The first part of life is showing up. The first part of public education is kids going to school. These are concepts that Jean and I made my boys live by, and used to be uncontroversial, but the pandemic has made common sense even more uncommon than usual.
In states across the country, schools are closed, and kids do “virtual schooling,” which has much worse outcomes than in-person. There’s enough evidence to make a small mountain that kids don’t spread the virus, but that hasn’t changed this dynamic. In other words, the basic principle of public education—giving every child the opportunity to go to class and get a decent education–is under threat. Add in some of the latest craziness—far-left indoctrination beyond anything we’ve ever seen, anti-American propaganda, and flat-out racist curricula, and the situation becomes worse.
That’s why it’s important that people who want to pass along a public education system to the next generation of Montana’s children, get involved, and fight back. Running for any public office is tough, but it’s necessary if we want to protect the future. Thanks to those who are running, and to those thinking about running—jump in! There’s no perfect candidate waiting behind you, ready to get into the fight. I’m grateful to anyone who gets in— and I’m happy to give anyone what advice I can.
U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale