For some time now, we conservatives have been scoffed at whenever we mention that there are too many involved in education that place leftist ideals above actually educating our children. Unwittingly, Bruce Matheny, principal at Prairie High School from 1995 to 1999 provided support for our claims as he confronted a former student, Jaime Herrera Beutler at her recent town hall, May 16, 2011.

It was previously reported that the town hall was contentious, Ms Beutler being confronted by angry leftwing Democrats calling her a liar and just being obnoxious, undoubtedly some recruited by Don’tEndMedicare.com, set up and funded by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, complete with downloadable protest signs, bogus talking points and preformed letters to the editor.

What didn’t make the initial reports is that one of those confronting Herrera Beutler was none other than her former High School Principal, Bruce Matheny who said to her, “I’m proud of what you’ve done with your career, but I’m really disappointed with your politics. I think you mean well, but you’re drinking that Republican Kool-Aid.”

Is that how he spoke to children under his charge and with conservative parents? Is he disappointed that someone might think differently than he does and walk a different path, having developed a mind of their own?

Hearing an educator stand up in public and charge a former student with “drinking that Republican Kool-Aid” because she doesn’t follow his politics lock-step is irresponsible and disrespectful.

I can only imagine how he spoke to students inside a classroom or the principals’ office.