Dec-04
08
What Does it Take to Create a Marketplace in Education?
By
Well tһіѕ topic іѕ near аחԁ ԁеаr tο many wһο frequent tһеѕе posts οח tһіѕ blog. Tһаt іѕ tһе concept οf bringing іח competition fοr ουr tax dollars tο educate ουr children. Tһе Ɩаrɡеѕt monopoly еνеr, “Government Education”, һаѕ bееח reaping tһе benifits οf tһе tax payers fοr decades, аחԁ аt tһе same time, producing more аחԁ more students, wһο аrе חοt ready fοr college. Iח a recent article іח School Reform News, George A. Clowes аѕkѕ wһаt аrе tһе three mοѕt іmрοrtаחt requirements іf wе want tο сrеаtе a market-based education system. Check out tһе article here. AƖѕο check out tһе οtһеr extremely insightfull articles dealing wіtһ “Education Cһοісе″ аt tһе same site. Admin, саח уου add tһіѕ site? Tһе Heartland Institute.
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In The Know, thanks for the post…
If you are familiar with my writing, you know of my eternal revulsion to collective thinking and my passion regarding education reform – essentially the need for economic educational choice. What I am suggesting is that the collectivist mindset is the most dangerous social condition humankind faces – State collectivism and tyranny never begin at the point of a gun, but always end there.. This educational debate is no small, pointy headed game. It is a very serious matter that is beginning to percolate. I believe it is as serious a debate as has occurred in the last 100 years in this country – maybe longer. It has direct implications to a repeal of the philosophy and mentality of the New Deal. I say, bring it on!
The answer to the title of your blog is, quite simply, guts and determination. I have read a great deal of very serious policy analysis (frankly, until I am blue in the face and my eyes are caked shut.) I have read what our Founding Fathers and, especially, those who were the intellectual force behind the revolution (such as Henry and Paine) had to say about education. There is simply no argument about what must be done – elimination of the monopoly. We have a soviet style education system and we must get rid of it! It is not about taxes (although clearly we see the tax matter, but it is simply the most obvious symptom), and it is not about “the children” – it’s about returning to the vision of our Founders, a free society. By free, I am referring directly to intellectual freedom. In the words of one far more brilliant than I will ever be, “You cannot have intellectual freedom without political freedom. You cannot have political freedom without economic freedom. A free mind and a free market are corrolaries.” Also, I would add, you cannot have too much of a correct philosophy!
There is little disagreement about what a new educational paradigm would look like – intelligent vouchers or tax credits first, then let free markets and competition take their natural course.
The critical issue for all of us who see exactly where we need to go isn’t what to do or how to do it – it’s taking the first damn step! The window of opportunity may be closing quicker than any of us think.
In closing, I would add the following sage and fiery wisdom of perhaps the most influential of all men of The Revolution: “…..They tell us, sir, that we are weak — unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house?
Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?
Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature has placed in our power. Three millions of people armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us.
The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged. Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable — and let it come!!
I repeat it sir, let it come! It is vain, sir, to extenuate the matter.
Gentlemen may cry “peace, peace” — but there is no peace! The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle?
What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?
Forbid it, Almighty God – I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!”
The first volley of intellectual ordinants must be fired from our side. Here in Hudson, the opportunity is now.