Deseret News | Isn't that bribery?

Reader comments
Readers' forum: Isn't that bribery?

John C. | 2:52 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Its called socialism...

Spoc | 5:18 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

One might also call it blackmail because he knows that it would be politically damaging to reveal that funds were made available and local officials turned it down because of the strings.

Who is to blame for such behavior?
We are!

We are the ones that base our voting on how many dollars our representatives are able to secure and bring back to our state. Yet we complain about all the money we have to pay in taxes.

Fascinating behavior, but illogical.

reprehensible corrupt behavior? | 5:19 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

I think you're thinking of a previous "president".

Comments continue below

No, it isn't | 6:40 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

It is called the way the federal government does business. When we wanted federal highway dollars, we had to raise the drinking age to 21, enforce 55 speed limits (that feels like ages ago), and put in light rail. Utah has frequently given up money for programs they don't agree with. This is not an Obama creation, it is just the way things are done in this country.

Yes, but | 7:06 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

it's also called social change. That's the way it always is. Guess what motivates the production of medicine and why some drugs are produced but not others? Money. What drives research in all areas of social and hard science at universities? Where the research grant money is coming from. Why are any decisions made? Because of money.

It IS a problem with our society, but it's not unusual.

Anonymous | 9:29 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

You folks want the federal dollars. Amazing! Utah is part of the United States the last I heard. Get on board, you aren't that special. When I give my kids money, I frequently put strings on it. Why should I reward poor or irresponsible behavior? Is Utah looking for federal welfare? Think about your comments, ye hypocrites!

Joe Moe | 9:46 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

This is the same thing the federal government has done over and over, for a long time. Republican, Democrat, president, Congress....it's business as usual.

My own biggest peeve: to get around the part of the Constitution that says education is the purview of the states, they take our money (taxes) and then tell us we can have it back if we do what they say (e.g., NCLB...but it goes further back than that).

Education $'s with strings | 12:37 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

No Child Left Behind........??

Yes, it is - | 1:21 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

and so is your paycheck and any allowance you pay to your children.

tenx | 2:38 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

It is and with a capital "B".

peperlake | 3:49 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

I guess no child left behing was Bush's socialism plan eh?

Anonymous | 8:01 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

There is one major difference between Obama's plan and Bush's plan - Obama is at least willing to fund the changes.

SRB | 11:40 a.m. Nov. 13, 2009

C'mon, Mr. West, former educator. You bailed from the classroom because of too much testing, micromanaging, etc., which was brought to us by your favorite president, Mr. Bush. Remember "No Child Left Behind?" And you are concerned about Obama's strings?? Wow . . .I knew people forgot quickly about life in the classroom, but your memory seems especially short!

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