Re: Save the Economy; Bail Out Our Kids

For the most part, I tend to disagree with Rick Dalton's notion of "keeping low-income students on a college track could yield huge returns." The principle's of personal responsibility have been instilled in me at a very young age. I am aware that all of my actions have potential consequences, as well as awards. This awareness of personal responsibility and freedom has allowed me to excel not only in school and work, but also many other activities.

The issue of education in inner city public schools boils down to personal responsibility. As children begin their academic careers it is their parents responsibility to make sure that their children succeed. Is leaving your wife or girlfriend to raise her child alone responsible? Is letting your child roam the streets after school responsible? Is it responsible to impose no punishments or repercussions for your child's poor performance in school? Everything boils down to individual responsibility.

The problem I have with Rick Dalton is this: although he did not directly mention his solution in his article, his solution is obvious. He wants more money from tax payers. The families of the best performing students must be punished (via additional taxes) to help those under performing students. Rick Dalton wants the government to be the answer, not individual responsibility. It has been proven that throwing money at the problem doesn't work especially when the home that the child returns to a home that does not support education. The best example of this is the Chicago Public School System, they spend in the ballpark of $10,000 per student annually and yet they are one of, if not the worst, public school system in America. For comparison, the average spending per student in a private school is around $4,000 per student.

My solution is this: not every student is meant to go to college. We are becoming a nation that is focusing more and more on the white collar jobs and less on blue collar jobs. As world economies grow, lower to middle white collar jobs are being outsourced. A plumber and electrician cannot be outsourced and can provide for a family just as well. The United States Government should support send underprivileged students who TRULY DESERVE to go to college. However, for those who do not have the test scores and capabilities, our government should support trade school opportunities.