Don't Believe the Hype

--This week, I am dealing with All Things FCAT, walking up and down aisles filled with nervous students, asking them to stay focused and do their best. Many issues ride on the results - graduation, school grades, funding, and bonuses. The Department of Education thinks FCAT is so important they've hired temporary workers to grade it.

That's right. Kelly Services is in charge of this gig and our reputations. How are low-paid, part-time workers qualified to grade the most important standardized test in Florida? Is this why it takes four months to get the results? Wow. FCAT - way important.

--Rod Smith is introducing legislation to require a paper trail for voting in Florida. Fantastic! Oh, wait a minute, didn't Rod Smith co-sponsor a bill in 2001 that did away with paper trails in the first place?

That's right. Voting systems that use paper ballots - way important. In an election year.

I'd rather a governor who understands a week of training isn't sufficient for determining whether students graduate or teachers get a bonus. I'd also prefer a governor who doesn't resort to election-year shenanigans.

And I'll bet Jim Davis knows you don't get gas from ATM machines.