The poor condition of our public schools benefits the elite.

[jumpstart33]

It's in their interests to keep the masses ignorant and incapable of critical thinking. How else would they be able to keep their status?

[maxpower]

1. Also

Don't forget it makes for cheap labor when people are not educated.

[ProfessorPlum]

2. Only in the short term though

As our society crumbles, it will be more and more expensive for them to have an ignorant population around them.

But then, they don't care about the long term, anyway.

[NEOBuckeye]

3. You don't necessarily need school to learn how to think critically

Just someone willing to spend a few minutes with you every day to discuss real life situations and problems, and different methods and solutions for possibly addressing those situations and problems. A parent, grandparent or relative can easily fill this role. My mother did for me.

[bryant69]

4. I don't think it benefits them monlithically

I mean the flip side is elite like Bill Gates or Steve Jobs need educated workers and employees, and they aren't the only ones. While Sam Walmart and his hiers probably like the idea of dumb labor that doesn't ask for a lot.

I think using the "elite" is a generalization as corrusive to real analysis as the "masses."

But it is safe to say that the Elite don't have to worry as much about their students suffering with lousy schools (even if they go to public school, we all know public school in the nicer part of town is a lot better than in the poorer section) and so generally just don't care.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[Burma Jones]

5. Soylent Green..........n/t

[Robroy]

6. Haven't you heard...

public education funding is a drain on our economy.

[ProfessorPlum]

7. Yes, in the future, everyone will "own" their own education

It's all part of the wonderful social Darwinism plan for the future the GOP has.

[The Backlash Cometh]

8. Also...

I went to an MIT information session recently and though I was impressed with the school's commitment to seeking out & financing technologically gifted students, regardless of social class, I couldn't help noticing that the men who were there to introduce themselves as interviewers, were primarily active in schools from well-to-do locations.

Maybe it's just the way it happens.