[CyberCowboy777]

I personally think this can/could be the source of a balkanized nation in the future.

Children are not taught to learn or to think, they are taught to be a cog, to listen and perform to a acceptable standard.

Once adults it continues with politicians and the media.

When a country has no guidance though logic or enlightenment from history it will weaken. In the chaos we will turn more and more to direct democracy and that will fracture this nation, just as it has done to societies in the past.

[only1percent]

Children are not taught to learn or to think, they are taught to be a cog, to listen and perform to a acceptable standard.

Home school critics think that home schools are guilty of this sin themselves, i.e., teaching kids to believe and spout back certain things instead of thinking critically.

It seems like a mixed-bag to me. I've met some very smart, thoughful home schoolers. I've also met some severely closed-minded and ill-educated home schoolers, too.

A lot comes down to motivation. Parents who want to raise smart children who learn in their own ways and are free to think beyond bureaucratic boundaries do a wonderful job. Parents who want to isolate their children from corrupting influences and ensure that they have the exact same social, political and religious beliefs that their parents have, do a terrible job. In any event, though, it's the parents' right and choice to do it however they see fit.

[HomeLife Academy]

"Children are not taught to learn or to think, they are taught to be a cog, to listen and perform to a acceptable standard."

This is dead on correct. What really opened my eyes is that being a "cog" was the orginal intention of the school system's founders. This was revealed to me in the research of John Taylor Gatto, specifically his huge Underground History of American Education. This former teacher of the year, his books, and video project can be found at http://www.johntaylorgatto.com/. My favorite little article is one we've posted, http://www.homelifeacademy.com/gatto.php