With Obama's plan comes the direct threat not only to teacher unions, but public education, both are in danger of extinction. All working people have an interest in salvaging both entities, since, if the teachers' unions are crushed, other unions will be targeted, and if public education falls, many children will simply not be educated.Â
There are ample resources in the U.S. to have a world-class education system, but not if trillions of dollars continue to flow towards bailing out banks and fighting foreign wars. The Democrats have thus shown that their priorities match the Republicans. Only by organizing outside of the grasp of both parties can real social progress begin.Â
For teachers, adopting a united and aggressive approach against the implementation of Obama's reforms is the necessary first step to save their living standard and jobs, along with public education.Â
Shamus Cooke is a social service worker, trade unionist, and writer for Workers Action (www.workerscompass.org). He can be reached at shamuscook@yahoo.com
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