It’s not really a “theory” at all. It is a social movement, akin to a religion. The movement’s critics describe it as “woke” or “Cancel Culture.” (Pluckrose and Lindsay use the less judgmental term “Critical Theory.”) The movement rejects any name for itself. Because the movement rejects any name for itself, it is The Movement …(Read More)
To Recap: The SFSD School Board Election of 2023
For your consideration and mine, I offer this recap of the May 2023 special election for Silver Falls School District School Board Zone 7. Party Affiliation Demographics First of all, this is a very conservative district. Last year, running as a Democrat, I lost the 2022 election for the Oregon State House of Representatives by …(Read More)
A Changing Perspective
As a School Board candidate, there is one question of overriding concern: and it’s so hot-button and controversial right now that we avoid talking about it.
Improving Educational Outcomes
This post is just a brief collection of ideas about how we can improve educational outcomes for Oregon’s students. Smaller class sizes • Teach phonics • Support kids with special needs • Access to books and computers • Vocational training • Enrichment programs • De-emphasize standardized testing.
Where Faith in Democracy Meets Self-Help
I have faith in democracy. I believe in the power of self-help. When we apply the principles of self-help to our practice of democracy, we all win.
Fund Farms to Fight Inflation
Let’s talk about inflation. The problem is too urgent to ignore. Inflation is currently a very serious problem in America. Inflation is impacting us all, with the poor and elderly hit particularly hard. As policy makers, we must address the problem of inflation. Causes of Current Inflation The current inflationary period has two primary …(Read More)
Smith vs. Lewis: A Clear Distinction
I’m Jesse Smith, candidate for the Oregon State House of Representatives. While I was out knocking on doors this past weekend, I spoke to a constituent who made a remark that made me think it’s time to explain the difference between myself and my opponent, the incumbent Republican Rick Lewis. There is a clear distinction …(Read More)
A Well-Regulated Militia?
I’m writing this because my high-school age child asked me to speak out on this issue. His request was really touching. I felt it in my heart. I could not ignore such a request, and therefore I am speaking out. I’m campaigning for the Oregon State Legislature to represent the largely rural House District 18, …(Read More)
SFSD Teachers Speak
Teacher’s Union Survey Results The local free monthly newspaper Our Town published a very relevant article about teacher burnout, shortly after I had published my earlier position piece about fully funding Oregon’s public schools. Complete with attention-grabbing charts, the Our Town article describes the results of a survey conducted by the local teachers’ union here …(Read More)
Jesse S. Smith Receives Endorsements for the May 2022 Primary Election
I’m grateful for the endorsements I have received for this year’s primary election. I would like to offer a huge thank-you to the organizations, and to their representatives who I have spoken with as part of this process. These endorsements represent a huge step forward for this campaign. These organizations do their due diligence in …(Read More)
Fully Fund Public Education
One of the main reasons I got into this race is because I want to see Oregon fully fund its public schools. I’m a parent, with children attending public school here in the Silver Falls School District. As a parent, it’s easy to see that the schools are in need of support. Since getting into …(Read More)
Overtime for Farm Workers
On February 6, I had the opportunity to attend a screening of the documentary, “Food Chains: The Revolution in America’s Fields,” hosted by the Silverton Grange. The film starkly reveals the impoverished conditions endured by the farm laborers who plant, tend, and harvest the food that you and I eat every day. After the movie, …(Read More)