Portrait of Corruption

A14 Tuesday, November 24, 2015 | PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | providencejournal.com COMMENTARY

Janet Hasson PUBLISHERS OF John C.A. Watkins PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER The Providence Journal PUBLISHER 1954-1979 SINCE 1829 Edward C. Achorn Michael P. Metcalf PUBLISHER 1979-1987 VICE PRESIDENT AND The Providence Sunday EDITORIAL PAGES EDITOR Journal SINCE 1885 Stephen Hamblett PUBLISHER 1987-1999 David J. Butler SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT The Evening Bulletin Howard G. Sutton 1863-1995 AND EXECUTIVE EDITOR PUBLISHER 1999-2014

EDITORIALS Portrait of corruption

ne of the reasons Rhode the two times he was convicted Island has struggled of felonies for his abuse of his O for years is a political public office. Evidence of his culture that embraces corrup- corruption throughout his Don’t shoot messenger, R.I. tion and insider dealing. That public life is both copious and boosted the public’s tax burden, damning — with some of his scared off investors and made wrongdoing and fondness for By Michael J. Petrilli a comforting illusion that most young people today complete a it very difficult for the state duplicity spelled out in his own and Robert Pondiscio children were on track to succeed four-year college degree.) to encourage job creation and autobiography. in college, carve out satisfying The new standards should help improve its schools. Clearly, Sadly, he was still trying to ive long years ago, Rhode careers, and stand on their own to boost college readiness — and political corruption is neither a tout his greatness the other Island and more than two feet. But for too many young college completion — by sig- joke nor a victimless crime. night. Cianci claimed he had F 40 other states adopted people, that simply wasn’t true. nificantly raising expectations, In light of that, it is sad to see raised “the self-esteem of the tough new standards in reading Imagine being told year after year starting in kindergarten. But that, even now, some members people of the City of Providence and math, setting dramatically that you’re doing just fine, only we shouldn’t be surprised that of the political class and their to levels they would have never higher expectations for students to find out when you apply for Rhode Island found that less than hangers-on are determined to thought they would achieve.” in elementary and secondary college or a job that you’re simply one-third of its students are “on mock the idea that ethics have In truth, he brought national schools. Now we’ve reached a not as prepared as you need to be. track” for college. In fact, that’s any consequence in Rhode shame on the city through his critical milestone in this effort, as Such experiences are not what we should expect. Parents, Island government. They have notorious bullying and crimes, the public just got to see for the unusual. Every year, two-thirds in other words, are finally learn- been particularly set on ven- something that shrouded the first time the scores on the new of Rhode Island students entering the truth. erating Vincent Cianci, an good work that more honest tests aligned to the standards. ing the state’s community college This is a big shift, but a neces- unrepentant twice-convicted and less self-aggrandizing The news was sobering: only must take “remedial” courses sary one, from the Lake Wobegon felon who spent more than four leaders have done in making one-fourth of Rhode Island’s when they arrive on campus. days, when, as in Garrison years in federal prison for run- Providence a wonderful place. students are on track in math, Many of those students will leave Keillor’s fictional town, all the ning Providence City Hall as a Younger voters rejected and just one-third are proficient without a degree, or any kind of children were above average. criminal enterprise. Cianci’s brand of old-fashioned in reading and writing. Though credential. That’s a lousy way to Parents and taxpayers should Last week, a group of his corruption last fall, and there the scores may come as a shock to start one’s adult life. resist the siren song of those who acolytes — among them, former is reason to hope that Rhode many, let us explain why people The most important step want to use this moment of truth Mayor Joseph Paolino, now Island is ready for a different shouldn’t shoot the messenger. toward fixing this problem is to attack the new standards or a property developer — held kind of politics. Fame, like life, First it’s important to remem- to ensure that our children are the associated tests. two events in honor of Cianci, is fleeting. Anyone looking at ber why so many states started ready for the next grade, and They may not be perfect, but including the unveiling of an that portrait in future years down this path in the first place. when they turn 18, for college they are finally giving parents, official portrait at City Hall and a with any idea of who Cianci was Under law, every state must test or work. Several national stud- educators, and taxpayers a much dinner on Federal Hill. will surely reflect that he was children every year in grades ies, including analyses of the more honest assessment of how “This is quite an honor, but I not a great man, but one who three through eight and once in National Assessment of Educa- our children are doing. Virtually must say this is not the first time could have been great had he high school to ensure they are tional Progress (NAEP), show all kids aspire to go to college and I’ve been framed,” Cianci said, cared about conducting himself making progress. That’s a good that just 35 to 40 percent of prepare for a satisfying career. to guffaws from his cronies. with honor, by obeying the law idea. Parents deserve to know high school graduates leave our Now, at last, we know if they’re He certainly was not framed and serving the common good. if their kids are learning, and education system at the “college on track to do so. taxpayers are entitled to know if prepared” level. Considering that the money we spend on schools is 20 percent of our children don’t —Michael J. Petrilli and Robert being used wisely. even make it to graduation day, Pondiscio are president and vice But it is left to states to define that means that maybe a third of president, respectively, of the what it means to be “proficient.” our kids nationally are getting to Thomas B. Fordham Institute. Russian dopers Unfortunately, many states set that college-ready mark. (Not They are fathers of school-aged a very low bar. The result was coincidentally, about a third of children.

