Funding the Enemy
Funding the Enemy
Oregon's Foolish Senate Republicans
Who should be in favor of cutting public school funding in Oregon - the Ds or the Rs? The Democrats have near complete control of the state educational bureaucracy, which means control of content. The OEA, a far left teachers union, has near complete control over who teaches, meaning spin of the content and control of methods. As a result, radical progressivist agenda items like man-caused global warming, man as the savior of the world, sexual deviancy, and anti-business, pro-socialist rhetoric permeates the public schools and thus Oregon's children's heads and hearts. It should be obvious to any lover of freedom and the American way that the socialist government school system is the most powerful enemy of freedom and freedom's advocates.
The Republicans, who are supposed to be the voice of reason that supports freedom and its expression in, for instance, small businesses, should jump at the opportunity to cut government school funding, at least until the progressivists are tossed out on their collectivist ear.
The Democrat statists clearly want to preserve their biggest propaganda machine - the schools. Their problem is reality. The Lord God still runs the universe, and money is one of the most stubborn realities He has provided, and is very difficult to ignore. This is particularly true when your state's Constitution requires the State to balance its budget. So, in response to this week's announced huge state budget deficit, Gov. Kulongowski (D) has proposed 9% across the board spending cuts, including the schools.
The Republicans should want to de-fund their strongest enemy, the propaganda machine known as public education. Even apart from the worldview considerations raised above, the Rs surely know that the cost to "educate" a child in the public system is far greater than the private schools that also support, for the most part, traditional values and freedom. The public school system is like the leech in Proverbs 30 and Bill Idol, always crying out for "more, more, more." It is now as fat as a blood-sucking bloated tic.
[to measure your knowledge of the cost of public schools, go to the google doc at http://bit.ly/cwp9ki.'>
But, amazingly, the Senate Republicans have instead publically gone on record as opposing the proposed 9% public school cuts, saying that public school funding should be one of our top priorities, and spared from such deep cuts. .
Perhaps the Rs are just using this as a political ploy. Either way, their public efforts to avoid cutting the funding of their enemy is either stupid of a lie.
And that's why this State is a mess, and why we need to fight the battle within the Republican party.
Measure 68
Vote No on Measure 68
Once more into the breach. This Measure will surely pass with a large plurality. After all, its about the kids, right? Actually, no, its not good for kids. But first, lets explain very briefly what it would do.
Measure 68 will let the State set up a fund to pay for capital improvements at local schools. Currently, these expenses are borne by the local district. To get the money for such expenditures, it has to ask local voters to pass a bond measure. This Measure will let the State pay for half of such expenses. Voters would be more likely to vote Yes if they only have to pay for half the expenses. Why pass up free money from Salem?
Measure 68 will also change the definition of what things might be funded through bonded indebtedness, to include purchases like desks.
But Measure 68 is an excellent picture of all our public policy problems, not just of our State, but our Nation as well.
First, radical centralization. This Measure is an end run around the last vestiges of local control of schools. Taxpayers in local districts are turning down capital improvement bond measures for schools, so the Legislature, rather than listening to the people, are centralizing half of the funding. Thus, local control continues to be eroded. This erosion is bi-partisan, supported by a majority of Republican Legislators. Such supposed conservative stalwarts as Senator Bruce Starr and Representative Kennemer voted in favor of this Referral.
Second, growing government spending. The average Oregonian is tightening his belt and trying to make do with what he has in this time of great financial difficulty. But the kids just have to have new playground equipment, desks, and buildings, in spite of what local voters say. The State spending juggernaut rolls along, with the support of most Republican lawmakers.
Third, ever-increasing debt. Most of us are trying to reduce indebtedness. But this Measure seeks to increase state bonded indebtedness, in other words, state debt. And instead of paying for desks as we buy them, the State now wants to incur long term debt for items that are clearly not capital improvements.
Fourth, special interests. This Measure has special interests written all over it. Just read all the arguments in support in the State Voter's Guide, Most of them are written by the usual union suspects. The average citizen has very little leverage against monopolistic well-funded unions.
Fifth, funding our enemies. Conservatives like Starr and Kennemer continue to commit political suicide. They are slitting their own wrists with ever increasing funding for the enemies of a free republic - monopolistic public schools, controlled by the left.
