TPM:
The conservative bloc on the Texas State Board of Education won a string of victories Friday, obtaining approval for an amendment requiring high school U.S. history students to know about Phyllis Schlafly and the Contract with America as well as inserting a clause that aims to justify McCarthyism.
Outspoken conservative board member Don McLeroy, who reportedly spent over three hours personally proposing changes to the textbook standards, even wanted to cut "hip-hop" in favor of "country" in a section about the impact of cultural movements. That amendment failed.
The board also voted to delay further debate on the nationally influential standards until March, with a final adoption vote now scheduled for May.
Just to emphasize the severity of these proposals here is one that luckily was not adopted:
McLeroy proposed a clause in the civil rights section that read (emphasis ours): "Evaluate changes and events in the United States that have resulted from the civil rights movement, including increased participation of minorities in the political process and unrealistic expectations for equal outcomes."
Houston we have a problem. This is getting increasingly serious, we aren't talking about the John Birch society or KKK members intimidating voters and these aren't enraged tea-baggers. These are elected officials attempting to downplay the civil rights movement and rewrite history in a more positive light of conservatism. Can you imagine what happens to kids in Texas? The Bush's are exalted. Reagan is perfect and Gingrich is a god. And this coming from the very people screaming "Obama is indoctrinating our kids!"
I hate to say it, but this is why I consider moving out of the United States on a regular basis. There is just too much stupid to combat. You have to realize that the most recent incarnation of the conservative movement isn't based in reality and it has no intent to include open minds and difference of opinion. They are eliminationists and their purpose is to change the culture by which we define Americanism.
If you think they will stop with textbooks, you are sorely mistaken.
I am Frank Chow and I approved this message.
2 comments:
Props for the David Neiwert link. I've been a fan of his not only for his being a Seattle author, he's also writer of a nice historical book about the local Japanese American community and the Internment.
The term "eliminationist" that he coined is sadly too applicable in this day and age...
Thanks, it is a great book and must read. I have yet to read his Japanese internment book, but I will put it on my list.
Eliminationist is going to be haunting word I have a feeling...too soon.
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