... you made the comment that folks earning $200K or whatever wouldn't miss an extra few thousand $ taken (wasted) in taxes, and I called you on it. It's their prerogative to send their kids anywhere that they can afford.

Second ... you are quite wrong about private school and Ivy League colleges. Both are quite full of kids whose families don't have a dime to their names, but somehow they manage to give their kids the best in life. Where there's a will, there's a way. Not only do they get a superior education, but they also get to hob-nob with the wealthy and see what life is like on the other side ... maybe they get inspired and make something of themselves. I learned a lot from rich folks: They put their pants on one leg at a time; they can't buy any better food than you or I; they can't buy any better clothing than you or I; they can't make better grades in school than I (I don't know about you on that one :); they can have bigger houses, but I am quite happy with my house ... I can rent their vacation house on the beach, and when I leave, it's their problem, not mine; they can have a private jet if they are willing to pay the price of the aggravation that accompanies ownership ... I can charter a private jet (probably their's :), and when I have reached my destination, it is no longer my problem. I gave up my country club membership because it is boring ... I much prefer to spend my money on the symphony, ballet, art museums, etc., where the people are one hell of a lot more interesting. But if people want to spend their money on country clubs, it's fine with me ... I would rather see them playing gold on their own money than Obama playing golf on our money ;)