Rus: It continues to happen: I read about Charters and School choice, and the successes in educational freedom under President Bush's NCLBA and the hot tears spring to my eyes. Yes, Kate O'Beirne -- it is costly. Back when we were pushing 174 -- we knew then it was going to be costly to make these transitions and help students (all ages, languages, ethnicities, possible demographics) make up for lost time under the current "pub ed" leviathan. Better those costs now. Upfront.

I guess I'm remembering so many dear faces of children, and their parents, and the punishments I received from "dem leviathan" for my public and activist positions. Maybe it's just delayed emotions. I'm remembering adults of all ages, suffering bad lives, and because they were illiterate, and had no confidence in knowing anything much that was positive. I've seen the faces of hopelessness far too often to ever stop fighting for these. I've seen the look of horror in the eyes of parents who's children are not being taught; or are even being abused by the current ed system. I've seen the tears of good teachers -- not allowed or permitted to actually teach anything of substance or value to their students. And I've butted heads many times with union-folks, oh so willing, able, and theatening to hurt me with bodily harm, legal harm, including the going after of my children. There are many others who've experienced the same. Many are just not as vocal or bullheaded as me. But, we have shared those horrors, that only those who've "been there" can talk readily about.

How can one ever forget the pure innocence in an infant's eyes -- and not see that dampening as they grew older, and grew to believe they were stupid. To see the light in the eyes of each person -- is one of the greatest joys to behold.

lol. No. The tears are not delayed, nor of repressed angers and fury -- but -- of relief and joy. These tears aren't salty.