With all the reporting on petty politics, any Energy for Education coverage?

Each issue within the President's reach will have consequences that reach every constituent, directly or indirectly. And, most of the public follows the lead of the media to pinpoint how an issue affects them. Without a strong, well-rounded education, however, most issues will likely seem irrelevant.

So why is it that most political coverage of late has focused on the oil/energy and financial crisis (well, that and insults)?

Despite the lack of buzz, education plans and education reform should receive more attention.

The public has ample opportunity to hear politicians hurl party insults, and most have the gumption to pay attention to the positions politicians (like McCain and Obama) take while "on the stump". Still, most of the public needs mainstream media to provide a clear portrait of action from candidates. Good journalism does this by tracking and compiling votes, giving context for statements made and reporting on them in a way that the general public can digest.

Though less glamorous than Oil and Terror, Education moves the American public -- with or without their knowledge. The outcome of government roles in Education and the advancement/decline of our academic status in the world should receive more attention. The next President's action for Academia should make front page now. After the election, it may be too late.

In traditional media some outlets covered it early on. But the media that showed the public what mattered and why were, not surprisingly, unaffiliated blogs.

How did YOU choose a major?

Anyone with a pulse knows that U.S. immigration coverage has increased in the media and gained weight as a political issue. Now, the policies and rules have become so complex that many law students have decided on Immigration Law as a discipline. Likewise, many law professors and experts have declared Immigration Law a burgeoning career field.

Even savvy, educated individuals might have difficulty deciphering the official website from fee-based "assistance" when it comes to immigration facts and forms. So, while the media and politicians perpetuated the immigration frenzy, the law and legal education run to capitali...eh, argue...I mean advocate for those affected -- not unlike environmental law (a necessary headache, but that's another blog).

What media phenomenon will inspire a flood of "application to change major" forms, stirring up U.S. academia next?