Future of children

Recently, I read the editorial, "The year of choice?" (Aug. 26). It is good that a question mark was placed at the end of the title because the article was very questionable in my opinion. In short, our public education system and our neighborhood public schools are part of the foundation of our republic and society. Anything that will weaken our schools will weaken us as a people.

Throughout history, class stratification and the distrust it breeds (on both sides) is the cause for great concern for the very survival of a people or civilization. In the U.S., our public education system has provided great opportunity for millions to have a better life. One of the many benefits of this system is that the children of relative privilege will associate with the children of the less fortunate and form a stronger society.

Germany in the 1840's faced the same issues when their schools were restructured after a democratic movement failed. German schools became a mere factory. That could happen here. A great public school for every child should be our goal. We should see what is at stake here.

We are not talking about an ideology. We are talking about the future of real children.

Richard M. Heath

Kaysville