If anyone is interested in learning more about the concept of Decentralizing Power, as well as the principles and plans associated with this ideologically inclusive movement before the next meet up feel free to contact me via email: [masked]

I was held up at a job today, I am very disappointed I didn't have an opportunity to meet with you all since that is the reason why I came to LA. I suppose all things in their proper time, I look forward to future opportunities.

I agree with Phoenix about the education system except I mean to be going in a different direction with this. For me, in this context, education is about what people know based on what they hear and where they're influenced. If someone listens to "Fox/Murdoch" type information then that's one form of education and that person's vote will be going in one direction. However if someone listens to KPFK or Progressive Radio Network then their vote will be entirely different. And that's what this whole money thing is all about with things like "Citizens United." It's about "educating" people, except it's more like influencing people with misinformation which is how Prop 37 lost (labeling GMO food). People talk and vote in terms of what they know which is what they think the Truth is all about. I think I'd better stop here for now but there's a lot more to this and it is at the bottom of a lot of things that are happening. I wish I could make it tonight. - Stuart

The education system should be based on a simple set of rules.
1) Teach everyone the basics: reading, writing and counting.
2) Find out what makes every pupil tick. Direct pupils towards the areas in which they can flourish, and take them away from the areas where they will fail. Make everyone feel good about themselves. Build their self-esteem. Establish what they're good at and give them the praise and encouragement they deserve.
3) Give them a real education: education for education's sake, not for the business needs of the elite.
4) Identify their psychological type. Separate them from hostile psychological types and surround them with those with whom they will be friends and allies. Our society is sadly lacking in basic friendship. Teach each personality type how best to cope with opposite types, thus avoiding conflict and creating harmony.
5) Cultivate everyone's unique talents. Treat them all as potential geniuses for whom the sky is the limit.
6) Teach pupils how to think and

That’s a great point, Michael. Our teachers are undervalued and underpaid. Part of the problem is that our gov't doesn’t really value education. We spend over 20% of the budget on military… but less than 4% on education. That’s insane. Here’s a mind-blowing fact: In 2007, the amount of money wasted in Iraq- $11 billion, could pay 220,000 teachers salaries. Something else that we should consider... do we work within the education system to change its policies, or do we work outside of it to create new grassroots places of learning for those willing to learn.

For me the starting place or 1st step would be to find (discuss) a way to educate all adults now, the fact that there is a fulfillment of life from being a teacher (with fair and reasonable pay in return), they then turn around and do the same for the next generation, this way we can finally have those that are the best doing the teaching. We need to see the true $ value of our teachers (the better one's) deserve, for the act of passing on the value of education. by the way this is a World Problem Work measured by results has a value to an entire society especially education; teachers need to be rewarded by earnings so that they can truly be a part of the solid middle class and better................ just a thought