Arne Duncan and Freedom for the 4th

Arne Duncan has come out strongly in support of charter schools, threatening states who do not lift caps on charter school or do not enact charter school legislation.

The National Association for Public Charter Schools has proposed a model of charter school legislation to encourage states to put charter schools on level ground as true public schools.

Duncan's position has been called "blackmail" by many (just do a Google search for Arne Duncan charter schools blackmail) as they wonder why so much support for charters.

I've given many reasons on this blog in support of charters. Today I'll just give one--FREEDOM.

People have the freedom to choose to try innovation. This is the American way. Most great inventions have come at a risk. Charter schools may prove to be the wrong direction, but unless we have the freedom to try, and perhaps fail (as traditional public schools have in many areas), we will not have the freedom to succeed or try truly revolutionary growth and improvement in education.

So, today, the message is short and sweet. In all aspects of American life, including public education, let freedom ring.