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6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
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dandr10199
Grace is growing up too fast!
Member since 10/05 11561 total posts
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Dina
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6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
I know many may have been asked before. I am genuinely interested in honest answers here. I am not trying to be combative, I really want to know WHY people feel the way they do. WHY they vote they way they do. Like an LIF social experiment.
1) Should government demand that your taxes support gov programs you do not agree with?
2) Should the tax system in this country be changed to a flat tax?
3) Do you see this move to spread the "wealth around" as a step towards socialism?
4) Do you feel that if you taxed businesses and the wealthy that jobs in the private sector would be lost?
5) If McCain was pro-choice and everything was the same about the candidates on taxes and the economy...who would you vote for?
6) If you work the public sector...city, state or federal and you answered this thread, so you feel that your answer ins biased b/c a bigger gov ultimately may mean more $$$ for you in an Obama Administration (a raise, promotion, or the like)?
Are you worried about loosing your job (or if you spouse or SO is in the public sector) if you are a tenured teacher? a police officer? a federal employee? I feel that business owners and people in the private sector may have differing opinions on this.
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Posted 10/16/08 2:42 PM  |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
Eh, I responded on the other thread, but I'll repost here:
Should government demand that your taxes support gov programs you do not agree with?
Yes. This has been debated by philosophers for years, the point being that, if we lived in an unregulated society without government, anarchy would rule, and we would live some pretty damn scary lives. The trade off for stability and security, is that we all contribute to a working government that we don't always necessarily agree with. If, as a society, we were given the choice of contributing our taxes to policies we agree with, we would never have a functioning government with any power behind it.
Should the tax system in this country be changed to a flat tax?
No. The government needs $$ to work. We are a preeminent country in this world because of our wealth, our ability to employ our army without hesitation, our ability to employ necessary, sophisticated programs and technology. A flat tax would either be drastically unfair, by requiring the poor masses to pay an equal amount as the rich, or wouldn't provide enough funding to the daily operation of the government by lowering the flat tax so all could afford it. Our country would fall flat on its face without the funding it needs from taxes.
Do you see this move to spread the "wealth around" as a step towards socialism?
No. Since the inception of this democracy, we have always paid taxes, to contribute to a functioning government, and a greater good. With each decade the *amount* we pay wavers, depending on the administration and economic circumstances. Right now, economic circumstances are dire, necessitating a change in the tax structure - it's an understandable cyclical event.
Do you feel that if you taxed businesses and the wealthy that jobs in the private sector would be lost?
No. I don't think it would make a significant enough impact to drive businesses to close and the wealthy to stop working.
If McCain was pro-choice and everything was the same about the candidates on taxes and the economy...who would you vote for?
I would never vote for McCain. It isn't just his abortion stance that dissuades me.
If you work the public sector...city, state or federal and you answered this thread, so you feel that your answer ins biased b/c a bigger gov ultimately may mean more $$$ for you in an Obama Administration (a raise, promotion, or the like)?
No. I assure you, even my agency is feeling the impact right now, with a freeze on hiring, travel, and any supplies expenses. We work like rats, so I can assure you an increase in taxes wouldn't necessarily mean more $$ in my pocket.
Are you worried about loosing your job (or if you spouse or SO is in the public sector) if you are a tenured teacher? a police officer? a federal employee?
No. There will always be a need for my job as a federal employee - defending the rights of students and ensuring that public educational institutions are following governmemnt regulations.
Message edited 10/16/2008 2:55:21 PM.
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| Posted 10/16/08 2:50 PM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
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They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
1) Should government demand that your taxes support gov programs you do not agree with?
Yes. We are a representative democracy and we elect officials to make decisions on taxing and spending. Additionally, the administrative costs of keeping up with every penny an individual pays and that individual's preferences would prohibit anything else. Our voice in how our taxpayer money is spent is our vote (and if you think that only means the vote for President, then you are sorely mistaken). That said, I support LESS government spending and a smaller federal government.
2) Should the tax system in this country be changed to a flat tax?
No. (Note: This should not be construed to mean I support the current income tax system. I have very strong views on the tax system.)
3) Do you see this move to spread the "wealth around" as a step towards socialism?
