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"I guess the parents could get together and tell the schools that they won't let that filth in their houses."

The school boards response to that approach was, well the child doesn't HAVE to read it, but they will get a zero for that part of the assignment if they don't.

"Or, if parents are smart, they could tell the schools that the school's values don't mesh with the parents' and as a result, the parents will have to start their own schools. Believe me, it's being."

That approach is about the only route left at this point, but WHY should that be the case. I'm sorry, but I believe that the things taught in schools should reflect the values of THAT SPECIFIC COMMUNITY feels should be taught, and not what a bunch of bureaucrats in Washington (or the National Education Association union) thinks "ought" to be taught.

If enough parents get together and decide they don't want those books, the only people who will get a zero is the school board and administrators.

There is power in numbers. There is also empowerment when a whole group of parents get together and let the press know what the school reading list is.

In my community recently, 3 elementary school board members were up for re-election. Two unprecendented things happened:

1) Three people, none of whom have occupied public office before, ran against them, and

2) All three incumbents lost.

Hoo, hah! The teachers and administrators are looking over their shoulders now, let me tell you. The margin of victory was about 2 - 1, quite decisive. And large amounts of money to buy publicity, attack opponents, etc., were not employed. Change can happen if you are willing to be an agent of change, even if it's to get up off your butt, read the local paper, and show up at the polls.