[Armageddon]

I also believe in Jesus, but he is not part of a mysterious trinity. He is God's son, not God in the flesh. I am not going to have a religious debate either.

[PenultimateManStanding]

There is a particular conspiratorial notion in the film that I don't accept as being remotely plausible. That is that the elites deliberately set out to make American kids stupid or "dumbed down." That's absurd. It could only be the unintended side effects of a lot of different currents. No doubt there was an effort back at the the beginning of the last century to get kids used to bells and strict timing and discipline. But I don't see that as an attempt to "dumb them down." The problem with falling intellectual achievement is a post-WWII phenomenon which didn't really get going until the 60's and the increasing tide of entertainment and great affluence. There are many other cultural factors in the mix. The primary reasons seem to be distraction and cultural chaos. Now I'm not defending the scumbag evil elites but there was no gang of plutocrats plotting to make American kids stupid. That's just the way it turned for most. Besides, the elites are looking pretty dumb themselves these days. POTUS is pretty elite. CEO of Bear Stearns is pretty elite, etc.

[TWilliam]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('PenultimateManStanding', 'T')here is a particular conspiratorial notion in the film that I don't accept as being remotely plausible. That is that the elites deliberately set out to make American kids stupid or "dumbed down."

[PenultimateManStanding]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('TWilliam', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('PenultimateManStanding', 'T')here is a particular conspiratorial notion in the film that I don't accept as being remotely plausible. That is that the elites deliberately set out to make American kids stupid or "dumbed down."

[TWilliam]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('PenultimateManStanding', 'T')he goal of education is not ""thoughtful, independently-minded individuals capable of critical analysis"," it is an understanding of grammar, language, mathematics and history.

[PenultimateManStanding]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('TWilliam', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('PenultimateManStanding', 'T')he goal of education is not ""thoughtful, independently-minded individuals capable of critical analysis"," it is an understanding of grammar, language, mathematics and history.

[TWilliam]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('PenultimateManStanding', 'Y')ou choose to use words such as 'compliant' and 'docile'. I think I have the point of view well known in Chinese history that the young should be willing to let their elders steer them along into their place as future elders. That implies "compliant."