Craig, I care a great deal about the erosion of basic manners and courtesies. That is my first objection to Trump. He's the master of the grossest kind of insult, and he does it reflexively with no regard whatsoever for truth or facts. As for today's schools, I'm continually impressed with how much more my grandchildren know than I knew at their ages. Most of them are bilingual, they have heavy loads of homework, they know more math, science, and technology, and they read and write well. All attend public schools. The oldest is a senior in college ( fisheries biology). The other six range down to first grade. And they dress neatly and treat adults with respect. The whole world hasn't gone to hell. But I do fear Trump is poised to move it in that direction.

Bill Ferguson