Barack Obama may be a believer in public education, but his support goes only so far:
It is the Quaker ethos that is the most striking feature of Sidwell Friends School, the one chosen by President-elect Obama for his daughters Sasha and Malia. A sense of community, equality and friendship runs through every classroom: children are encouraged to strive for their best, but to value above all their relations with each other and their place in the school family.
We should not begrudge the Obamas for this choice at all. They acted in the best interests of their children. But most parents, especially those trapped in the worst public school systems, would like to have such a choice. The next time Obama speaks about vouchers (he's been against them, but there are vague rumblings that he might be persuaded to be for them), he should make it clear that he understands this.
