Phoenix Blog

I'll tell you what possessed her to write such a letter: The student's surname.

I'm sure the Senator thought that Ana's parents were undocumented and can't vote.

Sen. Linda Gray thinks that every person with a Hispanic surname is undocumented .. or to put it in her own terminology "Illegal" .

For some one in an elected office and being the bible-thumper that she is, she sure seems like the devil.

What a douche bag Linda Gray is.

Nice to know out elected leaders think so little of the people they serve of all kinds and intelligence levels.

"You should be ashamed of displaying such ignorance in writing to a public servant. Perhaps you watch too much TV or don't know how to speak proper English."

This was so uncalled for -- come on?

Perhaps you watch too much t.v.? It sounds rather speculative and judgmental (without even knowing the circumstances of the student).

Don't know how to speak proper English? Neither does the good State Senator, I'm afraid.

Yeah, I agree that her gratituous "don't know how to speak proper English" comment is hard to dismiss outright -- specially given the student's last name (Garcia). That was wholly inappropriate -- very unbecoming of a state legistator.

Here is a copy of my response to Ana:
Dear Ana,
I am sorry for speaking harshly to you. You really do have many people who have stood up for you and care about you. Let me name a few: Sarah Schlesinger, Kathleen Scharlau, Brianne Darby & Ceily Erie.

I would like to invite you to be my guest at the Senate. We have a program called "shadowing" in which we can invite people to follow us for the day. I think you would find Wednesdays to be most interesting as I have committees for Public Safety & Human Services in the morning and K-12 Education in the afternoon. You can invite an adult to come with you, such as a teacher or your parents. Please let me know if this would be possible as I would like to make it up to you.

Ana responded back that she would like me to come to her school to show me her accomplishments. I have accepted in order to apologize to her in person and to encourage her.

Most times when a student or teacher sent me an email I would let Ana know that she had many friends who became an advocate for her. I hope through all of this that Ana has gained many new friends and lots of encouragement. I hope Ana learns that being smart is not the greatest talent that someone is given or earned, but that by someone's effort and hard work they can become a great community asset.

Concerning Stacy's comments: This has nothing to do with a Hispanic surname. My great legislative assistant is Hispanic and my best friend and neighbor in Albuquerque was Hispanic. I have many friends who are Hispanic.
Senator Linda Gray

Linda,

Although your follow up letter and actions are sincere it seems, its still is no excuse for the language you set forth in the initial response. You have the duty and honor to serve the people, which you represent. You need to take that fact very seriously, or you need to find another job.
I'm very, very angry with you for that tone to an innocent child trying to just get involved. I sincerely hope you take this as a lesson in humility, and before you respond with such haste again remember that you serve the people, like Ana.

Oopsie! I just learned that's Erin Gray. Still, a fantastic show. Keep those hate letters to illegal special needs students coming.

-Davetron

It's not uncommon for politicians to believe everyone is beneath them once the elections have pasted.

Once again, an Arizona politician shows how dumb the Maricopa County voters are by who they vote into office.

This will not go unnoticed come election time in District 10. This women claims to follow Christ but responds so callously and her heart seems to be filled with so much hate.

The last line of her email in which she states "don't know how to speak proper English." is a racial jab in my opinion. The Garcia's of this district are not only neglected when Linda works in the state house but now their children are subject to ridicule. Shame on you Linda and I will be voting and working against you come 2010.

If that really was a copy of Senator Gray's reply letter, she should be doubly ashamed. After attacking a student's grammar with a letter or terrible grammar herself, her second letter of apology had serious grammatical problems as well, while also still managing to talk down to the student.

"Most times when a student or teacher sent me an email I would let Ana know that she had many friends who became an advocate for her."

This sentence doesn't even make any sense, no matter how many times I re-read it. I can't figure out what she meant. It seems to have 2 thoughts that should be separated into 2 different sentences: "If a student or teacher sent me an e-mail regarding this issue [which they did], I let Ana know about them. I would let her know that she has many friends advocating for her."

