The cartoon below appeared in a text we used at Dondero to teach American Government in the late 1960’s and early ‘70’s. Back then it was generally held that public education was vital to the existence of American Democracy. As a nation do we still believe this? Ask your politicians. Some how the perception has been created that public education needs to be privatized or that non-public schools can do a better job of educating our young. These ideas are often presented in such a way that puts those of us in public education on the defensive. After all, they argue, progress involves change, either get on board or get out of the way.

For the most part citizens are ahead of many politicians on the issue of public education. There still is a majority that supports the value of the public school system. In the next few years, however, there will be a battle to change their minds. We can’t allow those who would destroy the public school system in the name of change to win. Our Democracy depends on it.

The political forces against us are strong and growing. The 2000 elections in Washington and in this state will set the agenda. As a teacher who spent many years teaching American Government, I am worried. I guess I wanted you to be worried also, in case you aren’t already. Please support the MEA effort to fight the upcoming challenges to public education.

from Visualized American Government by Philip Dorf

As a nation do we still believe this?  Ask your politicians!