The only thing I will say is that I think forced redistribution of wealth by the government is a socialist principle. And that's all I have to say about that... No need to read anything else into that statement. I can't respond to the question as asked because I think "spread the wealth around" can mean many different things and does not always mean socialism.
4) Do you feel that if you taxed businesses and the wealthy that jobs in the private sector would be lost?
We already tax businesses and the wealthy. Significantly raising taxes on businesses raises the cost of operating those businesses in the USA. High operating costs (which come from many places, one of which is taxes) can lead to the loss of jobs (and a decrease in the number of businesses in the USA).
5) If McCain was pro-choice and everything was the same about the candidates on taxes and the economy...who would you vote for?
My vote would not change. I'm not a one-issue voter.
6) If you work the public sector...city, state or federal and you answered this thread, so you feel that your answer ins biased b/c a bigger gov ultimately may mean more $$$ for you in an Obama Administration (a raise, promotion, or the like)?
I don't work in the public sector.
Message edited 10/16/2008 2:55:03 PM.
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| Posted 10/16/08 2:51 PM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
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remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
Posted by dandr10199
1) Should government demand that your taxes support gov programs you do not agree with?
I think that as constituents, we entrust the govt to do what needs to be done with our tax dollars. if they asked each and every one of us what we'd like to pay for, NOTHING would get funded, ever.
2) Should the tax system in this country be changed to a flat tax?
NO.
3) Do you see this move to spread the "wealth around" as a step towards socialism?
NO. we have been doing this for ever. it's just the wording that has people freaked out.
4) Do you feel that if you taxed businesses and the wealthy that jobs in the private sector would be lost?
NO. I think jobs were lost when we allowed businesses to operate from INDIA and CHINA.
5) If McCain was pro-choice and everything was the same about the candidates on taxes and the economy...who would you vote for?
OBAMA. I honestly don't think McCain gives a rats asss about abortion...but needs to to get the core conservatives.
6) If you work the public sector...city, state or federal and you answered this thread, so you feel that your answer ins biased b/c a bigger gov ultimately may mean more $$$ for you in an Obama Administration (a raise, promotion, or the like)?
Are you worried about loosing your job (or if you spouse or SO is in the public sector) if you are a tenured teacher? a police officer? a federal employee? I feel that business owners and people in the private sector may have differing opinions on this.
I work for the govt. budget or tax increases NEVER benefit us in any way...any more or less so than they effect you. We don't get paid generally as much as the private sector, so NO...GHWB just gave us the biggest increase we've had in YEARS. I don't think it'll get any bigger with Obama.
Message edited 10/16/2008 2:52:32 PM.
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| Posted 10/16/08 2:51 PM |
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Candy Girl
Candy girl- you are so sweet!
Member since 11/07 6349 total posts
Name:
erin
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
1. Yes
2. No.
3. No.
4. No
5. Obama
6. I am not worried about losing my job, but at the same time, I do not think that an Obama presidency would benefit my job compensation directly or rather, to a very significant degree. I do think that Bloomberg being elected for a third term would impact my job status/salary drastically.
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| Posted 10/16/08 2:56 PM |
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Jessica
I'm a mommy :)
Member since 1/06 7322 total posts
Name:
~Jess~
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
1 yes
2 no
3 no
4 no
5 still obama for all other issues he stands for
6 not applicable
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| Posted 10/16/08 3:06 PM |
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ExpectingJoy
LIF Adolescent
Member since 5/05 751 total posts
Name:
Cari
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
1) Should government demand that your taxes support gov programs you do not agree with?
Yes- but this is why we vote congress- senate and the house. These are our decisions. This election is going to be interesting because a democratic president means partisan laws will usually be passed.
2) Should the tax system in this country be changed to a flat tax?
Not sure. Cant answer. Not an economist by any stretch.
3) Do you see this move to spread the "wealth around" as a step towards socialism?
Yes, but democracy is not working so well. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. There is no middle class which is the foundation of our society. Socialism might not be so bad.
4) Do you feel that if you taxed businesses and the wealthy that jobs in the private sector would be lost?
