Repository: UIHistories Project: Dedication - Library Sixth Stack [PAGE 3]

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And so this linkage, between education and a strong, prosperous society, is why the people of Illinois and of our nation were willing to support education as the number one priority in the tough economic times through which we've recently passed, as well as the better times which we're now enjoying, and I believe in even better times, which I think we can enjoy with some significant State and American effort. The result is an educational system which gives us both educational and economic opportunities unmatched anywhere in the world, And we ought to be number one. We ought not to settle for less than number one. And we certainly ought not to strive for anything but the excellence that number one stands for. And so this bond between education and a stronger, more prosperous Illinois is one that ought to consistently drive public policy in this State now and in the future...educational policy, governmental policy, fiscal and tax policy as well. As we reflect on the progress that we would like to achieve for Illinois and for the nation in economic development and education and the linkage between the two, I think it's appropriate that we reflect on that which has been achieved thus far. Almost more than any other country of the world, the American educational system has been extended to a greater portion of our people, not only more than ever before in this nation, but in comparison with other nations as well. In keeping with this nation's egalitarian spirit, a spirit which directly led to the founding of this country more than 200 years ago, we have succeeded in constructing a system of education which is open to all, and which ought to work for all regardless of race, sex, social or economic status. And this system, which has brought many of us to our present place in life, is reflected in the spirit and the attitude of the people of America toward education. Everybody's fond of consulting the pollsters, especially at this season of the year, and we've elevated the art to overnight polls, and now if recent news stories concerning the debates are to be believed, instant polls.

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