A nation must set priorities, as no nation — not even the United States — has unlimited resources and time, or lacks competition. Possibly, our major priority should be helping our children prepare to lead us.
The founding fathers presented their cogent vision for this nation in the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. But a vision can be shattered by a stiff wind out of the northeast or the flutter of a single butterfly wing in Singapore, for those who ascribe to chaos theory. No national vision is sustainable without the continued effort of leaders, citizens, corporations, and government.
We have choices to make in what we set out to accomplish. Clearly, our nation's transportation infrastructure is in trouble. Our manufacturing industry — or what's left of it — is in trouble. Our educational system is in trouble. We know that the state of our infrastructure and our industry depends upon an intelligent and educated younger generation eventually taking up the reins.
Therefore, our clear choice is to help our children become active, well-grounded, and functional people. So, how are we doing?
Very badly. Our education system is failing, most particularly in our middle schools. In order to support the goals of the No Child Left Behind Act, many middle schools across the nation are concentrating on math and reading, but severely limiting other subjects. In a recent report on New York City middle schools, an alarming fact emerged: Children's scores in math and reading went down from one year to the next. Somehow the schools are killing students' ability to learn.
Little wonder. We surround our children with passive toys (the miracles of modern electronics), and with music, TV, movie, and DVD fare that celebrates violence, demeans women and authority, and asserts not just the need, but the right, for pleasure at any cost.
What our children need goes far beyond "No Child." They need more math, more science, more statistics, and even a good understanding of evolution. Did we say more statistics? Well, they don't get any, and probably can't spell the word.
If we want to understand why Toyota has overtaken General Motors in automobile production, we might note the Japanese embrace of statistical studies. Math, science, and statistics are the tools that drive progress in business, industry, and the infrastructure. Without a command of these tools, the nation is lost.
Most nations die from within. We are moving in that direction. Anyone who thinks the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and on world terrorism are our nation's top priorities should review the concept that a nation's first line of defense is its informed, capable citizens and their ability to respond with good sense.
Our children are our priority, not securing Baghdad. Only intelligent, informed, and educated Baghdadi can do that.
If we lose our children, we lose all the wars — present and future. Security is a function of good education; industrial growth is a function of good education; and a renewed infrastructure is a function of good education. Put your money down and make your choice, but remember this: You are betting the country.