Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Shadrach]

I really like the UK practice of a qualifying year. Is that the way it is across the board?

I don't know now MJ. I know it's very expensive and many graduates will never repay the loan. Fact is many will be lucky to get a job. The UK is having some seroius problems. Their education system all round rating is falling fast. I think it's almost as bad as the USA in some subjects now.

 

[MaryJanet]

I don't know now MJ. I know it's very expensive and many graduates will never repay the loan. Fact is many will be lucky to get a job. The UK is having some seroius problems. Their education system all round rating is falling fast. I think it's almost as bad as the USA in some subjects now.

Such a shame.

 

[BY Bob]

I see. Thanks again Bob. States in Australia don't have the authority to tax people. It's all done at the federal level. I don't really understand how the taxes get redistributed to the states. Buf there's alsays a lot of argybargy over eg funding for schools.

It might help you to understand how complicated this are over here to go back to the time of the American revolution.

The USA was founded by people with a complete distrust of government. Therefore it was decided that decisions should be made at the most local level possible. The whole system was set up to devolve power to the smallest possible unit of government. The states that were the original colonies are set up quite different than those states that came along later. Let me explain.

In PA, we have the following levels of government in descending size, State, County, and Locality. A locality would be a town, a borough, a city, a township, etc. In addition, once it was decided that an educated populace was a requirement for a democracy to succeed, a school system needed to be set up. The people did not want the government involved in their children's education so they established School Districts to provide for the education of their children, outside of the government structure. These School Districts normally span multiple localities. They have elected members and also have the ability to tax in order to provide the education. This is the prevalent form of government in most of the original states.

In many newer states you will only find 2 levels of government, State and County and the counties will usually run the schools.

All of those political entities have the ability to tax. Each state's constitution will lay out what taxing authority each of the government entities will have. For example in PA, the Locality can tax my income, while the County or the School District may not tax my income but they can tax my property.

Which taxes hurt the elderly most? Property Taxes. They are set on the current value of the property and not based upon the ability to pay. You can imagine what this does to a School District's ability to raise money for teachers salaries, etc.

And because this is supposed to be a chicken thread. Here is Aurora hanging out in the chair next to me tonight.

This is my new rule. If I am going to discuss things other than chickens, I will place a photo of a chicken in the post.

 

[BY Bob]

The waste is the thing I don't like. If we're going to live in communities and share resources, we have to reciprocate by contributing our strengths. It gets to me that some people opt out of this duty or, like your dad, are somehow prevented from contributing their best work.

We all lose if that happens. Sadly it does all the time.

 

[BY Bob]

I don't know now MJ. I know it's very expensive and many graduates will never repay the loan. Fact is many will be lucky to get a job. The UK is having some seroius problems. Their education system all round rating is falling fast. I think it's almost as bad as the USA in some subjects now.

Ouch! That hurts.

 

[drstratton]

In Australia the schools that get it right are the public schools where the more seasoned teachers are incredibly skilled from bringing children along in spite of big challenges like no breakfast, locked out of the house so slept outside, unshowered, violence in the home etc

I understand the needs & it is so sad what so many children face in our world! Most teachers are amazing people!

 

[MaryJanet]

It might help you to understand how complicated this are over here to go back to the time of the American revolution.

The USA was founded by people with a complete distrust of government. Therefore it was decided that decisions should be made at the most local level possible. The whole system was set up to devolve power to the smallest possible unit of government. The states that were the original colonies are set up quite different than those states that came along later. Let me explain.

In PA, we have the following levels of government in descending size, State, County, and Locality. A locality would be a town, a borough, a city, a township, etc. In addition, once it was decided that an educated populace was a requirement for a democracy to succeed, a school system needed to be set up. The people did not want the government involved in their children's education so they established School Districts to provide for the education of their children, outside of the government structure. These School Districts normally span multiple localities. They have elected members and also have the ability to tax in order to provide the education. This is the prevalent form of government in most of the original states.

In many newer states you will only find 2 levels of government, State and County and the counties will usually run the schools.

All of those political entities have the ability to tax. Each state's constitution will lay out what taxing authority each of the government entities will have. For example in PA, the Locality can tax my income, while the County or the School District may not tax my income but they can tax my property.

Which taxes hurt the elderly most? Property Taxes. They are set on the current value of the property and not based upon the ability to pay. You can imagine what this does to a School District's ability to raise money for teachers salaries, etc.

And because this is supposed to be a chicken thread. Here is Aurora hanging out in the chair next to me tonight.
View attachment 2411537

This is my new rule. If I am going to discuss things other than chickens, I will place a photo of a chicken in the post.

I'm joining you in your new rule.

Thank you so much for explaining all that to me! Of course to an Australian it sounds very complicated and like a disservice to many. I don't like the property tax. If it can't be lifted from elders, I hope it is at least reduced.

Also, you've given me a much clearer understanding of what's driving the gun situation, which frankly I have only ever utterly puzzling for such an advanced nation.

 

[BY Bob]

Lullaby and Goodnight

Lullaby and goodnight, with Aurora beside
While Hattie and Phyllis sleep down below
The other four are up high, Lilly's friends in a row
Tuck your heads now and rest, may thy slumber be blessed
Tuck your heads now and rest, may thy slumber be blessed

 

[BY Bob]

I'm joining you in your new rule.

Thank you so much for explaining all that to me! Of course to an Australian it sounds very complicated and like a disservice to many. I don't like the property tax. If it can't be lifted from elders, I hope it is at least reduced.

Also, you've given me a much clearer understanding of what's driving the gun situation, which frankly I have only ever utterly puzzling for such an advanced nation.

View attachment 2411560

Lovely photo of Ivy. Thanks for adding it.

That inherent distrust of government has been handed down and exists today with great numbers of Americans. It affects elections and cannot be dismissed or discounted.

Sansa

 

[MaryJanet]

Lullaby and Goodnight

Lullaby and goodnight, with Aurora beside
While Hattie and Phyllis sleep down below
The other four are up high, Lilly's friends in a row
Tuck your heads now and rest, may thy slumber be blessed
Tuck your heads now and rest, may thy slumber be blessed

View attachment 2411564View attachment 2411565

Good night my feathered online friends, sleep tight. Enjoy your midnight snacks Hattie. Sweet dreams!