Posted by jkelly32562 (anonymous) on October 30, 2008 at 9:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Amendment One is a bailout for the politicians in Montgomery. Now isn't time for more bailouts; now is the time to come to grips with years of government spending beyond our means, Ads promoting Amendment One say it doesn't require new taxes, but it will pressure the Legislature to raise taxes to pay back the borrowed money. The payback time is six years for the education budget and 10 years for the General Fund budget. Eventually, when the IOUs come due, the politicians will be hard pressed to repay them out of available revenue. They'll be setting themselves up for a tax hike.

Posted by turtle (anonymous) on October 30, 2008 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think it is wrong, wrong, wrong for schools to be told "figure it out" by the state in order to pay employees. Are state road employees, correctional officers, etc worried about getting their checks? It just goes to show how important education is to our politicians.

Posted by jkelly32562 (anonymous) on October 30, 2008 at 10:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Placing the blame on the politicians would be the correct response. If they had done their jobs and passed an education budget on time, we would not be in this pickle. I bet if the bill dealt with their pay it would not have been neglected.

Posted by WDM (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is why none of them will get my vote to be re-elected to office.

Posted by Virtuous (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with jkelly32562. Had they gone and passed an education budget in the regular session instead of waiting to get the big bucks in the "special session", things would be better. "Special Session"...yeah, right.

Posted by blissfullygreen (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the money should have been paid by the politicians in Montgomery who failed to pass an education budget and basically sat on their rear ends and did nothing during their term while accepting their pay checks without worry. The people serving this state in Montgomery are the greediest bunch of partisan politicians we have seen in Alabama's history. Fire them ALL on November 4th!

Posted by wisemom (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Amendment 1 might be considered a "bailout" but that is what the money is there for, to get us through tough times, which we are definitely in now. The money that we would be borrowing is interest only money to, yes be paid back in 6 yrs. If the economy doesn't pick up, then the state will cut our funding over the next 6 yrs. in certain programs in the schools in order to get paid back for the money. If this amendment does not pass, then jobs will affected and taxes will be raised in order to get the money. So PLEASE vote yes on Amendment 1. Don't listen to these scare tactics of it raising taxes! That is only if it doesn't pass that we are at risk for that!

Posted by jaxon8 (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If you vote for Amendment 1, you have just kicked yourself in the face. This is simply an attempt by greedy politicians to raid our money and spend it on themselves. Why do you think anyone would spend 500K to get elected to a 50K job for 4 years??? The simple math should tell you they are crooks. Hillary Clinton supposedly is in debt to the tune of 19 million trying to get a 200,000 dollar a year job. She would have to keep that job for 95 years just to break even, and she lost. Only a democrat or a crook could justify that.
You know folks, I am not sure if Barack Obama is a muslim or not but my grandma told me if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, its probably a duck. Can the United States afford to take the chance on a politicians word???

Posted by jkelly32562 (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

wisemom, There is no such thing as a free lunch. What is borrowed must be paid back in 6 years. We already don't have enough money in the education budget, this is basically borrowing from Peter to pay Paul, sure it will help us out at this very moment, but it would be detrimental to us for the next six years, because if we borrow this year we cant borrow again until it is paid back. If the education budget stays the same next year, we will start the year with a negative balance once they take our first payment off the top. And history suggest that the education budget will not be increased enough to cover the payment and provide the needed funds. I would compare this bailout to one of those check cashing places. AND IT WILL RAISE TAXES, WHERE DO YOU THINK THE MONEY COMES FROM? When the education budget increases something else must give, probably the millage rate.

