I wish to exercise my freedom of choice in how my daughter
is educated. I ask the government to kindly allow me to determine the best use
of my earned income by my own judgment, particularly where it concerns those
under my care. The current systems in place in the State of Florida are
unacceptable to meet these ends. In order to qualify for Tax Credit
Scholarships (corporations and individuals may make a state tax credited contribution that the State of Florida then awards according to eligibility standards), our family must not exceed certain income criteria. Information
on Vouchers is so difficult to find, I am beginning to believe they are an
urban myth.
It is my desire that this contradiction that forces a parent
to act against his or her own judgment be resolved. The State of Florida and
all government bodies must remove themselves from the role of parent so that I
may raise my daughter in the manner that I see fit; a responsibility that, as
her mother and sole guardian, falls to me and me alone.
It is my understanding that I do not qualify for (i.e. do
not deserve) the opportunity to express and act upon my own judgment for my own
purposes. I must therefore compromise one set of values to uphold another.
Particularly, I must not work to the best of my ability thereby garnering a
paycheck that would disqualify me. I can either patronize the institutions of
my choice (a private school with a proven record of excellence) through
value-generating effort (a paycheck that reflects my work and worth) while also
paying for system that I do not use or approve of (public schools throughout
the community); or take advantage of a social program (School Choice
Scholarships) that, by the very act of qualifying (i.e. earning below income
standards for my household size), I do not financially support (i.e. decreased
income results in decreased contribution through taxes and therefore a
decreased contribution to the scholarship fund). Only children currently attending heinously below average schools qualify for an Opportunity Scholarship. This requires a student to experience poor education first-hand before being offered the opportunity to improve his or her situation. There is no mention of remediation from the qualifying experience of attending a "D" or "F" rated school. Of course, there is always the
option of allowing my daughter to attend the public school against my wishes
and judgment however as I must act according to my own sets of values, this is
an unacceptable option.
It is with this contradiction that I must come to terms that
in order to remain a law-abiding citizen (i.e. dutifully pay my taxes on the
income that I generate) or forgo my own judgment and accept the government
rationed education that is the public school system.
Toodles from Bat Country
