This past couple of weeks I’ve met with groups on both sides of the Idaho education wars which are currently raging over “reform” laws on our November ballot. These meetings reaffirmed the fact that we working class people all share the desire and belief that public schools should provide our children, grandchildren, and other relatives with the chance to have a good education, no matter where they live. In our hearts, we know it’s the best thing for them.

So what continues to divide us? Really, what’s stopping us from pursuing improvement in all our schools? Money, power — the clout that goes with it? Is that what is really necessary to move us into action?

It seems that within any group gatherings there is always at least one person who indicates or says “we can’t.” And that attitude becomes infectious. So here is something to consider;

All In The State Of Mind
If you think you’re beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you’d like to win, but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost
For out in the world you find,
Success begins with a fellow’s will;
It’s all in the state of mind.

Full many a race is lost,
Ere ever a step is run;
And many a coward fails
Ere ever his work begun.
Think big, and your deeds will grow;
Think small, and you’ll fall behind;
Think that you can, and you will.
It’s all in the state of mind.

If you think you’re out classed, you are;
You’ve got to think high to rise,
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins,
Is the fellow who thinks he can.
–    Author Unknown