Goood idea vs. baaad idea

A bad idea whose time has come always comes from the government. Every bad idea from the government for a program funded by a grant funded by taxpayers should be abolished. For example, after-school babysitting. The program’s goal is to "accelerate math and reading" for "certain students." What pray tell, does "accelerate" mean if decoded? I suspect the answer to be "teach the state-mandated tests to failing students." I know I’m right with the answer when I hear a teacher from the program admit the program teaches to the tests. What cost to taxpayers is reflected in a two and a half hour, after-school babysitting program for a mere 60 of 600 students employing a number of teachers and a tutor? The only thing parents (and we know there are rarely two of 2 of them) need to do is to pick up the kids at 5:30 before dinnertime. Dinnertime, of course, substitutes as a fast food on the go, a take-out or ordered- in meal, TV snacks or anything not home-made served at the proverbial supper table. After they have been provided homework time, recreation and healthy snacks, the children in grades 3 to 5, supposedly are free to spend more valuable, evening, family time at home. Want to bet? Give me a reality break. Is an expensive, tax-payer funded, supplemental school schedule for a few "special students" to "accelerate their math and reading", to provide opportunities for children to socialize and to eliminate the need to study at home a good thing? Nothing stops a bad idea whose time as come. Any idea of a program from the government is a bad idea, from free breakfasts to encouraging youngsters to get a "good sleep’ before national test days.

A good idea whose time has not come- comes from me. Eliminate all government "programs." Make the word "program" anathema. I’m thinking: food stamps, HUD, welfare, HEAP, Medicaid, WIC, after- school program, etc. Why not add any subsidy, political "ear mark", tax break, pork subsidy, employment counseling program or employment compensation program? Why not go whole hog and cancel ethanol production and the pursuit of alternative fuels, turning research and development of any "program" over to the private sector or a charitable organization? Gone would be $300,000 taxpayer dollars for a program to teach students golf. Gone would be the government soliciting food stamp recipients in a time of plenty. I know why when these recipients are solicited in New York, Denver, Los Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Dunham, Albuquerque and Miami where a majority of Mexican immigrants have settled. I’m sure these immigrants came to America with the good idea that they will work to earn a path to success.

What they see is a government that has nothing but bad ideas which they implement. Hard-working, responsible taxpayers are s.....d.