Earlier this week, I told you about legislation introduced by State Rep. Richard Grucela, D-Northampton, enabling unpaid surveyors to file mechanic's liens for unpaid bills. To a man, you all pretty much hate the idea and I appreciate your candor, especially since it's directed at Rich and not me. OK, so how about this - a program known as Operation Recognition for Vietnam veterans. It's similar to what we did for WW II and Korean War vets. That bill was unanimously reported out of the House Education Committee this week, and grants high school diplomas to veterans of the Vietnam War who were unable to complete high school because of their military service.
"There are many men and women who were unable to finish their high school education because they left to serve their country," Grucela said. "They may be leading productive lives now, but I believe we should give to them what they gave up -- a high school diploma. It’s a small, but important show of appreciation to all those who sacrificed their education to ensure our freedoms."
A school board would also be able to award a diploma posthumously to an eligible veteran.
Grucela is a former teacher and a member of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.
Is this better than the surveyor bill?
I suppose after thirty years, I would have to say just a little late. If they never went back to earn a GED, they statistically led a tough life economically.
ReplyDeleteTo me, after all this time it gives the perception of support, but in an almost patronizing manner. As a former teacher, and long time legislator, he is just thinking of this now?
Damn, Poor Rich goes thru a gauntlet on my blog.
ReplyDeleteHe probably needs to get a few accomplishments under his belt to put on a flier. He must be planning on running for something in the future other than his safe seat.
ReplyDeleteSince Rich, a good guy, really hasn't accomplished much in Harrisburg, it would appear he is making up for lost time.
And I want some apple pie too...
ReplyDeleteLighthouse, I don't know much at all about Rich Grucela, but I'm stunned that no one thought of this for 30 years, let alone just him (and I'm sure there are other former teachers in the state legislature).
ReplyDeleteThe Banker
This legislation would likely benefit its co-sponsors more than Vietnam vets. There's a whif of the self-serving about it. It doesn't appear that the bill is being pushed by any vets group, otherwise there would be some stated rationale (ex. Granting diplomas to vets would allow them to do X).
ReplyDeleteAlso, I remain amazed at how expansionist our state legislators are w/ respect to their authority. There appears no aspect of our daily and personal lives that they would refrain from regulating. Hey Rich! Repair the roads and bridges, fund the state police and jails, and then just sit down.
And yet... About 8,000 permanent immigrants with green cards join the armed forces annually, the Pentagon reports, and about 29,000 foreign-born people currently serving are not American citizens.... " The requirements for eligibility are that the applicant must have served honorably or have separated from the service under honorable conditions, have completed one year or more of military service.."
ReplyDeleteSo it's easier to become a U.S. citizen then to get a HS diploma out of the military? Something not right about that!
(Click On My Name For More Info)
Anonymous: Constituent Deserves Apology from Grucela for Attack
ReplyDeleteWhy doesn't Grucela accuse all of his constituents of never doing any public service? Perhaps he can teach the technique of suckling at the teat of the taxpayer.
I agree with most of what has been said here being a Veteran of the 50's to 1970. Military Veteran organizations here in the Lehigh Valley would be very sceptical of this proposal.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately Mr Gucela is just trying to pad his resume. Though in his defense he has helped numerous veterans in Northampton County over the years.
The Old Allentown Curmudgeon
Populist proposals in the run up to one's election are easy to identify.
ReplyDeleteI think Grucela pissed a lot of people off by attacking a constituent on this blog who dared to criticize the performance of another elected official's duties. His defense of a friend stepped over the line.
Over the last couple of years, the PA Dept. of Education has been pushing to implement Graduation Competency Assessments (tests seniors must pass before they could be awarded a high school diploma) as a way of ensuring that a high school diploma indicates a certain minimum level of ability. Rep. Grucela's proposal seems to be at odds with that goal. (In fairness, the Legislature has generally opposed PDE's efforts in this regard.)
ReplyDeleteIf a GED was added as a requirement for receiving a diploma, I might be able to go along with this proposal. But doesn't the Legislature have more important things to work on?
"I think Grucela pissed a lot of people off by attacking a constituent on this blog "
ReplyDeleteHow do you know it was a constituent? It was an anonymous person, probably you, who lacked the sensitivity to show some respect for the deceased.
I served in the U.S.M.C from 1967 to 1970.When I returned to the states both of my C.O.'s at Camp Lejune and N.A.S Jacksonville required Marines to take G.E.D. classes on the base at night.
ReplyDeleteDon't disagree with O'Hare about one of his mancrushs. You may have won the Medal of Honor but in Bernies eyes its probably P2P if you have any criticism of one of his guys.
ReplyDeleteThis has nothing to do with the topic, but I had Mr. Grucela as a teacher in 12th grade. Without any personal attacks, let me just say that I do not like the man and have never voted for him. However, I also had Sal Panto in 8th grade and think that he is truly a wonderful man.
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