The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[Betty]

Originally Posted by Mousey Girl

That would be fine, but not in a school setting. If he wants to see it he can watch it here, with me, and together we can talk about it.

Just curious - Why isn't it okay to have it discussed multiple times with different people? both in school and at home?

Are you afraid your child may come home with a viewpoint you don't agree with and you won't be able to "talk them out of it"?

[Ghoulish Delight]

Settle.

[BarTopDancer]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

Settle.

Simmadownnow

[scaeagles]

I believe I said I would be willing to watch it with them for the purposes of discussion with them. You think I avoid discussing things with my kids because they might think differently than me?

[Strangler Lewis]

This all calls to mind a high school assembly from the late '70s that I actually did not attend for some reason. I believe Euro did, however.

As it was described to me, the speaker entered the gym to address the assembled students. He then proceeded to run down America and tout the virtues of the Soviet Union. I don't recall hearing if this provoked a response or not. At some point, however, the speaker revealed that it was an all just an act and that he was simply dramatizing the ideological assaults that the students would be confronting in the real world.

Great work if you can get it. I don't recall if parental consent was solicited for this show.

[scaeagles]

High school - great. I think for kids that are at the level of being able to think critically about such things it is a wonderful exercise. Elementary school - I don't think the reasoning capacity exists to make value judgements on such things.

[Strangler Lewis]

I certainly think it's reasonable for schools to say to high school kids, "You should be able to figure out what you believe, articulate why you believe it and see the strengths and weaknesses in contrary positions." However, I very much doubt that this was the purpose of the exercise in 1970s Orange County. It was us=good, them=bad, and seductive dangers lurk around every corner.

I also doubt that the school intended the students to take critical opinions on the event itself, i.e., that it was ridiculous.

[Alex]

Yes, because it is important that both the pro and con side be thoroughly presented on the hotly contested issue of valuing education, taking responsibility for your own education, and contributing to an environment where education is respected.

I think Newt Gingrich pretty much nailed it when he said ""Why is it political for the president of the United States to discuss education?"

Though, of course, that was in 1991 when George Bush was doing the same thing (with almost exactly the same talking points as Obama has announced). I don't know if there was an uproar in 1986 when Reagan did a student Q&A broadcast nationally to schools in which he not only talked about the importance of education but also discussed actual politically controversial issues such as nuclear disarmament and taxation.

But in the stupid kabuki of national politics, when Bush did it in 1991 there were some Democrats who decried it as a political event. In the interest of fairness, let me say now that they too were being douchebags (though the Bush event was in the midst of the just ramping up 1992 presidential campaign, but regardless I think it is good).

And our national political leaders interact without pre-filtering with our students all the freaking time. Both of our senators addressed assemblies while I was in high school (the Flinstones-naming-inspired pair that was Brock Adams and Slade Gorton). Are we all aware that Michelle Obama has regularly been visiting our nation's elementary schools since January, indoctrinating children wherever she goes?

But then I honestly don't get this idea that our elementary schools are supposed to be designed to protect our children from teh complex thoughts of the real world. I am amused, however, that among certain circles our current president is apparently just as reprehensible and damaging to young minds as evolution.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Mousey Girl

The way the (Bakersfield) local schoo odistricts are phrasing it is that they don't show the students anything that has not been reviewed. This is a standard policy, across the board, no matter who is wanting to address the students.

Except that, as has been mentioned several times already, the material is available for review. They, for their own political reasons, have CHOSEN not to review it apparently.

Every one is entitled to their own opinion. I may not agree with that opinion, but it doesn't make it any less valid than mine.

But you'll shield your child from hearing an elected official speak? On an entirely non-controversial subject matter no less?

Originally Posted by Alex

Yes, because it is important that both the pro and con side be thoroughly presented on the hotly contested issue of valuing education, taking responsibility for your own education, and contributing to an environment where education is respected.

Education is the enemy of the modern conservative movement.

[JWBear]

Originally Posted by Motorboat Cruiser

The abortion doctor being shot, the Holocaust Museum shooting - just the tip of the iceberg. Threats against the President of the United States have increased 400% since Obama took office. I'm pretty firmly convinced that the next act of terrorism that this country sees will be domestic and from someone who self-affiliates with the Republican party. I hope I'm wrong.

Carefull MbC… Awhile back, I was eviscerated on this board for suggesting that violent right-wing extremism is on the rise.

Originally Posted by scaeagles

Moonbats taking things into their own hands....like the guy in Colorado who vandalized a democrat party office to try to make it look like Republicans did it? Or the other guy who bit off the pinky of an Obamacare protester? Would you say that the US Army soldier who took a grenade into the barracks a few years ago and blew up a bunch of people was inspired by those on the left protesting the war?

So? Do these things excuse the actions of those on the right? I, and many others, decried these events. When was the last time you spoke out against right-wing domestic terrorism?

Why is "But, you're side did it too!" so commonly a fall-back excuse by the right? I never hear Democrats saying that.

Originally Posted by scaeagles

Perhaps John Kerry who was saying we were terrorizing women and children in the dark of night and killing innocent civilians? Does he get the blame?

Um… because we were?

Originally Posted by BarTopDancer

Of course you weren't. To be aware of that, so you could educate yourself would go against the "Well I just don't trust him and I don't want my kids to see it...because if they do I might have to hold an intelligent discussion with them about why I feel the way I feel and answer questions and.... *gasp* find out they might feel differently then me". And as a toaster-touting paranoid Republican that just can't happen.

Does that about sum it up?

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

Education is the enemy of the modern conservative movement.

Too true.