America is losing our competitive edge by falling behind in education. Raising more trade barriers and imprisoning even more of our most impoverished and under-educated citizens is not the answer. Every American deserves the opportunity to earn a world class education. Better education is the ultimate solution to many of our most pressing concerns. Unfortunately, kids can't vote, and improving education won't get our leaders re-elected in the short term, so it is doubtful education will ever get the focus it deserves.

We need to change the bizarre funding system that links property values to school funding. This system insures the schools with the most needs will have the least funds. We need to adequately fund education. I believe in raising teacher salaries so we can continue to attract the best and brightest into the profession. "Combat pay" for "dumping ground schools" could attract teaching talent, and unions could work to incorporate some form of opt-in merit system, where competition might help participating teachers innovate.

Expanding the college loan program and keeping the cost of state college tuition affordable would also help. Trade school and community college tuition could be forgiven in return for national service.

We need to replace "No Child Left Behind" with a funded mandate that actually incorporates common sense.

A supportive family environment is vital to education, so parents must do their part to help their kids succeed.