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I'm glad that we can't find some points of mutual agreeance, even if we have different philosophical views of the proper role of government; I can find little to disagree with in regards to what you've said here. You've identified some possible solutions for assisting disadvantaged children, but I believe that such approaches are merely a start. Mentoring programs are great for individual children who need help, but if an entire school is failing for whatever reason, mentoring isn't going to be an option, nor is sending children off. Part of the problem stems from the fact that underfunded schools are statistically more likely to exist in impovershed areas. Thus, the parents of children who attend underfunded schools are exactly the same individuals who are least likely to have the financial capability to send their children off elsewhere or to move to a better school district. I still believe that the better approach is to simply fund all schools, regardless of their location within the country, equally; a school in rural Alabama should not be receiving $50 less per student than a school in suburban Denver. Actual disparities in funding per student between school districts are often even greater than in this example, too. And funding schools nationally isn't a huge shift, it's no more 'socialist' or 'redistributive' than the current methods of funding schools; rather, it merely changes the level of government that funds the schools to ensure systematic regularity in funding across the country. This is no less and no more government involvement than currently exists, but I think the results of such an approach would be better than what currently exists.
You identify many, though of course not all, valid reasons as to why children born to wealthy families are more likely to succeed than those born to poor families. This suggests to me, though you may disagree, that we should find ways to mitigate these problems in order to improve the opportunities available to poorer children. This would involve coordinated policies that attack both the causes of the problem (meaning policies aimed at poverty reduction) and the effects of the problem (lower test scores, higher drop out rates, etc). I'm still of the opinion that this is best done, at least in part, at the national level since it's a national problem. However, states and local governments also have a role to play as do impovershed communities themselves. The more angles we attack the problem from, the more success we are likely to have. Unfortunately, the fact is that poverty has become such a pervasive problem that it is going to require some government involvement to eliminate it; individuals and communities are going to have to carry some of the weight, but it can't be done alone.
I don't know how you would rate the schools you attended growing up, but you clearly are very bright. You write beautifully.
First, I don't agree with being politically correct. That being said, I don't need to know what the average American makes. That isn't the real issue. Your insecurity is the real issue my friend.
Second, Obama's running mate, Joe, just said that number is actually 150K. In addition, we are not getting a tax cut. It is a rebate and if you are making 80k, like the average American, you will get a tax increase of @ 5%. Why you ask? Because those who don't pay ANY taxes (not you my friend), they will get a nice, fat check in the mail. It is a "rebate". It is social welfare. Redistribution of wealth. It has a lot of names for me and you, it means money outta my pocket and in the pocket of someone who hasn't worked for sh$%.
Why do you think I am insecure?? ...
And why don't you need to know what the average american makes.
You continue to lie that most americans make $80,000 or any sort of money close to that. And you are insinuating that those who make less than that don't work. Well, my friend, most americans make less than you(if indeed you make that much money).
If you read my post, you would know that most americans DON'T make $80,000- even as a household. Definately NOT 150,000 either. So Bidens comments are irrelvant.
The average household makes $45,000-$50,000.
You, my friend DON'T make the average american wage/salary....And you have just insulted the average american just because they don't make your salary
Oh, and just because someone doesn't make a lot of money doesn't mean they are dumb and don't work hard....
I don't know how you would rate the schools you attended growing up, but you clearly are very bright. You write beautifully.
Heheh, thank you, it's much appreciated. To be honest, while I went to decent, though unimpressive, elementary and junior high schools, my high school was atrocious. Gang activity and drug use were commonplace, classes were overcrowded and there weren't enough teachers. This resulted from the school board's decision to close down one of my hometown's three high schools after my freshmen year, splitting it's students between the remaining two; the population of my school skyrocketed from approximately 1,400 to 2,500 and quality declined significantly. Fortunately, I made it through (though not without some difficulty resulting from many temptations) and went off to college. Unfortunately, I can't say the same of most of my friends, though I love them all the same. My experiences growing up have had a strong influence on the development of my liberal ideology; I've seen many people work hard only to be met with continual misfortune. My hometown wasn't a great place to grow up (though I still love it despite its many deficiencies).
I'm still working on my education, too, as I think I've already mentioned. As long as things continue the way they are, I'll have a PhD in a few years which will allow me to start teaching college myself. And, if you'll allow a bit of self-pride, I'm only 24.
On a final note, I'd like to say that while we may disagree on things, you're arguments are well reasoned and respectful. Too many people resort to ad hominem attacks and empty rhetoric to make their points, it's nice to have a civil debate where we can disagree without being disagreeable.
Whoa..calm down. Take a few deep breaths.
What I am trying to say is that many childrens grow up in homes that do not value education. They do not push their children and as a result, their children cannot compete. Where this becomes a grave concern is when we have high unemployment, and an increasing amount of kids who can't make the grade. Realistically, how can they compete? Take this scenario: I currently have a guy working for me who is 24, has 4 daughters and 1 son, has a felony & did 5 years in jail for seriously wounding a guy in a street fight and he said that he had to learn a trade or he would be right back in jail. He didn't care about school as a kid - he was too cool for that. Well, he learned his lesson & he is doing well today because he had to change & adapt or else the consequence would be jail or worse.
As to if I am against bridges, roads, or libraries. I donate to my public library. I donate books to Goodwill, my tenant's children and to my children's school. I care about reading & I have also helped illerate tenants read. As for roads and bridges, I am not sure why this is even a question. Of course I support them.
ER, I am breathing quite fine... And I am quite calm, so please cut the nonsense...
How much children and their parents value education is irrelevant. Even the high school drop out has learned many basic skills in school.
