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Did you know that ever since the Korean War, every presidential administration has put military spending as the national priority, such that half of every tax dollar has gone to military spending?
Guess what has been sacrificed? Now, more than ever, our schools, from kindergarten through college, are taking a hit, at a time we can least afford it.
I don't know about your public school districts, but mine is in the midst of slashing budgets right and left. Scores of teachers (150 in 17 schools) are being dismissed. Class sizes are increased dramatically. Salaries are frozen or even reduced. Music and art classes are on the chopping block.
I realize the economy has a lot to do with the downsizing--less tax revenue, etc. But let's look at the overall budget, with priorities skewed to some really weird choices--military expense being one of them. Although I support the newly passed health insurance bill signed by the president, I can understand the feelings of many Americans that it takes money--lots and lots of money--to fund such a massive program. That's money taken from us taxpayers that's not going to further the education of future generations.
As a former teacher and current liberal (in most respects), I'm more than a little concerned about the direction our country is headed. I certainly am not planning on becoming a Republican or join a "tea party" rally. But I am hoping President Obama will take the bull by the horns and set our nations' sites and goals on a path toward less warfare and greater humanitarian and educational fronts.
Have a nice weekend!
