"Hoosier School Heist," is a scathing analysis of the privatization of education in the United States, with a special focus on Indiana, written by Doug Martin. Mr.  Martin will be a guest on Civil Discourse Now today, streamed live from The Foundry at 236 East 16th Street, from 11 am to 1 pm.

   "Hoosier School Heist" portrays corporate greed and political corruption in a bipartisan light: the two "major" political parties have participated equally in the effort to dismantle this country's system of public education.

   There were shortcomings in the system of public education of which I was a product. Teachers too often were hired first on the basis of whether an individual could coach. Class sizes were too great. Not enough money was spent on facilities. The American public school system was important in our advancement in the 20th Century. Now vouchers, charter schools and other efforts to privatize primary and secondary education are killing educational opportunity for people of lower incomes while lining the pockets of those who already have money.

   Mr. Martin's book is alarming and damn good.

   Also joining us will be Justin Oakley, host of “Just Let Me Teach” and former candidate for Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction.

   Please join us from 11 am to 1 pm.