Posted by jaxon8 (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wisemom - You should change your name if you believe what you wrote. This fund was set up be Gov. James to protect our money from greedy politicians. You need to read up on this before you post such an asinine comment. It was predicted that in time some greedy politicians would try to raid this fund. That is whay it was set up so that only the interest could be used. This is not the first attempt to raid it. This account is the future for all Alabama childrens education and nobody needs to stick their sticky nasty greedy fingers in it. If we want better education, we must pay for it. If you only knew how much money is wasted by the state you would probably puke.
I just read where the county is going to buy a new pickup for use a the courthouse. The last one lasted 15 years. Couldn't we buy a slightly used one and save money?? Now you see the thinking of politicians.
You are probably a young mother and are being swayed by ads on TV. Trust an old guy and read up on this fund before you start supporting an attempt to steal from our children's future.

Posted by MsJones207 (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Where did the money go? Why wasn't money set aside to pay these workers regardless of them getting the budget straight? I no longer live in Alabama but have family that do and I am so surprised that things have not changed since I first moved to Alabama. What needs to be done is not the fault of the tax payers for voting for these politians that lie to us and seem to have money for everything else except the people in which these funds are supposedly for. The things thats being going on in the dark is coming to light! Our Government is treating us like mules, they take on more than they can handle and put the burden on us. I can honestly say that things need to change all around not just in the White house. I can't honestly say which candidate will make that happen all I can do is pray that whomever gets in finally do whats right for the people. I hope these things going on in your state be an eyeopener for you as it is for me where I now reside.

Posted by place2bhaha (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

UNBIASED OPINION NEEDED!!! I have been trying to understand Amen. 1...I have received the emails where some of my friends teching jobs might be in trouble if I did not vote for it. I got the jest of needing money. But could someone tell me (besides the internet and one sided opinions) What it will help? How did we get into this mess? Is this bailout going to be like the market bailout and not do too much at all except raise the deficit? I know what people are telling on HOW to vote but I would like to know more before I promote this and vote for it. CONCERNED mother of 2!

Posted by hsbd4 (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You know, one of the major problems with the financial state of a lot of things is that we as people and the government take on responsibilities that we have no business taking on. The schools have to pay for lunches, breakfast, nurses, contract with counselors,etc.....we never had all that. Schools are made to be so called mothers these days. I have to feed my kids...others need to feed theirs. The schools and state can't afford it. Mother's and father's need to be held accountable for not taking care of their children. I bet a lot of people don't even realize that MEDICAID pays for a child's placement in a Group Home, Foster Home, or any type of placement which is an astronomical amount of money. Now,if someone with BCBS who works, tried to get some help for their child, BCBS would not pay. So why the heck should MEDICAID. This is just another fine example of why there is a problem with finances. Medicaid pays for children having children. Medicaid pays for someone who has 3 children and already can't pay for them to have another one. We have a problem with a lot of things in this world and state including finances because no one is accountable for their own actions. I personally have my own children and family to care for and I'm sorry, but I don't want to take care of anybody else's. If people were made to lay in the bed they make, then maybe they would begin to smell the coffee. There are ways to better spend money and if we cut some of the above they would surely save. We just chose not to do anything about it and continue to let people not work and be sorry. I DO THINK THAT WE SHOULD SPEND WHAT WE NEED TO ON MAKING OUR ELDERLY COMFORTABLE IF THEY WORKED AND MAKE SURE THEY GET THE MEDS THEY NEED WITHOUT WORRY ETC. RATHER THAN HAND OUT TO SOMEONE THAT HASN'T HIT A LICK AT A STICK! THAT WOULD SAVE AND WE WOULDN'T NEED AMMENDMENT 1. This is a very sore subject for me.

Posted by Virtuous (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Read the first few chapters of the book of Psalms where it speaks about those in high places (then, Kings and Priest), to include government officials, politicians, etc., who forgot about who actually put them in office. Just as they reigned for a while, they were also exposed of their devious acts, and brought down to size. Does any of this sound familiar to the world today?

Posted by Jack_Bauer (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 12:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Teachers are overpaid anyway. They work 9months and get tons of time off. Not all, but several teachers I know couldn't cut it in corporate America. Before you say that I couldn't or others couldn't be a teacher, just let me say that I have 2 former co workers that left our company to go into teaching b/c it was easier that 8-5pm job year round.

