Political Quotes

“82 percent of those that are incarcerated in our prisons today are high school dropouts. That is why I congratulate Secretary Riley, Secretary of Education, so much, as well as Chairman Ford and Chairman Kildee, as well as the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Mr. Goodling, and many others, for constructing H.R. 6. I am a former college president. I have been on the front lines when it comes to education and the needs and the concerns that we have to improve quality education in America today. I do believe strongly that we are going to have to make some adjustments in H.R. 6. I am very pleased with what has already been said, because my phone has been ringing off the wall when it comes to home schoolers. This provision, this language needs to be very clear concerning home schoolers. In Tennessee we have thousands of parents who believe the best education their children can have is to receive an education at home, and they should have that right, because parents know what is best for their children. The other issue in this legislation that has me concerned is the Federal Government's new involvement in what we teach in public schools. We are treading in dangerous water any time Congress enacts legislation expanding the powers of the Federal Government. It is concerning me greatly and many others that the Federal Government is moving in an area which they should not move. I believe in neighborhood schools. I believe in community schools.”