According to Mary DeMocker in yesterday’s letter to the editor (“Vote ‘yes’ for public K-12 school funding,” ODE, April 14), an up or down vote on Measure 20-182 constitutes a choice of “political bedfellows.” This simplistic, alarmist notion serves to stifle informed conversation about the issue.
A “No” vote will not result in the apocalyptic privatized “pay your own way” system of education that is evidently an aspect of Americans for Prosperity’s “perfect world.” It is not inherently an endorsement of Tea Party policies or unregulated capitalism. A “No” vote is simply a vote against a tax increase of up to 1.2 percent on local families, which will cost the average family $500 per year.
Perpetuating doomsday scenarios about the Koch brothers’ “perfect world” in order to rally youth support seems desperate at best and patronizing at worst. Youth voters are not blind squirrels liable to jump into action at the sight of buzzwords such as “Tea Party,” “corporate agenda” and “Obama.” Tangentially associating these words with the measure doesn’t seem particularly germane. It is certainly important to be informed, but it would be generous to label DeMocker’s assertions as “information.”
We have encountered and passed recent tax increases to close budget gaps and preserve class sizes. I am a firm supporter of Keynesian approaches to these types of problems, but where does it stop? When do we finally reach the tipping point where we can no longer afford to simply throw money at a problem and hope everything resolves itself after yet another temporary tax hike? Allocation is often more crucial than amount. I am absolutely in favor of preserving class days, retaining teachers and keeping class sizes under control, but I refuse to believe that this short-term last resort is the one and only solution to a long-term issue.
I am a Democrat. I’ve spent a lifetime in public schools. I certainly do remember 2008. I worked 16-hour days for four straight months in Missouri to elect President Obama. But I know when enough is enough when it comes to the burden on local families. I also know when I am being talked to like someone who is unable to separate my independent decisions from party and ideological allegiance.
[email protected]