Standing Up

The other day the President addressed the NAACP, graciously accepting an invitation from its new head. President Bush had kept his distance from the group after their disgraceful ads in his previous campaign.

The President endorsed the renewal of the Voting Rights Act, which made the news, but his affirmation of support for school choice received little attention in the MSM. WSJ:

"An amazing thing about our society today is wealthier white families have got the capacity to defeat mediocrity by moving," said Mr. Bush. "That is not the case for lower-income families. And so therefore, I strongly believe in charter schools, in public school choice. I believe in opportunity scholarships to be able to enable parents to move their child out of a school that's not teaching." Somehow that passage didn't get much play with the press corps.

Mr. Bush signed legislation in early 2004 that created the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, the nation's first federal voucher program. It provides families with up to $7,500 each year to attend private K-through-12 schools. To be eligible, a child must live in a family with an annual household income below 185% of the poverty level. About 1,630 children currently participate.

Senate Republicans who sponsored the original legislation are pushing for a provision to accomodate children currently enrolled who are bumping up against the income cap. Democrats, rather than working to keep these children on the road to success, are obstructing the effort. I suppose these kids and their families are now considered "rich".

Illinois Senator Obama also addressed the NAACP. Kevin McCullough,Townhall:

But as to his recent deception with the NAACP, he spoke with the typical charismatic demeanor he's become known for when he let loose, "Don't be bamboozled. Don't buy into it... It's great if he (President Bush) commits to signing it (the extension of the Voting Rights Act), but what is critical is the follow-through. You don't just talk the talk, but you also walk the walk."

His lie by implication is that there is at least an outside chance that President Bush would not sign the legislation (passed without amendments) the very minute it hits his desk.

It is sad that Sen. Obama feels he has to pander to this kind of bigotry, trapped in the past. I would like to think Sen. Obama is concerned with the future of black children, and all children trapped in failing schools. Where do you stand on school choice, Senator?