Too Much Imbalance

With the start of the next Presidential election underway, as candidates tout their opinions as fact and brag about their plans to make this country better, I struggle to hear any actual truth. Why does more money have to equal a better chance at running for office? Why does more money mean a better opportunity at most things? It is so frustrating to see the imbalances in America grow even greater as time passes.

Occupy Wall-Street. Yes. I support the purpose but don't have the guts to do anything about it.

Election Day. Great. I am thankful to have the right to vote, but I never have. I simply haven't seen anyone who's won really stand behind their campaign statements and promises. I'm honestly afraid to cast my vote and be embarrassed [and frustrated] for choosing the wrong candidate.

Homeless children who need education. Wait, what? There are homeless children who aren't getting the same kind of education that the rich kids are? No.... really? Hmmm... well here is something I can get behind whole-heartedly. Yes. I. Can.

When someone proposed using property taxes to help support school districts, it probably made a lot of sense. Back then. However, the increasing imbalance among Americans is starting to greatly impact our education system, and I fully believe that something needs to be done to change that. Why should a child - any child - suffer in the level of education he receives because of where he lives? It doesn't seem fair to punish a child and limit his access to educational resources because his parents/family can't afford to live in the posh part of town. Does it?

I believe the child across the street should be afforded the SAME caliber of education - access to books, technology, arts, sports, and so forth - that the child on this side of the street is afforded. No questions asked. Where did this system go wrong?

I give mad props to the teachers in inner-city schools who put their hearts and souls into trying to educate classrooms of unfocused, frustrated, and challenging students. Not all of the kids are difficult, but many of their home situations are. Shouldn't school be a place of safety, security, support, and success? Shouldn't education be one of the ways those challenged children can find their way to a better life? ... education is so very powerful.

We have amazing teachers in this country who are fighting hard against silly legislature that is (I believe) causing our test scores to move in the wrong direction. We have wonderful instructors who struggle every day to keep a classroom of 20+ children in-line and help them learn new things. Often while dealing with non-educational issues all the while. What motivation do these hard-working educators have to keep on keepin' on when funding is being cut left and right?

If we can't properly educate our children now, then how are they ever going to be able to run this country when we are all too old to do it? Isn't education the best way to help keep our nation moving forward... toward success... toward growth... toward balance?

I think it is.