Ismael - Thanks. I'm in a bad mood today re religious fascists because of yet another such issue at my son's public school.

Karlmarxghost - I absolutely agree that people need to do different things with their kids, such as encouraging reading, etc. I think the reasons are many and varied, though.

Many two-parent families have both parents working because they must - not because they want more "things." Even if they did, though, having "things" is a big way that many people define themselves. Nobody can see your savings account; few people actually see how your fourth-grader is reading like a tenth-grader. Lotta folks can see the nice house, the fancy car, the designer clothes.

Just the way it is. People are materialistic.

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The man who wouldn't die.

Republicans want a small government. Small enough to fit in the bedroom. - C. Crumling