May 15, 2005

Teaching John Ford

State Sen. John Ford might want to go back to elementary school and re-learn the meaning of the word "volunteer." Ford is pushing legislation that would require parents with children in kindergarten through grade 4 to "volunteer" at least 12 hours a year, and be involved in the teaching process by tutoring, chaperoning lesson-related field trips or helping students play educational games.

The bill is sponsored by two Memphis Democrats, state Rep. Lois DeBerry and state Sen. John Ford. You may recall that Ford recently has been in the news for having multiple children by multiple women, only some of whom he is married to. You may also recall that Ford has been implicated in a variety of ethical lapses that involve enriching himself at taxpayers' expense.

Rob Huddleston calls the legislation "another great argument for homeschooling," and asks, "would you want every parent in the schools - even those with violent criminal backgrounds, a history of mental illness, or a history of sexual misconduct?"

To put it another way - would you want the law forcing someone like, say, state Sen. John Ford, helping teach and influence your children?