Joe May: 1944-2006

Allen Gwinn 2006-02-12 18:37 DISD (Schools)

It's one thing to have political differences with someone and wish they weren't in office. It's another thing when an elected representative dies in office--especially during key moments in his life and career.

By now, everyone has heard of the death of Dallas School Board member Joe May.

I have long been a critic of most of Joe's high-profile ideas, and remain one today. Come on. His biggest "accomplishments" have been the cause of embarrassment for Dallas, our schools and our kids.

He, reportedly, was abusive to DISD administrative staff and many questioned the motives for some of his political involvement.

Joe certainly did enough things to qualify him for the Buffoon-Of-The-Board award.

So it's really going to surprise a lot of people when I tell you this is not how I'm going to remember Joe May.

Joe did one thing that could, if put in the proper context, turn the tide of mediocrity at DISD.

Let me say that again to give people time to close their dropped jaws: Joe did one thing that could, if put in the proper context, turn the tide of mediocrity at DISD.

Joe, with all his faults and misdirection, proved that it is possible to "think outside the box."

And he irritated us.

As an example, I would go back and rehash Joe's "Spanish-Speaking Principal" proposal. Remember? This was the one where Joe wanted Spanish language proficiency to outweigh all other qualifications in school principals. Granted, that's not what passed, but that is certainly what Joe initially proposed.

But let's put that one aside for a moment.

Let's look at the current Joe May debacle that has cast the spotlight of ridicule on DISD once again: hire illegal migrants to teach our kids. Joe's position was that, if we could find a way to skirt immigration laws, we could simply hire lawbreakers and put them in the classroom as an example for our children.

Don't debate me on this: that's what he said and meant--you know it, and I know it.

What a dumb idea! Let's just try to find a way to weasel around Federal law and let Joe May slap millions of Hispanic citizens right in the face!

Joe proposed ignoring the well established laws and processes (legal immigration) some of these same Hispanic citizens used to rightfully become our brothers and sisters in this great land that was designed for immigration and naturalization.

So DISD gets to be a national laughingstock, yet again, and Joe did it.

But Joe's extreme, almost foolishly ridiculous proposal did one other thing: it focused attention on a issue. Rather, it focused national attention on one particular issue.

But Joe made us start thinking. Through all the misguided, politically-pandering rhetoric, Joe made us think. There were no committees, no focus groups, no discussions. There was just Joe. It was Joe's brainchild.

National talk radio shows have already picked up on Joe's idea. The mood has been one of overwhelming opposition and ridicule. I've been responding to emails from friends asking "who is this moron on the school board?"

Tomorrow, the talk show buzz will likely be: "the guy who proposed hiring illegal aliens to teach school in Dallas died from a heart attack over the weekend." This is how Joe will be remembered by most.

But not by me.

That crazy, political-pandering miscreant always did something nobody else in his right mind could: he got everyone else talking.

Intentionally or unintentionally, he got everyone thinking about a better plan--a better way to solve the problem. Undoubtedly, we will. But if it hadn't been for Joe's ridiculous plan, we probably wouldn't have the fierce debate we're going to have now. The outcome of the debate will likely not be what Joe had planned. But that's OK.

So that's the way I am going to remember Joe May.

Unconventional.

Out-of-the-box.

Got us talking.

Good night, Joe. Thanks for the memories.

Rest in peace.

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