PRIVATE SCHOOL VOUCHERS - RED STATE TOWER OF BABEL
Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, there was a great tower known as the Tower of Babel. This tower was a symbol of human ambition and unity, a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential of mankind. But as the story goes, the people of Babel became too ambitious, too proud, and too unified for their own good. They sought to build a tower that would reach the heavens, a monument to their own greatness. But in their arrogance, they forgot the importance of humility and the value of diversity. And so, their tower crumbled, their language was confused, and they were scattered across the earth.
In many ways, the parable of the Tower of Babel is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the folly of ignoring the lessons of history. It is a reminder that unity without diversity, and ambition without humility, can lead to disaster. And it is a lesson that we would do well to remember in our own time.
One of the most pressing issues facing our society today is the question of education. As the debate rages on about the role of public schools and the use of public funds for private education, it is worth considering the wisdom of those who came before us. President John Adams once said, "The whole people must take upon themselves the education of the whole people and be willing to bear the expenses of it." These words are as true today as they were when they were first spoken. Education is not just a privilege, but a responsibility that we all share. And it is a responsibility that we must be willing to invest in.
Public schools are the cornerstone of democracy. They are the places where children from all walks of life come together to learn and grow. They are the institutions that foster a sense of community and belonging. They are the great equalizers, providing an opportunity for every child to receive a quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. And they are worth fighting for.
The idea of using public funds for only public schools is not just a matter of practicality, but of principle. It is a recognition that education is a public good, and that it should be accessible to all. It is a rejection of the idea that some children are more deserving of a quality education than others. And it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the values of equality and opportunity.
The debate over vouchers for private schools replacing public education is not just about dollars and cents, but about the kind of society we want to be. It is about whether we believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. It is about whether we are willing to invest in the future of our children, and by extension, the future of our nation.
It is easy to get caught up in the rhetoric and politics of education reform, but at its core, this is a moral issue. It is about what kind of world we want to leave for the next generation. It is about whether we are willing to take up the mantle of responsibility that President John Adams spoke of so many years ago.
In the end, the parable of the Tower of Babel serves as a powerful reminder that our greatest achievements are built not on arrogance and pride, but on humility and collaboration. It reminds us that diversity is our strength, and that unity without it is doomed to fail. And it challenges us to look beyond our own narrow self-interests and consider the greater good.
So let us remember the lessons of history, and let us heed the words of President John Adams. Let us reaffirm our commitment to public education as the cornerstone of democracy. Let us be willing to bear the expenses of it, not just in dollars and cents, but in our collective effort and resolve. And let us build a tower that reaches not just towards the heavens, but towards a brighter future for all.
The ‘Catastrophic Failure’ of School Vouchers | NEA https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/school-vouchers-catastrophic-failure
More Christian schools utilizing school voucher programs | fox43.com https://www.fox43.com/article/news/nation-world/vouchers-christian-schools/507-638cc3cc-9b4b-4179-88b2-0973c97a7b49
Stockard on the Stump: Governor’s private-school vouchers already struggling for votes https://tennesseelookout.com/2024/09/20/stockard-on-the-stump-governors-private-school-vouchers-already-struggling-for-votes/ via @TNLookout
Cooper vetoes bill expanding private school vouchers, require sheriffs' ICE cooperation https://www.wral.com/story/cooper-vetoes-bill-expanding-private-school-vouchers-require-sheriffs-ice-cooperation/21634304/
Tower of Babel https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tower-of-Babel via @britannica
Tower of Babel - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_of_Babel
Tower of Babel | Answers in Genesis https://answersingenesis.org/tower-of-babel/
