by Fran Eaton
Well, now we know the education plan that bought off Senator Meeks' third party run for governor. Indeed, the pastor chose a high stakes game of lottery lease.
To hit the high points of the plan offered today, Governor Blagojevich wants your kids in government schools earlier (3-4 years old), longer (days and school years) and in nicer, newer buildings with smaller-size classes, better-trained teachers, consolidated school districts and a centralized curriculum -- all paid for by either a private leasing contract or a one-time all purchase of the lottery, which he estimates is worth $10 billiion.
Think of it: First the lottery and gambling in general were shunned. Then it became acceptable, thought of as "entertainment." Then gambling became desirable, something to be sought. At that point, it became valuable, and therefore, taxable.
The state not only legalized gambling, it legitimized gambling as something good for kids' education. Then the government bought it to keep it pure and legit, only to cost more and more, with less money going towards its original goal and more and more towards personnel and upkeep of the lottery itself. Finally, its cost overran its value, and now it is being offered to private owners for facilitation and/or ownership.
Owners, such as those who know the gambling business best -- racketeers, syndicates and questionable characters.
So, let's get this straight -- the same people who pay property taxes through the nose to fund local schools will be encouraged play the lottery because it will fund the gambling syndicate and government education?
Of course, the Chicago area teachers' union (who has bought the Governor and whose pensions have not been raided) would not allow the education funding plan to give parents true choice in education.
This whole scenario does not bode well for the state of Illinois. We're headed for education purgatory. Some may argue we're already paying penance. I would say they are probably right.
Link: State of Illinois Home - IGNN (Illinois Government News Network).