On to her still managing to talk down to the student:
Her first sentence says she's sorry. She declines to admit doing anything wrong apart from "speaking harshly" to the student, merely saying that there are others who came to Ana's defense. I believe a true apology includes admitting wrongdoing on the part of the person doing the apologizing.

"I hope Ana learns that being smart is not the greatest talent that someone is given or earned..."
Now not only are we screwing up the grammar, we're also talking down to the student. "Someone is given or earned" is not correct - "someone is given" works fine but the "or" separates "someone is earned"... which should be "someone earns". So the correct version would be "someone is given or earns."
Senator Gray here basically is saying that being smart doesn't matter, and by beginning that sentence on the negative, implies that the student is not smart, and says that it doesn't matter. Hardly words of encouragement or apology in my book. Hard work and effort are the biggest factors in increasing a person's intelligence and "smartness" if you ask me - and I should know, I've been a teacher for 5 years.

The last paragraph about having Hispanic co-workers, friends, and neighbors is really weak. Saying you have friends that are Hispanic is just a weak way to try to look more sensitive to people of different ethnicities. It didn't help me much to say "well, I have lots of black friends" to my students when I (a white guy) was teaching in the inner city. I got the biggest respect from my students when I showed them video of my saxophone hero John Coltrane and they realized he was black (after playing them a few audio recordings in previous classes and telling them how Coltrane was my favorite saxophonist). You have to show that respect, not just "say" you have it. Frankly, by sending off such an unprofessional reply e-mail and then a poorly written apology after, Senator Gray doesn't show much respect for anyone, especially the constituents she is supposed to serve.

Last, I would like to comment on a particularly biting comment in her first e-mail, "By your poorly written email, your example tells me that
all the money we have spent on your education shows a lack of learning
on your part."
Senator Gray shows an obvious lack of learning on her part by ignoring vast quantities of scientific research in education. Arizona is ranked 49th and poised to rank 50th in spending per pupil in public education, and our students' performance is just about the same. Why do students do better in national standardized tests in states that spend more money per pupil on education? It's because they have the resources to teach students properly, and a big part of those resources is money. To say that the money spent on a student's education is wasted money is to ignore that research and ignore the fact that Arizona students are truly getting "left behind". Arizona is already seriously lagging behind the rest of the US, and we need to close that gap, not let it get bigger.

You can apologize as much as you want Linda but we really got to see your character in that letter. We know the apology is just because it ended up in the paper, not from genuine remorse.

Although I'm sure Sen. Gray regrets the tone (and grammar) of her response in hindsight, it's important to remember that she is a good woman who has dedicated much of her life to strengthening Arizona's education system. I know, I'm a product of the Washington Elementary District (she was on the board the entire time I attended).

As with a football game, it's easy to play armchair quarterback from home... but few of us would last a second on the field in an NFL game. Similarly, there are few of us who would make the tremendous sacrifice it takes to be a member of our state's legislature - at an annual pay of $24,000 and with a population who quickly forgets a life's worth of dedicated and productive public service over one gaffe.

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem... I would speculate that not one viewer of this page has the answer to our state budget woes! (But if you do, please consider running for the legislature.)

The way Rep. Gray adressed a concerned adolescent is absolutely appalling. It is very disheartening to see such a lack of respect and manners in a "public servant," as well as knowing that she is representing her constituents while lacking these two characteristics. Her email exuded self-righteousness and disdain; I wouldn't be surprised if her personality and overall demeanor exuded the same.

Sure you're not racist.

Ms Senator,
I applaud recent critique concerning the Student, that was pretty much illiterate. In no way was an apology necessary. That's the problem in this Country, today. Everyone is afraid of offending those who need to be corrected the most due, to the righteous bleeding heart Liberals, (who are destroying this Country) causing the destruction, of our Educational, Constitutional and the systematic way Government should be ran.
The waste of our tax dollars, not only for Education but, for any Government Institution, geared at making this Country Great, has been sacrificed for, Officials being afraid of, offending someone who may or may not have a right to be in this country in the first place.
Please, Senator Gray, Don't apologize for stating your opinion (correctly) regardless how others feel. Please, stick to your beliefs.
The people suffering sensitivities, are the very people lacking the inadequacies this Country suffers most, EDUCATION.
I respect a person who tells it like it is.
What upsets me is, the apology factor, that is used so often afterward, because someone didn't like what was said, like I said, the ones needing directness the most.
In ending, Senator Gray, don't take offense in my email, I apologize for nothing.
frank.guerassio@live.com

