Mark Hatfield: “we have just visited the ``State of the Union'' and have outlined some of this country's biggest problems as well as our…”

“we have just visited the ``State of the Union'' and have outlined some of this country's biggest problems as well as our greatest needs. From crime, education, and welfare reform-- to health care and job training--many of the answers to our problems can be traced to inefficiencies in our families, values, and educational systems. The American family and our children are in severe jeopardy, and I am one Member of the Senate who believes that a solution can be found through education--education as a means to arm parents in their efforts to fight for their children's future, a future that bypasses the lure of drugs and violence. No other single issue can impact our Nation's future more than a well-conceived education system which represents a pathway out of crisis and a means of empowering both parent and child to work together to find a better life within themselves and the greater community. Education is the foundation on which the soul of a nation is built. Our consideration of education legislation demands our collective and undivided attention.”