The Nordic Countries: the Next Supermodel?

     While outdated and superstitious propaganda and recycled sensationalist rhetoric may have you skeptical of socialism, there are undeniable benefits. "The Nordics cluster at the top of league tables of everything from economic competitiveness to social health to happiness. " --the same can't be said for the 'great' land of America. American right wing politicians would have you believe that social programs are a waste of government money but "On public services the Nordics have been similarly pragmatic. So long as public services work, they do not mind who provides them." Last time I checked it is the government's job to serve us, right?

     "The main lesson to learn from the Nordics is not ideological but practical. The state is popular not because it is big but because it works. A Swede pays tax more willingly than a Californian because he gets decent schools and free health care. The Nordics have pushed far-reaching reforms past unions and business lobbies. The proof is there. " The proof is there. America's been on a downhill slope since the 50's and if it wants even the slightest chance of catching up with the world's happiest and most economically competitive countries then it needs to start being as progressive as they are.

     On the dreaded two-part system: "...you must be ready to abandon tired orthodoxies of the left and right and forage for good ideas across the political spectrum." one of the single largest impedance of American politics is our outdated, unnecessary, obstructive, counter-productive two-party system. One wishing only to fit into a political mold and oppose the "other guys" is no help to a government wishing to serve its populace. Good ideas to solve governmental problems and enhance social living come from more than two outdated political platforms. Some people can think for themselves believe it or not. One's political preferences shouldn't boil don to a single buzzword.

Time for an Education System Makeover? - Forbes

"Our educational system is grossly ineffective because the way we teach our children doesn’t align with what we know about how the brain learns."

     Is our educational system fundamentally broken? It would seem so. The archaic system in which "Large classrooms based on age rather than true learning levels." discourages those ahead of the curve from succeeding and holds standards down to a "lowest common denominator." "Our educational system is grossly ineffective because the way we teach our children doesn’t align with what we know about how the brain learns" and this system perpetuates the idea that the American education system teaches "to the test" and isn't concerned with teaching kids how to think but merely what to think.
     Personally, this is seen all too often around myself. I notice a high level of mischief and dishonesty among my peers in higher level classes. "AP tests" are the main focus of curriculum in the highest level of learning at my public school and the focus on success is quite relative insofar as students are more concerned with getting an A on a test than learning about the material and the process behind the discovery of the answer. These sorts of systems leave a bad taste in my mouth, and disadvantage kids who are supposed to be preparing for the academic and intellectual rigor of college.

America's growing education gap - Inside Story Americas - Al Jazeera English

"As a report calls for an overhaul of the US education system, we examine why social mobility is becoming unattainable."