America the Beautiful

America the Beautiful
or: Shut up and Leave

For the most part, I've avoided using the blog as a political tool. I could say it's not what people come here for but, mostly, because I think the world would be a far better place if we could get people to, just for a moment, put some shut up in their mouths and open their ears.

The recent student walkouts here in Colorado, along with the reactions thereto, are just too much to let pass without comment. For those who've just tuned in, students here were upset to learn of proposals to remove history from history classes in favor of propaganda and indoctrination.

Where did the students get such a thought? From the Jefferson County School Board which has proposed the following criteria for "history" classes…

"Materials should promote citizenship, patriotism, essentials and benefits of the free enterprise system, respect for authority and respect for individual rights. Materials should not encourage or condone civil disorder, social strife or disregard of the law. Instructional materials should present positive aspects of the United States and its heritage."

None of this belongs in a history class any more than "intelligent design" belongs in a science class. History is: what happened, what led up to it, and the aftermath thereof. How the reader feels about it is up to the reader. If reading your country's history fails to instill a sense of patriotism, respect or civil order, don't rewrite history, change your country's conduct.

"America, love it or leave it," is a cowardly and un-American sentiment. It is not now, has never been, and must never become, the American way. The American way is, "America, love it or make it better." Interfere, we dump your tea overboard and kick your posterior across the ocean. We called it the Revolution. It made Washington a hero.

Those who know me are starting to wonder, where's the joke? Gotta' be a punchline in here somewhere. Well, the joke is Fox and our punchline is Gretchen Carlson.

Ms. Carlson, (who owes EVERYTHING she's ever had: her nation, her citizenship, her safety, her freedom, her vote, her property and her entire career to those who actively practiced "civil disorder, social strife or disregard of the law,") offers this sage bit of advice to those who follow the example set by John Adams, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington: "if you don’t like it here… then get out."

Oh, were only Ms. Carlson there at Valley Forge to instruct the militia on citizenship, patriotism and respect for authority. We could have executed Washington as a terrorist, jailed the Continental Congress for treason and be enjoying high tea and crumpets to the strains of "Rule Britannia" even as we speak. D'oh!

Kids, you can't make this stuff up.

Ms. Carlson, these people are among the finest our founding fathers ever begat. They deserve your respect, admiration and gratitude; Not a cheap shot from the would be mayor of Pleasantville.

Happy Trails,
Smitty