ussia has been a power- house in amateur sports R for decades. During the years when it was consti- tuted as the Soviet Union, few Obama’s critics stop making sense countries ever did as well in the Olympics. And, even though the By Eugene Robinson hundreds of thousands flood- “I think that was the Crusades.” old empire has since broken up, ing into Europe. Boosting the Jeb Bush, the ultimate estab- Russia still amasses huge medal he impact of the Paris number to 10,000 over the next lishment candidate, seemed to counts at the games. attacks on the Republican year, as Obama plans, would still sense both opportunity and peril. Well, this may not be the case T presidential race may turn mean that the U.S. contribution “The United States should not for much longer. out to be minimal, especially to alleviating one of the worst delay in leading a global coalition This month, the International since the establishment candi- refugee crises since World War II to take out ISIS with overwhelm- Association of Athletics Fed- dates aren’t making any more doesn’t amount to a drop in the ing force,” he said in a speech erations council voted 22-1 in Yelena Isinbayeva, a Russian pole sense than outsiders Donald bucket. I could describe in detail Wednesday. “Militarily, we need favor of suspending Russia from vaulter, a two-time Olympic gold med- Trump and Ben Carson. the lengthy pre-entry vetting to intensify our efforts in the air amateur sports competition. alist and a three-time World Champion, Theoretically, a deadly ram- process, which can take up to two — and on the ground.” This decision followed attends a press conference in Moscow page by Islamic State terrorists years, but why bother? As far as Coming from anyone else, stunning revelations by the last week about Russia’s suspension. ought to make Republican voters the GOP field is concerned, gen- those words might strike Repub- World Anti-Doping Agency. AP PHOTO think twice about presidential erosity of spirit is for losers. lican voters as tough and sober. An independent commis- hopefuls who have zero expe- Carson’s response to the Coming from a candidate named sion chaired by former WADA but around the world.” At the rience in government and no Islamic State is, unsurprisingly, Bush, however, they could President Dick Pound released same time, he stated that the expertise in foreign or military vague and off-the-wall. He portend a geopolitical blunder of a 325-page report following an allegations against Russia have affairs. But the contenders who wrote an op-ed in The Wash- historic proportions. 11-month investigation, alleg- been “a shameful wake-up call hold or held high office are offer- ington Post calling for a military All the establishment GOP ing that Russia has engaged in and we are clear that cheating at ing little more than bellicose strategy virtually identical to candidates pledge to rely on the illegal, widespread doping of its any level will not be tolerated.” rhetoric and overblown pledges President Obama’s, augmented generals to tell them how many athletes. If the IAAF’s suspension of toughness. by “a multi-pronged communi- troops to send. Obama says he The allegations included stands, Russia will not be Not that it’s easy to match cations strategy that leverages follows the generals’ counsel, a “deeply rooted culture of allowed to participate in any Trump for hyperbole. “Refugees our strengths in media produc- too. cheating” in Russia, and the amateur competitions. It will from Syria are now pouring into tion and messaging, combined Rogue candidate Trump, of “systemic” collusion among not host next year’s world race our great country,” he said on with cutting off traditional course, needs no advice. He says Russian athletes, its federation walking and world junior cham- Twitter. “Who knows who they access routes to social media he will “bomb the [expletive] out and anti-doping authorities. pionships. Moreover, Russia are — some could be ISIS. Is our for radical Islamist groups.” He of [ISIS],” applauds the fact that There was evidence of “inter- could face a ban from the 2016 president insane?” seems to mean we should create Russian President Vladimir Putin ference with doping controls Summer Olympics in Rio de But New Jersey Gov. Chris a really cool smartphone app. is doing the same and vows to up to the middle of this year.” Janeiro. Christie, who should know But Marco Rubio, too, destroy the oil fields that pro- There were revelations of It’s up to Russia to change better, went not just over the top called for a dramatic escala- vide much of the Islamic State’s “cover ups, destruction of sam- its policies and behavior when but around the bend. He said all tion in social-media warfare. wealth. ples [and] payment of money to it comes to performance- Syrian refugees should be turned He said Sunday that “where He says all of this in typically conceal doping tests.” enhancing drugs. Athletes away, including “orphans under we strike them, we capture or bombastic fashion. His claim that Even worse, the WADA who put in long hours to train 5.” Maybe he’ll order a security kill their leaders, we videotape he will “win” by sheer force of report declared that the 2012 for competition should not be sweep of the Garden State’s the operations, we publicize personality is deeply unserious. Summer Olympics in London robbed of recognition by those elementary school playgrounds. them, because this is a group But the actual policies he rants was “sabotaged” because of who reaped rewards through For the record, Syrian refu- that heavily uses propaganda about may resonate with GOP “widespread inaction” to make chemicals. Cheating in sports gees are not “pouring” into the to attract fighters and donors voters: Rely on air power, get Russian athletes follow the should never be tolerated, United States. There’s hardly from around the world.” And other countries to put troops on doping rules. and any country that tolerates even a trickle: Since the civil war John Kasich proposed a new the ground, take no chances with To be sure, IAAF President doping athletes deserves to be began, slightly more than 2,000 government agency to promote refugees, talk really tough. Sebastian Coe acknowledged punished appropriately. refugees have been admitted. “Judeo-Christian Western that “we discussed and agreed The Russian bear has abso- Compare our meager total with values” to the world. —Eugene Robinson (eugen- that the whole system has failed lutely no one to growl at except the estimated 2 million Syrians Lindsey Graham had the best [email protected]) is a the athletes, not just in Russia, itself. taking refuge in Turkey or the response to Kasich’s brainstorm: Washington Post columnist. A14 Wednesday, December 2, 2015 | PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | providencejournal.com COMMENTARY

EDITORIAL No excuses n a Nov. 27 piece on these In Massachusetts, which has pages, Joseph H. Crow- long been committed to public I ley, executive director of education reform, some 60 per- the Rhode Island Association cent of students in grades three of School Principals, sounded through eight met or exceeded a familiar, even tired, theme: expectations for English, and Poverty is to blame for the poor 52 percent did so for math. In performance of students in Rhode Island, the comparable Rhode Island’s public schools. numbers were an abysmal 36 Mr. Crowley made some good percent and 25 percent. points about the uphill climb that Such a disparity cannot be poor children face. A strong cor- explained away by relative relation can be drawn between childhood poverty rates. (The Abortion rights at risk in R.I. poverty and performance by Bay State’s is 15.2 percent.) Rhode Island public school stu- All this means that Rhode By Sam Bell she came out in favor of some abor- slide through. There was, I think, dents on standardized tests such Island can do much better. Cer- tion restrictions. She also clarified a sense among a lot of machine as the Partnership for Assess- tainly, given their high property cross our country, a that she is personally against abor- folks that Raimondo's anti-choice ment of Readiness for College tax rates and generous spending woman's right to choose tion but supports a woman's right to initiative was too severe an insult to and Careers (PARCC) exams. on public education, citizens A is under attack. In states choose, saying “I am a pro-choice the national Democratic Party, and And Rhode Island, which has have every right to expect more. where voters have elected Repub- candidate, and I am also Catholic, some moderation was in order. struggled economically for years Rather than attack or destroy licans, governments are enacting and I respect the church's position, It's a sign of the thin protection now, has the highest childhood successful charter schools such as a wave of demeaning restric- and in my own private life I accept that abortion rights now have. With poverty rate in New England, at mayoral academies, Rhode Island tions, from Targeted Regulation that and follow that, but as governor the governor no longer a cham- 19.8 percent for 2014 (the most leaders should strive to roll out of Abortion Providers (TRAP) I will be the governor for all Rhode pion of unrestricted rights, the real recent number available). their successful innovations to laws and clinic closings to forced Islanders, including those who have Democrats in the General Assem- But it is absolutely essential that traditional public schools. Rather vaginal ultrasounds and waiting different religious views than I do.” bly are the final defenders of these Rhode Island leaders not succumb than complain about poverty, they periods. In most states controlled Despite her stances on the issue, fundamental freedoms. It is a sad to the temptation to shrug their should look at ways Massachu- by Democrats, on the other some expected her to continue and scary fact that the anti-choice shoulders and accept the status setts has been able to help students hand, the government respects Chafee's opposition to major forces have more than enough votes quo. Poverty is a challenge, but it overcome tremendous challenges. reproductive rights. There is one restrictions. It was not to be. to push through harsh, Texas-style must not be made an excuse. It is hard to overstate how glaring exception — Rhode