I would like to commend the members of the Manchester Board of Alderman for defeating a helmet ordinance in Manchester. The Suburban Journals has the story here. Children should always wear helmets when riding bikes, but it is the parents’ job to mandate that, not the government’s. And just because some parents fail to do that is NOT a reason for government to assume more control of our lives. I am pleased to have found a few more local officials who understand freedom:

"I have great respect for the chief and have no doubt of his motivation to protect the public," [Manchester Mayor Asa] Wilson said. "But on balance, this law would usurp the authority of parents."

Well put.

The Missouri General Assembly has approved a bill, which Governor Blunt will almost certainly sign, loosening the certification requirements for people who would like to teach, if they have a college degree in the subject they hope to teach and can pass an alternative certification test. (Hat tip to to my friend Don for the suggested link.) Here is yesterday’s Post article on the issue. In short, this bill will allow a retired chemist from Monsanto to teach high school chemistry without having to go through the lengthy teacher certification process. Rep. Muschany puts it very well here:

"We’ve got a crisis of a teacher shortage facing us," said Rep. Scott Muschany, R-Frontenac, the sponsor of the House version of the bill. "If Harry S Truman were alive today, he wouldn’t be allowed to teach history to 12th-graders."

I’ll leave additional commentary on this change to our education people, but I think this is a great improvement for education in Missouri. I commend Rep. Muschany for leading the succesful fight.