There is a solution. Trade Schools, This is the single most important fact in the U.S. inability maintain the manufacturing prowess we enjoyed until some poorly defined point in time after WWII! 1. several waves of immigration, most notably Germany after WWI, brought thousands of skilled machinists, &c. many of whom went the trade school route by screening or by socio-economic factors. 2. the U.S. prior to 1920 had an excellent trade school and apprentice program. WWII was the breaking point. the younger generation who survived the war wanted more for their children --hence the college emphasis for _everyone_! The problem was simple: we have only the now retiring toolmakers who make it all possible. engineering graduates will not observe the manufacturing floors since it is above their dignity to roll of their sleeves. if engineers were required to serve internships in the shops, as doctors are required to intern in a hospital (and the really good ones, the top of the class, choose what I call meat-wagon wards (large city ER and trauma units), the U.S. would be a far healthier and competitive environment. I know, why the meat wagon wards with their pressure and unreasonable hours? experience, anything and everything comes through those doors every night, and it goes off the scale on the weekends... is there any reason to send an illiterate to college other to socialize? is there any reason why the school system can only see a college degree other than for those who they prejudged to be just another generation of welfare mothers and deadbeat dads? why do many with 4 year college degrees only work as entry level secretaries, Burger King night "managers." &c? then what do the rest of them do? join the cradle to the grave dole gener- ation! and Parental Envolvement. It could very well be (and if I had the money I'd make the bet) that _many_ of the "troubled" youth of today are simply undisiplined. more the problem that the parents become interested too late, after the child has seen 2,000 murders on TV before the age of 6; walked the streets of parentless daytime; started cocaine at 16, maybe even 10; running for a gang.... then they wail at the funeral: "...it's not fair, johnny was such a good boy... society never gave him a chance...." what they mean is they collect a $100/mo or so less from welfare! I have raised(ing) 5 children --no TV in the house, and G rated movies occasionally. what did/do the children find to do? read, read, and read. I don't have a problem trying to pry children away from a TV --but I often hear: "...puh-leez, daddy, just let me finish this chapter." No such luck.... (Fortunately, most of them couldn't afford to bet against their parents in an AP world). real true... It would also seem to follow that if parents were spending their own money (or perceived it as their own money) that they would take a greater interest in their childrens education. ...if they were smart enough to start about age 3. the problem is further excaberated by the fact the average family expects the state to provide the "enthusiasum" --is there any reason then, to expect other than Hillary's "It's a global village" with her brand of liberal brainwashing of the next generation (all new revisionist history, etc.). Welcome to "Logan's Run!" fortunately, I have no problem with the public schools. I'm not the only one in the neighborhood without a TV, and the community has trade schools mixed with the high schools, and a two year college to supplement the advanced placement programs. very few families have two parents working. the kids can play outside after dark, and our young women can walk by themselves after dark. (I do admit that one good scream would have an extremely well-armed about to be posse out the door in 15 seconds... --I doubt there would be prisoners!) a very unusual situation --but I live in rural southern utah where the regional middle school of 1200 can support 4 bands, the top 2 being very impressive, and provide full AP classes, and ACT scores averaging 24-26+ v. the national average of 20 for inbound freshman. and, where an average ward (100-150 families) will have at least a dozen Eagle scouts. proves your point, I guess...