Like you said, I didn't respond because I'm at a complete loss on this subject. It is so bad and getting worse, especially here in California, that it seems hopeless. I don't even have the heart to describe the things they're doing here. It's a travesty, plain and simple. - invariant - farewell FF

It is so frustrating that I feel utterly helpless. I want to do something, anything but I really don't know where to start. I'm racking my brain to think of what I can do within my powers. Our failing system is not right, and it undermines the exact foundation our country is built on: equal opportunity for all. - Mona Nomura

For my own family, I'm figuring out how much private education and/or extracurricular classes are going to cost when the time comes, and how I'm going to pay for it. For everyone, I'm making education my number one priority when voting in the next election. Obviously more needs to be done, but what? - invariant - farewell FF

The only thing I can think of doing is raising awareness and involving myself in local efforts as much as possible. But it's 2009 - we are more connected than ever. There should be something bigger we can all do. It's too bad the ones with the loudest voices and insane reaches don't place social relevance on their digital activities. Sad. - Mona Nomura

Gen - that is exactly why I think we, the people, can ban together to initiate a difference. It could be encouraging people to vote, voicing our opinions to the local and state policy makers, even involving ourselves with local, state, and federal organizations. I don't know enough about reform and or policy but want to do something, anything, to initiate change. The "what" and "how" I am still trying to figure out. - Mona Nomura

responded on FB ;) - Anthony Citrano

Yes, yes you did - though that convo was all over the place LOL Off topic but I love how when we agree, we full on agree - but when we disagree, we REALLY disagree haha! - Mona Nomura

mona did you ever read my breadlines and battlecries thing a while back? seems like a fit - Anthony Citrano

No - looking now. - Mona Nomura

FF link is here: http://friendfeed.com/acitran... (and be sure to see the thread that started it: http://friendfeed.com/acitran... ) - Anthony Citrano

Reading now. - Mona Nomura from IM

I think we should start taxing religious organizations. - Brandon

We need to rethink allocation of our education funds before running off and taxing religious organizations lol! - Mona Nomura

i think we behave like adults on this. if i sat down and realized i was spending 200% of what I earned, my first instinct might be to spend 50% less, not to find a way to immediately double my income. (while there's certainly nothing wrong with wanting to double one's income, probably best to wait until you do to start spending it.) - Anthony Citrano

Mona - yes! California's budget has nearly doubled in the past ten years, from $75 billion to $148 billion. Even if we cut every penny we're in the hole right now, it seems like there should still be enough money to, for example, keep kindergarten classes under 40 kids. - invariant - farewell FF