Perhaps, by your qualitative metrics, this argument holds. But we haven’t defined the terms at all. I think *everything* that’s sideways in this country is a result of the mindset inculcated by compulsory schooling (public and private), “good eggs” notwithstanding.

Not everyone’s time is best spent meeting anyone else’s definition of “educated,” and there is always opportunity cost. Anything government-run will always metasticize. That’s an iron law.