Geoff Metcalf 
January 11, 1998 

Last week I wrote my first commentary for Cal News.com.  In it I presented  my concerns about the so called "English for the Children Initiative"  being squired by Ron Unz  (Troj-Unz Horse CalNews.com 1/3/98).

Alexander Hamilton once observed that "Man is a reasoning, rather than a reasonable animal."  I disagree with a great many things Hamilton maintained, but I agree with those words.

Reaction to last weeks commentary has been interesting, if not surprising.  I continue to delve into the "devil in the details" and have spoken with, and will speak with, many legislators and assorted community organizations.

I host a daily radio talk show on KSFO in San Francisco.  We are an anomaly: a conservative radio station in a very liberal city.  We are owned and operated by ABC (which in turn is owned and operated by Disney).  Within the staff of KSFO there is disagreement over the Unz initiative.  I have colleagues who support it, and others who (I feel) mistakenly think, "It's the best we can get".  I maintain a personal professional credo which holds "...it is not WHO is right or wrong, but 
WHAT (in MY opinion) is right or wrong."  I continue to feel that as written English for the Children is way wrong.  However, if or when, someone can present compelling arguments to my position, I can, and would, change my position.  

It will be most interesting to see if, or when, I can present compelling arguments that English for the Children is as duplicitous as I feel it is, there are legislators who have the courage to acknowledge their errors, regardless of how unintended.

I am encouraged by the support of several people who's opinion I value, and concerned by opposition of others, who's opinion I also value.  Attorney Allan Favish recently wrote an Op/Ed piece in the L.A. Times stating his legal opinion that "English for the Children" kills Proposition 187.  Favish will be my guest on the air Monday (1/12/98).  Glynn Custred, co-author of Proposition 209 agrees with me, and will be my guest on the air Thursday (1/15/98).  

Assemblyman Tom McClintock, Republican Whip, disagrees with us, and he will be my guest on the air Friday (1/16/98).  Ron Unz has an open invitation to join me on the air at his convenience, and I will be speaking with his people in an effort to formalize the invitation and arrange a date and time.

Monday last I met with State Senator Richard Mountjoy, and in the wake of that meeting he has requested a Legislative Counsel legal opinion to determine if English for the Children overrides the previous Prop 187 ruling regarding Plyler vs Doe.

I maintain my previously stated position that the Unz Initiative is a brilliantly deceptive finesse designed to abrogate Prop 187.  Not surprisingly, Unz reportedly denies that.  However, it is significant that he also reportedly has thus far refused to provide comment (verbal or written) which guarantees the integrity of Prop 187.

I don't intend to make a career out of this one single issue. However, I will provide a follow-up and conclusions as they develop.
 

Geoff Metcalf can be heard Monday through Friday from 9:30am to Noon on KSFO at 560AM.  Information on his newsletter can be found at:  http://www.ksfo560.com/Personalities/GM.htm