occupations.

But this definition begs the question. How does MORE's anti-Israel, borderline anti-Semitic actions better the pursuits of labor? Remember this blog post? Is this for the betterment of labor? Does Alex Jallot work towards the betterment of labor?

Do these anti-Israel, borderline anti-Semitic activities that MORE attached their name and logo as well appear to be for the betterment of labor?

Retirees,
You need to pay attention. You're being manipulated by the new leadership of your chapter.

Before I go on, let me make one thing clear: I have always been against Mulgrewcare, from the very beginning. Unlike some—like a certain whiny blogger who was once in favor of Mulgrewcare and conveniently scrubbed all evidence of it from their blog—I've been consistent. Coincidence? Perhaps. The bigger coincidence is that if this same blogger had landed the cushy Unity gig they were clearly angling for with all their flattery, they'd be first in line advocating for the switch in healthcare.

Retirees need to remember where the actual power lies within Retiree Advocate. It is in no way a bottom-up organization but rather a top-down one, controlled and dominated by individuals with ties to the Democratic Socialists of America.

This brings me to the tragic murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, last week. Some are celebrating this murder, portraying Luigi Mangione as a folk hero. While I can understand Mangione's anger and motivations (and there’s still much to uncover about the circumstances), I cannot condone his actions. And now 

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for those affiliated with Retiree Advocates.

From the ICE Google Groups board (click to enlarge)...

Here is a link to the article that is being promoted.

Luigi Mangione is not Johnny Appleseed or Paul Bunyan. He is a fraud, a con artist, and a murderer. Yet, to those leading RA, he is a hero. Violence is violence, plain and simple!

But remember this: those who control RA have no problem condoning the actions of those who butchered and kidnapped Israelis on October 7. The leadership of RA supports the destruction of Israel. Shockingly, the Jewish members among them are even worse—self-loathing individuals, brainwashed by the DSA, desperate for acceptance in the gentile world. And of course, RA is now aligned with MORE and New Action.

To the many Jewish retirees out there: Is this what you voted for? Ask yourself that. Be concerned if a UFT Delegate Assembly in the future turns into this.

With the UFT elections right around the corner, MORE is as usual playing hard to get and believing that they own all the cards. Is it not time that those who wish to dance with MORE just finally, "thank you, but no"?

So months after over a thousand Jews were murdered, over a hundred Jews were kidnapped, this is MORE's priority? MORE's priority at a Delegate Assembly was for Israel to lay down its arms? Nothing about Hamas releasing the hostages? MORE isn't concerned about the hundreds of Jewish women that have been held and raped by Hamas? 

But I thought what the hell. Sometimes someone that seeks attention needs to be exposed for all to see. 

Last week we shared on these pages what Stephanie Edmonds really thinks of unions and her fellow UFT brothers and sisters. This week we will see what Stephanie Edmonds thinks of the Holocaust and her fellow Jews. 

I first wish to qualify that yes, it has been extremely tough on students the last 10 months. I feel for them immensely. I feel for their parents. In fact, I feel for everyone that has been affected by COVID in one way or another. Mistakes and missteps have been made. But neither do I trust the NYCDOE, DeBlasio, or Cuomo one bit in their plan(s) or guess work.  I have not been happy with the way the UFT has handled things, but at the end of the day I am sticking with my union and my colleagues. 

This tweet is from Stephanie (@classdisrupti0n) from early December (CLICK TO ENLARGE): 

 

 

 

Let's just sit back a moment and let this all sink in. I'll wait. 

OK? Done?

Before getting into the obvious issues with this series of tweets, let's focus on the first line where Stephanie proclaims that she is "standing for all Americans." This little pissant fart in the wind is going to stand for all Americans? With only 1,293 followers on Twitter? Kim Kardashian has 68.6 million. As much as I think Kim is useless and would listen and follow her way before Stephanie. Is Stephanie being hyperbolic or does she have some deranged sense of self?I shan't comment and will leave it for the mental health professionals and those in the psycho-pharmaceutical field to determine. 

Next.

Maybe Stephanie does not realize that over 6 million Jews were murdered during World War II for nothing other than being Jewish (yeah, I know that there were the disabled, gypsies, and gay and lesbians killed but I wish to just focus on what hits home to me).

