Government condemns monopolies unless it holds them

It's ironic how the government condemns monopolies unless they hold the monopoly. For instance, did you know that the Postal Service has an exclusive monopoly on letters? Similarly, school districts across the country hold a monopoly on education. Like private sector monopolies, these government monopolies stifle quality, choices, and accountability.

Every time the conversation shifts toward school vouchers, districts and teachers' unions rally to shut it down, employing every resource at their disposal. Some even use our tax dollars to travel to the Capitol to lobby against it and ultimately, us.

We all pay taxes and deserve the services they fund, including quality education for our children. Breaking the educational monopoly with vouchers encourages public schools to compete with private and homeschool educators. Competition is good.

Forcing public schools to compete with charter and private schools will be beneficial in the long run, or it might lead to the demise of underperforming schools. Either way, all schools will have to vie for our children, ensuring they receive the education they deserve from teachers who strive to keep them engaged at the school of their choice.

DAVID HATCH

Bonners Ferry