Education money.

There is no need to tell parents of school aged children about the ever increasing cost of education in this country. Whether it is the forever asking of more money from the local school board or the ballooning costs of higher education, we seem to keep shelling out more money. Many of us are concerned about our return on investment. At least we have some testing in place so we can evaluate the efficacy of some factors in our quest to educate the U.S. populace.

Educating the people in charge of the U.S. populace is a different matter. First of all, throwing money at them seems to be the only way to get their attention. Public opinion can influence for a brief period, but if you really want to educate them, write checks.

The problem is, there is usually someone else that is throwing money at educating the Congress, seeking the polar opposite outcome from your view, plus others with interests that fall in between.

The teachers, lobbyists, in this case, will work all sides of an issue. It depends on who is signing the check. The outcome of the vote is the main measuring stick of the effectiveness of a lobbying effort.

The rubber industry has numerous associations that lobby on behalf of their clients. The Rubber Manufacturers Association spent a little over $600,000 last year to educate Congress on tire efficiency, energy tax credits and product recall costs. RMA member Goodyear spent four times that amount on their own. Goodyear spent $1.74 million the year before. Bridgestone has spent a little more than $2 million in the past twoyears in lobbying efforts, while Michelin has spent a little more than a half million dollars in 2006 and 2007 for lobbying.

That is a large amount money just coming from the tire industry. I estimate it comes to a little more than $13,500 per Congressman for the past two years. But you only have to educate one more than half in a democracy. The tire industry's congressional education program pales in comparison with General Motors, which who spent more than $14.2 million last year alone. That's over $39,000 daily, if Congress worked 365 days a year.

With all that money being thrown at them, you would think we would have the smartest elected officials anywhere. Maybe it's what they're learning.