Deborah Simmons
Articles by Deborah Simmons
SIMMONS: Government of D.C. can’t thwart thieves
D.C. officials are deceiving themselves — and you — if they think the government will be able to outwit larcenous-hearted thieves once its online gambling program is up and running. Published September 11, 2011
SIMMONS: Separate-but-equal schools argument reborn
Separate but unequal. That was the legal theory the NAACP successfully used to bat down public school segregation. Published September 7, 2011
SIMMONS: Race-baiting on both sides makes labor pains worse
Labor Day, like most man-made holidays, means different things to different people, and today leads to more of the same. Published September 4, 2011
SIMMONS: D.C. voters want term limits, ethics reform
The washed-out rally for D.C. voting rights isn't about freedom or democracy. It's a feeble mockery to thwart what D.C. voters want and what city hall sorely needs — term limits and ethics reform. Published August 28, 2011
SIMMONS: The undoing of a village’s character
From Los Angeles to the District, police officials are investigating bands of marauders; some appear to be racially motivated because the assailants are black and the victims are white, while others are partaking in black-on-black crime. Published August 21, 2011
SIMMONS: This is what’s under my skin
The NCAA booster cats are out of the bag courtesy of con man extraordinaire Nevin Shapiro, who told Yahoo! Sports that he financed the high life for student-athletes at the "U" by providing them with money and hookers and cars. Caught red-handed. Published August 17, 2011
SIMMONS: As sanctuary for illegals, D.C. proves hypocritical
"Sanctuary City" referendum anyone? Published August 14, 2011
SIMMONS: D.C. school reformists must say ‘no’ to status quo
Are D.C. students moving backward? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Published August 10, 2011
SIMMONS: Education, HIV notions must change
There are false pictures being painted by those in positions of leadership when it comes to the national AIDS/HIV epidemic and the city's educational system. Published August 7, 2011
SIMMONS: Pull down signs and put up stake
The H Street corridor in Northeast is rising from the pall of 1968 riots — again. Published August 3, 2011
SIMMONS: D.C. bill would be a ‘tragedy’ for charters
Charter school advocates are sounding a new alarm: The South Capitol Street Tragedy Memorial Act undermines teaching and learning and could push highly skilled teachers out the schoolhouse door. Published July 20, 2011
SIMMONS: Personal responsibility sorely lacking in D.C.
Whatever happened to personal responsibility? With serious and sundry scandals making several of the District of Columbia's top Democrats look like Charlie Brown's pal Pig Pen, you would think individual Democrats would at least try to clean up their act by working to prevent crime the old-fashioned way. Published July 17, 2011
SIMMONS: Good news on HIV/AIDS can get better
We are seemingly darn close to developing pharmaceuticals that reduced the risk of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS, but a bit of discouraging news made headlines this week, too. Published July 13, 2011
SIMMONS: D.C. should have Redskins in the game
The prospects for a collective-bargaining deal between National Football League owners and players that would lead to preseason and regular-season play are growing brighter. Published July 6, 2011
SIMMONS: U.S. pride from sea to shining sea
Happy birthday, Americans. Published July 3, 2011
SIMMONS: Who’s sailing with Gray on development?
Acknowledging the "natural nexus between education, economic development and jobs," Mayor Vincent C. Gray on Monday unveiled his vision of short- and long-term economic development prospects, which brings to mind the parables and lessons in Mark. Published June 29, 2011
SIMMONS: A disconnect on big issues in the District
While D.C. parents and school-choice proponents were filing into the Renaissance Hotel at Ninth Street and New York Avenue Northwest, D.C. officials were several blocks away at the White House raising Cain about voting rights. Our city leadership was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Published June 26, 2011
SIMMONS: Job training meaningless without jobs
In May 2007, the D.C. unemployment rate stood at 5.4 percent. Today it stands at 9.8 percent. Published June 22, 2011
SIMMONS: D.C. trouble continues to run deep
The chickens have come home to roost, and the poop is all over the John A. Wilson Building. Published June 19, 2011
SIMMONS: Mayor’s call to volunteer is say ‘Amen’
Mayor Vincent C. Gray is on to something. Published June 15, 2011