In a message dated 12/12/2007 4:23:12 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: Dear Mr. Fears: I may be an avid reader but only a very occasional poster here and more than a few years out from the structured study of novels, but I do know a sweeping generalization when it attempts to sneak by! Many facets of our society value teachers quite highly and pay them relatively well. From private secondary schools to many universities, Dear Benjamin, You may call my claim a "sweeping generalization" but I call it OPINION, and one based on my observations of and participation in education for the past 40 years. I stand by my opinion (a subjective one not fully provable by facts alone) that teachers in our society are undervalued. But, I want to add that such valuation is *relative*. Relative to many other occupations. Your analogy about the ditch brought with it here a humorous scene of backed up pipes in a house, where the householder hollers, "Quick! Call an educator! The toilet's overflowing!" Well, such analogies often break down this side of ridiculous. But, to the point, if the future of our society rests in our children, should not those who guide them be among the highest paid servants? Is fostering the ability to think so unimportant? An educated populace is vital to preserve and renew democracy. Does government have a direct interest in the education of its people? Should not the education of our young be among our highest values? Should administrators earn more than teachers on the front lines? Closer to home here on this Twain Forum, should the study of literature, a relatively new discipline, take priority over the teaching of composition and rhetoric? Why is it that the latter is the red-headed stepchild of most university English departments, while the former is often shifted to TA's and others? This is not to dismiss the study of literature, just as a concern over the *relative* underpayment for teachers over plumbers does not dismiss the value of plumbers. Now I hope you understand, for there are members here who find my posts "irritating" and one or two have even emailed me to let me know. Perhaps they prefer a sleepy forum with an occasional book review, references to conferences, the supposed motivations of fictional characters, and long periods of radio silence. I don't always post here seeking answers or discussion, and I've often thought a message-board format might be more productive. So, thank you for responding, at least, since you've confessed to being a long-time lurker. David H Fears