Common Core is only related to English and math, as some “conservative” proponents say.
Yeah, riiiiight.
The state of New York is currently proposing a set of Common Core social studies standards for kindergarten through 8th grade students.
Among the standards is how students will learn about the history of America. On page 32, the draft document deals with “civic ideals and practices.”
“The United States is founded on the principles of democracy, and these principles are reflected in all types of communities,” it reads.
That’s fair enough, we suppose. The early United States had a very limited democratic process, with most states limiting voting rights to male property owners. Only later was the ability to vote and participate in government extended to average men and eventually women.
But then the social studies draft takes a noticeably progressive turn.
“The United States is founded on the democratic principles of equality, fairness, and respect for authority and rules,” the standards document says.
Further, “Students will explore democratic principles such as dignity for all, equality, fairness, and respect for authority and rules, and how those principles are applied to their community,” it reads.
What happened to “liberty”? You know, a word that actually appears in the Declaration of Independence? It’s a word that means more than just about any other word in our national history. It refers to personal freedom, and the right of citizens to live their lives without the intrusion of tyrannical government.
On a personal level, I’m all for “fairness” and “dignity for all” – heck, even “respect for authority” is important in most situations. But our nation was clearly not founded on any of those concepts. Many of the founders were slave owners, as the progressives are quick to point out. And the founders staged an armed rebellion against the rule of King George IIII, which hardly represented "respect for authority and rules."
And there’s a very big difference between people who serve in authority positions, and laws that are on the books for all to follow. In America we clearly have the right to disrespect our governmental leaders, and say so in public if we choose.
But none of those historical facts fit into the progressive version of a kinder, gentler, more "fair" America.
And nothing drives progressives more nuts than hearing people utter criticisms of their sainted President Obama.
Progressives are trying to change America through the neatly-tailored but inaccurate lessons they are teaching children through Common Core, and folks like Jeb Bush and the Fordham Institute staff are happily along for the ride. If that’s who conservatives have looking out for them, who needs Barack Obama?
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