Once more, Peace Corps merited a mention in a presidential debate! Last night (October 15), during the third debate with Republican nominee Sen. John McCain,Democratic nominee Barack Obama mentioned Peace Corps in the context of answering a question about education. Here's the excerpt:
SCHIEFFER: Let's stop there, because I want to get in a question on education and I'm afraid this is going to have to be our last question, gentlemen.
The question is this: the U.S. spends more per capita than any other country on education. Yet, by every international measurement, in math and science competence, from kindergarten through the 12th grade, we trail most of the countries of the world.
The implications of this are clearly obvious. Some even say it poses a threat to our national security.
Do you feel that way and what do you intend to do about it?
The question to Senator Obama first.
OBAMA: ... I think it's important for us to make college affordable. Right now, I meet young people all across the country who either have decided not to go to college or if they're going to college, they are taking on $20,000, $30,000, $50,000, $60,000 worth of debt, and it's very difficult for them to go into some fields, like basic research in science, for example, thinking to themselves that they're going to have a mortgage before they even buy a house.
And that's why I've proposed a $4,000 tuition credit, every student, every year, in exchange for some form of community service, whether it's military service, whether it's Peace Corps, whether it's working in a community.
If we do those things, then I believe that we can create a better school system.
The science university studies issues can be found in legislation too. It's a big dem push for foreign studies here and abroad. Tuition tax credits aren't new. Peace Corps is just another federal government agency. It's like any other and the military.
Posted by: SW | October 16, 2008 at 05:44 PM