A reflection on legislative silliness

How big of a difference one little word makes. The recent change to the "Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act" makes me very disappointed in most of our state legislators. Prior to this latest waste of time the Act simply read, "...the teacher in charge may observe a brief period of silence ..." The law now states, "...the teacher in charge shall observe a brief period of silence ..."

Not only was the change unnecessary, it is an insult to teachers. If our professional teachers felt their class needed a moment of silence I have faith (no pun intended) they would have observed one. Making it mandatory is ridiculous.

Given that this law is unenforceable (there is no penalty for ignoring our foolish lawmakers) and poorly written (what is "brief"? a tenth of a second? Five seconds? Five minutes?) I can only assume that the supporters of this bill decided to use our public schools to make a political statement.

If I were a teacher I would instruct my students to reflect or pray that the next batch of legislators do something real to improve education in Illinois.

I appreciate the governor for attempting to veto the bill, and my legislators, Sen. Cronin, and Rep. Pihos, a former teacher, for not supporting this bill.

Tim Jedlicka

Glen Ellyn