We’re experiencing the worst attack on public education in American history as moneyed forces who seek to profitize education fund candidates who demonize public schools and educators. The future of our nation depends upon having a well-educated population, not just a well-educated upper class. Public education, an equal education for every citizen, is one of our country’s greatest inventions.
America’s first public school was the Boston Latin School, established on April 23, 1635 by Puritan settlers, in the home of Philemon Pormont, Schoolmaster. Among those who benefited from this free, public education were Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock.
Later, Thomas Jefferson, principal author of the Declaration of Independence and third President of the United States, believed so strongly in a free and diverse educational experience he created and designed the publicly-funded University of Virginia which opened in 1819.
In a 1800 letter to British scientist Joseph Priestley, Jefferson wrote, "We wish to establish in the upper country of Virginia, and more centrally for the State, a University on a plan so broad and liberal and modern, as to be worth patronizing with the public support, and be a temptation to the youth of other States to come and drink of the cup of knowledge and fraternize with us."
The United States has a rich history of public education that has served as a beacon to the world. Generations of new Americans were educated in public schools and used that education to build America for all of us and to achieve the American Dream for themselves. All of that is threatened now as politicians funded by special interests, many of whom stand to benefit from the profitization of public education, push to destroy our public school system.
Wanda Rohl has benefited from a public education and has the greatest respect for our teachers. If elected she plans to work diligently to protect our public schools. She believes, as did our Founding Fathers, that the future of our country and democracy itself rests on our ability to educate our children and encourage them to reach their fullest potential. That means keeping education in the hands of educators and out of the hands of corporate CEOs and lobbyists. Our children’s academic future BELONGS in the hands of dedicated, professional educators.
In order for our country to once again become a leader in education, we need to adequately fund schools and give teachers the respect and compensation they deserve. We can do so without putting a burden on U.S. tax payers by simply prioritizing. We can fund education adequately by closing tax loopholes enjoyed by corporations who avoid paying taxes by keeping their money off shore. It is not fair to ask hard working tax payers to shoulder the full burden of educating a workforce only to have international corporations reap the benefits and avoid the cost. It’s time for these corporate tax dodgers to pay their fair share.
The rampant disrespect expressed for teachers by foes of public education is disgraceful and needs to stop. Jefferson, Franklin and other founders who benefited from public education would be ashamed. Most teachers we have known throughout primary, secondary school and college have been dedicated, hard-working professionals. Teachers work long hours for little pay. Teachers deserve our support and do not deserve to be unfairly criticized.
Since our colonial days, education has been considered a public good and a public right. Now that public right is threatened by greed. We need to stand up to these attacks and protect public education. Our children are depending upon us. If elected Wanda will not let our children down! She will fight for a first rate education for all of our children.
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