This is Just the Beginning...

Dear Senator McCain,
I am a mother to three young children, devoted wife, and registered Democrat. On Tuesday November 2, 2010 however, I voted for you, a Republican. I voted for you and many of your supported candidates because I believe you are the only ones that can help our family. My husband and I live on the border of Arizona just 500 yards from Mexico. Being a native Oregonian, moving this close to the border was a culture shock but a valuable learning experience nonetheless. As parents it is our responsibility to teach our children the value of community, to become productive citizens and the value of good character. Education is key in our family. My husband comes from a small rural farming community in Arkansas and was one of the first members in his family to graduate from high school in almost four generations. He served proudly in the United States Marine Corps and put himself through college. My husband, along w/ other family members have forever changed their family tree. I'm extremely grateful and proud of him.  Together we realize what a great responsibility we have been given in directing and educating our children. One of the many things we feel is important in their upbringing is a public school education, however, we feel this simple fact is impossible to achieve here on the border of Arizona. 


Our public schools are over run with Mexico's students who cross the border each day to attend our public elementary, middle and high schools. They are able to use relatives addresses, vacant hotel addresses or in many cases fraudulent utility bills to prove residency and gain admission. Students who cross the border each day speak little to no English. The teachers here are dedicated but spend the majority of their time w/ non-English speaking students therefor leaving everyone else behind. The children left behind (who do speak English) account for about 15% of the student population. However, it is the parents of these 15% who are tax payers footing the bill for Mexico. Lessons in out public schools are often taught in a combination of English and Spanish. This could be beneficial for some students but can be an extremely frustrating learning environment for most. My husband and I have chosen to home school our student in hopes of giving him the start he needs for a successful school career. We are thankful for a tuition free online charter school however, our son, misses having daily contact with other children his age. 


We are blessed, I am able to oversee our child's education full-time as a stay-at-home-mom. We would like our children to attend public school but refuse to risk it. Please know that I am not demanding a solution TODAY. I realize problems like these are not solved over night. Instead, I am offering my commitment and help and asking (begging and pleading!) "What can I do?" How can I get my community involved and aware of the situation? How can I change things? I am willing, ready and able to jump in and throw my support where needed. Will this specific public school issue be on your agenda? We are doing our children here on the border a dis-service by depriving them of an education because we continue to support Mexico and their failing economy. Please, help us fight for the education that all US children need and deserve!