Budget Cuts

Georgia U. S. A. Department of Corrections

The Flower Child is seeing Red today. When is the last time you saw any headline such as the caption to this Blog?

Yet, I recall a few weeks ago that the School Systems of Georgia were faced with a Budget Cut imposed by the State of Georgia.

Recently I have been exposed to opinions from various respected individuals here in Middle Georgia. On August 30, 2008 I visited the Georgia Music Hall Fame, which is located in Macon, Georgia. Of special interest was the Otis Redding exhibit which will close on September 10th, 2008. This impressive gallery showcases the entire life of this Music Legend. The literature I was given as I visited the Otis Redding Exhibit contained a wealth of information concerning this great music man who met an early, untimely death. I quote from this literature:

"The Big "O" Foundation.

The Big "O" Youth Educational Dream Foundation, established by Zelma Redding, empowers youth to remain confident, motivated and interested in education through music and arts programs. It was always a personal mission of Otis Redding to encourage young people to stay in school. Before his passing, he had developed programs to be held at his ranch where he invited people from all areas of the music industry to lecture children on the importance of education and learning. Of her hustand's efforts, Zelma Redding says, "Otis would tell me, 'If it takes music to get the attention of these young people, then let's education them through music!'"

Then on Sunday evening, August 31 I attended the Douglass series to honor 3 'super giants' of local music. The event entitled "Jazz in the Courtyard" concluded the Summer 2008 series in the Douglass because of impending bad weather. The Three Super Giants honored were Oscar Jackson, Bob Barnette and Boudleaux Allen. The event was conducted by Jimmy Mills, Jr. Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Douglass and the Chorus Director at Southwest High School here in Bibb County. During the course of the evening several individuals spoke to the need to keep music in our Schools as we hone the Citizens of Tomorrow.

Ladies and Gentlemen, here we have respected leaders in our own Community speaking out for the need for music and also the arts in our schools, yet when the school systems of Georgia face money shortages the first items to be cut are music and the arts. What a shame.

The Flower Child entitled this Blog with the title - Budget Cuts - Georgia U. S. A. Department of Corrections as a dramatic way of capturing your attention. When was the last time you saw a Department of Corrections Budget Cut Announcement? In fact we build new prison facilities and simply state that we need them. It is an accepted fact of life.

Yet, we take budget cuts in our School Systems as a necessary event. After all no one likes to pay more taxes. May I humbly suggest that we are putting our Tax Monies into the incorrect areas. It just may be possible that Otis Redding, Oscar Jackson, Jimmy Mills and Bob Barnette as well as others have it right. These men dedicated their lives to performing music, mentoring youth and leading by example.

Yes, we need to focus on educating our Future Citizens and providing a Well Rounded Education. As Otis Redding so well stated it: "If it takes music to get the attention of these young people, then let's educate them through music!"