Do not underestimate or even remotely pooh-pooh those college decals on the rear windows of American cars.

In today's America they are very important symbols. They represent tenacity, struggle and family pride in attaining a true accomplishment in today's world - a college graduate.

The decal states loudly and clearly, "We have paid the price monetarily and emotionally, and now our beloved offspring has earned a college degree."

If a Tufts University graduate's parents spy another Tufts graduate on the Long Island Expressway, by means of a decal, they both hoist their thumbs into the air in a salute of victory.

At $30,000 a year for course credits, room and board, it is no hollow triumph. When I had three children in college at the same time I was no longer a dentist. I declared myself a "tuitionist."

Winning a scholarship free from tuition is not quite as satisfying as spending hard-earned dollars on this noble cause.

I have just returned from a trip to Scandinavia. In these highly taxed, socialist nations college is paid for by the state. The Danes, the Swedes, the Finns and Norwegians are robbed of the privilege of paying huge sums for tuition.

"What a pity."

Even the constant increase of college costs doesn't daunt these parents eager to lay out their hard earned money in pursuit of that glorious, rear window ornament.

The world will soon know of our family's proud son or daughter, who has braved four years of academic hardships to get that useful piece of parchment, known as a college diploma.

Why keep the secret to ourselves?

Paste it proudly on the rear window.

Knowledge is power!

Paste it proudly and carefully!