In late ‘70’s when California faced budget problem, then Governor Pete Wilson cut the education budget. In ‘80’s Governor Dukemejian followed Peter Wilson’s lead and slashed the education budget. When Californians approved Lottory game in California whereby a portion of receipts to be allocated to schools throughout California, Governor Dukemejian again slashed the education budget further equal to the amount of funds that was anticipated to be raised by the Lottory. In reality the reason for lottery contribution was to supplement the educational funds and improve the school system in California.
In the same decade, then President Ronald Reagan wanted to abolish department of education. He was stopped by Democratic Congress under the leadership of Tip O’Neal, Speaker of the House.
Assault on the education budget and teachers salaries has been continuous throughout the country in states run by Republican governors and or republican controlled legislatures.
Now, there is Joe the Plumber, who has become official spokesperson for Senator McCain and Governor Sarah Palin. Joe the plumber approached Senator Obama during one of his rally and asked few questions and engaged Senator Obama in brief tax cut discussion. Joe pretended to have enough money to buy his boss’ business for $250K or thereabout and was concerned about the tax increase proposed by Senator Obama.
Senator McCain using that encounter between Joe and Senator Obama in his campaign to argue risks of Senator Obama’s tax increase and its unfairness. In fact Senator McCain has made Joe the Plumber as the centerpiece of his campaign and mentions him too many time to count during each of his rally.
Further, Governor Sarah Palin has been referring to Joe the Plumber very often too. Joe the Plumber has become defacto spoke person for McCain/Palin’s campaign and now was discussing foreign policy with the news media. Wow, you go Joe the Plumber.
Well it turned out that Joe the Plumber is not really a plumber as he does not have any plumbing license and nor does he have enough money to buy his boss or anyone else’s business for that matter. In fact he has not paid his income tax from prior years and IRS has filed a lien on his house.
The McCain campaign is expecting that Americans listen to Joe the Plumber and act accordingly, that is to vote for Senator McCain. If that is the case, then shouldn’t Joe the Plumber run for the office instead of Senator McCain?
Reducing the budget for education only mean over crowded class rooms, lack of books and learning tools, flee of good hearted, dedicated, and skilled teachers, demoralization of the students, parents and community, and drop in academic quality. Educated people, become skilled labor, earn more money, pay more taxes, and buyer more goods and services. All are indication of national economic success. Educated citizen avoid wars and instead promote settlement negotiation and political solution.
Having characters like Joe the Plumber representing a presidential candidate and his policies and being a conduit for that candidate, is not only a risky approach, but also shows lack of judgment, caring, and also an insult to the public.
Americans expect their presidential candidate show level of intellengence way above their own. They want a candidate who when becomes president could take charge and manage the county’s affairs effectively.
Social and national success could only be achieved through education, and interaction with the community.
