[MD] Value and the Individual

[craigerb at comcast.net]

Before this thread fades away, I would like to summarize: 
1)  The value of uniform standards of education (which
tend to equalize the education of everyone) vs.
the value of minimum standards (which tends to promote
variety & innovation in education).

2) The value of government monopoly of education vs.
the value of choice between competing schools. 

3) The value of general funding of education (which
tends to redistribute wealth) vs.
the value of funding by education users (which tends to
counteract overpopulation & better match cost/benefit).
CAUTION: In a society where most low-income families
did not have children & the rest had only small families,
while wealthier families were large, it could result in the
poor subsidizing the education of the wealthy.  In fact,
such subsidy could keep the poor being poor.

4) The value having a public educational system without
vouchers, placing the full burden of private education on
those who choose it vs.
the value of having a voucher system where those who
choose a private education pay only the marginal cost
(if any).

5) The value of having the whole society responsibility for
education vs.
the value of not having people dependent on the government.

At bottom I think there is a difference in values between those
who believe we are obligated to make the world a better place
(or at least not worse) vs.
those who believe we are normally only obligated by our
voluntary actions.
Craig