Art Wilson: Faulty editorial

The May 23 editorial “Paying, playing” had two major faults.

First is describing budget-writer Rep. Nelson Dollar’s “budget plan that’s conservative, pro-business, not very friendly to public education and certainly contains no good news for the middle class.” It’s correct only in the “no good news for the middle class” part.

No one fiscally responsible wants a 5.1 percent increase in billions of dollars in today’s economy. No businessman depicts catering with millions to special interest groups such as solar power and the film industry as conservative. Disparaging public education allocation as “not very friendly” is ignoring facts.

Republican legislators have allocated $1.2 billion more to public education since taking control than the Democrats did for the five years prior. And this budget gives teachers another raise.

Second is chastising Bob Luddy for simply exercising his right to free speech and financial support for whom he chooses. Open debate of differences of opinion is as American as apple pie. The choice to mock him with snide comments is childish.

An editorial page should express informed views with courteous discourse. Your newspaper and readers deserve better.

This story was originally published May 30, 2015 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Art Wilson: Faulty editorial."