Doesn't everything else follow from that?
In an ever increasing population, even if it is only at a maintenance level there will always be a similar percentage of stupid people. A similar percentage but a rising raw number. Our current law will let all of them vote when the reach 18 years and can fog a mirror.
We have a great social dilemma, don't we? We want to make education available to everyone, including "mentally challenged", autistic, behavioral miscreants, and severely physically disabled along with "dull", "stupid" and outstanding mentally and intellectually. Separate but equal isn't acceptable, apparently. Segregation (not racial but intellectual) is out of the question, we've already rejected that.
Law doesn't seem to help either. We've made, have, and are making lots of laws in this area but things don't change for the better, do they?
I would like to take us back about a century ago. Schooling was heavily influenced in those days by the social philosopher William James ( http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/james/#1).
Additionally, the "industrial revolution" was in full swing. Industry needed workers who could read, write and add and subtract. So schooling was designed to fulfill that need. Besides, it fit nicely with preparing students to be able to read the Bible, the hymnal, the political propaganda, and prepare them to be in their own business (unlikely).
Our schools still do the same thing. I just heard Mark Zuckerburg and President Obama say they needed more scientists and engineers in silicon valley, or we'd have to continue to hire foreigners with the skills we need. That's their argument not mine.
Well, you can question or doubt my position but I believe I'm correct.
So, we essentially have a school system based on a 19th century needs model trying to serve a 21st century culture. Isn't that like clinging to a model "T" when a Ford Fusion is available? (pardon the stupid analogy).
At this point I need to say; I know I'm expounding on a single issue of a much broader and more complex universe of problems than I should be. But I just want to isolate some of the more critical elements of the education dilemma as I see them. So, I will not discuss family educational impact, cultural and societal impact or any of that important and relevant stuff at this time.
Here is the kind of system I believe would benefit the society the best and have the most positive impact.
Require education, as we do now, thru high school, say grade 12. From grades 8-12 kids would be allowed to drop out if they wished. Failure to complete 12th grade would automatically make a person inelligible to vote in ANY local, state or national election.
Think that's harsh? Well, it gets worse.
A person MUST be able to demonstrate that they are a law abiding, tax paying citizen of the country. Yep, law abiding. If convicted of a felony you can't vote. Law breakers can't vote for law makers. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you aren't subject to pay taxes you can't vote. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Think that's harsh? Well, it gets worse.
A person MUST be able to demonstrate that they are a law abiding, tax paying citizen of the country. Yep, law abiding. If convicted of a felony you can't vote. Law breakers can't vote for law makers. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you aren't subject to pay taxes you can't vote. NO EXCEPTIONS.
We have got to come to grips with the fact that by extending the voting franchise to anyone who breathes and is 18 we are perpetuating a welfare society. And this is DEMOCRACY pure and simple. There are fewer people on welfare than not, and fewer uneducated than educated. If that's the case then how do you explain the way we vote in this country? The better off and better educated folks aren't voting is how you explain it. It would seem like I'm defeating my own argument. But I believe that at a certain point you reach "critical mass" where the majority WILL vote and assume their responsibility as a citizen.
Our education system really needs some reform, and it needs to be reformed with an eye to the needs of the 21st century not the 19th, and with a full awareness of just how education fits into our over all system of a representative democracy.
Our education system really needs some reform, and it needs to be reformed with an eye to the needs of the 21st century not the 19th, and with a full awareness of just how education fits into our over all system of a representative democracy.
