Why Turning Our Schools into a Workforce Development Pipeline is Bad for Democracy -- Seattle Education

"If we allow our public schools to be turned into a workforce development pipeline, we’re giving permission to corporate America to further erode what’s left of our democracy.Being a worker means taking orders; citizenship means being an independent thinker. The two aren’t compatible. One demands obedience, the other autonomy. Here's an uncomfortable truth we must face: the workplace isn’t a democracy. Never has been, never will be. The workplace has always been run as a dictatorship. The boss decides what you’re going to do and how you’re going to do it. Obedience is the most valued skill an employee can have. Democracy is about prioritizing the greater good ahead of self-interest. It requires a citizenry who have the ability and personal courage to ferret out lies, distortions, half-truths and a state willing to protect these individuals against retaliation and violence."