Slap explains okay, I do not...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kiwigrunt
Not much to do with small wars (yet), but a very interesting thread never the less.
From way back in Post 80 on the thread, wherein I writ:
""I probably should disclose that my views on all this are indeed involved with dangerous eras. This one is not but they do occur. In order to be prepared for the unexpected onset of such an era, that Congressional / Political malfeasance concerns me because in funding efforts and in the societal changes induced it adversely affects the Armed Forces of the US. The societal bit affects serving persons, our risk aversion problem is largely societally induced.""
Linkage, no matter how tenousity... :D
I think you both hit my problem with such 'programs.'
The human factor. All of the programs started off well and probably did considerable good under their original steers persons. then the Second string took over. Then the third.
Many today would be barely recognizable to their originators. I think FDR would be upset with what's been done to Social Security for just one example.
The programs are good and undeniably well intentioned -- the way they are modified by some (including Congress. Especially including Congress...) for their own understanding / misunderstandings of intent and their own purposes (all too often...) -- is not so good. It's not the programs, it's the people and /or system that run them -- or fails to do so...
I think that can be corrected but it will take a massive message to the Congress to make that happen. That may or may not occur. We'll see what 2012 brings...
Thank, you, motorfirebox for the civil and intelligent discussion. Intelligent on your side anyway, Slap'll tell you I ain't none too bright, too many HAH landings... :D
Think globally, act locally?
Slap,
Glad you enjoy the series as much as I do. Your links are always interesting, the Walt Disney Airpower series way back when blew my mind. :)
All,
One can argue that an education enables one to connect the global flow of information and commerce. This connection has the potential to strengthen the connected, strengthen communities, and place positive pressure upon various elites (political, economic, military, etc.) to act in a responsible manner which benefits the whole.
With respect to outcomes, actions speak louder than rhetoric. We can observe that various organizations & individuals, state sponsored and transnational, consistently allocate capital (land, labor, entrepreneurship, organization, management, etc) across the globe in order to provide education to various demographics - (The spectrum includes local schools & universities, Catholic Schools, Madrassas, NGO's, IO's, SF Trainers, CA-Bubba's, etc). Some efforts are more efficient than others. Irrespective of efficiencies, all recognize the 'empowering' value of an education.
Visible points of measurement of educational effectiveness include International Trade, Capital Flows, and Jobs.
Business models for education are evolving. You, I, our relatives, and global inhabitants are no longer educationally circumscribed by various actors. An education enables one to connect the global flow of information and commerce.
Each of us can positively change the world at some level if we choose. Khan Academy pass it on...:wry: