I also find it interesting that Larry Sanger's latest post is about the loss of democracy and freedom in the USA. My view, based on Sudbury model of schooling, is that true, vibrant democracy comes from a life lived in a self-governing community.
A link on such things: http://www.educationfutures.org/Respect.htm
An excerpt of that on the basic philosophical treatment of children:
> The root ideas of a democratic education are as simple as they are radical: children should be accorded the same human rights and freedoms as adults; they should be granted responsibility for the conduct of their affairs; and they should be full participants in the life of their community. Democratic schools provide an environment where children can live their formative years in exactly the same manner as they will live out their mature years--as free citizens of a society devoted to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The world these children will inhabit as adults will be a familiar one, a world that has been part and parcel of their childhood.