Political Quotes

“I rise to take strong objection to the derisive tone about public schools, labeled ``government schools,'' as we debate the merits of vouchers. Universal public schooling is uniquely American and is the basis for the progress of this Nation. We forget that basic public education has sustained this country through difficult times. It was the engine of industrial development, made the 21st century the American century, and makes us the leader in the Information Age. We have forgotten the intrinsic relationship between our public schools, not someone else's government schools, and our national development. If there are problems, and there certainly are, then let us fix them with resources and reform, and that is what we stand for on this side of the aisle. But we must remember that reform means altering to improve, not to deny resources so that improvement cannot occur. Regardless of what has been stated, this is the bottom line on vouchers. It is an elitest idea masquerading as a public benefit which will radically restructure the very American school system that has made possible the progress we enjoy as Americans. Are there any John Deweys or Horace Manns left in this country?”