Unequal schools
If there is to be any more money earmarked for schools in Illinois, it should be evenly distributed among all districts and pupils, not just to those who are more “needy.” Districts with higher home values are penalized for maintaining their property and communities by losing state money for schools.
Yet people in those districts pay Illinois state income taxes and other taxes just like everyone else, and get little in return because they already pay hefty real estate taxes to support the schools when the state will not.
Each district should be responsible for supporting its own school systems, including deciding on pension plans and other expenses for employees.
Illinois is already on a wild ride into the abyss of socialized medicine; let’s not try to socialize education as well. All that will do is drive wealthier people out of the public schools and into private schools, just like socialized medicine will drive many wealthier patients out of public health-care institutions.
Any increased tax money should be used to improve roads and other infrastructure, as well as other needs best met at the state level.
Pamela Keating
Park Ridge
Praise for Bush
No, I did not vote for our president, George W. Bush. No, I do not like most of his policies. No to the Iraq war and all the tragic deaths of our young men and women. Yet he is our president. He needs help. Obviously he cannot do it alone. Constant criticism and poking fun is not the answer. No other president was faced with the horrible happenings of Sept. 11, 2001. And who knows what our correct action should have or could have been after that? There must be ways to help and guide him through the next months of his presidency. Perhaps some praise for any good moves he makes? The American people and our elected officials must be there in this time of need. Help, and try a little positive reinforcement.
Alene L. Fishbein
Glencoe
