I have been listening to politicians again and a recurrent theme is the idea that if you throw money at a problem, (read the statement as “throw money down the tubes), then all will be well. I am here to tell you that there is no amount of money that can be spent in any educational system that will prevent “unwanted pregnancies.” Kids are foolish. It will never happen to them … they won’t get “caught.” In this case, raging hormones prevail. Teenagers should know better, but in the heat of the moment, they don’t act better.

We have all these buzz words swirling around Washington. One phrase, “No child left behind,” is a nightmare of a concept, in the opinions of most teachers who would rather teach content, than to teach to the test.

“Pork barrel spending” is another concept. The idea is to propose as much expensive legislation as possible, and then accuse your cohorts of too much involvement with spending that involves cronyism.

Like not being about to see the forest for the trees, we don’t examine the small impact of many interventions (questionable solutions?), that lead to a large impact.

And, women! I can’t tell you how many women I know who are indifferent to the political process and are not even registered voters. These people are casual acquaintances or I would read them the riot act about the fact that women did not gain the right to vote until 1920 and they should take advantage of the Right of Suffrage. Women can bring sensibility to the political process, as well as a sensitivity and accountability.

No, money is not the entire answer to any problem. For example, money will not bring better teachers into our schools. Teachers are either well-schooled, astute, and have the temperament for dealing with children, or they don’t. More money cannot change someone’s basic personality, nor their own responsibility for pursuing classes that will improve their professional functioning.

Last night’s debate made me nervous. Somehow, it struck me as disingenuous. McCain seemed to be glaring, seemingly in the attack mode. At times, Obama seemed to be broadly smiling for no particular reason, and hopefully not in derision of his opponent. He also did not answer a direction question about spending … at all. I was left with the wish that Mrs. Clinton had been given her party’s nomination, and I have the same sadness as I did when Al Gore did not win. The most able people are sometimes shoved aside in politics, perhaps never to run again.

I was more confident and hopeful before watching the last of the debates, last night. Like everyone else, we will have to wait and see, hope and pray, that the process will even out and the best man will remain standing. As for money being an answer for anything … ever … I believe that is a false notion. Having more money only makes the affluent more greedy and does nothing for the “little guy.” The politicians are right! There are no “trickle down” economics, unless you count a few more pennies in tips for restaurant workers. We continue to count down to November 4, and in the meantime, hope for the best.

Patricia Cummings

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 16th, 2008 at 12:52 pm and is filed under . You can follow any responses to this entry through the feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.