Imagine That.

Third-graders in Tramway Elementary School (Sanford, NC) engaged in a civic exercise and wrote letters to elected officials requesting that they do not slash the education budget--as deep cuts are expected as gov't officials hash out the state's budget.

One state legislator, Mike Stone (R-Of Course) is very upset about this. Very upset. Why? Because one of the letters he received came from his very own daughter:

"I was extremely disappointed, but I tried not to show that in front of my daughter," Stone said. "I don't know that at any time we should use our third-grade students as lobbyists."

The teacher outlined what students should include in the letter, he said, noting his daughter mentioned the loss of two teaching assistants, field trips and science experiments and more difficulty in learning multiplication and reading comprehension.

She ended her letter, "Please put the budget higher dad."

"As I read through this (letter), anger completely shot through me, and I was trying to hold myself together," he said. "(It's unconscionable) to know any education system would use a daughter against her father."

The education system is turning her against you, you say? ORLY?

Superintendent Jeff Moss said letters were also sent from students in other local schools to their representatives and to Gov. Beverly Perdue. Letters weren't written to "Mike Stone, the father" but to "Mike Stone, the representative," he said.

"If you're not interested in receiving letters from people in your district, don't run for public office," Moss said.

He said he doesn't see a problem with a writing exercise that has students supporting public education.

It seems for Rep Stone that he's afraid of the chickens coming home to roost:

Stone said he fears his daughter's classmates will blame her if the teaching assistants lose their jobs.

Well, hello Action. I'd like you to meet Consequence. This is what happens when you are an elected official: you are held responsible for the votes you cast for various pieces of legislation and the repercussions of those votes in your community.

[ETA: I feel I should clarify the above because it was admittedly phrased poorly, to a degree, and has caused no small amount of confusion--and it's distressing to me that anyone would think I'd want a child bullied. My point to do with Stone potentially being held accountable within his community that he represents. Via this exercise (more) people will be aware of him and how he votes (esp. now that he went to the media!)--and to show that he is aware that people will be aware is why the quoted is there. Well, it made sense to me when I was typing the post at the time. But, anyway, it really didn't have anything to do with his daughter. I am sorry about the confusion.]