The New York State United Teachers (NYSUT)-spawned Alliance for Quality Education (AQE) just announced a video contest to pressure Governor Cuomo to keep spending more money on schools, AKA teachers, despite the catastrophic condition of state finances.

The contest, called “Dear Governor Cuomo”, invites “concerned community members” to submit videos lamenting Mr. Cuomo’s  proposed spending modifications to the most expensive educational system in the country, and itemizing how those reductions will ruin their lives.

The well-funded AQE — when are public service union fronts not well funded? — will award cash and prizes to the winners:  Three IPads and $1,000 in greenbacks that must be spent on classroom materials. Cute idea.

So cute in fact that The Alarmclock has decided to sponsor a contest of its own.
It is called “Dearest Governor Cuomo” and it invites “concerned community members” to submit supportive videos to Mr. Cuomo, cheering him on and itemizing how the highest taxes and the worst state business climate in America have affected them and their families.

The AlarmClock does not have a budget like AQE’s (NYSUT gave AQE $425,000 to play with) but we are offering lovely prizes, and cash as well.

Port Stephens First Prize: A used AT&T Blackberry Bold 9000.(Only went through the 2009 campaign cycle.)

Saint-Avertin Second Prize: A brand new retro lime-green Motorola Razr V3. The coolest.

Third Prize: Four shiny quarters that must be used in New York parking meters.(DOT needs the money.  Have you seen those potholes?)

Heard an expression last night for the first time:  Pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered. NYSUT is slipping into the latter category with this campaign. That won’t serve anyone well, not even its members.