Yet, talk to some small business owners, and chances are that you’ll hear about how hard it is to find such workers. Indeed, it is not unusual to hear complaints about employees who do not possess basic writing, reading and math skills. It’s scary.
So, where are the presidential candidates on the issue of education? The October 30 Wall Street Journal ran a handy comparison titled “The Election Choice: Education” by Joseph Rago.
The key difference is that John McCain is focused more on providing options to families and students, while Barack Obama likes the idea of spending more tax dollars on various education initiatives.
The most important part of the article is the following on McCain’s views:
Mr. McCain would pursue education reforms that institute equality of choice in the K-12 system. He would allow parents whose kids are locked into failing public schools to opt out, whether in favor of another public school, a charter school or through voucher or scholarship programs for private options. Parents, he believes, ought to have more control over their education dollars. Teachers' unions and school administrators find none of this amenable.
Meanwhile, on Obama, it was noted: “During a recent speech to the American Federation of Teachers, Mr. Obama disparaged ‘tired rhetoric about vouchers and school choice.’”
The choice is pretty clear. If you think choice and competition make sense, then that’s McCain’s view. If you like the idea of maintaining a public school monopoly with some tweaking here and there, then that’s Obama’s view.
Raymond J. Keating
Chief Economist
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
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