The Absurdity of a Waterproof High School: A Liberal Fantasy

The Absurdity of a Waterproof High School: A Liberal Fantasy

Critique of Portland's proposed waterproof high school as an example of liberal overreach and misplaced priorities in education spending.

Vince Vanguard

Vince Vanguard

The Absurdity of a Waterproof High School: A Liberal Fantasy

Imagine a high school so outlandishly designed that it could withstand a flood of biblical proportions. This isn't a scene from a sci-fi movie; it's a real proposal from the ever-imaginative minds of progressive city planners in Portland, Oregon. In 2023, these planners unveiled their grand vision for a "waterproof" high school, a project that aims to combat the effects of climate change by ensuring that education continues uninterrupted, even if the city is submerged. The idea is to create a fortress of learning that can withstand rising sea levels and torrential downpours, all in the name of environmental preparedness. But let's be honest, this is just another example of liberal overreach and wasteful spending.

First off, let's talk about the cost. The price tag for this waterproof wonder is astronomical, running into the hundreds of millions. Taxpayers are expected to foot the bill for this extravagant project, which is more about making a political statement than addressing any real educational needs. Instead of investing in quality teachers or updated textbooks, the focus is on building a school that can float. It's a classic case of misplaced priorities, where the allure of a shiny new project overshadows the basic needs of students.

Then there's the practicality of it all. How often do schools actually flood? Sure, there are areas prone to natural disasters, but the idea that every school needs to be waterproof is absurd. It's like building a spaceship for every household just in case aliens invade. The likelihood of a school needing to be waterproof is so low that it hardly justifies the expense. This is a solution in search of a problem, driven by a doomsday mentality that sees climate change as an immediate threat to every aspect of life.

Moreover, the focus on a waterproof school diverts attention from real educational reforms that could make a difference. Instead of pouring money into a building that can withstand a flood, why not invest in programs that improve literacy rates or STEM education? The obsession with climate change has become a distraction from the core mission of schools: to educate. By prioritizing environmental concerns over educational outcomes, we're doing a disservice to students who need a solid foundation in reading, writing, and arithmetic.

Let's not forget the message this sends to students. By building a waterproof school, we're essentially telling them that the world is ending and that their education is secondary to survival. It's a fear-mongering tactic that instills anxiety rather than hope. Instead of empowering students to tackle the challenges of the future, we're teaching them to be afraid of it. This is not the kind of education that fosters innovation or critical thinking.

And what about the environmental impact of constructing such a school? The irony is palpable. The resources required to build a waterproof school are immense, from the materials to the energy consumed during construction. It's a paradox that in the name of saving the environment, we're willing to cause significant environmental harm. This is the kind of hypocrisy that often goes unnoticed in the rush to appear environmentally conscious.

Finally, let's consider the precedent this sets. If we start building waterproof schools, what's next? Earthquake-proof, tornado-proof, or even zombie-proof schools? The slippery slope of catering to every conceivable disaster is endless. At some point, we have to draw the line and focus on realistic, effective solutions that address the actual needs of students and educators.

In the end, the idea of a waterproof high school is a perfect example of how far some are willing to go to push an agenda. It's a costly, impractical, and ultimately unnecessary project that distracts from the true purpose of education. Instead of getting swept away by the tide of climate hysteria, let's focus on what really matters: providing students with the tools they need to succeed in the real world.