Parenti talks about this in his famous “yellow” lecture. Denial of education and literacy is denial of a full existence, of dignity and opportunity, of one’s very humanity. The less you know about the world, and the less you can learn on your own, the easier you are to control.
Beyond the arguments, it’s just really sad that most people in this country, from kids to adults, can’t and don’t read. Literacy is so essential to a dignified and intelligent life, and there used to be a national push for it not too long ago. And now it’s damn near gone.