Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle
Foodbme
That's back when Patriotism was still taught in Schools along with History. . . . If we don't teach our Heritage, we will loose our Heritage!
I don't understand. When was "patriotism" taught in schools, and what does that even mean? And since when do we not teach "our heritage"? That's U.S. history, right?
I'm a little surprised that people of your intellect and age don't understand what patriotism means. I don't know, maybe it has no meaning for you.
Our "Heritage' is not U.S. History. Our "Heritage" is something that is passed down from preceding generations; a tradition such as love of Country and patriotism or the heritage of Freedom.
Having been a student of U.S. History all my life and a Teacher of American History at Butler H.S. in Butler, PA, I can tell you there's a big difference between teaching U.S. History and Instilling the Principles of Patriotism in H.S. students. History is more factual, Patriotism is more emotional; how you feel about your Country and the freedoms you've inherited. The two tie together by circumstance but the outcomes are different.
Perhaps these Gentlemen said it best:
"And so, my fellow Americans; ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world; ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man" [John F. Kennedy
inaugural address]
"What do I mean by patriotism in the context of our times? ... a sense of national responsibility ... a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime" [Adlai Stevenson
speech to the American Legion Convention]
Despite it's warts and flaws it's our devoted love, support, and defense of our country; national loyalty. Our Democracy and Freedoms still make us the Greatest Nation in the History of the World! These characteristics and principles are not being emphasized enough in our Schools.
Call it Brainwashing if you want, but if we don't emphasize loyality to our Country and teach it early and often, some other Ideology will come in to fill that void. Can you say Socialism? Sure you can!
The importance and significance of the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence are not taught with the same emphasis as they were in the past. Ask any of today's Graduating Seniors how many Amendments to the U.S. Constitution are included in the Original Bill of Rights and name any 3 of them----And I Guarantee you will get a blank stare! When I went to Grade, Jr. and Sr. High School, from 1946 to 1958, Not only did we have to memorize them but we had to understand the history behind them and the significance of each one of them and what we inherited from each of them. I'll bet only one teacher in ten in today's classroom can do it without a textbook or a computer. And that one teacher is over 60 years old.
Just for kicks,
without looking it up, from memory, what's the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and what's it's significance. Here's a clue - It's being Violated every day!
Give Up? OK, go look it up. There will be a pop quiz in 15 minutes!
For your reading pleasure, may I suggest reading the following. It will give you one man's impression of what a great job our Educational system is doing with our children:
http://patriotpost.us/alexander/13746/
