Peter Brimelow discussed his book The Worm in the Apple: How the Teacher Unions Are Destroying America, published by HarperCollins Publishers. According to Mr. Brimelow, American education standards have declined when compared to the standards of other industrialized nations, or even Third World countries. Explanations for the decline include underpaid teachers, undisciplined students, and ineffectual teaching methods. However, during that decline, education costs have risen. Mr. Brimelow identifies teacher unions as the root of the problem. With approximately 2.5 million members, the biggest union in the country is the National Education Association. He asserts that its agenda is not to provide better teaching in schools, but to provide more money and benefits for teachers and for the organization itself. Mr. Brimelow feels that until the unions are held accountable, public education is turned over to the free market system, and the U.S. Department of Education is abolished, education reform not will succeed. Mr. Mathews added his commentary. Following their presentations, both panelists answered questions from members of the audience.