From: Clint O'Dell (clintodell@hotmail.com)
Date: Thu Oct 07 1999 - 13:13:22 MDT
>While I realize it might offend the libertarian sensibilities of many here
No offence taken, I just hope you aren't affended as I start shooting a few
holes in your theory.
>I must say I could not disagree with this more. The increase of the
>education level of the general population is a desireable thing in and of
>itself, if for no other reason than it makes each individual more a more
>productive contributor to the economy.
Desirable for who? The people themselves? Who makes up the people?
Individuals.
>Are you suggesting _all_ education be optional? How many 7-year-olds do you
>know who have a thirst for knowledge? By your scheme, we'd have a
>generation of functional illiterates who can't read a street sign or
>multiply 6x7. Guess what happens to your personal standard of living when
>the economy tanks because of the ensuing labor-quality crisis? When there's
>nobody around to run the machinery, the machinery stops.
Actualy, those 7-year-olds who don't aquire a thirst for knowledge, dispite
motivational efforts, and aren't forced into school by their parents will
grow up to be 10 or so when they decide to get a job. After finding out
that employers won't hire them because they can't read or right they learn
they need to learn and school may be a way to do that. There will be plenty
of other people who can read and write because employeers demand it. I know
you can teach children the value of money and how it's earned. Also, lets
not forget home schooling. I can picture a future of mass education via the
internet and other media.
>A little government saying "You must learn enough to have the potential to
>be a productive member of society" isn't a bad thing; it's crucial.
And if you don't you probably won't survive. It's your choice not the
governments!
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