You could say that we should decrease the money spent on education, because of the poor results. You could also say we should get the unruly children out of school. However you did not. You said you don't want your tax money spent on education because of some bad results...
And why don't you need to know what the average american makes.
You continue to lie that most americans make $80,000 or any sort of money close to that. And you are insinuating that those who make less than that don't work. Well, my friend, most americans make less than you(if indeed you make that much money).
If you read my post, you would know that most americans DON'T make $80,000- even as a household. Definately NOT 150,000 either. So Bidens comments are irrelvant.
The average household makes $45,000-$50,000.
You, my friend DON'T make the average american wage/salary....And you have just insulted the average american just because they don't make your salary
Oh, and just because someone doesn't make a lot of money doesn't mean they are dumb and don't work hard....
Geeze...where do we start by addressing your insecurities.
1. "Oh, and just because someone doesn't make a lot of money doesn't mean they are dumb and don't work hard...." I never said it did & you can quote me on that.
2. "You continue to lie that most americans make $80,000 or any sort of money close to that. " I didn't lie - you did cause I never said that. I said I didn't care what they made. It doesn't matter if you make 45K, 55K, 80k or more - you are going to be taxed with Obama.
3. "And you are insinuating that those who make less than that don't work. " Once again you are incorrect - and I am not just saying that because I make more money than you. No what I AM saying is that the so called "tax cuts" from Obama are in fact "rebates" that will go to people WHO DO NOT PAY TAXES OF ANY KIND. Are you one of those people??? If not, be done with it already.
4. "Well, my friend, most americans make less than you(if indeed you make that much money)." You can be very annoying. I am not about to enter a wage pissing contest with you. Yes, if Obama wins, I stand to lose a lot & I am not happy about it. Figure it out. "So Bidens comments are irrelvant." Once again - not for all of us they aren't.
5. "You, my friend DON'T make the average american wage/salary....And you have just insulted the average american just because they don't make your salary" Once again, I am not insulting anyone. Having a paycheck makes you a productive member of society in my eyes. Not having a paycheck & collecting welfare or handouts (all the time) makes you a not good guy in my eyes. I NEVER mentioned the size of your paycheck
I am really flattered that you seek my approval, but you know, you really need to talk to someone about these issues if they continue to bother you.
Heheh, thank you, it's much appreciated. To be honest, while I went to decent, though unimpressive, elementary and junior high schools, my high school was atrocious. Gang activity and drug use were commonplace, classes were overcrowded and there weren't enough teachers. This resulted from the school board's decision to close down one of my hometown's three high schools after my freshmen year, splitting it's students between the remaining two; the population of my school skyrocketed from approximately 1,400 to 2,500 and quality declined significantly. Fortunately, I made it through (though not without some difficulty resulting from many temptations) and went off to college. Unfortunately, I can't say the same of most of my friends, though I love them all the same. My experiences growing up have had a strong influence on the development of my liberal ideology; I've seen many people work hard only to be met with continual misfortune. My hometown wasn't a great place to grow up (though I still love it despite its many deficiencies).
I'm still working on my education, too, as I think I've already mentioned. As long as things continue the way they are, I'll have a PhD in a few years which will allow me to start teaching college myself. And, if you'll allow a bit of self-pride, I'm only 24.
On a final note, I'd like to say that while we may disagree on things, you're arguments are well reasoned and respectful. Too many people resort to ad hominem attacks and empty rhetoric to make their points, it's nice to have a civil debate where we can disagree without being disagreeable.
Somehow I was hoping that you would say Professor. It suits you & you will be very good at it. I like hearing your story - and what you have accomplished by 24. You write at a level far beyond your age. Best of luck to you!
Geeze...where do we start by addressing your insecurities.
2. "You continue to lie that most americans make $80,000 or any sort of money close to that. " I didn't lie - you did cause I never said that. I said I didn't care what they made. It doesn't matter if you make 45K, 55K, 80k or more - you are going to be taxed with Obama.
Please give sources to prove that those making 45k or 55k or even 80k will be taxed. Please read.
Under Obama's plan, those who make LESS than 100,000(45K and 55k and 80k are less than 100,000) will NOT have an increase in taxes.
Please prove that those making 45k or 55k(thats how much the majority of americans make) will be taxed.
Geeze...where do we start by addressing your insecurities.
4. "Well, my friend, most americans make less than you(if indeed you make that much money)." You can be very annoying. I am not about to enter a wage pissing contest with you. Yes, if Obama wins, I stand to lose a lot & I am not happy about it. Figure it out. "So Bidens comments are irrelvant." Once again - not for all of us they aren't.
Calm down!!! By the way, what do you stand to lose?
Geeze...where do we start by addressing your insecurities.
5. "You, my friend DON'T make the average american wage/salary....And you have just insulted the average american just because they don't make your salary" Once again, I am not insulting anyone. Having a paycheck makes you a productive member of society in my eyes. Not having a paycheck & collecting welfare or handouts (all the time) makes you a not good guy in my eyes. I NEVER mentioned the size of your paycheck
I am really flattered that you seek my approval, but you know, you really need to talk to someone about these issues if they continue to bother you.
Er, I never said how much I make. However, you did say you make more/about 70,000. I said that the average american makes less than you(if indeed you make 70,000).
So, please don't flatter yourself. I never was seeking approval from you...
Er, I never said how much I make. However, you did say you make more/about 70,000. I said that the average american makes less than you(if indeed you make 70,000).
So, please don't flatter yourself. I never was seeking approval from you...
Sure you were.
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ER, I am breathing quite fine... And I am quite calm, so please cut the nonsense... 
Let's all get along
