🐾 Unleashing Controversy: Dan Shearer Challenges PACC Director's "Barking Mad" Claims on Racist Roots of Dog Licensing
🚌 Electric Dreams or Fiscal Nightmare? TUSD's Bus Debate Heats Up 🏙️ Donut or Mirage? Unpacking Tucson's Urban "Decline" Narrative 🐾 Bark of Injustice: The Surprising Racial History of Dog License
Based on the 8/14/24 Wake Up Tucson Show on KVOI-1030AM in Tucson, AZ.
In 1792, George Washington wrote a letter to his estate manager at Mount Vernon. In the letter, George Washington addressed some issues about dogs on the estate. Washington was very clear about his expectations about African Americans and their ownership of dogs. “It is not for any good purpose Negros raise, or keep dogs; but to aid them in their night robberies; for it is astonish to see the command under which their dogs are.” Washington also stated that if a “negro presumes under any pretense (sic) whatsoever, to preserve, or bring one into the family, that he shall be severely punished, and the dog hanged”
😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾
🏙️ Tucson is changing, and people have different ideas about how to make it better! 🚌 Some want electric school buses to help the environment, but others worry they're too expensive. 🏫 People are voting for school leaders who can help all kids learn. 🏘️ Some think the city is getting worse, but others see ways to make it nicer for everyone. 🐕 Even rules about pets have a surprising history! 💡 The most important thing is to think about how to make Tucson fair and good for all people and animals. It's not always easy, but working together can make our city awesome! 🌟
🗝️ Takeaways
🌍 Environmental justice and fiscal responsibility can align with long-term thinking
📚 Education policy must address both academic basics and systemic inequalities
🏘️ True urban renewal lifts up existing communities, not just attract new businesses
👮 Public safety solutions should focus on root causes, not just increased policing
🐶 Animal welfare policies have a surprising connection to racial justice history
🤝 Progressive solutions require a nuanced understanding of complex issues
📚 Topics Discussed
🚌 Electric Bus Controversy at TUSD The Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) is facing criticism for its plan to purchase 10-11 electric buses. Critics argue that the decision is rushed without considering long-term costs and practicality. Concerns about the buses' performance in Tucson's extreme heat and the potential for battery fires have been raised. The purchase is being subsidized by various grants and rebates, which some argue masks the true cost to taxpayers.
🏫 TUSD Board Election: A Potential Power Shift The upcoming TUSD board election has become a focal point for those seeking change in the district's leadership. With three seats up for grabs, including those of incumbents Ravi Shah and Natalie Luna Rose, challengers like Pilar Ruiz and Estevan Flores are presenting themselves as reform candidates. The election is framed as crucial for changing the district's direction, with strategic voting being encouraged to unseat current board members.
📉 Tucson's Economic Trajectory: A Tale of Decline? Some local leaders and commentators argue that Tucson has been on a downward economic trajectory since the 1980s. They point to the loss of corporate headquarters and missed opportunities for growth as evidence of this decline. Critics blame "NIMBY" (Not In My Back Yard) attitudes and progressive policies for driving away businesses and stifling development.
🏙️ The "Donut Effect": Core Decay and Suburban Growth A narrative is emerging that Tucson is experiencing a "donut effect," where the urban core is struggling while surrounding communities like Marana, Oro Valley, and Sahuarita are thriving. This pattern is attributed to various factors, including differing approaches to development and perceived differences in quality of life.
🚓 Public Safety Concerns in Tucson Recent incidents of violence, including a shooting with "190 bullets" at Swan and Speedway, have fueled concerns about public safety in Tucson. Critics argue that current city leadership is failing to adequately address crime and homelessness, leading to a deterioration of urban quality of life.
🏘️ Tucson Real Estate Market Analysis The local real estate market is showing signs of slowing down, with June sales down 23.9% compared to the previous year. However, the industrial sector remains strong, particularly around Tucson International Airport. The multifamily housing market is stabilizing after a period of rapid growth and high demand.
