Public Education v. Private Interests

There is a move by a fairly large group in the U.S. to privatise primary and secondary education, thereby making the ability to pay requisite for an adequate education.  This attack on public education follows on the heels of privitising other governmental functions such as the military, retirement, and utilities, all with consequences we have experienced.  The established order of the public education system is to provide this basic and necessary service to children without regard for ability to pay.  This has been our choice because being adequately educated is intrinsic to the ability of citizens to participate in a democracy.  It is untenable and undesirable for all to privatise this system and I include those trying to enact it.  Firstly, the promise of compulsory universal public education is to better not solely the individuals, but rather society at large by improving each participant's interactions and ability to contribute.  The goal being that as each member is elevated, we raise the collective society that much more: the sum is greater than its parts.  Secondly, having a minimum level of education  increases the satisfaction, self-worth, and capability of each citizen.  When people are educated they are (and feel) better prepared to discuss ideas and have opinions rather than trusting someone else's argument or spouting nonsense based in ignorance. It is a basic drive, as a social species, to relate to others and it should be rewarding and uniting to do so. Third, the argument that private education is better than public is nonsense.  The differences between the two are largely cosmetic and the "improvement" seen in private schools would be mirrored in public schools if some small changes were made there. Public schools are overwhelmed by the sheer number of students, often who have been unsupported at home and in the community.  Many of these children model behaviour which is counterproductive to their own needs and disruptive in the school environment. If corrections were made in these areas, public schools could be as "successful" as the private ones.  The secret motive behind the push to privatise is to further separate individuals and communities and this is the opposite of what we need.  Integrating with others and establishing cooperation are key components in overcoming many of the problems in society today.  If we begin to separate people more strongly into classes even earlier we will only strengthen the attitudes behind and problems with declining advancement.  I believe there are a few who are cognisant of these factors and are counting on these effects.  It is to the capitalistic benefit of the few to be able to easily manipulate and control the majority.  It is not, however, an improvement to their personal, spiritual, relational, or integral well-being.  For these reasons, I would stand with those who oppose all "voucher programs" and any such thing which undermines the promise of education for and improvement of all.  This means that "private schools" may want to watch their backs, I might have a post about them later.