Dear Editor:
On Dec. 13, a Journal article reported the outcome of a lawsuit which claimed that Colorado is in violation of its constitutional obligation to provide public education.
I was struck by the choice of words Journal writer Joe Hanel used to describe the verdict: ... a decision that could put taxpayers and their state government on the hook for billions of dollars in education costs.
Is that how we feel?
Is education now something for which we are on the hook?
Im glad my grandparents and parents didnt feel that way. They thought education was a way of expanding options and preparing for a bright future. They were right. My life has been greatly enriched by the education they and the community I grew up in provided for me.
We all know that the current mood of many of us in this country is that government is bad and taxes are an infringement of our personal liberty. But the responsibility of each generation to educate the next transcends any political fad, and like it or not, taxes are the way we get that done.
Of course education is not just about spending money. In fact, it is much more about attitude the attitude of the adults in the community where our young people are growing up. And thats why Im worried. If we adults are now sending the message that education is a regrettable responsibility and irritant that it is just something for which we are on the hook then how can we expect our kids to take it seriously and make the most of it?
Much is at stake. I hope that we can all grasp that education is our way forward, and willingly do our part to bring about a better future for everyone.
Bob Waggoner
Cortez
Via e-mail
