The late commissioner of education, James Allen, proclaimed the "Right to Read" as the educational target of the current decade. The object was to inculcate and improve reading skills among 25 percent of the American population who either lacked or were deficient in them. Has this goal been at least half-way attained? Midway through the 1970's it must be admitted that the goal has not been realized at all. In fact, there is every indication that the situation is actually more severe than was initially posed, and the gaps between readers and nonreaders may actually be widening. The crux of the reading failure syndrome lies in the creation of "conditions for reading" or a "reading environment," implying a need for organized intervention among population groups not attending schools (parents and preschool children). Parents, who must require reading skills in order to function and who are the pivotal factors in the creation of home environments, are those most neglected by organized reading instruction efforts. Reading instruction within the framework of recurrent education is the theme expounded. The target remains vitally desirable; the remedies are in need of alteration. With a fresh look at strategies, "Right-to-Read" is attainable. (Author/AJ)