You are right, the older generations did make very good use of their education. But that ended when the democrats began changing American education in the late 60's. It has been a long time indeed when a child in this country can receive an education that actually allows them the tools to handle the challenges of life. In 1947, only 15% of 17 year old males were functionally literate. By 1965, that percentage had changed to almost 90% were functionally literate. However, soon after, democrats instituted major changes to the American education system. By 1975, the literacy rate for 17 year old males had dropped back down to about 65% and has continued to fall. I have seen no studies recently but the literacy rate I have seen from todays high school grads has not improved much. The push for returning quality to education is coming from conservatives/republicans while democrats push to keep it as it is. Failing our children is spending more and more money and nothing improving.