Public School Pipeline

This one's for all the kids getting sold out by the systematic dismantling of public education.

Public schools to private prisons 

Pipe line education 

They say no child is left behind

Incarceration Nation 

Slashing funding standardizing 

with zero tolerance 

Kids taught to fear authority 

The death of innocence 

Cops patrolling in the school yard

Keep little thugs in line 

What was after school detention

Now it's serving time

Racial profile stop and frisk 

He's only ten years old 

Gonna cuff him to a system 

of maximum control 

Stigmatized and segregated 

put into special ed 

Born to serve for felonies

The label on his head 

Throw Trayvon into a prowler 

Throw Tasheka in the brig

You don't have to tell these kids

the justice system's rigged 

They turn kids into criminals 

Creating a disgrace

Poor and black will cost you kiddies 

You're labeled by your face 

Maximum security lock down 

The new world order school 

A public education system 

Designed for penal rule

Know injustice when you see it

The kids are out of time 

Cradle to grave incarceration 

School to prison pipeline  

Author's Note

There's a reason I keep referring to America as "incarceration nation." This is a massive socioeconomic problem effecting all of us. If you're not outraged you ought to be.

Reviews

[Phantom Heart]

I have a 1 year old and I fear california public schooling. Even though its diverse here, there is a lot of profiling adults, young adults and kids. It makes me sick too. Anyhow, thanks for writing and making a strong point. :)

[Baby Ricochet]

Thank you Morgan

[Rita L. Sev]

Another topic discussed often in my house, and you nailed it once again. We teach in private (Catholic) schools, where most of the parents (Catholic or not) send their kids to avoid the scenario you have shown here. In the city, that's the only choice you have - even the charter schools are not the "salvation" many thought they would be. The whole system, and the whole attitude regarding education, is disgraceful. Keep shouting from the rooftops, Mark - you always put these issues in perspective!

[Baby Ricochet]

Calling out injustice is what I do. Thank you Rita

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i am a teacher...and yes, this haunts me, it angers me...

there needs to be real education, and in many ways it is totally a mess....and it seems there is no difference between education and incarceration...you really nailed it with this one.

[Baby Ricochet]

I've huge respect for teachers. Thank you Jacob

[icelandicblue]

Good God...since I have some experience with the court system I can tell you that it is insane. We have no options for entire generations except prison. I am disgusted by it all. You bring a critical issue that many like to sweep under the rug right to the forefront. I feel sick just reading this. You never fail to inform the public.

[Baby Ricochet]

It is disgusting isn't it. Thanks Blue