What is your problem Stephanie? How dare you trivialize the Holocaust! How dare you use what your fellow Jews have gone through to advance your politics. You're not even Jewish! Do you know what it is like to be a Jew? Do you know what it is like to know the history of Jews and the Holocaust? Have you lost any family members to the Holocaust? 

Yeah, what the students are going though sucks. But this is the best we got. People are afraid. Parents are afraid. We have a disease that is out of control. I know people that have died. That have been sick. But people, meaning teachers, are making the best out of a shitty situation and people like you are not helping! You have all this time to tweet, to have a You Tube channel, Instagram, and now, a website that sells merch (CLICK HERE FOR WEBSITE)!  Every social media site is dedicated to one thing and one thing only. Yourself and your "brand" You don't give one damn shit about the kids. Think I am wrong? Then stop showing yourself off especially when you are handing out donations and freebies. 

The students that are learning remote, in NYC (except for middle schools and high schools right now), are remote because their parents/guardians decided that's how they want their children educated. Stay the fuck out of their business. Focus on your job, not yourself. 

To compare students who are learning remote to the Holocaust? Are students being thrown into ovens? Are their parents? Are the students being used for medical experiments? Are the students being ripped away from their parents? What kind of sick person makes this comparison? 

What Stephanie wrote is beyond the pale. And if you notice the 3rd tweet when given a chance to walk it make she just doubles down. It's all about Stephanie. For a Jew to compare remote learning to the Holocaust is just wrong.

But I am willing to give Stephanie a chance. Stephanie, feel free to email anytime you want. We can have a Zoom or Google Meets meeting. I will bring along several Holocaust Survivors. If you are the person that you claim to be, you won't have a problem sharing with these Survivors what you are comparing the Holocaust to. Or you are more than welcome to speak through Zoom at Shabbas services at my step-mother's synagogue. Probably won't be any Survivors but I am pretty sure that everyone at the service has at least one family member that was killed in the Holocaust. 

Own your words. Put money where mouth is. And while your contemplating your decision Stephanie, have a look at this Auschwitz video. You should be well aware of this!

One thing that scares me (among many things) about Donald Trump is is total blind support for Israel. I put him in the same boat as others of the Far Right sharing Trump's near sycophantic support for Israel. I take their support with a grain of salt and don't trust those on the right to do the right thing by Israel as well as Jews in the US and around the world.

Why? One reason is there true agenda. For many on the Far Right, in particular the far out crazy Evangelicals, their support of Israel is there for one reason. To eventually see the destruction of Israel and for the second coming of their Lord and savior Jeebus to come reign over the world again and send the heretics like the Jews to hell where they really believe we belong. They paint themselves as supporters of Israel and Jews but in reality they are not. Their support for Israel is purely about themselves and their agenda.

Then there are the crazy Right Wing politicians who are just too stupid to form any clear basis of an opinion of Israel and Jews but go along with what the crazy Evangelicals believe because they are just too sycophantic and dumb to form their own opinions.

Then there is Trump and is ilk. Again they go along with the Right Wing politicians (and a former HS social studies teacher of mine) and are seen among Jews but have been known from time to time to share their bigotry of Jews publicly. But they enjoy showing that they are attuned to Israel and the Jews.

Are these people anti-Semitic? Maybe. At best they're just using Israel and Jews for their own dirty work. But there is one thing that I do know.

All the above that I mentioned are no friends of Israel nor Jews. They think they are, but they are not. In fact if anything, these types are nothing but shameful opportunists who along with some token Jews by their side continuously bogart their way into matters they truly have no real altruistic concern over.

So enough of this. And now for something completely different. Or maybe not.

The MORE Caucus team photo has just come out.

The MORE Caucus is at it again. Well, really the de facto leader of the MORE Caucus and his sidekick, but they are the faces of what is left of the MORE Caucus and one can't really see either without thinking of the MORE Caucus so ipso facto.

At last night's UFT Delegate Assembly, there was some old putz handing out what some considered anti-Semitic literature entitled, "Why the UFT Should Not Partner With the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) on Anti-Racist Initiatives." This was due to a resolution that was to be voted on last night (and ultimately passed)...

"Resolution to unite with orgs against toxic political atmosphere. Supports. News stories horrible, frequent, don’t want it to become norm. Sacred spaces, of religion, and schools under attack. Don’t even want to talk about 45’s role. Let us stand against all kinds of discrimination and with orgs that speak out against it." 

