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Pastimes : THE SLIGHTLY MODERATED BOXING RING -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Lazarus_Long who wrote (19222)	8/12/2002 3:28:27 AM
From: Solon	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 21057

"I think you missed my point" No. It simply wasn't my point. I have already acknowledged the validity of your observation; I just don't believe it adds any material weight to THIS particular issue (although it is worthy of some philosophical debate, I am sure). I think there are good reasons (both historically and logically) to believe that the devisiveness which flows from religions competing and striving for political power, may be sidestepped by exercising a prophylactic caution. The goal is both worthwhile and attainable, and it ensures the continued freedom of Americans to worship as they choose--without social or political ramifications. I suppose that people whom have never been denied such a right would perhaps not appreciate how rare and precious it is to hold beliefs without losing social or political rights or privileges. "How are the costs born now? Through taxes" Transferring students from public to private schools will not reduce the many fixed operating costs of the public school which must still have a teacher, and must still pay for the lights, the lab supplies, and the janitor. When you talk about adding private schools to a voucher system, I assume you are trying to correct a deficit in the present system of public education. You look for an improved efficiency...perhaps even at a lesser cost. If we accept (at least between ourselves) that the absence of religious dogma is not the problem with the system, and thus would not in the converse make the problem correctible, then may we assume that you are concerned with the quality of equipment and teachers, and the readiness of modern student resources? There is an old adage that we get what we pay for. So, although I don't deny that it is possible for some to pay more...the question insinuates itself: "Who will?" Vouchers cannot be expected to buy a higher level of quality. You pay the same...you get the same. It must also be considered that private industry is entitled to profit, which adds an aditional layer to the educational cake. As well, certain considerations suggest the dangers of a conflict of motive as regards delivery of service (keeping in mind, again, that quality has a price). It seems to me that it might be better for communities to pursue a more creative approach to correcting deficiencies in the system. It might be beneficial to preserve a perspective of egalitarianism, and to leave the natural striving for elitism untill post secondary levels. Government may neither support nor discriminate against religious schools. So should tax dollars support schools and teachings which may be offensive to both the State and the Constitution? This is why I mentioned in my last post to you that it must be in the same manner and to the level they are entitled to. I know you are aware that education affects the whole sociological, moral, and political structure of a society. So certainly we are not at cross purposes here in discussing the importance of an education which is compatible with social and State values. There is always another way of doing something; always another way worth trying. Education does not have to be done the way it was often done before. An educational lottery of some sort might be one idea for putting dream money to work in something of value--the chance for children to compete in usefulness, and thus reward. Again, private and public are just words. How do you want your schools to offer a higher caliber of instruction? and are you willing to pay for it? Vouchers are designed to cover ONLY the same costs which are already going to public schools...public schools which will accept and educate your child regardless of disability or special circumstance. Finally, I think Americans underestimate the job being done by the public system. Much of this flows from propaganda initiated by religious concerns that wish to gain political power. Americans should be proud of their educational system. And they should continue to be creative and thoughtful in improving it, and in insuring that all children have an equal opportunity to realize their potential.