I liked it when the Democrats got control of Congress. I'm one of those people who believe the country is better off when one party has a small majority and thus controls the Legislature, and the other controls the Executive. That way it always takes a "super-majority" to pass any legislation (insuring a veto can be overridden), and I feel more confident that any legislation is really "for the good of the country" as opposed to "the good of the party."

As far as education woes, we've had those since the '60s when the SAT scores started to curve downward. The circumstances which caused the downturn never were corrected, and the "softening" of curricula and demise of discipline that have progressed over the years have not helped. Until we go back to what used to work (and what works elsewhere in the world), the American publilc school system will continue to be a warehousing action where those who succeed within it are the exception, not the rule.

Unemployment will probably continue to rise, as long as the "undocumented" control a measurable segment of the work force. There is no job Americans won't do - just pay a fair wage for the service. Those who hire the "undocumented" to cut overhead and pocket the difference (including the avoidance of the employer's share of Social Security) hurt all of us.

I agree that solutions are in order, and positive change should be based on true problem identification and quantifiable solutions which include the process to be followed and the result expected based on cost/benefit principles. Snappy catch phrases are not solutions and nothing was ever "changed" by a nifty slogan. To paraphrase an oldie, but a goodie - where's the beef???

I have no idea who will be elected President in November, but I do hope that one party does not control both the Legislature and the Executive. My wallet and bank account are afraid of the result should that happen.