Also, if so concerned w/ education and lack of $$, then cut out sports (at least the ones that lose $$ and only exist b/c of Title 9) and other b.s. that doesn't further education. Plus, cut out some of the extra coaches on the football teams, etc - my Lord, how many do you need for high school football?

You know, the gov foots the bill for welfare, WIC, public education, etc - next thing you know they will want to take over healthcare and even get into the mortgage business.

Posted by jkelly32562 (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I highly disagree with Jack_Bauer on teacher salaries. It is the only job that requires a 4 year degree at starts you at 30,000 dollars a year. Let's do the math Jacks way:

*30,000 dollars divided by the 9 months teachers "work"= $3333.33

*$3333.33 dollars a month divided my the 20 day a month teachers actually work= $166.66 dollars a day

*$166.66 dollars a day divided by the 12 hour days that teachers work between duty, lesson plan preparation, PAPER WORK AND CHARTING CAUSED BY NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND= $13.88 an hour.

KEEP IN MIND THIS IS ALL BEFORE TAXES.

People like Jack make me sick. This is why there is a teacher shortage. Go to college for 4 years, jump through all the legal hoops to become a certified teacher and make $13.88 an hour Before taxes. Teaching should be one of the highest paid professions in this country.

Posted by Jack_Bauer (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jkelly, you make me sick. These teachers get tenured and then you can't get rid of them. There are a lot of good teachers in Pike County, but there are some that I wouldn't let train my dog. By the way, they chose that profession so $$ doesn't appear to be an object for them and they knew what they were getting into. Why should it be the highest paid profession (or one of them) - when teachers in Al start producing at a high level, then maybe they can get paid a higher salary.

Posted by hsbd4 (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jkelly, you are crazy....I know of a lot of other state jobs that require you to have a 4 year degree that start off less than what teachers make and work 8-5 year around and are very stressful. I agree with Jack....teachers chose their profession.

Posted by OldSchoolPike3Worker (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey guys. If you can read this, Thank a teacher.

Posted by Jack_Bauer (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OSP3W - if you Went to. cHHS and typed, That message slap a Teacher

Posted by OldSchoolPike3Worker (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Proud we stand in southern sunlight, gem atop a hill. Teaching us to work and play and giving us the will.
Symbols of a thousand joys to all who hold them dear.
Henderson High, our alma mater.....I forget how it goes. Can someone help me out.

Posted by Deliman (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can't beleave Jack Bauer can read and write. I think Jack works at the waste water treatment with OSP3W. Good luck guys.

Posted by Jack_Bauer (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can read, but I am not sure what "beleave" means. Possibly used in a sentence like "please, beleave and don't sting me"

Posted by Jack_Bauer (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

By the way OSP3W, I would love to thank Ms Gaston - over and over...

Posted by Deliman (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Jack, If you saw how Ms Gaston looks today, you would want to turn her over.

Posted by WDM (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is easy for someone to blame the teachers when they were to lazy to try and learn.Teachers have their hands full now days in the classroom.I hear parents all the time saying I can't control little Sue or Billy what if they had 35 to handle at one time.I think as a whole teachers do a good job.

Posted by Ramsey (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

@hsbd4
The only item in your list that would have anything to do with Amendment 1 is nurses. None of those other items are from state revenue.
Amendment 1 is robbing Peter to pay Paul! The state legislature, none of which are up for election or re-election next week, passed a budget that was bloated and far over revenue projections. The schools will have proration this year, with or without the passage of Amendment 1. If it passes proration will be less and it will keep some school systems open that do not have reserves. Whether it passes or not, the state will use all that they can borrow from the trust fund this fiscal year. There will be no money in the fund to borrow for fiscal year 2010. The revenue projections at present are negative projections; there is less money coming in than there was last year. The projections for fiscal year 2010 are negative projections which means there will have to be substantial cuts for next year. it means that there will be jobs lost. A major problem is that Governor Riley doesn't want to make cuts that will impact the Alabama Reading Initiative, the Math & Science Initiative, and the Technology Initiatives. These are good programs, but I really think that classroom teachers are more important. The bottom line is that you can't offer what is currently being offered in Alabama's Public Schools with the money that is currently coming into the Education Trust Fund.
I am not going to vote for Amendment 1 because it gives our state legislature the ability to continue to pad and then pass budgets that are beyond the revenue that is available. I simply don't trust them enough to do that! I also don't believe that passing the amendment will correct the problem.

