Dumbing Down...

Definitely, I just don't think concerns about it are limited to one political party or ideology.

I think it is something that has severe implications for both civilian and military productivity, training, and education, as well as our competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Everyone should worry about it, not just "insert political party affiliation or stereotype here."

Thanks, now I understand your comment and certainly agree.

Yes, you are absolutely right about Buz's upbringing. However, just because some do not agree with your politics, lifestyle or attitudes does not mean the country is doomed to failure. Their opinions and attitudes, as are mine, are determined, by their upbring, education and experiences and because of that, their perception of where the country should be going is different than yours. I, having been brought up by a very strict father and Free Mason, have a very different perception of the United States and what makes it tick than those of your persuasion. To say that I think what some of what you desire is heading us toward that cliff you refer to, is wrong would be an understatement. My Dad would look down on this earth and have exactly the opposite thoughts on where we are heading as you do, as would I. That is what is great about America. Everyone is entitled to their opinion of where we are and where we are going. That is eveyone's right and we should cherish, protect it and allow it to be expressed freely by all.

my father was a freemason, and he would call your worldview jingoistic, archaic, narrow, and self-serving in the extreme.

:idontno::wub:

I've been wondering what that had to do w/anything...FWIW, my father and both my grandfathers and all my uncles also belonged to the Masons...Freemasonry tends to be quite tolerant,that's what gets them into trouble with the fundamentalist sometimes.

my father was a freemason, and he would call your worldview... jingoistic, archaic, narrow, and self-serving in the extreme.

:idontno::wub:
...Freemasonry tends to be quite tolerant,...

hmmm...
somehow that hadn't struck me as particularly tolerant:idontno:

what hadn't struck you as tolerant?

what hadn't struck you as tolerant?

JMO... All the below words grouped together as they are; regardless of context and whether snapped or sing-songed in lullaby... do not strike me as words of tolerance.

... jingoistic, archaic, narrow, and self-serving in the extreme.

JMO... All the below words grouped together as they are; regardless of context and whether snapped or sing-songed in lullaby... do not strike me as words of tolerance.

okay. thanks for clarifying.