Posted on 05/26/2007 1:50:56 AM PDT by JohnHuang2
I remember when I was a kid; one thing was clear to me. The more I learned about the rest of the world, the luckier I felt just having been born in America. The more I learned about America, the more I appreciated what those who came before us built; and how exceptional they were.
Not that there aren't other great places to live, but America is unique. It's not just that we are the freest and most prosperous county the world has ever seen. America has also freed more people than any other nation in history.
A lot of people have done their part to see that we are blessed with the advantages we enjoy -- from hardworking pioneer mothers to the Framers of the Constitution. Memorial Day is coming up, though, and I'm thinking more about American soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice -- those who died to protect our way of life and make the world safe for democracy.
There are some people, though, who don't think that's such a good idea. Some people even want to use Memorial Day to protest our military's presence in Iraq. The irony is that their right to protest was paid for by people willing to risk everything to keep the forces of tyranny at bay -- here as well as Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Korea, Burma, Vietnam, the Philippines and dozens of other countries.
(Excerpt) Read more at townhall.com ...
Excellent.
Well sad Fred.
Bookmark
I'm not going to get into any arguments with the people I like here- there's already been too dam much bloodletting.
My position is plain, and simple:
Until Fred Thompson came along, I was determined to sit out the 2008 election- yes, I regarded all the other candidates ( at least, the ones with a chance of gaining nomination ) as that Gawd-awful. Tired old Republican retreads.
Fred, I can and will support.
On the street, with my feet.
-Click to see where he stands on the issues--
If you'd like to join the FRedExpress let me know.
CAUTION: This is a very high volume ping list. You may receive between 5 and 10 pings a day. If you'd rather not receive so many pings, let me know and I'll only ping you once a week.
Please use the keyword 'fredthompson' to index articles relating to Fred.
(National Liberal Brainwashing System)
Students polled in a wide range of colleges and universities showed no real improvement in their historical knowledge. Some actually forgot part of what they'd learned in high school by the time they graduated -- and I'm talking about some of our best-known Ivy League schools.That last sentence is absolute killer!!Less than half of college seniors knew that, "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal" is from the Declaration of Independence. Less than half knew basic facts about the First Amendment. Half didn't know that the Federalist Papers were written in support of the Constitution's ratification. Only a quarter of seniors knew the purpose of the Monroe Doctrine.
This is our quandary. Memorial Day is about remembering. It’s about remembering those who died for our country; but it's also about remembering why they believed it was worth dying for. Too many Americans, though, have never been taught our own history and heritage. How can you remember something that you’ve never learned?
I agree. Volunteering in schools a lot, I'm amazed (but shouldn't be) at the piss poor job the Government Schools do in teaching American history, civics, etc. The dumbing down of America continues at an increasingly fast pace.
We REALLY need somebody like Fred in 2008. Otherwise I fear our country will be lost forever.
There are days I'm glad I'm 62 but I worry about the long term future of today's young people.
(and of course RR as well)
They have no perspective of history, think that what they want is the only thing that matters, believe their actions have no consequences, and believe the lies that are being passed by today's pop culture "political thought" as deep analysis of today's issues. They believe that any politician who will stand up and defend the West is the equivalent of Hitler.
It is truly terrifying to listen to them speak. They context of history goes no further than what they had for breakfast. They have no critical thinking skills whatsoever, and when they spout the typical liberal line, they hear themselves applauded by their classmates and their professors.
We are raising a generation (not all of them... I have two young brothers in the navy... went in liberals, but are now fast approaching conservatism) that will not fight for their country because they believe it is not worth dying for and the world community would be better off without the USA.
I’m on the Fred train, but there is one thing I need to know.
Where is Fred on “Global Warming”?
“I would disagree with Fred. Having gone back to university almost thirty years (I can’t believe its been 30) after graduating high-school, these kids are being taught something. They are being taught that Western Civilization is the problem to all the world’s ill. They are being taught lies about this current administration. They think it is funny and serves us right when an American soldier is killed.”
Reread what he said. He agrees with you.
When I was in the military (1972-75), I saw our men come back stateside in pieces, physically and mentally. I had opportunity to talk with them as they were reassigned stateside duty prior to discharge and even then, their accounts were different from what was being taught. I also am appalled by what I here from today's youth.
Fred likes to put things simply so everyone can understand him and not be able to mince his words.
I'm saying that these kids know their history... There is nothing in that article that my classmates do not know.
What I'm saying is that the history has been twisted, turned, abused, lied about, etc., so that when they quote the Declaration of Independence or the Preamble to the Constitution... it is with a cynical and jaundice eye.
All men created equal? Ha! These founders were the evil in the world and the country they created was founded on the sweat and toil of those they forced into chains.
No, they have been taught it... but all the greatness in those words and the reason why they were written and should be defended has been stripped and replaced by a different history.
“Too many Americans, though, have never been taught our own history and heritage. How can you remember something that you’ve never learned?”
You need to read between the lines. Fred Thompson grew up and went to school when I did (he’s slightly older). He is talking about the way he and I were taught. We were taught in an era where patriotism and love of American ideals were not questioned in schools as they are now.
Well, since I am obviously not as smart as you... perhaps you should spend this fine Saturday afternoon debating with a Freeper who matches your intellect, who can read all the subtexts in an article just like you, and won't disagree with your intepretation. You won't have any problem finding one.
It has to do with a generational difference. I’m not suggesting you are unintelligent at all. I simply don’t know how old you are. It makes a lot of difference when you grew up. Things have changed drastically in our schools.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