Posted by hsbd4 (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am just saying...why can't they take some of that money and use toward something else. I don't really know what pot it comes out of but I do know that it is over spent money that could be put some where else for better use.

Posted by shiftingshadows (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 8:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

teachers are overpaid i agree with jack on this... people are acting like starting out at 13 dollars an hour is garbage? there are a whole lot of people in alabama and pike county that wish they could make that much... go to any restraunt and ask them how much they make... nothing like that... the hard labor at the wal mart distribution center only starts at 13 dollars and that is extremely hard work... we do not need another bailout...

Posted by jkelly32562 (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 8:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Teaching is extremely hard work. You are kidding yourselves if you don't think that. With out teachers we wouldn't have a future. If we do not educate our children, our country would be in a real mess. Imagine everyone on SSI disability, as being illiterate now qualifies you to get a check. Teachers literally hold the future of our country in their hands, and that should qualify them, someone with a degree to make more money than 13 dollars an hour.

Posted by COOTER (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks shiftingshadows, finally someone knows the real world

Posted by shiftingshadows (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

People in the real world will vote No too Amendment 1.

Posted by place2bhaha (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

STOP!!! Have you ever walked into a school and been disrespected so much by a child you were so desperately trying to help? Troy to teach a child that could care less??? Kids today have NO respect, there are such strict discipline guidelines that they hardly get a slap on the wrist. I have to go back to my phrase, if you can do a better job......DO IT!!!!!! Who are you people to say they are overpaid? The only reason some of them teachers stay are for the love of the students and their future. Yes there are bad teachers out there, but look at every other profession. There are always BAD APPLES! I wanted somebody to help me to understand this situation we are in and after reading some of your posts, FORGET IT!! I'd rather get FACTS. And I can see that is not what this forum is about. People that say teachers are overpaid and have it easy, NOT who I would want to get ANY information from. What a disappointment! I was a substitute for years and there is NO way I would be a teacher for $20/hr much less $13. jkelly32562-seems like you're the only educated one in this bunch!

Posted by WDM (anonymous) on November 1, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You people are getting away from the point here it isn't about what teachers make it is about takeing money out of the trust fund.I am all for teachers but they are not the only people not getting raises or looseing their job these days. Vote NO!!!!!

Posted by shiftingshadows (anonymous) on November 1, 2008 at 7:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i agree wdm!

Posted by Listentome (anonymous) on November 1, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Whether or not amendment 1 is seen as a "bail-out" is irrelevant to me. The point is that it WILL help keep our schools from suffering. We can all say to vote no will punish and send a message to our legislature that we are displeased with their actions. BUT who else are you punishing? You are punishing the kids. Those kids will one day be deciding whether you yourself are being taken care of or not. Those same kids will one day be doing the same jobs we are and running our country. Why would you not want them to have the best education possible? People complain about our system of education, yet tie the hands of the ones who are trying to improve it (most teachers). I agree with the people who say that the teachers are the ones who hold our future in their hands. You may not like the way some teachers do their jobs, but as with ALL jobs there will be some who are just there for a paycheck (Jack's former co-workers, for example). This amendment is not attempting to raise the salary of teachers. So, the overpaid/underpaid argument is actually a moot point.

