Pubdate: Wed, 22 Sep 1999
Date: 09/22/1999
Source: Saint Paul Pioneer Press (MN)
Author: Douglas Wobbema

I don't get it. W. Bush says that if he becomes president he will stop
sending Title I funds to "failing schools." Why is it that Republicans
want to stop funding public education, which they see as not doing
well, until it does better job of educating our children? How backward
is that? Exactly how low should funding for public education go to
make sure schools are better than ever?

I've got an idea. Let's apply the model the Republicans use with
defense spending to education spending. That way when people want to
close some schools, Republicans would fight to keep them funded and
keep them open, even when the school districts don't want to keep them
open. Or how about when a school no longer wanted to buy certain
supplies, they would make the schools buy them anyway? Why don't
Republicans fall over each other to see who can be the best supporter
of schools based who can spend the most in the next budget instead of
the least?

Really, long term, what is the best way to ensure our national
security? More spending on education or an open checkbook for the
military-industrial complex?

Douglas Wobbema
Burnsville