Some Random Thoughts

This past Saturday I had the opportunity to watch Robert Redford's latest movie, The Conspirator . The film takes place near the end of the Civil War and focuses on the conspirators (and alleged, in this case a lady by the name of Mary Surratt) associated with the assassination of President Lincoln.

What does such a true story have to do with the work of Schools Count Corp.? On the surface, not whole lot. But in another significant way, a meaningful theme, common to the film and our work, ran through my mind.

The film has more to do with justice being served than determining if Ms. Surratt is guilty or innocent with respect to a crime. Are the generals being fair as they run the proceedings? Do the townspeople and country even want a fair trial? Is the War Secretary, Bennett, meddling in the affairs of the trial to the extent that Ms. Surratt and her attorney, Mr. Aiken, couldn't properly present their case. I walked away from the movie, knowing that justice wasn't served.

That's how I often feel with respect to inner city school children. They often simply come from neighborhood and family environments where they don't have the tools and resources to be successful. I believe that is an injustice. I'm not looking for who is at fault, I simply think it is a miscarriage of justice.

Our system of democracy needs an educated public. It is one of the tenants of a noble and decent society. When millions of students are left behind, often not due to anything they have done wrong, something is not right. Our society can, and must, be more just.

Thanks,
Dick