Jack, I usually find your comments amusing. But this is one time that I see nothing amusing in what you write. Were you born with the ability to read? What about the other knowledge you now have? You could not possibly say that it was ALL acquired through osmosis. There has to have been some teacher who once motivated you. We all have had teachers we almost hated. But if we are honest, we also have some who changed us in positive ways.
It can not be easy to feel the weight of knowing that the 20-30 kids in each class will depend on you to prepare them for the next step. It can not be easy to deal with the varied social and economic issues that each student brings. It can not be easy knowing the mentality of some people in regards to education. Teachers are not appreciated by the very people who can read this.
I have friends who did the opposite of Jack's co-workers. One taught AP economics and calculus for TWO years at a high school in LaGrange, Georgia. He quit after two years. He now works as a International Sales Manager for a Fortune 500 company. 20 years later, he still tells everyone who will listen that teaching those two years was the hardest thing he ever did.

And before you ask, I am not a teacher. I do not think I could deal with all of the crap teachers have to deal with. I know my own limitations, which is why I defend teachers! I am someone who is highly educated. I believe in our education system because I am a product of that system. I do not believe it is perfect, but nothing is perfect. I also believe that we will get back what we give. If we give nothing to the future...we will get nothing in return.

Posted by shiftingshadows (anonymous) on November 1, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I dont care if teachers are overpaid, i made my point about that because of what someone else said bringing it up, even if they were underpaid in my eyes id still vote no, i understand your point of view... i really do... however the bailout of our school system could of been avoided and we have already paid enough for federal bailouts that were not used the right way can we afford a state wide bailout? how come poor people that work for minimum wage every day and work EXTREMELY hard arent being bailed out?

Posted by thetruth (anonymous) on November 1, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well said Listentome. People like Jack have no business in this conversation anyway because it is obvious that they don't care about our education system. People with Jack's attitude are the very ones with the children who cause so many behavior problems in school because they are taught to have no respect for their teachers. Pathetic!!

Posted by Observer22 (anonymous) on November 1, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Turn the clock back a few months to when the legislature was creating the budget. They saw the decline in revenue and tried to trim the budget but the post-secondary schools (Junior Universities, Community Universities, and 4-year universities) put enough pressure on all the members of the House and Senate who are also on their payrolls to revise the budget to add millions to post-secondary education. They knew it would result in pro-ration but also knew the post-secondary institutions could raise tuition to maintain their professional athletic programs.
If the amendment does not pass and some schools are forced to cut out after school programs or shorten the school year, many of those hare-working parents will have to shell out their own money to pay for day-care.

Posted by turtle (anonymous) on November 1, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Couple of things. One while I wouldn't give you one cent for some of the teachers who are in the Pike County and Troy City system, there are some that are priceless. Teachers like Mrs. Nellie Sue Helms (now retired), Mr. Rhett McGowin (no longer teaching), Mr. Dwayne Hudson (teaching in another system), Ms. Martha Harden (PCHS), Ms. Joanna Kilpatrick (PCHS), Ms. Janet Campbell (GES), Ms. Doroty Townsend (retired), Ms. Von Brantley (CHMS), Mr. Marcus Woodham (CHMS), Mr. Paul Gilbert (CHMS), Mr. Greene (PCHS) they on the other hand are PRICELESS. Some of these were my teachers, and some were and are my child's teachers. Every one I mentioned doesn't stop their work day at 3:05 pm. They are there after school and are only a phone call away for their students. They encourage and inspire. So yes, they are underpaid. However, teaching is NOT for everyone. I found that out myself when I taught with the county system for two years. I won't say which school, but let's just say after one day I told them I was done! I had never seen so much disrespect and rudeness come from 12 and 13 year olds in all my life. I was cussed and heard words I didn't even know existed, I had students jump up in my face and threaten me. I knew I couldn't stay otherwise I would end up in court for slapping some of these kids. I think before anyone can declare education as their major in college they should be required to sub for one year in school and make sure they know what they are getting into.

