In the past year, a hot debate ensued over public funding of private school vouchers. The arguments, pro and con, were waged articulately and with great passion. I admire the dedication of those who are pro-voucher. These are good citizens, earnestly frustrated with the status quo, convinced that vouchers will improve the quality of education for their children.

But for one nagging personal principle, I could join them: I believe quality education is a right that should be administered publicly and freely to all. If we don't educate everyone at least to the point of self-reliance and responsibility, society itself will be the ultimate loser.

Ironically, the spotlight on private school vouchers has created a rare opportunity to truly address our significant problems in public education. Political leaders at all levels have a keen awareness that a substantial majority of the electorate is more than concerned and willing to commit resources.

The opportunity sits squarely in front of us, and we must act.

We have a responsibility to prepare today's youths to flourish rather than fail in a dramatically changing world. I am not talking about the timid lip service of the past, throwing a few million dollars for teacher raises and a few more books. This issue calls for nothing less than major commitment in a new direction. It demands bold action affecting major improvement in all educational measures. It will take dedication, sacrifice and focus. But the future of our ideals and way of life demand it.

Those who came before us knew the importance of education and did not fail our future. My parents, their parents and their peers invested in education; it was important to them. I grew up in the 1950s and 1960s in Ogden. There were eight of us in a four-bedroom, one-bath house. We went on vacation rarely and modestly. We had one family car.

Most of our neighbors were exactly the same, existing happily with little by today's standards. Yet when it came to funding the building of schools, the quality of instruction and the depth and breadth of programs offered, there was never a question. I look back with wonder at the quality of the education that I received in all areas that were important to my success. In addition to the basics of English, math and science, I could choose from stellar programs in Latin, foreign languages, debate, music, art and more. My personal education was public, free (paid for collectively by society) and very, very good.

Our generation, blessed with comparatively plenty — and even abundance — needs to show the same priority and resolve for the benefit of present and future generations of youths.

There are five things we need to do right now. They will not be easy or cheap.