I don't think you are over reacting at all, though I could understand the sentiment that others might think you're getting worked up a bit, you've used some very affirmative language, but I assume that is only because of how strong your conviction is in this regard. I must admit, at first I was adverse to the term plutocracy being used in this case, but that was merely because of my own perception from here in Australia, when trying to look at things from the American perspective, I could understand fully what you mean. There is no doubt that American education seems to be becoming a plutocracy of it's own kind.

I would not be so bold as to say I entirely agree with you, this is a subject I've only engaged mildly and so I feel I am not in a position to judge on the broader scope you have addressed. But I can relate to a lot of what has been said, I hope that there has been some move in America to change these things or at least a descenting voice has been made public. Though in saying that, I've found a few things in America to be very odd from a perception stand of view primarily how the American public react to certain incentives and benefits from the government, so it could be that the general American populace is able to work in a system where education is slowly becoming a plutocracy and only a minority others in America feel isn't worth warranting is adversely affected.

Personally I cannot help but have to cope with what ever happens in Australia as I am currently in the education system and to excuse myself due to ideological reasons would only hurt my current situation, but my convictions will just drive me to move to a country I feel is better suited for my family when the day comes for me to start that road. I understand that something that hurts one part of society usually means another part is benefiting in some way, whether that be weapons manufacturing companies are earning money they don't need at the cost of affordable education and a proper pension for the elderly, or Australian citizens having to pay a little more due to a carbon tax so we can finally enforce a sliver of responsibility onto our mining companies. Regardless of the out come there is always a driving force behind these decisions and in the battle of convictions in regards to politics the loudest always wins. Though I assume corruption in American politics warps such a process quite considerably.

Regardless, I find abandoning sentiments of loyalty to any one government can be reassuring, I find many others disagree with me in this regard, but ultimately I'm not going to pledge myself as a loyal citizen to a country who's values do not represent my own where I feel is important. That said, I also don't believe that excuses me from participating in the affairs of the government of said country, I hear almost verbatim; "If you aren't a loyal Aussie, then you have no [u]right[/u] to interfere."; I've seen similar rhetoric from American's too, I think these behaviours belie a much deeper manipulation, but I digress.

There is a lot we could do to make a difference, but once you take into account measures of effectiveness and realism, the scope is narrowed to possibilities so far fetched even conviction does not sustain clear justification to these actions, though that is subjective. I guess it also depends on what you perceive to be the under lying reason for all of this.

Anyway, I'm working on my IC post so that should be up soon!