Also, college tuition is not about maintaining an expensive athletic program. College tuition pays the professors and instructors who teach, it maintains the buildings that classrooms are in, it provides the learning enviornment. College athletics are maintained mostly from donations from alumni and businesses (examples Richard Scrushy, Doug Hawkins, Movie Gallery, Mike Amos, etc--although Scrushy is now in jail and Movie Gallery restructured you get the point) and organizations such as alumni associations. The sales from athletic event tickets also support athletic programs. I am in debt up to my eyeballs in student loans so while I disagreed with a special session, I do appreciate law makers not completely cutting out 4 year institutions in the budget. I can't afford more tuition hikes myself.

Posted by Showdown2 (anonymous) on November 1, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Observer22, just about everything you stated in your last post is incorrect. I am not sure if your memory is failing you are if you're just a complete idiot. In either case you are useless and deserve to be hit by a semi, backed over, then run over again to ensure your pathetic existence has ceased.

Posted by Ramsey (anonymous) on November 1, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

@Showdown2
You've called Observer22 on their post as being incorrect. Tell us which items are incorrect and why? I am not suggesting I agree with their premise, but more than one statement was correct!

Posted by thetruth (anonymous) on November 1, 2008 at 6:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with Ob22 for the most part also. Definitely about the after school programs etc... being cut out along with jobs, increase in classroom sizes. It is definitely going to hurt the children.

Posted by shiftingshadows (anonymous) on November 1, 2008 at 7:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

turtle, pike county schools arent having to dip in reserve lol but anyway, i like mr. gilbert, as for the others ive never had to be taught by them as i dont believe you said any teachers from chhs... how about miss sessions??? but still voting no on this thing.

Posted by turtle (anonymous) on November 1, 2008 at 8:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah, I had Mrs. Sessions (Melanie) when at PCHS. My child isn't in the city system anymore so I don't know about the High School teachers but I will say Mr. Helms is AWESOME!

Posted by shiftingshadows (anonymous) on November 2, 2008 at 1:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Alabama Farmers Federation opposes this... as does Candidate for Governor Tim James

http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?S=9...

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 2, 2008 at 5:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Everybody is good at some things and bad at others. Just because someone is a Fortune 500 Company salesman doesn't mean he can teach or vice versa. I could never play be a professional artist because I am no good at it. But there are other things I can do well. Don't act like teachers have the hardest job in the world. Many other people work hard at their jobs believe it or not. If you don't like your jobs, get out. If you like it or are not geared to do anything else, then deal with with the good and the bad just like the rest of us do with our jobs.

Know what happens if a private company is losing money every year? People get laid off. It happens. We live in a democracy and that is part of it. So if there is not enough money to go around, then we are sorry, but you may actually have to suffer like the rest of us. If the money is not there, it simply is not there. Amazing how every year the education system in Alabama can barely get by on a multi-billion dollar budget.

If you are really worried about the kids education suffering because of a lack of money during these hard times, then suck it up and take a 1% pay cut for a year and put that money back towards the kids. We'll give you a raise when the economy is better. Don't like that idea? Go be a salesman for a Fortune 500 company.

Posted by Listentome (anonymous) on November 2, 2008 at 6:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Regis,
I do not work for a school system or a Fortune 500 company. My point was that just because Jack's friends left the corporate world for teaching and said that it was the easiest job they ever had, does not mean that everyone finds that to be a truth. I never said teachers have the hardest jobs in the world. Only that they are not appreciated for the jobs they do and teaching is ONE of the hardest. Want an example of this, just read the comments of Jack and many others. Maybe I missed the comments by all of the teachers posting on here about being underpaid. I truly do not see any teacher comments.
This amendment is not to give raises to teachers. It is to help keep the schools afloat. Buy textbooks, heat/cool the schools........................

