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