My comment eliminated 4,391. However, we all know that the government's claim was a rounded number, so let's just go with it eliminates almost everyone.
I agree that we don't need the department at all. This is a very new department, and our nuclear, aircraft and space programs were all developed, run, and modernized by people who grew up in the era of one room 1-8 school houses (no pre-school, no Kindergarten, and a heavy reliance on Church and Sunday School), and no Education Department or Department of Education.
Tom, you and I have agreed on the tax code in the past - Flat tax with minimal deductions, and minimal sales tax.
I believe that in the course of discussions on government spending and taxation everybody needs to watch the movie Dave. Take a look at what Dave does to fix the budget. I know it is fiction, but ... think about it! After all, many of the Hollywood elite believe they are smarter than the rest of us and have a responsibility to shape and mold society through their craft. Take Dave's bold conservative approach that was laid out in front of us. While I'm on Hollywood, why is it illegal for a charitable non-profit to talk about candidates? They can talk a stance, but they cannot name actual ballot issues and names without losing their designation. However, Public TV and Public Radio and Public Schools and Universities can openly push a candidate or proposal and not only keep their tax exempt designation, but continue to be funded through our tax dollars. This wrinkle includes openly campaigning for us to vote to keep them government funded and our donations as tax deductible.