No Child Left Behind is the most severe federal control. I admire the state of Utah for rejecting not only NCLB, but also the money offered as blackmail by the federal government. Blackmail that forces Montana to writhe over their situation, as cited in your recent editorial.

Utah told the federal government to keep its money and programs. Utah has a fine school system preparing children for whatever endeavors they choose. Utah symbolizes local control -- a concept demolished by federal programs in most states!

Local control meant people who supported school districts decided what was best educationally for their children. Rural districts emphasized their needs, etc. Sadly, like mushroom roots, the federal government has usurped local control without regard for the practical public education of our children. We let them do it.

-- Peter Bixby, Kennewick