Nearly 1 in 4

Latest information from the Education Trust and the U.S. Army conclude that nearly one-fourth of the students who try to join the U.S. Army fail its entrance exam. 25% cannot answer basic math, science and reading questions. We have dumped boat loads of taxpayer money into our famous public education system in hopes of producing a better product and now the U.S. Army says they can't use the product.

Enlistment test basic math question:

"If 2 plus X equals 4, what is the value of X?"

Do you have what it takes to pass the enlistment exam?

President Obama appointed Arne Duncan as Secretary of Education when he took office and Mr. Duncan recently said "Too many of our high school students are not graduating ready to begin college or a career - and many are not eligible to serve in our armed forces."

The system of public education is in sad shape and no one knows how to fix the problem. The career bureaucrats within the public school education system have destroyed a once productive part of our society. Tim Callahan of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators stated "It's surprising and shocking that we are still having students who are walking across the stage who really don't deserve to be and haven't earned that right."

Is it really that shocking? Who is responsible for passing students when they don't deserve to pass? The individuals with the 'red' pens who issue the final grades for students in the education system. Perhaps we have the wrong individuals working in the education system! Is there no shame in passing a student that did not earn the right to pass? It appears that the folks currently working within the education system don't see the bigger picture. If the U.S. Army has concluded that 25% can't pass the entrance exam then folks we have a problem with feature threats and our ability to be ready to defend ourselves against future aggressors. Our protectors can't read; therefore, they can't operate the resources involved in defense.

Here is a real twist - in another recent poll a majority of parents believe schools have improved since they were in school and that their children are getting a better education than they did. Wonder if those parents ever had to take the same exam as those trying to enlist today? I would be will to bet that those parents can read and do basic math. After all we have had an adequate defense to date! Oh, I would be willing to bet that the parents who took place in this poll have not one clue if their child is actually involved in the learning process. Just because he/she knows how to punch a few keys on a keyboard does not equate to learning, and those good grades placed on the report card are more than likely inflated. Pass them on.........................