The Most Amazing Story of the Day…End Mandatory Education?

The attitude of this young Utah Republican State Senator is not unique, and is really the underlying thinking behind the privatization of education and Republican ideology. Sen. Aaron Osmond’s proposal to abolish compulsory education is something only a conservative mind could justify. Hell,

the Onion couldn't come up with a story this ridiculous (check out all the positive comments below).

The look of Education Reform?

TPM: State Sen. Aaron Osmond (R) argued that certain "parents act as if the responsibility to educate, and even care for their child, is primarily the responsibility of the public school system. As a result, our teachers and schools have been forced to become surrogate parents, expected to do everything from behavioral counseling, to providing adequate nutrition, to teaching sex education, as well as ensuring full college and career readiness," he wrote in a post on the state senate's blog.

There’s more TPM didn't include that is just priceless:

Before 1890, public education in America was viewed as an opportunity—not a legal obligation. Prior to that time, the parent was primarily responsible for the education of their children. The state provided access to a free education for those that wanted to pursue it. In a country founded on the principles of personal freedom and unalienable rights, no parent should be forced by the government to send their child to school under threat of fines and jail time.

We need to shift the public mindset to recognize that education is a not an obligation, but an opportunity … We need to stop dictating the number of hours a child must be present in a classroom.

Osmond told the Deseret News that he wants the public to view education as an opportunity rather than a requirement. "Let’s let them choose it, let’s not force them to do it," Osmond said. 

As crazy as this idea is, the comments that followed were just as shocking; they liked it! Sadly, conservative reaction supports my conclusion only a conservative mind would entertain this chaotic lunacy:

Tammy Hulse says: This makes so much sense! I believe the quality of education in Utah will skyrocket if we allow parents to opt in instead of checking out of public schools.

Rhonda says: I agree wholeheartedly, and will help to spread this message. Thank you, Senator Osmond, for having the courage to stand up for the rights and responsibilities of the family.

Helen Anderson says: I think this would be great for public schools and families.

Marie Morgan says: I think this is an idea whose time has come, and I am so happy to see it come up in the minds of our legislators.

Elizabeth Little says: Thank you for taking a common sense stand! I hope that we can quickly pass this bill and move toward more freedom for parents and teachers in our educational system. 

Darrrell Stoddard says: “RIGHT ON’” Senator Osmond. We Need to Eliminate Compulsory Education. No one likes to be compelled to do anything. This has been true since before mankind came to be, and will always be true.

My favorite is

this comment that essentially reinvents the wheel:

Janet Summit says: Establishing community education centers where parents can get together to schedule a class for children is important, for example. If a parent does want to gather a group of children together for a “school class” of some sort, there is no place for them to meet unless they can afford to pay for that space. Then parents can begin to find solutions too.

Yes Janet, that’s what we call a “school.”