For what people does government stand for?

At the Cedar Rapids school board meeting that decided the fate of Polk Elementary School, I felt that I was looking upon a modern-day vision of Norman Rockwell's painting “Freedom of Speech.” Determined mothers and fathers and their children, along with caring neighbors, retired workers, community leaders, lifelong residents, and people who have come lately to this country and community, stood up and explained why Polk must not be closed.

As the stories poured forth - some halting, some eloquent, all sincere and civilly spoken - I was struck by the thought that this was democracy in action, a real-life example of government of the people, by the people, for the people.

It wasn't democracy in action, just business as usual. When the roll was called, all but one member of the board voted to close Polk.

If this is government for the people, one can't help wondering which people. Certainly not the Polk students and their families, or those who live and work in the Polk neighborhood, or anyone who believes that vibrant, unique urban communities are worth strengthening and preserving.

Karen Erger

Ely