|
As pointed out in the chapter in Lasting Success entitled "The Citizens' Report," "For many years, psychologists and educators have recognized the processes by which thought and behavioral patterns acquired in youth become the basis for adult motivation. In modern times, thoughtful observers have become progressively aware that moral, social and political concepts implanted during the time of mental immaturity not only participate in the conduct of later in life, but, once acquired, such concepts become dominant and often unalterable in adults. Thus, captive audiences of immature minds provide powerful and much prized forums for [unquestioned anti-Judeo-Christian, anti-morality, anti-American indoctrination." Grand Jury Presentment, 11th Judicial District of Iowa, December 23rd, 1968.
Liberals and conservatives alike have recognized that young minds are impressionable. Liberals, however, have failed to recognize the importance of a morally sound education. "'To educate a person in mind and not in morals,' Theodore Roosevelt once said, 'is to educate a menace to society.' And that, say an increasing number of educators, politicians, and citizens at large, is exactly what is happening in many public schools today" (Dr. Michael H. Romanowski, Professor of Education at Ohio Northern University).
Historically, America has supported, rather than repressed, education complete with moral instruction. In March of 1825, for example, the board of the University of Virginia passed a resolution outlining reliable education methodology. It is interesting that they also listed reliable sources for American principles which should be taught. The resolution that was adopted by the university board was proposed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, often called the "Father of the Constitution" because of his influence in forming the Federal Constitution in 1787.
The resolution stated that (1) all students shall be "inculcated" with the basic American principles of government. (2) "None should be inculcated [indoctrinated] which are incompatible with those on which the Constitution of this State, and of the United Staes were genuinely based, in the common opinion." (3) The faculty had a standard of responsibility and were required to teach positively and affirmatively these unique American principles. Only after they had done so were they to teach the conflicting principles as such, judging them by the soundness of the American principles that served as a basis. (4) The resolution went on to specify six writings that, in the board's opinion, reflected the unanimously supported distinct government principles unique to America, and with which youth should be indoctrinated. These documents were John Locke's Essay Concerning the True Original Extent and End of Civil Government (1690), Algernon Sidney's Discourses Concerning Government (1698), the Declaration of Independence, Washington's Farewell Address, the Virginia Resolutions of 1799 (adopted by the Virginia legislature), and the Federalist Papers.
|
