The Time to get Involved is NOW!!!
The external enemies of education are those
who wish to mine public education for as much profit as possible. This is not
just a case of capitalism; it is the decision to return to a way of life in our
distant past ( a way of life characterized by the denial of rights and
inequality). It is an attempt to turn back the clock and destroy something
(public education), which is an integral part of the American fabric. Free quality education has been and always will be the great
equalizer.
The most well known perpetrator, at the present time, is
the American Legislative Exchange Council, (ALEC). The Trayvon Martin case, and
Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law have publicized this organization. The Koch
brothers and Wal-Mart are two of the largest contributors to this organization.
This organization has been financing campaigns, training many state-level
politicians, especially from Virginia, and ghost-writing public policy. The
influence of this group of businesses has dramatically changed the character of
Virginia. The passing of public education funds to private schools is one of
their initiatives. The improved recognition and status of virtual schools is
also from them. The undermining of public education, teachers, and teacher’s
unions/ associations is their aim. The eroding of those institutions is the
attempt to open the door for private education business ventures.
Now, we need to be as determined to save our
profession and the American way of life as they are determined to destroy
public education. Sound the alarm, talk to your neighbors, and discuss it at
PTA meetings, school board meetings, and other public venues. More importantly,
we must hold our elected officials at every level accountable for even being
associated with ALEC. They are not operating in our best interests or the
state’s best interests. They only want what is best for business, and
unfortunately that is at our expense. Now is not the time to not be political.
Sam Eure of YEA, District 19 President
