Tell that to the 95% public school graduates in the armed forces which just kicked down Saddam's door. They might not have your disdain for American education.
I think most people who are informed about the condition of public education in the United States, particularly in California, would agree with me. The socialists have done a great deal of damage in their effort to indoctrinate our children in their agenda, including inattention to "the basics" (history, government, mathematics, science). That was my point.
I have the greatest respect for those in our armed forces (and this includes members of my family), who have performed admirably in the Iraq campaign. I suggest that these citizens are first and foremost of exemplary character, notwithstanding their exposure to public education (probably due to family influence), and that military training and conditioning fully prepared them for the duty that they performed on behalf of our country (I assume you are a US citizen). I hope I have clarified things for you.