By Tony Street Santa Monica
So which is it Chuck? Are you “homeless and living in Santa Monica” (Charles Springer’s From the Street column SMDP 5/26/03) or are you “a formerly homeless man living in Santa Monica” (SMDP 5/19/03)? It seems lately that you are a little schizophrenic. But, I digress.
Recently in one of your many uninformed opinion submissions, you claim a connection between the shootings in the Pico neighborhood and the alleged under-funding of our education system. Now for the sake of this discussion I will put aside your blatant, although typical, omission of parental responsibilities in raising these kids or any indictment on people who have kids when they are, in fact, too poor to provide adequately for their offspring.
Having said that, a few things to consider: Firstly, the budget “crisis” hasn’t happened yet so how can you tie these recent incidents in Pico to the future shortfalls? (Or, are you saying that our Santa Monica schools are currently horrible and that we just need some money to maintain the status quo, which would continue to make our schools... horrible?) Secondly, you equate a child getting a quality education with that child’s future “opportunity to achieve to their highest potential.” Chuck, according to you, you received a “private school” education. What happened? Now do you really think you should be a spokesman espousing the benefits of a quality education?
Thirdly, isn’t it interesting that you don’t own a business or a home or any property in Santa Monica, yet you are very willing to tell those of us that do that we should get out our checkbooks, once again, to “rescue” the schools because of a poorly managed government?
Finally, how much money will you personally be donating to the SMMUSD to “save” our schools? Yeah, I thought so.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 28, 2003. Read the original PDF.