Notes from the Field
Submitted by Frank Murphy on October 27, 2011
Some time ago I wrote a post for the Notebook titled, “If I Were a Rich Man”. My intention in writing this article was simple. I wanted to point out how a few wealthy individuals were using their personal fortunes in an attempt to influence the future of public education in our state.
These Bala Cynwyd businessmen had contributed millions of dollars to the failed gubernatorial campaign of State Senator Anthony Williams. They are ardent advocates for the use of school vouchers.
Anthony Williams is a prominent elected Pennsylvania official who supports using public tax dollars in order to fund a voucher system. This politician and these campaign contributors were and still are a good fit for each other.
Williams lost his bid to become governor… a set back for him no doubt. But his bid to promote the use of school vouchers appears to be making progress. A voucher bill that he co-sponsored has won the approval of the state senate. It will now move forward to the house for consideration.
William’s wealthy supporters must be pleased.They are a bit closer to achieving their objective.Using public money to fund private interests might seem like a good idea to them but is it one that serves the public interest?
If this voucher bill becomes the law in Pennsylvania, it will redirect scarce state education funds to private institutions thus weakening public schools. Furthermore it will help to undermine our nation’s long held belief that the education of our children is an essential public service.
Is this what we want for our society?
Should the education of our children be allowed to become a lucrative business opportunity for savvy entrepreneurs?In the opinion of some the wealthiest people in our society, this is exactly what we should do. They seem to believe that because they are wealthy and successful they know what is best for the rest of us.
In the musical, Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye knew that this isn’t necessarily the case. He understood that though wealth can be used to buy influence, it in no way bestows wisdom on those who posses it.
“The most important men in town would come to fawn on me!
They would ask me to advise them,
Like a Solomon the Wise.
“If you please, Reb Tevye…”
“Pardon me, Reb Tevye…”
Posing problems that would cross a rabbi’s eyes!
And it won’t make one bit of difference if I answer right or wrong.
When you’re rich, they think you really know!”
From: “If I Were a Rich Man”, by Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock