Pubdate: Sat, 12 May 2001
Source: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram (TX)
Copyright: 2001 Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas
Contact:  http://www.star-telegram.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/162
Author:  Howard Wooldridge

CONFLICTING PRIORITIES

Every survey shows that education is the No. 1 priority for this state and 
nation. Yet we read that in Texas we are short 40,000 teachers (Tuesday 
news story, "State insurance for teachers advances").

To address this crucial shortage, Texas will offer an insurance plan to 
teachers that resembles "a used Chevrolet," said state Sen. Teel Bivins.

There is no doubt in my mind that the No. 1 priority in Texas is building 
and maintaining more prisons. The drug war fills them up, and our resources 
go to lock up all the Robert Downey Jr.'s of the world.

What a waste of my tax dollars.

Howard J. Woodridge Keller
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens