At first glance, Gatto's words bothered me. However, after thinking about it and re-reading it a few times, I realized that in many ways I do agree with his quote. I do NOT believe that it "kills the family" but the idea that children spend 6 - 8 hours per day in school and then bring home homework that can take another 1 - 3 hours has always been an issue for me. The traditional concept of "family" in America is disappearing, but we cannot blame it on schools any more than we can blame schools for children drinking or doing drugs or having sex or cheating. In my opinion, parents are far too quick to blame schools (or video games or peer groups) for their children's indiscretions. We are ALL responsible for our children - their academic and their moral development. When citizens CHOOSE to volunteer at schools, to make their voiuce heard at school board meetings and to educate themselves about the curriculum children are being taught, they can be as much a part of the "government schools" as any member of said "government." Unfortunately most American citizens prefer to make judgements, file lawsuits, and complain that they are victims. I have no empathy for anyone who wants to bitch and moan but does nothing to advocate for change. That is my definition of whining.