why we teach

Other than "duh," which any true teacher would say (okay, maybe not so bluntly, but the sentiment would be there), the answer is: because students are great. One of mine just reported that he won a local speech competition for Law Day by arguing that gay marriage isn't just about morals and nuptials, but about the protection offered by divorce proceedings. (The discussion it provoked in class when he practiced it last Friday gave hope that critical thinking still can be found in American public education.) Congratulations, A----, you've made me proud.