No Child Left Behind

Has it Worked?

That seems to be the new "hot topic" for the last few days. I don't know whether it has worked, or is still working, or not but I do know that of our four grandchildren two have already graduated from college and the other two are scheduled to graduate in December of this year. I suspect it is about as much up to the students as it is the teachers. It probably is a given that we have some less than competent teachers but for the most part you get out of anything about what you put into it. The two boys, who grew up here on the hill, were raised on the work ethics and both knew what they wanted to make of their lives well before they entered high school. They both put in a lot of time preparing themselves for their chosen fields. Is that not still the "American Way"?

What's the incentive? Too many in our current school age, or recent graduates (or dropouts), have been, or are being, raised in an environment where almost half of our citizens pays no federal income taxes and many of those who pay no taxes receive a refund check for money they didn't pay in. Why study in school, get a good job, work hard trying to get ahead and make a lot of money only to have it taken away and given to someone who doesn't even want to work? America, if not already there, is fast becoming a nation of people waiting for a handout.

We, here on the hill, have worked hard most of our lives, paid our taxes, never getting anything we didn't pay for, mostly paid for our two sons' education (both engineering) and still ask for no help (free) from any mortal. Someday, perhaps, that may change but God willing ----.
It is still hot and humid here, so much so that we can't get out and work very much. Our pole beans are still blooming some but no beans, we have a few tomatoes but none ripe yet, the squash and cucumbers are doing fairly well but we water them most days. The okra is the best of all our garden, blooming and putting on some pods. We picked about a quart of blueberries Thursday and about a half gallon Saturday. They are looking good so far. The next few weeks will probably be devoted mostly to the blueberries especially if it stays hot and muggy.
Thanks for your time and input. Stay tuned.- William