School Vouchers

A doctor I know stunned me the other day by saying he would pay double his property taxes to get more money for teachers. That jaw-droppingly stupid bit of volunteerism showed me how badly we're losing the fight. Even (supposedly) bright people eventually succumb to the repeated lie, in this case that teachers are underpaid. The natural extension of that line of thought (I nearly said crap.) is that we, the cheap-ass taxpayers, are the culprits for the country's pathetic educational outcomes.

I presume teachers know their salary before they accept the position. Why is it okay on signing day, but an outrage on the first day of classes? The answer is simple: teacher's unions. I've heard them complain for my entire life, and no amount of cash, reduced hours, or increased benefits has satisfied them. I don't fault them; it's their DNA. I fault those who've been elected to defend against their relentless siege. The answer? Vote them out so something else can be tried.

Education is our country's best example of government as a poor provider of services. Outcomes are horrible and getting worse, yet it's no one's fault. Like all public sector failings, they just need more money. And why wouldn't we give it to them? Look at how well they take care of it. The U.S. is now the proud home of four high schools costing over $200,000,000 to build - the most recent being $560,000,000 in Los Angeles. Since that school is built on the site where Liberal icon, RFK, was murdered, apparently cost had no relevance. In fact, when the School Board was asked about the cost, their answer was that it was funded by a bond issue, so it really didn't cost anything. And we turn our children over to these people! My suspicion is that when the dropout rate at this palace continues at the old rate, 40%,  fists will rise into air. Somehow, the students will have been short changed because the rich don't pay enough taxes.

Vouchers were an experiment that worked, and as a result suffered summary execution under the Democrats. Teachers unions need Democrats, and Democrats need union money and votes. Four hands held the pillow over Voucher's face.

Free market choices work if given a chance. This November, throw out any incumbent who took money from a teacher's union. Even better, if a candidate in your district promises to dismantle the Department of Education and return decisions to the states, send them a check and stick their sign in your front lawn or window.