Save Public Radio-Television and Education

I love this country and am proud of the generosity, compassion, and ingenuity of our people. Much of this comes from a group of highly educated and thoughtful people who sat and argued long hours in hot rooms to hammer out a constitution and an ideal. Today, both sides of the political spectrum argue this document and its precepts are under attack. This may be true or it may be just another smokescreen distracting us from critically examining what ideals are REALLY under attack.

Transparency: In Utah, a recent bill has made it more difficult for the public to obtain government information and communication - under the guise that we cannot afford these "fishing expeditions" meaning we should just "trust" the government to do what is right without fear of airing their actions in the cold glare of public scrutiny. Regardless of your political affiliation, a transparent government, a diligent and robust investigative press and an educated and interested constituency is essential for liberty and freedom to flourish. Additionally, there is an unnecessary and dangerous suggestion that we abandon public radio and public television. We need public programming. Contact your legislator to tell him or her that you value public television and radio.

Education: Since when did getting an education make you elitist? Since when did we think we could compete in the world, in a complicated and increasingly global marketplace without a foundation of math, science, literacy and history? The creeping tuition is making it more and more difficult for middle class Americans to send their kids to college, to get a degree or to learn a skill - and this does not bode well for our future.

Negotiation: When every word uttered and every suggestion offered by the opposing political party is loudly dismissed simply because it emerged from the other side of the aisle we are in danger of sustaining our republic through negotiation and compromise - a defining characteristic in every workable political system, or in any relationship for that matter. It is time we stopped imagining we are enemies, or that only one side has all the answers or that using violent rhetoric or vitriolic attacks is an acceptable way to debate key issues. Seeking solutions with intelligent, cogent, rational and civil debate is imperative.

The Middle Class: Whether you like it or not, the disparities between the rich and the poor is the widest it has ever been in this country and is wider than in any other country in the world. It is unsustainable to allow wealth to accumulate in the hands of a few while others find it impossible to pay their own way in the world.

I suggest, we seek solutions to our problems using transparent, rational, educated and thoughtful debate to restore the American Dream in the hands of the many.

Terri Holland is co-owner of Cole Holland Training Center, a post secondary school committed to student success in health care. Call 801.759.5164 or find us on the web www.coleholland.com.