We are not yet Rome. What we are more like, economically, is the British at the end of WWII. I agree with you that we face some serious problems. Sounds like your school district is experiencing the same problem as the one I attended. That was 20 yrs ago. To tell you the truth, what concerns me most is the behavior of your teachers. Whatever their issues are with the school district, they have no business involving you students. This is very unprofessional.
I endorse Work Study too...when he enrolls and has to juggle paying bills, school, and the internships (that last bit is a MUST...don't wait like I stupidly did). But prior to enrolling in a 2 year college, after he earns the GED and when he's 16-17, I'd advise to take that year or so to work a "real" job only. Again, all that's needed is work papers signed by legal guardian, and while the amount of time he can work varies from state to state iirc, he should have enough to secure at least a part time job which may even have a tuition assistance program (hell, UPS has such a program in place).
Yeah, it's unfortunate that this has gone long enough that the teachers feel compelled to use us as collateral damage. Most of the staff are not moving to such extremes.... but the ones who are have good reason. The way they implement it, however, is a little bit extreme and questionable.
IMO, you guys worry too much. You're teenagers predicting the end of democracy? Doesn't that sound stupid considering there are people who are PAID to monitor this stuff? You'll probably learn next year that this isn't the first panic the US has been in, so the US will persevere (since we have a sh*tload of money). Only thing you have to do is go to school and learn to do something worthwhile so if for some reason the sh*t hits the fan, you'll be wanted wherever you go.
