One thing that all of the 2012 Presidential contenders can agree upon is that the United States needs to be the strong superpower it once was. While we remain among the elite of the elite, certain dynamics and changes within our fiscal climate cannot and have not been ignored. Over the past several debates the issues of deficit, national security and jobs have come up but one thing rare has been mentioned and that is education. Or when the subject is discussed the consensus among several candidates is that the US Department of Education needs to be dismantled and states need to regain local control of their education system. To which I ask “Ok, so get rid of US Ed and then what? How do we guarantee that the children from the most poverty stricken areas are sufficiently educated? Or are we turning education into survival of the fittest?” In order for the US to thrive we need to have great education; it’s really that simple. Education leads to smarter citizens, which leads to stronger societies and to see several contenders (and moderators of these debates) take it so lightly is alarming to say the least.
With that; here is where the 2012 Presidential contenders stand on the issue of education:
President Barack Obama: “Providing a high-quality education for all children is critical to America’s economic future. Our nation’s economic competitiveness and the path to the America
n Dream depend on providing every child with an education that will enable them to succeed in a global economy that is predicated on knowledge and innovation. President Obama is committed to providing every child access to a complete and competitive education, from cradle through career.”
More here http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/education
Congresswoman Michele Bachmann: N/A Education is not listed as a priority or an issue on her campaign website
Businessman Herman Cain: Unbundle Education
“Unfortunately, education has become weighed down with administration that has shifted the focus from educating students to maintaining an excessive level of bureaucracy through expanded unionization and regulation. It’s time to unbundle education from the federal government down to the local level.”
“A critical component of improving education in our country is to decentralize the federal government’s control over it. Children are best served when the teachers, parents and principals are making the day-to-day decisions, coupled with the leadership of local municipalities, school boards and states.”
“Another way we can put kids first is to offer school choice as a real option for educational competition. This means expanding school vouchers and charter schools.”
More here http://www.hermancain.com/the-issues
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich: N/A not listed on his website
Ambassador Jon Huntsman: N/A not listed on his website
Congressman Ron Paul: Homeschooling
“And the truth is, no big government spending program can or will solve our nation’s education problems. One-size-fits-all central planning simply does not work. As a congressman, Ron Paul has been a consistent supporter of homeschooling and educational freedom.”
“That’s why, during his time in Congress, Ron Paul has introduced legislation to:
* Help parents better educate their children by providing parents with a $5,000 per child tax credit for tutors, books, computers, and other K-12 related educational needs.”
“Congressman Paul wants parents to have the freedom to choose the best educational options for their children, and his commitment to ensuring homeschooling remains a practical alternative for American families is unmatched by any other Presidential candidate.”
More here http://www.ronpaul2012.com/the-issues/homeschooling/
Governor Rick Perry: N/A not listed on his campaign website
Governor Mitt Romney: N/A not listed on his campaign website
Former Senator Rick Santorum: “As a member of the United States Senate, Rick fought for the passage of the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA), and the “Combating Autism Act” to fight this devastating disease that is affecting more and more of our nation’s children.”
Let’s say you’re a parent and a voter: What do you want to hear from these contenders on the future of education? Something that inevitably relates to the future of this nation.
You know who shouldn’t be allowed to go to college? Poor people.
If it’s not college affordability it’s saying that ‘public education is socialism’ (h/t Ron Paul). Any time any of these candidates announces their ideas for education I want to find the nearest moving vehicle and jump in front of it. I’m sorry but they know not of what they speak. It’s sad and fairly indicative of the direction this country will take upon their being elected. Education which is the foundation for a strong country is treated as a nuisance that only few deserve. I’m sorry but no matter what side of the aisle you’re on, that’s bull shit.