As I was looking at this cartoon featuring a teacher standing in front of a blackboard, it got me thinking about the recent Supreme Court rulings on education and how this can truly benefit minorities and other disadvantaged children.
First and foremost, it’s crucial that we address the misconception that these efforts are somehow racist. The race card is not the answer here. We must remember that these kids are fellow Americans, and as a united nation, we should strive to help them succeed.
I mostly only hear about colleges, in affirmative action. If we give all students a good K-12 education, affirmative action will not be an issue. We can improve our education system far more by improving the minorities and underserved, by giving them total access to the same education that the other students in our country receive, so they can go to any college they want. If we give those underserved children total access to K-12 with an aggressive voucher system, the rest will fix itself.
One way to do this is by encouraging the private sector and wealthy individuals to contribute more. Donating even a small portion of their 30% allowed income can make a significant difference. Let’s be honest; for them, it’s a mere drop in the ocean. They need the PR as well. Actually, many of them do donate but don’t get enough credit because their fellow millionaires are donating to political parties for their own interests or to fit in with the in-crowd of other millionaires. If you’re rich, don’t you get to fit in anywhere you want?
I also recommend that you follow your money and be involved enough, or more importantly, make sure it goes and is used where you intended. I stopped giving blindly to those who ask and picked 3-4 areas of interest and got involved personally. If you can’t donate money, donate your time. If you can donate time at a school, you will be surprised at what you will learn and where you can help, if they let you.
Moreover, this approach helps reduce wasteful government spending and corruption. As individual donors, we will have the power to actively choose where our money goes, making our contributions more impactful. Do you want your money taken from you by a wasteful and corrupt bureaucracy? I hope you would rather give your hard-earned money willingly, legally to an organization you believe will serve you, your fellow Americans, or others. The Federal Tax Law allows you to donate 30% of your taxable income in any one year. So, you will lower your income, costing you something, but look at the feel-good benefits of giving your and the government’s money where it will do the best, not taken from you, and in most cases, wasted.
Personally, I take pride in donating 30% of my taxable income each year that I can to educational and children’s causes. It gives me a sense of fulfillment, knowing that I’m not just talking about making a change but actually taking action.
One crucial step towards improving education for the less fortunate is expanding the availability of all schools to all Americans. However, we must also address the influence of corrupt education boards and teachers’ unions.
Let me clarify that I have immense respect for teachers who work tirelessly and are often underpaid. The problem lies with the unions, which are losing their power and have resorted to using teachers for their own agendas that are not in the best interest of our children. They protect the bad teachers rather than focusing on higher pay and improving education quality.
To overcome these challenges, we need to push for a voucher system that allows disadvantaged students to access better schools. It’s high time we take control away from school boards, which can be easily influenced due to union bribes. The ironic part? They even take trips to Florida for conferences, paid for by the unions, and I find that perplexing. However, Governor DeSantis seems to love it.
Implementing a national or state-by-state voucher system can revolutionize our education system for the underserved faster than anything else we can do. It will not only improve the quality of education but also demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity by providing minorities with opportunities to attend better schools. In this fight, it’s essential for the wealthy individuals in our country to lend their financial and physical support. After all, many politicians are beholden to them, as well as the unions, and their influence must be challenged.
Personally, I find great joy in redirecting my money from the government towards causes that truly make a difference. Instead of having it taken away by wasteful and corrupt politicians, I choose to give it to those in need. Call me a passionate and proud 53-year-old Democrat (with conservative leanings), but it’s a “give a little, get a lot” philosophy that resonates with me.
As I sign off, remember that education is a powerful tool that can transform lives. Let’s work together to make it accessible to every child, regardless of their background or circumstances. Together, we can bring about positive change.
With warm regards,
Patrick Lockhart
CEO, Editor & Founder
