Stacking the Deck Against Kids

by: teacherken

Sat Nov 28, 2009 at 08:15:08 AM EST

The American economy is broken, ruined by the greed and irresponsibility of fabulously wealthy corporate chieftains and their shabby acolytes and enablers in government. While Wall Street is handing out billions in bonuses, American families are struggling with joblessness, home foreclosures and rampant debt. The economic woes are exacting a fierce toll on family life, and children are taking a big hit - emotionally, psychologically and otherwise.

The quote and the title are from this column by Bob Herbert.   Read it.  

Then we can talk.

Remember the children

by: teacherken

Sun Nov 15, 2009 at 08:37:46 AM EST

And note especially these words:  

Tererai is a reminder of the adage that talent is universal, while opportunity is not. There are still 75 million children who are not attending primary school around the world. We could educate them all for far less than the cost of the proposed military "surge" in Afghanistan.

talent is universal, while the opportunity is not  - words to ponder.  But not merely in terms of impoverished nations overseas with little or no primary school.  Ponder as well those words with respect to the lack of opportunities for many American children as well.

Children are the top stakeholders in health care reform

by: teacherken

Mon Sep 07, 2009 at 08:37:46 AM EDT

Uninsured and underinsured children cost our communities. A 2007 study in Pediatrics found that communities save $2,100 for every child they insure or keep insured. Uninsured children are eight times more likely to have delayed medical care and too often end up in the emergency room where treatment can be much more expensive than in the doctor's office. One out of every nine children in America does not have health coverage.

So write former Senators Tom Daschle and John C. Danforth, Dem and Repub, who are on the Advisory Board of the Bipartisan Policy Center.  Yes, I used the word bi-partisan.  They are the coauthors of an op ed in todahy's Boston Globe well worth reading, with the titled The top stakeholders in health reform.  It is that op ed I will explore, although you can if you wish just read their words and skip what I offer of my own.