EXPOSING EDUCATION EXPENSE Vs. RESULTS

Thank God I no longer have children attending a temple of higher education, because the cost of a university or college education has literally gone off the charts. I think it is tragic for young people to graduate today with literally thousands of dollars in financial obligations facing them in this challenging employment market.

In the USA Today issue of 8/18/10 there was a very informative and alarming article by Andrew Hacker and Claudia Deifus titled’ “Where’s all that tuition money going?” Let me suggest that you take a peek, and you will learn some startling abuses taking place that directly result in the staggering cost of higher education today.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/2010-08-18-column18_ST1_N.htm

Now that you have read the article I am certain you are as shocked as I was in the obvious conclusions. Your Commander has long held great respect for scholars and teachers who work in education. It is not a walk in the park.

Regrettably the many education problems that continue to be unaddressed by our politicians are kicked like a can down the road rather than dealt with and solved. Throwing money recklessly at education does not guarantee the desired results. Teacher unions and their totally unjustified contract restraints are just one of the problems. Pay scales are unjustly off the charts especially for the presidents of far too many institutions of higher learning.

We are far past the time to address the operations of education just as we would any commercial business. Politicians have long pandered to the teacher unions as they have with many other voting constituencies, and it has to stop. For the University of Southern California to spend an additional $33,061 (over and above their scholarships) per player on its golf team is excessive. Harvard’s History Department permits 50% of their Professors to take sabbaticals in any one year. Doesn’t this represent poor management decision making which directly increases operational expenses?

Education has long operated as a sacred cow, because all parents want their children to receive a sound educational experience. They are not getting it any more! It is time to step back and look honestly and objectively at our education system from kindergarten through college.

Here is another article you should read. It appeared today in Walter E. Williams’ column and is titled “Racial Stupidity and Malevolence.” It tells a surprising story that black schools did not always receive second rate education. The link follows:

http://townhall.com/columnists/WalterEWilliams/2010/09/08/racial_stupidity_and_malevolence

It does not take a genius to know that this country cannot continue to undercut any level of educational achievement by our youth without jeopardizing the economic future of this country.

COMMANDER GRANGER