The public school system is the biggest purveyor and promoter of some of the most destructive ideas in our nation, including:
- anti-capitalism rhetoric
- pro-socialism rhetoric (particularly in the health care arena)
- sexual licentiousness and deviancy
- man-caused global warming propaganda
- anti-God and anti-creationist perspectives
It seems hypocritical for Republicans who voted to refer Measure 68 to complain about socialist health care, environmental extremism, or increasing government control of the economy.
Until conservatives can wrest control of the public schools away from statists and the progressivist teachers unions, it is self-defeating to work for increased school funding and "strong public schools." I for one don't like to fund my enemies, or make them strong.
But Measure 68 is for the kids, right? No, it isn't. It is against the kids. It is not good for Oregon's children to be indoctrinated into progressivist ideas at school. Its not good for them to be tempted by drug use, and extra-marital sexuality, which is common now at our high schools. Its not good for young children to be taught that they can "save the earth," and that their very exhaled breath is a pollutant that is killing the earth. It's not good for them to think of private businessmen as greedy exploiters. Its not good for our kids to be taught that God is irrelevant at best, or, at worst, antithetical to education, And its not good for our teenage daughters to be in a school that at best condones abortion, and, at worst, facilitates them..
Again, until we can wrest control of the public schools from the progressives that control it, we should be decreasing centralized state funding. One tiny step in that direction is to vote No on Measure 68.
An Apology and an Appeal
First, the apology. Measure 68 should have had a State Voter's Guide argument in opposition from the Parents Education Association. We blew it by not getting up to speed in time to submit an argument.
But one of the reasons for this is a lack of funding. Most Christians and anti-statists send their political tax credit dollars to the very candidates who, while useful in some ways, vote in favor of things like Measure 68. Or they send it to groups like Right to Life or the Oregon Family Council. These groups, while performing useful functions, won't touch an editorial like this one with a ten foot pole. The Christian community is almost as bad these days as the Republican party in its support for public schools. Even the Luis Palau evangelistic association encourages churches to support public schools by paying for classroom supplies, fundraising for these schools, and keeping their playgrounds up to speed and attractive. Then, when Christian kids end up at these same schools, many lose their faith. And the culture develops more and more of a "port-side list," a tilt to the progressive left, and away from Christian values.
The best way to promote Christian faith and values, to stop abortion and strengthen families, is to withdraw support of public schools while they remian under the control of the progressive left. The schools are destroying our country. Christians and Republicans support and fund the carnage.
We have focused for too long on short term fixes to our public policy problems. The long term fix is to raise a faithful generation of Christian kids, and to kick the progressives out of our school systems. To that end, PEAPAC is committed. Our appeal is for your help.
Posted 5/10/2010 @ 3:06 PM | 2010 Oregon Primary Election | 3 Comments
Measure 68
Vote No on Measure 68
Once more into the breach. This Measure will surely pass with a large plurality. After all, its about the kids, right? Actually, no, its not good for kids. But first, lets explain very briefly what it would do.
Measure 68 will let the State set up a fund to pay for capital improvements at local schools. Currently, these expenses are borne by the local district. To get the money for such expenditures, it has to ask local voters to pass a bond measure. This Measure will let the State pay for half of such expenses. Voters would be more likely to vote Yes if they only have to pay for half the expenses. Why pass up free money from Salem?
Measure 68 will also change the definition of what things might be funded through bonded indebtedness, to include purchases like desks.
But Measure 68 is an excellent picture of all our public policy problems, not just of our State, but our Nation as well.
First, radical centralization. This Measure is an end run around the last vestiges of local control of schools. Taxpayers in local districts are turning down capital improvement bond measures for schools, so the Legislature, rather than listening to the people, are centralizing half of the funding. Thus, local control continues to be eroded. This erosion is bi-partisan, supported by a majority of Republican Legislators. Such supposed conservative stalwarts as Senator Bruce Starr and Representative Kennemer voted in favor of this Referral.
Second, growing government spending. The average Oregonian is tightening his belt and trying to make do with what he has in this time of great financial difficulty. But the kids just have to have new playground equipment, desks, and buildings, in spite of what local voters say. The State spending juggernaut rolls along, with the support of most Republican lawmakers.
