I'd like to thank the Tribune for publishing the front-page February 14 article about Governor Schwarzenegger's budget cuts, which will have a terrible effect on all California schools and students. The Valentines pictured were among the 60-odd cards created by Otis students, staff, and parents at our Valentine's Craft Night. We Federal Expressed them to Governor Schwarzenegger. I got the idea on Friday, and we had 3 days to bring the event together. Everyone was so excited to participate! One little bundle of Valentines may not make much of a dent, but how about a bundle of letters from every school district? From every student? You can start a letter-writing campaign in your own school, family, or workplace. It takes little time and the rewards will be enormous. In Alameda alone, our district is facing over $4,000,000 in cuts - this is atop the previous $7,000,000 from the past few years. Both our State and Federal governments are free to mandate programs, and also free to withhold funding for those programs. Our teachers are wonderful but underpaid; our kids are under-served; and it's going to get worse unless every single person in California speaks up on behalf of our future. There is no more belt to tighten. California ranks 47th in the United States for per-child educational spending. Yet if we were considered a separate nation, we'd have the 5th largest economy in the world! The money is out there. It just needs to be channeled by someone fearless enough to - dare I say it - tax the rich. This is not just about MY child. I think of the future of every child in California and those who will come after. Do we want them to be doctors or meth cookers? Shall they become carjackers or trained mechanics? Would you prefer taggers or art directors? Veterinarians or dog-fighters? Informed voters or passive drones? Education is an investment, not an expense. Please don't say "I don't have time" or "I don't have money" or "I pay too many taxes" or "I don't have a kid in the school system". If we don't give students a comprehensive education - not only in the "Three R's" but also in science, history, the arts, social studies, health and athletics - we severely limit their options - and ultimately our own. We must use our minds creatively. We must act on the love we feel for our children. We must insist that our representatives and Governor make education the very highest priority. Please invest in the future of our Democracy - stand up for our kids and tell Governor Schwarzenegger to fully fund California's schools. Sincerely, Alana Dill Alameda, CA

Rate this Topic:

1

2

3

4

5

No votes yet