Tuesday, November 22, 2005
ID and Attacks on Public Education
"Supporters of the theory of human origins known as "intelligent design" want it taught alongside the theory of evolution. Opponents will do anything to keep it out of science classrooms. The disagreement is clear," writes Andrew J. Coulson, director of the Center for Educational Freedom at the Cato Institute."
"But why," Coulson asks, "does everyone assume that we must settle it through an ideological death-match in the town square?"
Some think that recent columns by conservative columnists George Will and Charles Krauthammer indicate a split between libertarians and social conservatives on the right over intelligent design.
They may indeed be divided on that issue, but they are of one mind about what to do about public education. Coulson, like the right-wingers on the Kansas State Board of Education and our new Education Commissioner, Bob Corkins, believe there is a simple answer to the problem of what to teach in our nation's science classrooms.
Put an end to public education.
Of course, it wouldn't be right-wing thought if it didn't employ code words -- words that say one thing, but mean another. Here's how Coulson puts it:
"Fortunately, there is a way to end the cycle of educational violence: parental choice. Why not reorganize our schools so that parents can easily get the sort of education they value for their own children without having to force it on their neighbors?"
Red State Rabble finds it fascinating that those on the right who rail against multiculturalism --aka religious, racial, and ethnic tolerance -- are for the Balkanization of the nation's school system.
"Parental choice" otherwise known as vouchers will encourage economic, racial, ethnic, and religious stratification in Kansas. Our country was built on our ability to unify a diverse population around common goals, and the public education system has been a key player in that process.
It must be defended.
"But why," Coulson asks, "does everyone assume that we must settle it through an ideological death-match in the town square?"
Some think that recent columns by conservative columnists George Will and Charles Krauthammer indicate a split between libertarians and social conservatives on the right over intelligent design.
They may indeed be divided on that issue, but they are of one mind about what to do about public education. Coulson, like the right-wingers on the Kansas State Board of Education and our new Education Commissioner, Bob Corkins, believe there is a simple answer to the problem of what to teach in our nation's science classrooms.
Put an end to public education.
Of course, it wouldn't be right-wing thought if it didn't employ code words -- words that say one thing, but mean another. Here's how Coulson puts it:
"Fortunately, there is a way to end the cycle of educational violence: parental choice. Why not reorganize our schools so that parents can easily get the sort of education they value for their own children without having to force it on their neighbors?"
Red State Rabble finds it fascinating that those on the right who rail against multiculturalism --aka religious, racial, and ethnic tolerance -- are for the Balkanization of the nation's school system.
"Parental choice" otherwise known as vouchers will encourage economic, racial, ethnic, and religious stratification in Kansas. Our country was built on our ability to unify a diverse population around common goals, and the public education system has been a key player in that process.
It must be defended.
