Letter to the Editor

By Adrienne Dickinson

Each person operates from his or her world view, even if they aren't aware of what it is. ("It's all about me," is one world view that I notice.) Consider this world view:

Democracy, ideally, is a form of government where each person's voice is considered and counted. Democracy relies on the people having real information, thinking skills, and venues to share their ideas. Government is the people collectively organizing and monitoring the functions of a free society, working for the common good, usually through representatives. Government should support public education, not undermine it.

Consider any problem in society, and education is at the root of its resolution. The antithesis of this is also true: ignorance, or the lack of education, causes problems and is, in fact, dangerous. The process of a society educating each generation and continuing to educate itself is important work and relies on commitment, open minds, responsible media, access to wide knowledge, practice in critical and creative thinking, and conversation.

Adrienne Dickinson October 26, 2004