The email response from Senator Linda Gray to the ESL and special needs student was appalling to me and to most valley residents for several reasons. First, it is hard to believe that an elected official of our state can be so offensive, rude, and clearly degrading to a ninth grade student. In my mind there is nothing she can say or do to erase her actions from the public's memory. She clearly demonstrated her lack of sensitivity and knowledge, and her prejudice (not only because of the Hispanic surname issue but for the "you probably watch too much television" comment as well). How can any intelligent adult, senator or not, make such a prejudicial statement like that?
Well, I would like to make some prejudicial statements of my own regarding Linda Gray: Her English skills are far from perfect; her email responses posted online are hard to read and understand clearly -- and she is a native speaker! I doubt she was a straight A student in English or any of her courses for that matter (I have some preconceived ideas of my own :) She doesn't seem to be the sharpest tool in the shed, but that has NOT prevented her from getting elected in Arizona.
Therefore, Linda Gray should not be so judgmental nor condescending to a ninth grade student who was taking INITIATIVE and demonstrating RESPONSIBILITY by contacting her district's senator. Ana Garcia was simply doing what she thought all constituents in a democratic society should do -- inquire, challenge, and seek out information in a free society. She had no intention of attacking the senator or her policies -- she merely wanted answers to a complex issue. On the other side of this matter, Linda Gray represents all that is wrong with our democratic society today -- prejudice, finger pointing, negative campaign tactics, and diverting attention from the issue at hand!
Secondly, her email also demonstrates her obvious lack of understanding of the language acquisition process. If she had any background knowledge whatsoever in language acquisition, then she would immediately have realized (from the type of mistakes in Ana's email) that English was not her first language. Instead of prejudging Ana and her English skills, the obtuse Senator could have inquired about Ana's educational background. This would have averted her email response gaffe, and it might have turned out positively if Ms. Gray found it in her minuscule, Grinch-sized heart to actually COMMEND Ana for her concern and initiative, as well as her academic perseverance.
It doesn't surprise me, however, that here in Arizona an elected official can be so obtuse and insensitive to others who are different from them.

I was wondering how long it would take for the Bible thumpers, and card Pullers, to attack another Politician (Ms Gray) for stating her opinion. May I state, my Daughter and Nephew are Special Needs Persons, and very adapt and conscious in relating to their environment. Why? Because, we as parents take responsibility for making sure our Educational System, provides the proper teaching, then reinforce these teachings through Child rearing and continued interactions with our love ones. We make sure our Child's, not left behind by, not refering to a single source to supply their Special Needs. We as parents, don't blame the powers that be, should our children not perform at their level. Only we can fail our Children, not society. The Government, is not responsible for raising Children, so stop blaming everybody but, yourself. If they can't Read, Can't write, Can't perform on the level their expected to, YOU, Ms or Mr. Parent, Failed your child (Special needs or not)your to blame for not taking the responsibility by, being there for them. Don't give me that, sob sad story, you have to work, Please, I work 40 to 50 hours a week and still find time for my Kids. Half of you out there are on some sort of subsidy, (from the very Government you love to hate, but love to take MONEY from), "Yea, I said it, It's a fact, if to sensitive to listen hear, then find another source of support". No doubt, all the Card pullers, and Righteous fanatics are fuming. Don't care, I don't need your votes, if the truth isn't nice, get over it, it's still the truth. Condemning, me for my opinion isn't American, boy, there are lots of people in this Country who, act anything other then American. You can always express that American, free will of yours and go back to that lovely Country you came from, should our laws not apply to you. I mean that.
Once upon a time, you had to speak English, know the our Constitution, Swear to abide by our laws, not come to this Country, protest, march, rant and rave that you can't read English and want the signs changed and how unfair it is to be denied this or that, even though 20 Million of you are illegally in this Country.
I feel bad for Ms Gray, or any Politician, who, makes a decision to state a fact, only to be told, someone was offended. Of course someone got offended, nobody likes to be criticize, even if it's meant in a corrective manner. Learn America, Learn to be a little less sensitive.
Thanks, Mayor Schwarzenegger, I loved your: "Stop being a sissy Man" remark. (should be made law) To bad it's not taken serious.
frank.guerassio@live.com

