The reddest of the red states is Oklahoma. That distinction is based on its having gone for the Republican presidential candidate every time since Lyndon Johnson was elected in 1964; on McCain in 2008 and Romney in 2012 having won every county in the state; on every one of Oklahoma's representatives in Washington being Republican; and on having firm control of the reins of state government.
Therefore it was surprising to read in the New York Times yesterday that Oklahoma is leading the way in early childhood education. The state guarantees one year of free preschool for every child in the state. They also have an active program of providing home visits to advise mothers on child care and to emphasize reading to them.
That's while those Oklahomans in Washington are busy slashing federal funds for education, along with everything else. Perhaps it's a states rights thing. Or maybe it's not about ideology at all but about practical results.
It seems that academics are studying the effects of this early childhood assistance and believe they can show that it pays off. Children fare much better in school, both academically and socially.
So lets give Republicans a chance to show that they can have good ideas and can do things that benefit the people, not just business and their wealthy donors. Now about health care, and immigration reform, and climate change . . . just for starters. Come on, guys.
Ralph
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