Maybe- but we have to do something different. Yes, some people will initially lose their jobs. Nurses or support staff who work for small doctors offices as an example, but hopefully it will turn around in the long term. I dont think we can be short-sighted. The only saving grace about McCain, imo, is that he has a plan to create NEW jobs with our need for new energy eg; off shore drilling, etc...
5) If McCain was pro-choice and everything was the same about the candidates on taxes and the economy...who would you vote for?
The Big O.
Message edited 10/16/2008 3:08:21 PM.
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| Posted 10/16/08 3:06 PM |
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mrsej
The cutest!
Member since 1/07 2495 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
Posted by Kara
1) Should government demand that your taxes support gov programs you do not agree with?
Yes. We are a representative democracy and we elect officials to make decisions on taxing and spending. Additionally, the administrative costs of keeping up with every penny an individual pays and that individual's preferences would prohibit anything else. Our voice in how our taxpayer money is spent is our vote (and if you think that only means the vote for President, then you are sorely mistaken). That said, I support LESS government spending and a smaller federal government.
2) Should the tax system in this country be changed to a flat tax?
No. (Note: This should not be construed to mean I support the current income tax system. I have very strong views on the tax system.)
3) Do you see this move to spread the "wealth around" as a step towards socialism?
The only thing I will say is that I think forced redistribution of wealth by the government is a socialist principle. And that's all I have to say about that... No need to read anything else into that statement. I can't respond to the question as asked because I think "spread the wealth around" can mean many different things and does not always mean socialism.
4) Do you feel that if you taxed businesses and the wealthy that jobs in the private sector would be lost?
We already tax businesses and the wealthy.
5) If McCain was pro-choice and everything was the same about the candidates on taxes and the economy...who would you vote for?
My vote would not change. I'm not a one-issue voter.
6) If you work the public sector...city, state or federal and you answered this thread, so you feel that your answer ins biased b/c a bigger gov ultimately may mean more $$$ for you in an Obama Administration (a raise, promotion, or the like)?
I don't work in the public sector.
I pretty much agree with everything you said. I just wanted to add something I had posted on another thread about taxing the "wealthy"...In 1990, Congress imposed a luxury tax on yachts. Senator Kennedy was so proud and crowed about the rich finally paying their fair share. After that tax, yacht retailers reported a 77% decrease in sales and boatbuilders laid off thousand of workers. People, even the rich, respond to price changes, only issue is how much and when.
I work for the public sector - not voting for Obama
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| Posted 10/16/08 3:07 PM |
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dandr10199
Grace is growing up too fast!
Member since 10/05 11561 total posts
Name:
Dina
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
I know my views will not be popular , but here goes…
1) Should government demand that your taxes support gov programs you do not agree with?
A loaded question…I feel that we need to pay for police officers, teachers, gov employees BUT it should be based on a merit system; much like the private sector. The idea that someone can NEVER be fired for being incompetent infuriates me to no end. Ex: If a teacher is in her 50’s and has no passion for teaching, her students fail time and again is she is just holding on to get to retirement…Give her a package and let her go. Hire a teacher that has zeal and passion, give them a bonus for every student at passes a standardized test.
2) Should the tax system in this country be changed to a flat tax?
YES.
3) Do you see this move to spread the "wealth around" as a step towards socialism?
YES. The term “Spread the wealth around” is semantics, but I feel in this election there has been a lot of wording thrown around that is setting off red flags to me.
4) Do you feel that if you taxed businesses and the wealthy that jobs in the private sector would be lost?
YES. A poor person has NEVER given me a job, EVER. I babysat for folks that could afford to pay me when I was 13 yrs old. I now service folks who can afford to buy homes.
5) If McCain was pro-choice and everything was the same about the candidates on taxes and the economy...who would you vote for?
I honestly would have a hard time with this. I believe that Obama’s tax plan would hurt me, yet I believe in life at conception. Considering that GWB is pro-life and Row v. Wade has not been overturned in 8 yrs, no to I think it will ever get overturned. I probably would vote Libertarian and “throw my vote away”. LOL.
6) If you work the public sector...city, state or federal and you answered this thread, so you feel that your answer ins biased b/c a bigger gov ultimately may mean more $$$ for you in an Obama Administration (a raise, promotion, or the like)?
