Opinion | Mind your own

When COVID hit and vaccines were deemed necessary for the well-being of the country, antivaxxer groups like Moms of Liberty said, “we don’t coparent with the government… Mind your own.”

While looking around for places to live after getting orders to Alabama, we were warned about the Montgomery Public school system. And I was alarmed to discover there are no homeschool requirements for the state of Alabama. But when it came to my children’s education, and since I have option to send them to the school on base, I was met with… “mind your own.”

Having worked in education, at a private school where lunches were subsidized for everyone, I recognize how invaluable food is for children. One in four children are food insecure in the state of Alabama, but the idea of free lunches in schools is scoffed at and considered frivolous. To solve the problem, politicians tell every parent to… “mind your own.”

While watching Montgomery Whitewater be built from my backyard, I wondered if that was the best investment of $90 million dollars when the state is ranked 45th in education and 44th in healthcare. But when it comes to what’s best for the city and her legacy, the governor told every taxpayer… “mind your own.” 

Gun violence is becoming the leading cause of death for children, surpassing motor vehicle accidents in some states. But as a gun owner with school-aged children, in regard to guns, I was told to… “mind your own.”

As a mother of young children, I utilized the preschool time at the Prattville Library when the board fired the director over censorship, and as a result, we lost the beloved librarians who facilitated those programs. Then months later the library was closed due to a costly foundation issue. Strange how they can easily finance millions for a whitewater park but couldn’t figure out how to fix the library and reopen it for almost half a year. But it’s not my job and not my money, so… “mind your own.”

As I stand here today looking the board that dictates funding for libraries across the state, I’m confused as to why you want to limit access to books when Alabama is ranked 44th for literacy. The reality is that kids of privilege will still have access to these materials whether on the internet or at bookstores. I take issue when a small group dictates the appropriateness of reading material available and then utilizes a chairman who is easily swayed with feelings over facts. 

You’re telling me that books are bigger threat to children than food insecurity, lack of healthcare, substandard or non-existent education, or better yet, guns. And I agree with you; because knowledge is power. This is a systematic ploy to take power and resources from the people who need it the most. When it comes to dictating what my kids can read or have access to, I agree with Moms for Liberty when they claim they don’t co-parent with the government. And I don’t coparent with groups like Moms for Liberty because they’re a little too liberal with my rights. 

And all I have to say to you is… mind your own and you should read more.