Gene Kearns wrote:
Great. So, the kid takes the boat out, gets boarded by the USCG,
doesn't have the registration, has 2 people aboard and one life
jacket, and has expired flares. Now, he wants to cut a deal with the
coastie by drawing a picture of an anchor. As stupid as this sounds, I
have seen the logical equivalent from kids out of high school that had
"feel good" teachers.



???

Did I say to let the kid learn the boat's structure &
systems as a substitute for learning how to operate them
properly?

What I sad: the kid is there, and at least somewhat
interested in learning. Teach him *something* even if it's
not actively taking the boat out that day.

I certainly did NOT say "Well, just let him pretend he knows
how to drive the boat anyway."



Gene Kearns wrote:
The next time you get in an airplane, I hope you will consider whether
or not the people that last attached that wing or that engine felt
good about their educational experience or whether they left those
ivory towers with competence and professional demeanor. Hell, it's
your life..... spend it the way you want......



What part of (quote from preceding post):

"Agreed, and I also have a distaste for the kind of
self-esteem-boosting molly-coddling that seems to take the
place of education in many classes."

was not clear? You seem to be arguing with statements I
haven't made.

DSK