I agree with everything Senator Betts has said. What a wonderful Congressman he will make. We need him!

Sen. Betts, no truer words were ever spoken. The corner this nation is turning on is right at the intersection between education and the economy. In all of history, the Great Societies were defined by their attention to education, to the betterment of those who come after. And those societies - the Greeks, the Romans, the Egyptians, amongst others - held onto economic prospects that could only serve to better educate their youngsters. Education and Economy is a two-way street, a give-and-take relationship.

We seem to place such a premium on competing with other nations, but we sometimes forget that our economy is consumer-based. Why are these developing nations beginning to surpass us in economic strength? Well, certainly because they focus on education that promotes the actual building of nations - an industrial-based economy. This is very similar to what happened to the United States during World War II. We dragged ourselves out of the pits of economic disaster when we moved back to nation that mixed industry with service.

The second reason education is imperative to bringing us out of the economic duldrums is that a true liberal education - Classics, Languages, Math, Science, Art, Music, Physical Education, Philosophy - fosters creativity in the young brain. The current administration has proven that a lack of creativity will only further dig us into this hole. And there are creative solutions - Green Energy could be the next major industry, even as big as the Internet has become. These are only fads to those who refuse to see the future for what it is -- an escape from the Old Guard's static way of thinking and accepting the evolution of our society into a better one.

Right now, students suffer from lack of access. Many students in the middle class feel as though they are punished because their parents make too much money, even though they fight to pay their bills. I am included in that section of society, and I pay for my own college - barely! The truth is, this system is based on a grandfather proposition, where we are judged based upon factors determined before our births instead of on our own future potential and success. There are students who legitimately need help to pull themselves out, and I applaud them for making the most of their gift. But there are many more who do feel sleighted because the current administration seems to care more about maintaining its image than actually helping the kids who need it. College should be affordable for everyone who wants to work hard for their success.

Finally, let's talk about global competition. The number one issue here seems to be a lack of will to build us up to where we can compete. Students around the globe are becoming not just bi-lingual, but tri-lingual in order to survive in the growing world marketplace. There are elements in the United States today who refuse to see the storm coming, and they are keeping students like myself back. No person escapes the tide of history, and this is a period that affects us all. We can no longer afford to sit in our shell that is the border of our nation. We must meet our neighbors head on to become truly competitive. If we refuse to play by the rules of globalization, we will be swallowed up. But, if we learn the rules and make ourselves better than every other player, we could entertain notions of American power on the same level as we saw in the 1970's and 1980's.

Sen. Betts, you are right. Our economy of tomorrow starts at the schoolhouse door. It's time we got back to basics. This is a complex world we live in, and you have to walk before you run. And you, sir, have aptly demonstrated that complexity and engagement is not a vice. But, you have to know your ABC's before you learn your WTO's, your IMF's, and your NATO's.

Sen. Betts,

Growth means change and change involves risk, stepping from the known to the unknown. I am excited that finally a candidate is willing to make those tough choices and step out to allow this great country to grow and change for the positive.

Eight years ago, No Child Left Behind served as Bush’s lead domestic issue, underscoring his claim to “compassionate conservatism.” It was politically popular, at first, because it aimed at closing the achievement gap between whites and minorities by threatening public schools with punishment unless they improved the academic performance of all students. The law is intended to improve the quality of the teachers at poor schools, to steadily raise student achievement, and to measure that improvement through test scores in reading, math and science.For targeted schools that fail to improve each year between now and 2014, the consequences can range from “school improvement plans” to state takeover. Students in consistently underperforming schools are also promised a way out, through transfer or private tutoring.The cause may be right but the methods are wrong. No Child Left Behind has given schools many ways to fail, but little federal help in meeting its goals. Reliance on standardized tests is faulty, and that federal “reforms” conflict with measures already being undertaken by the individual states.

Seems Republicans in congress are looking for the Band-Aid fix. A quick fix and then when the band-aid is taken off-the scar is still there. THANK you for looking and finding true root solutions instead of a quick fix that sounds good.

People are talking about you all over this great nation. Kansas most be sooooo excited.

Sen. Betts you are in my thoughts and prayers. The United States has been waiting for a leader like you.

So, in the future after you take on congress-is there a possible run for senate?