Algebra Required?

As I was driving to work, I was listening to NPR, as usual, I discovered that our 'beloved' govenator (CA Gov. Arnold) has decided that all eighth graders should be require start taking algebra.

Now being a part of the whole 'nerd squad' and all, math was easy for me, but I remember my sister literally crying through algebra. I'm not sure that it would make students more prepared for life. Who's used algebra in everyday life? I think we'd be better off bring arts back to schools.

Your thoughts?