David Weldon: “Alexis de Toqueville wrote in his famous work, ``Democracy in America'' that, ``In America, there cannot be enough of…”

“Alexis de Toqueville wrote in his famous work, ``Democracy in America'' that, ``In America, there cannot be enough of knowledge, for all knowledge benefits those who possess it and those who do not.'' Now, Alexis de Toqueville is quoted all the time, but there is a very good reason for it. He is often right on the mark, so insightful, and so remarkable in his judgment. And de Toqueville's commentary here on the value of knowledge, about how education is important to everyone, is an example of his wisdom. Mr. Speaker, education is an issue that is important to those with children and those without. If a generation of American schoolchildren is receiving an inferior education, that is a serious problem of concern to us all. Of course, the reality is that some of our Nation's schools are excellent, some undistinguished and some simply a disgrace. But it is the general trend toward mediocrity, the systematic dumbing down of curricula, textbooks, and standards that I find more alarming. Mr. Speaker, I know that millions of parents agree, and that is why education reform must be a top priority.”