Third, ever-increasing debt. Most of us are trying to reduce indebtedness. But this Measure seeks to increase state bonded indebtedness, in other words, state debt. And instead of paying for desks as we buy them, the State now wants to incur long term debt for items that are clearly not capital improvements.
Fourth, special interests. This Measure has special interests written all over it. Just read all the arguments in support in the State Voter's Guide, Most of them are written by the usual union suspects. The average citizen has very little leverage against monopolistic well-funded unions.
Fifth, funding our enemies. Conservatives like Starr and Kennemer continue to commit political suicide. They are slitting their own wrists with ever increasing funding for the enemies of a free republic - monopolistic public schools, controlled by the left.
The public school system is the biggest purveyor and promoter of some of the most destructive ideas in our nation, including:
- anti-capitalism rhetoric
- pro-socialism rhetoric (particularly in the health care arena)
- sexual licentiousness and deviancy
- man-caused global warming propaganda
- anti-God and anti-creationist perspectives
It seems hypocritical for Republicans who voted to refer Measure 68 to complain about socialist health care, environmental extremism, or increasing government control of the economy.
Until conservatives can wrest control of the public schools away from statists and the progressivist teachers unions, it is self-defeating to work for increased school funding and "strong public schools." I for one don't like to fund my enemies, or make them strong.
But Measure 68 is for the kids, right? No, it isn't. It is against the kids. It is not good for Oregon's children to be indoctrinated into progressivist ideas at school. Its not good for them to be tempted by drug use, and extra-marital sexuality, which is common now at our high schools. Its not good for young children to be taught that they can "save the earth," and that their very exhaled breath is a pollutant that is killing the earth. It's not good for them to think of private businessmen as greedy exploiters. Its not good for our kids to be taught that God is irrelevant at best, or, at worst, antithetical to education, And its not good for our teenage daughters to be in a school that at best condones abortion, and, at worst, facilitates them..
Again, until we can wrest control of the public schools from the progressives that control it, we should be decreasing centralized state funding. One tiny step in that direction is to vote No on Measure 68.
An Apology and an Appeal
First, the apology. Measure 68 should have had a State Voter's Guide argument in opposition from the Parents Education Association. We blew it by not getting up to speed in time to submit an argument.
But one of the reasons for this is a lack of funding. Most Christians and anti-statists send their political tax credit dollars to the very candidates who, while useful in some ways, vote in favor of things like Measure 68. Or they send it to groups like Right to Life or the Oregon Family Council. These groups, while performing useful functions, won't touch an editorial like this one with a ten foot pole. The Christian community is almost as bad these days as the Republican party in its support for public schools. Even the Luis Palau evangelistic association encourages churches to support public schools by paying for classroom supplies, fundraising for these schools, and keeping their playgrounds up to speed and attractive. Then, when Christian kids end up at these same schools, many lose their faith. And the culture develops more and more of a "port-side list," a tilt to the progressive left, and away from Christian values.
The best way to promote Christian faith and values, to stop abortion and strengthen families, is to withdraw support of public schools while they remian under the control of the progressive left. The schools are destroying our country. Christians and Republicans support and fund the carnage.
We have focused for too long on short term fixes to our public policy problems. The long term fix is to raise a faithful generation of Christian kids, and to kick the progressives out of our school systems. To that end, PEAPAC is committed. Our appeal is for your help.
Posted 5/10/2010 @ 2:50 PM | Welcome | 0 Comments
Measures 66, 67 and Beyond
Measures 66, 67 and Beyond
No doubt most of you have already voted No on Measures 66 and 67. Most PEAPAC supporters know that 1 Samuel 8 warns us of the dangers in wanting a ruler and civil government like the the pagan nations surrounding Israel had. God's Word made provision for various forms of government, including monarchy (see Deut. 17). The problem wasn't wanting a king, but rather wanting a king like the other nations' kings. ("Now appoint us a king to judge us like all the nations" 1 Sam. 8:5b)
What pagan peoples want from their rulers is what God alone can provide, and end up with a big government and big taxes. But God uses a great deal of decentralized decision-making authority to mediate His blessings to a godly culture. Self-governing individuals, families, businesses, churches and a wide variety of voluntary associations are God's ordinary means for culture building and societal advance. Civil governments are primarily only necessary to guard the citizens from criminals (see Romans 13), and to protect them from foreign invasion, so that they can go about building a godly culture (1 Tmohty 2:2).
