The voters of Oklahoma want better-funded schools, higher paid teachers, and increases in particular taxes (especially on high incomes); the children of Oklahoma deserve smaller classroom sizes, up-to-date and readily available textbooks and materials, and an educational environment conducive to learning. What the teachers are striking for is exactly what the people of Oklahoma need and support. Every student deserves an excellent and equal education; not one stifled by the state so that more money can be given to corporations and the rich. A child's education is far more important than some multi-billion dollar company's profits. A teacher's ability to live a decent life on their salary is far more important than protecting some rich person's ability to purchase their next McMansion in a community where their child will have access to the high-quality education being denied to countless others.
Let's hope this becomes a wave of teacher strikes across America and slams every state where education has been cut, educators denied proper wages, and students prevented from obtaining a good education. In the state of Oklahoma, where
Bernie Sanders won more primary voters than any other single Republican or Democrat, there is hope for progressive reform. Stand with Oklahoma and stand with the striking teachers.
