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From an economic perspective, socialism is one of the greatest evils ever propagated upon the human race.
Socialism makes everyone equal by making everyone poor, thereby destroying human capital and progress.
First of all, that isn't what socialism does. If you think everyone is poor in Sweden (which is what many would consider a socialist democracy). . . you obviously haven't been there. The unemployment rate is higher, but unemployment is much less scary there.
You may be confusing it with communism. . . which has historically worked more like what you describe and is an economic AND political system. Or you may just be watching too much propaganda.
Whether you agree with socialism or not is a complex topic, mostly because it's not like socialism is one thing. It's a spot along a spectrum. What I suggested is far less socialist than structures employed in other democratic nations which now have free populations, major currencies, and economic prospects better than our own. The spectrum is complex and what different nations and economies need are nuanced and layered.
By starting with the phrase "under socialism" (as though an economic concept that occurs on a scale is a blanket policy that we can be "under"), you've pretty much established yourself as more interested in political issues than practical ones.
I agree that LI teachers probably wouldn't see better pay/benefits. I don't think it'd drop drastically. (Always harder to push salaries down with unions than up. . . one reason why I like unions. I don't always like them, but I like that they protect their workers' money.)
I do doubt that any schools would be "dragged down" to the level you say or that you have the expertise to know what would happen. (I don't even know what would happen, for sure, and I've observed educational systems in depth in four countries and briefly on three others, studied a lot of educational theory, and taught in three countries.)
Most private schools don't perform any better than public ones. Even the highest performing private schools vs. the highest performing public schools. . . I think it's a myth that private schools are ever "better." The statistics don't back it up. Surely, they're better than the inner city problem public schools. . . but even that doesn't bring down the public school's averages enough to make them superior. The "so far superior" private school is a myth. Even the fancy prep schools aren't better academically. . . they just allow rich kids to link with each other, and yes, that leads to some additional success later (early networking).
Sorry, but good private schools from personal experience definitely give a much better result and a much better methodology. While anecdotal, I can directly compare my regular/advanced classes at St. Anthony's to Sachems AP/Honors, Northport AP/Honors, and Middle Country AP/Honors. It wasn't close. Work at St. Anthony's needed to be much more concise, the margins for error were much tighter, and the work required was significantly more from the part of the student.
75% VS 65% (OR LOWER?) passing grades would be the start.
In other countries where there is quality public education, your income tax rate would be 60-70% on a good day.
Yeah, yeah, you're sick of paying teacher salaries. So what? Really. I'm not trying to thunk you over the head, but guess what? You've also paid for Citibank's latest company yacht, six-figure bonuses for Wall Street bailout recipients, food stamps for some poor administrative assistant who got laid off 18 months ago in the Wall Street carnage and can't find work, Medicare and Medicaid for people who receive treatment from semi-retired health professionals, and Social Security for people who don't work at all.
Like it or not, you're a human being living in a developed nation. That means you pay for public services because you're part of the public, too. I mean, I don't drive that much, but I understand how important good roads are. Same thing.
Citibank and the admin asst probably worked full-time. It isn't so much me paying their salaries w/ my tax $...teachers work part-time hours. They should get paid part-time salaries.
What I suggested is far less socialist than structures employed in other democratic nations which now have free populations, major currencies, and economic prospects better than our own.
I have paid into it, so I will take the benefit, unless they are willing to refund my contribution.
Unfortunately, medicaid and social security cannot be abruptly eliminated, because so many people have become dependent upon it. (The result of socialism is that people become dependent upon government - Soft Tyranny.) But, I do believe that it needs to be gradually phased out.
For example, do you think that the Medicare program is socialism?
Yes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by I_Love_LI_but
If so, do you think it should be discontinued?
Yes.
With the large number of doctors who are opting out of providing coverage under Medicare, it seems to be self-discontinuing.
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