On December 17 I posted a comment on a Salon article dealing with Obama's appointment of Arne Duncan as secretary of education. The announcement took place at a Chicago elementary school. Obama had a conversation with first to fourth graders.

Here's what I posted corrected for spelling, grammar and clarity.

Obama stays true to form. He leads by respecting people by holding mature conversations with them. Here, first to fourth graders had their memorable conversation with the president-elect. He told them things they needed to hear but they would rather not have heard. He told the children that they have a responsibility to pick up their dog's poop when they walk their dog. He also told them that they need longer school days to prepare for the 21st century.

Let's face it, longer school days are needed to provide activities that would be done in after school programs. Our inadequate child care, coupled with inadequate after-school programs, mean we keep creating generations of "latch key" children.

Let's create a program that employs returned troops to serve as teachers. In addition, let's build "encore" programs in which older people work with students at risk, as is done by those working in Experience Corps.