Are you worried about loosing your job (or if you spouse or SO is in the public sector) if you are a tenured teacher? a police officer? a federal employee? I feel that business owners and people in the private sector may have differing opinions on this.
I am in the private sector. So, I have no idea.
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| Posted 10/16/08 3:11 PM |
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dandr10199
Grace is growing up too fast!
Member since 10/05 11561 total posts
Name:
Dina
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
Posted by mrsej
I pretty much agree with everything you said. I just wanted to add something I had posted on another thread about taxing the "wealthy"...In 1990, Congress imposed a luxury tax on yachts. Senator Kennedy was so proud and crowed about the rich finally paying their fair share. After that tax, yacht retailers reported a 77% decrease in sales and boatbuilders laid off thousand of workers. People, even the rich, respond to price changes, only issue is how much and when.
WOW. Ya know, a poor person NEVER gave me job? Just saying that I feel our unemployment rate will go up to where it was when Carter was president. 
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| Posted 10/16/08 3:13 PM |
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dandr10199
Grace is growing up too fast!
Member since 10/05 11561 total posts
Name:
Dina
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
Posted by ExpectingJoy
3) Do you see this move to spread the "wealth around" as a step towards socialism?
Yes, but democracy is not working so well. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. There is no middle class which is the foundation of our society. Socialism might not be so bad.
Whoa. 
ETA: Thank you for being honest. 
Message edited 10/16/2008 3:15:18 PM.
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| Posted 10/16/08 3:14 PM |
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ExpectingJoy
LIF Adolescent
Member since 5/05 751 total posts
Name:
Cari
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
Maybe that is a harsh horrible thing to say (I have very little idea of what socialism really is), but these are desperate times. This system is going crazy. I'm scared for my life and my family in addition to the economy. People in other countries hate us right now- and I am so tired of seeing all these foreigners enjoying everything this country has to offer at a discount. It gets me so steamed- our parents and grandparents worked so hard for all we have now and I hope our children should one day enjoy it. If we think global and about 50 years from now, I guess this is where my emotional thoughts come from. Sorry for the rant.
Honestly, I just want to go with the candidate who will let me breathe air a little longer. Obama might make us more likeable to foreign nations- even if it means moving toward some less traditionally American principles.
Message edited 10/16/2008 3:23:57 PM.
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| Posted 10/16/08 3:20 PM |
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cjik
Welcome 2010!
Member since 2/06 8879 total posts
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
Posted by dandr10199
I know many may have been asked before. I am genuinely interested in honest answers here. I am not trying to be combative, I really want to know WHY people feel the way they do. WHY they vote they way they do. Like an LIF social experiment.
1) Should government demand that your taxes support gov programs you do not agree with?
I don't like supporting programs I don't agree with (the Iraq war is a good example), but ultimately we need revenue to support many good programs. So I accept it as a necessary evil.
2) Should the tax system in this country be changed to a flat tax?
Uhm, no. Bad idea.
3) Do you see this move to spread the "wealth around" as a step towards socialism?
No. I see it as a step toward rectifying 8 years of bad economic policies under the Bush administration.
4) Do you feel that if you taxed businesses and the wealthy that jobs in the private sector would be lost?
Depends what businesses-this is a loose question. I am guessing you refer to Obama's plan which seems to upset you, so I would say no, I don't think his plan will mean jobs are lost.
5) If McCain was pro-choice and everything was the same about the candidates on taxes and the economy...who would you vote for?
Still Obama. McCain used to be prochoice actually, I don't know what happened to him. But this year, there are even bigger issues at stake. I don't think McCain has a good plan to handle them.
6) If you work the public sector...city, state or federal and you answered this thread, so you feel that your answer ins biased b/c a bigger gov ultimately may mean more $$$ for you in an Obama Administration (a raise, promotion, or the like)?
Are you worried about loosing your job (or if you spouse or SO is in the public sector) if you are a tenured teacher? a police officer? a federal employee? I feel that business owners and people in the private sector may have differing opinions on this.
I used to work in the public sector, but given the state of our economy, I do not think an Obama presidency would mean any sort of raise or promotion for me. Most public sector jobs have unions, and unions negotiate with the city or county they are based in for pay raises, not the President. Given the state of our economy under the Bush administration, many states and cities have already instituted hiring freezes, which means I may have a hard time finding a new job when I return to work next summer. Honestly, whether Obama or McCain is in office won't matter much.
