The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1955-07-15
By J. M. PETERSON, Poison
Tax Consultant, Joint Tax Committee, MSLF,
Farmers Union & Mine Mill
Thirteenth In Series)
additional Chapters in Subsequent Issues).

! The many local, state and national committees
working to find ways of financing our schools is a
good sign that America is committed to the idea of
general free public school system
Undoubtedly people do have reverent belief
that education will go long way towards solving our
ills But having sublime faith in the school-more of
it for peope-has not brought about the results
that hoped for Literacy, skill, the acquisition
of of knowledge not by themselves solve
our social problems The printed page be used
for deception well for enabling and enlighening
Knowledge, training and skill all basic require
ments of But equally important, if not more
is the effect their have human relationships
The big question is how their improves
the feeling of trust confidence and good will between
man and
1t is the everlasting credit of the little fellow in
America, the laborers, artisans and small home
that he sensed the basic equality of men, the
democratic ideal which demands equal chance for
all. AS often not, he caught this spirit and held
to it better than those fortunately
situated. AS result, it he who demanded the
establishment of the common school.
But while he won this cherished good intended
for all and having ceased to support and de-
fend the public school system he has not done nearly
so well in keeping vigilant watch how well the
schools educated for the democratic way of life.
Now we often hear the charge that high school
students and college students often display
a saddening disnterest in public affairs. These stu
Dents it is said who have benefited from Americas
outstanding example of democracy-our public school
system-show alarming disconcern over extending
these opportunities to ali others.
On point must all agree. The sum total of
all educational forces have far not developed
a philosophy of school financing consonant with the
democratic ideal of equal opportunities for ALL That
is why having underpaid teachers, shortage
Of schools, and too few teachers.
In an intensely competitive business society plac
on eSDeciay n
ton of worldly goods, should, doubt expect
that schools should strive to fit the students for the
mes-the dominant thinking and its activities We
,an not be surprised that they did what the most
powerful influences expected of them.
So far those who charge that training in demo-
ratio ways, morality and civic responsibilities have
neglected this is time let the schools down
The teaching profession is already under pressure
~ those who do not trust the people and would
lbit both discussion and examination of anything
which might reflect the status quo.
1t took the common to get the public school
ystem established if it is to be preserved unhampered
nd free to teach in democratic ways it needs him
low much
WHAT SHALL WE DO?
First of all, must talk and demand democratic
philosophy of financing schools and all social
fforts.
Our natural resources-the oil, the coal, the for
SITS and minerals of every kindare the products of
atures age-long process They were intended by the
reator for all the people, not only for this genera
on but of those not yet born. They intended
or the good the growth, development and enable