The Four 'R's of Education

We, as a society, are like the parents who do their best to prevent their kids from any pain or inconvenience.  They call the coach if their kids don't get enough playing time, call other parents if their kid doesn't get along with a kid in school, blame the teachers if their kid gets a C rather than the student.  We raise kids who go from high school where mom and dad took care of everything to college or real life unable to handle tough bosses and professors.  Then we wonder why they fail and blame everyone else. A a society, we try to (and I agree the motives are good) legislate away not only pain, but tough times and inconvenience.  We try to pass laws to make life 'fair', and then wonder why - when not everyone succeeds - the public complains and blames the government and society.

I do not advocate leaving everyone behind that doesn't keep up, but I think we have to start teaching 'Responsibility' along with Reading, 'Riting, and 'Rithmatic  as the fourth R taught in schools.  We have to say,m collectively, we will not allow anyone in this society to perish or flounder as we have too many riches and success not to share - BUT WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING YOU HAPPY OR REQUIRED TO COMPENSATE YOU FOR BAD LUCK, YOUR FAMILY'S PAST, MISTAKES OF YOUR ANCESTORS, OR WHERE YOU WERE BORN.  Those born with wealth in their family should not have to apologize for it or feel guilty about it.  Charity is just that, CHARITY.  Helping one's fellow man.  It is a privilege to be able to do so but is not a requirement.  And social programs are, under any name, charity.  More people should do it, I believe, but that doesn't change the fact that it is all value based and I do not think we should be legislating my values to force everyone to live by them.

Poor? You get government housing (unglamorous, undecorated, and short term).  Can't feed yourself?  You get free meals or food stamps (healthy food, not dining out or name brands).  Sick?  Government clinics (with longer waits and the bottom of the class doctors, yes).  Don't like it? Sacrifice so you will have more by working harder or studying.  Don't want your kids to have to deal with it?  Teach them to work harder and study more so they won't be in the same position.