Political Quotes

“Thank you, Mr. President. First, I want to spend a moment in recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week. I am sure everyone here remembers a teacher who inspired them, challenged them, and propelled them to greater heights. I will never forget Mrs. Roberts, the Cunningham Junior High School teacher who opened my eyes up to science; Mrs. Riley, who inspired a love of literature; and I will never forget Mrs. Wagman, who kindled my interests in government and politics, an interest that never died. That is what great teachers do. They open doors previously thought closed. They work day and night to give every one of us the opportunity to succeed. What a noble calling. In my view, teaching in the 21st century should be the same kind of exalted profession as law or medicine was in the 20th century. It is such an important job, in terms of our future, our economy--competing with China. The education of our young people is No. 1. Often around here we forget that, and in many of the States they have forgotten it. Teachers enjoy their jobs. They make huge financial sacrifices. Many of them could make much more money in another profession. So I think we should appreciate teachers, not only in thanking them--I thanked three who changed my life, and there are many more--but we should thank them by rewarding them financially because it is such an important profession. ____________________”