Austerity in Education

Yes, we all have to tighten the purse strings at some point in time.  We might want to head to the Rocky Mountains for a summer trip or go overseas to take in the beauty of Paris or London.  These events may well have to be put on hold or canceled if the college fund for the kids needs replenishing.  I'm sure a number of people would love to have season's tickets to some sporting event but, you might have to forgo their purchase if there is no bonus or raise.

There is a time to save money or to curtail ones spending.  In short, given today's language, one might have to go on an austerity program.

As I watch the public sector shrink, I am left a bit befuddled by the cry for more austerity in such public works as fire protection, police safety and education.  These programs, by their very nature, are critical to our safety, growth and well being.

I don't think we ought to waste money...that's for sure.  But when it comes to educating our children, we better find it in our fabric not to cut corners.  As I said, the growth and well being of our students is at stake and I'm not willing to harm programs that will harm them.  An overzealous group of people who want to cut school budgets, just to cut, have no business making such decisions.

Dick