On March 17th an article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune entitled "Dana Roskey: Democracy and literacy" focused strongly on the link between education and democracy. The comment is made that "The level of general education has a direct impact on degrees of functional democracy." Having been involved with education all of my life I can only wish that this close link was acknowledged more frequently and its obvious importance valued more highly.
In the past month I have been a part of the alarming political turmoil taking place in Wisconsin. I find it frightening that the governor and the ruling class in the state capitol have waged a veritable attack on not only teachers and state workers, but also, ultimately, on the entire educational system throughout the state.
At the same time that there has been an attack on teachers, students, schools and the educational system, the guiding principles of democracy also have been threatened. There have been limitations placed on citizen involvement in the legislative process and the legal rights of workers are being slowly and surely destroyed. If we cannot respect and support education, democracy and the rights of all citizens in our own small world how can we ever hope to lead and encourage democracy around the globe.
Education is a civil right. The link between education and a strong and vital democracy cannot be threatened. If those in power do only lip-service to supporting our educational systems, our future is hopeless and our democracy is doomed.
It strikes me that of all the changes being passed or proposed these days, both on the state level and now the national level, those people who propose and pass these laws, and those people who support these changes will either not be adversely affected at all, or very little, by these changes. So, if you know there will be no negative impact on your quality of life, and you believe that our debt load has to be eliminated today, so "our children won't have to pay for this", then it's understandable why you would support these measures.
ReplyDeleteBut, I'm afraid we are creating a world which goes against my Catholic principles and beliefs. (In many ways that world was created long ago). Thomas Massaro in the April 18, 2011 issue of America magazine says he deeply desires to live in a country that: 1. Does not abandon its poor to starvation, homelessness and destitution; 2. Protects the rights of workers to organize and engage in collective bargaining; and 3. Maintains a commitment to the least privileged around the world.
Which country do you think he's be moving to?
Carlitos