Dear Mr Kerth, I must express my disagreement with your perspective, as I found your article to be disconnected from reality and offensive. While it may have been sufficient to have only a high school education in the past, the current landscape demands a college education for many professions. It is unfair to assume that those who do not pursue higher education are simply ignorant. However, should taxpayers be responsible for funding an education system that is subpar?
In the state of Illinois, the statistics regarding student proficiency levels are indeed concerning. Only 35% of students can read and write proficiently, and a mere 27% can do math. Yet, the graduation rate stands at 87%. The situation is even worse in Chicago, where the graduation rate is the same despite the alarming lack of basic skills. It is perplexing how students who struggle with reading and writing are able to pass a constitution test. Common sense dictates that something is amiss. While I acknowledge that there are undoubtedly exceptional teachers within the system, I have spoken to some who have expressed their inability to fail students or hold them back. If this is indeed the case, it is clear that both the Department of Education and the teachers’ union need to be reevaluated. This is precisely why school choice should be considered. Why are these students being promoted when, in the past, failing a grade or attending summer school was the consequence of poor academic performance?
Furthermore, your proposition that taxpayers should foot the bill for college education while colleges themselves possess substantial financial resources is questionable. It is the responsibility of colleges to provide quality education, not the burden of the taxpayer. Historically, Ivy League schools have been renowned for educating some of our top politicians and lawyers. However, the overwhelming liberal majority within their faculties raises concerns. Harvard’s faculty is 80% liberal, while Yale’s is 75% liberal. Additionally, Brown University reports that 38% of its students identify as LGBTQ+. These statistics suggest that there may be an imbalance in ideological diversity within these institutions. Moreover, the liberal inclination of the teachers’ union in Illinois and the rise of antisemitism on college campuses indicate that certain ideologies are being propagated, which you expect the taxpayer to finance. Shouldn’t the focus be on teaching patriotism rather than solely promoting liberalism? A country devoid of patriotism cannot thrive.
It appears that your article suggests that individuals who do not attend college are ignorant. I must express my strong disagreement with this viewpoint, as I believe many tradesmen, just like myself, would find it offensive. The very people who have contributed to building the houses we live in, such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, roofers, bricklayers, and those involved in siding, windows, and concrete work, deserve our utmost respect. Let us not forget the individuals who construct our roads and bridges, fix our cars, print this newspaper, and provide us with essential services like farming and ranchers. The list goes on.
It is disheartening to witness the notion that college-educated individuals consider themselves superior to others. It is important to recognize that intelligence and education are not synonymous. Possessing a degree does not automatically make someone smarter or better than others, nor does it guarantee the development of common sense. Moreover, I am hesitant to support the allocation of additional taxpayer funds towards teaching ideologies such as liberalism and anti-patriotism. Instead, I believe we should focus on practical education that equips individuals with the skills necessary to contribute positively to society.
In fact, I would argue that the education and common sense imparted by a high school curriculum during our time were far more valuable than what some of our present-day college institutions offer. Therefore, it begs the question: who truly embodies ignorance?
Thank you for considering my response.
Gary Turczak
Sun City resident
