Bush's budget cuts would make it harder for some to get a second chance

[LynneSin]

This story amazed me because of the odds that this girl had to overcome in order to get her high school diploma. Now the Bush administration wants to cut funding for GED programs, which pretty much means if you fuck up as a kid there is no second chance for you.

But then again, the military recently dropped the high school diploma criteria...... :grr:

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050606/NEWS01/506060318/1006

Cuts threaten second shot at school
With funds for adult education in jeopardy, a GED may be out of reach
By EDWARD L. KENNEY / The News Journal
06/06/2005

Not everyone gets the chance to fix a big mistake. But on Sunday, Eva Dobies did. She crossed an auditorium stage in Middletown and collected her high school diploma.

The big moment came after she had dropped out of high schools -- twice -- the second time at Smyrna High in the 10th grade two years ago.

Earning her diploma also came with some sacrifice. She worked at a restaurant by day and went to free adult education classes four nights a week for a year and a half.

And it came despite receiving radiation treatments for cervical cancer while working full time and attending classes. She is now in remission.

"I'm really proud of her," said her mom, Linda, who encouraged her daughter to go back to school.

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The Bush administration has proposed slashing state grants for adult education programs from $569 million this year to $207 million in 2006 -- a reduction of about 64 percent. The cutback is part of a proposal to reduce the discretionary education budget next year by 1 percent, or $500 million.

[bluestateguy]

1. I only have sympathy for those who took the time to vote and vote Kerry

This last election made me a lot more cold hearted, and much more selective about giving out sympathy. When I discovered that 7 of the 10 poorest white majority counties in the US voted for Bush, that tells me that a lot of the affected people returned this Administration to power. And as for the 40% of people who did not vote at all, that as far as I'm concerned is objectively the equivalent of voting for Bush.

And they can get everything they deserve for all I care: no health care, harder to declare bankruptcy or file class action lawsuits, harder to get financial aid for college and their kids are most liklely to be drafted for the Iran War.

The chickens are coming home to roost.

[cornermouse]

2. "This last election made me a lot more cold hearted"

Me too and I really don't like it.

[slor]

4. Where did you get those numbers?

mind you, I do not doubt it, but I would like to see the other stats. Sounds like a good place to send Dems to discuss the populist issues. Or at least a good place to send the military recruiters!

[LynneSin]

5. I'm a little challenged by that statement

Maybe in the red states that's true, but I'm here in Delaware where Democrats win easily. Why should I punish those in my state, hell any state out there.

If anything, this is another way to get people to recognize the horrors of Bush.

[magellan]

3. Good! Keep taking things away, BushCo!

The more you take, the more reasons you give more people to march against you!