Universal education - is it the right thing to do?

[wintermuted]

Do you think the US should be in the business of giving every citizen a K-12 education on the taxpayers' dime? Why or why not?

I'm not trying to get into issues of reform or public vs. charter schools. I'm simply asking if you philosophically agree with the practice of government funding for universal education.

I've always thought this was a fun cocktail party question when the topic turns to politics and thought I'd see how you all felt.