Education & Economy

[NW Admin]

I think that a major flaw in how us American's do things is that we spend all this money on things that are not top priority. We have lost sight of what is most important. I heard on tv yesterday (can't remember the name of the talk show)... a woman said something along the lines of... Obama says he wants to land on Mars or go to Mars... something like that. Then she said, I can't understand why we keep spending all this money to fly to the moon and other planets, when we need that money used right here on earth to feed our homeless people and fix our economy. She is sooooo right! Here we are, fighting wars, trying to help other countries to help themselves, when we aren't even taking care of our own people. I understand the need to prevent terrorism and the spread of violent thinking. But how are we in a position to keep going like this?

Anyway, I do have a point here...

Us Americans should be spending our money on our school systems for one thing. Insuring safe passage for children and adults alike to get an education and learn how to be successful. Resources for teachers to also learn, earn a decent living, and make a difference. We need money for books, school buildings, repairs of the schools we have, transportation for those who need it, etc. A healthy economy is supported by those who are educated and/or skilled. Businesses are failing because they do not have the proper knowledge to operate. People can't get hired because they don't know enough. Business owners can't keep employees because they are not educated enough.

One thing that always, and to this day, sticks out in my mind... is that there is so much focus on things in school like history, science, physical education, etc. But what was lacking in my opinion, were instense classes on REAL LIFE. Sure it helps to know math, but what good is it to someone who doesn't know how to be a successful at just being a human being and living day to day? That might sound confusing to you, but here is what I mean. There needs to be a LOT more focus on how life works and what it means to be a productive adult. Some topics would include manners, respect for others, communication, family structure, loyalty, having goals, managing stress/anger/depression, and just how to live life in general. Some people think those are just the parent's job. We can't just expect the parents to do it. Let's face it, a lot of todays parents are screwed up. They don't have a clue about raising a child. Some of them are abusive, neglectful, and just don't care. So as a society, if we want our economy to flourish and have less crime, then we need to step up to the plate and start taking responsibillity for our children and the adults who are uneducated.

[crassus]

The fact of the matter is, that those are the kinds of things that parents do not want others discussing with their kids. Teachers who talk about things like etiquette and family structure with students lose their jobs because the parents instantly revolt.

[avorrgorrus]

If only the education system had a whole class on the monetary system and currency. I am sure some schools do, but mine did not.

[jamesb]

I would not mind if the government would increase taxes and that this money would be used to make education more affordable. European countries have been doing this for decades and nearly anyone can afford to go to college in Europe.