Comments on: Raising ignoramuses

By: Trevor

Trevor — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:52:54 +0000

I think corporations give markets what the markets want - bigger portions at the restaurant, bigger TVs at home, etc.

Government encourages economic ignorance by rewarding spending.

By: Oliver

Oliver — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:38:56 +0000

I agree with you partly. But corporations look at short term profits b/c of the stock market. I don’t think there’s a strong interest in having more educated and smart consumers. Or maybe it’s the opposite: because society is getting ‘dumber’, corporations give people what they want. I don’t know.

By: Trevor

Trevor — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:37:12 +0000

Oliver,

If corporations want to continue to maintain profitable bottom lines long term they damn well better develop an interest in educating young minds more fully than our current system is capable of doing.

Our big cities are not that far away from having the kinds of riots Paris has to deal with on a regular basis. Mob rules is a sickening, disgusting thing.

By: Oliver

Oliver — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:17:53 +0000

And then the parents blame the teacher and the government. The funny thing is, every politician is asking for more education money, party to look good, but the additional money hasn’t improved a thing. Look at California where education has gotten worse despite (because of) the government involvement.

This is worrying b/c a democracy and freedom cannot survive without education. I am not a conspiracy theory guy but I do strongly believe big corporations and political parties have no interest in educated and critical minds. Democrats even less. It’s better to have poor people who will vote for me. European socialist parties have strived on this. At the same time, the McDonalds and other companies need those people as well.

By: Trevor

Trevor — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:56:46 +0000

Mr. Bob,

If he is like most good teachers he will eventually give up in despair and pursue a career with the possibility of some sense of satisfaction.