Jason, you said this so well: "Having diversity of thought and experience and being able to bring those multiple views together is such a great way to make progress in so many facets of life." It's the gathering many views together that's key, bringing the most challenges, and the biggest rewards. 

Chuck, yeah, I hear you. I was actually working hard, as I wrote this post, to be positive about the education piece, after a rather frustrating first day of school situation for my fourth grader. Now, at the end of the day, I'm tired and feeling more realistic (pessimistic?) about it all. I also really struggle between the natural desire to advocate for my kids, and the sense that I don't want to put my kids' needs above any other kids' needs (especially those kids whose parents *aren't* advocating for them). So why aren't people lining up to help? Is it just self-centeredness? I'd love to hear your take.