To All;
I have been 'lurking' on this listserve for a while--a few posts, but mostly reading and sorting. I admit that a number of postings regarding 'government schools' and the like are a bit disturbing. Perhaps the most disturbing aspect is the constant barrage of criticism towards 'the government and all its agencies', with nary a constructive comment regarding better ways to do things. Oh, that's right; for starters, we can solve all our educational problems by closing 'government schools', opening private schools throughout the country, (which of course will have a very well-developed system for providing equal educational opportunities for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, gift, and socioeconomic status).
Ah, and next is the elimination of that evil entity called government itself--stop the 'guns to head' control of everything we do and replace it with a system that. . . that. . . hmmm. . . just what WOULD it be replaced with?
I invite those who so harshly criticize by spending a bit less time on the critical end and more time providing viable suggestions that would provide for the very physical, social, cultural, educational, and financial infrastructure that, whether you really believe it or not, makes this country just so damn outstanding.
What makes this all the more interesting is the constant complaint about having to be told 'how our money is to be spent by the government' when those who complain have, in the past, and do now, benefit FROM those government agencies that draws tax money from us all. For example, seems like there are a few retired military folks out there who are proud of their service. Ah, but wasn't I held with a gun pointed to MY head to pay your salary? Also seems that there is a local private college system that is contained within houses that have been, in essence, removed from the tax rolls. . . Which means, that I am again being held with a gun to my head to pay additional taxes for you to drive on the roads, walk on the sidewalks, etc. I could go on with this, but I think the point is taken.
Do I love to pay taxes? Well, not hugely, but, after travelling extensively, I increasingly appreciate our country in terms of all it does for us. As such, I will gladly pay taxes to help keep us great, and do my best to provide input to decision-makers regarding taxes, expenditures, and the like.
Oh, and on a final note, while some have gladly admitted that they would gladly see the public school systems torn down, I, on the other hand, gladly admit that I would like nothing better than to see these self-rightous 'privateers' quietly go away.
As a final note, I have for many years exercised the recent suggestion to wait before sending out an email. . perhaps I waited too long.
John Davis