From RH Jones: The educated live longer lives

RH Jones, January 8, 2007
Subject: The educated live longer lives

To all:

The Akron Beacon Journal today, 01/08/07, Editorial Page A8, lists two interesting editorials:

(1) Educated living: a new twist on the concept of life-long learning

(2) State Rep. Brian Williams (D), 41st District: HB79: Not a bad bill

First, the editorial Educated living in short explains: " --- researchers discussed the studies that have isolated education as 'the one factor that . . . is consistently linked to longer lives in every country in which it has been studied.'

The findings showed that education is a more important factor in longevity than genes or race or income. ..." The article concludes: " Still, understanding the consistent impact of education on the length of life, not just the quality of life, offers on more incentive for Ohioans and others to push hard for a greater investment in education."

Ohio citizens, especially their state representatives, need to take note of this important finding. It is common sense: We Buckeyes will be all better off because of greater spending on public education from Pre-K to life's end! (Go Bucks in today's game!)

Second, Rep. William's HB 79 letter to the editor: " --- It is regrettable that the majority party in this latest lame-duck session chose, once again, to alter a good bill with unrelated voucher amendments - and did so in the dead of night at the very end of the 126th General Assembly, when little, if any, public testimony and debate could take place."

Sadly for Ohio, a few of those "majority party" were reelected. To insure good health, long life, and prosperity, it is the duty of all Buckeyes to be sure politicians are closely monitored now and in the future -- Public school professional educators are especially endowed with the lifelong responsibility to prevent an ignorant population. The massive shift of public tax dollars away from public school districts into the failed ignorant experiment of entrepreneurial charter schools has got to end. It is beyond common-sense. Therefore, there is a need to enlighten and to "turn up the heat" on the politicians who for so many years have ignored the will of the people; and, also, ignored the De Rolph Supreme Court decision on adequate school funding.

Politicians, we are watching you. The age of at the speed of lightning in electronics is here. You can not get away any longer with putting yourselves and your cronies above the people. (STRS board members are you listening? This applies to you too!)

Robert Hudson Jones, retired STRS member & multi-union lifer