Student Janitors? Newt Gingrich's Idea Has Some Merit, But Not Enough

As the U.S. Republican presidential contenders pick up steam as we enter the new year of 2012, I found one of the most intriguing ideas was that posed by Newt Gingrich. While I must admit, I am not too keen on hearing and reading about all the details of the ideas and plans proposed by the candidates until it gets closer to 'judgment day,' Gingrich's idea of a 'very simple model' regarding putting school kids to work as janitors is not the American way.

According to The New York Times, Gingrich stated in November of 2011:

"I've tried for years to have a very simple model. Most of these schools ought to get rid of the unionized janitors, have one master janitor and pay local students to take care of the school. The kids would actually do work, they would have cash, they would have pride in the schools, they'd begin the process of rising."

Other pundits have discussed this, lambasted it, but my reactions could be summed up like this, in chronological order, spanning a few seconds:

Horrified.

OK, understanding.

Not a good idea.

OK, I do get it.

What a bizzare concept.

My paternal grandparents, second-generation Italians from the Bronx, N.Y., instilled in me respect for my elders and for just about anyone, regardless of age or political affiliation. I understand Gingrich's idea to instill the 'work ethic' in young people. I see how some children, not all, have little respect for authority, for work, for money, for gifts. They expect to have high-tech gadgets and be handed glorious gifts without understanding the true value of the kind of blood, sweat and tears that are put into providing those gifts.

So, I respect Gingrich's idea on that level. The lesson? Work hard. Get dirty. Learn to take pride in your environment. Feel humbled.

But overall, knowing the various jobs of janitors--including handling hazardous chemicals like hydrochloric acid, and operating the school's heating system, doing electrical repairs, maintaining school grounds and handling the HVAC equipment and basic plumbing fixes, according to The Atlantic--would be quite dangerous for youngsters.

Not only would it be dangerous, but it's also a slap in the face to hard-working and skilled janitors. To assume that a pre-teen would even know how or be taught to take on janitorial work is nearly spitting on the value and worth of these workers.

Aside from that, janitors need work. Putting them on the unemployment line is not a good idea for children, for schools or for the United States of America.