[MD] Report from China

[craigerb at comcast.net]

Andre, 

I'll comment on your " Report from China" with respect to the USA, 

although much of what I say applies to other Western nations. 

The political, economic & educational system in China can all be called 
"socialist".  However, I don't think the political or educational system in the US   

can be called "capitalist".  Even in regard to the economic system, only some parts can 
be considered "capitalist" & others not.  Also there are various economic systems 
allowed: Amerindian, Amish, communes, etc. 
As far as the political system goes: half the country believes it is run by corporations/business, 

the other half believes it is run by labor unions as embodied in the Democratic Party. 

In a totalitarian system, the totalitarians know they are in power & oppress opposition. 

In the US each faction thinks the other is in power.  That is a very healthy sign. 

Your main concern is with education. 
In the US, control of education is usually local.  Teachers are hired locally, administrators 
of school districts are elected locally, textbooks/curricula decided locally, etc.  

There is also competition between public & private schools.   [Andre] 
> The capitalist system is trying to get everyone's noses pointing the
> same way. After all, it is working towards the Good. It's good is a
> capitalist dis-harmonious society.... whatever your answers are. 

. The only interpretation I can give to these three sentences makes them 
quite false. Craig