Modern Ed

 MODERN ED

I think a conversation of modern ed would be appropriate as the second semester begins for all our little darlings. Having a child recently graduated from our local educational system and being reasonably well informed, it seems I have the opportunity to engage in that conversation.

First, we need to continue the efforts to criminalize our teachers and librarians in our public schools.  We don't want them inculcating notions in our children's minds not consistent with the antiquated idea that the world is the same as it was 50 years ago and the same prejudices and discriminatory practices prevalent in our schools 50 years ago shouldn't be the same now. 

Second, there is a movement spreading anew throughout the country that parents be able to decide their children should not be immunized against childhood diseases.  Such diseases include measles, chicken pox, polio, small pox, diphtheria, tetanus, etc.  If your kid gets one of these diseases, so be it - - he or she will survive and be better for it.  And if the other kids in the school get one of these diseases because your kid gave it to them, too bad - tough luck.  Parental freedom should prevail; the parents should decide whether their children are protected from disease.

Third, the continued belief that the earth is ten thousand years old should be maintained with the current biblical exegesis.  I understand this causes some trepidation with our local biology staff, but once again they will have to man up and give their students the alternate explanation of why they are on the planet and in a public school in Iowa.  Just because our DNA can be traced back to show that somehow, somewhere, humans and neanderthals decided to share their genes can just be ignored.  Our children don't need to know they may have some neanderthal DNA; it could cause a depressive episode.

Four, to be more specific as to One, we need to continue to ignore that there are some people, which includes children, who do not so much enjoy the people of the opposite sex, as those of their own sex, or somehow both sexes, or  somehow do not identify as sexual beings.  These things are not necessary to know or to understand and therefore should not be the subject of discussion in our schools.  If your child is one of these "special" circumstances; well, I just don't know what to tell you.  Maybe some therapy would help.

Five, the mantra that winning is everything, to quote Vince Lombardi, should be maintained in all sporting activities whether football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, track, wrestling, bowling, trap shooting, badminton, cross country, golf, tennis, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, skiing, snowboarding, swimming, diving, weightlifting, water polo, gymnastics, field hockey, dance team, cheerleading, and the myriad activities developed for P. E.  Maybe they will bring in cornhole and pickleball with once again "winning" the sole criteria of success.  As you know, school sports develop character and teamwork. For many, sports in high school are the apex of one's life achievements and I certainly think this should not be taken away from them.  They will always remember with pride the last second basket that won the game of the season or bowling that strike in the last frame.  They won't have read a book since commencement, but basking in the adulation received from their high school athletic prowess will remain with them to the grave.

So, let's get with it folks.  Get involved.  Be heard.

Richard E H Phelps II

Mingo