Opinion

Concerned on cuts

Friday, March 21, 2003

Dear Editor,

I have been very concerned about the budget cuts to public education, but the problem really came to light for me when I asked my seventh grade speech students to select a persuasive speech topic.

Without any prompting from anyone, five of the students chose topics about budget cuts for public education and how it is going to affect their school.

If seventh grade students can see the problems that these budget cuts will create, why can't our leadership? I would like to quote the students who have so eloquently expressed their concerns:

"I am worried about Nebraska's future, but do you even know what Nebraska's future is? ... it is the children of our great state."

"How can you consider paying college football players when you won't even pay for the 'free' education we are supposed to get in our public schools?"

"Students need to be ready for whatever could come to us in the future: how can this happen if you keep taking money away from our public schools?"

"I am a country girl who has been raised to be a leader who should stand up for what I believe in. This is one of those times I am. ... education is not what should be cut."

"My classmates and I are worried about the cuts that are being made ... take time to look at the youth around you ... we are the future that you are cutting right now."

From the innocence of youth, comes the wisdom for the future ...

Lisa Fricke

Arapahoe

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