Island. After her election, she pushed restrictions in Rhode Island. For one thing, not all children important it is that Rhode Island Given Democratic dominance of to require that Rhode Island health All is not lost for supporters of facing struggles performed get a grip on this problem. It the General Assembly, most Rhode insurers offer plans that do not a woman's right to choose. Rhode poorly on the latest PARCC cannot make its economy stronger Islanders assume our state is safe cover abortion, which would have Island is a strongly pro-choice state. tests. Students at Blackstone unless it does a better job educat- from the assault that conservatives the effect of making plans that do In 1986, voters rejected an abortion Valley Prep charter schools, for ing its students. And it is crucial have launched on reproductive cover abortion more expensive. ban by 66 percent to 34 percent, and example, performed well, though that Rhode Island give poor and rights in other states. But that Since few women expect to have to the only recent data available (from they hail from some of the poor- minority students a chance to assumption would be false. For have an abortion, many pro-choice a Planned Parenthood poll) indicate est neighborhoods in the state. share in the American dream. The Democratic leaders in the General women would not choose the more that support has only grown. For another thing, Massa- barriers to opportunity that keep Assembly oppose a woman's right expensive coverage. Moreover, In Planned Parenthood's poll, chusetts schools spectacularly them poor must be broken down. to choose. And the 2014 election put since many plans are selected by which sampled a disproportion- outperformed Rhode Island’s. No more excuses. these rights in even graver danger. employers, many women would ately conservative 2014 electorate, Lincoln Chafee, I think it is fair to be denied coverage without their abortion rights had an off-the- say, was not a very strong gover- control or knowledge. charts 71 percent approval rating. VOICES AROUND NEW ENGLAND nor. On most issues, he caved to the Even in Rhode Island, this was According to the poll, Rhode LAST WEEK CAME THE ANNOUNCE- The information they bring machine, but when it came to abor- a very aggressive move. In fact, Island is pro-choice by a 67-27 MENT of Pfizer’s $160 billion merger back is valuable, but there are tion rights, he actually did stand it was such an extreme play that percent margin, with the intensity with the Irish-based Allergan. This problems with the system. The strong. To prevent the General the House of Representatives, falling heavily on the pro-choice is another corporate big fish, Pfizer, fishermen have to pay for the live Assembly from creating an Obam- despite some virulently anti- side. Only a minuscule 5 percent of swallowing a smaller one. monitors, and they are expensive. acare health insurance exchange choice leaders, actually watered Rhode Islanders believe abortion Technically, the much smaller Funds to help pay for electronic where abortion coverage would it down. Using the implicit threat should be illegal in all cases. Allergan is buying Pfizer. The devices are now part of the budget be restricted, he implemented the of “no” votes as leverage, the tiny Rhode Islanders need to let headquarters of the new merged talks in Washington, and this is a exchange by executive order. caucus of progressive Democrats elected Democrats know that we company will be in Dublin, Ire- level of involvement that would During the primary, Gina in the House got an amendment oppose limiting a woman's right land. Corporate lawyers, to slash be a constructive intrusion by Raimondo ran as pro-choice, approved allowing employees to choose an abortion. Pfizer’s corporate tax rate to the members of Congress. This is a and shortly after the primary, denied coverage to opt back in. 17 percent charged in Ireland, chance for New England’s political she accepted the endorsement Because the machine is more —Sam Bell ([email protected]), of carefully orchestrated the details leaders to play a positive role in the of Planned Parenthood. But she concerned with pushing right-wing Providence, a monthly contributor, of the merger. The U.S. corporate regulation of a troubled fishery. quickly changed her tune. During a economic policies than pushing such is the state coordinator of the Rhode tax rate is 35 percent, but by using —PORTLAND PRESS HERALD debate with Republican Allan Fung, social issues, it let this amendment Island Progressive Democrats. various tax breaks, Pfizer has paid an effective rate of 25 percent. REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL Called inversions, about 80 FRONT-RUNNERS Donald Trump corporations have renounced and Dr. Ben Carson have begun their corporate U.S. citizenship to throwing reason to the wind in an Mayor drives up ﬁ re costs escape their country’s taxes, cost- apparent bid to appeal to likely ing the nation $33.6 billion over primary voters. In the case of By Tom Kenney Commissioner Steven Pare states of the Fire Department, both are a decade, according to Congress’ Mr. Trump, ignorant remarks go that firefighters (who are working collecting over $100,000 per year Joint Committee on Taxation. beyond simple falsehoods (Syrian very citizen in Rhode an average of 70 to 80 hours per in pensions from their time on the Corporations say the corporate refugees “flooding” America) to Island who follows the week because of forced overtime) Rhode Island State Police. tax rate of 35 percent in the United utterly preposterous contentions. E news is aware of the charges are claiming injuries at a higher I resent that this administration States is excessive. In truth, few Even if it were desirable, for leveled at the Providence Fire rate than ever, and he calls us out paints the Providence firefight- corporations pay that rate. We also example, to deport an estimated Department by Mayor Jorge Elorza by suggesting these may not be ers as the root of all the financial note that the U.S. corporate tax 12 million Americans in the coun- regarding overtime and salary legitimate injuries. Shame on him. woes of the city while he single- rate helps pay for necessary infra- try illegally, the logistics and cost expenses being out of control and More injuries during firefight- handedly created over one-half structure, for a system to regulate have rounding up so many people pushing Providence toward fiscal ing duties are, as one would million dollars in positions that and protect fair commerce, and and presumably herding them catastrophe. expect, going to increase when the are not necessary. I resent that for the largest military that the into boxcars makes this plan of He points to a rescue captain firefighters are exhausted from these individuals are criticizing world has ever known, allowing for Mr. Trump impossible. At the who made over $100,000 in over- working these excessive hours. some firefighters for making over unfettered global trade. very least, during presidential time in one year. He neglected to The mayor claims that he $100,000 in a year, money they —THE (New London, Conn.) DAY campaigns, candidates should be add that this captain worked more needs to be fiscally responsible earn with their hard work and long debating the possible. than 80 hours per week to earn as the caretaker of the city and hours, while they have no problem MANAGING THE DECLINE in New “Nobody has been able to sit that money. the taxpayers’ money, yet his rolling in the dough themselves. I England’s commercial fishery down with him and have him get He points out that Providence first step was to create a job that resent that I have to budget extra has long been a delicate dance one iota of intelligent informa- Fire Department overtime costs never existed in the city before, money just to put tires on my car among fishermen, regulators tion about the Middle East,” the city approximately $9 mil- chief operating officer, at a cost while the commissioner can go and scientists. complained Duane R. Carridge, lion per year. He’s implemented of approximately $160,000 per on camera in his expensive suits The scientists estimate how a former CIA agent and Reagan a three-platoon system he claims year. Next step, in public safety, and meticulously groomed hair many fish are available for harvest, administration foreign policy will save the city over $5 million is to keep the position of public and nails, and then ask me and my and regulators use those estimates official who is advising Dr. Carson per year. He neglects to point safety commissioner at another fellow workers to look at ourselves to allot catch shares among vari- and debunked his assertion about out that if he kept the number of $160,000. This job had been in the mirror! ous groups of fishermen. China and Syria. Another adviser, firefighters that are the standard of nonexistent in many mayoral Providence firefighters have Fishermen question the validity Armstrong Williams, has set up past administrations, the overtime administrations until resurfacing a a long history of working with of the science, saying that they see with meetings with Dr. Carson would disappear altogether. But few years ago for Steven Pare. the city to reduce costs since the more fish than the estimates would and foreign policy experts, one the department is more than 120 Next, the mayor creates another financial crisis began. We have indicate. Regulators are influenced of whom, former CIA Director firefighters short of its standard position that never existed given up approximately $6 mil- by members of Congress, who Michael Hayden, told The Times level of manpower. He also doesn’t before, assistant commissioner of lion per year over the past five represent fishing communities, not that Carson’s “instincts are all acknowledge that his new system public safety, at a cost of around or six years to help the city and fish, and are concerned with the right, but this is a database in is costing the city more money in $120,000. This job is to assist the its taxpayers make it through communities’ economic survival. which he’s very unfamiliar.” overtime than the old system. man who is doing the job that went tough times. For this mayor to Fortunately, there may be One can disagree with the for- The city has already paid $2.1 unfilled for