“You have the God-given right to kick the government around – don’t hesitate to do so.” -Edmund Muskie
Lane/Tommy: Has anyone approached you and stated that they were glad that a particular government program is “free?” Isn’t it time that our education system tells the truth about their costs even to students? Even some town councilors want things like a dog park and a community garden with no fee for their use. We feel that all taxpayers need to know the real cost for each and every program that our taxes pay for.
Tommy: I met a Windham High School graduate who aspires to have a college education, which is a noble goal to achieve. She wanted to attend the University of Maine because of a discounted tuition for Maine residents. I complemented her on her decision to further her education and asked what the cost would be. She stated that it was around $6,000 annually, which her parents could afford.
Lane: I wonder what the real cost per student at any University of Maine campus really is. If Maine students are given a discount on tuition, do non-residents pay more to make up the difference or is it the taxpayer?
Lane/Tommy: We both feel that the future of Maine and our country depends upon a quality education for our children and grandchildren. Unfortunately, the United States continues to lag behind other nations, even nations like Finland and South Korea. Money can’t be the problem. Maine has a declining student population and yet the costs for education are skyrocketing. Are we putting the money in the wrong place?
Tommy: I feel that a good start in reforming our education system is to explain to the students at all levels what the true cost is and where the money comes from. Students are led to believe that everything they receive is free. A prime example is students from the REAL School. I have heard from some students of the REAL School after they returned from swimming or kayaking that these “free” activities are good. It is time that students understand that their education is not free. They should also know that their duty is to be a productive citizen in order to ensure future generations have the same opportunities.
Lane: I agree. When I see students who cannot tell time without having a digital clock, can’t make simple change at a store or know only a few minor facts about U.S. history, I cringe. Do we have bright students? Of course we do but are there enough of them? I have to believe that all students count and that no child should be left behind.
Lane/Tommy: Since we have been discussing educational costs, we wonder how many tax dollars are going into the art department at the University of Southern Maine? A recent so-called art display from a known terrorist and cop killer caused an outrage across the state of Maine and beyond. It was a hard slap in the face to all law enforcement officers and law abiding citizens. If our tax dollars are being spent on this type of permissive education, don’t you feel it’s necessary for our educational standards to return to the mainstream instead of coming from the left-wing socialist
liberals?
Lane: I am not a Toys ‘R’ Us kid. As a taxpayer I demand responsibility by the elected officials who spend our money on education and other things. We don’t need town councilors or school board members acting like a bunch of children in a candy store, especially when it comes to our tax dollars.
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