So the UFT wished to join with the ADL in this battle. Gee, why not? But come to think of it, what timing it was to show some people's true colors in passing this literature.
I mean just about six weeks after 11 Jews were slaughtered in their own synagogue in Pittsburgh while praying and celebrating a new life.
But six weeks later many are still awaiting to hear an official statement from the MORE Caucus condemning this barbaric act. I guess no one should be holding their breath, right?

Enough of that. Let's get into the flyer, as well as the accusations thrown, that was being handed out in front of 52 Broadway last night. Apologies to one MORE Caucus member for my rejoinders.

I'm getting tired of this Israel/Jew bashing from the MORE Caucus. First, it absolutely has ZERO to do with anything that the 75k+ members of the UFT want or need. Secondly, I have the same disdain for those from the right that continue to sycophantically support Israel. Both the MORE Caucus and it polar opposites on the Right don't have a clue in what they are talking about nor the good grace and knowledge on when to keep their moths shut and when to open them.

Has the ADL done some not good things? Yes! Has it done a lot of good things? Yes! But has the MORE Caucus, whilst looking at the world in it's ISO hazed glasses, fails to see, as does the Rightists in this country, is that there is something called nuance.

noun: nuance; plural noun: nuances

1.

a subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound.

I despise the Israeli government and Bibi with a passion. I KNOW the Settlements are illegal and wish it would stop. Israel is so far from its roots and it's core beliefs now I am saddened.

But I shall not back down from Israel's right to exist and to defend itself. And I shall not back away from my belief that Palestine should have a state. But, it takes two to tango and I know for a fact that Israel has done much more tangoing.

Can those in charge of the MORE Caucus have this kind of nuance and thinking when it comes to other matters? Such as BLM, cops, Unity, capitalism, or dare I say...MORE Caucus members that disagree with the "ideals" of some fruity little ISO club? 

Not only was handing out the flyer and the motion to amend not working with the ADL done in the wrong place, at the wrong time (Many teachers are Jews!!!), but it shows yet again, that the needs and wants of the rank and file are way down the list of those at the MORE Caucus.

In 2008, a month before my son was to start first grade, I brought him with me to the Westchester County Center where old time Yankee Ron Blomberg was doing a signing show. I told Ron that my son was also going to be starting Hebrew school in September and he looked directly in my son's eyes and said, "Always be a proud Jew."

I have always been a proud Jew, but never a blind Jew, especially when it comes to Israel.

There are lots of things that Israel has done over the years which have really pissed me off. The settlements, the wall, bulldozing houses, the Occupied Territories, the kowtowing to the  religious right, Netanyahu, the hysterical talk about Iran, and so much more.

But, I will say this point blank. There must be a solution soon and it is as much up to Israel as it is with the Palestinians to come to an agreement. The only solution is a two separate states with Israel continuing to be, and always will be, a Jewish state. Jews need and must always have a homeland, a place where they are the majority, a place where they can go if there is ever another Holocaust.

So what is one to think when the UFT Solidarity Facebook page shows up on my feed this comes along (Click to enlarge)?



 Click here to read the article. But before we get to the allegedly anti-Israel, anti-Zionist article, a few words about Randi and her trip.


The author, and by posting and sharing this, UFT Solidarity, seem to imply that not only did Randi and several other AFT upper echelon  travel to Israel on the AFT's dime, but Randi and the AFT are owned by Israel and J-Street.

But one of the free thinkers of UFT Solidarity left a comment;

I liked this page to support teachers even if their union doesn't support them.

If instead this page is to promote Islamic terrorists and lie about Israel, it behooves you to be honest and change the page name.

For the record, in Israel, government members are women, Arab, Druze.
Arabs and women vote.
Arabs and women in the army.

So, what apartheid, exactly?
None.

The Crack Team will soon send her a gift basket from Hickory Farms, of course no pork products, to say thank you.

I have no proof, nor does anyone, that Randi went there on the AFT dime. Nor, do we have proof that Randi is a shill, owned, has her bread or Matzoh buttered, by Israel or J-Street.

Want to whine about J-Street? Better to deal with them than with AIPAC.

Watch the video. So Randi speaks in favor of a two state solution. So what if Randi talks about peace? HEre are some of her words at the conference that she attended.

“This is a difficult moment for those of us who believe in the ideal of Jews and Palestinians living side by side, in two states, with real rights, and with security,” Weingarten lamented.

