I almost to the point....

[Clodfobble]

It is also worth noting that one of the reasons private school is so much cheaper than public school is precisely because they don't have to take everyone. Kids with behavior problems and non-supportive family lives and disabilities don't get to go to private school, and they're the ones who cost the most.

[Lamplighter]

... and because many of them have unpaid (volunteer) staff,
such as nuns, lay people, and do not pay taxes on all school property,
receive donations, bequests, gifts in kind, and on and on,
and some "private" schools even receive government $ in various forms.

It boarders on disingenuous to compare $ costs to say private schools "cost" less.
That's almost like saying private hospitals cost less than public hospitals... until you receive the full accounting bills.

[Griff]

I acknowledge that Clod. I just wanted Spexx to know his assumption about Catholic Schools doesn't match reality here. Also in the interest of full disclosure, I work for a non-profit educating some of those kids, because the public system couldn't control costs. I agree with HM that NCLB is a disaster. Education should be controlled as close to the child's home as possible. I'm all for society taking an interest in education so that every child has opportunity, but would argue with folks who think football stadiums are a significant interest.

From my perspective every expansion of government has a serious cost to society. Those costs can be discussed and choices can be made on the basis of each. Public education has important benefits to society. Bailouts for car makers, banks, lenders, and homeowners do not benefit society but rather damage it by destroying the rationality of the marketplace. Every expansion of government power creates more opportunity for corruption. Look at our food supply for evidence of large corporations using their government influence to control the market. Look at Halliburton and other military contractors for war-mongering and absurd publicly financed contracts which reduce our security... sorry I got ranty but I tire of the phoney Democratic v Republican choice that is being shoved down our throats. Democratic pitchmen pimp a free ride for all and Republican's pimp a free ride for corporate America. Both gladly punish working people by destroying the value of a saved dollar and a life carefully planned and lead.

[Spexxvet]

Originally Posted by Griff

Democratic pitchmen pimp a free ride for all

Odd, that's not the message I get.

[Griff]

You're on the team brother. Its more obvious from the outside.

[Spexxvet]

I see republicans as "everybody is on their own, and I'll get what's best for me any way I can".

I see Democrats as "We're a community, and I'm willing to give as well as take".

[classicman]

Originally Posted by Spexxvet

I see republicans as "everybody is on their own, and I'll get what's best for me any way I can".

I see Democrats as "We're a community, and I'm willing to give as well as take".

>>>

[Spexxvet]

Originally Posted by classicman

>>>

Wow, that is deeeeeeep. I can even begin to respond to all the substance in your post. Thank you for taking the time to post such a thoughtful comment. You've added so much to the dialogue.