Cohousing-L Mailing List: _Dumbing Us Down_/Need for Communities

[John Gear (catalyst]

I'm curious about the response of people in cohousing communities
to the ideas in John Taylor Gatto's book _Dumbing Us Down_. 
Although he is particularly taking aim at the institution of the
factory-model school, he is pretty eloquent about children's (and
everyone's) need for communities.  He differentiates between
communities and "networks," which he defines as associations that
are only relating to one part of you.  

He makes a strong case for families (which he does not restrict
to Mom, Dad, and 2.3) being the most important agents for
childrearing and growth and is passionate about the needs of
schoolchildren for less schooling and more education through time
spent with various adults.  He rails against the segregation of
the very old and the very young, leaving our society without a
past or future tense, trapped in the "now."

As you can see, I'm taken with the book, which is a very short,
entertaining and easy read.  It's from New Society Publishers
(Phila., 1992).  Last night, as I couldn't put it down, I kept
thinking "This is part of what cohousing is responding to!"

But I thought I'd see what others think, especially (but
hopefully not restricted to) those that have experience in
intentional communities.  Comments?  Does cohousing help with
what Gatto talks about?

Thanks, John Gear