By John W. Lillpop
That public schools in America are a bloody disgrace is a fact that hardly anyone disputes these days. There is no shortage of anecdotal evidence pointing to high school graduates who cannot read their diplomas or do simple arithmetic.
However, determining the root causes and developing practical solutions thereto are invariably dependent on one's political ideology.
Some will argue that class sizes are too large, teachers are not paid enough, and budget expenditures per student are wholly inadequate to deliver quality education results.
Others argue that public schools are a failure because school curriculum are "Dumbed Down" to accommodate non-English speaking foreigners, too much time is wasted on multiculturalism, bilingualism, and political correctness like gay "rights," and because incompetent teachers are protected from being held accountable by unions more dedicated to collecting dues than educating children.
Almost without exception, liberal politicians are beholden to teacher's unions and are strong supporters of public education.
That support is quite enthusiastic when it comes to educating YOUR children, but not nearly as great when it involves THEIR children.
President-elect Barack Obama is a perfect example. During his campaign, Obama hauled in huge campaign contributions from teachers' unions and is a strong supporter of public schools.
He is also a strong opponent of school vouchers, which can help less wealthy families afford private schools for their children.
Notwithstanding his support for public schools, when it comes to his own daughters, Malia and Sasha Obama, the president elect is a typical liberal elitist.
Malia and Sasha currently attend private schools in Illinois, and when Michelle Obama came to Washington D.C. recently to check out new schools, she toured the private Georgetown Day School.
Again: Are Obama's daughters too good for public schools?
If not, enroll them in public schools and prove that you have genuine confidence in those institutions, Mr. President-elect!
