Common Core

Started by red_dirt, June 12, 2015, 04:24:07 PM

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red_dirt

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Originally Posted by Jose (anonymous)  View Post

It's not at all uncommon to come across Christians who feel...

1) Public school teachers should be able to lead students in Christian prayer.

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Let's get something straight here, Jose, before we go too far off the deep end.

America was formed as a Constitutional Republic. Now, I know maybe 2% already know where I am headed with this, but no matter. Take it in as best you can. I am not saying you have to agree with me, or share the opinion that our Republic has been corrupted by Federalists, but in the interest of debate, I ask you give a fair hearing to this position; because it is not only mine and many others, but because it strikes at the very heart of our dilemma.

As this country was originally conceived, there could have been no such thing as public schools as we now know them. The early Americans were quite suspicious of central government . They had arrived in America as refugees from tyrannical monarchs, governments, and church officials, not to mention associated armies.

This is history. If you look into the origins of the public school system, I mean the era of Horace Mann, you will find it was a "reform" movement, later called a "Progressive Reform" movement. Americans compromised and agreed that in order to provide industry and culture with "informed and educated citizens" it was all right with them to provide what became known as "public" education. Not surprising, this reform movement took root in the cities, where needs were great and incomes were low.

Does this shed some light on why our schools are supported by local property taxes and are controlled by local boards? It should. It should also shed some light on to why Americans tend to be very suspicious of Washington controlled education. Fat paycheck members of the NY teachers union can protest this all they want. The facts are true. Parents are not interested in turning their children over to the state. Not only do they not trust the state with their kids, they know the state workers have no limits on salary demands.

In fact, on of the great contradictions of our time is that the people who so strenuously object to religion in schools are the very same who applaud nationalization of education. No doubt in my mind the contradiction stems from vested personal interest. No other reasonable explanation. Ironic that the hot bed of private, charter, and voucher is New York City, the birthplace of education reform.

Now, that is a long and round about way to repond to your comment, Jose, but the groundwork is required. The point is not that the public schools should allow prayer, but that my local school should allow it for my children if it is my choice. After all, these are my children. Take away the "one size fits all," get Washington out of education, and we can both be happy.

Jose, I notice you have an Hispanic surname, and I assume some sympathy for what is going on. I could tell you stories of children getting A's in Math and F's in English. What if I said under the Conservative point of view, Latinos and Hispanic neighborhoods  would devise their own curriculum, out of common sense, not Washington control? After all, who is paying? The parents, right?  Who is affected? Do we really need some federal agent to lay down the law for us? If I talked to you long enough, you would come around. We have two fine candidates for your consideration, and a long list of candidates sympathetic to your wishes.

I remain, your trusted servant,