🗳️ Political Change as a Panacea? There's a strong push from conservative voices for a change in Tucson's political leadership. They argue that only by replacing current progressive leaders with more conservative or moderate voices can the city address its perceived decline. This narrative frames Tucson's challenges as primarily political rather than acknowledging complex socioeconomic factors.
📊 Educational Outcomes and TUSD Priorities Critics of TUSD leadership argue that the district prioritizes "social engineering" over improving basic educational outcomes. They point to low reading proficiency rates and claim that current board members are not focusing enough on core academic skills.
🌡️ Climate Considerations in Urban Planning The discussion of electric buses highlights broader questions about how Tucson should adapt to its harsh desert climate. While some argue for embracing new technologies, others caution about the practicality of certain "green" solutions in extreme heat.
💼 Corporate Exodus and Economic Development The departure of corporate headquarters from Tucson to other cities like Phoenix is a significant concern. This trend is linked to broader narratives about Tucson's economic competitiveness and ability to attract and retain businesses.
🐾 Unleashing Controversy: Monica Dangler's Polarizing Comments Spark Debate
The Wake Up Tucson show dedicated significant airtime to discussing recent controversial statements made by Monica Dangler, the director of Pima Animal Care Center (PACC). Host Chris DeSimone and guest Dan Shearer of the Green Valley News strongly criticized Dangler's social media posts and her approach to animal welfare issues.
Key points of controversy:
Racial and Class-Based Claims: Dangler suggested that dog licensing was historically implemented as a form of discrimination, stating: "Dog licensing, that was a tax implemented to keep poor people and people of color from owning pets." This claim was met with skepticism and criticism from the hosts.
Critique of Mandatory Spay/Neuter Programs: Dangler criticized "unfunded mandates like mandatory spay and neuter," suggesting they lead to "mass death" in most communities. She exempted "a small wealthy town to the north" (likely referring to Marana or Oro Valley), which the hosts saw as an unnecessary jab at neighboring communities.
Adoption Fee Controversy: Dangler argued against adoption fees, stating: "The fact is paying for an animal... Does it ensure you'll value that pet and never fall on hard times? Why would we discourage people from adopting from shelters by requiring an adoption fee when we're full and killing animals because we don't care for them at all?"
Accusations of Classism and Racism: In reference to criticism of free pet adoptions, Dangler wrote: "Nothing screams privilege and classism with a touch of racism. Then, stating that pets acquired during free pet adoption are thoughtlessly discarded when the adopters realize they can't afford or tire of them."
Chris DeSimone and Dan Shearer's reactions:
Professionalism Concerns: Both hosts questioned whether Dangler's social media posts were appropriate for someone in her position. Shearer stated, "I don't know if she was self-medicating. I can't imagine anybody in a public role would say these things."
Ethical Considerations: Shearer suggested that Dangler's comments might violate county ethics rules for employees, saying: "We should also be reminded again that the county does have certain ethics rules that its employees have to follow. And I wonder if she overstepped the boundaries."
Historical Accuracy: The hosts challenged Dangler's claims about the history of dog licensing, with Shearer saying: "I'm going to look up later today, dog licensing. This was a tax implemented to keep poor people and people of color from owning pets. Are you kidding me?"
Public Responsibility: DeSimone and Shearer emphasized that Dangler should be held to a higher standard of behavior and communication as a public figure.
Impact on PACC: The hosts expressed concern that Dangler's comments could negatively affect public perception of PACC and its mission.
From a progressive perspective, while Dangler's intentions may have been to address systemic inequalities in animal welfare, her approach and choice of words have clearly sparked controversy. The situation raises important questions about effective communication of complex social issues, the role of public officials in social media discourse, and the challenges animal welfare organizations face in addressing both animal needs and community concerns. Having these discussions is crucial, but they must be approached with nuance, factual accuracy, and an understanding of the diverse perspectives within the community.
🌵 Three Sonorans Commentary
🐾 Animal Welfare: Confronting a Legacy of Discrimination
The criticism of Monica Dangler, director of Pima Animal Care Center (PACC), highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of animal welfare issues, particularly in the context of historical discrimination. While some of Dangler's statements may have been poorly worded, her attempts to address systemic inequalities in pet ownership and animal care deserve closer examination, not outright dismissal.
