Republican Leader Wants to Reduce Federal Role

CAT Tracks Editor's Note:

The familiar warning above...

...to "be careful what you ask for", was directed at me.

In previous rants, I facetiously longed for Republicans to return to their roots, to stand up against federal encroachment on "states rights"...

...specifically, to oppose the Obama administration's micromanaging (mismanaging) of public education.

To return to my Hamlet analogy of yesterday ("to be or not to be"):

"Aye, there's the rub!"

The over-reaching by Obama/Duncan was in pursuit of the "Republican Agenda", one-upping the policies of former President George W. Bush, i.e. NCLB.

When true-blue Democrats (like myself) soured on Obama/Duncan, Race to the Top, and strong-arm NCLB waivers...

...Republicans sat back with (pardon the expression) Cheshire Cat grins.

Then came the growing national outrage, the mid-term elections, and the golden opportunity to cut Obama down a peg or three.

Republican outrage!

So, come next month, divided government on steroids!

Oh, initially, the Republicans will go after Obama's education policies - gotta "fulfill all those campaign promises" of reigning in Obama's big government!

But, then (even concurrently), the dark side of Republican education policy will emerge...

...renewed attacks on public education through vouchers, reduced funding, and a lack of regulation to the detriment of those least able to defend themselves.

Aye, another "rub"...

..."true blue" Republicans didn't give a damn about the "achievement gap". They weren't concerned about "leaving no child behind", they were concerned with getting tax breaks for sending their children (rich children) to private schools, where they wouldn't have to mingle with "those people".

NCLB was a "Trojan Horse" - its hidden purpose to undermine/destroy public education. And, with Obama/Duncan throwing open the gates and embracing "education reform", it worked like a charm!

Bears repeating:

Obama and IL Governor Pat Quinn got what they deserved in this past election, reaping what they sowed...the loss of political power due to the disenchantment (Righteous Indignation!) of their Democratic base.

Sadly...

True supporters of public education are reduced to pooper scoopers after the circus parade, cleaning up the mess created by the elephants and donkeys.