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| Posted 10/16/08 3:24 PM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
Posted by Bxgell2
Eh, I responded on the other thread, but I'll repost here:
Should government demand that your taxes support gov programs you do not agree with?
Yes. This has been debated by philosophers for years, the point being that, if we lived in an unregulated society without government, anarchy would rule, and we would live some pretty damn scary lives. The trade off for stability and security, is that we all contribute to a working government that we don't always necessarily agree with. If, as a society, we were given the choice of contributing our taxes to policies we agree with, we would never have a functioning government with any power behind it.
Should the tax system in this country be changed to a flat tax?
No. The government needs $$ to work. We are a preeminent country in this world because of our wealth, our ability to employ our army without hesitation, our ability to employ necessary, sophisticated programs and technology. A flat tax would either be drastically unfair, by requiring the poor masses to pay an equal amount as the rich, or wouldn't provide enough funding to the daily operation of the government by lowering the flat tax so all could afford it. Our country would fall flat on its face without the funding it needs from taxes.
Do you see this move to spread the "wealth around" as a step towards socialism?
No. Since the inception of this democracy, we have always paid taxes, to contribute to a functioning government, and a greater good. With each decade the *amount* we pay wavers, depending on the administration and economic circumstances. Right now, economic circumstances are dire, necessitating a change in the tax structure - it's an understandable cyclical event.
Do you feel that if you taxed businesses and the wealthy that jobs in the private sector would be lost?
No. I don't think it would make a significant enough impact to drive businesses to close and the wealthy to stop working.
If McCain was pro-choice and everything was the same about the candidates on taxes and the economy...who would you vote for?
I would never vote for McCain. It isn't just his abortion stance that dissuades me.
I completely agree! Thanks for saving me the typing.
If you work the public sector...city, state or federal and you answered this thread, so you feel that your answer ins biased b/c a bigger gov ultimately may mean more $$$ for you in an Obama Administration (a raise, promotion, or the like)?
I don't work in the public sector, but would not think their answer woud be biased. Big government doesn't mean more money for a government employee. It means more control over the private sector.
Are you worried about loosing your job (or if you spouse or SO is in the public sector) if you are a tenured teacher? a police officer? a federal employee?
I'm concerned about my job and how the economy is going to affect my husband's job - even though he's in a union. The past 2 years, they've had to take 10 week furloughs. That's a lot of time out of work.
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| Posted 10/16/08 3:41 PM |
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dandr10199
Grace is growing up too fast!
Member since 10/05 11561 total posts
Name:
Dina
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
Bumping for the night crew.
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| Posted 10/16/08 9:15 PM |
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SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
Name:
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
1) Should government demand that your taxes support gov programs you do not agree with?
they don't demand, they pass bill or laws, whether I agree or not. all parties do it, so my answer is a reluctant "yes"
2) Should the tax system in this country be changed to a flat tax?
no. the current system is fair IMO
3) Do you see this move to spread the "wealth around" as a step towards socialism?
ABSOLUTELY
4) Do you feel that if you taxed businesses and the wealthy that jobs in the private sector would be lost?
YES - 100%!!!! YES. The money to pay for additional tax has to come from somewhere. and any business owner will do whatever they can to not let that effect their bottom line.
5) If McCain was pro-choice and everything was the same about the candidates on taxes and the economy...who would you vote for?
not sure
6) If you work the public sector...city, state or federal and you answered this thread, so you feel that your answer ins biased b/c a bigger gov ultimately may mean more $$$ for you in an Obama Administration (a raise, promotion, or the like)?
Are you worried about loosing your job (or if you spouse or SO is in the public sector) if you are a tenured teacher? a police officer? a federal employee? I feel that business owners and people in the private sector may have differing opinions on this.
n/a (neither DH or I work in the public sector)
Message edited 10/16/2008 9:20:45 PM.
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| Posted 10/16/08 9:20 PM |
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SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
Name:
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
Posted by ExpectingJoy
3) Do you see this move to spread the "wealth around" as a step towards socialism?