She lambasted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “last-ditch effort to retain power.” It was, she said, “both painful and pitiful – just days after thousands of us went to Selma to honor those brutally beaten fighting to exercise the right to vote – to watch Netanyahu renounce the two-state solution and demonize Israel’s Arab citizens for exercising their basic democratic rights.”

Weingarten fretted about a status quo that “threatens the future of the State of Israel.” She posited herself as a representative of the reasonable middle in a “vast chasm between those who believe: Israel, right or wrong, and never mind the occupation or democracy; and those who believe: Israel is evil and doesn’t have a right to exist, which then justifies BDS, or worse, violence or terrorism.”

This is a proud Jew speaking, not a a blind Jew. But Randi brings up a great point and the point the author takes umbrage with. The call for boycott, divestment and sanctions of Israel until as the author wants, to make the Israel withdraw from the West Bank and/or make one state is wrong, just plain wrong.

But yet no one wants to BDS Russia, China, (Look at Tibet), Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Venezuela, or any other totalitarian country. Why? 

Let's not forget that in Israel, Muslims, Christians, and Druze can practice their religion. Serve in government, serve in the Israeli Defense Forces, leave free. What other Mid-East can say the same?

As I had written at beginning, and as Randi as agreed, Israel has a responsibility in this mess. But it takes two to tango. Even without the issue of the Occupied Territories, the right of return is a non-starter. If this happens Israel will not be a Jewish state in 50 years.

I have disagreed with Randi on many things. I have not been shy about it. However, if she does something I agree with I won't be shy about sharing that as well. And if it is something I agree with and she is being attacked I will defend her. And if any Jew anywhere or Israel is being attacked I will without a doubt have their backs in my own way.

People don't realize that in 1948 most if the Arabs and Palestinians fled not because of the Israeli (Yes, this happened) Army, but because the government of Iraq, Syria, Egypt, and Jordan encouraged their people to leave telling  them they will soon be victorious and they will be able to come back.

 Israel would not be occupying the West Bank if Jordan never had entered the war. Remember this. Jordan from the time of the partition to 1967 allowed ZERO Jews and Israelis into the Holy Land. Since 1967 Israel has allowed full access into Jerusalem.

Between 1948 and 1967 Jordan had done nothing to promote or turn over the West Bank for Palestinians. In fact, what is now Jordan was part of the Province of Palestine during the Ottoman Empire. Why not pressure Jordan to turn over their land as well?

Israel days after the 1967 war offered all the land they took back under the condition of peace and recognition. They were turned down. Israel has shown what they will do when serious peace offerings are undertaken. See The Sinai.

Why should Israel withdraw unilaterally from the West Bank? Have we not seen what has become of Gaza?

Both sides must make efforts. Both sides must tone down the rhetoric. Both leaders must do what is best for their people not for their political lives.

It is amazing that whomever posted this on FB from UFT  Solidarity did not take the time to do research, or even read, the article or find out about the author, Ali Abunimah. Just look at the web address;  https://electronicintifada.net . Abunimah is a virulent anti-Semite whilst living in the United States breathing the air of freedom he can't enjoy in the Middle East. His statements in the past have been repugnant and has compared Israel to Nazi Germany and has called for a third Intifada.

By sharing this on Facebook, UFT Solidarity either agrees with Ali Abunimah, did not properly vet the article, or there is no organizational controls at UFT Solidarity. We here at SBSB doubt that it is the latter for all decisions in our opinion are made in a vacuum and come down as decrees.

How can a Jewish educator in their right mind now support UFT Solidarity? In the opinion of The Crack Team a Jew should take a long, long look at what they are getting into. If you are a compliant, of course this is just opinion, quiet Jew, you might not worry about support. But what happens if you are not?

If UFT Solidarity wins, will a Jew have to be concerned with any future support of the anti-Israel/anti-Zionist lobby? Would we be seeing Ali Abunimah or his cohorts welcomed at 52 Broadway?

I have finally sat my son down to watch Schindler's List. We have been watching it in bits and pieces. This past Sunday we watched when the ghetto was liquidated. It was a movie, I've seen that scene before and it still disturbed and sickened me.

My great-great uncle, Maurycy Trebacz  was one of the most famed Jewish-Polish artists of his time. He and his family died in the Lødz ghetto in 1941 just because he was a Jew.

Ron Blomberg. He knows.