The statistics are shocking -- according to the Press Journal, almost 1 in 5 children have no health insurance (2nd worst rate in America); about 30% of 4th grade public school students did not meet even minimum reading proficiency on the latest FCAT; one-fourth of public high school students don't graduate; one of every 5 chlidren under 8 years old lives in poverty; college graduation rates are below the national average; pay for child care professionals is less than animal control workers and parking lot attendants.
If all that is true -- and I've heard those numbers before -- we have what could be the most serious crisis of all affecting Florida's future. Why is that?
You only have to look at the average age of Floridians to know the answer. People retire here after giving their kids a good education and job opportunities up north so they can relax, have fun, and await death. Oh, and no taxes please.
I once met with a prominent member of the Taxpayer's Association, a retiree from Buffalo, and we discussed the need for education and economic development here in Indian River County (and Florida). He was a nice enough chap, but his response was, "Let them (our kids) go up north for their education and jobs, then come back here to retire like I did." That's the spirit.
I have a great idea --Why doesn't some developer propose a full service cemetery community? The marketing possibilities are endless: buy a plot in the sun, maintenance included in the price, all services within lying distance, only the finest construction materials, totally hurricane proof, and best of all -- no more taxes! I think people would be dying to purchase a permanent residence in a community where there are no kids, no dogs, peace and quiet. Of course, the neighbors are real stiffs...
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I saw a bumper sticker the other day that sums it up... "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance".
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