Yesterday was one of the most discouraging political days I've ever had. I really didn't think it could get much worse than a legislator essentially telling you that you (as a teacher) are a non-person with a voice that doesn't count. I was wrong. Yesterday we met with two more legislators. The first representative actually listened and discussed a great deal. In fact we talked for almost two hours. We discussed solutions and a better way to run the entire system. He is sincere in both his concern and his intent. Our dialogue was productive and we were feeling like we were making a difference. We discussed the fact that Luna's scare tactics of "I have no other choice... there is no Plan B" being false. There is not only Plan B... there is Plan C and D. We shared those plans and he not only saw the merit in them, he was clearly not aware of how some things were being conducted in our school system and how some money was allotted, etc.
But then..... another Representative joined us. We have spoken to him in previous years and he knows us. He listened and shook his head. He said, "Regardless of what we think, it's passed. He has the votes." He then described the tactical approach that Luna and Otter had used. Strong arm is what I will use to describe it. Behind closed doors yesterday Luna and Otter had secured the final votes they need to pass this. I was shocked. What about all the people testifying against it and the ones that hadn't even been heard yet? (There's still one more day of public testimony). What about the fact that it deprives local communities and school boards of so much control? "Doesn't matter" is what he told us. It was a done deal. He has locked in the votes.
I was so angry and he could see this. He became apologetic, but I put him on the spot. "So you'll vote in favor of this?!" He stammered, "I don't have a choice. None of us do. You don't understand how it works." He said that when they strong arm you and you don't go along you lose opportunities to be heard and you are blackballed. You become "ineffective". In other words they cut you out of the political game.
I said I didn't care. I asked why he didn't stand up for what was right anyway. These are real people and real jobs and real students. He said he wouldn't be effective. With more than 1/2 the state's money going to education I guess I have to wonder if being effective on roads and endangered species, etc. is more important than being effective with our children. Is anything more important? I am still so upset. This is politics at is lowest low. Putting kids last...... not first. Their campaigns and committee positions are far more important. Many representatives disagree with this plan, but they are going to go along with it to save their own political skins. It's done. Over 1,000 teaching jobs will be lost in our state along with other jobs in the schools. Rep. Thayne is also proposing that Kindergarten be cut (except for low-income kids-- the smart kids don't need it-- seems to be a theme). Students will be mandated to take on-line classes as part of their schedule even though some colleges won't even accept the credits and many students are against. The bottom line is.... our politicians don't care.
I am so disgusted and sad.
No comments:
Post a Comment