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If you're new to this important education matter, get caught up here before reading this article. 

There have been a number of “turning points” throughout history. Some are political (the focus here) and some are not. And a turning point is simply a point in time when some significant change or event happens.

Today’s turning point is about a massively hideous public education bill (H454). You will see references below from numerous independent organizations that have reviewed this bill and have published their findings. The odds are good that you’ll come to a similar opinion.

The proposed bill (H454) came about in January of this year from the republican governor of Vermont, Phil Scott.

Now, back to the turning point idea...

Some turning points occur on a national or international scale. Some occur on a local or state scale.

The general population sometimes views the turning point as good and sometimes as bad.

Regardless of the scale of the turning point, oftentimes there are common characteristics which we can observe and learn from.

There is a “mouthpiece”. Someone that makes statements to the public. Often, the mouthpiece has minor or possibly major influence with some portion of the public.

If the public buys into what the mouthpiece says, the popularity of the mouthpiece grows. If there are opposing views (multiple mouthpieces), then there’s a lot of talking and the public may get confused or lose interest.

If there is a vote involved in the matter (public vote or a legislative vote) it’s up to the public to withstand the boredom and confusion so they can understand what’s really at stake.

Let’s simplify the process and get to the examples.

• STEP 1. The mouthpiece talks to the public.
• STEP 2. The public buys into the talk OR NOT.
• STEP 3. Some outcome happens (good or bad).

Let’s take 3 examples. Two are well known from past and present times. The most notorious is the Nazi era created by Adolph Hitler. The 3 steps mentioned above definitely happened and the outcome was World War II. From the current time we have the Donald Trump era. It's rather self evident that the 3 steps happened in that case. The third example is from current times here in Vermont - Governor Phil Scott.

If you noticed the timers above, they are to show you that there are only a few hours left before the legislature votes. The time to let your politician know where you stand is right now. After lunch or even after breakfast may be too late.