Coding, or maybe we should call it "algorithmic logic", is a fundamental skill, and taught properly, as important as reading, writing and arithmetic. We now run the world using programmed machinery, and more is coming.  To even manage that world intelligently at a policy level, a critical mass of people need to be up to speed on the basics.  This is not just an occupational skill.  Professional programming is to coding, as professional drafting is to drawing.  The idea is not to teach "professional programming" in grade school.