Thousands across California participated in rallies and walkouts today. Though largely peaceful, some one hundred fifty or so were arrested in Oakland when they decided to block a freeway. The demonstrations are somehow part of a nationwide “Day of Action for Public Education.”
That’s all fine and dandy until you realize that many of these people aren’t marching for public education. Indirectly, of course they are, but their primary objective is saving their own skin. That’s right folks, this civil demonstration is more of “save my job” or “give me more money” than it is “give more to public education.” Anyone who claims otherwise is drinking kool aid.
Ok, so others are crying about higher student fees and reduced class offerings. Sadly, these people want it all. On the one hand, they want their teaching jobs and higher pay. On the other hand, the want lower student fees and more class offerings. Ok, so someone please answer this: where is the money going to come from?
Aha, all of a sudden they’re quiet. They just want, want, want and don’t care who foots the bill. Well, guess what? We’re all hurting financially. With the toll the recession took on state revenues over the past couple of years, everyone’s getting the short end of the stick. Why should these people be immune from the ravages of an ailing economy? Join the club people. Wake up and smell the coffee.
Unless someone can conjure a magic Genie who can somehow magically and instantaneously influence money velocity and fabricate a favorable multiplier effect out of thin air, while at the same time make inflation nonexistent, I suggest these protesters go back to school where they can do more good and less harm.