Since 1967, New Jersey schools have been told to observe Veterans Day and
related holidays to promote "the development of a higher spirit of
patriotism." Under the "law" of political correctness, apparently anything
that promotes love of country, or God, or the military is now to be avoided.
Thank Jupiter (it used to be "thank God," but He's been out for some time),
public schools can still distribute condoms. Maybe a way around the law
would be for veterans to teach sex education.
Hank Adams, a New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars adjutant and a veteran of
the Army and Coast Guard, said of the proposed law, "It's not right.
(Students) are not going to know the sacrifices that were made so they can
enjoy the protections that they have." Other veterans groups are petitioning
Gov. Corzine not to sign the bill. But after campaigning on a pledge not to
raise taxes and then reversing himself shortly after taking office, Corzine
has already proved how out of touch he can be with average voters.
While New Jersey residents are steamed about their high taxes, they may get
even angrier about the message this proposed law sends to veterans and how
little governing officials appreciate their sacrifices.
John Adler, New Jersey state senator, who is a co-sponsor of the
anti-Veterans Day measure, said, "I don't think the state should be in the
business of telling districts to do every single thing." Oh really? As most
parents of public school students everywhere know, the state has been
imposing its will on schools, students and parents for quite a few years.
That New Jersey is close to not doing so when it comes to patriotism and
veterans communicates one message to those who have put their lives and
limbs on the line for the rest of us: "drop dead."