Friday, November 18, 2011

Marian Wright Edelman: Cuts in Education: A Failing Choice

Marian Wright Edelman: Cuts in Education: A Failing Choice:

"Aristotle got it right when he said, “All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth.” Once upon a time America professed to believe in a strong public education system—at least for some children. And we still talk about public education as the great equalizer and pathway out of poverty but continue to fall far short in assuring millions of poor children, especially those of color, upward mobility."

And here's Wayne Morse in my one-man play American Gadfly:
MORSE:

            So if you asked me, Wayne Morse, name
            the one thing in our country that you
            think will do more to strengthen
            American foreign policy in the next
            half century, you might be surprised
            at my reply. I would say, Do something
            to protect the educational standard of
            American boys and girls.  Do something
            to protect American brain power. 
            Because the only sure and lasting
            defense of peace is a highly educated
            and enlightened citizenry.


Our long and continued failure in this regard is monumental and shameful.

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