Oh, I’m a teacher by trade. You needn’t convince me of the merits of my job.
That point was meant to underline that the most bankable benefit of public education in the eyes of the American public is having the security of knowing their kids will be cared for free somewhere during (most) of their working hours. People are fucking exhausted from work, stress, and fear, robbing them of the potential of seeing it as much else.
You ever watch Requiem For A Dream?