Is the system really set up to make our students fail.....

Well, I just left the most interesting class discussion. Pink Floyd, Dead Prez, Urban Schools. I honestly never thought of the education system was set up to fail. Why would anyone want a child to fail? Aren't we supposed to help them succeed? Isnt that what we are all taught since day one as brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, mothers, fathers....teachers?? Perhaps I have looked through the rose colored glasses for too long, but is that a bad thing? I am honestly not sure and hope to figure out some answers to all of these questions. I will say that I always thought that if any person made the choice to succeed at something, they would. And maybe in my own way movies such as Dangerous Minds and Lean on Me, Stand and Deliver have left me thinking that it will always work out. If the teacher cares enough and tries every avenue possible, the students will have that "moment" where the desire has been ignited, the light has been turned on, they will get "it" and never want to look back. Yet as I sit and reflect on these oh so romantic thoughts of education I suddenly realize that they are just that, romantic. And lets all admit there is nothing wrong with a little romance but I think maybe its time to take off my glasses and look at the education system before us. I can admit that I have not done this before.  Maybe out of fear of loosing my desire, my hope, my persistence to reach even just one mind?? But isn't that what its all about? If you can reach just one, isn't it worth it.....