[Rooster Cogburn]

This statement from a fairly politically moderate person this weekend distressed me. We were talking about the proposed bailout of the auto industry and this person said:
"I still dont understand the bailout of the banks. I mean the banks print the money right? If they needed more, just print more."

My response was to laugh, but I then realized this person was 100% serious. We argued for a few minutes without either of us moving an inch.

If a lot of folks agree with this guy, it's no wonder we are in such financial stress as a country!

[SumItUp]

The average intelligence of the average person is less than average.

I had a former employee (really nice kid, good worker, HS graduate) and we got into a discussion last year about the importance of voting. There was a local issue that had captivated our town's attention. He told me that he doesn't vote because it is a waste of time. He then went on to say (in all seriousness), "If America is supposed to be a free country, why do we have to pay for everything."

[Rooster Cogburn]

This is why as a parent, I will really drill this type of baseline knowledge into my kids. Some call it brainwashing, and I'm fine with that. I call it preparation so they don't look like big dopes!

[Ed Dantes]

Public schools, my friend...

[Rooster Cogburn]

You mean the Government doesn't run it better than the private sector would, You are kndding.
Look, I agree that schools have some to do with it, but I think it is more likely to do with parents who don't teach their kids anything.

[ALUmnus]

That's because the parent was also educated in a public school.

[phoenix]

That's because the parent was also educated in a public school.

My wife and I both tutored kids from Christian schools while we were at Liberty. We both went to public schools.

That broad brush don't paint. Christian schools turn out genius students and idiots; so do public schools. It starts at home, and how much the parents care about what their kids learn (and don't learn).

[Fumblerooskies]

Thank you, phoenix. Very good point.

[LUconn]

I think it was a tongue in cheek comment as alumnus went to public schools.

[ALUmnus]

Yes, I went to public schools k-12, and I'm borderline brilliant. Ah, heck, why don't I just say it, I'm a frickin genius, and I owe it all the the Manchester public school system.

[thepostman]

i thought this was going to turn into another great public school vs private school vs homeschooling debates

those are always sooo much fun