Yes, but democracy is not working so well. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. There is no middle class which is the foundation of our society. Socialism might not be so bad.
 really? DH and I are middle class. so is just about everyone we know.
how is democracy not working? I would really like to know
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| Posted 10/16/08 9:23 PM |
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
1) Should government demand that your taxes support gov programs you do not agree with?
I don't like the idea, but I don't know the alternative. To be honest, liberal as I am, I am TOTALLY not a fan of welfare and think it needs a huge overhaul. Since this is a "social experiement," for clarity I'll add that I teach in an inner city school, and see a lot of "welfare mentality" among too many kids (i.e. Why learn? I'll just collect, like my mom, and the gererations before.)
2) Should the tax system in this country be changed to a flat tax?
It seems fair on paper, but I just don't know enough to make an informed decision.
3) Do you see this move to spread the "wealth around" as a step towards socialism?
I think "spreading the wealth" was a term used by the Republicans in reference to Obama's plan. So whether or not it's a move towards socialism, I don't care. But the gov't now has stakes in many banks- is this socialism anyway?
4) Do you feel that if you taxed businesses and the wealthy that jobs in the private sector would be lost?
I don't know- if people who aren't in that 95% have more money to spend, wouldn't a lot of those businesses benefit?
5) If McCain was pro-choice and everything was the same about the candidates on taxes and the economy...who would you vote for?
No- I feel that Sarah Palin is totally unqualified and anti-woman in her desire to outlaw abortion for rape and incest victims.
6) If you work the public sector...city, state or federal and you answered this thread, so you feel that your answer ins biased b/c a bigger gov ultimately may mean more $$$ for you in an Obama Administration (a raise, promotion, or the like)?
Are you worried about loosing your job (or if you spouse or SO is in the public sector) if you are a tenured teacher? a police officer? a federal employee? I feel that business owners and people in the private sector may have differing opinions on this.
I am a tenured teacher with 12 years experience. In NYC, I already feel like there is TOO much government (City Hall, in this case) in the schools. I am content to do my job and don't aspire to move up the ladder. As for raises, if Mayor Bloomberg gets his way, gets the third term and we havce to negotiate another contract with him, I do NOT think we are going to come out with any kind of raise. With the city being in such dire straits right now, that does not really bother me.
These questions seem intended to pick the brains of us who are not Republican, as opposed to an overall experiment. I wonder if any revelations will come out.
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| Posted 10/16/08 9:32 PM |
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
Posted by dandr10199
I know my views will not be popular , but here goes…
1) Should government demand that your taxes support gov programs you do not agree with?
A loaded question…I feel that we need to pay for police officers, teachers, gov employees BUT it should be based on a merit system; much like the private sector. The idea that someone can NEVER be fired for being incompetent infuriates me to no end. Ex: If a teacher is in her 50’s and has no passion for teaching, her students fail time and again is she is just holding on to get to retirement…Give her a package and let her go. Hire a teacher that has zeal and passion, give them a bonus for every student at passes a standardized test.
I hadn't seen this before I answer- but you're right- your idea of paying teachers based on merit will NOT be popular, and it should not be popular. It's utterly unfair. And it's not as easy as the burned-out teacher versus the great teacher. Both are extremes and not the norm.
As a teacher, SO much of what I do is out of my control. I can write the best lessons, use all the data, help them in any way I can. In other words, do my job. And that still does not mean that my kids will pass standardized tests. There are kids in my school who are truant much of the time, then show up on test days and pass. Would you say I deserved a bonus for that? I wouldn't. Then there are kids who try, and make the barest minimum of progress.
I have kids at the moment who are THREE to FOUR years behind. Even if I do my best, they're just not going to make 3-4 years of progress between now and January's test. Should I be penalized because their previous teachers (and THE PARENTS) weren't able to help them?
Merit pay will just foster an atmosphere of negative competition among teachers; we need to learn to collaborate more, not compete with each others.
Message edited 10/16/2008 9:42:37 PM.
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| Posted 10/16/08 9:41 PM |
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dandr10199
Grace is growing up too fast!
