Children learn by taking what they hear and applying it to their prior knowledge. If the child is hearing information that is one-sided at home (liberal or conservative,) then he may tune out information taught at school about the other side of the issue. In this case, the teacher makes clear that the lesson was compairing the opinions that can be found in the media and how we must be careful to consider the source of information. That’s why getting facts from blogs such as these is very dangerous. Many have used a bit of information taken out of context and have made public education out to be the enemy of God-fearing, patriotic Americans.

We don’t prompt discussions about race by handing out white supremacist literature, we don’t inspire debate about the holocaust by passing out neo-nazi propaganda, and we don’t foster understanding of the Iraq conflict by passing out Al-Quaeda recruitment videos. If you want to teach kids about both sides of a debate, you find the best material each side has to offer, and you work with that.

You cannot build strong minds with poor quality tools.

Then I found out that Scooter Libby’s lawyer was also Mark Rich’s lawyer. Thats when I became a Populist.

That is very sad, for someone to become so disallusioned because of our government policies. I hope his homecoming will be smooth.

One Voice,

I find it amusing that you and I have been the only 2 people who found something positive to say about President Bush. I publically admit to never having voted for the man. Go figure.

It sounds like a darn good assignment. Perhaps you could teach a night class for those adults who haven’t mastered the objective of the assignment. Keep up the good work.

The assignment given was not a “leftist attack” on George Bush. The standard addressed is as follows:

“The student will demonstrate knowledge of the political process at the local, state, and national levels of government by analyzing campaigns for elected office, with emphasis on the role of the media.” C.E. 5c.

The case study chosen was that of the 2004 Presidential Election. In conjunction with this handout (which was not titled, except for my handwritten “Why Bush is a bad president”), I provided equal time and due diligence to this editorial:

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Sep-12-Sun-2004/opinion/24736642.html

Questions for each were not “agree/disagree?”, but rather the following:

1. What party would each author most likely belong to?
2. What motivations would each author have in creating these editorials?

The very last thing I wanted to do was turn people for or against George Bush. My goal in this lesson was to get a group of young people to think about what they read BEFORE they form opinions on a reading topic bases solely on the author’s slant.

Finally, I would like to say that I am commenting on this topic in this fashion solely because I feel as though the truth is far more important than blindly accusing people of actions before asking the people involved. As a public employee, I believe an explanation (not a debate. Again, I will post no further) is in order.

Pot, kettle. Have you two met?

I think Pres Bush is probably a very sincere person. He has turned his life around from party boy to responsible parent and husband. Those are good characteristics.

Dittyman9,

Let’s not take one supposed incident, that we have no official word on, and decide that all teachers do something like this. It simply isn’t true.

Speaking of responsibility — any facts on the Rippon incident?

I would say that Pres Bush is one of the best when it comes to interpersonal skills. He is warm in his address and appears sincere when meeting folks and introducing them. I do like that about him. He sure beats Cheney in that arena!

Has Rippon been removed from the face of the earth? Has the errant teacher been hanged in the public square? Inquiring minds want to know.

While waiting for an answer, does anyone want to address any of the ‘charges’ made in that handout? What has President Bush done well?

I don’t think Krusty is necessarily saying parents shouldn’t be forming pliable little minds, just that in any learning situation, that is what is happening, regardless of who is doing the teaching. Doesn’t that sort of define learning, in the loosest sense of the word?

I could care less if people home school are not. Just don’t talk down to me because I didn’t. (not YOU personally)

Was this the situation we had the thread about back in September? Finally we learn more about it! What ever happened?