over a decade without create these high-paying jobs and a way to produce data that eign policies of President Obama, million in overtime since imple- affecting public safety. Finally, the still point his finger at firefight- everyone can be confident in: but there is no denying he knows mentation of the new system up to mayor creates another job that has ers as the main problem for the Electronic monitoring. the players and the situation. The Nov. 1. At this rate, overtime costs never existed, director of the Fire city financially is dishonest and Currently, professional moni- same goes for Democratic presi- would eclipse those of previous Department, at another $120,000. hypocritical! tors go out on fishing boats about dential front-runner and former years. My question is, why are the fire- 20 percent of the time, cataloging Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Mayor Elorza claims the firefighters getting blamed for costs —Tom Kenney, of Warwick, is what the boats pull up in their nets —THE (Pittsfield, Mass.) BERK- fighters are pulling the city being out of control? In the case of a captain in the Providence Fire and what they throw overboard. SHIRE EAGLE toward bankruptcy. Public Safety the commissioner and the director Department. B10 Sunday, November 22, 2015 | PROVIDENCE JOURNAL | providencejournal.com COMMENTARY

EDITORIALS Crisis in R.I. hode Island students’ traditional urban schools are, shockingly low scores with some bright exceptions, R on a new standardized outrageously, scandalously low. test should serve as a wailing They indicate that large numbers emergency warning. The state’s of poor and minority students are leaders must wake up and con- being deprived of an education front this crisis. that would permit them to share In the area of math, only 25 in the American dream. This is percent of 75,000 Rhode Island unacceptable in a society trying students taking the Partnership to break down racial barriers. And for Assessment of Readiness for Rhode Island simply cannot have College and Careers (PARCC) test a vibrant economy unless it does Safely admit Syrian refugees met or exceeded basic expecta- a much better job educating its tions. A whopping 75 percent young people. By David N. Cicilline in order to make us safer. These by framing this struggle as one failed to do so. As Governor Raimondo noted: suggestions are as dangerous as between Muslims and non- In the area of English, a dismally “Too many of our children do not ike all Americans, I was they are misguided. Muslims. That is a price that we poor 36 percent met or exceeded have the skills they need to suc- horrified by the brutal ter- Three-quarters of the refugees cannot afford to pay. As retired expectations, meaning 64 percent ceed in today’s economy. Our kids rorist attacks in Paris. Our from this conflict are women and four-star General Jack Keane failed to do so. deserve better.” L entire country, of course, stands children. They are human beings told the House Foreign Affairs It is pointless to complain about Some public schools serv- with the French people during in need of urgent assistance. It Committee last week, “This is the test. A series of standardized ing poor students — notably the this difficult time. And I know is an incredibly cruel irony to what ISIS wants. ISIS wants tests for years have confirmed Blackstone Valley Prep charter that we will do whatever it takes equate them with the very ter- fragmentation between Muslims that Rhode Island students lag schools — performed well on to help bring those responsible to rorists who have forced them to and non-Muslims. ... This is behind their peers in neighboring the test. Rather than try to kill justice. The objective of terror- flee their homes in the first place. America. We can do this right.” states — most notably Massachu- off such innovative schools, the ists is to strike fear in the hearts Refugees seeking to come to President Ronald Reagan setts, right next door — and much state should learn from their of innocent people, and that is the United States are subjected often referred to our country as of the country. Taxpayers here success, and roll out their best what the Islamic State (ISIS), has to a thorough screening process a “shining city upon a hill.” And pay sky-high property taxes and ideas to standard schools. We done. But we can’t allow fear to to guarantee that they do not in his farewell address, while have every right to expect better believe strong principals, longer dictate our decisions. present a danger. Each refu- reflecting on his work to provide schools. But, unfortunately, school days, new approaches My foremost responsibility as gee must pass a multi-layered safe haven for refugees from well-heeled special interests that to high school education and a lawmaker is to keep Americans vetting process conducted by Southeast Asia, he said, “That’s forcefully defend the status quo greater opportunities for teach- safe, and it is one I take very American personnel before ever what it meant to be an American have prevailed for years. ers to reach students effectively seriously. This includes prevent- setting foot in our country. This