Independence Day Ruminations

I recently read a piece in The Easterner (Eastern Washington University's Student Newspaper). Although dated (2005), Justin Tuttle addressed a very contemporary issue: whether the U.S. Constitution is being taught in our nation's schools. At the time, a survey of 112,000 students, 800 administrators, and 8,000 teachers resulted in very disturbing findings. The questions addressed our freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution with emphasis on the First Amendment. Mr Tuttle opined: "The freedom of speech clause allows each individual to express their views through their voice or symbolic acts of speech no matter how unpopular the view is. There were a lower percentage of students (83 percent) than teachers (97 percent) and principals (99 percent) who believed that a person is allowed to express unpopular views." It is clear, as you read on, that students have a poor understanding of what our right to free speech means. In fact, many believe that government should approve news articles prior to publication! Read the news piece here: http://media.www.easterneronline.com/media/storage/paper916/news/2005/02/15/Opinion/Constitution.Not.Being.Taught.At.School-2369036.shtml

With certainty, there are many wonderful teachers across our great country. They accomplish remarkable things for our children every day. However, the vast pool of educators also includes many who would use their positions of trust to shape the minds of students to replicate their twisted views on this great republic, including the undermining of our national principles as expressed in our Constitution. Certainly one of the most important documents ever written, our Constitution, and a good dose of American history, both deserve much classroom time and study. If you're inclined, read the article taken from The American Thinker, "Remembering What the Declaration of Independence is Not."

http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/07/remembering_what_the_declarati_1.html

On this 4th of July, give some thought to the freedoms you enjoy as an American. Think about the many sacrifices that have been made to guarantee your rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Enjoy this version of "God Bless the USA." TURN IT UP!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKRYE8ixyyE