What is the process to develop an economic policy that provides services and sustainability?

When you take a look at our current economic state, a lot of things could be said.  A couple of things are we are spending quite a bit on money on defense.  Why are we currently being involved in what's going on in Libya?  Does that really concern us other than the fact our country is bound and determined to demonstrate we are the most powerful country in the world? 

Before answering that question it is time to think about current events taking places.  There are huge budget cuts going on.  Are any of the budget cuts in any part of our defense?  I do not believe so.  A huge portion of our budget cuts are in an area that is one of the most important, education.  We keep on hearing about schools closing down, class sizes increasing, higher education tuition rising.  All of these issues in education should not be happening.

Without education where would our country be? Not anywhere near where it is today, even in the current economy.  In order for a country to run as effectively as possible, it needs a high majority of their people to be college educated.  It is increasingly difficult for many to be college educated.  College tuition is on the rise, while the amount of financial aid available is falling.  But higher education is not the only part of the education system that is suffering.  Elementary, middle, and high school education is suffering as well.

I found an article that displays the 10 most painful education cutbacks in March.  Among them is Sesame Street no longer being on the air.  That was a critical show for young children to watch and learn things.  Another issue was class sizes for 11th and 12th grade English and Math classes in Los Angeles.  The average size classes have 43 students which is nowhere near where it should be at.  In North Caroline, Academy Heights Elementary, the 2nd ranked K-5 school in North Carolina is going to be closing next year.  Schools with disabled children are suffering too.  New York's St. Francis DeSales is almost closed down.  Teachers are being victims as well.  In Providence, Rhode Island as many as 70 teachers could be laid off in 4 underperforming elementary schools.  In Boston, more than 12 of its schools are planning to close or merge with other schools.

We should take a look at our education before being involved in any international conflict.  So my question is what is what is it going to take for education to not become the target of budget cuts?  How are we going to stop it? What needs to be done?

http://www.takepart.com/news/2011/03/31/top-10-education-cuts-that-hurt-the-most-