YPSILANTI HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL LOOKING AT FEDERAL BRIBERY CHARGES: YPSI KIDS CAN'T CATCH BREAK

So a couple of years ago or so there was this Ypsilanti/Willow Run schools merger. As many of you may know this poorly managed merger was widely covered by this publication. I wrote in detail about how dismissively  teachers in the districts were treated by the administration during the merger. There is no need to re-hash all of that mess now. The point is that because of the fact that teachers were treated poorly the children in the end suffered as well. But wait! There is more! As reported by MLive today it turns out that the principal of Ypsilanti High School, Tanya Bowman, is facing federal bribery charges stemming from her time as a principal in Detroit Public Schools.

Haven't students in Ypsilanti been subjected to enough problems already over the last couple years?! What with reports of school over crowding and issues of safety in the new consolidated district, some of those accusations coming in anonymously to Purple Walrus Press in 2013 from teachers, enough already! For all of the talk in this nation about about the importance of positive role models for students and young people how ironic is it that the principal of a major high school in our area is facing federal charges for bribery and that school business was sited as a tool in the alleged scheme.

Aren't teachers and school administrators supposed to embody positive ethics, morals, decision making and setting the bar high as far as values or whatever you would like to call it? Apparently, that way of thinking is as out-dated as letter men jackets and Bobby socks. IF these allegations are true what a pitiful example Tanya Bowman and 12 other Detroit Public Schools officials have made for students.

Jeff Brown
Editor in Chief  Purple Walrus Press

FLINT WATER CRISIS: LOVING THAT CONGRESS CALLED OUT SHIFTY SNYDER AND EPA DOPES BUT NOW WHAT?!

Two weeks ago I could hardly contain myself as I sat down at home to watch the Flint Water Crisis congressional hearing in Washington D.C. at 9:00 am.  I found the right CSPAN channel and everything! I successfully dropped off my daughter at school, and the dog (Ringo) was walked in break neck speed just so I could sit down in front of the tube and watch congress rip Shifty Snyder and the EPA dope Gina McCarthy to smithereens. These two crooks made damn sure that residents of my hometown are now completely submerged in poisonous, and toxic water that is spewing from taps throughout the city of Flint.

Yes, congressmen and congress women strongly scolded Shifty Snyder and the EPA dope McCarthy. Boy, congress really let them have it! They humiliated, pummeled and knocked the crap out of Snyder and McCarthy all right and yes, it was awesome: A sight to behold! But wait. Now what? Was that it? Has anything changed? Has anything happened? Whats the up-shot of the hearings? Is congress now doling out punishment? Now that the truth is coming to light what are the consequences for Shifty Snyder and the EPA dopes? Have I missed something? Was the congressional hearing in Washington D.C. all for show? say it ain't so! The residents of Flint and those of us from Flint and have family in the area need action, answers, and punitive action taken now. Right now!

Jeff Brown
Editor in Chief
Purple Walrus Press

FLINT WATER CRISIS: SHAME ON YOU STATE OF MICHIGAN. WHAT A DISGRACE! WHERE IS THE URGENCY!

First, let me say that I am from Flint. It is my hometown and where I grew up and began a teaching career. I have always remained very attached to the city even though I have lived in Ypsilanti for the last twelve years. I realize that much has been written about the abominable situation in Flint, but the water crisis I believe is the worst man made disaster in United States history!

Because of some of the work I do I have seen up close and personal the kind of hell that residents of Flint are dealing with, not to mention the fact that I have family in the Flint area. How horribly sobering it is to know that the State of Michigan cares not at all for the residents of Flint. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality certainly doesn't care. Obviously Governor Snyder doesn't care. Even the so called Environmental Protection Agency doesn't give a crap either. What a dreadful commentary on our state and our country.

Even though there has been a ton of media attention nothing has happened as far as fixing the crisis. Where is the urgency? Why are there not teams of doctors setting up mobile units in Flint reaching out to residents suffering physically and emotionally from the effects of the having ingested and bathed in poisonous water? Why are there not teams and teams of work crews and equipment digging up and replacing lead laden corrosive water lines throughout the entire city? This is the United States for crying out loud. This country has the resources! I don't see urgency. Appalling.

Jeff Brown
Editor in Chief
Purple Walrus Press.

ORGANIZATIONS THAT SHOULD AND SHOULD NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS

1. Rural White People- Nope, too risky can't trust them.

2. Black Panther Party- Yes, absolutely! Black people have been attacked by white people for centuries!

3. Charles Manson and His "Family".- Ok, they looked cool, but they were coo-coo! No.

4. Weather Underground- Um, you tell me. Young people were being drafted and forced to fight a war and kill millions of Vietnamese civilians.

5. Tea Party- No, definitely not, (see Rural White People above) Also Coo Coo.

  Plus a bonus!  The Symbionese Liberation Army, you know, Patty Hearst.- Yes, by virtue of the fact that they had a real cool name!

Jeff Brown     Editor in Chief

Purple Walrus Press

The Return Of Purple Walrus Press!

As many of you know in 2012 I founded Purple Walrus Press which is an alternative news, views and reviews publication. Lo and behold  PWP managed to obtain a fairly large readership in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. Very cool! In 2015 I decided to cease publication of PWP, but alas, I came to regret ending the publication. I am happy to announce the resurrection of Purple Walrus Press! PWP is dedicated to human rights, social justice, free thought and other groovy things like that. Look for new articles soon! Heck, in times like these you need a Purple Walrus Press! I'm also happy to announce contributing writers Joannah Soderborg and Morty Cohn.

Thanks!

Jeff Brown    Editor in Chief