Rich Crandall moves from deplorable to absurd in his free/reduced meals optional argument

by David Safier

I learned long ago, whenever anyone has lots of reasons why something is a good idea or a bad idea, usually none of the reasons given are the real reasons. There's something else going on. Rich Crandall is on my "Too many reasons, too many rationalizations" list.

Crandall is sponsoring the bill that would make participation in the federal free and reduced meals program optional. Here's his lastest argument, if you want to call it that.

“You’re trying to say, ‘Hey, this is the only way to feed kids.’ And I’m saying, no, it’s not. Our Arizona charter schools show that there are numerous ways to make sure kids are fed,” Crandall said.

Unbelievable. True, charter schools don't have to participate in the free/reduced meals program. But many of our charter schools simply don't feed their students. No cafeteria. No meals. The result is, kids from families who qualify for free or reduced meals don't attend those schools. That's not an option for students attending the local district school.

Crandall has also said, if a school district doesn't provide the service, the kids can always opt to attend another school. Of course, there may be no bus service provided. If it's a rural area, the next school may be 50 miles away, and it may not offer the service either. But Crandall doesn't give a damn.

So, if Crandall's too many reasons mean he's hiding his real agenda, what is it? He insists adamantly it has nothing to do with his Child Nutrition consulting and menu planning company. But in the words of the Immortal Bard, Crandall "doth protest too much, methinks."