Should 16-year-olds have the right to drop out of school?

[darklordoftech]

In many states and countries, they do, but the UK recently took away that right and Obama urged the 50 states to do the same. Where do you stand on this?

[darklordoftech]

Interesting that Republicans seem to be saying yes and Democrats (with the exception of myself) seem to be saying no.

[darklordoftech]

Interesting that Republicans seem to be saying yes and Democrats (with the exception of myself) seem to be saying no.

I agree with no. If the students don't want to continue, let them. If they're just sitting there doing nothing not caring, that's an inefficiency of tax dollars.

Indeed, why would anybody think it's a good idea to spend our tax dollars on people who don't want them?

[darklordoftech]

Interesting that Republicans seem to be saying yes and Democrats (with the exception of myself) seem to be saying no.

the left is often authoritarian.  They know what's good for you.  You're just an idiot that can't look out for himself and they are very willing to use the force (read:violence) of the state to make you do what they know is best for you.

If the Democrats had their way, being unsupervised by adults before your 21st birthday would be illegal and you'd get the death penalty for underage drinking.

[darklordoftech]

Yes. It doesn't affect our education system at large - essentially only the failures do it, 99% of average or better students stay for the final two years - so not much harm really.

Also, if they wanted to drop out at 16, chances are that they'll also want to drop out at 18, and they can always get a GED.

[darklordoftech]

Interesting that Republicans seem to be saying yes and Democrats (with the exception of myself) seem to be saying no.

I agree with no. If the students don't want to continue, let them. If they're just sitting there doing nothing not caring, that's an inefficiency of tax dollars.

I wonder if those who think students should be forbidden from dropping out also support free college. There's no logic in wanting to spend tax dollars on those who don't want it yet oppose spending tax dollars on those who do want it.