How accurate is Ms. Wilson’s opinion piece on VB Schools?

https://www.pilotonline.com/opinion/vp-ed-column-wilson-0917-20190917-hrgyiicu6ze3rb3jax5ocoytha-story.html

While it is very true that many schools in VB are older and in need of repair, I take issue with the idea that only schools in wealthier neighborhoods are being replaced. Yes, the new Kellam HS is in the southern part of the city where the income levels are higher. Old Donation, which she cited is not. And the students that attend there are brought in from around the city.

If a building is sound, yet needs upgraded (a/c units, technology improvements, security, etc.), then budget for the upgrades. If a building is beyond useful condition, then plan and budget for replacement. Using bonds is a good way to go about that.

As a reminder, my daughter is a HS English teacher in one of the older schools in town. I am sure she would love a shiny new building to teach in, but upgrading the current one would be just fine with her.

It is an important piece, but I wish she had been a little more accurate and a little less hyperbolic.

Locked and loaded?

For many years the United States has done a land office business selling arms and ammunition to the Saudis. We continued doing this even after it was Saudis who financed and carried out the attacks on 9-11. For several years now, the Saudis have been using these weapons in a genocidal, Sunni versus Shia war aimed at the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Now, it seems, the Houthi have struck back using weapons provided to them by Iran.

These facts raise two very important questions.

First, is there any legitimate reason for the United States to act militarily in support of Saudi Arabia in this conflict?

And, second, if, yes, who should decide?

With respect to the first question, involving ourselves in the ongoing conflicts between Shia and Sunni has proven to be disastrous. We do not have a dog in that fight, but, if we must take sides, the barbaric dictatorship that is Saudi Arabia is the wrong one.

With respect to the second question, the answer is obvious. It is the responsibility of the Congress to declare war, not the President and certainly not the dictator of Saudi Arabia as President Trump has suggested in his tweets. Any military strike against Iran without Congressional approval will be the most egregious impeachable offense yet.

Blessed are the Peacemakers. THAT is the role we should seek to play.