OBAMA ON 3 R'S

NEA ENDORSEMENT:
NEA President Weaver released a press release on June 3rd recommending Obama in November election. Weaver endorsed Obama and requested that the NEA convention, to be held from July 1st thru July 6th, formally vote for the candidate. Weaver's reasons for the decision included: (1) "clear" he had won Democratic nomination; (2) his commitment to partner w/NEA; (3) his opposition to vouchers; (4) belief No Child Left Behind Law needs change; (5) health care for every child; (6) teachers deserve a living wage; and (7) class size needs reduction.

STUDENT TAX CREDIT

Stumping in Michigan, Obama promised a college tax credit of $4,000 in exchange for a 100 hours of community service. (a 6/17/08 USATODAY posting)His campaign estimated this program would carry an annual price tag of $10 billion. The Senator's promise was vaguely based on his experience w/student loan debt and the "American Dream." His argument seems to be missing logical tenets.

Education like all commodities of worth "gets the greatest bang for the buck" when the participants earn it and thus truly value it. When the nation is swamped by academic degrees whose holders often "teach rather than do", another tax supported program should be the least of our concerns. The U.S. needs trades and how- to-vocations to compete globally.Liberal arts can indeed produce well-rounded, thoughtful and logical thinkers, and students can acquire this curriculum through their own efforts. Scholarships, jobs and the military provide such opportunities