The Electoral College. The medical insurance industry. Campaign finance laws. Congressional budget negotiations . . .

If you’re looking for the identity of my candidate for Patron Saint of the United States of America — a man born on the 4th of July, no less — then you need look no further that the list above.

Of course, there is plenty more evidence to support my belief . . .

In one of the local Kansas City area school districts, a proposed levy increase that would have put an end to three years of major budget cuts failed, and so the cuts continue even as enrollment rises. In Wisconsin and elsewhere, cuts are driven not so much by the economy but by union-busting politicians. Elsewhere in the US, teacher layoffs are being announced. ‘Tis the season . . .

And yet, despite all this, the teachers still teach.

I am so grateful for those who taught me, and even today I am still realizing just how much of a gift they gave me.