Seattle Times: Maybe Try A "Conservative" Democrat for a Change?

[Pilate]

The Seattle Times

 

Maybe Washington Needs A 'Conservative' Democrat...

An Opinion Editorial from Senator Erica Smith of Florida

 

Sometimes we get a crystal clear picture of the snobby, privileged elite, who are oftentimes conservative Republicans. Other times there's a weak veneer of those are actually snobby, privileged and elitist, but were able to re-invent themselves as groundbreaking liberal do-gooders. Unfortunately this time, as that weak veneer crumbles, we see someone simply trying to block pathways for women and minorities, just like the elitist conservatives who are out-and-proud, but with a twist of self-righteous indignation that might just fool us if we're not paying enough attention.

 

As proud citizens of Washington State, for instance, you are fortunate to have access to a diverse array of educational options, including over 500 private schools that serve more than 80,000 children. These institutions provide incredible opportunities for students from all backgrounds, including many minority and female students, to receive a quality education tailored to their needs and aspirations. These schools offer specialized programs, smaller class sizes, and individualized attention that can make a world of difference in a child's academic journey. A staggering near-majority of these students are minorities, with many coming from underprivileged communities starving for quality education options beyond the limitations of their zoned public schools. Many of private school students in your state are young girls from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. These institutions are beacons of hope, providing individualized instruction, enhanced STEM and gifted/talented programs, strict codes of conduct, and overall academic excellence. 

 

Wouldn't it be great to secure some of the best educators for these students in these classrooms, putting good people to work uplifting our country's future, in a way that does not divert any money from public schools? I think so. By investing in these institutions, we can ensure that every child in Washington, whether in public or private schools, has access to the educational opportunities they deserve. However, myopic opposition is threatening to destruct a tax credit proposal to recruit, train, and retain educators for these educational institutions, and it has nothing to do with the pragmatic merits and everything to do with serving disdain to anyone who dares challenge the status-quo and quixotic liberal thought - like finding a way to utter a depraved, sideways attack at religiousness, from a Catholic no-less. 

 

And it doesn't stop there. When those young kids grow up to be great, young entrepreneurs (if they so choose), they'll also need support. That's if they don't have Big Daddy's money to fall back on, of course. See, your state's Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises has certified over 7,000 companies in industries like construction, technology, and retail. After facing systemic disadvantages for generations, these entrepreneurs are charting a new path to prosperity, wealth-creation, and community uplift. And what would be a bigger key to their success? Access to low-interest loans, lines of credit, and alternate capital sources that can fuel growth, staffing expansions, and economic empowerment in their communities.

 

Providing new low-interest SBA loans specifically for state-certified minority and women-owned businesses, thousands of existing companies could scale operations, hire more employees, and strengthen local economies. Washington's disadvantaged entrepreneurs and business owners are finally gaining a foothold, and the federal financing proposed would provide a powerful tailwind. It's the type of practical workforce development and community investment that a progressive crusader would champion, right? This should be a no-brainer, not a 'poison pill', right? Well, in comes that snobby privileged elitist finding a way to oppose such a pragmatic idea. Underprivileged Washington residents received a resounding 'NAY' hurled from the former girl boss with rich-girl roots in Anaheim, California, getting high on her own sanctimonious supply. After having had every opportunity handed to you from daddy's wallet that funded a world-class education at elite schools that most families could never dream of affording, a more sympathetic person might see why it's hard for the privileged to understand a young, scrappy entrepreneur needing extra support. Unfortunately the privileged have power, but so to do the thousands of women and minority business owners who have children they may want to send to specialized educational institutions.

 

This opposition is the latest of someone exemplifying the worst traits of Westcoast liberal elitism - disdainfully looking down on anyone holding moderate views as knuckle-dragging "conservatives" unworthy of their lofty consideration. This arrogant mindset, regrettably, could come at the direct expense of minority students in alternative schools and entrepreneurs in disadvantaged communities working to change their family's circumstances through business ownership. Washingtonians can't eat rhetoric - you need tangible opportunities. Perhaps you could try a "conservative" Democrat to deliver those opportunities.

 

For now, please contact your state Senators and tell them to support the Apprenticeship and Jobs Training Act and not cut off their noses to spite their faces. 

 

Edited May 5 by Pilate