Many of our fellow citizens are being overwhelmed with the anxiety and despair that comes with such an economic downturn. Everywhere we turn there seems to be no hope; and yet, at this very hour, when our citizens are at their lowest, they find their children being punished for the incompetence of yet another failed institution we have entrusted to service us. The Administration for Children's Services' proposal to essentially eliminate their Kindergarten programs by farming out over three thousand five year olds into inadequate, inconvenient, and overcrowded Department of Education run schools, in addition to the canceling of Universal Pre-K contracts is appalling to say the least.What I find so disturbing is the underhanded manner in which these issues are being handled. Let us make no mistake, if this can happen in New York, this can happen anywhere. Therefore, I deem this a national crisis. Essentially the goal as I see it is to privatize the Daycare system and create a permanent underclass. It is vile and lowdown and done with complete apathy and a smile. The fact that such a proposal is even being considered only stands to prove that as a City, State, and nation when push comes to shove, The God in Whom We Trust is our money. We hate the true and living God, that is proven by our priorities. We can bail out criminal bankers and financial institutions, but, somehow lack any remnant of humanity when it comes to protecting our children and their future. This is not only despicable, it's illogical. Have we not yet learned that the children we neglect today, will be the children we will account to tomorrow?
There are parents whom I represent, as President of the Parent Advisory Committee at West 83rd Street Pre School, that have had the rug completely pulled out from under them. They have and are doing everything we as a community could ever ask of them, and then some. Not only are our parents holding down a means of employment (some even more), but, many are attending institutions of higher learner so that they might be able to better serve their children and our community at large. It is an undisputed fact, that early childhood education is a vital component to a child's progress into adulthood. What good will it do us to save an economy for which we leave our children ill equipped to maintain and grow it?
Our Mayor recently met with the President in Washington, D.C. He was accompanied by the Rev. Al Sharpton and Newt Gingrich. They have come out to head a campaign which allegedly seeks to close the achievement gap. I find that rather odd considering our Mayor seems to be completely mum regarding his constituents and their children being used to make space in his budget. Yet, as much as I'd love to crucify our public officials and their dubious programs (ACS), I am reminded that this is our city. Vigilance is the price we pay for liberty. Parents and citizens alike have been warned for years about the importance of their participation in the political and education process, and many still refuse to attend a simple Parent Teacher Association or Parent Advisory Committee meetings or even register to vote. Many even at this desperate hour are content in their ignorance, content to leave their children to a system of strangers. Scripture decrees that we build our house on a rock, so when the storm comes we are able to withstand it. Make no mistake this is indeed a storm. However, in this City and in this country, We The People are that rock. We do each other a great disservice by wallowing in convenient ignorance and unaccountability.
Something is wrong! And it is not our economy. We can always find a way to create commerce, but, the very soul of a nation is its families. The process which causes that nation to evolve is education. When I think of my country in its backward state, I am reminded of God's warning to the budding nation of Israel: When you come into prosperity...do not forget the Lord thy God. No nation in the history of the world has experienced more opulence and liberty as the United States of America. Yet, I submit to you despite it all: our innovations, our liberties, our commerce - the same universal, time tested rules apply. No nation is more valuable than its people. This is a fight we cannot afford to lose.
*Thus far, there have been a number of protest at City Hall (most recently on May 6th) addressing this issue. Unfortunately, media coverage has been scarce to say the least. Tuesday, May 19th there will be another Rally in Albany, New York. If you'd like to attend please contact 212-927-1899 for details and to RSVP a place on the buses that will be provided.*
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