Krugman: America is Falling Behind, A Stimulus For Education Is Essential

by Mike Smith · 2009-10-09 06:41:00 UTC
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Paul Krugman linked America's historic economic success directly to education in a recent New York Times op-ed saying, "If you had to explain America’s economic success with one word, that word would be 'education.'" He fears the opinion that governmental spending is always wasteful, and that this fear of spending has resulted in America falling further behind other countries.

So what's the suggestion then Mr Nobel Prize Winner? Answer: Money! Money to retain teachers, and maintain funding of community colleges that help bright students from less affluent families get into universities. Krugman demands that we must "approve another big round of aid to state governments." He's right to fear calling it a stimulus. He wants America to remember that education made America great, and our actions must reflect a commitment to keep education spending high. With that in mind, it shouldn't matter what we call it. But money isn't the be and end all, and it must be spent wisely, either on innovation, resources, or reform. It seems obvious that more money is required. The real debate is where and how to spend it.

Photo credit: Alan Cordova

Mike Smith is associate editor at Change.org.
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