Ms Gray, should be given every opportunity to express herself anyway she feels. To bad there are those who have to find fault with any inference's implied by upstanding well educated people, who have taken the steps to overcome poverty, career opportunities and the right to decide not to be illiterate. Ms Gray, has earned the right, (through her achievements)to present a correct analysis to an underachiever(irrespective the mental capacity of the utterer) to show that individual there is a better way of communicating.
Apparently, her assessment was rejected so that the righteous,(who can't wait to pounce)may express their STUPIDITY and IGNORANCE (Just look at some of those beautifully written letters of expression).
Regardless, the intent of a well meaning helpful lesson by a respected Highly Educated Person: Here come the illiterate protesters, no doubt part of the 20 Million or so illegal immigrants who just had to side with one of their own, regardless the right or wrong aspects of the issue. It doesn't matter that a offer of genuine concern was offered, what matters is the righteous have now extended a helping hand to the Special Needs Student, who can no longer benefit from Ms Grays, assessment because, she's not of their ethnicity.
Suffice it to say, those 20 or so million illegals, will Support Ms Special Needs, and those like her, and the rest of their kind through their TAXES, and educate all the illiterate among them, Just like they did before they left their own Country.
frank.guerassio@live.com

I was writing a comment afew minutes ago, however it accidentally was cut off. I will attempt to finish where I believe It was interrupted.
It was along the lines of: our elected Officials, not wanting to say anything that might upset the new Majority in this Country, the 20 or so million Illegal Immigrants. It's my belief no offensive or rhetorical remarks are forth coming because, their over population the Country and eventually will succeed with this quest because our Government keeps supplying them with the means to do so. Welfare, Free Housing, Stamps, whatever is necessary to keep BREEDING, in order to make them legal. Just Breed and you will be allowed to stay with the illiterate brat.
Of course our Officials aren't stopping anything, which in turn encourages this behavior. Their weak, afraid of offending or making a disparating remark. Wake up Government people, were being made fools of. The Blacks did it, and who better do the immigrants have to learn from. Look how far they've come. They are the majority now, so if nothing is done, we'll have the next ethnicity in place. I'm not necessarily opposed to anyone being in masses sticking it to the Government, but wake up and smell the roses, it's outa hand.
frank.guerassio@live.com

As a woman who has struggled with dyslexia and ADD all my life, I'm not at all sure how to feel about Ms. Gray's comments. I will say that I was one of the lucky ones. I was able to find ways to work through my learning disability. I went on to college, graduated, and then went back to school to become a teacher. I'm currently teaching -- of all things -- high school English. I'm thrilled that Ana wrote to Ms. Gray and was able to speak her mind. I'm just lucky I was never shot down that way. Ana showed great fortitude after an adult demeaned her so cruelly. I can only hope that Ms. Gray was having a wretched day. That can be the only possible explanation (notice I didn't say excuse) for such a response to a young person.

Ironically, it doesn't matter to me that Ana is in the Special Education program at her school. I work with teens every day, and the last thing they really need is to be demeaned by adults. Perhaps if we spent more time SHOWING them how to be civil we'd be burying fewer children. Ms. Gray was lucky. No, she really was! This is a valuable lesson for her. If Ana didn't have so many advocates on her side, perhaps Ms. Gray would never have realized exactly how out of line she was. Perhaps she would never have recognized her cruel response for what it was. It seems to me that it's more important to treat other people with consideration (or at least civility) than it is to be more gentle with people who have disabilities of some sort.

I am learning disabled. That does not entitle me to MORE kindness or consideration. I am a human being. That does entitle me to the same kindness or consideration one would extend to any other human being.

Perhaps we should find some the remaining education budget money (there isn't much left, after all) to fund a human awareness class for our people... perhaps instead of teaching tolerance, we should teach acceptance.