Recently I posted a blog on my views and reasons for voting NO for the recent school tax levy here in our County. While some may think I should keep that to myself this time I didn't and I sent a letter to the Editor of our local newspaper. In response two from our community lashed out with hateful personal attacks on my charater. I didn't take a debate class in school... I barely finished highschool. (yes there is some ammo for you to use against me on the homeschool issue) I do know that when an issue is in debate you stay on topic... I guess you could imitate the politicians and attack each other personally but I find this disgusting.
I stand by what I wrote. If you think I'm selfish for not wanting to give MORE than I am already giving to a failing GODLESS school system then I'll gladly take your title as selfish. YES I want more to give to my children. I want to take the responsibility to see them succeed. Is it my responisbility to do the same for all children? NO IT'S THEIR PARENTS RESPONSIBILITY! I do what I'm called to do when I pay my taxes and teach a Sunday school class or smile and be kind to the children I meet everyday. Call me selfish if you will but as I have said before I'm already giving to public schools. I just want to keep what I have left to provide for my own. That was my point in voting no... not to give nothing... just not to give more!
My letter to the editor:
It's being said those of us who voted No for the recent tax levy topay for a new high school do not care for the future of our children. What about the homeschooling community? I cannot speakfor them all, but I can for my family.We do not owe the school system anything. Who pays for our children's education? Who spends their time teaching them? Yes, I may not be qualified to do so according to the state and county school system, but my qualifications don't come from any of these. God gave me my children; teaching my children is one of my responsibilities.
It rubs me the wrong way to read letters to the editor stating that those of us who voted No to this tax levy don't care about the future of our children. My children are so very important to me, and their education is my responsibility. Am I also responsible forthe education of everyone else's children? I say no. I'm not saying everyone should homeschool, but parents can be more involved in the education of their children. Let the parents fund these sports programs, band programs, etc. I've seen homeschooling families barely able to make ends meet provide these programs fortheir children. Why can't the parents of public schooled children do the same?Public schooling is a choice, as is homeschooling. Homeschooling families do not get special resources from the government or even a tax deduction, so when the opportunity comes to increase my taxes you can bet I'm going to vote No.
My reason for voting No is just one in many. What about those on a fixed income? You're asking people to sacrifice for a cause that they're not convinced is needed. What is more important, groceries for an elderly couple or a new football field? I disagree that those of us who voted No care nothing for the children of this community.
These are the two responses in the paper this week:
I attend a public school, the one of County actually, and I would like to address an issue that has been bothering me.In a letter last week, I read an affirmation of sincere disregard for the public school system. As the posterity of a teacher in the district, and as one who has benefited immeasurably from public education, I was appalled. This letter was submitted by someone electing to educate her own children herself. While I strongly support a person's right to educate her children, I seriously question the ability of some people to educate their children in an ever-changing, global society; but I'll get back to that.
What I find really to be an astounding claim in the letter was, "We do not owe the school system anything. Who pays for our childrens education? Who spends their time teaching them?" I would like to assure you, at some point, your children and you have or will benefit in some way from the publicly educated. I also seem to remember reading something in a book one time or another, and I think it said to love your neighbor as yourself. I would also like to point out that you, mentioned your children numerous times in your letter. I believe that you care about the education of your children; you have made that abundantly clear. The most evident problem is you don't seem to care about the education of all children. That is the fatal mistake in your concept of educating children in a democracy; although it's not really a democracy, it's a representative republic. However, what do I know, I go to a public school. I have absolutely no problems with voters of this County who cast ballots in the negative of a better school and education for their kids; I would, however, prefer to call a spade a spade.
You, do not care for the education of your neighbor's children. You care for the education of your children, which let's face it, is selfish. Don't misconstrue my last statement there. I can deal with people who are selfish; we all are. What I cannot deal with is someone who is fundamentally not self aware. I know many people who voted No because they want their money; they understand that. It makes them self aware individuals, and I can appreciate and accept that.I would now like to address my concerns with the entire homeschooling concept. Can you honestly teach your children the social skills required to function in today's world? Can you teach them "Romeo and Juliet" or how to conduct a scientifically valid experiment? Can you educate them on logarithms or the anatomy of the human body? If you sincerely can, or you can sincerely convince yourself that you can, keep up the good work and always end on a positive note, logx + log(X+15)=2 X=?
Lynn Phillips
P.S. The government will help you fund homeschooling your children; they are called grants. In the public education system we utilize them all the time. You might try Google.
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I understand so many voters in this county have so many opinions about the school issues. We all believe that we can change, in the way we believe to be correct. Our property values have been brought up to date, and we are in turmoil over the extra money this will cost.
We are to benefit from highways connecting us to surrounding communities. We will have an influx of people sooner rather than later. So what are our options?
We have many, many choices ahead. I am very passionate about education. I don't care if it's eighth grade, and then to the world of work and common sense, as one passionate voter expressed at the meeting July 30. But, we have to be civil to one another, listen to each other and discuss the virtues each of us holds dear. That is adult behavior, and a model for the children in our community.
I read this letter to the editor, and I shuddered. I respect her choice to home school her children. If you are qualified and can produce a well-rounded, responsible young adult better than the public system, praise the higher power. But to blatantly state that you have no responsibility to your community, your neighbors, your county and the majority of children scares me. I see that as the fabric of society disintegrating.
We need to care about one another, and wish for the fortune and success of all, not just the individual. I can't imagine a world where the only concern is for one's self. Let's meet one another, talk about our needs and what's best for all. This division of our country/county must stop. We are America, and all proud of it; however, we can bring ourselves down quicker than any outside force ever dreamed.
L. Jane Ford
1 comment:
I saw your comment on Douglas Cootey's blog and came over to see what you were talking about. I imagine you have heard a lot from people who disagree with your stance. I want to tell you, as a teacher in public schools, I have chosen to vote no on certain tax levies in the past when I see them going for "luxury" items, like domes over sports fields, or significantly expensive sports complexes. I lived in a district where three levies were turned down in a row thanks to such things. Then, they cut the pork and put up a real operating levy, and it got passed.
I would ask you please, do your research, and don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. If your school district TRULY needs money to operate or for a new school, it probably doesn't get enough from the state (the tax dollars you already pay). State money gets spent more on special education and less on building maintenance. The best states don't spend enough to cover the day to day costs of educating children with special needs (I own one, I know how expensive he is to educate!!) God has blessed us with a great new school district, a wonderful school, and a great community that has supported us (I now teach in our new home district). We wouldn't be where we are with state dollars alone.
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