Member since 10/05 11561 total posts
Name:
Dina
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
Posted by MrsProfessor
Posted by dandr10199
I know my views will not be popular , but here goes…
1) Should government demand that your taxes support gov programs you do not agree with?
A loaded question…I feel that we need to pay for police officers, teachers, gov employees BUT it should be based on a merit system; much like the private sector. The idea that someone can NEVER be fired for being incompetent infuriates me to no end. Ex: If a teacher is in her 50’s and has no passion for teaching, her students fail time and again is she is just holding on to get to retirement…Give her a package and let her go. Hire a teacher that has zeal and passion, give them a bonus for every student at passes a standardized test.
I hadn't seen this before I answer- but you're right- your idea of paying teachers based on merit will NOT be popular, and it should not be popular. It's utterly unfair. And it's not as easy as the burned-out teacher versus the great teacher. Both are extremes and not the norm.
As a teacher, SO much of what I do is out of my control. I can write the best lessons, use all the data, help them in any way I can. In other words, do my job. And that still does not mean that my kids will pass standardized tests. There are kids in my school who are truant much of the time, then show up on test days and pass. Would you say I deserved a bonus for that? I wouldn't. Then there are kids who try, and make the barest minimum of progress.
I have kids at the moment who are THREE to FOUR years behind. Even if I do my best, they're just not going to make 3-4 years of progress between now and January's test. Should I be penalized because their previous teachers (and THE PARENTS) weren't able to help them?
Merit pay will just foster an atmosphere of negative competition among teachers; we need to learn to collaborate more, not compete with each others.
I have never heard anyone explain it quite like that. Whenever I bring it up to anyone I know who is a teacher I get my head bitten off. Thank you for NOT doing that. You have given me a lot to think about and quite possibly have changed my mind on merit pay.
I work in the private sector, own a small business, my income is performance or merit based. As a title closer if I do not go above and beyond, I do not get tipped at a closing and that is how I make 75% of my income.
My Step MIL is a teacher in NYC, she has been for 18 yrs and is burnt out and complains ALL the effing time. I can't even be around her anymore b/c it is all she talks about, how she cannot wait to retire and get the H3ll out of the school she is in. It makes me sad and angry. Sad b/c I feel bad for the kids. Angry b/c she goes on and on about how she just has to "show up" and they (the school) cannot fire her even if she just sits there to "babysit". I mean if you are so miserable. GET A NEW JOB! UGH. It is frustrating and hard to hear when your job is solely based on performance.
Thank you for your honesty and for not biting my head off. NYC NEEDS more teachers like you.
Message edited 10/16/2008 9:56:02 PM.
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| Posted 10/16/08 9:53 PM |
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dandr10199
Grace is growing up too fast!
Member since 10/05 11561 total posts
Name:
Dina
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
x post sorry
Message edited 10/16/2008 9:55:10 PM.
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| Posted 10/16/08 9:54 PM |
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Re: 6 Polictical Questions...An LIF Social Experiment.
Posted by dandr10199
I have never heard anyone explain it quite like that. Whenever I bring it up to anyone I know who is a teacher I get my head bitten off. Thank you for NOT doing that. You have given me a lot to think about and quite possibly have changed my mind on merit pay.
I work in the private sector, own a small business, my income is performance or merit based. As a title closer if I do not go above and beyond, I do not get tipped at a closing and that is how I make 75% of my income.
My Step MIL is a teacher in NYC, she has been for 18 yrs and is burnt out and complains ALL the effing time. I can't even be around her anymore b/c it is all she talks about, how she cannot wait to retire and get the H3ll out of the school she is in. It makes me sad and angry. Sad b/c I feel bad for the kids. Angry b/c she goes on and on about how she just has to "show up" and they (the school) cannot fire her even if she just sits there to "babysit". I mean if you are so miserable. GET A NEW JOB! UGH. It is frustrating and hard to hear when your job is solely based on performance.
Thank you for your honesty and for not biting my head off. NYC NEEDS more teachers like you.
Thank YOU- and believe me, I loathe bad teachers. They give us all a bad name. I sometimes think about running for chapter leader in my school, but I just could never, ever defend a teacher who interprets the contract in a way that allows him or her to slack off.
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| Posted 10/16/08 10:03 PM |
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