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