[ColoradoWolf]

Very interesting thread. While I do think toosicks dealt with his high school "education" experience in a manner that leaves a bit to be desired, he does hit upon the fact that public schools are more and more nothing but indoctrination centers to produce compliant workers that know not to put a round peg in a square hole. There is not even the pretense of teaching students critical thinking. That's why I've always believed that the U.S. Department of Education should be abolished, because education can only be effectively handled at the local level. That's beside the point, though.

Personally, I was lucky enough to be able to attend a private high school, and had teachers of college caliber. They did teach us how to think critically, and form our own opinions based upon investigation of the available facts. Sadly, my experience turns out to be the exception rather than the rule, and it angers me that all kids attending indoctrination centers ... err ... public schools are not being taught how to use all of their resources causing many to lash out as toosicks did. I know I would've, more likely than not, if I had attended public high school.

The U.S. population has been systematically dumbed down. Just look at the history and statistics related to education since the founding of the Department of Education. It's not a pretty sight. The federal government was never the answer to education for this country, nor did the Constitution give the federal government the right to stick its nose into the area of national education. That right was always meant to be handled at the state and local level, as stated in the 10th Amendment. Not that the Constitution has ever stood in the way of federal usurpation of states' rights. Remember, President Bush thinks that the Constitution is "only a goddamned piece of paper." So much for his oath to uphold, defend, and support that goddamned piece of paper, which, it appears, is superceded by his oath to Skull & Bones, as well as his being beholden to Corporatocracy and neo-con dogma.

All I would ask of my fellow blades is that you all educate yourselves, while you still can (the Internet is slated to be censored soon). Knowledge and information are power, truthfully. We need to realize that lashing out only puts a bullseye on our foreheads. Think for yourself, and question authority. Arm yourself with knowledge, arm others with knowledge, and be not afraid to speak truth to perceived power. The system will survive the lashing out of a few, but can be reshaped through the dedicated, thoughtful, and unified efforts of the many.

Peace.