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10-4 on your analysis of how to deal with the schools. In my school district, people were upset with the level of academic instruction. Nothing political; they thought, based on what was happening when their kids moved from middle school to high school, that langauge arts instruction in our middle school needed to be changed. This went on for a couple of years. No change. This election cycle, 3 political neophytes opposed 3 long-time board members. ZOT! Three new board members, by a 2-1 margin, and some teachers who are now on notice.

"10-4 on your analysis of how to deal with the schools. In my school district, people were upset with the level of academic instruction. Nothing political; they thought, based on what was happening when their kids moved from middle school to high school, that langauge arts instruction in our middle school needed to be changed. This went on for a couple of years. No change. This election cycle, 3 political neophytes opposed 3 long-time board members. ZOT! Three new board members, by a 2-1 margin, and some teachers who are now on notice."

Yup. It works very well, our system of elected officials. If the public perceives that changes need to be made, they can be made.

The School Board, in my opinion, is our most amazing political entity. Anyone, and I mean anyone, can run for the school board, and stand a decent change of being elected. At least, that is, in smaller districts. Where I am, it would be possible for a candidate to personally knock on every door in the district between the time of filing for candidacy and the election.

I've known one man who actually did that. He was elected, of course, and served on the school board for 12 years, doing a terrific job. He moved from that job to the County Board of Supervisors, and is considering a run for State Assembly. He may just win, too.

He is an inspiration to all of us. Any of us can justifiably hope to get elected to such a local position. All it takes is a good idea and a lot of hard work.

This is why I have virtually no patience for those who complain without taking action. Our system works. It is just a matter of putting one's ideas into action and convincing people with a good argument that one is correct. That works on the local level every time, and all politics are essentially local.

Of course, you do have to have supportable ideas and the gonads to work for your goals. It ain't easy to walk precincts and listen to folks. You'll hear a heckuva lot of things you don't agree with when you do. But...given the ideas and the energy, most anyone can get elected to a school board. I've seen it happen a lot of times, sometimes for the good and sometimes for the bad.