AND I do give back to the schools. Every time my kid's school has something, I am there. When they are fundraising, I buy. When my children pay for a field trip, I double the amount I send in order for the teachers to pay for some other student who does not have the money to go. I buy extra school supplies for the teachers to have when they need them. I do everything I can being on the outside. And yes, I could not teach...because I would not be good at it. That was one point I do agree with you on. This is not to pat myself on the back, just so you know that some people do give to the schools.

Education does not work like the corporate world. By the way, there would be no corporate world without education.
The basis of our future as a country (economically and politically) starts with education. Say whatever you want about education, BUT without it our country is screwed.

Oh, and regis. Don't like the way the education system is.. then go back to college and get a job as a teacher and make changes. Or better yet, run for a governmental office and make changes from on high!

Posted by shiftingshadows (anonymous) on November 2, 2008 at 7 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i love how our schools need more more more every year and we give it too them and they dont do anything with it except ask for more more more... a bailout is not the solution how about finding a grip on their spending... im still voting no.

Posted by turtle (anonymous) on November 2, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The only thing is Regis, and we usually agree on issues, is when there are layoffs in education it is our children who suffer. The first programs that will be cut should it come to that will be arts such as music, drama, and art. Yet it is a requirement for high school graduates to have minimum of one year fine arts. So who suffers? The kids.

Without education there wouldn't be people prepared to run companies and businesses. We'd all be stupid and illiterate. I donate regularly to schools monetarily when I can and in items like supplies, time, and elbow grease. I get saddened when I go to open houses and PTO meetings and see maybe ten or fifteen parents for hundreds of students. The value of education doesn't mean much to many people and as a result we see prisons filled to capacity, and more and more standing in the welfare line. That's why I will always support anything that will help education.

Posted by regis (anonymous) on November 2, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Listentome, I know you are not a teacher. I was not talking to you. Man some people take comments so personally and to the extreme and they are not even aimed at them. 'Turtle, I did not say lay teachers off. I said everybody suffers during hard times. Therefore, teachers could take a VERY small pay cut and put that money back into the system. Then when the recession is over, give the teachers a raise to even more than they were making before the cuts. What is wrong with that? Its better than trying to get more blood out of a dead turnip?

Posted by turtle (anonymous) on November 2, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Okay, I was just thinking when you said a company faces lack of funds there are layoffs. I'm sorry I misunderstood. I agree, if the money isn't there for raises don't give them. I have long said that in every field not just education. But I don't think taking a pay cut is the answer. If you don't already have the money (i.e. a raise) then your budget doesn't (or shouldn't) depend on it, but budgets do depend on current rate of pay. I wouldn't take too kindly to a boss coming in and saying instead of paying you the 10.00 an hour you've been making I have to cut you to 8-9.00 an hour. I'd rather not have a raise or bonus. I hope that makes sense LOL. Of course the ones we should be chewing out are the lawmakers who seem to continue to vote themselves raises and ho hum around so they can be paid for an special session when that money is needed elsewhere like education, elderly programs, and funding for organizations like 4-H. And, that is why Tuesday is so important so everyone GO VOTE. Regardless of who or what you vote for just GO VOTE!

Posted by Listentome (anonymous) on November 3, 2008 at 4:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OK, regis.
Next time could you preface your comments with either the name of the writer with whom you are commenting ....or with, "This comment is not directed at Listentome or turtle". That way there are no misunderstandings even when you reference something we write. Joking!!!!!!!!

Posted by Invictus (anonymous) on November 3, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

With attitudes like many that are being displayed, I wonder why Alabama even bothers to make people go to school. It must be so that one can tell the difference between an elephant and a tiger.......

Posted by shiftingshadows (anonymous) on November 3, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

actually its all a conspiracy they make kids go to school so they can con taxpayers into giving money every year in an amendment 1 bailout. :)

Posted by Jack_Bauer (anonymous) on November 3, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thetruth is right. my children are the problem. I even have 1 of those bumper stickers that states "my problem child attends Troy Elementary School"