1 Samuel 8 teaches us that when a nation turns away from godly self-government to centralized civil governance of most aspects of life, the result is oppressive taxation. Such taxation is defined as that which exceeds God's tithe, that is, taxes above 10%. The current total tax burden in our nation is somewhere around 45%! The State of Oregon alone takes approximately 18% of what it's citizens produce.
The message is clear. When people don't honor God as the King of Kings, He raises up oppression to drive them back to Him. Accompanying this, when people refuse to pay God His gentle tax of 10%, He causes oppressive tax rates to drive them back to Him.
The long-term cure, then, for the modern state's insatiable desire for more and more taxes, is for her citizens to repent, turn the culture back to God, and joyfully pay His tithe.
In the meantime, our job is to vote based on our principles. We believe the civil government should be limited in its taxing rates. When we voluntarily allow the State to take more and more taxes, we at the same time hand over more and more control of what should be private decision-making authority to the State. Similarly, when we ask the State to do more and more, we must at the same time expect them to need more and more taxes to perform these functions.
This means that just voting No on these Measures is not enough. We must have a serious discussion about the state programs that these taxes are intended to fund.
Only 17% of the revenue raised by Measures 66 and 67 are designated for "public safety." The great bulk of the money is for schools. I am very disappointed with the business lobby that says, on the one hand, that they should be spared the burden of these new taxes, and on the other, that they want public schools fully funded. This message falls flat with the voters, as it should. They want the service, but don't want to pay for it.
It is a self-defeating view as well. The public schools are the greatest source today of anti-capitalist, anti-business and pro-socialist rhetoric. When the business community says it wants to fully fund the public schools, it is advocating funding its own worst enemy.
Now, maybe business leaders have a plan to bring back a pro-business perspective in our schools. If not, they should. These schools will be around a long, long time. Our nation has morphed from a place where most education was decentralized and controlled by a myriad number of decision-makers (primarliy parents) to one where education is highly centralized, primarily controlled by teacher unions and state officials. This socialist school system then teaches an essentially socialist perspective on business and a wide variety of other issues. That public school system is, of course, the greatest distributor, for instance, of a view of the environment that calls for greater and greater government control over businesses, families and individuals.
Measures 66 and 67, asking for new taxes, even in the midst of a financial crisis, is a clear message that the pagan State will always, under every circumstance, seek more and more control of our money and our culture. As we try to hold onto our money by voting No, we should also say Yes to the responsibilities of self-government.
Posted 1/20/2010 @ 10:27 AM | Welcome | 0 Comments
A Christmas Gift to a Still Christian Nation
Once more, the Lord was incredibly gracious to a straying but still predominantly Christian America. On Christmas Day, an Islamic terrorist attempted to blow up a plane as it began its arrival in Detroit airspace. Our extensive security measures failed, as was acknowledged just minutes ago (as I write this) by President Obama, referring to this as a “systemic failure.” While we were alarted to this man through various sources, our security communication was insufficient to put him on a no fly list, or even to subject him to increased security screening at the Amsterdam airport.
Surely, the President’s commitment to work towards needed improvements in our security systems is correct. But it is not enough, nor is it the needed first response to such an incident. That should have been thanksgiving to God for His grace. Or even better, thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ for giving us this victory over a satanic Islamist opponent.
Whether we wish to acknowledge it or hot, this is still a theistic universe, governed in the minutest detail by King Jesus. We should give Him thanks for this gracious deliverance, recommit ourselves to seeking His face in response to such wicked adversaries, and speak for th the truth of His gospel. That Gospel is the wonderful news that the Savior King has ascended to the right hand of the father, from where He shall reign until all His enemies be made His footstool.
The continued failure of this nation and our leaders to give thanks for His grace moves us ever closer to the place of being one of those enemies whose defeat and humiliation is certain.
Posted 12/29/2009 @ 2:04 PM | Welcome | 0 Comments
