The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[Mousey Girl]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

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.

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

Education is the enemy of the modern conservative movement.

Like I have said, he can see it, but I would prefer to watch it with him, at home.

I would also not want him to watch it over at my parent's house, where he would be subjected to my father ranting, raving and cussing every time the president opened his mouth.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Originally Posted by Mousey Girl

Like I have said, he can see it, but I would prefer to watch it with him, at home.

Why? You don't even know what the speech contains yet, nor are you apparently willing to wait and read it before making that determination. And even worse, the school system that your child attends is apparently unwilling to do this either. That suggests to me that your minds have all been made up on the matter, without having one shred of evidence that there is anything remotely controversial in the President's remarks.

[scaeagles]

I was in HS in 1986, but do not recall seeing the Reagan thing, but it shouldn't have happened, particularly since it included those issues.

But like I stated, it isn't the fact that Obama is addressing the kids that I think is problematic. It's primarily the department of ed suggested discussion points that go along with it.

[wendybeth]

Suggested discussion points, projects, etc are all geared as an aid to (tired and overworked) teachers, most who welcome guidance in lesson planning for subjects outside their regular curriculum. You should know that pretty much ALL curriculum, public and private, comes with the same type of advice. This is not some new Commy addition to our educational process- like I said before, it's standard. I'll send you a zillion examples from the curriculum sites I use for Tori's school stuff. Ask any teacher- they are not required to follow these suggestions. (Unless specifically directed by the leadership of their school or district, which is rare).

[Alex]

Can you point out in the current version of them (the Department of Education materials) specific quoted language you find problematic? Because I read them and don't see in them what you're saying is there.

Obviously that is because we're viewing the world very differently (I think it is wonderful for kids to be exposed to this stuff; you obviously don't).

So I'd be curious to see a mini-Rosetta stone where you say "this exact language means X."

This is not to say that I am all that impressed by the materials. They're full of the bull**** inanities that I hated about them when I was in school. But I don't find them bothersome beyond that.


As a completely side question. If elementary school minds are not yet ready to be exposed to political debate, how is it that they are capable of handling religious indoctrination. I'm assuming you didn't take the position that the nature of god was too complex for your 8-year-old so you were going to filter out any exposure to religious ideas until she was old enough to be properly skeptical?

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Alex

As a completely side question. If elementary school minds are not yet ready to be exposed to political debate,...

In elementary school I took part in a program called something like "Kids Vote". It was during the '88 election campaign (4th grade for me). We discussed the process of primaries and elections, we talked about the candidates, we either debated or read debate material on a few issues, and it all culminated with a huge "caucus" at Universal Studios (when they had the An American Tail play area thing) where we heard speeches and voted. It was awesome.

[Morrigoon]

One wonders why we bother with education at all, since it seems the schools are not allowed to teach things like science and politics. Next thing you know, someone will object to them learning arithmetic.

Oh hell, we should just call it what it is: Daycare for older children.

[JWBear]

"We don't need no ed-you-cay-shun!
We don't need no thought control!"

[mousepod]

I find the story of the pro-healthcare jerk biting off the finger of the anti-healthcare protester to be horrible.

But I admit that I did smile when I learned that the protester had his finger reattached, and that it was covered by Medicare.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by mousepod

I find the story of the pro-healthcare jerk biting off the finger of the anti-healthcare protester to be horrible.

But I admit that I did smile when I learned that the protester had his finger reattached, and that it was covered by Medicare.

I don't think they were able to reattach it. But I did like that he is opposed to Medicare and this was the first time he'd used it because he had no other options. Apparently just letting his finger stump get gangrenous, as he apparently expects others to, or finding a neighbor willing to front him the money, was not an option.

He also admits he threw the first punch after being called an idiot and feeling his personal space was being invaded. I certainly don't condone fighting or biting off fingers, but **** happens in street fights.