I was once solicited by the State of Alabama to head up a universal pre-K program because, as the Governor told me to my face, that while the program was not necessary for his grandchildren or mine, it was for the children of chicken-pluckers. According to him, they do not know how or do not have time to raise their children properly. He referred to some studies of baby monkeys left in cages alone with no stimulation. I disagreed with the need for universal pre-k (even if not required), and with his assessment of chicken plucking parents. I also told him that the state's support of pre-k will send a message to young mothers that their children need to be in school. That is not true and not a message the state should be putting out there. By the way, the job I refused was in a Republican administration.