Education Matters:

Do we need guns on this new planet? Every class wanted to ban private ownership of lethal weapons, but allow for possession of non-lethal weapons. A significant bloc of kids (entirely boys) maintained that lethal weapons are necessary for our protection from each other, while others tried to envision a future where we might learn to subdue, and possibly rehabilitate, deviant behavior rather than snuff it out.

Shall we establish a common language to erase for all time one barrier that separates us? Can we, in the same vein, combine our religious dogmas and devotions into a single vision of God that unites, rather than divides us? Can we free ourselves from the limitations of our earthly creeds and focus more on the roots of all religions and less on the branches?

Here were some particularly interesting proposals for this new planet: Tax tobacco and alcohol very heavily so that the people who indulge will be paying more of their fair share for the extra medical attention they’ll undoubtedly require.

No cars on this new planet. Mass transit only. Leave all fossil fuels in the ground. Make a pledge for this, and all subsequent generations, to protect the new planet and not exploit it.

One class had potential voters needing to pass a “current events quiz” before exercising the right to cast a ballot. Another class would require a three-digit IQ before becoming eligible to vote.

On the subject of law enforcement, one group devised a special form of punishment reminiscent of our Puritan forebears. In a central place in all communities would be placed “the box,” where lawbreakers would be confined and subjected to public humiliation.

And then there were some classic statements that ranged from the sublime to the not so sublime:

“Maybe we can’t change our basic nature, but can’t we teach our children a better way?”

“All banks should be run by the government.” (Where do you suppose they got that idea?)

“People on welfare should pay back the government once they’re off welfare.” (Every class has its dreamer.)

“If we have an army, girls should be drafted too.”

“We don’t need money. You fix my teeth, I’ll mend your fence.”

“Only pacifists should have guns.”

“Two kids per family. After that we’ll tie guys’ tubes.”

“There should be capital punishment for accidental murder.”

All in all these, youngsters learned what the men who gathered in Philadelphia learned way back in 1787 when they drafted our Constitution. It’s hard work forming a government and ordering a new society. It takes compromise and cooperation and mountains of patience.

That’s a tough assignment for any age.

 DAN KIMBER is a teacher in the Glendale Unified School District, where he has taught for more than 30 years. He may be reached at DKimb8@ sbcglobal.net.