Re: Debbie Smith, Aug. 3, 1948 - Oct. 22, 2007, true American hero

[Bussardre@aol.com]

Hi George:
 
Sorry I have been out of touch. My husband's health is just not very  good.  
Every week it is a new health crisis.  The last five months  have been 
unbelievable.
 
Anyway, you are welcome to do what you want with the piece I sent to ARN  
about Debbie Smith.  The main thing is it shows how one person can plant a  seed 
and it takes hold. But also it shows just how cunning the year-round school  
operatives can be.  But sure you edit it appropriately as there are several  
references to other chapters in my book, etc.
 
I am glad you like the piece, since it is part of my book, which will get  
finished some day. Coming from a great writer like you, it gives me confidence  
that perhaps I do have what it takes to tell an important story in a readable  
manner.
 
Recently, the Democratic Party candidates were asked in a debate about the  
longer school year. At least one, Bill Richardson, says he supports the  idea.  
I didn't see the last debate, so I don't have a sense if the others  agree, 
although the transcripts say Joe Biden has supported the idea since  1987.  I 
worry a little about Biden, that maybe he is a tool of the  corporatists.  
Rightnow, I am backing Edwards, with what little financial  donation I am able to 
make.  Medical bills take a big hit, even with  Medicare and insurance.
 
I'll try to renew my subscription, soon. I have just been too busy to even  
read the daily newspaper.
 
By the way, my daughter and her music group in Chicago, is supposed to be  on 
some TV program soon.  They play their Bosa music regularly at some  Latin 
restaurant and they are a big hit, she says.  Some guy who owns a  Latin 
restaurant in Boca Rato wants to fly them down for  some winter  performances in the 
height of the season down there.  They are coming out  with a CD soon.  I'll 
keep you posted. 
 
--Billee Bussard
 
 
In a message dated 11/4/2007 4:26:55 AM Eastern Standard Time,  
Csubstance@aol.com writes:

1/4/07

Billee:

The best I think I can do to get your  Smith material into the print edition 
of Substance will be as a letter in  the November issue (due out in two 
weeks). 
If that's OK with you, I'll run  the whole thing.

(I might be able to run it off the back page, but  we're holding that for an 
update from New Orleans or something on  NCLB).

Great piece of history and reporting. Thanks for sharing it.  Please let me 
know if you want me to send you extra copies so I can make  the arrangements.

As usual, we're broke but happy,

George N.  Schmidt
Editor,  Substance

www.substancenews.net







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