Trumpmania

 People get all excited about Trump. But we know he's all about making money and stiffing people when he can. But no matter how hard he tries, some of the things his administration does make sense.

Like getting rid of the Department of Education. People say," but we need money for special needs kids and poor districts." But why does the state and feds have this money to begin with? All federal and state money comes with strings attached and you have to hire compliance people to deal with the paperwork. Just lower taxes by the amount it takes to run federal and state depts of education and let the local community take care of it.

What about poor, small communities? Well, they need to figure something out together. You say you don't trust your neighbors with a ten foot pole. Well, you can't trust the teachers paid with state and federal money. Every other day in Oregon, some teacher is hauled into court on abuse charges. So get to know your neighbors. It's cheaper and better in the long run.

The other day, I heard that the administration wanted to just teach reading, writing and arithmetic in school. Everyone was up in arms about needing a broad education. Well, people can broaden their own education at the library. What kids need is to get outside more. There should be three one and a half hour classes with a stretch break halfway thru for reading, writing and arithmetic. Between first two classes have a half-hour recess. Then after the second class have an hour lunch/recess. Then after third class, kids can go out and play for an hour or stay for music, art, library, etc. 8am-3pm and then send them home.

Another thing is federal forests. In Oregon, the feds own 70% of the land. Why? Let the counties run the forests so they can get tax money from logging to pay for schools and county services.