[MD] Pirsig on capitalism, socialism

[pholden at davtv.com]

Quoting Mati Palm-Leis <mpalm at merr.com>:

> Platt,
> 
> I was intending to let this go into the sunset, well .......
> 
> Platt:
> I was very much involved not long ago in our local school system, 
> attending board meetings, PTA meetings, writing letters to the 
> editor, etc. in an effort to get a better accounting of the school
> budget and expenditures. All I got for my efforts were accusations
> of being a "terrorist" and threats against myself and family. 
> 
> Mati: 
> Given your past postings I would guess that you were perhaps very narrow in
> your criticisms of school primarily looking at the fiscal functions of
> schools.  This is extremely common phenomenon of critics of school who don't
> know better. Such was the case of my father, which both of you seem to share
> this trait.  My question is did you offer any other real idea's other than
> stop spending the money.  As a former assistant principal I often had
> students claim that they were pure victims in various verbal attacks. Often
> I would ask them if I were to ask the other side what provoke the attacks
> what would they say? There were kids would struggle to find an answer the
> smart ones knew exactly what I was asking. Platt I sense a feeling of
> victimization in your post.  People feel when all you want to do is cut...
> cut... cut... and offer no other solutions to the need to cut then they of
> course feel you are attacking their children's education. But perhaps I am
> misreading what happened, but then again if I were a betting man.......
>  
> Platt: 
> It seems when it comes to spending money, "Nothing is too good for our
> children."Also, you don't want to mess with the teacher's union. They have a
> directline to the state legislature. A mere citizen like me might is
> ignored. 
> 
> Mati: I am reminded of a recent posting of yours. 
> 
> "Like Ian, Arlo revels in the evil world of personal attacks. The purpose:
> to avoid debate by ridiculing, and ultimately destroying, your opponent."
> 
> It works both ways. I sense that you want to blame the teacher unions
> hmmmmm.... the blame game has almost become a national sport. (By the way as
> an administrator I am non union.) Again finding real solutions that make a
> difference is key.  This will require the greatest contributions of
> intellect that we can muster.  Also it must be a willingness to work
> together.  Your comment that "They (the union) have a directline to the
> state legislature" is likely a gross misrepresentation of reality.  Sure
> they have large lobbyists, but that is how the political game is currently
> played and you expected that they weren't going play not to win.  The fact
> is the educational problem is so complex that it is fair to say that a mere
> citizen does need to invest a tremendous amount of effort to be educated. I
> currently know of an elderly man who has over the past 3 years attended
> meeting and started off on the same foot.  I give him a lot of credit in
> that he has worked really hard to learn and understand what the issues are
> and not just spout off. Now he is able to be critical with ideas worth
> considering. Sometimes it is the cheap shots of the less educated that
> really turns people off. I am really interested in what ideas that you might
> have. 
> 
> Platt:  
> Having had this experience I hope perhaps you can understand why I ceased
> "getting involved."
> 
> Mati: 
> One experience should not be a deterrence but rather a lesson to be learned.
> I am sincerely hoping an "old dog can be taught new tricks". ;-) 
>       
> Platt:
> As for the rest, I bow to your superior knowledge of the trials and
> tribulations of the public schools today. If the parents and "culture" are
> the primary culprits of poor performance I don't see there's much that can
> be done. But, I could be wrong.
> 
> Mati: 
> Plenty can be done but it takes thoughtful people willing to work together
> for a common vision to make the difference. I wish you all the encouragement
> and luck to get back in the ring.  Remember Rocky Balboa!!!! ;-) 
> 

Hi Mati,

Since you view my previous efforts negatively I decline you invitation and
pass the torch of fiscal responsibility to the next generation. Thanks for
the conversation. 

Regards,
Platt



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