In a voucher system, schools would compete for not only tax dollars, but also for best teachers. No longer could state require schools to hire only teachers with same teaching credentials. Doctors, lawyers and practicing scientists could finally teach without stamp of approval by some lesser-educated bureaucrat.

With vouchers, each school would be its own self-governing entity, and every student would be given an equal civil right to an equally gratifying education, regardless of his or her background, financial status or neighborhood. Inherent in a voucher system are principles of efficiency, equality and freedom of choice.

Not surprisingly, Sweden provides universal voucher education for its students. Swedish parents may send their children to any school – government or independent – without paying fees. In only a few years, this policy has inspired an enormous growth in innovative independent schools and encouraged improvements to municipal schools.

Here in America, despite its reputation as champion of equality, Democratic Party is one of voucher education’s fiercest opponent. This is because vouchers threaten teacher unions, who put job security, pay and other special interests of their members ahead of best interests of our children and communities.

Vouchers offer choice, competition and entrepreneurship in education, which are three things missing in our present Soviet delivery system. Vouchers are likely only way to not only improve public education, but to save it from its decaying old self.