in the 1980s. We stood, again, for The time for that is over. Gov. will be key elements of successful ing dangerous individuals from process includes multiple high- freedom.” Gina Raimondo, House Speaker reform. Another essential area of entering our country, which is level security checks, biometric Now, in 2015, we have to Nicholas Mattiello and Senate reform is finding better ways to why we must continue to fund screening, a mandatory interview decide again what to stand for. President Teresa Paiva Weed welcome and engage parents in our rigorous and robust system with Homeland Security, medi- Will we, as President Reagan did, must challenge everyone to work their children’s education, since for carefully screening every cal examinations and a cultural stand for freedom? Or will we together for the sake of students. they are a vital part of schools that refugee who seeks admission orientation program. The entire surrender our ideals and relent The state’s soft-spoken but function well. to the United States and assist process takes 18 to 24 months, to voices of fear? Will we provide thoughtful new education com- The shocking numbers we the administration in adjusting and it works. refuge for those fleeing unspeak- missioner, Ken Wagner, must received last week say it louder this program to respond to new According to the White House able violence? Or will we instead keep up the pressure for essential than any advocate could: Rhode threats as they arise. “Of the 2,174 Syrian refugees turn a blind eye to the suffering reforms. Island’s schools must change. In the greatest humanitar- admitted to the United States of millions and leave them to The scores in the state’s ian crisis since World War II, since Sept. 11, 2001, not a fend for themselves? more than 4 million people have single one has been arrested or We should not let terrorists fled their homes in Syria and deported on terrorism-related to change the character of our Iraq because they are victims of grounds.” nation. The most powerful mes- A generous America horrific violence that no human At this critical moment, we sage we can send to the world at being should endure. Women are should not lose sight of the values this time of crisis is to maintain he terrorist bombings in people and kill along sectarian being raped, children are being that have guided our country. our fundamental values in the Paris have understand- religious grounds, appealing to enslaved, and entire families are We should not, out of fear, close face of evil and once again stand T ably put many Americans the worst side of the human heart, being slaughtered by supporters our doors to those looking to us as a shining city on a hill for the on edge. They wonder, in par- the alluring lust for violence and of the Assad regime and the ter- for help. We should not let ISIS entire world to see. ticular, about ongoing efforts to the hatred of those outside the rorist group ISIS. dictate our refugee policy. bring 10,000 Syrian refugees into tribe. Sadly, in the wake of last Doing so would hand the ter- —David N. Cicilline, a Demo- America, worried that ISIS will President Obama unfortunately week’s attacks, some have pro- rorists an enormous victory. crat, represents Rhode Island’s use this as an opportunity to inject responded to last week’s events posed that we close our doors It would let them expand their First District in the U.S. House of terrorists into our country. by sneering at Americans who to victims of war and violence reach and recruit more terrorists Representatives. A Bloomberg poll conducted are fearful of ISIS’s infiltration of after the attack found 53 percent this country as “scared of widows of Americans believed Syrian and orphans coming into the refugees should not be brought United States of America.” in, while only 28 percent sup- A more fruitful approach Mass. public schools crush R.I.’s. ported continuing the plan. The was taken by Gov. Jay Inslee, governors of 31 states, only one D-Wash., who said he understood By Erika Sanzi These are not insignificant dif- are palpably different in the two a Democrat, quickly said they people’s fears and applauded the ferences, and they should give all states. The frustrating truth is, if would like to block such refugees. use of military power against ISIS ests aren’t everything. But of us pause. I drive five minutes north or west (Massachusetts Gov. Charlie but strongly supported continu- they aren’t nothing either. The hard truth is that a state from my home, I move from the Baker said he opposes accepting ing to provide refuge to Syrians T And with the results of right next door has outperformed 29th highest performing state in refugees until he can be assured fleeing persecution. our first round of Partnership for us by more than 20 points in both the nation to the top perform- of the people’s safety; Rhode It is incumbent on our lead- Assessment of Readiness for Col- subject areas. The even harder ing state in the nation. Despite Island Gov. Gina Raimondo ers to alleviate fears by taking lege and Careers (PARCC) testing truth, perhaps, is that the city of our history in the Ocean State of declined to make such