“I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.”

Thomas Jefferson wrote this hundreds of years ago but, as with much of what the Founders of our nation wrote and said, his words still remind us of our challenge as Americans committed to the principles upon which the United States was established.

For decades, the federal government’s role in education has grown. There are doubts as to whether this has produced better results or just greater bureaucracy. In recent months, we have heard or read about the debate over the implementation of the “Common Core” curriculum for our schools. We also see countless examples of expanding liberal influence and bias in higher education.

Is education still the pursuit of knowledge, truth and exchange of ideas or has it become an indoctrination to one way of thinking? This is something that matters to all of us.

On Tuesday May 21, Fountain Hills AZ Tea Party will address the current state and future outlook for education in Arizona as we welcome Laddie Shane, chairman of Arizona Conservative Educators. We are also fortunate to have Steve Chucri, Maricopa County supervisor, as our guest for conversation about issues facing us at the county government.

As always, there will be abundant opportunity to ask questions, get answers and share opinions.

All are invited and welcome. Admission is free, but donations to offset expenses are gratefully accepted. Fountain Hills AZ Tea Party meets at the Fountain Hills School District Learning Center on Tuesday, May 21, at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. for cookies and conversation. Mark your calendars. Bring a friend. Come to listen, learn, and join the debate.

For more information, please visit www.fhteaparty.org.