Ron Paul: End Dept of Ed a proven perfect idea

As a Ron Paul supporter I've been bashed by nonr3VOLution freedom fighters because of his desire to get rid of many things including the Department Education which includes No Child Left Behind. I wanted to see for myself if the "Champ of the Constitution" was right and if it would be another way to improve our financial state in the U.S.

Citizen's journalists have some perks, we get to be on the "inside" where a lot of mainstreamers have no access--it's like being an undercover writer. With that said, guess where I've been employed since 1997? You guessed it, a school district. Not just any school district, a very large district called "Bethel School District" in Spanaway, WA. And to top it off, guess what department I work in? Yep, Finance!

With over 25 schools under our management, and Pierce County Skills Center, you can imagine the millions of dollars it cost to keep the lights on, buses transporting students and remodeling projects on schedule.

Today we had a meeting about the adjustments we may have to make due to the lack of funds coming from the state of Washington. I asked the Chief Financial Officer, "If the Department of Education and No Child Left Behind were no more, how would that affect Bethel?"

Harvey Erickson, CFO said, "Oh, it wouldn't really affect us that much in our budget, but in programs it would have an impact, but not much even there." He went on to say, "We don't get that much from the federal government--but actually it would help us if they would do away with No Child Left Behind because of all the requirements with that program."

So, there you have it, straight from a man who's responsible for budgeting millions of dollars. His answer, in so many ways, sounds like he would agree with Ron Paul when he says, "We need to give the power back to the states and cut the Department of Education."

Time magazine also backs Dr. Paul in their article published today, Perspectives on No Child Left Behind, they say, "For all its admirable intentions and the measurable gains it has produced, a decade after George W. Bush’s signature education overhaul became law, the consensus among policymakers and educators is grim: The good that’s come of No Child Left Behind no longer outweighs the bad."

According to the Department of Education website, "the President’s Budget provides $77.4 billion" for that program. Wow! That would be a nice chunk of change to not have to print out of thin air, anymore.

There again, another reason Ron Paul runs the best campaign--he knows what he's talking about because he's done his homework and has solutions. He says, "If you care about your children's education, get the federal government out of your business." He says that those who opt out of public schools should get tax credits that way they can have their own co-ops, private schools or home school.

What do you think?

Video: Ron Paul: Abolish Dept of Education