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Good afternoon everybody!

Some of you may have read one of Molly's links yesterday... written by Frank Salvato
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1773994/posts, the original link taking one here:
http://www.newmediajournal.us/staff/fsalvato/fifth_column/01262007.htm

I responded to the author and, among other things, asked the question "What, in your view, is needed to change the course of events in the U.S.?" Surprisingly, he responded. His letter is copied below. I know it will be of interest to many of you. I had not heard of the organization with which he is associated, nor of their goals.

Of particular note to me was the specificity of the target of the "Constitutional Literacy" program... Kindergarten to Grade 5. It's a long term goal but I agree it is perhaps where the emphasis must be given. Miss Marple and Iowa Granny are having a great influence on young ones and if this program is successful, many of the same principles and history MM and IG are instilling in their grandchildren will be taught to the children of liberals and others who have not heard these things at home.

Here's the author's response to me:

Hello xxx:

First and foremost, thank you for reading and taking the time to write. Both are appreciated.

How to save the country? Big question.

First, we have to get civics and accurate American history back into the schools as a priority. I serve as the Executive Director for Basics Project, a non-partisan, non-profit 501(c)(3) research and education initiative. One of our programs, Constitutional Literacy, strives to do just that, re-introduce students K-5 to the principles behind the Constitution.

I usually introduce our organization with these words:

"It is difficult to value something when its worth is unknown. This basic truth applies to our American heritage and the continued well being of our nation."

Today, children don't value freedom. They don't know the worth of our country or the principles on which it was founded. That has to change.

Second, we have to demand that schools get back to the basics in education. We must further demand that special interest be removed from the classroom. While this sounds like a huge undertaking, it really isn't. School curriculums are still designed by local school boards, which - most often - are funded by local or county taxpayers. Make an impact on the local level and the Domino Theory comes into play.

Third, we have to begin weaning ourselves off of the editorialized news sources we have become addicted to. The alphabet media has been caught, increasingly, with their pants down advancing manufactured stories on critical issues. The "Me Generation" is in control of the mainstream media and because the "Me Generation" is basically self-centered, they place more importance on the outcome than they do on the real time facts of the matter. They manipulate the news to effect the outcome.

Thank the Lord for the new media.

At Basics Project we have adopted a few of the more critical topics and have tried in earnest to present the facts related to them. Then, without taking a position on the issue, we offer cogent and thoughtful information from differing perspectives in order to facilitate an honest, thoughtful, fact-based debate. We feel that when the facts are afforded the American public and when rational, civil debate is presented, the American public will, in the end, make educated decisions when forming their opinions on the topics presented and when entering the voting booth.

We are a grassroots start-up organization so helping us spread the word, especially to those who may be able to help financial, would be greatly appreciated.

I hope this answers your question. To be sure, you are correct to be worrying about the future of our nation. I just hope we can succeed in our mission to liberate the American people from what James Madison called "factions" in government and special interests.

Best to you and yours,

Frank Salvato
Executive Director
Basics Project
(630) 240-0629
www.BasicsProject.org
frank.salvato@basicsproject.org