It is difficult to account for Norman De Bono's misleading synopsis of Freedom party leader Jack Plant's address to the London board of education: "Favors year-round schooling and believes it is flexible, supports individual choice and cost-efficiency.'We think it's a great idea, whose time will come.'" (Jan. 30).
Unfortunately, the board's proposal of multi-track year-round schooling clearly did not support individual choice, which is why Plant criticized the plan as unacceptable. He even congratulated the board for listening to its customers and voting against it.
"It is the lack of choice, combined with a proposed program of year-round schooling threatening to fundamental family traditions and lifestyles, that has turned this originally sound concept into a dead-end option," said Plant. This was the quote highlighted on the written submission that accompanied his address, and was provided to the media. De Bono translated this into support for the proposal, implying it supported individual choice. Ridiculous.
Perhaps De Bono became confused when Plant, like most participants opposed to the plan, said be would be supportive of the concept of year-round schooling if it was accompanied by choice. Said Plant: "On the subject of year-round schooling, I (have) but one comment: It's coming. I still believe this to be true, but its eventuality will not take the form, or come at a time, that has been proposed. As with everything, a great idea becomes a bad idea when it is not accompanied by choice."
Ontario president
Freedom Party of Ontario
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last updated on April 28, 2002
