Chiming in on changing the Alaska Constitution

Mind if I chime in? I will start off by saying that Senate Joint Resolution 9 is a bad idea. From the recent articles written in both the ADN and the Frontiersman, I came to the conclusion that this is nothing but an effort to undermine, underfund and eventually cut out public schools from our system of education. At least that is a how it smells to me. It raises a pretty good stink, too.

Private schools are a good thing. Don’t get me wrong on this. If one feels his or her’s child should go to one, by all means do so. Pay the fees and support that child in that school. I have no problem with home schooling either. Both work rather well in most cases.

But proposing to take my tax dollars that are going to public schools for private ones is in my opinion wrong. I fully support public schools. My kids went to them, as did I growing up. They work well, too. If they are properly supported and funded that is.

That has been a nationwide problem in the last what, 30 years — give or take?

And then there is the other part of this contentious issue. Amending our state’s constitution to make it possible to do so and direct funds meant for our public schools toward the private ones. Funding our public schools need badly.They are already have enough problems trying to keep things going a shoestring budget. Hamstrung by voter apathy.

I also say no this as well. Make that — NO! In capital letters. Constitutions, whether state or federal, should only be amended for real issues. Not for trivial ones and this one smacks of being just that. Trivial in the light of the enormous problems plaguing this state and the nation right now.

A few don’t like the public school system here and they are in positions of power to try to impose their will. Pity that they forgot who really is their employer. It isn’t the party they belong to. Nor a political action group or committee that is seeking power over others. It is the people of this state that elected them and the people are the ones they should be representing. Not just those of their party or belief. All of them.

But since this has become an issue. Then it must be discussed and debated. With all sides equally represented. According to some reports in the media this has not been the case. Proponents of the issue allegedly have been trying to stack the deck in their favor by having only groups that favor their opinion and cause to appear in public forums about these issues.

Last I heard this not the way Americans decide any issue. I find this arrogance more than disturbing. It tells me that some of our elected leadership has fallen from the principles that govern this state and nation. I will remember this at the polling place and will vote to kick them out of office. No matter what party.

These issues must be discussed and debated fairly, especially if amending our constitution is part of the question. Amending our constitution isn’t something that should be taken lightly in any case. Sadly it seems some our elected state leaders need a large block of instruction on the subject of civics. I will put it bluntly. Elected does not mean anointed.

Wasilla resident Daniel D. Grota retired from the U.S. Army after more than 21 years of service.