Can You Spell "Indoctrination" Boys and Girls? I Knew You Could!

I'm taking my son fishing at noon next Tuesday, September 8th. I am going to let him sleep in and eat a good breakfast. Then at noon, we will go down to New Creek and go try to catch some dinner.

That is what we will do if Mineral County Schools comply with the request of the Secretary of Education to basically turn that day into "Barack Obama Day." Here is the letter from the Secretary of Education to school principals written last week:

Letter From Secretary Arne Duncan to School Principals August 26, 2009
Classroom Activities
Grades preK-6

PDF (64K) | MS Word (32K)
Grades 7-12

PDF (108K) | MS Word (80K)
Please note that the time of this speech has changed to 12:00 noon eastern standard time.
Dear Principal:

In a recent interview with student reporter, Damon Weaver, President Obama announced that on September 8 — the first day of school for many children across America — he will deliver a national address directly to students on the importance of education. The President will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning. He will also call for a shared responsibility and commitment on the part of students, parents and educators to ensure that every child in every school receives the best education possible so they can compete in the global economy for good jobs and live rewarding and productive lives as American citizens.

Since taking office, the President has repeatedly focused on education, even as the country faces two wars, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and major challenges on issues like energy and health care. The President believes that education is a critical part of building a new foundation for the American economy. Educated people are more active civically and better informed on issues affecting their lives, their families and their futures.

This is the first time an American president has spoken directly to the nation's school children about persisting and succeeding in school. We encourage you to use this historic moment to help your students get focused and begin the school year strong. I encourage you, your teachers, and students to join me in watching the President deliver this address on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. It will be broadcast live on the White House website www.whitehouse.gov 12:00 noon eastern standard time.

In advance of this address, we would like to share the following resources: a menu of classroom activities for students in grades preK-6 and for students in grades 7-12. These are ideas developed by and for teachers to help engage students and stimulate discussion on the importance of education in their lives. We are also staging a student video contest on education. Details of the video contest will be available on our website www.ed.gov in the coming weeks.
On behalf of all Americans, I want to thank our educators who do society's most important work by preparing our children for work and for life. No other task is more critical to our economic future and our social progress. I look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead to continue improving the quality of public education we provide all of our children.
Sincerely,

Arne Duncan

*********************************************************

Why has this not been big news in the media outlets? How come this unprecedented expansion of exposure of Il Duce right into our classrooms has not been debated or discussed? Apparently it is flying very smoothly under the radar. I learned about it from Facebook.

What is the problem? This president has failed to ingratiate himself with the people, so he is taking his charm and smile to the children. They will be asked to rate the three most important words of his speech, read background materials on Obama (probably NOT provided by the RNC), and discuss "what he is inspiring them and challenging them to do."

The fact is, we know all we care to know about this man. His attempt to worm his way into the school curriculum is actually pretty pathetic.

My kids will likely be home that day. My son will love another fishing trip. When they ask for an absence note, they'll get a "Don't Tread On Me " flag. Of course that is if Mineral County Schools signs on to this. Hopefully they have better things to do that day, like education.

Where Homeschooled Children Can Go From Here

The Mineral County Board of Education passed into legitimate law the action taken last school year to remove from the rolls of homeschoolers those that spend more than 50% of their time in traditional school classes. This action provoked a hostile reaction at the time because it had no basis in the law. Now some homeschooling parents will have to make the adjustment.

Increasing numbers of parents every year opt to remove their children from the traditional school environment. At one time schools reflected the values and standards of each individual community. Now they mirror the goals and dreams of far away bureaucrats and academics. Under their leadership, public schools veer crazily from social experiment to social engineering.

Consolidation has damaged the schools severely. In the past the schools were based in the community and so were the teachers. Teachers were neighbors to the students they taught and had stronger connections to the community. Now the ties that once bound teachers to students and parents have frayed considerably. No one knows each other. This makes it easier for teachers to not hold themselves to high standards. It also makes it easier for parents to mistrust and dislike the school system.

These and other factors drive students out of the traditional school environment. So where can their parents go to get them the best education possible? The answer lies in the free market. Homeschooling parents can band together, pool money, and pay a retiree or a graduate student to teach a subject (such as math) that parents might find difficult to explain. They can establish their own mini schools that reflect the values they want to teach.

The freedom to choose should always remain the basis of a democratic society. When parents create more options for their children, this invigorates their own children's education. Hopefully it will force the public system to respond more effectively to community concerns.