Dangler's controversial statement that "Dog licensing, that was a tax implemented to keep poor people and people of color from owning pets" may seem extreme at first glance. However, historical evidence suggests that there is indeed a troubling legacy of racial discrimination in dog ownership laws and licensing practices in the United States.
According to research from the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University, there is a documented history of laws restricting dog ownership by African Americans, both during slavery and in the Jim Crow era. For instance:
In 1792, George Washington explicitly forbade enslaved people from owning dogs on his Mount Vernon estate, threatening severe punishment for any violations.
In 1806, Maryland passed a law making it unlawful for any "negro or mulatto" to keep a dog, with exceptions for free Black individuals who obtained a yearly license.
By 1858, several counties in Virginia had laws forbidding free Black people from owning dogs, with punishments including whippings and fines.
South Carolina passed a law in 1858 that taxed enslavers for every dog they allowed their enslaved persons to possess.
While Dangler's statement oversimplifies a complex history, it does point to a real and troubling pattern of using animal control laws as a tool of racial oppression. This history is not widely known or discussed, which may explain the strong reaction to her comments.
In light of this historical context, a progressive approach to animal welfare must:
Acknowledge and confront the racist history of animal control laws and practices
Examine current policies for potential discriminatory impacts, even if unintended
Work to ensure that animal welfare services and resources are equitably accessible to all communities
Engage in community outreach and education that is culturally sensitive and inclusive
Promote diversity in animal welfare leadership and decision-making roles
Furthermore, a truly progressive animal welfare policy would:
Provide equitable access to veterinary care and pet supplies in low-income areas
Implement community-based programs to reduce pet surrender rates
Focus on education and support rather than punitive measures for pet owners
Address the root causes of animal homelessness, including poverty and housing insecurity
Develop programs that keep pets with their families during times of financial hardship or housing transitions
The controversy surrounding Dangler's comments presents an opportunity for a broader community dialogue about the intersection of animal welfare and social justice. Rather than dismissing her statements outright, we should use this moment to educate ourselves about the historical context of animal control laws and work towards more equitable and just policies.
It's crucial that animal welfare organizations like PACC continue to grapple with these complex issues. While the language used to address these topics should be carefully considered, we must not shy away from confronting uncomfortable truths about the history of discrimination in our institutions.
As progressives, our goal should be to create animal welfare policies that protect both animals and the human-animal bond while actively working to dismantle systems of oppression that have historically used animal control as a tool of discrimination. This approach serves our animal companions better and contributes to the broader fight for social justice and equality in our community.
👩🏼🤝👨🏾 People Mentioned
Chris DeSimone
Host of Wake Up Tucson radio show
Conservative commentator critical of Tucson's current leadership
Quote: "So when you find a group that's going to do it, I'd love to hear it."
Hank Amos
Guest on the show, likely a real estate professional
Provided detailed analysis of Tucson's real estate market and economic history
Quote: "I think Tucson's heyday was in the mid 80s. Right. Yeah. I mean, we were rocking and rolling. We were top five on everybody's list."
Peter Norquist
Member of TUSD Bond Oversight Committee
Critic of the electric bus purchase plan
Quote: "They want to use bond money to pay for the buses, and they're trying to sell it as the better, more cost-effective option. And in a sense that's true, but it's only because they're getting massive, massive subsidies."
Tara Radliff
Co-host or frequent guest, likely associated with the Libertarian Party
Provided additional critique of TUSD's electric bus plan
Quote: "Excuse me. Um, I also want to bring up Peter talked about the maintenance and what they, what the TUSD bond oversight committee in their slideshow presentation is not giving a real world view of is these electric batteries."