a declara- ownership of this issue, care- now public, Rhode Islanders Boston alone outperformed the complacency around educational tion.) Republican presidential fully explaining the process of would be wise to fight our natural entire state of Rhode Island. underperformance, every metric candidates jumped on the issue, vetting refugees and how that urge to dismiss test scores and In contrast to Rhode Island, tells us that this is a major red flag with former Gov. Jeb Bush and keeps us safe, and discuss- pooh-pooh comparisons with Massachusetts had the political not only for our children’s future Texas Sen. Ted Cruz declaring ing the risks posed by bringing neighboring states. Instead, we will 20 years ago to put higher but also for the state economy. they would admit only Christians anyone into the country from should boldly ask ourselves the standards in place and require a It is natural to make the claim from Syria, on the grounds that the outside (a very low one, in hard question: Why is the state high school exit exam. Unions, that test scores don’t tell the they would pose a low threat of terms of refugees). Governor next door performing so much community groups and parents whole story. Because they don’t. committing terrorism. Inslee admitted he and others better than we are on the exact certainly fought the changes but But we can’t talk about the It is a challenge, in the face who support refugee programs same test? now, in 2015, they are considered importance of multiple measures of such strong emotions, to will be held responsible if some- Forty percent better, to be to be the gold standard in K-12 and then pretend that one of defend America’s long-held thing goes wrong. exact. education in both their traditional the measures is meaningless or ideals of providing some asylum “That’s the price of leader- Massachusetts didn’t just beat districts and their charter sector. somehow doesn’t matter. Just as to the most wretched victims ship,” he told NPR. us. They crushed us. And though The default response for many teacher feedback and report card of persecution around the The United States has more there are some bright spots in a will be to complain about funding, grades matter, so too do objec- globe. Certainly, the poor people to gain than to lose by admit- few of our districts and charter but the painful truth is that Rhode tive measures, especially when fleeing the chaos and violence ting Syrian refugees. The lucky schools, the elephant in the room Island is a high-spending state. In they can be compared across of Syria — desperate for food, 10,000 who would be allowed to is that there is no more time to a 2014 report cited in USA Today, state lines. water and shelter, many of them enter will be removed from the argue about expectations; we states were ranked according to Our children need and deserve to victims of terror themselves — fit cauldron of war or of swarming have to maintain the higher bar what they spend on education; be as well-prepared as their peers that definition. refugee camps, where terrorists now put in place and commit to Massachusetts finished sixth with in the Bay State when it comes Government’s highest obliga- recruit. doing whatever it takes to ensure Rhode Island following right time to apply to college, serve their tion is to ensure the safety of its It is also vitally important that that our kids have the skills and behind at seventh. The difference country, or enter the workforce. citizens. At the same time, Amer- we not decide who can come in knowledge they need. in the average per pupil expen- To quote Gov. Gina Raimondo, ica’s power has been built on purely on the basis of religious So, what does PARCC tell us? diture is a mere $137 and yet, in responding to these results: welcoming outsiders and inte- affiliation. That flies in the face of Rhode Island’s results show somehow, our student outcomes “Our kids deserve better.” grating them into a culture shaped our values of pluralism, support that only 36 percent of students in are alarmingly disparate. by Enlightenment values, includ- for religious freedom and respect grades 3-10 are proficient in English I attended Massachusetts — Erika Sanzi, an occasional con- ing the rule of law and respect for for the individual. (Also referred to as ELA/Literacy) public schools from K through tributor, writes for Education Post the rights of every person. The message sent to the world while Massachusetts boasts a 12, taught in schools in both and at Goodschoolhunting.org. Our generosity and decency are by our support for some of the proficiency rate of 60 percent. In states, and am raising three kids She has taught high school in Mas- a beacon of light in a dark world. wretched of Syria will be a strong mathematics, Rhode Island’s pro- in Rhode Island. I can say without sachusetts, California and Rhode This spirit stands in stark con- one. As Mr. Inslee put it, “We also ficiency rate is 25 percent while the hesitation that the expectations Island, and has served on the trast to ISIS terrorists, who divide have to win the moral battle.” Bay State’s is 52 percent. and culture around education Cumberland School Committee.