We're all socialists! Muwahahha, yes ladies and gents, I hate to break it to you, but the US has socialist elements to it. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, financial aid. I bring this up because of the whole big hoop-la over what's going on in the US right now. Yes, I know, I'm in France so what do I know, but I'll have you know that I keep myself informed better than most people I know back in the states.
With that being said, I have been following NJ local elections regarding the school budgets for towns and the dissapointing number of towns that actully passed them. Now, I'm not saying that all school districts are wonderful and that all money in the budget goes to immediately benefiting the students, but come on people, this is your towns future, and your children's future. Most districts are laying off teachers because of NJ's state budget, a move that I may not like but can understand, and therefore class sizes are all going to increase, which will have a detremental effect on your precious child. Smaller classes makes for effective learning, and you can only have smaller classes with more teachers. Also, most of these districts agreed to a pay freeze, actually agreed to it, as long as budgets passed. How many of you would agree to such a thing? Granted it's been difficult for everyone in the past three years or so, but it's one thing not to expect a raise, it's quite another to know that you will not get one for at least a year. Similarly, the money used in school budgets also goes towards things that make your lives easier: busses for students, after school programs to keep them out of trouble etc. So, I just cannot wait for the people who voted down these budgets then go complain about "Those damned kids" hanging out on the streets. Well where the hell else are they going to go? You took away their after school activities.
Don't even get me STARTED on the people who voted no because "they don't have kids." That is the most selfish reason to vote these budgets down. If you are not a parent and voted these down because you "don't have any kids" then I hope you never collect social security, medicare, medicaid, or any other benefit that is offered to you that someone else pays for. I don't have kids, and don't have a house, but I'd like to think I'll always vote yes for a school budget, because I know how important a great education is to the future not only of a town, but of a country.
Sorry for this rant, but I just couldn't help it. Also, wanted people to know that I still have an eye on Jersey!