Truly, Step Into the Light

I read with interest an article in the Herald Times by community columnist Julia Copland labeled “We should all step into the light” as she described how Bloomington High School North’s production of “The Fantasticks” was interrupted by an impassioned speech by the production director Francesca Sobrer. She took the opportunity to explain how actions taken by the MCCSC School Board to balance their budget would take its toll on four department chairs at Bloomington High School North, one of those in the Fine Arts department. Her plea to those in attendance was simply to get involved and do what they could to prevent the budget cuts from affecting the arts, which could ultimately leave the stage in the dark. The article touched on several topics including the “No Child Left Behind Act” and budget cuts at the State level, all of which have been the talking points of teachers across the state. She also quoted a recent editorial by Vi Simpson that stated “I don't agree with the notion of fixing the state's budget problems on the backs of our kids". I’ll not argue the merits of the appropriateness of Ms. Sobrer’s actions or even the implications of Ms. Copeland’s column, what I will suggest is that people educate themselves on the real issues as they relate to these topics.

Incidents like this are nothing more than a subtle but effective method to erode and undermine the efforts of our elected leaders both at the State and National level. Their narrow viewpoint in this situation is another prime example of; you can make all the cuts you want as long as it doesn’t affect me. For years the fact that our State has been drowning in red ink has escaped the attention of many with the standard excuse being; just wait, things will be better next year. If you want to shed light on the subject, highlight the fact that for the last several years our State has been running an ever-increasing deficit under the democrat leadership of Governors O’Bannon and Kernan as well as Senator Vi Simpson. Citizens of the State of Indiana were obviously tired of their style of leadership and overwhelmingly elected a Republican Governor to reverse this trend. With Governor Daniels’ adherence to his campaign promises one thing was clear, change was inevitable. What is unbelievable in this case is that Vi Simpson’s editorial would be given any merit at all especially since she was one of the engineers in this train wreck. I too say, step into the light, the one of true enlightenment. Remember those that got us where we are today and don’t let them have another opportunity to do it again. We may all have to suffer the short-term affects of balancing our State’s budget, as it is improbable that we could all decide on who should carry the greatest share of the burden when it comes to funding distribution. I too have concerns about shortfalls in school funding but I haven’t forgot where the problems originated. Without keeping this type of information at the forefront we may all be left in the dark.