Ravi Shah
Current TUSD board member up for re-election
Criticized by the hosts for his policies and decisions
No direct quotes, but discussed as part of a voting bloc with Natalie Luna Rose
Natalie Luna Rose
Current TUSD board member up for re-election
Criticized by the hosts for her policies and decisions
No direct quotes, but discussed as part of a voting bloc with Ravi Shah
Sadie Shaw
Current TUSD board member up for re-election
Described more favorably by the hosts as showing independence
Quote (about Shaw): "She listens very well to people, to constituents when they have a call to the public at a governing board meeting." - Peter Norquist
Pilar Ruiz
Candidate for TUSD board
Described favorably by the hosts as reform-minded
Quote (about Ruiz): "She calls them out on that. Look at the statistics. What are our ratings? How are the kids doing? What are you doing about it?" - Tara Radliff
Estevan Flores
Candidate for TUSD board
Mentioned positively as an alternative to incumbent board members
Quote (about Flores): "I'm called to serve to promote, to secure it, promote and secure the blessings of liberty."
Val Romero
Current TUSD board member, not up for re-election
Praised for his willingness to admit mistakes
Quote (about Romero): "He will own his mistakes and he is not afraid to take responsibility and apologize if he realizes that he has made a wrong decision." - Peter Norquist
Gabe Trujillo
Mentioned as having been on the show previously
Discussed TUSD's COVID-19 response and its impact on education
Paraphrased quote: "Their decisions during COVID blew up kids educational process."
Ted Maxwell
Mentioned briefly, seems to be a regular caller or guest
No specific quotes or context provided
Sergio
Caller to the show
Expressed concerns about Tucson's decline and political leadership
Quote: "They have created a donut. They have, we were talking about Fort Lowell yesterday."
Jan Lesher
Mentioned in passing, likely a local government official
No specific quotes or context provided
Monica Dangler
Mentioned critically, likely associated with Pima Animal Care Center (PACC)
No direct quotes, but criticized for social media posts
Bob Barker
Former game show host mentioned in reference to spay/neuter campaigns
No direct quotes, used as a cultural reference point
Don Diamond
Deceased local businessman mentioned critically
Quote (about Diamond): "You have financed the train wreck that is Pima County government."
Raul Grijalva
Congressman, mentioned critically
Quote: "This is all the brain trust of the Grijalva family."
Regina Romero
Likely the mayor of Tucson, mentioned critically
No direct quotes, but criticized for leadership style
Adelita Grijalva
Local politician, mentioned critically
No direct quotes, but criticized for leadership style
👁️ Propaganda AI-nalysis
Propaganda messages:
TUSD leadership is incompetent and wasteful
Tucson's current political leadership is destroying the city
Conservative/libertarian policies would improve Tucson's situation
Surrounding communities are thriving at Tucson's expense
Progressive policies are responsible for urban decay and crime
Overt messages:
Electric buses are a poor investment for TUSD
TUSD board election is crucial for changing district policies
Tucson has declined economically since the 1980s
Current city leadership is ineffective in addressing urban problems
Voters should strategically support specific TUSD board candidates
Hidden messages:
Progressive policies inevitably lead to economic decline
Only conservative leadership can save Tucson from further decay
Urban problems are primarily caused by political decisions, not complex socioeconomic factors
Suburban/exurban development is preferable to urban revitalization
Environmental concerns should be secondary to economic growth
Hidden opinions:
Tucson was better off under more conservative leadership in the past
Progressive voters are uninformed or apathetic
Public education should prioritize traditional metrics over social equity concerns
Economic growth should take precedence over environmental considerations
Urban problems are primarily the fault of individuals, not systemic issues
Claims made:
TUSD is rushing to purchase electric buses without proper consideration
Electric buses are impractical and potentially dangerous in Tucson's climate
Tucson was economically stronger and more attractive to businesses in the 1980s
Current TUSD leadership is prioritizing social engineering over educational outcomes
Surrounding communities like Marana and Oro Valley are benefiting from Tucson's decline
Changing political leadership is the primary solution to Tucson's problems
Strategic voting in the TUSD board election can significantly change district policies
Tucson's real estate market is slowing down compared to previous years
Public safety has significantly deteriorated in Tucson
The "woke left" is a small but highly organized faction within the Democratic party
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Previous Show:
🐾 Pets or Politics? The Hidden History of Discriminatory Animal Laws
Based on the 8/13/24 Wake Up Tucson Show on KVOI-1030AM in Tucson, AZ.
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