Reply #88: Great observation. This situation sums up the majority of

[Fire1]

of urban schools across America. Some problems can be eliminated with glasses, food and even clothing. But, in many cases, it is the psychological and emotional problems that are barriers. People forget that we have a generation of 'babies having babies.' Remember what the illiteracy rate is in this country, many of these parents want to help their children and can't. Sure, Obama, Michelle, Duncan, all came from humble beginnings, but their parents were educated, for the most part. They could read and do basic math.

I'm hoping that Duncan's after school programs and sponsors will pick up the slack. We've had after school tutoring programs for years along with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, chess club, athletics, etc., with no significant improvement. At least, not on the scale that Duncan is talking about. It's a beautiful vision, I hope it works.