Norman Yee and JROTCI've gotten some calls and emails on our school board endorsements, particularly our comment that we couldn't back Rachel Norton because of her support for JROTC. (Okay, that photo's a bit of a cheap shot; she discusses her own position here.
Well, school activist Caroline Grannan asked me, why did you endorse Yee -- who, according to the Chronicle's summary of candidate positions, is also a JROTC backer. In fact, Fog City Journal described him as supporting the military program.
In our endorsement interview, Yee told us he would not vote to bring back JROTC and that he didn't support Prop. V. What's up? It's a fair question.
I called Yee today and here's what he said, for the record:
"My position in JROTC has been misquoted all over. I do not support the JROTC ballot measure. I will not vote to bring back JROTC to the schools. I have always said that I support JROTC if it meets state requirements. But since it doesn't, I'm not for bringing it back. People ask these yes-or-no questions, and they don't understand what my position really is."
So there you have it.
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Comments (4)
What a bunch of baloney. You report what he said today, but what he says to you and what he says to the chronicle differ, have you no opinion about that?
Posted by Allison | October 21, 2008 09:36 PM
You endorsed Wicoff, but is she really against JROTC? In answering the SF Green Party's questionnaire, she seemed to be supporting it, which is why we endorsed only Lopez, Fewer, and Yee. Wicoff's answers are here.
Posted by JMC | October 23, 2008 09:02 AM
Here is what Wicoff said on teh Green Party Questionairre:
While the anti-gay and pro-war nature of our military is troubling, the JROTC program provides positive leadership training, discipline, and peer support to students that helps them grow as individuals and stay engaged in their education. In voting to phase out this program the Board and district promised to develop alternative programs to meet those needs. They have failed to do so. Cutting a program that benefits so many students without providing alternatives is detrimental to both students and schools. Until viable options are created I think it is important to continue to support these students, just as I support our troops while vehemently opposing the war. >>
The above is pretty much what Rachel Norton said, yet you endorsed Wicoff and not Rachel Norton?
I think you need to address this closely in your next issue, it's the fair thing to do. Admit you didn't do your homework and revise your endorsements.
Also, I am getting emails from people supporting Wicoff that say 'we urge you to join us and vote YES on Prop. 8". Is Wicoff in favor of Prop 8 ???? That's political suicide, in this town.
Posted by Grace | October 25, 2008 10:38 AM
Closing down the ROTC program is shameful. It only hurts the kids and glorfies the wrong agenda.
Chris
Posted by Chris King | May 14, 2009 05:53 PM