To the Editor

Today's editorial missed the mark by tacitly endorsing a supposed correlation between education expenditures and student academic achievement. Great Britain and several other nations whose students consistently (and considerably) out-perform ours in reading proficiency, math, and science spend far less than we. NJEA protests and propoganda notwithstanding, taxpayers are receiving an unacceptable return on our investment. Quality and allocation of resources seem to have a greater impact on educational outcomes than dollars allocated. Salary freezes and staff/service reductions--in education as elsewhere throughout our fragile economy--are not mutually-exclusive, either/or options; they both are painful and essential (but still insufficient) measures to help right our foundering ship of state. I did not support candidate Christie, but I applaud the governor's political courage in confronting powerful special interests and proponents of business as usual.

Defending Sarah Palin (!?)

When I protest that Governor Palin's battle cry to rally the troops was not a literal call to arms, I am employing metaphor; when the governor urged her supporters to "reload" and "target" Democrats, so was she.

The Loyal Opposition?

Republicans are appearing increasingly petty, mean-spirited, obstructionist, and tiresome.

For the most part, Americans are a compassionate and generous people, willing to open their wallets to help those less fortunate. Cynical politicians should stop trying to woo us with promises of a Free Lunch.

Kudos and Caveats

Congratulations to President Obama and Speaker Pilosi: their historic achievement has irrevocably advanced the national conversation from "If" to "How." I wish them wisdom tempered by humility as they now confront the daunting challenges of implementation.

"Pass it, then fix it"?

We may be embarking on another deeply flawed, budget-busting entitlement program--another political "third-rail," like Medicare and Social Security, that would-be reformers for decades to come will consider too hot to handle.

Johnny One-note

Whether for good or ill, the most remarkable aspect of the entire ugly, protracted spectacle was the unwavering mantra and impenetrable solidarity of the Republican opposition.